Town of Mount Hope Town Board Meeting May 6, 2019

The regular meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Mount Hope was held at Town Hall on May 06, 2019 at 7:30pm with the following present: Supervisor Chad Volpe, Councilman Matt Howell, Councilman Brian Carey, Councilman Jim Jennings, Councilman Christopher Furman and Deputy Town Clerk Paula Bird. Not present: Kathleen Myers, Town Clerk.

OFFICIALS PRESENT: Chief P. Rickard, Deputy Chief M. Maresca, D. Bavoso –Town Attorney, Highway Supt. D. Hassenmayer.

Supervisor Volpe called the meeting to order at 7:30PM, following the Pledge of Allegiance.

MOTION TO ACCEPT PRIOR MEETING MINUTES:
MOTION offered Councilman Furman 2nd Councilman Howell to accept the minutes from the April 15, 2019. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Furman, Jennings; carried.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:
COUNCILMAN JENNINGS reported the planning board will meet May 17 at 7PM, the village meeting will be May 18 at 7PM, there were 17 fire calls in April, they are looking for residents to join the centennial committee- if interested call the village clerk’s office, there are 106 library cards as of May 1st.

COUNCILMAN FURMAN reported Minisink Valley Youth Football League will have 2 signups in person on May 19th and June 30th, information is available on their website. Otisville Fire Department is having a blood drive on Wednesday May 8th from 1:30-7:30.

COUNCILMAN CAREY reported there are applications online for Community Day Saturday July 20th, would like to add PDF online. There is a festival in Pine Bush on the 18th and would like to hand out some vendor applications. The International Family Festival is May 9th-13th. Last signups for open registration is tomorrow night from 5-7:30. The CPR/AED class that he and Councilman Jennings took on the 3rd was good. There were 2 questions as to when we will have a first aid and Narcan class. He asked how the clothing drive went. Supervisor Volpe said it went well, it raised almost $1000. Councilman Carey mentioned for VFW that it is Military Appreciation month and he forwarded it to the Facebook page.

COUNCILMAN HOWELL reported the building security system upgrade with the electronic door openers is going in. He reminded the Summer Concert Series starts July 2 from 7-8:30 on Tuesdays.

HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT:
H’way Supt. Hassenmayer reported he has 2 summer helpers to start next Monday. Jack Rich and Joseph Wickham are returning from last year. With the minimum wage increase they will be making $11.10/hour and will be here through July. Once high school is over there will be 4 additional people and they will start the 3rd week of June through Labor Day. Shane Stoebling, Aaron Robinson, Gavin Crance will return from last year and Patrick Rich will be starting new this year. Councilman Jennings questioned it being 6 summer help all at one time. Supervisor Volpe answered yes, for a short period of time. They did 40 senior citizen pickups for Trash Days. They collected 6,700 pounds of electronics of which included 1,900 pounds of video display units and cost the town $691. They collected $696 of tires and $95 of Freon units. There is not a total cost since they don’t have all the bills yet. They ordered 2 new medium duty trucks in January/early February and are due to be built the 1st week in July with arrival before the end of July. They need to order the associated equipment including dump bodies, the plows, the sanders, the lights, tarps, rear fenders, hydraulic pumps and all the controls. He got a bid from Onondaga County, NY for all of the equipment. He also got a bid through Educational Services Commission of New Jersey. He joined their association. It would be cheaper to use the bid from the Educational Services Commission of New Jersey. All of the equipment needed per truck is $77,383. The installer would be Reed Systems out of Ellenville, NY who has also been used for the liquid tanks on the trucks. He needs approval to use the co-op, he has a letter saying they’ve accepted the Town of Mount Hope for a total of $154,699.50 for all of the associated snow equipment needed for the 2 new trucks that are coming. He sat down with a truck dealer for a new highway truck for H’way Supt. They went through some specs and if it was bid out, we could expect to pay $32,000. The truck he has now is 8 years old. If the board wishes, he will go out to bid for a new pickup. Supervisor Volpe thinks we should go out to bid for it to see what comes back. Councilman Jennings asked how many miles. H’way Supt. stated there are 88,000 miles. Councilman Carey stated the current truck (2012) would stay in fleet and go to someone else. H’way Supt. said it would replace the old Supt. truck (2008) which is used for the parks. The old Supt. truck (2008) would go to surplus. On the Community Center- the spray foam will start tomorrow, starting in the ceiling in the big room.
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Both the electrical and HVAC contractors are aware of it and will meet the deadline to their work completed on time. Supervisor Volpe asked if he has talked to anyone about the framing yet. H’way Supt. said he sent it to a contractor in the Pine Bush area.
He emailed the plans and said he would like to bid on it. Supervisor Volpe said there are 2 that have been faxed information to and 1 that came to get paper copy of the plans and hopefully by next meeting there will be several prices available. Councilman Howell asked if the total price on truck includes installation. H’way Supt. said, yes, all installed.

MOTION TO APPROVE HIRING 6 SUMMER HELPERS / H’WAY DEPARTMENT FOR SUMMER 2019:
MOTION offered Councilman Carey 2nd Councilman Furman to approve hiring 6 summer help for highway department for summer 2019 as follows: Jack Rich and Joseph Wickham @ $11.10/hr through July, Shane Stoebling, Aaron Robinson, Gavin Crance and Patrick Rich all starting 3rd week June through Labor Day. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Furman, Jennings; carried.

MOTION TO APPROVE OUTFITTING 2 NEW PREVIOUSLY PURCHASED PLOW TRUCKS:
MOTION offered Councilman Carey 2nd Councilman Howell to approve outfitting 2 new previously purchased plow trucks for a total of $154,699.50 from Educational Services Commission of New Jersey. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Furman, Jennings; carried.

Supervisor Volpe questioned which trucks would go to surplus. H’way Supt. said these 2 new year round trucks would be replacing 4 trucks. The 2 new trucks will be year-round trucks.

MOTION FOR H’WAY SUPERINTENDENT TO GO TO BID FOR NEW PICKUP TRUCK:
MOTION offered Councilman Carey 2nd Councilman Howell for H’way Supt. to go to bid for new pickup truck for H’way Supt. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Furman, Jennings; carried.

POLICE DEPARTMENT:
Chief Rickard reported on the resignation of police clerk Sherri Clarke effective June 25, 2019.

CORRESPONDENCE:
1. Budget modification from Police dept.
2. Annual report filed with State Comptroller’s office 2-28-2019
3. Letter of resignation from Kathie Yedziniak from Planning Board effective 4-17-2019
4. Budget modification from Supervisor
5. Request for approval for court clerks to attend TAC training
6. ZBA Resolution for Katherine Crisafi-Wrixon granted 2-6-19 and filed with ZBA secretary 5-2-19
7. ZBA Resolution for Sam/Ruth Sweetman granted 5-4-16 filed with ZBA secretary 5-2-19
8. ZBA Resolution for Oscar Soriano granted 10-3-18 filed with ZBA secretary 5-2-19
9. ZBA Resolution for St. Nicholas Romanian Church was dismissed without prejudice on 4-4-18 filed with ZBA secretary on 5-2-19
10. Letter of resignation from Police Clerk Sherri Clarke effective 6-25-19
11. Dog Control Officer Inspection Report from Ag. & Mkts. completed on 4-18-19 rated satisfactory
12. Orange County basic mortgage tax receipts from Jan, Feb, March
13. April 2019 Impoundment Report from Palmer’s Ark
14. Hwy Dept. Spring 2019 Trash Report
15. Building Dept. Report April 2019

Sgt. Briceno has completed training for discriminatory harassment trainer. The state has passed new laws and by October 1st all town employees have to attend this training. Supervisor Volpe is planning on Friday, July 26th with possibly 2 sessions with an internal CPR class incorporated into the training. Dept. of labor is requiring under new legislation to develop a new policy that the town has to adopt. One of the changes under the new legislation is if an elected official is found to have committed a discriminatory harassment, they are personally liable and can no longer be paid by the town. He is requesting to send Sgt. Briceno to state police academy training in Albany September 22-27. It is an invite only investigations seminar, the cost is $950 including all expenses. He spoke of the issues related to Michael Cohen turning himself in to the Federal Prison. They put cones up to allow for parking on one side of the street. He asked the village to consider making a no parking zone right by the entrance to the prison. He reminded the police awards are on May 20. Aileen Gunther’s office will be present giving awards from state assembly as well as Janet Sutherland giving awards from the county legislature. Councilman Howell questioned the type of training he is requesting for Sgt. Briceno. Chief Rickard answered it is an investigations class that covers investigations of homicide to social media investigations.

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MOTION TO ALLOW SGT. BRICENO TO ATTEND INVESTIGATORS TRAINING:
MOTION OFFERED Councilman Jennings 2nd Councilman Furman to allow Sgt. Briceno to attend investigator training Sept 22-27 for a total of $950. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Furman, Jennings; carried.

MOTION TO ACCEPT RESIGNATION FROM POLICE CLERK SHERRI CLARKE:
MOTION offered Councilman Furman 2nd Councilman Jennings to accept resignation form police clerk Sherri Clarke effective June 25, 2019. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Furman, Jennings; carried.

Chief Rickard also reminded that the police signs are out, but if anyone would like one, they can email him. Councilman Carey asked about the data from 211 speed trailer. Chief Rickard noted they have data from 211 but there was a problem with the data reader for 2 weeks and will go back to previous locations that were lost. Data from 211 is similar to last year. The data is available if anyone would like to see it. Councilman Carey asked in the future would we need a 2nd trailer. Supervisor Volpe thinks it is possible, it is very effective. Chief Rickard thinks a Bluetooth reader could be helpful. Councilman Carey asked about an upgrade. Chief Rickard answered that’s not possible. Supervisor Volpe thinks that possibly the board could think about ordering an additional speed trailer. Councilman Jennings asked if they can read cars going away from it as well. Chief Rickard said it is possible it depends on how much money is spent. Councilman Carey questioned the ones with solar that are on poles in Town of Wallkill. Chief Rickard noted the highway dept. in Middletown purchased and maintains them. H’way Supt. added that Wallkill is maintained the same way.

VILLAGE OF OTISVILLE:
Trustee Loeven reported the fire company will be having a pancake breakfast on Mother’s Day. As discussed in the last meeting, there were complaints about speeding in the village and would like to thank the police for their presence. Supervisor Volpe discussed the water supply to the youth center. He filled out an application and spoke to the Mayor about the hook up fee. The village will be voting to waive the fee. The youth center will be used by town and village residents and we don’t pay for the water here as it is. The application was given to Frank today by the H’way Supt. He has a copy of the contract and shows the hook up fee is significantly expensive. Councilman Carey asked if there was ever a hook up there in the past. Supervisor Volpe answered yes, it was an issue because of the work that had been done in the building and there were so many things ripped out. H’way Supt. added the line was off of Paul’s building. They thought it would be best if the youth center had its own supply so there wouldn’t be any problems with water pressure. Councilman Carey asked if the parking lot would be ripped up. H’way Supt. said no, it will be connected below the parking lot at the street. Chief Rickard explained in the basement of the police station, there is a wheel that turns it on and off.

SUMMER RECREATION:
Supervisor Volpe reported in the next week or 2 they will begin interviews for counselors. They have 21 or 22 applications and will be interviewing everybody. Depending on attendance, that will let them know how many they need to hire.

MOTION TO AMMEND POLICE BUDGET MODIFICATION FROM JANUARY 29, 2019:
MOTION offered Councilman Carey 2nd Councilman Howell to amend police budget modification from January 29, 2019 as follows: Increase the revenue line in account A1520 by $8,960.00, for reimbursements costs associated with the School Resource Officer program and increase the expense line in Police Contractual account A3120.4 by $8,960.00 to represent this reimbursement. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Furman, Jennings; carried.

Councilman Carey wanted to confirm the school resource officer in Otisville Elementary is completely reimbursed from the school district. Chief Rickard said yes. He explained this money is from last year and is a fixed amount. For the current budget year our budget went up $42,000 to cover that cost, but there is now a revenue line where that money is coming in. It is a complete wash, there is zero expense. Supervisor Volpe adds there will not be budget modifications anymore for this because there is now a revenue line. Chief Rickard adds that the police budget, other than the salaries, is lower contractual and equipment this year than the 1st year Chad was in office. The salaries are the increases which are negotiated by the board and union.

MOTION TO AUTHORIZE SUPERVISOR TO SIGN THE APPROPRIATE DOCUMENTS REGARDING TO THE DEDICATIONS RELATING TO THE LAZIER SUBDIVISION:
MOTION offered Councilman Carey 2nd Councilman Furman to authorize Supervisor to sign the appropriate documents regarding to the dedications relating to the Lazier subdivision. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Furman, Jennings; carried.
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2018 ANNUAL REPORT:
2018 Annual Report was filed in February 2019. Supervisor Volpe compared 2017 Annual Report with 2018 Annual Report.

MOTION TO ACCEPT RESIGNATION FROM KATHIE YEDZINIAK FROM PLANNING BOARD:
MOTION offered Councilman Furman 2nd Councilman Howell to accept resignation form Kathie Yedziniak from Planning Board effective April 17, 2019. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Furman, Jennings; carried.

The board thanked Kathie and wished her good luck. Kathie thanked the board for the opportunity- it was an honor and privilege to serve for the planning board.

MOTION TO APPOVE SUPERVISOR’S OFFICE BUDGET MODIFICATION:
MOTION offered Councilman Howell 2nd Councilman Carey to approve the modification as follows: Increase revenue line A2770 unclassified revenue by $69,536.11 additional sales tax revenue and increase expense line A1620.4 buildings contractual by $69,536.11. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Furman, Jennings; carried.

MOTION TO APPROVE COURT CLERKS TO GO TO T.A.C. TRAINING:
MOTION offered Councilman Jennings 2nd Councilman Furman to approve court clerks to go to T.A.C. training with no cost on May 29, 2019 from 1-5PM at Troop F Crystal Run Rd. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Furman, Jennings; carried.

Supervisor Volpe confirmed with Atty Bavoso that no action needs to be taken for the ZBA resolutions (Resolutions on file in Town Clerk’s office)

MOTION TO APPROVE BOOKKEEPER TO ATTEND FINANCE SCHOOL:
MOTION offered Councilman Jennings 2nd Councilman Howell to approve bookkeeper to attend finance school May 9&10 in Saratoga for a total of $478. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Furman, Jennings; carried.

MOTION TO AUDIT THE CLAIMS:
MOTION offered Councilman Furman 2nd Councilman Howell to approve the following bills for Abstract 9:
GENERAL A: #243-275 $ 174,170.76
GENERAL B: #33-40 $ 9,483.00
HIGHWAY: #59-67 $ 55,743.43
SEWER: #41-45 $ 3,996.37
All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Furman, Jennings; carried.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:
M. Maurizzio asked Planning board applicants to replace Kathie Yedziniak. Supervisor Volpe states they have had it advertised on Facebook and town website for a couple weeks. Councilman Furman encourages anyone that would like to be on the zoning or planning board to contact the board. Supervisor Volpe adds that is a simple 3 sentence letter that can be handed in to town clerk’s office or himself. M. Maurizzio also asked about the Police Clerk opening. Chief Rickard stated they haven’t started the process yet. M. Maurizzio asked what the requirements are. Chief Rickard says it’s basic secretarial/clerical work. There is no civil service requirement. It is P/T non-competitive position. The hours are M, T, Th, F, 9-3.
D. Loeven thanked on behalf of Hometown Helpers for the recognition. They are having an orientation session for new volunteers sometime in the 1st week of June. They will be setting the exact dates at their next meeting and would like permission to send a flyer to Kathleen to put on the town website. Councilman Carey asked who posts info on the board at the Senior Center. Two boards are senior information. The one to the far right was originally designated for American Legion/VFW but there are now multiple people who use it. Councilman Carey thinks the boards we have at Town Hall aren’t seen as much as the heavier traffic of the Senior Center. He would like to see the summer concert series flyer added to the board at the Senior Center.
M. Maurizzio commented re: Officer Decker’s CPR class, he did an excellent job, but thinks we need to learn about CPR for children.

BOARD COMMENTS:
Councilman Howell asked if they should appoint someone to the vacancy of the Planning Board. Supervisor Volpe: Yes.

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MOTION TO APPOINT TREVOR METAKES TO THE VACANCY OF THE PLANNING BOARD:
MOTION offered Councilman Howell 2nd Councilman Furman to appoint Trevor Metakes to the vacancy of the Planning Board effective May 7, 2019.
At this time Councilman Jennings questioned if an alternate should be moved up to the position. Councilman Carey asked for this motion to be tabled at this time.
THIS MOTION WAS TABLED UNTIL NEXT MEETING.

At this time Councilman Howell thanked Kathie for volunteering for the Planning Board.

Councilman Carey: Thanked Kathie as well.

Councilman Furman: Thanked Kathie as well.

Councilman Jennings: asked Dean if they could schedule a walk thru for the playground equipment. Supervisor Volpe said they could schedule that at the next meeting.

Supervisor Volpe: spoke re: Rose Phillips and her Gold Award Project proposal for Resource Room at the Youth Center. She was supposed to come tonight but had a band concert. She will come to the next meeting. She dropped off a proposal for the room showing locations of tables, computers, wall units of books, she wants teachers to teach kids how to write scholarships, read-alouds. Councilman Carey asked if the inside walls are spray foamed because of the placement of computers. Only the outside walls are spray foamed. As far as the grants, everything that has been sent in as of now will close out our 2nd grant. Anything further will start the last $200,000 grant. We have used the $100,000 grant, this finishes the end of the $125,000 grant, and we will be on to the $200,000 grant.

Councilman Jennings: added while at the CPR class, he noticed the floors at the Senior Center have a white coating. He thinks what we are using to clean, is not working. We need to figure out what to use. Discussion on proper cleaning products ensued. Councilman Carey added that there also a couple complaints received about the sound/echo.

MOTION TO ADJOURN MEETING:
MOTION offered Councilman Howell 2nd Councilman Jennings to adjourn the meeting at 8:24pm. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Furman, Jennings; carried.

The next meeting is scheduled for May 20, 2019 at 7:30pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Paula Bird, Deputy Town Clerk for Kathleen Myers, Town Clerk

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