Town of Rochester Town Board held a Special Meeting on December 15, 2021 at 6:30pm at the Harold Lipton Community Center, 15 Tobacco Road, Accord, NY 12404
Livestream Broadcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg7ykop50cWmqPFUpgDjRSQ

Supervisor Baden called the meeting to order and led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

PRESENT:

Councilwoman Erin Enouen Councilwoman Bea Haugen-Depuy
Councilman Chris Hewitt Supervisor Michael Baden
Deputy Town Clerk Christina Ferrara

ABSENT:

Councilman Adam Paddock Town Clerk Kathleen Gundberg

Supervisor’s Reminder
November Workshop meeting is Tuesday December 28 at 6:00 pm due to the Christmas holiday

Discussion Items and Applicant Presentation
Request for Economic Enterprise Overlay zone designation
2 Towpath Road, SBL 77.9-1-28,29,31
*REMOVED FROM AGENDA AT APPLICANT’s REQUEST

AUTHORIZATION FOR EXPENDITURE OF ARPA FUNDING FOR PREMIUM PAY:
Resolution # 355-2021:

A Motion was made by Supervisor Baden that theTown of Rochester Town Board authorizes the Town Supervisor to remit premium payment from ARPA funding to all town employees at a rate of $1.00 per hour for all hours physically present worked for the period of March 15, 2020 through September 4, 2021 due to essential worker status during the time of the COVID pandemic.
Such payment shall be split into two separate payments for hours worked in 2020 and hours worked in 2021. The total amounts, as determined by the Town Supervisor utilizing timecards and pay data sheets, are $27,913.75 for the year 2020 and $29, 913.25 for the year 2021 (total $57,827.00).
Second: Councilman Hewitt
Aye: 4 nay: 0 abstain: 0 motion carried
Paddock-absent
AUTHORIZATION FOR EXPENDITURE OF ARPA FUNDING FOR PREMIUM PAY:

A Motion was made by Supervisor Baden that the Town of Rochester Town Board authorizes the Town Supervisor to remit premium payment from ARPA funding to the Town Clerk, Town Supervisor, Highway Superintendent, and Town Justices at a rate of $30.00 per week for the Town Clerk and Town Supervisor, $40.00 per week for the Highway Superintendent, and $5.00 per week for the Town Justices minus $6.00 for each holiday day off for the Town Clerk and Town Supervisor and $8.00 per day for the Highway Superintendent for the period of March 15, 2020 through September 4, 2021 due to essential worker status during the time of the COVID pandemic.
Such payment shall be split into two separate payments for hours worked in 2020 and hours worked in 2021. The total amounts are $4,440.00 for the year 2020 and $3,770.00 for the year 2021 (total $8,210.00).
Second: Councilman Hewitt
Discussion: Councilwoman Enouen stated that certainly everyone has worked hard & is deserving of this pay. I am not opposed to spending ARPA money on Kate, Mike, Jeff and the Judges but I am concerned we’ll have to pay back if Attorney Christiana finds out that it is not allowed.
Supervisor Baden stated that we can withdraw the motion until further information is available.

The Resolution was tabled.

AUTHORIZATION FOR REMOTE MEETINGS:
Resolution # 356-2021:

A Motion was made by Supervisor Baden due to the increase in COVID rates for Ulster County and the Town of Rochester, the Town of Rochester will hold all meetings of all Boards and Commissions via remote Zoom access, effective December 20, 2021 through January 15, 2022, or as may be extended via extension of the Governor’s executive order.
Second: Councilman Hewitt
Discussion: Councilwoman Haugen-Depuy stated that she would like the last meeting of the year to be in person.The people would like to have their say.
Supervisor Baden stated that there is no public comment.

Supervisor Baden amended Resolution # 356-2021 to read as;

A Motion was made by Supervisor Baden due to the increase in COVID rates for Ulster County and the Town of Rochester, the Town of Rochester will hold hybrid meetings of all Boards and Commissions allowing remote Zoom access, effective December 20, 2021 through January 15, 2022.
Second: Councilman Hewitt
Aye: 4 nay: 0 abstain: 0 motion carried
Paddock-absent
ADJOURNMENT:

A Motion was made by Councilman Hewitt to adjourn the meeting at 7:19pm.
Second: Councilwoman Enouen motion carried

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,

CHRISTINA FERRARA
Deputy Town Clerk