The regular meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Mount Hope was held at Town Hall on June 20, 2016 at 7:30pm with the following present: Supervisor Chad Volpe, Councilman Matt Howell, Councilman Brian Carey, Councilwoman Janet Sutherland, Councilman Dominick Cambareri and Town Clerk Kathleen A. Myers.
OFFICIALS PRESENT: Chief P. Rickard, Dep. Chief J. Corcoran, D. Hassenmayer H’way supt., Town Atty. D. Bavoso.
Supervisor Volpe called the regular meeting to order at 7:30PM, following the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence for the tragedy in Orlando, Florida. He asked for everyone to silence their cell phones.
RESOLUTION TO APPROVE PRIOR MINUTES:
MOTION offered by Councilman Howell 2nd by Councilman Cambareri to approve the minutes from the June 6, 2016 meeting as presented. All in favor — Howell, Carey, Volpe, Sutherland, Cambareri; carried.
CORRESPONDENCE:
- Palmer’s Ark impound report May 2016
- Letter from Clarke, Patterson Lee re: easement agreement between C/O Middletown & County of Orange
- Letter from Borrego Solar re: webinar June 28 @ 1 lam
- Email from Chief Rickard re: tonight’s meeting
- Proposed Prescription Drug Collection Box policy
- Standard Work Day resolution
- (2) highway budget modifications
- Sewer Bid results minutes 6-7-16
- NYALGRO certificate of attendance for Town Clerk Kathleen Myers
- Email from D. Decker re: Orange County Land Trust request for letter of support
I l . Letter of recommendation for Wittcon, Inc. from KC Eng. re: sewer bids
- Mortgage tax receipts from County of Orange re: April & May 2016
- Complaint re: 57 Rose Lane
- Supervisor’s report May 2016
1 5. Highway Dept. Spring 2016 report
- MHFC report 6-20-2016
- MH Police Dept. report May 2016
BOARD REPORTS:
Councilman Cambareri: Noted the bids received for the sewer plant and KC recommendation to th
accept the bid from Wittcon, Inc.; Summer rec. about to start. Training starts before July 4. 142 campers &7 took advantage of after hours program.
Councilwoman Sutherland: Spoke with Kim Mynders re: curtains from the school. She shared Councilman Carey’s concerns with her; she will speak with Dave Roda about it.
Councilman Carey: spoke re: little league actually spreading clay to prepare for All Star games. He asked Dean if the water could get turned on.
Councilman Howell: No ZBA meeting scheduled. Master Plan committee will meet 7-21 at Town Hall.
Supervisor Volpe: spoke about being contacted by NY Times that the Town of Mount Hope was voted 1 of the best places to raise a family. He thanked everyone for their part in making this happen. He recommends a new look at the rental agreements for the park/senior center with regard to large gatherings. Someone came to see him about an event at the park. There will be 350-500 people there. After discussion with Chief Rickard they’d need an emergency plan, list town as additional insured and they aren’t on the application as it stands now. He would like David to review this. Atty. Bavoso spoke of a mass gatherings law. Supervisor added that it (Chinese New Year) is the same day as Bountiful Harvest. (David should have something ready for the next meeting.) Supt. Hassenmayer reminded everyone of the event earlier this year for the little girl/cancer benefit. Turned out to be a much bigger event than originally planned. Councilwoman Sutherland asked the start/end time of event on 9-17. Supervisor: 5:00-8:30/9:00 because they have to see the moon. Councilman Cambareri suggested limiting hours on the new contract.
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT by supt. Hassenmayer:
Supt. Hassenmayer gave copies to board members of a notice from the DEC re: underground storage tanks. There are 3 classes of licensing for operating our storage tanks. He is Class A/B, Ed VanLeuvan he hopes will agree to be Class B then they could train the Class C operators (majority of the rest of the highway guys) on site. “C” operator has to be on site technically whenever the pumps are being used. Supt. has to take the online test before October. Or an outside company could be hired; he got a quote. There is also a tank at the old school that would need to be closed before something happens with the outcome of the status of the school.
He gave out 2 packets from Assoc. of Towns re: smoking in parks. He thinks it’s a good idea about this for the playground area. Orange County Citizens Foundation will provide signs for no smoking in the park.
He spoke with Chad/Dominick about the 20 year old loader. He’d like to replace it this year. In 3 years we’ll have to start rotating trucks again. PBE sells Komatsu but not on state bid/NJPA. Case loader is, John Deer is, Catapiller is not. Hoffman Equip. sells case for $156,000.52 & John Deer loader sells for $137,127.08. The NJPA discount is 42%. He had specs available.
Supervisor spoke about putting old one to surplus/sell and asked him to make copies for all board members.
He noted that Finchville Tpk from village line to county road by the horse farm will be novachipped Wed/Thurs. this week. Stu Carver asked for fire dept. pupose if the road will be closed. Supt.: only for a short distance. Carver will let the dept. know to go easy through the area when going on calls.
MOUNT HOPE FIRE:
- board Carver meeting (2nd Asst. on July Chiefl 5t read After report discussion, into record. board There agreed will to be 7:15 a press on July conference 5th. Carver at next asked townif there will be any meetings with Howells & Otisville FD’s to discuss working relationship in the future. Supervisor is working on it. Carver asked about the new bid for the new contract and when it will go out. They would like ample time to get their things together. Supervisor stated that within a month they should be ready to go to bid.
POLICE DEPARTMENT by Chief Rickard:
June 28th at the concert at the park they will have a bike registration
He spoke with Lisa from Summer Rec re: Law enforcement day on July 14, Sheriffs office will be there also.
He asked for approval for the Prescription Drug Collection Box policy. It’s been used already. He spoke about possibly going to Devan’s Gate with a box. More details to follow. The policy is for emptying it.
He requested permission to attend IMPACT conference Sept. 12-14, $344 in Saratoga.
He requested executive for 2 reasons: 1- to hire Peter Vancura & another to be discussed in there.
VILLAGE OF OTISVILLE:
Trustee Loeven noted the Village Yard sale is Aug. 6. Next month there will be a committee meeting.
Supervisor asked Ms. Loeven to have Mayor Wona open the concert the night of the press conference (7/5/16) as it is our board meeting night. She will relay message.
OLD SCHOOL PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Supervisor Volpe stated he would like to have at least 2 public hearings for the old school and to move meetings to senior center. Councilwoman Sutherland cannot be at Aug. 1 st meeting. Dates discussed were: 8/15/16 and 9/6/16.
RESOLUTION TO SCHEDULE PUBLIC HEARINGS FOR THE OLD SCHOOL:
MOTION offered by Councilman Cambareri 2nd by Councilman Carey to advertise to hold 2 public hearings on Aug. 15 at 7pm and Sept. 6 at 7pm to discuss the old school. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Sutherland, Cambareri; carried.
HOMETOWN HELPERS LUNCHEON.
Supervisor Volpe noted the Hometown Helper luncheon is June 29 (about 2 hours) and the 3 clerks (Paula, Kathleen & Angie) will be attending.
RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT BID FORM WITTCON, INC. FOR THE HIDDEN VALLEY SEWER TREATMENT PLANT UPGRADE:
MOTION offered by Councilman Cambareri 2nd by Councilman Howell to accept the bid from Wittcon, Inc. for $135,00.000 for the Hidden Valley Sewer Plant Upgrade and to give the Supervisor the authority to sign the contract. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Sutherland, Cambareri; carried.
ORANGE COUNTY LAND TRUST LETTER OF SUPPORT:
Supervisor Volpe stated that the letter of support was already done.
TIME WARNER CABLE:
Atty. Bavoso stated that he made approx. 6 calls to Time Warner. It’s been a challenge speaking with an actual person. Last week he reached out to the previous town attorney because he actually negotiated that deal. He’s hoping that he has direct contact information in his file. He’s waiting to hear back from him. He will keep trying.
POLICE BANK RUN ASSISTANCE FROM POLICE DEPARTMENT:
Supervisor Volpe spoke re: police assisted bank runs. The court has to make deposits to the local bank right up here (He hasn’t reached out to Linda Zgrodek yet.). It’s his recommendation that we set something up for the police to pick them up for protection and take them to the bank. He saw Middletown doing it today which triggered this. He feels it would be safer. Atty. Bavoso added that it would be a matter of the Chief issuing a directive. You don’t need a motion for it. Chief asked for Supervisor to let judges know.
RESOLUTION FOR STANDARD WORK DAY:
MOTION offered by Councilman Cambareri 2nd by Councilman Howell that:
Be it resolved, That the Town of Mount Hope/Location code 30364 hereby establishes the following as standard work days for elected and appointed officials and will report the following days worked to the New York State and Local Employees’ Retirement System based on the timekeeping system records or the record of activities maintained and submitted by these officials to the clerk of this body: Highway Superintendent, Town Supervisor, Town Clerk, 2 Justices, 3 Council persons & the Assessor for 6 hours per day (copy at end of these minutes). All in favor; Howell, Carey, Volpe, Sutherland, Cambareri; carried.
RESOLUTION TO APPROVE HIGHWAY BUDGET MODIFICATION #1:
MOTION offered by Councilman Howell 2nd by Councilman Carey to approve the following modification:
Increase unclassified revenue a/c D2770 in the amount of $296.74 & Increase Machinery Repairs a/c D5130.4 in the amount of $296.74. All in favor; Howell, Carey, Volpe, Sutherland, Cambareri; carried.
RESOLUTION TO APPROVE HIGHWAY BUDGET MODIFICATION #2:
MOTION offered by Councilman Howell 2nd by Councilman Carey to approve the following modification:
Increase unclassified revenue a/c D2770 in the amount of $1119.00 & Increase General Repairs a/c D5110.4 in the amount of $1119.00. All in favor; Howell, Carey, Volpe, Sutherland, Cambareri; carried.
RESOLUTION TO APPROVE PRESCRIPTION DRUG COLLECTION BOX POLICY:
MOTION offered by Councilman Cambareri 2nd by Councilwoman Sutherland to approve the Prescription Drug Collection Box Policy as presented. (copy of file in town clerk’s office) All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Sutherland, Cambareri; carried
RESOLUTION FOR POLICE CHIEF TO ATTEND IMPACT CONFERENCE IN SARATOGA SPRINGS:
MOTION offered by Councilwoman Sutherland 2nd by Councilman Cambareri to authorize the Police Chief, Paul Rickard to attend the IMPACT conference in Saratoga Springs, NY from Sept. 12-14, 2016 for a cost of $344.00. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Sutherland, Cambareri; carried.
RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE SUPERVISOR’S REPORT:
MOTION offered by Councilman Cambareri 2nd by Councilman Howell to approve the Supervisor’s report for May 2016 as presented. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Sutherland, Cambareri; carried.
RESOLUTION TO AUDIT THE CLAIMS:
MOTION offered by Councilman Cambareri 2nd by Councilman Howell to approve the following bills:
| GENERAL A: | #341-379 | $ 91,898.23 |
| GENERAL B: | #65-75 | $ 16,266.23 |
| HIGHWAY: | #79-94 | $ 73,679.01 |
| SEWER: | #45-50 | $ 4,329.39 |
All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Sutherland, Cambareri; carried.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION•
Alison Miller asked what the public hearings will specifically address. Supervisor Volpe: 3 options are: to rehab the building, demolition & “Friends of Otisville”. The terms of the “Friends of Otisville” would be determined. This is the 1 st not for profit that has approached the board. We don’t want 6 options for people to vote on. A. Miller commented on the curtains given from the old school to the new school (discussed at last meeting). She’s disappointed that was allowed to happen. She thanked Councilman Carey for his vote against the curtains.
Mary Maurizzio spoke about the bands at the park and the village involvement in the cost of the bands. Supervisor Volpe stated the village paid 20% of the total cost of the concerts last year. This year was approx. $5,050 total cost. She asked if other vendors could come and sell. Supervisor was not sure. She also spoke about Councilwoman Sutherland’s minimal attendance at village board meetings. Councilwoman Sutherland stated she told Diane she could not be at 2 particular meetings and that she also has family obligations. M. Maurizzio is happy meetings are being recorded.
Frank Ketcham: congrats to town for ranking of “best place to raise a family”. He asked about the comprehensive plan meeting. Councilman Howell added the initial committee meeting was 3 weeks ago. Councilman Cambareri added that minutes of the master plan meetings will be on the website as they become available. Mr. Ketcham confirmed that there is no ZBA meeting scheduled. Councilman Howell: correct. Mr. Ketcham asked if Dragon Springs lawsuit has been settled. Atty. Bavoso: no. Mr. Ketcham: they’re building there now without permits (no SPDES, no SWPP). He reported to Mr. Hassenmayer there’s no SWPP. He asked if there was an update for the Deerpark Commons as we are an interested party. Atty. Bavoso will check with Glenn. Councilman Howell asked about a logging permit. Mr. Ketcham doesn’t know. Mr. Ketcham commented on the demo bids for the old school. KC Engineering quote and bid quote have big difference in price. He asked if a review of the difference has been done. Councilman Howell added that the 2 bids received did not include hazmat. Ketcham thinks an abatement study should be done. Councilman Cambareri stated the engineering firm has the documentation of all abatement projects done. The study shows less than 1% asbestos. Mr. Ketcham wanted to clarify the 3 choices for the school and the board members votes on them. Councilman Cambareri asked what the “Friends of the Otisville School” want. We don’t know what you want — do you want to buy it, lease it? Mr. Ketcham: lease. A. Miller stated that Mr. Bavoso was going to look into the options for turning it over to a non profit and what legally could be done. Councilman Cambareri asked what the purpose of creating “Friends of Otisville school”. Ketcham: to create a rural community center that would benefit the community. Councilman Howell explained that his understanding was to have the 3 options as well. Supervisor asked each board member if they were ok with having the 3rd option. Carey: yes, Sutherland: yes, Cambareri: yes.
RESOLUTION TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION.
MOTION offered by Councilman Cambareri 2nd by Councilman Howell to enter into executive session at 8:33pm to discuss possible appointment of a particular person & the discipline of a particular person. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Sutherland, Cambareri; carried.
RESOLUTION TO RECONVENE REGULAR MEETING:
MOTION offered by Councilwoman Sutherland 2nd by Councilman Carey to reconvene regular meeting at 8:40PM from executive session. NO ACTION WAS TAKEN AT THIS EXECUTIVE SESSION. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Sutherland, Cambareri; carried.
RESOLUTION TO HIRE PETER VANCURA AS A POLICE OFFICER:
MOTION offered by Councilman Cambareri 2nd by Councilwoman Sutherland to hire Peter Vancura as a part time non-competitive police officer effective August 15, 2016. All in favor: Carey, Volpe, Sutherland, Cambareri; Opposed — Howell; carried.
BOARD COMMENTS:
Councilman Howell received 2 policies from Chief Rickard: Use of physical Force & deadly physical force AND Firearms Qualifications & Possession. He will review and recommend updates.
Councilman Carey had information for Mr. Cook re: Conservative Advisory Committee.
Councilwoman Sutherland asked if Dominick or Brian heard from the woman with the I-on-I child issue with the summer camp. Both responded no. She asked if there is a summer rec budget.
Supervisor has a summary and is waiting on Lisa for other numbers.
Councilman Cambareri stated this year’s budget came in below last years number.
RESOLUTION TO ADJOURN MEETING:
MOTION offered by Councilman Howell seconded by Councilman Cambareri to adjourn the meeting at 9:43pm. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Sutherland, Cambareri; carried.
The next meeting is scheduled for July 5, 2016 at 7:30pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen A. Myers, RMC
Town Clerk