The reorganization meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Mount Hope was held at Town Hall on January 4, 2016 at 7:30pm with the following present: Supervisor Chad Volpe, Councilman Matthew Howell, Councilman Brian Carey, Councilwoman Janet Sutherland, Councilman Dominick Cambareri and Town Clerk Kathleen Myers.
OFFICIALS PRESENT: Highway Supt. D. Hassenmayer, Chief P. Rickard, Attorney D. Bavoso.
The meeting was called to order by Supervisor Volpe following the Pledge of Allegiance at 7:30pm. He wished everyone a Happy New Year and asked for audience to silence their cell phones.
RESOLUTION TO APPROVE PRIOR MEETING MINUTES:
MOTION offered by Councilwoman Sutherland 2nd by Councilman Howell to approve the minutes from Dec. 28, 2015 as printed. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Sutherland, Cambareri; carried.
CORRESPONDENCE:
- 2016 Appointment List
- 2016 Procurement Policy
- 2016 Investment Policy
- Palmer’s Ark Impound report 12/2015
- Palmer’s Ark yearly summary 2015
- Building Inspectors report 12-2015
- End of year budget modifications
- Assoc. of Towns delegate designation form
- Zoning Board member Bill Rebman resignation effective 12-30-2015
- Mount Hope Fire report through 1-4-2016
- Animal law resolution
- Hauling law resolution
- Annexation resolution
- Highway 2015 fuel summary
- Fuel agreements for approval: Cornell Coop., Village of Otisville, Mount Hope Fire Co.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
POLICE DEPARTMENT:
Chief Rickard reported about the generator alarm going off. Highway guys were able to get it going. Carol is done with the manual. They are proof reading it. Hope to have to Chad next week. The state has a new process for state bids. It’s not state bids anymore. They are called mini-bids. He and Chad started the process today. A fee is paid to be a bidder; to get on the bidding list. We got a pin number today.
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT:
Supt. Hassenmayer reported that PESH approved the workplace violence policy. Supervisor asked him about the fuel agreements and keeping everything the same? Supt.: yes.
PLANNING BOARD:
No report.
HIDDEN VALLEY:
No report.
LITTLE LEAGUE:
Councilwoman Sutherland reported that the deadline was extended for registration. They removed the late fees. Enrollment was not what they anticipated.
At this time, Chief Rickard spoke re: mono-pole installation by MTA. Verizon is on there. MTA police is on there.
1
MOUNT HOPE FIRE COMPANY:
Chief Masters read report into record (report on file in town clerk’s office).
VILLAGE OF OTISVILLE:
Trustee Loeven confirmed setting the date for a joint public hearing for the annexation on Feb. 16th. The village will do the same at their meeting on Thursday.
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS:
Supervisor Volpe read the council appointments for committee liaisons for this year as follows:
Councilman Cambareri: Liaison for all buildings & fire departments, Otisville Fair, Hidden Valley Sewer & summer recreation.
Councilman Carey: Liaison for Little League, Football league, Summer recreation, Devan’s Gate & DCO officer.
Councilwoman Sutherland: Liaison for Planning board, Library, Village of Otisville, Cornell & Devan’s Gate.
Councilman Howell: Liaison for ZBA, Parks Committee, Otisville Fair, all fire departments & Cornell.
ANNEXATION WITH VILLAGE:
Atty. Bavoso: within the Town of Mount Hope, the State of New York and the Otisville Correctional Facility own a parcel of property (.29 acres). This property is immediately adjacent to the Otisville fire house. The correctional facility is going to transfer that property to the Village of Otisville with a deed restriction which states that the property can only be used for parking purposes for the Otisville fire house which is actually what it’s used for currently. There’s been no objection to them using it by the correctional facility. We were approached by the village of Otisville in the hopes of annexing that parcel to the village from the town. Part of that process, the town and village would have to set joint public hearing on the matter. He spoke with Howard Dallow. They would like to hold public hearing at 6pm on Feb. 16th. If this board adopts this resolution to move forward, the village board will do the same at their meeting on Thursday. The village has offered and agreed to all fees associated with this matter.
RESOLUTION FOR ANNEXATION:
MOTION offered by Councilman Howell 2nd by Councilman Cambareri:
WHEREAS, the Town of Mount Hope, in conjunction with the Village of Otisville seeks to initiate the process for the annexation of property owned by the Village of Otisville and located within the Town of Mount Hope; and
WHEREAS, the proposed 0.29 acre parcel is adjacent to the Village of Otisville Fire House and has been used as a parking lot by the Otisville fire department; and
WHEREAS, the parcel is presently owned by the State of New York, Otisville Correctional facility and is to be conveyed to the Village of Otisville with the restriction that said property shall be used exclusively for the Village of Otisville fire department,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Mount Hope shall move forward with the process of annexing the 0.29 acre parcel to the Village of Otisville, and the Town Board of the Town of Mount Hope authorizes the Village of Otisville to publish and pay for a Notice of Hearing on the annexation pursuant to Sec. 704 of the General Municipal Law of the State of New York, with said joint public hearing to be held on Feb. 16, 2016 at 6:00pm at the Town Hall of the Town of Mount Hope.
All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Sutherland, Cambareri; carried.
Supervisor Volpe clarified that this property is currently owned by the State so it is tax exempt – correct? Atty. Bavoso: correct. Supervisor: and it will continue to be exempt and there’ll be no financial burden to the town? Atty. Bavoso: correct.
ESTABLISHING FEES FOR DOG LICENSING & REDEMPTION LAW DISCUSSION:
Atty. Bavoso explained the following: the initial law as proposed was to remove licensing fees and redemption fees as part of the statute and write in there that the Town Board may change those fees as it determines best by resolution.
2
Since that time, language was added that would remove the same statutorial fees regarding penalties for offenses. He also drafted a proposed resolution setting the new fees. He needs the town board input for what the fees would be. Because there was a significant change, he recommends another public hearing. Supervisor noted that Dr. Roeder had recommended different fees for chipped v. not-chipped dogs.
RESOLUTION TO SCHEDULE PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROPOSED LOCAL LAW #2-2016 “ESTABLISHING FEES FOR DOG LICENSING & REDEMPTION LAW”:
MOTION offered by Councilman Howell 2nd by Councilman Cambareri to set public hearing on Feb. 16, 2016 at 6:10pm for proposed Local Law #2-2016 Establishing fees for dog licensing & redemption. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Sutherland, Cambareri; carried.
RESOLUTION TO SCHEDULE PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROPOSED LOCAL LAW #3-2016 “ESTABLISHING FEES FOR COMMERCIAL GARBAGE COLLECTION”:
MOTION offered by Councilman Howell 2nd by Councilwoman Sutherland to set public hearing on Feb. 16, 2016 at 6:20pm for proposed Local Law #3-2016 Establishing fees for commercial garbage collection. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Sutherland, Cambareri; carried.
RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT YEAR END BUDGET MODIFICATIONS:
MOTION offered by Councilman Cambareri 2nd by Councilman Howell to accept the year end budget modifications as follows:
FROM A1355.4TOCap. Reval.$12,500.00
FROM A3120.2TOCap. Police$24,552.00
FROM A5010.2TOCap. Highway$1,000.00
FROMA5132.2TOCap. Highway$2,942.00
FROM A7140.2TOCap. Gen. A$12,000.00
FROM D5130.2TOCap. Machinery$75,000.00
FROM D5140.2TO Cap. Highway$4,260.00
FROM D5142.2TOCap. Machinery$30,000.00.
All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Sutherland, Cambareri; carried.
Dr. ROEDER-PALMER AGREEMENT DISCUSSION:
Atty. Bavoso: he is in agreement with the 2016 Palmer’s Ark agreement.
RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AGREEMENT FOR 2016 PALMER’S ARK:
MOTION offered by Councilman Howell 2nd by Councilman Cambareri to approve the 2016 Palmer’s Ark agreement and authorize the Supervisor to sign agreement (will be on file in Town Clerk’s office). All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Sutherland, Cambareri; carried.
RABIES & MICROCHIP CLINICS DISCUSSION:
Atty. Bavoso: With regard to clinics Dr. Roeder is holding; the 1st one will take place on her property. She’d like to use Town Hall to do a registration/licensing drive. Looking through the town existing agreements ie: use of park property and senior center. It doesn’t look like you rent out or use the town hall. Discussion ensued. Town Clerk added that years ago the highway garage was used for the clinic then people would come to town clerk’s office to license the dog(s).
Supervisor asked Dean if this was possible. Dean: not a problem. Town Clerk added that another time it was done at the firehouse and she was set up at that facility. That’s when everything was done by hand. Atty. Bavoso will reach out to Dr. Roeder.
RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT WORKPLACE VIOLENCE POLICY:
Supervisor called for a motion to approve this policy. Councilwoman Sutherland did not receive a copy of this. She asked if it could be tabled. Supervisor: no. Chief Rickard added that we have a current policy in place that failed at last inspection. Atty. Bavoso asked if there was a deadline to adopt it. H’way Supt.: no. Atty. Bavoso: no problem in tabling this. He will email all board members with a copy of this.
This will be tabled until next meeting.
3
RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT THE 2016 PROCUREMENT POLICY:
MOTION offered by Councilwoman Sutherland 2nd by Councilman Howell to approve the 2016 Procurement Policy as presented (copy on file in town clerk’s office). All in favor – Howell, Carey, Volpe, Sutherland, Cambareri; carried.
RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE 2016 INVESTMENT POLICY:
MOTION offered by Councilman Cambareri seconded by Councilman Howell to approve the 2016 Investment Policy as presented (copy on file in Town Clerk’s office). All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Sutherland, Cambareri; carried.
2016 APPOINTMENT LIST:
Supervisor called for a motion to approve the 2016 appointment list. Councilwoman Sutherland did not receive a copy of this. Supervisor asked Chief to go and make copies of appointment list.
AUDIT OF RECEIPT BOOKS:
Supervisor: who did the receipt books last time. Town Clerk: Gary & Matt. Supervisor asked Matt and Brian to do the books this time. After discussion it was agreed to audit the receipt books on January 10. Town Clerk will send out letter to department heads to have books to her by Jan. 8th, close of business.
RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT 2016 MEETING DATES WITH EXCEPTIONS:
MOTION offered by Councilman Cambareri 2nd by Councilman Howell to approve the meeting dates for 2016 with the following exceptions: Jan mtgs: 4th & 19th, Feb. mtgs: 1st & 16th, April mtgs: 4th & 25th, July mtgs. 5th & 18th, Sept. mtgs: 6th & 19th, Nov. mtgs.: 10th & 21st and Dec. mtgs.: 5th & 29th. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Sutherland, Cambareri; carried.
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS DISCUSSION:
Supervisor Volpe explained that due to Mr. Rebman’s resignation we will need a zoning board member. He would also like to have 2 alternates.
RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT RESIGNATION FROM BILL REBMAN FROM ZONING BOARD:
MOTION offered by Councilman Cambareri 2nd by Councilman Howell to accept Bill Rebman’s resignation effective 12-30-15 from the Zoning Board of Appeals. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Sutherland, Cambareri; carried.
RESOLUTION TO APPROVE 2016 FUEL AGREEMENT WITH MOUNT HOPE FIRE COMPANY:
MOTION offered by Councilman Cambareri 2nd by Councilman Carey to approve the 2016 fuel agreement with the Mount Hope Fire Company as presented – copy on file in town clerk’s office. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Sutherland, Cambareri; carried.
RESOLUTION TO APPROVE 2016 FUEL AGREEMENT WITH VILLAGE OF OTISVILLE:
MOTION offered by Councilman Howell 2nd by Councilman Cambareri to approve the 2016 fuel agreement with the Village of Otisville as presented – copy on file in Town Clerk’s office. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Sutherland, Cambareri; carried.
RESOLUTION TO APPROVE 2016 FUEL AGREEMENT WITH CORNELL COOP. EXTENSION:
MOTION offered by Councilman Cambareri 2nd by Councilman Howell to approve the 2016 fuel agreement with Cornell Coop. Extension – copy on file in town clerk’s office. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Sutherland, Cambareri; carried.
RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT THE 2016 APPOINTMENT LIST:
MOTION offered by Councilman Howell 2nd by Councilman Cambareri to approve the 2016 Appointment List as presented. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Cambareri; OPPOSED: Sutherland; carried.
4
RESOLUTION TO AUDIT THE CLAIMS:
MOTION offered by Councilwoman Sutherland 2nd by Councilman Cambareri to approve the following bills:
GENERAL A#1-13$58,358.51
GENERAL B#1-4$ 4,261.10
HIGHWAY#1$17,636.99
SEWER#1-3$ 2,609.22 .
All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Sutherland, Cambareri; carried.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:
- Furman: spoke re: Talamudic Academy litigation. He asked why they are getting a lower tax break. Councilman Cambareri: lower assessed value which in turn is lower tax. Supervisor: thinks the assessed value went down about $100,000.00. Supervisor explained the Board of Assessment Review process where you can grieve your taxes. It was unfounded at that time, so they took it to the next level. So upon the Assessor’s recommendation and recommendation of the attorney we voted on it. Atty. Bavoso: you’re likely talking about the certiorari – that was the action they’re talking about. They would go into executive session to discuss potential outcome to the litigation. It has to work its way through the process. They have to bring their grievance to the BAR. If not satisfied with the answer from BAR they go on to certiorari in which if gets to full blown litigation side then each side would bring in comps and a judge would determine what the proper assessment was. In this case, Glenn went to a couple meetings to discuss ongoing negotiations between he, Dennis and the petitioner. That’s the action. Mr. Furman stated that this property has been historically behind in taxes. Councilman Cambareri stated that it was 2 years ago. He doesn’t know about last year or this year.
- Loeven: spoke re: appointment list going on the website for who to contact. Supervisor explained the committee list has who to contact for different things ie: hidden Valley, football etc.
She also asked about the senior center closing for February. Town Clerk is making the calls for the usual renters. H’way Supt.: asked to have the different groups that use the center to empty their cabinets. Discussion over senior usage/meetings.
- Ketcham: continuation for the ZBA solar farm is tomorrow night at 7pm.
- Maurizzio: asked about senior center renovations. Supervisor: kitchen, bathrooms, paint walls, floors. Discussion over flooring price. He will have 4 quotes.
- Zgrodek: asked about getting microphones. Audience can’t hear what board members are saying.
- Yedziniak: asked about the # of members needed for the zoning board. Supervisor: 5 are needed. We had one resignation. Another is stepping aside for this case. As long as there is 3 members present they can have their meeting. He would like to get 2 alternates also.
- Maurizzio: asked about the appointment list and the committee list. Supervisor: Appointment list then a committee list for the council. One is approved and the other is my appointment.
BOARD COMMENTS:
Councilman Carey: He made it through his 1st meeting. Thank you.
Councilwoman Sutherland: Thanked Dean and the guys re: the dam at Hidden Valley backing up.
She asked the Supervisor for his thoughtful consideration in removing her from village liaison and putting someone who lives in village on that committee. She would like to be on the summer recreation committee.
Councilman Cambareri: Welcomed Brian to the board. Thanked Gary for everything he’s done for the town over the past years. Looking forward to a productive year.
Supervisor Volpe: Put a lot of work into the committee list and he will remain with the list as it stands.
5
At this time, Town Clerk asked about someone who wants to rent the senior center to hold a pistol permit class. Attorney asked if there will be firearms there. Town Clerk: he said there would be firearms there but no ammunition. Attorney would like for the man to put a narrative together on what exactly he will be doing there. Attorney will look through the code book for anything prohibiting firearms. Discussion ensued. Councilman Carey explained that this person called him 1st & there won’t be firearms there. He’s looking to teach the basic pistol permit class for the general public. Attorney will look through code on this and would narrative on what this person will be doing in the class.
RESOLUTION FOR ADJOURNMENT:
MOTION offered by Councilman Howell 2nd by Councilman Cambareri: to adjourn the meeting at 8:19pm. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Sutherland, Cambareri; carried.
The next meeting is scheduled for January 19, 2016 at 7:30pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen A. Myers
Town Clerk
6
TOWN OF MOUNT HOPE
2016 APPOINTMENT LIST
DEPUTY SUPERVISOR – Dominick Cambareri
COURT CLERKS – Lisa Bacigalupo, Francine Heppes
ACCOUNTANT – Kelli Walsh
BOOKKEEPER – Angela Cangialosi
ASSESSMENT REVIEW BOARD CLERK – Laura Sedita
DEPUTY TOWN CLERK –
REGISTRAR OF VITAL STATISTICS – Kathleen Myers
DEPUTY REGISTRAR OF VITAL STATISTICS –
TOWN ATTORNEY – David Bavoso (Bavoso & Plotsky)
BOND ATTORNEY – Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, LLP (Doug Goodfriend)
SPECIAL PROSECUTOR (for conflict cases) – Scott Russell, Esq.
TOWN ENGINEER – Clark Patterson & Assoc. Eng. P.C. (Environmental) & KC Engineering & Land Surveying (Town)
POLICE CHIEF – Paul Rickard
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR – Paul Rickard
POLICE CLERK – Sherri Clarke
P/T ASST. CLERK – Carol Dolan
DOG CONTROL OFFICER – Thomas Yonskie
DEPUTY HIGHWAY SUPT. – Julie Musial
HIGHWAY CLERK – Amy Hassenmayer
BUILDING INSPECTOR – Albert Dodd
CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER – Albert Dodd; Julie Musial
FIRE INSPECTOR – Albert Dodd ; Julie Musial
CLERK – Angela Cangialosi
PLANNING BOARD MEMBER –David Cantor – term to expire 1-2023
PLANNING BOARD CLERK – Linda Franck
ASST. CLERK – Angela Cangialosi
PLANNING BOARD ENGINEER – KC Engineering & Land Surveying
PLANNING BOARD ATTORNEY – Glen Plotsky (Bavoso & Plotsky)
ZONING BOARD ATTORNEY – Glen Plotsky (Bavoso & Plotsky)
HIDDEN VALLEY PLANT OPERATOR – Michael Brock
ASST. PLANT OPERATOR – David Brock
BUDGET OFFICER – Chad Volpe
HISTORIANS – Anita Goldsmith & Nancy Craig
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS MEMBER – Bob Wheeling (term expires 1-2021)
DESIGNATED BANKS – Hometown Bank of the Hudson Valley, Orange County Trust, First National Bank of Jeffersonville
POSTAGE & UTILITIES PAID PRIOR TO AUDIT
MEETING NIGHTS – 1st AND 3rd Monday Nights unless otherwise approved by Town Board & except as follows: Meetings for Jan. will be 4th & 19th, Feb. will be 1st & 16th, April will be 4th & 25th, July 5th & 18th, Sept. will be 6th & 19th, Nov. will be 10th & 21st and Dec. will be 5th & 29th.
DESIGNATED NEWSPAPER – Times Herald Record
PROCUREMENT POLICY – Reviewed with no changes
INVESTMENT POLICY – Reviewed with no changes
DELEGATE/ASSOC. OF TOWNS MTG. – Delegate –Chad Volpe / (alternate – Dominick Cambareri)
MILEAGE – .54 cents per mile/rate established by the I.R.S. to be examined quarterly
7