The WORKSHOP MEETING of the Town Board of the Town of Mount Hope was held at the Town Hall at 1706 Route 211 West, Otisville, NY, on December 28, 2015 at 7:30pm with the following present: Supervisor Chad Volpe, Councilman Matt Howell, Councilman Gary Ketcham, and Town Clerk Kathleen Myers. NOT PRESENT: Councilwoman Janet Sutherland & Councilman Dominick Cambareri.
OFFICIALS PRESENT: Chief Rickard, Highway Supt. Hassenmayer, Atty. G. Plotsky.
Supervisor Volpe called the meeting to order at 7:30pm following the Pledge of Allegiance. He asked for everyone to silence their cell phones.
RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE PRIOR MEETING MINUTES:
MOTION offered by Councilman Howell 2nd by Councilman Ketcham to approve the minutes of the December 7, 2015 as presented. All in favor: Howell, Ketcham, Volpe; carried.
CORRESPONDENCE:
1. KC Engineering insurance certificate
2. Police dept. surplus funds request to roll into police capital equipment reserve
3. Police dept. petty cash fund year end balance $200.00
4. 2 highway budget modifications
5. Letter from NYCOMCO re: Connect Plus radio network lease program
6. Supervisor budget modification
7. OC transfer station 2016 calendar
8. Supervisors report 11-2015
9. Letter from Atty. G. Plotsky re: Dragon Springs
10. Proposal from Barton & Loguidice re: master plan
11. Letter from Assessor re: Lou Ingrassia SBL 5-1-21
12. Port Jervis library contract for 2016
13. 2015 year end budget modifications
14. MHFC monthly report 12-28-2015
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
POLICE DEPT. by Chief Rickard:
He stated the memos are typical for end of the year. He requested executive session for personnel issues. He stated the workplace violence policy had a couple adjustments. It was sent to PESH inspector for approval.
HIGHWAY DEPT. by Supt. Hassenmayer:
He spoke re: 1. highway truck radios being mobile radios. He has a copy of agreement from NYCOMCO to lease 13-40 watt mobile radios for 7 years at $598/month, 2 swap kits, 6-portable radios & 1 base station. He received another quote from Goosetown Communications. They were $300/month higher. These will allow contact with neighboring municipalities. Radios now don’t work from one end of town to the other. Supervisor asked if these 2 were the only 2 companies in town? Supt. Hassenmayer: with type of system, yes. Supervisor asked if they take the old radios. Supt. stated with this agreement they will take our 13 old ones and it would lower the price by $2/month. Councilman Ketcham asked if they will be compatible with fire/police? Supt.: J. Doty stated as long as they are ultrahigh, they would be compatible. Councilman Howell asked if price is fixed for 7 years? Supt.: yes.
RESOLUTION TO SIGN NYCOMCO AGREEMENT:
MOTION offered by Councilman Howell 2nd by Councilman Ketcham to sign & authorize Dean to enter into contract with NYCOMCO for a 7 year lease on radios for $598.00 per month. All in favor: Howell, Ketcham, Volpe; carried.
2. Supt. Hassenmayer spoke re: O&R coming to do a summary of all lighting in all our facilities and the park. Bottom line is they predict we can save $7359.15/year if we upgrade our lighting. It will cost us $19,245; O&R share $24,400. It will take est. 2.6 years to earn our contribution back.
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Outdoor fixtures would be upgraded to LED lights incl. park. Indoor fluorescent would be converted to high efficiency fluorescent. Supervisor explained the rebates run out at the end of the year. We have to vote on it tonight. They went to all the sites and took copies of our bills. He is in favor of it. Councilman Howell asked about the estimated savings. Is that based on the current kilowatt price? Supt.: yes. He added you don’t have to do everything. You can do just certain buildings. He explained the back of the garage is antique fluorescent lighting.
3. He spoke re: workplace violence policy. It was sent to PESH. He hopes to approve it next Monday.
PLANNING BOARD: No meeting.
HIDDEN VALLEY: no report. Supt. Hassenmayer spoke re: beaver issue on Homestead Lane in the culvert pipe. Grates were put in both sides of the road. They dammed up the grates. They have already rebuilt the upper dam. He’s contacted the trapper. He hasn’t heard from him. Supervisor: they tried to get permission form a homeowner to access their property. Permission not given. He thinks legal representation may be necessary. Atty. Plotsky: you may want to submit it to the engineer to find out what to do. If need be bring imminent domain proceeding or injunctive action compelling them to allow you on their property. Discussion.
MOUNT HOPE FIRE:
Chief Doty read report. Elections were 2 weeks ago. New officers: Chief – Mike Masters, 1st Asst. Chief: Wayne Melton, 2nd asst. Chief- Stu Carver, Captain- Mike Osborne, 1st Lt. – Bobby Hassenmayer, 2nd. Lt. Eric Grunwald. Report will be on file in Town Clerk’s office.
RESOLUTION TO SCHEDULE PROPOSED FIREWORKS LOCAL LAW PUBLIC HEARING:
MOTION offered by Councilman Howell 2nd by Councilman Ketcham to schedule a public hearing for the proposed fireworks local law for Feb. 1, 2016 at 7:15pm. All in favor: Howell, Ketcham, Volpe; carried.
CERTIFICATE PRESENTATION TO COUNCILMAN GARY KETCHAM:
Supervisor Volpe addressed Councilman Ketcham. Since he is retiring and tonight is his last night he presented a certificate of appreciation to Councilman Ketcham for 21+ years of service to the Town of Mount Hope.
(Supervisor also noted that he has a certificate for Mr. Ackerson, Building Inspector for 31 years of service.)
RESOLUTION TO APPROVE BUDGET MODIFICATIONS:
MOTION offered by Councilman Ketcham 2nd by Councilman Howell approved the following budget modifications:
Decrease Gen. Funds acct. D5010.4 by $1122.10 and Increase Supt. of Highways personal svcs. A5010.1 $1122.10 (for a shortage in .1);
Increase Sale of Surplus Revenue A/C D2650 by $642.14 and increase Machinery C/E A5130.4 by $642.14;
Decrease A5010.4 Highway C/E by $1500.00 and Increase SS8130.4 HV C/E by $1500.00 (FEMA reimbursement).
All in favor: Howell, Ketcham, Volpe; carried.
RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE SUPERVISOR’S REPORT:
MOTION offered by Councilman Howell 2nd by Councilman Ketcham to approve the Supervisor’s report for Nov. 2015 as presented. All in favor: Howell, Ketcham, Volpe; carried.
MASTER PLAN PROPOSAL FROM BARTON & LOGUIDICE:
Supervisor Volpe is still waiting on one other place for a proposal. He would like to wait for another proposal for this.
WORKPLACE VIOLENCE POLICY:
This will be tabled until next meeting.
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SENIOR CENTER:
Supervisor Volpe: stated he started getting pricing on flooring for the senior center. A lot of work can be done by ourselves. He would like to see it painted. He would like to rip the carpet out and put new flooring in. Hardwood floors are costly. He recommends the hall be shut down for the month of February for these renovations. He wants to update the kitchen and bathrooms as well.
Councilman Howell asked if the contractors can get it all done in February. Supervisor stated that he received a quote of $11,000 from one company for hardwood floors. Most of the wood has a 30 year warranty. He spoke re: handicap faucets in the restrooms. Feb. is usually a slow month. He hopes to get the highway guys when they are slow to do some of this work.
RESOLUTION TO CLOSE SENIOR CENTER FOR MONTH OF FEBRUARY:
MOTION offered by Councilman Howell 2nd by Councilman Ketcham to close the Senior Center for February 2016 for renovations to be done. All in favor: Howell, Ketcham, Volpe; carried.
ORANGE & ROCKLAND ENERGY AUDIT:
Supervisor asked the board what their thoughts are regarding this. Councilman Ketcham thinks we should do it. Supervisor stated we at least have to commit to doing it in order to get it moving. Installation would begin in 60 days. Councilman Howell asked if there is a cancellation policy. Atty.: not sure. Supervisor: stated they will call & schedule each step of the way. Atty.: noted that are some comments/concerns from David. Mr. Plotsky does not see a cancellation provision. There’s a document that does have to be completed as the work is completed.
RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE O&R ENERGY AUDIT:
MOTION offered by Councilman Ketcham 2nd by Councilman Howell to approve the proposed lighting upgrades from Orange & Rockland with the stipulation we may do less work and to include David’s suggested amendments (read by Mr. Plotsky and on file in the Town Clerk’s office); and that O&R names the Town of Mount Hope as additional insured. All in favor: Howell, Ketcham, Volpe; carried.
RESOLUTION TO APPROVE 2016 PORT JERVIS LIBRARY CONTRACT:
MOTION offered by Councilman Ketcham 2nd by Councilman Howell to approve the 2016 contract with Port Jervis Library. (copy on file in Town Clerk’s office). All in favor: Howell, Ketcham, Volpe; carried.
RESOLUTION FOR AUDIT OF CLAIMS:
MOTION offered by Councilman Howell 2nd by Councilman Ketcham to approve the following bills:
GENERAL A: #669-712 $73,973.64
GENERAL B: #91-96 $ 6,878.74
HIGHWAY: #188-205 $55,728.66
SEWER: #106-108 $ 1,966.94.
All in favor: Howell, Ketcham, Volpe; carried.
RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE 2015 YEAR END BUDGET MODIFICATIONS:
MOTION offered by Councilman Ketcham 2nd by Councilman Howell to approve the 2015 Year End Budget Modifications as follows:
FROM: TO: AMOUNT:
A1010.4 A1010.1 $50.16
A1110.2 Cap. Office Eq. A $2000.00
A1220.2 Cap. Office Eq. A $145.02
A1410.2 Cap. Office Eq. A $63.02
A1620.4 A1650.4 $114.25
B3620.2 Cap. Office Eq. B $500.01
B8020.2 Cap. Office Eq. B $500.00
DA1910.4 Capital Bridges $2205.00
DA5120.1 Capital Bridges $8944.00
DA5120.4 Capital Bridges $4000.00
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DA9010.8 Capital Bridges $1617.00
DA9030.8 Capital Bridges $848.00
DA9040.8 Capital Bridges $1113.00
DA9060.8 Capital Bridges $2248.00.
All in favor: Howell, Ketcham, Volpe; carried.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:
D. Loeven: Village Board congratulated Gary on his retirement. His duties as liaison to the boards was duly noted. Happy & healthy New Year.
F. Ketcham: public hearing for Dragon Springs was extended to January 5. You’re still allowed to submit written comments. He asked if we have a defense. Atty. Plotsky: papers have been filed for the court proceeding. Court proceeding has been held in abeyance because one of their primary arguments was the ZBA did not have an opportunity & did not conduct a hearing. The ZBA now is in process of doing that. If the judge gives them a permit, the judge gives them a permit. There’s no further review other than inspections. Ketcham asked how it affects MS4 that we are responsible for? They never submitted any of the stormwater stuff. They shouldn’t get the permit then. Supervisor asked if the judge decides this on his own? Atty: if judge grants them the permit, it’s not based upon any real review of the proposal. It’s based upon whether procedures were not properly followed and therefore by default they get a permit. That’s what the litigation is about. Supervisor asked if judge makes his decision in public forum or he just sends it back to us and we read what it says. Plotsky: right. We’re hoping it doesn’t come to that. The ZBA renders a determination.
J. Cook: re: Dragon Springs. He’s very uncomfortable with Dragon Springs and the attorneys for here and Deerpark. He asked if it’s possible to change legal representation for this circumstance.
He thanked Gary Ketcham for his service to the Town. He also spoke about solar panels and O&R. Supervisor is putting solar panels on hold.
BOARD COMMENTS:
Councilman Howell: enjoy retirement Gary!
RESOLUTION TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION:
MOTION offered by Councilman Howell 2nd by Councilman Ketcham to enter into executive session at 8:25PM for police personnel & litigation re: tax certiorari proceeding; and the town attorney and Police Chief are invited in. All in favor: Howell, Ketcham, Volpe; carried.
RESOLUTION TO RECONVENE REGULAR MEETING:
MOTION offered by Councilman Howell 2nd by Councilman Ketcham to reconvene the meeting from executive session at 8:43pm. NO ACTION WAS TAKEN IN THIS EXECUTIVE SESSION. All in favor: Howell, Ketcham, Volpe; carried.
RESOLUTION TO APPROVE CHANGES IN TERMS & CONDITIONS FOR FREEMAN & CORCORAN:
MOTION offered by Councilman Ketcham 2nd by Councilman Howell to approve the terms and conditions of employment for Deputy Chief Corcoran and Lt. Freeman as presented. (Copy on file in Town Clerk’s office.) All in favor: Howell, Ketcham, Volpe; carried.
RESOLUTION FOR SUPERVISOR TO SIGN CONTRACT WITH CHIEF RICKARD FOR 2016/2017/2018/2019:
MOTION offered by Councilman Ketcham 2nd by Councilman Howell to authorize the Town Supervisor to sign the contract with the Police Chief effective 2016, 2017, 2018 & 2019. (copy on file in Town Clerk’s office.) All in favor: Howell, Ketcham, Volpe; carried.
RESOLUTION FOR SUPERVISOR & ATTORNEY PLOTSKY TO SIGN UTA TAX GRIEVANCE:
MOTION offered by Councilman Ketcham 2nd by Councilman Howell to authorize the Town Supervisor and Town Attorney to sign the settlement agreement for the UTA tax grievance. All in favor: Howell, Ketcham, Volpe; carried.
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DR. ROEDER-PALMER:
She spoke re: updated contracts. The wording was changed a little. Copies given to board and attorney. Current contract states dogs may be released to the dog control officer. If he’s not going to be around ie: vacation; that means they couldn’t be released to the owner until he returns. She fixed that in the contract. She would like to hold a rabies clinic and micro chip clinic for dogs/cats in the town and village. She would like to do this on Jan 23. She would like to speak with attorney about the legality of this for the town. The county is required to hold rabies clinics and are typically held in western part of county. She would like to have one here. Micro-chip clinic – she’s suggesting that the board thinks about this. The dogs could be reunited with their owners sooner and would result in less dogs being impounded. She explained the process when a dog is picked up. There are different manufacturers of the chip reader. They are universal. Dog control officer would not need additional equipment. Chief Rickard asked about getting one for the police department. She explained there is one hanging in the impound room. Atty. Plotsky asked the difference between Palmer’s Ark and Roeder’s Ark. Dr. Roeder-Palmer explained Roeder’s Ark provides medical services to Palmer’s Ark. Palmer’s Ark was created to do the impoundment contract. Councilman Howell asked about the cost to the dog/cat owner for the clinic. Dr. Roeder-Palmer stated she is doing this as a fundraiser for the Waiting In Hope not for profit. Micro-chip is $20 includes lifetime registration. Rabies would be $10 for a 1 yr. or 3 yr. County held clinics are free for rabies. Clinics held by local shelters it’s in line or a little bit less than the TARA van. She also spoke of a tiered fee schedule. Also for e tiered fee schedule for chipped v. non-chipped dogs.
RESOLUTION FOR ADJOURNMENT:
MOTION offered by Councilman Howell 2nd by Councilman Ketcham to adjourn the meeting at 9:00pm. All in favor: Howell, Ketcham, Volpe; carried.
The next meeting is the Reorganizational Meeting on January 4, 2016 at 7:30pm. HAPPY NEW TO EVERYONE!
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen A. Myers
Town Clerk