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REGULAR MEETING, TOWN OF MOUNT HOPE, FEBRUARY 5, 2018

REGULAR MEETING, TOWN OF MOUNT HOPE, FEBRUARY 5, 2018

The regular meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Mount Hope was held at Town Hall on February 5, 2018 at 7:30pm with the following present: Supervisor Chad Volpe, Councilman Matt Howell, Councilman Brian Carey, Councilman James Jennings, Councilman Dominick Cambareri & Town Clerk Kathleen Myers.

OFFICIALS PRESENT: Sgt. Briceno, H’way Supt. Hassenmayer, Attorney D. Bavoso.

Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Supervisor Volpe called the meeting to order at 7:30pm. At this time, Supervisor Volpe asked the audience to silence cell phones.

7:30pm PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROPOSED LOCAL LAW #1-2018 AMENDING COLD WAR VETERANS EXEMPTION:
Supervisor Volpe opened the public hearing at 7:30pm. Public hearing notice is on the table. He asked Assessor Dennis Ketcham to explain. Assessor explained that the original cold war exemption started 10 years ago. It was 1st introduced by the state & had a 10 year limit on it which would have been up with the 2018 assessment roll. He would have had to start removing exemptions off of it. The 2017 legislations by the governor’s office allowed, by local option, a municipality to either eliminate the 10 year rule or institute a different time frame. He recommends that the board mimic what the county has done/passed & eliminate the 10 year rule. It’s the same as the alternative veteran’s exemption which is the war time veterans. Supervisor asked the tax implications for us. Assessor stated none. No board questions. Mrs. Maurizzio asked for it to be explained again. Assessor explained it’s for cold war; everybody outside of war time veterans.

MOTION TO CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING:
MOTION offered by Councilman Cambareri 2nd Councilman Howell to close public hearing at 7:34pm. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Jennings, Cambareri; carried.

7:34pm PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROPOSED LOCAL LAW #2-2018 AMENDING SENIOR CITIZENS TAX EXEMPTION:
Supervisor opened public hearing at 7:34pm. Public hearing notice is on table. He asked the Assessor what the implications are on the tax base moving the exemptions up from the lower amount to the higher amount. Assessor stated there will be implications – it will be minimal. We currently have 39 people receiving the 467 exemption. Of those 39, 20 are receiving more than 50% so they’re not going to be affected because they’ll still receive the full benefit of 50%. The remaining 19 people are receiving a % between 50 & 5%. Those people will now receive a higher % than previously. It’s different because it’s based on income. Supervisor asked if each year more people will age into it. Assessor stated as many as die out of it – sad to say. Supervisor asked him in his experience it kind of stays even. Assessor: yes. No questions from the board. Diane Loeven clarified the maximum income level for the 50% is what’s being raised. Assessor: correct. She asked if the other thresholds are being raised as well. Assessor: yes, by state statute. She asked if that has to be included in this local law. Assessor: no because by moving the minimum you’re automatically moving the entire sliding scale. Attorney Bavoso added it’s a table so once you set the lowest #…..Ms. Loeven added (speaking from the seniors) keep in mind you’re talking about people making between $20-29,000 per year. Those are the people that will really benefit. That means they’re living probably on social security, barely covers their living expenses. She feels that we as residents need to look at that and to do anything we can to help the lower income seniors. Mrs. Maurizzio would like the same applied to the veterans that served our country. She believes they deserve all they can get whether it be times of cold war or actual war time service because they made themselves available.

MOTION TO CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING:
MOTION offered by Councilman Carey 2nd Councilman Howell to close the public hearing at 7:38pm. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Jennings, Cambareri; carried.

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RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT THE PRIOR MEETING MINUTES:
MOTION offered by Councilman Carey 2nd by Councilman Jennings to accept the minutes from the January 16, 2018 meeting as presented. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Jennings, Cambareri; carried.

CORRESPONDENCE:
1. Email from Bernie Mendoza/OC Sheriff Deputy re: 5k May 12 or 19
2. Proposed local law #1-2018 Cold War veteran exemption copy
3. Proposed local law #2-2018 Senior citizen tax exemption copy
4. Speed sign pamphlet from Onsite Matrix Modular display
5. Paperwork for comprehensive plan to set public hearing date
6. Budget modification for police department
7. Letter from OC Dept. of Emergency Svcs. re: Beverly Road
8. Letter from Otisville country fair committee re: application for park pavilion rental for fair
9. Raffle consent form from Crystal Run Village
10. Budget modification for highway department
11. Surplus color printer request from building department
12. 2018-2020 Urban County Cooperation Agreement
13. School Choice Week proclamation
14. Mortgage tax receipts from Orange County for Oct/Nov/Dec 2017
15. Otisville fire call history for Nov 2017 & Dec 2017
16. Jan 2018 impound report from Palmer’s Ark
17. Jan 2018 building department report
18. Resolution for the DWI contracts with the county for 2018

COMMITTEE REPORTS:
BOARD MEMBER REPORTS:
Councilman Howell reported that he has something to give to the board in response to the letter from the county with regard to Beverly Road. We have to set public hearing for the master plan.
Councilman Carey reported that he put on the facebook page that we are looking for directors positions for the summer rec camp.
Councilman Cambareri reported that while he was away there were some problems at the sewer plant. They were resolved without any spillage. There are issues we have to discuss with the engineers. There are changes we are talking about making.
Councilman Jennings reported that 71 library cards have been issued so far. He went to village meeting. There are issues with their DPW trucks and some complaints about some county roads not being plowed too well. Our roads are fine. Planning board hasn’t met yet.
Supervisor Volpe reported that he scheduled an AED/CPR class on April 17 and a 1st Aid class on April 18; 1st come/1st serve free to residents. Non-residents $30. Both classes at senior center on Baker Street. Summer camp dates are July 2 through August 10. He would like to hold another NARCAN class in May or June. Councilman Howell asked what the class max # is. Supervisor stated 16.

HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT:
Supt. Hassenmayer passed out copies of quotes for the Howells cemetery sign from Lewis Sign Co. One quote was for $1,125; the other was $750. We can do the posts and installation ourselves. Supervisor Volpe asked him to try to get one other price. He reported the lift approved for purchase at the last meeting was installed. The ice storms we’ve had, we have used a lot of salt. We have a lot of bills in for salt we got in January. Councilman Carey asked about the mailboxes being knocked down during the storms. He’s seen it on social media. Supt. Hassenmayer received a call today. He explained that if they have to replace it, they use what the hardware store has available (plastic or metal standard size box). The law says we don’t have to but we do it as a courtesy. He asked for approval for the following training classes: Project Design – Stormwater MS-4 for he and Julie Musial in Middletown @ Cornell Coop. on Feb. 22 $75/person; 2 Cornell Local Roads classes: Running Your Highway Dept. and Powers & Duties of Highway Supt. for Robert Wickham & Dean on April 3 and May 1 for $100/person per class.
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MOTION TO APPROVE MS-4 PROJECT DESIGN CLASS:
MOTION offered by Councilman Howell 2nd Councilman Carey to approve Dean Hassenmayer & Julie Musial to take ‘Project Design Stormwater MS-4’ class on Feb. 22, 2018 for $75/person. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Jennings, Cambareri; carried.

MOTION TO APPROVE CORNELL LOCAL ROADS CLASS – RUNNING YOUR HIGHWAY DEPT.:
MOTION offered by Councilman Cambareri 2nd Councilman Howell to approve Dean Hassenmayer & Robert Wickham to take ‘Running Your Highway Dept.’ class on April 3, 2018, cost $100/person. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Jennings, Cambareri; carried.

MOTION TO APPROVE CORNELL LOCAL ROADS CLASS – POWERS & DUTIES OF THE HIGHWAY SUPT.;
MOTION offered by Councilman Carey 2nd Councilman Howell to approve Dean Hassenmayer & Robert Wickham to take ‘Powers & Duties of the Highway Supt.’ class on May 1, 2018, cost is $100/person. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Jennings, Cambareri; carried.

OTISVILLE FIRE: Supervisor Volpe noted that the Nov. & Dec. 2017 reports were received.

POLICE DEPT.:
Sgt. Briceno noted the resolution needed for the Chief to sign the DWI contracts with the county for the 2018 year. There’s a request for the budget modification to be approved. She added that the estimate for damage to car 151 from the accident was over $7,000. The other drivers insurance will pay entire amount.

VILLAGE OF OTISVILLE:
Trustee Loeven thanked the police department for the last big storm. There were 7 cars parked in the parking lot in the village for several days. They received calls from residents about why they weren’t clearing the lot. 6 cars were moved and one had to be towed. She spoke previously to Sgt. Briceno re: problem with overnight parking on Main Street. The police will keep an eye on it. She added that the date for the community yard sale will be August 4. The fair starts the following Thursday. The next village board meeting will be on Feb. 15.

ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF DEPT. 5k:
Bernie Mendoza spoke re: holding a 5K in the town on May 12 or May 19. He is the race director for this event being held by the OC Sheriff office PBA. Both dates are part of National Police Week. He knows of the race course being already mapped out from the local fair. They will have a shorter run/walk for kids. There would also be a “Safe Child” tent put up. Supervisor asked about timing and closing down of intersections. He asked about costs incurred for using our police. Mr. Mendoza stated they have staff available. It would be similarly run as the one Nick Amendola runs. The race committee is comprised of PBA members. Supervisor would like to meet with Mr. Mendoza and the police Chief to work out the details. Mr. Mendoza stated their 1st committee meeting is on 2/7. Councilman Howell asked about the shorter course for youth. Mr. Mendoza referred to using the gravel trail to keep the kids off the road. Atty. Bavoso suggested waiting until details are worked out when everyone meets so the event application can get filled out then do the approval. Councilman Jennings asked how many people he expects to get for the race. Mr. Mendoza is hoping for at least 100. Supervisor Volpe supports this event. Discussion to use large pavilion (for awards/bagels etc), have proof of insurance. Little league will have started by then. He’s 90% sure the pavilion fee would be comped especially because they are helping with traffic control. Supervisor will be in touch in the next couple weeks.

MOTION TO APPROVE LOCAL LAW #1-2018 AMENDING COLD WAR VETERAN EXEMPTION:
MOTION offered by Councilman Cambareri 2nd Councilman Howell to approve Local Law #1-2018 Amending the Cold War Veteran Tax Exemption. (see #1-2018 at end of these minutes) All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Jennings, Cambareri; carried.
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MOTION TO APPROVE LOCAL LAW #2-2018 AMENDING SENIOR CITIZEN TAX EXEMPTION:
MOTION offered by Councilman Carey 2nd Councilman Jennings to approve Local Law #2-2018 Amending the Senior Citizen Tax Exemption. (see #2-2018 at end of these minutes). All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Jennings, Cambareri; carried.

SPEED SIGN:
Supervisor Volpe spoke re: hot spots. Anyone is allowed to email a hot spot in. Councilman Carey brought this up last year. The money wasn’t there last year. Supervisor had given board members a paper about sales tax recently. We should be receiving an increase in sales tax which wasn’t budgeted for. When we did the budget we weren’t thinking about the lift that Dean wanted. We can kind of replace the money that was spent on the lift. And, the cost of the speed sign trailer is $8,900. Any one of our police vehicles or highway vehicles are able to move it. He explained the data we would get from it ie: speed people are going, what time they went by etc. He would really like to get one of these. He thinks the residents would be happy to see we are being proactive with speeders. Sgt. Briceno agreed with the Supervisor’s statements. This is a useful tool. It wouldn’t be used in the winter due to the weather. You can also post ‘Road Closed’, ‘no cell phones’ and other messages in this sign. Councilman Carey asked how it’s secured on the side of the road; is it chained to a tree? Sgt. Briceno: you use a heavy duty chain and lock. Councilman Jennings clarified/asked about the cell phones. Discussion about the no cell phone/hand free emojis. Councilman Jennings asked about cutting through the heavy duty chain. Councilman Jennings then talked about taking the wheels off the trailer. The county does it. Councilman Howell asked about it being blue tooth capable and making sure it’s secure so that data is not taken out of it. Sgt. Briceno stated the Bluetooth is an upgrade and the salesman said it’s not worth it.

MOTION TO PURCHASE THE ONSITE MATRIX MODULAR DISPLAY SPEED SIGN:
MOTION offered by Councilman Cambareri 2nd Councilman Carey to authorize the purchase of the OnSite Matrix Modular Display speed sign for $8,900.00. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Cambareri, Jennings; carried.

CONCERT SERIES:
Supervisor Volpe noted the concert series will begin June 26 through August 13, every Tuesday.

COMMUNITY DAY:
Supervisor Volpe notes community day will be July 14 and there will be fireworks.

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN:
Atty. Bavoso stated that under GML, the law requires that above the committee level there needs to be a public hearing from the town board. The committee level public hearing was already done. The recommendation is to set public hearing for 2/20. The board needs to declare itself lead agency for review of this project under SEQR. This is subject to a 239 county review. It’s already been sent to the county. They’ve acknowledged receipt. Hoping to have comments back by the date of the public hearing.

MOTION TO SET PUBLIC HEARING FOR COMPREHENSIVE PLAN:
MOTION offered by Councilman Howell 2nd Councilman Carey to set public hearing for the comprehensive plan on February 20, 2018 at 7:30pm at the town hall. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Cambareri, Jennings; carried.

RESOLUTION TO DECLARE LEAD AGENCY:
MOTION offered by Councilman Cambareri 2nd Councilman Howell to be made that the Town of Mount Hope Town Board designates itself “lead agent” for the purpose of SEQR and declares it to be an unlisted action. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Cambareri, Jennings; carried.

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MOTION TO SET PUBLIC HEARING FOR 2018 MS-4:
MOTION offered by Councilman Howell 2nd Councilman Carey to schedule a public hearing for the 2018 MS-4 on March 5, 2018 at 7:30pm at town hall. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Cambareri, Jennings; carried.

BEVERLY ROAD:
Supervisor Volpe wrote a letter to the OC Dept. of Emergency Svcs. They responded. He asked the Town Clerk to read the response letter into the record. (letter on file in the town clerk’s office) Councilman Howell wrote a response (copy on file in town clerk’s office) to that and passed out copies to board members. He read the letter into the record. It doesn’t seem like the county follows through with properly inputting this data or reviewing the data as it is inputted. He thinks we should make the recommendation that they should open their eyes to…there’s a problem here. If it’s a house fire & it takes 20 minutes for a fire truck to get there, someone’s family could be dead. He would like permission to send the letter to the county. The attorney is fine with sending the letter. Councilman Howell would also like a letter to be sent to the County Executive and the Howell’s fire district.

MOTION TO AUTHORIZE A LETTER TO BE SENT TO OC DEPT. OF EMERGENCY SVCS.:
MOTION offered by Councilman Carey 2nd Councilman Howell to send a letter to Brendan Casey at Orange County Dept. of Emergency Services, Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus & Howells fire district in response to his letter to the Town of Mount Hope. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Jennings, Cambareri; carried.

LIONS CLUB COUNTRY FAIR COMMITTEE REQUEST:
Supervisor Volpe received a request to use the post on town property located on Mount Hope Road from approx. July 21 through August 15, 2018 for the Otisville country fair.

MOTION TO APPROVE USE OF SIGN POST REQUEST:
MOTION offered by Councilman Howell 2nd Councilman Carey to approve the use of the sign post on Mount Hope Road for the fair from approx. 7/21/18 through 8/15/18. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Jennings, Cambareri; carried.

LIONS CLUB FAIR COMMITTEE REQUEST TO USE LARGE PAVILION:
Supervisor Volpe asked Mr. Jennings if the use of the pavilion could be used after the last concert. Mr. Jennings stated they don’t really use it until Friday and Saturday – it’s mostly the little league fields. Supervisor Volpe added that the last day of summer rec is Friday (8/10). Will they need the pavilion that day? Jennings: they don’t need anything there until Friday night. Volpe noted the rental fee being waived last year. He recommends waiving the fee this year. The committee should meet with Paul for the police fee. Discussion on dates. Start time changed to 5:00pm.

MOTION TO APPROVE THE APPLICATION FOR RENTAL OF PAVILION FOR 2018 COUNTRY FAIR:
MOTION offered by Councilman Cambareri 2nd Councilman Howell to approve the application for the park pavilion rental contract and policy for the Otisville country fair August 9, 10, 11, 12, 2018 and waive the rental fee. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Jennings, Cambareri; carried.

LIONS CLUB FAIR COMMITTEE FIREWORKS:
Supervisor Volpe spoke re: fireworks application for August 12. He read into record the letter. Firework company will fax/drop off to the town the information needed in #1, 2, 3 & 5 of this application. That’s Mike Romano. Insurance will be emailed as soon as they get it.

MOTION TO APPROVE FAIR COMMITTEE REQUEST FOR FIREWORKS:
MOTION offered by Councilman Carey 2nd Councilman Howell to approve the country fair committee request to hold fireworks on 8-12-2018 subject to receiving remaining paperwork. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Jennings, Cambareri; carried.
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MOTION TO APPROVE CRYSTAL RUN VILLAGE RAFFLE CONSENT:
MOTION offered by Councilman Howell 2nd Councilman Carey to approve the request from Crystal Run Village to sell raffle tickets in Mount Hope and authorize Kathleen to sign it. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Jennings, Cambareri; carried.

MOTION TO APPROVE HIGHWAY BUDGET MODIFICATION:
MOTION offered by Councilman Cambareri 2nd Councilman Jennings to approve the modification as follows:
Increase Scrap Metal DB2650 by $367.90 and Increase Machinery Eq. Contr. DB5130.4 by $367.90. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Jennings, Cambareri; carried.

MOTION TO APPROVE POLICE BUDGET MODIFICATION:
MOTION offered by Councilman Howell 2nd Councilman Cambareri to approve the modification as follows:
Increase A3389 Revenue by $1041.60 and Increase A3120.1 Police PS by $1041.60.
All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Jennings, Cambareri; carried.

MOTION TO APPROVE SURPLUS REQUEST FROM BUILDING DEPARTMENT:
MOTION offered by Councilman Carey 2nd Councilman Howell to approve to surplus (and send to auction) from the building department a Dell 1350cnw color printer, serial #CN-OY3GTR-71971-169-M206. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Cambareri, Jennings; carried.

2018-2020 URBAN COUNTY COOPERATION AGREEMENT:
MOTION offered by Councilman Carey 2nd Councilman Cambareri that the Supervisor be & he hereby is authorized & directed to execute a Cooperation Agreement Amendment between the Town of Mount Hope & the County of Orange for the purpose of undertaking Community Development & HOME Programs pursuant to the Housing & Community Development Act of 1974, as amended & Title II of the National Affordable Housing Act of 1990, as amended, for the program year commencing Federal Fiscal years 2018, 2019, 2020 (& successive 2 year qualification periods). Complete resolution at end of these minutes. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Cambareri, Jennings; carried.

MOON FESTIVAL:
Supervisor Volpe reported the date for the Moon festival will be September 15, 2018. They would like to rent the pavilion on Sept. 14, 15, 16 for set up and rain date. They are anticipating a larger crowd this year. He will meet with them to go over the emergency plan.

HOWELLS CEMETERY:
Supervisor Volpe spoke re: continuous to Howells Cemetery property which is owned by the Howells fire company/district. There’s quite a few acres they do not need. Recently there was an inquiry to purchase multiple lots in the cemetery. We are running out of room. He would like to send a letter to the Howells fire district to inquire about possibly purchasing some (1-3) acreage of the continuous property. He would like permission to send a letter.

MOTION TO AUTHORIZE THE SUPERVISOR TO SEND A LETTER OF INQUIRY TO HOWELLS FIRE DISTRICT:
MOTION offered by Councilman Howell 2nd Councilman Carey to approve the Supervisor to inquire on purchasing land to expand the Howells cemetery. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Cambareri, Jennings; carried.

NATIONAL SCHOOL CHOICE WEEK JAN. 21-28, 2018 PROCLAMATION:
MOTION offered by Councilman Carey 2nd Councilman Howell that ‘now, therefore I Chad Volpe do hereby recognize January 21-27, 2018 as Town of Mount Hope School Choice Week and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens. (complete resolution at end of these minutes). All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Cambareri, Jennings; carried.

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MOTION TO AUTHORIZE POLICE CHIEF TO SIGN 2018 DWI CONTRACTS WITH COUNTY OF ORANGE:
MOTION offered by Councilman Carey 2nd by Councilman Howell to authorize the Police Chief to sign the 2018 STOP DWI contracts with the County of Orange. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Cambareri, Jennings; carried.

MOTION TO AUDIT THE CLAIMS:
MOTION offered by Councilman Cambareri 2nd Councilman Howell to approve the following bills from Abstract #3:
GENERAL A:​​#41-81​​$ 67,638.30 ​
GENERAL B:​​#5-12​​$ 10,004.45 ​
HIGHWAY:​​#7-19​​$ 78,777.14
SEWER: #6-12​​$ 1,894.01
CAP RES GEN B:​#1​$ 2,304.00
MH FIRE PROT.:​#1​$124,500.50
All in favor: Howell, Volpe, Cambareri; ABSTAIN: Jennings & Carey from their respective vouchers only; carried.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:
Adam McCarey is very happy with the roads in the town. He spoke re: speed sign. He noted signs in another municipality that are permanent. The moveable one is great but a permanent one might be something of interest for the high traffic areas. He spoke re: Beverly Road issue. This has been a problem since day 1 from Time Warner to Orange & Rockland to any of the services that provide to homeowners – we’ve always had an issue getting it from Amazon, UPS, USPS. He’s worked in emergency services for over 25 years. As a call taker you always want to get all the information into the computer dispatching system; you wanna make sure it’s correct. If computer says it’s drive but person on phone is saying it’s road – you gotta go by that or at least check where’s the nearest cross street. He’s glad they didn’t decide to change the name because that would have been another nightmare from day 1. He’s contacted Google maps, Bing maps, Yahoo maps to get this corrected as well. The issue may be partly the procedures the call takers use. That may be where the disconnect is. They need to check who is actually calling.
Alison Miller asked where she can get a copy of the comprehensive plan. Councilman Cambareri stated there is a draft on the website. She inquired about school choice week. She asked what it was about. Supervisor Volpe stated it is a resolution basically all the hard work, dedication – it goes on to explain there’s a lot involved with education, teachers, students. Town Clerk gave a copy to Mrs. Miller to look at/read. She spoke re: FOTOS link on our website and a scanned contract of sale for the school. She would like to have that removed. It’s been a year. She would like to write something re: school news and send it to whoever updates our website every so often. Supervisor Volpe would like to keep it linked to their website. Kathleen will contact Adam to have this removed.

MOTION TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION:
MOTION offered by Councilman Cambareri 2nd Councilman Carey to enter into executive session at 8:54pm for highway personnel. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Jennings, Cambareri; carried.

MOTION TO RECONVENE REGULAR MEETING FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION:
MOTION offered by Councilman Carey 2nd Councilman Howell to reconvene the regular meeting at 9:06pm NO ACTION WAS TAKEN AT THIS EXECUTIVE SESSION. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Jennings, Cambareri; carried.

MOTION TO APPROVE THE SUPERVISOR TO SIGN THE MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT FOR HIGHWAY EMPLOYEE NUMBER 3:
MOTION offered by Councilman Cambareri 2nd Councilman Carey to approve the Memorandum of Agreement for highway employee number 3 as presented and authorize the Supervisor to sign said agreement. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Jennings, Cambareri; carried.
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BOARD COMMENTS:
Councilman Howell was asked about snow fence on Ledge & Pine Grove roads. He asked Dean if this could be done. Dean thinks it was tried before. (inaudible)
Councilman Carey asked if there was any update on the old pool building. Supervisor Volpe stated that he received a check for all the work done there already. There was only 1 verbal quote for approx. $29,995 to do the concrete over. That will be the next step. To date approx. $50,000 has been spent on this building of the 1st $100,000 grant. He hopes to have more prices for the next meeting. Councilman Carey asked what the pool building will be called. Supervisor Volpe: community building.
Councilman Cambareri: no comments.
Councilman Jennings thanked the guys for all their hard work on this last ice storm. Great job. The guys are loving the lift; he talked to a couple of them and they love it.

MOTION TO ADJOURN:
MOTION offered by Councilman Howell 2nd Councilman Carey to adjourn the meeting at 9:10pm. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Jennings, Cambareri; carried.

The next meeting is scheduled for February 20, 2018 at 7:30.

Respectfully submitted,

Kathleen A. Myers, RMC
Town Clerk​

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LOCAL LAW #1 OF 2018
A LOCAL LAW AMENDING THE COLD WAR VETERANS TAX EXEMPTION
AS AUTHORIZED BY §458-b OF THE REAL PROPERTY TAX LAW
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK

1. Purpose. The purpose of this local law is to amend the Town Code of the Town of Mount Hope to eliminate the ten (10) year sunset provision for the Cold War Veterans tax exemption and to continue the program. Legislation by Orange County has permitted municipalities to remove the sunset provision by local law and has also removed the sunset at the County level.

2. Legislation.
The following language shall be added to the Town Code of the Town of Mount Hope as §217-10(C):
C. As authorized by the Real Property Tax Law of the State of New York, this exemption shall apply to qualifying owners of qualifying real property for as long as such person(s) remain qualifying owners, without regard to the existing ten (10) year limitation provided in §458-b(2)(c)(iii) of the Real Property Tax Law.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE TO THE EXTENT THAT THIS LOCAL LAW MAY CONFLICT WITH APPLICABLE PORTIONS OF THE TOWN LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, IT IS THE STATED INTENTION OF THE TOWN TO EXERCISE ITS AUTHORITY TO SUPERSEDE AND AMEND, AS GRANTED UNDER THE MUNICIPAL HOME RULE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, SECTION 10. THE TOWN HEREBY PROVIDES NOTICE THAT IT IS EXERCISING ITS AUTHORITY TO SUPERSEDE AND AMEND PURSUANT TO MUNICIPAL HOME RULE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SECTION 22.

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LOCAL LAW #2 OF 2018
A LOCAL LAW AMENDING THE SENIOR CITIZENS TAX EXEMPTION
AS AUTHORIZED BY §467 OF THE REAL PROPERTY TAX LAW
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK

3. Purpose. The purpose of this local law is to amend the Town Code of the Town of Mount Hope to increase the maximum income level as established in §217-2. The new maximum income level would match what has been established by Orange County, New York.

4. Legislation.
§217-2 of the Town Code of the Town of Mount Hope shall be amended to state the following:
“The maximum income level for the fifty-percent exemption is established at $29,000.00.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE TO THE EXTENT THAT THIS LOCAL LAW MAY CONFLICT WITH APPLICABLE PORTIONS OF THE TOWN LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, IT IS THE STATED INTENTION OF THE TOWN TO EXERCISE ITS AUTHORITY TO SUPERSEDE AND AMEND, AS GRANTED UNDER THE MUNICIPAL HOME RULE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, SECTION 10. THE TOWN HEREBY PROVIDES NOTICE THAT IT IS EXERCISING ITS AUTHORITY TO SUPERSEDE AND AMEND PURSUANT TO MUNICIPAL HOME RULE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SECTION 22.

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MOUNT HOPE SCHOOL CHOICE WEEK:

WHEREAS all children in the Town of Mount Hope should have access to the highest quality education possible; and

WHEREAS the Town of Mount Hope recognizes the important role that an effective education plays in preparing all students in the Town of Mount Hope to be successful adults; and

WHEREAS quality education is critically important to the economic vitality of the Town of Mount Hope; and

WHEREAS the Town of Mount Hope is home to a multitude of high quality public and non-public schools from which parents can choose for their children in addition to families who educate their children in the home; and

WHEREAS educational variety not only helps to diversify our economy but also enhances the vibrancy of our community; and

WHEREAS the Town of Mount Hope has many high quality teaching professionals in all types of school settings who are committed to educating our children; and

WHEREAS School Choice Week is celebrated across the country by millions of students, parents, educators, schools & organizations to raise awareness of the need for effective educational options;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Chad Volpe do hereby recognize January 21-27, 2018 as Town of Mount Hope School Choice Week and I call this observance to the attention to all of our citizens.

Adopted by the Town of Mount Hope Town Board on February 5, 2018

For the board,
Kathleen A. Myers, Town Clerk

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MUNICIPAL RESOLUTION – URBAN COUNTY

TOWN OF MOUNT HOPE

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TOWN OF MOUNT HOPE ENTER INTO AN AMENDMENT TO THE EXISTING COOPERATION AGREEMENT DATED JULY 8, 1993, AS AMENDED, WITH THE COUNTY OF ORANGE FOR THE PURPOSE OF UNDERTAKING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND HOME PROGRAMS FOR THE PROGRAM YEAR COMMENCING FEDERAL FISCAL YEARS 2018, 2019, 2020 (& FOR SUCCESSIVE 3 YEAR QUALIFICATION PERIODS AS PROVIDED FOR IN THE AUTOMATIC RENEWAL PROVISION) PURSUANT TO THE HOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 1974, AS AMENDED AND TITLE II OF THE NATIONAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING ACT OF 1990, AS AMENDED.

WHEREAS, the Secretary of the US Department of Housing & Urban Development (“HUD”) authorized, under Title I of the Housing & Community Development Act of 1974, as amended and Title II of the National Affordable Housing Act of 1990, as amended to make grants to states & other units of general local government to help finance Community Development & Affordable Housing Programs; and

WHEREAS, it is desirable & in the public interest that the Town of Mount Hope participate in aforesaid Community Development & HOME Programs for the program year commencing Federal Fiscal years 2018, 2019, 2020 (& successive 3 year qualification period); and

WHEREAS, the Town of Mount Hope understands that by executing this cooperation agreement it becomes an included unit of general local government in the Urban County CDBG Entitlement program, HOME program & ESG program and that it:

a.) May not apply for grants under the small cities for state CDBG programs from appropriations for fiscal years during the period in which it is participating in the Urban County’s CDBG program; and
b.) May not participate in a HOME program consortium except through the Urban County, regardless of whether the Urban County receives a HOME formula allocation; and
c.) May not receive a formula allocation under ESG program except through the Urban County.
WHEREAS, this Town Board deems it to be in the public interest for the Town of Mount Hope to enter into an amendment to the existing Cooperation agreement dated July 8, 1993, as amended, with the County of Orange for the aforesaid purpose;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED, that the Supervisor be & he hereby is authorized & directed to execute a Cooperation Agreement Amendment between the Town of Mount Hope & the County of Orange for the purpose of undertaking Community Development & HOME Programs pursuant to the Housing & Community Development Act of 1974, as amended & Title II of the National Affordable Housing Act of 1990, as amended, for the program year commencing Federal Fiscal years 2018, 2019, 2020 (& successive 2 year qualification periods).

____________________________________________________ __________________________________
Chad Volpe, Supervisor Date

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Contact

Supervisor:
Paul Rickard
Phone: 845-386-2211
Fax: (845) 386-1100

Town Clerk:
Kathleen Myers
Phone: (845) 386-1460

Address:
1706 Route 211W,
Otisville,
New York 10963

Town Board Meetings:
First and Third Monday of each month, 7:30 p.m.

Planning Board Meetings:
Third Wednesday of each month, 7:00 p.m.

Zoning Board of Appeals Meetings: Meets as needed.

Town Court:

Clerk: Myrna Macintosh
Clerk: Francine Heppes
Phone: (845) 386-5303