TOWN OF MOUNT HOPE BOARD MEETING, March 18, 2019
The town board meeting of the Mount Hope Town Board was held at Mount Hope Town Hall, 1706 Route 211 West, Otisville, on March 18, 2019 at 7:30pmwith the following present: Supervisor Chad Volpe, Councilman Matthew Howell, Councilman Brian Carey, Councilman Jim Jennings, Councilman Chris Furman and Town Clerk Kathleen Myers.
OFFICIALS PRESENT:D. Hassenmayer H’way Supt., Police Chief Rickard, Deputy Chief Maresca & Attorney Bill Bavoso.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Supervisor Volpe called the public hearing to order at 7:30PM. Supervisor asked for everyone to silence their cell phones.
7:30pm: PUBLIC HEARING FOR MS-4 STORMWATER LAW:
Supervisor Volpe opened the public hearing and noted the ad in the newspaper was on the front table. Engineer Jason Pitingaro explained the need for the public hearing. Mount Hope falls within the area for the MS-4. The law is not changing. Supervisor Volpe asked the board if they had any questions. They did not. He asked the public if they had any comments. There were no comments from the audience.
MOTION TO CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING:
MOTION offered Councilman Furman 2ndCouncilman Carey to close public hearing at 7:34pm. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Furman, Jennings; carried.
MOTION TO ACCEPT PRIOR MEETING MINUTES:
MOTION offered Councilman Howell 2nd Councilman Carey that the March 4, 2019 meeting minutes are accepted as presented. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Furman, Jennings; carried.
CORRESPONDENCE:
- Budget modification for sewer department
- Supervisor’s report Feb. 2019
- Orange County Sheriff’s 5K May 11, 2019 for approval
- NYCLASS Bank resolution
- PILOT for solar between T/O Mount Hope & Finchville Tpke LLC for approval
- (3) estimates for HVAC for new recreation center
- Building department report February 2019
- Free rabies clinic flier: T/O New Windsor Apr 6, 2019 10am to 1pm at the highway department
- NYS Ag & Mkts municipal inspection report – satisfactory
- Police dept. monthly for February 2019
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Councilman Jenningsreported the planning board meets 3/20 at 7pm. The village meeting is 3/21 at 7pm; there’s a public hearing at 6:30 then the meeting will follow after that. He met with John Graziano regarding playground equipment. He came on site and walked the property. He will draw up a playground for us and get back to us within 2 weeks. He’s with Burke Playgrounds.
Councilman Furmanreported there’s no ZBA meeting. MV football league will start registration soon. The football league reached out to him at one of the football meetings that they need a little help. He asked Dean if he could meet with him and Chad and their board just to go over a few things they’d like to do with their field. They’re looking for help with topsoil and grass seed. The other thing is they need to keep a fence there to keep the spectators out and right now they use a rope. They were asking about fencing up there.
Councilman Careyadded to Councilman Furman’s report that the fencing would be at their expense not ours. Little league is having a pancake breakfast this weekend on 3/24 8am to 1pm at the fire house. Little league parade is April 13. Line-up is at 10:30am on School Street. Parade kicks off 11:00am. Games start at 12:00pm. He went to a meeting with Councilman Furman in Deerpark and it was postponed to April 10that the Port Jervis High school.
Councilman Howellfollowed up with the cleaning service from last meeting. The cleaning company will work around the hours of police department. He would like to approve the quote from Harry O’s Cleaning Svcs. for $835.00 for the vinyl flooring and carpet for police and court.
25
HOWELLS CEMETERY:
Supervisor Volpe reported he has the contract for the sale of the additional property (2.1 acres) for the cemetery & he hopes to close on this property within the next 2 weeks. The check and voucher was done in December.
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT:
Supt. Hassenmayer reported he received 2 proposals for a bay heater: Larson’s $8,200 to remove and install a new one with a 10 year warranty and Steve Dodd is $8,700 with the same furnace and same warranty. The guy from Green With Envy that did the roof for the senior center has left Dean messages that he will come when the snow is off the roof. He’s not seen or heard from him since last Monday. He and Julie had MS-4 training on March 7. The guys had forklift training on March 12. Lock out tag out & hazcom training was March 19. Dig Safely class will be March 20 in Rockland County. After all these – they should be good on all their training for the year. He reported on the foundation work for the addition at the new community center. They got it backfilled & trenched-out for the under slab plumbing. We’ve been working a lot with Darren and Troy to try to determine the last bit of corrections. We have everything from Darren as of this morning. We planned on doing the plumbing on Thursday but it looks like we have rain coming. As soon as the weather allows – the plumbing will get done. Councilman Carey asked Dean his opinion on how we can get Route 211 fixed. Dean thinks at this point it should come from someone higher than the state – like the Senator. Dean was told the last time he called them that they would come out and re-set the plate. They never came out. Councilman Howell stated that he sent a letter to Senator Metzger and Assemblywoman Gunther and the Assemblyman from the Mahopac area who’s a member of the assembly task force for highway repairs. He only received a response from Assemblywoman Gunther.
MOTION TO ACCEPT QUOTE FROM LARSON’S HEATING & COOLING FOR FURNACE REPLACEMENT:
MOTION offered Councilman Howell 2ndCouncilman Furman to accept quote from Larson’s Heating & Cooling in the amount of $8,200.00 for a replacement furnace for the highway department . All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Furman, Jennings; carried.
POLICE REPORT:
Chief Rickard requested a resolution to authorize him to sign the contract with Orange County for the smoke trailer. The speed trailer will be out after all the snow is done.
MOTION TO AUTHORIZE THE POLICE CHIEF TO SIGN THE SMOKE TRAILER AGREEMENT:
MOTION offered Councilman Carey 2ndCouncilman Furman to authorize Police Chief Paul Rickard to sign the contract with the County of Orange for the Safety Trailer for Community Day 2019/Summer Recreation. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Furman, Jennings; carried.
VILLAGE OF OTISVILLE:
Trustee Loeven reported village elections are tomorrow from 12-9 at village hall. They will have 2 public hearings at their next board meeting – one for their budget and the other for Cold War Veterans. The Arbor Day celebration will be at 10:00am on April 27, 2019 at the Veteran’s park. All are invited. Councilman Carey spoke re: garden club donations. He will post it.
SUMMER RECREATION:
Supervisor Volpe reported the fliers will be going to the schools. Councilman Carey has to meet with Brian Monahan and let him approve it. Prices went up a little bit because minimum wage went up. He will scan the flier and put it online. He will also get it on facebook. Supervisor Volpe added that about 50% of the counselors are coming back. A lot of the kids have aged out. We tried something unique last year where they are on rotation schedule for M/W/F vs T/TH. Director interviews will be this week.
MOTION TO APPROVE SEWER DEPARTMENT BUDGET MODIFICATION:
MOTION offered Councilman Furman 2ndCouncilman Howell to approve the modification as follows:
Increase revenue SS4089 EFC Grant revenue by $21,794.00 and
Increase expense SS8130.4 Sewer contractual by $21,794.00. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Furman, Jennings; carried.
MOTION TO APPROVE SUPERVISOR’S REPORT:
MOTION offered Councilman Jennings 2nd Councilman Furman to approve the February 2019 supervisor’s report as presented. All in favor; Howell, Carey, Volpe, Jennings, Furman; carried.
SHERIFF DEPARTMENT 5K – MAY 11, 2019:
Bernie Mendoza spoke re: May 11, 2019 Sheriff Dept. 5K. The proceeds will be donated to a fellow officer who has cancer. The race will start at 9am; registration starts at 8am.
26
MOTION TO APPROVE SHERIFF DEPARTMENT REQUEST TO HAVE 5K ON MAY 11, 2019:
MOTION offered Councilman Furman 2ndCouncilman Carey to allow the OC Sheriff department to hold their 2ndannual 5K on May 11, 2019 in the T/O Mount Hope and use the pavilion – insurance certificate provided. All in favor; Howell, Carey, Volpe, Jennings, Furman; carried.
NY CLASS BANK:
Supervisor Volpe explains adding NYCLASS Bank to the investment policy. He met with them last week. Traditionally, we had brought in $14-15,000 in interest. The rates went up. We were able to re-negotiate. This year we are on target to make approx. $48,000 in interest. We move money monthly instead of leaving it in the checking account where it’s not drawing anything. With NY CLASS (for fire districts, school districts and municipalities) that $48,000 would be $132,000 next year. Councilman Carey asked if any banks would be coming off the list. Supervisor – no because you can’t write checks from there. He explained the transfers of money.
MOTION TO ADD NYCLASS BANK TO THE 2019 INVESTMENT POLICY:
MOTION offered Councilman Carey 2ndCouncilman Furman to add NYCLASS Bank to the town 2019 Investment Policy as follows: (see 2019 Investment Policy at end of these minutes)
NYCLASS MUNICIPAL COOPERATION RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, New York General Municipal Law, Article 5-G, Section 119-o empowers municipal corporations {defined in Article 5-G, Section 119-n to include school districts, boards of cooperative educational services, counties, cities, towns & villages, and districts} to enter into, amend, cancel, & terminate agreements for the performance among themselves (or one for the other) of their respective functions, powers & duties on a cooperative or contract basis;
WHEREAS, the Town of Mount Hope wishes to invest portions of its available investments funds in cooperation with other corporations and/or districts pursuant to the NYCLASS Municipal Cooperation Agreement Amended & restated as of March 14, 2019;
WHEREAS, the Town of Mount Hope wishes to assure the safety and liquidity of its funds;
NOW, THEREFORE, it is hereby resolved as follows:
That Supervisor Chad J. Volpe is hereby authorized to execute and deliver the NYCLASS Municipal Cooperation Agreement Amended & restated as of March 14, 2019 in the name of and on behalf of the Town of Mount Hope.
Dated & approved: March 18, 2019
All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Jennings, Furman; carried.
MOTION TO SCHEDULE THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PUBLIC HEARING:
MOTION offered Councilman Howell 2ndCouncilman Carey to schedule a public hearing for the Community Development Block Grant program on April 1, 2019 at 7:30pm. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Jennings, carried. (Councilman Furman recused himself as he is president for the old school committee.)
FINCHVILLE TURNPIKE LLC PILOT:
Supervisor Volpe explained that the resolution for the PILOT for Finchville Turnpike LLC mimics all the other ones $6,000/megawatt. This particular one is 1.8 megawatts which makes their payment to the town every year $10,800. This is the Kowalczik solar farm. The longest you can go out on a PILOT is 15 years because they lose all their certifications from NYSERDA on year 16.
MOTION TO APPROVE FINCHVILLE TURNPIKE LLC PILOT AGREEMENT:
MOTION offered Councilman Howell 2ndCouncilman Carey to approve the Finchville Turnpike LLC PILOT agreement as presented. (copy on file in town clerk office) All in favor; Howell, Carey, Volpe, Jennings, Furman; carried.
HVAC FOR NEW COMMUNITY CENTER:
Supervisor Volpe explained that he received 3 quotes for the HVAC: Nebrasky for $97,831.12; CR Wolfe for $70,888.00 and Westar Tech. for $69,985.00. Jason & Darren had written up the specs. We spec’d out all that’s necessary for the HVAC – if they had any questions, they could contact the engineer. We contacted 8 places. A lot of places don’t want to get involved with prevailing wage especially if they’re not a union shop. He recommends we go with the cheapest company. Councilman Jennings is concerned that there’s nothing on this (quote) sheet. Supervisor stated because it’s all on the spec sheet.
27
Mr. Pitingaro added that the way the units are sized is by their tonnage or their ratings. Westar may work closely with one vendor as opposed to Nebrasky works with or one of the other ones. They are all comparable at a certain level or above.
MOTION TO ACCEPT QUOTE FROM WESTAR TECH SVCS. CORP. FOR THE HVAC SYSTEM IN THE NEW COMMUNITY CENTER:
MOTION offered Councilman Carey 2ndCouncilman Howell to accept the quote from Westar Tech Svcs. Corp. for the HVAC system for the new community center in the amount of $69,985.00. All in favor; Howell, Carey, Volpe, Jennings, Furman; carried.
HARRY’S CLEANING SERVICES:
Supervisor Volpe would like a motion to approve Harry O’s for the police and courts floors. Councilman Jennings questioned that at the last board meeting this was supposed to be a 2 day project. Councilman Howell added that they’ll schedule it so it’s the off hours of the police department like midnight to 6 or make it so they can start at that time – maybe do the senior center – and then if there’s time when there’s low traffic – this way they’ll make it work.
MOTION TO HIRE HARRY O’S CLEANING SERVICES FOR THE POLICE AND COURT BUILDING:
MOTION offered Councilman Carey 2ndCouncilman Howell to hire Harry O’s Cleaning Services to strip and wax police floors and clean carpets at court office in the amount of $835.00. All in favor; Howell, Carey, Volpe, Jennings, Furman; carried.
MOTION TO AUDIT THE CLAIMS:
MOTION offered Councilman Furman 2nd Councilman Jennings approve the following bills (abstract 6):
GENERAL A: #137-175 $143,830.91
GENERAL B: #20-28 $ 14,615.25
HIGHWAY: #31-46 $102,230.33
SEWER: #25-31 $ 24,599.12
All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Furman, Jennings. Motion carried.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:
Alison Miller thanked the board for the public hearing for the community development block grant for the friends of the Otisville School. She noted the comment from Brian about the little league parade lining up on School Street. In the past they have informally used the parking lot of the old school to meet for line up. She wanted to know if they were planning on doing that this year but the parking lot is in pretty rough shape due to weather damage and the water line was replaced last year. There’s an old stump there. She would like someone from the little league to touch base with Chris regarding this. Councilman Carey: it was mentioned, he’s the one that said School Street. He was going to talk to Chris about it. He happened to be up there on Saturday and he realized the parking lot was rough. He wouldn’t expect anyone to go there without asking permission first. He will clarify it and worst case if they feel that they can’t – they can still gather up on the street.
Diane Loeven mentioned there’s a senior trip on April 1st. The remainder of their trips is on this flier and will be posted on the town website thanks to Kathleen and Christine. There’s one on the bulletin board. She asked if April 15 is till the recognition for the Hometown Helpers. Supervisor Volpe stated yes. Ms. Loeven spoke re: Community Advisory Board minutes. If any board members want copies – she can do that but Kathleen and Chad always have them as well. Councilman Carey added that the black book shelf broke and he out it in the dumpster. There were no new notes in the suggestion box. Ms. Loeven noted the leucite wall holder sounds good.
Doug Tripken received a letter about the community sewer system (in Hidden Valley). A few years ago they had an engineer’s report that they were checking the sewer lines for breaks. Supervisor noted it was right about when he 1ststarted that they had done the scoping. The engineer saw nothing – a couple minor things nothing significant as far as any collapsing of pipes. Mike Brock (who runs the plant) came down about 2 weeks ago and he was a little up in arms. He was told to write up something so that the Supervisor could explain it to the residents. Mr. Brock explained that anything that comes in to the plant has to be treated which costs money. Mr. Brock thought that since we were having warm days then cool days perhaps people were getting flooded and running their sump pumps through their sewer. It was a significant rise in water that is coming through there. Mr. Brock thought if a letter was sent to those residents letting them know that then maybe they would just let it go down their driveways. Then the Supervisor will also add a little to the letter. Mr. Brock was here today and said there was zero change. Supervisor wanted to start 1stwith a letter and if not we’ll have to look what the other causes are.
28
BOARD COMMENTS:
Councilman Howellrequested executive session regarding a personnel matter.
Councilman Careymentioned to everyone there is a little league pancake breakfast Sunday March 24 at the fire house.
Councilman Furman: No comments.
Councilman Jennings: No comments.
MOTION TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION:
MOTION offered Councilman Howell 2ndCouncilman Carey to enter into executive session at 8:19pm to discuss a personnel matter. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Furman, Jennings; carried.
MOTION TO RECONVENE REGULAR MEETING:
MOTION offered Councilman Jennings 2ndCouncilman Furman to reconvene regular meeting from executive session at 8:36pm. NO ACTION WAS TAKEN IN THIS SESSION.All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Furman, Jennings; carried.
MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT:
MOTION offered Councilman Carey 2nd Councilman Furman to adjourn the meeting at 8:36pm. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Jennings, Furman. Motion carried.
The next meeting is scheduled for April 1, 2019 at 7:30pm at the town hall meeting room.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen A. Myers, RMC
Town Clerk
29
TOWN OF MOUNT HOPE
2019 INVESTMENT POLICY – AMENDED
Motionby Councilmember Brian Carey
The Town Supervisor is designated to make all investment transactions for the
Town. The Town of Mount Hope investment policies are governed by the
statutes of the State of New York, however, the Town must have a stated and
approved investment policy. The Town funds are deposited in F.D.I.C. insured
banks located within the State. The Town uses demand accounts
and may use Certificates of Deposit. Collateral is required for all funds on
deposit not covered by Federal deposit insurance. Obligations that are pledged
as collateral shall be obligations of the U.S., its agencies, New York State, its
municipalities and school districts. The collateral should be placed in a third
party bank and the third party bank is to give the Town notification of possession,
the depositories for the Town investments shall be First National Bank of
Jeffersonville, Orange Bank & Trust Company & Wallkill Valley Federal Savings & Loan and
NYCLASS Bank.
The investment policy of the Town shall be in accordance with the statutes of New York
State and be periodically reviewed and revised as necessary to reflect changes in
available investment opportunities and market conditions. Investment records and
controls should be within the guidelines of policies and procedures set forth by the Office
of the State Comptroller.
Secondedby Councilmember Chris Furman
AYE NAY
Supervisor Chad Volpe X
Councilman Matthew Howell X
Councilman Brian Carey X
Councilman James Jennings X
Councilman Chris Furman X
Approved at Town Board meeting held on March 18, 2019.
Kathleen A. Myers, RMC
Town Clerk
30