Select Page

WORKSHOP MEETING, TOWN OF MOUNT HOPE, March 21, 2016

The workshop meeting of the Mount Hope Town Board was held at the Mount Hope Town Hall, 1706 Route 211 West, Otisville, on March 21, 2016 at 7:30pm with the following present:  Supervisor Chad Volpe, Councilman Matthew Howell, Councilman Brian Carey, Councilwoman Janet Sutherland and Town Clerk Kathleen Myers. NOT PRESENT: Councilman Cambareri

OFFICIALS PRESENT: D. Hassenmayer/H’way Supt., Police Chief Rickard, Planning Board Chairman W. Howell  & Attorney D. Bavoso.

 

Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Supervisor Volpe called the meeting to order at 7:30PM. Supervisor called for a moment of silence for the passing of Dean’s mother. Supervisor asked for everyone to silence their cell phones.

 

RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT PRIOR MEETING MINUTES:

MOTION offered by Councilman Howell 2nd Councilman Carey that the minutes of the March 7, 2016 meeting as presented are approved.  All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Sutherland; carried.

 

CORRESPONDENCE:

  1. Complaint from resident trying to renew card
  1. ACCESS request to sell raffle tickets in Mount Hope
  1. Planning Board monthly reports for 2014 and 2015
  1. Resignation from PO Sam Gau effective 3-23-16
  1. Supervisor’s report Feb. 2016
  1. MHFC report through March 21, 2016
  1. Request from Country Fair committee for highway guys to help with set-up & break down of fair
  1. Letter from G. Plotsky re: United Talmudical Academy
  1. Letter from Lions Club re: Sue Marshall is contact for scholarship for summer recreation program
  1. Request to surplus old computer tower from Town Clerk office
  1. Highway bid results minutes for dumpster service
  1. Highway bid result minutes for fiber mat
  1. Policy approval for Racial or Bias-Based Profiling
  1. Policy approval for General Orders
  1. Letter from Planning board re: solar laws
  1. Police Dept. monthly reports for Jan. & Feb. 2016
  1. CPV Valley Energy Project resolution
  1. Copies of proposed local laws re: Regulating Solar Generating Facilities in the Town of Mount Hope, Adopting the NYS Unified Solar Permit for Applications Small Scale, Roof Mounted, Residential Solar Generating Facilities in the Town of Mount Hope & Creating a Moratorium of Opening, Siting, Maintenance & Operation of Commercial Solar Uses in the Town of Mount Hope

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Councilwoman Sutherland reported: speaking with Mr. Mayfield about the community development grant for the retaining wall at Devan’s Gate.

Councilman Carey reported: Little League opening day is April 16th; there will be a football league meeting on April 6th at 7pm; applications for summer recreation counselors are due back by April 25th. The ribbon cutting went well.

Councilman Howell reported: there will be a ZBA meeting on April 6th.

 

POLICE DEPARTMENT:

Chief Rickard reported that Dominick and Jim worked up the specs for the garage floor. Only 2 quotes were received: DeVries quoted $10,000 & Goodrich Construction quoted $14,000. He recommends DeVries quote. And the money to come from Capital Reserve. He emailed the 2 policies for town board review. Matt had questions which he thinks he answered. Chief requested they be approved tonight. He noted PO Sam Gau’s resignation effective March 23 as she is entering the NYS police academy.

 

HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT:

Supt. Hassenmayer reported on the bid opening for dumpster service. He recommends Middletown Carting

for the dumpsters. There was no bid for tire service. He called around for this and Empire Tire in Plainfield CT

will come and pick up the tires.  He recommends Empire Tire.  He next spoke about the fiber mat bid. He only received one bid from Gorman Inc. in Albany. He requested permission to go to Highway school in Ithaca NY June 5-8; registration fee is $110 & he will have lodging amount for next meeting.

 

PLANNING BOARD:

Chairman Howell reported they met last week. They agreed on the solar laws as presented. A letter was sent to town board with their recommendations.

38

MOUNT HOPE FIRE

Report read by Chief Masters. Report on file in Town Clerk’s office.

 

VILLAGE OF OTISVILLE:

Trustee Loeven reported that 2 village board meetings ago their board adopted the minimal standards for solar within the village.

 

RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT BID FOR ROLL OFF DUMPSTER SERVICE:

MOTION offered by Councilman Howell 2nd by Councilman Carey to accept bid from Middletown Carting as follows:

30 yard containers for household bulk; $137.50/pull & $78.00/ton; 6-30 yard containers on site, *Computer monitors, TV’s (plasma, CRT & LCD) @ $30/unit extra; 40 yard containers for mixed metals; no charge for trucking; will pay Town $50/ton; 2-40 yard

containers on site. NO BID FOR TIRE CONTAINERS. Freon units delivered to Middletown Auto Wreckers @ $5.00 each. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Sutherland; carried.

 

RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT BID FOR FIBER REINFORCED BITUMINOUS MEMBRANE SURFACE TREATMENT:

MOTION offered by Councilman Howell 2nd by Councilman Carey to accept bid from Gorman Inc. as presented; copy of bid attached to these minutes. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Sutherland; carried.

 

SOLAR LAWS:

Attorney Bavoso explained each law. The moratorium would be for 6 months then 2 additional extensions can be requested at 3 months per extension. He further explained that the commercial system feeds back into the grid.

 

RESOLUTION TO SET PUBLIC HEARINGS FOR 3 SOLAR LAWS:

MOTION offered by Councilwoman Sutherland 2nd by Councilman Howell to set a public hearing for the 3 proposed solar laws for April 18 at 7:30pm for Regulating Solar Generating Facilities in the Town of Mount Hope; 7:31pm for Adopting the NYS Unified Solar Permit for Applications Small Scale, Roof Mounted, Residential Solar Generating Facilities in the Town of Mount Hope and 7:32pm for Creating a Moratorium of Opening, Siting, Maintenance & Operation of Commercial Solar Uses in the Town of Mount Hope. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Sutherland; carried.

 

RESOLUTION TO OPPOSE THE CPV VALLEY ENERGY PROJECT:

MOTION offered by Councilwoman Sutherland 2nd by Councilman Carey to oppose the CPV Valley Energy Project as presented; see attached resolution. All in favor: Carey, Volpe, Sutherland; OPPOSED: Councilman Howell; carried. AT THIS TIME, Attorney Bavoso stated he did not contribute to the review of this law.

 

EXTENSION OF MOUNT HOPE FIRE COMPANY CONTRACT:

Supervisor Volpe stated he hopes to have an agreement for this extension of the contract by the next meeting.

 

RESOLUTION TO ALLOW ACCESS TO SELL RAFFLE TICKETS:

MOTION offered by Councilwoman Sutherland 2nd by Councilman Howell to allow ACCESS –Supports for Living Inc. to sell raffle tickets within the Town of Mount Hope. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Sutherland; carried.

 

RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT RESIGNATION FROM POLICE OFFICER SAM GAU:

MOTION offered by Councilwoman Sutherland 2nd by Councilman Howell to accept resignation from PO Sam Gau effective March 23, 2016. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Sutherland; carried.

 

RESOLUTION TO APPROVE SUPERVISOR’S REPORT:

MOTION offered by Councilman Howell 2nd by Councilman Carey to approve the February 2016 supervisor’s report as presented.  All in favor; Howell, Carey, Volpe, Sutherland; carried.

 

REQUEST FOR HIGHWAY HELP FOR OTISVILLE COUNTRY FAIR:

Supervisor Volpe asked Dean for an estimate of man hours for the last couple of years.

He asked for Police Chief to do the same. This will be discussed at next meeting.

 

39

RESOLUTION TO SURPLUS/DESTROY COMPUTER TOWER FROM TOWN CLERK’S OFFICE:

MOTION offered by Councilwoman Sutherland 2nd by Councilman Howell to surplus/destroy: LG computer tower serial #: 16299067200103 from Town Clerk’s Office.  All in favor; Howell, Carey, Volpe, Sutherland; carried.

 

RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE RACIAL OR BIAS-BASED PROFILING POLICY AS PRESENTED:

MOTION offered by Councilwoman Sutherland 2nd by Councilman Howell to approve the Racial or Bias-Based policy as presented. Copy on file in Town Clerk’s office. All in favor; Howell, Carey, Volpe, Sutherland; carried.

 

GENERAL ORDERS POLICY DISCUSSION:

Councilman Howell still had some questions regarding this policy. Chief Rickard explained this is just a refresher of the current policy in place. No authority is changing. This is a stop gap measure.  Councilwoman Sutherland had no questions. Councilman Carey asked to move to next meeting. Councilman Howell asked to wait until next meeting for this.

 

RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT QUOTE FROM DEVRIES CONCRETE CORP. FOR POLICE FLOOR IN GARAGE:

MOTION offered by Councilman Carey 2nd by Councilman Howell to accept quote from DeVries Concrete Corp. for $10,000 for the garage floor at police station. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Sutherland; carried.

 

RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AGREEMENT WITH EMPIRE TIRE FOR BULK TRASH WEEKS:

MOTION offered by Councilman Howell 2nd by Councilman Carey to approve quote from Empire Tire (Plainfield, CT) for highway bulk dumpster service. All in favor; Howell, Carey, Volpe, Sutherland; carried.

 

RESOLUTION TO APPROVE HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT TO GO TO HIGHWAY SCHOOL IN ITHACA:

MOTION offered by Councilman Carey 2nd by Councilman Howell to approve Highway Supt. to attend highway school in Ithaca NY June June 5-8; registration fee $110; pending lodging amount given at next meeting. All in favor; Howell, Carey, Volpe, Sutherland; carried.

 

RESOLUTION TO AUDIT THE CLAIMS:

MOTION offered by Councilman Howell 2nd by Councilman Carey approve the following bills:

GENERAL A:  #137-165$  57,806.81

GENERAL B:  #25-29$    9,723.94

HIGHWAY:    #35-41$  34,395.19

SEWER:   #22-25$    1,727.34

All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Sutherland. Motion carried.

 

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:

  1. Cook: stated he will FOIL a copy of the letter re: United Talmudical Academy. He is happy about proposed solar law. He would a solar company to come and explain how it works. He believes training is needed for solar farms. He thanked the board for the CPV resolution. He asked where he would start if he considers getting solar panels.  Atty. Bavoso stated with the building department.
  2. Quinn: she is with Pack 169. They would like to have a Soap Box Derby at the park on the hill behind the barn.  The boys would wear helmets.  Supervisor Volpe stated we would need insurance.  Atty. Bavoso requested a written narrative of what would be going on that day. Councilman Carey asked how wide the hill is. Supt. Hassenmayer stated about 200’ wide.

 

RESOLUTION TO ALLOW SOAP BOX DERBY:

MOTION offered by Councilman Howell 2nd by Councilman Carey to allow cub scouts to have Soap Box Derby on the hill behind the barn at the park pending a narrative of how the day will transpire and receiving an insurance certificate.  All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Sutherland; carried.

 

  1. Davoren: asked if the police department is hiring. Chief: possibly. Discussion on how long resumes are kept. Chief: we don’t respond to all resumes. They are kept on file.
  2. Furman: He is glad about: CPV resolution, soap box derby & moratorium although may not be long enough. Councilwoman Sutherland asked what happens after the extensions? Atty: the board can pass a law again. Mr. Furman spoke re: one million sq. ft. building permit applied for in Deerpark.  He would like to see a moratorium for no other building except for single family homes in Mount Hope. He asked for the timeline for the vote on the old school. Supervisor Volpe stated the bids are due back by April 29.
  3. Cook: asked about his questions from last meeting re: building permits/trespassing. Atty.: explained once a building permit is issued that means the applicants consent to all inspections with regard to the permit.
  4. Furman: asked what the letter about the UTA. Atty: stated it is a proposed judgement.

 

40

  1. DePolito: spoke re: summer recreation and the difference between the town running it and the village. Supervisor explained that there are more town residents that go than village. Mr. Depolito asked about hiring of counselors/residence status. Supervisor; should be a town or village resident to be a counselor. Application will be accepted through April 29.
  2. Maurizzio: spoke re: fire at tire shop. Otisville arrived 1st. She called the county fire coordinator the next day and found out that Chad and Paul called also. Chief stated he called to have a meeting as emergency management coordinator with Chad and county. Mrs. Maurizzio wanted to know why Otisville & Mount Hope do not have each other on their mutual aid lists. Supervisor explained the home rule and that unless Mount Hope calls them in they cannot act. Councilman Carey added that he heard call go in and he walked down there. Mount Hope responded very quick ad did Howells. Chief added that this is a common occurrence all over the county. Councilwoman Sutherland added that there are 3 sides to every story in any situation. Chief Masters added that he met with Supervisor and Chief.
  3. Loeven: Thanked the board for the grand opening of the senior center.  It was great. Seniors are very excited about it.

 

BOARD COMMENTS:

Councilman Howell requested executive session for a police personnel issue.

Councilman Carey stated he went to a county meeting & part of discussion was about hotel tax.

Councilwoman Sutherland thanked Sam Gau for time and service here in Mount Hope. She apologized for not being at the ribbon cutting for the senior center as she received very late notice.

 

RESOLUTION TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION:

MOTION offered by Councilman Howell 2nd by Councilman Carey to enter into executive session at 8:44pm to discuss a highway grievance & police personnel. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Sutherland; carried.

 

RESOLUTION TO RECONVENE REGULAR MEETING:

MOTION offered by Councilman Howell 2nd by Councilman Carey to reconvene workshop meeting from executive session at 9:17pm.  NO ACTION WAS TAKEN IN THIS SESSION. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Sutherland; carried.

 

RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE TOWN SUPERVISOR TO SEND LETTER TO HIGHWAY GUYS RE: STATE DOT PHYSICALS:

MOTION offered by Councilman Carey 2nd by Councilman Howell to authorize the Town Supervisor to send letter to highway guys regarding the NYS DOT physicals. All in favor; Howell, Carey, Volpe, Sutherland; carried.

 

RESOLUTION FOR ADJOURNMENT:

MOTION offered by Councilman Howell 2nd by Councilman Carey to adjourn the meeting at 9:17pm.  All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Sutherland. Motion carried.

 

The next meeting is scheduled for April 4, 2016 at 7:30pm at the town hall meeting room.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Kathleen A. Myers, RMC

Town Clerk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

41

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

42

RESOLUTION TO OPPOSE THE CPV VALLEY ENERGY PROJECT:

 

RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Mount Hope hereby opposes the CPV Valley Energy Center, in Orange County NY

RESOLVED, that the Town Board requests that all permits issued by all permitting agencies be suspended until the health, safety and environmental impacts can be independently verified

RESOLVED, that the Town Board request that the Orange County IDA cancel all agreements with CPV.

RESOLVED, that the Town Board requests that the CPV project not be given any state guarantees or purchase agreements.

RESOLVED, that the Town Board requests the NYS DEC reject the Water Quality Certification for the CPV Valley Lateral Pipeline.

WHEREAS, Competitive Power Ventures has received conditional approval from the Town of Wawayanda to build a 650 MW Gas & Oil Power Plant project which will include 2-275 foot smoke stacks and a near million gallon oil tank, a 15,000 ammonia tank & gas insulation substation in both the Town of Wawayanda and the City of Middletown, known as the CPV Valley Energy Center.

WHEREAS, the CPV Valley Energy Center would create a significant new source of toxic air emissions that will deteriorate the air quality of the lower Hudson valley, including 2.1 million tons of CO2e & 700 tons of other criteria pollutants, including high amounts of particulate matter, nitrous oxides, sulfur dioxides & volatile organic compounds each of which are known to have significant adverse health impacts.

WHEREAS, recent peer reviewed scientific studies demonstrate substantial adverse health risks from exposure to shale gas development, including power plants.

WHEREAS, the Town of Mount Hope is 9.1 miles from the project.

WHEREAS, air contaminants emitted by the CPV Valley Project will not be confined within artificial town borders and therefore are of regional concern, and

WHEREAS, families living within a mile of Millenium’s 12,260 HP compressor station in Minisink, NY have experienced respiratory, neurological & dermatological problems since it began operating, and the Minisink Compressor Station will service the CPV Valley power plant.

WHEREAS recent studies demonstrate that ozone inhibits crop production.

WHEREAS, the CPV Valley Energy would only economically benefit the Town of Wawayanda and to a minimal degree the City of Middletown while all other health, safety & environmental costs would burden neighboring municipalities and residents.

WHEREAS, the location of CPV Valley Project is in a pristine and protected agricultural district designated by the NYSDEC as a critical environmental area rich in ecological resources which are shared public natural resources.

WHEREAS, the site of the project serves to recharge the Wallkill River aquifer, the sole source of drinking water for 40,000 people in Orange County and northern New Jersey, designated as a sole source aquifer,

WHEREAS, CPV also would require a 7 mile lateral pipeline to be owned & operated by the millennium pipeline known as the CPV lateral pipeline which would go through the Town of Minisink, also a protected agricultural district,

WHEREAS, pipelines are prone to leaks and explosions.

WHEREAS, the American Medical Assoc. and the Medical Society of the State of NY have adopted resolutions entitled “Protecting Public Health from Natural Gas Infrastructure”’ which recognize the potential impact on human health associated with natural gas infrastructure and call for a government assessment of risk associated therewith; and

WHEREAS, the 7 mile lateral pipeline would take private property from landowners via eminent domain.

WHEREAS, there have been over 10,000 pipeline incidents since 1973 including explosion in San Bruno, CA resulting in 8 fatalities and more recently an explosion of a pipeline in Sissionville, WV owned and operated by NiSource the same parent company of the Millenium pipeline that destroyed 5 homes and melted an entire section of an interstate highway.

WHEREAS, CPV Valley would lock our region into a 30 year dependence on climate changing fossil fuels including fracked gas that threatens our regional air, water & food resources.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Supervisor and Town Board hereby strongly opposes the CPV Valley Energy Project because of its potential degradation of our air quality, drinking water & the potential to risk the health and safety of our region and community.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the municipal clerk is hereby authorized to forward a copy of this resolution to the Governor’s office, Orange County Legislature & State Legislature.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

43