Town of Mount Hope Reorganization Meeting January 6, 2020
The reorganization meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Mount Hope was held at Town Hall on January 6, 2020 at 7:30pm with the following present: Supervisor Chad Volpe, Councilman Matt Howell, Councilman Brian Carey, Councilman Jim Jennings, Councilman Chris Furman & Town Clerk Kathleen Myers.
OFFICIALS PRESENT: Highway Supt. Hassenmayer, Deputy Police Chief Maresca, Police Chief Rickard (entered a few minutes late) & Attorney D. Bavoso.
The meeting was called to order by Supervisor Volpe following the Pledge of Allegiance at 7:30pm. He asked for audience to silence their cell phones.
MOTION TO APPROVE PRIOR MEETING MINUTES:
MOTION offered Councilman Furman 2nd Councilman Howell to approve the minutes from Dec. 16, 2019 as printed. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Jennings, Furman; carried.
**Town Clerk noted at this time that the 2 legal ads for the 2020 town board meeting dates and tonight’s reorganization meeting are on the front desk.
CORRESPONDENCE:
- 2020 Appointment List
- “2017” Procurement Policy for 2020
- 2020 Humane Society of Middletown contract for approval
- (2) budget modifications/Highway Department
- (4) budget modifications/ Supervisor’s office
- 2019 Investment Policy
- 2020 salary schedule
- Certificate of completion for Continuing Clerk education for Lisa Bacigalupo
- Certificate of Completion for Continuing Judicial Education for Joseph Hosking
- Completed fuel agreement for Howells Fire District
- From DEC re: SPDES permit/Hidden Valley
- Email re: dog control officer
- of Towns re: training session in February in NYC
- Copy of proposed local law re: sign regulations
- Copy of proposed local law re: amendments to zoning law
- Building department Dec. 2019 report
- Dec 2019 Palmer’s Ark impound report
- 2019 impound summary from Palmer’s Ark
BOARD REPORTS:
Councilman Jennings reported January 16 at 7pm is village meeting. Town planning board meeting is January 15 at 7pm.
Councilman Furman reported there’s no ZBA meeting. He thanked everyone for coming to the swearing in ceremony. He looks forward to working with the town.
Councilman Carey reported he will be doing the receipt book audit on Saturday. He thanked the County Executive for coming to do the swearing in for him. He looks forward to the next 4 years.
Councilman Howell reported he will do the audit with Councilman Carey.
Supervisor Volpe reported that we had a little bit of an issue with the current software we are using – quick books and another one. He and Angie signed on with a new company which he thinks is gonna be really good for our accounting software where it will be one step. Currently she enters payroll and then she has to get out of the payroll system and go in and re-enter it into something else. That being said, the Supervisor slower than normal doing the budget modifications because there are certain lines that he can’t see if they are accurate yet. Next meeting, he will have the rest of 2019 budget modifications. Tonight, we will vote on the Humane Society of Middletown agreement which has been our backup for the last 3 years. It’s zero fee unless we bring an animal there. It’s a back-up in case something happens with Roeder’s.
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT:
Supt. Hassenmayer reported the rec center ½ with the library & exercise room – the floors are ready. The carpet guys are meeting with him at 10 tomorrow. We are going with the estimate that he had given him for whatever specified carpet in the library, carpet tiles in the big room smaller office. He’ll bring color samples – if you guys have a preference – grays, blues. Supervisor Volpe: something that would hide dirt. H’way Supt.: a dark color. Councilman Carey asked if the entrance way in be a different color than the rest of the room. H’way Supt.: no, we’ll definitely have to put in runners. He will try Darren/Jason in the morning. The insulation guy was there to spray the duct work in the back so we’ll be siding that tomorrow.
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HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT: continued
It’s coming along. We started the tile in the restrooms – kitchen will be the last to be tiled. After the siding on the duct work is done, I will have 5 guys start doing some wood cutting along side the rooms. We have a lot on entries we have to take care of. He’s given Nelson Tree Company a list; they’re waiting on authorization from O&R to assist us for a couple weeks. Our electrician is away on his cruise. When he gets back, he’ll have all the lights to put in. All the ceilings are done. Kitchen, bathroom, library, office – just need the lights.
POLICE DEPARTMENT:
Deputy Chief Maresca wished everyone a Happy New Year and congratulated everyone for the swearing in. Chief is on his way.
VILLAGE OF OTISVILLE:
No report.
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT: continued
H’way Supt. stated when the new playground was put up, we brought back the old playground equipment here. We never surplussed it so I can’t throw it away. Old pieces were purchased back in 1996. They’ve had their share of wear & tear. He would like it to declare it surplus so we can throw it away. He noted that he had given Matt a quote on an excavator – it’s like the one we rented for 3 months last year. I’d like authorization to purchase it. It would be brand new – Kubota KX057. Purchase would be through Source Well which is the old NJPA. We will get a $21,000 discount through them. Final price $72,316.59. Councilman Jennings asked how often this is used & how much we paid to rent it. H’way Supt. didn’t know the numbers off-hand. He can look it up. Councilman Howell asked if this piece of equipment would replace 2 other pieces of equipment that you currently use – correct? H’way Supt. stated yes, a (inaudible) ditching bucket and a digging bucket; it’s primarily to replace our 1993 Ford backhoe. It’s on its last legs. He spoke with the guys and everyone would rather have a mini-excavator than a backhoe.
MOTION TO SURPLUS & DISPOSE OF OLD PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT:
MOTION offered Councilman Carey 2nd Councilman Furman to surplus and dispose of the old playground equipment. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Furman, Jennings; carried.
EXCAVATOR:
Supervisor Volpe asked if anyone had questions on the excavator. Councilman Jennings asked for this to be tabled until next meeting as he would like to look into this more. Supervisor Volpe asked how long the quote is good for. H’way Supt. doesn’t know. The quote was given to him back in late September. He thinks it was good for 6 months. Councilman Carey added that we budgeted for this and something we need.
MOTION TO APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF THE KUBOTA EXCAVATOR:
MOTION offered Councilman Carey 2nd Councilman Howell to approve the purchase of a Kubota KX057 excavator for $72,316.59. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Furman; NAY – Jennings; motion carried.
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS VACANCY:
Councilman Furman needs to do a couple more interviews for this position. He will try to have this done for the next meeting.
PLANNING BOARD VACANCY:
Councilman Jennings and Chairperson Howell met with the candidates for this position and they recommend appointing Blair Reynolds to this vacancy.
MOTION TO APPOINT BLAIR REYNOLDS TO THE VACANCY ON THE PLANNING BOARD:
MOTION offered Councilman Jennings 2nd Councilman Carey to appoint Blair Reynolds to the alternate position on the planning board. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Furman, Jennings; carried.
COURT RECEIPT BOOKS:
Supervisor Volpe reported he received a letter from the NYS Unified Court System for their audit. This will be done by Councilmen Carey & Howell.
BOARD OF ASSESSMENT REVIEW:
Councilman Howell reported he will be doing interviews and will have a recommendation at the next meeting.
PROPOSED LOCAL LAW RE: SIGNS:
Supervisor Volpe reported that he will go over the sign law again with David and the board.
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PROPOSED LOCAL LAW RE: AMENDMENTS TO ZONING LAW:
Supervisor Volpe spoke re: amendments that the planning board has asked the board to make which would require a public hearing.
MOTION TO HOLD PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROPOSED LOCAL LAW #1-2020 AMENDING THE ZONING LAW OF THE TOWN OF MOUNT HOPE:
MOTION offered Councilman Carey 2nd Councilman Howell to hold a public hearing on January 21, 2020 at 7:30pm re: AMENDING THE ZONING LAW OF THE TOWN OF MOUNT HOPE. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Furman, Jennings; carried.
COMMUNITY CENTER:
Supervisor Volpe spoke re: completion of community center. He spoke with the attorney before the meeting about a contract for renting this facility for a private event. He will work on this with him.
MOTION TO ACCEPT THE 2020 APPOINTMENT LIST:
MOTION offered Councilman Howell 2nd Councilman Carey to approve the 2020 Appointment List as presented. (list attached to these minutes) All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Furman, Jennings; carried.
MOTION TO ACCEPT THE 2020 PROCUREMENT POLICY:
MOTION offered Councilman Howell 2nd Councilman Carey to re-affirm the ‘2017’ Procurement Policy as presented (policy on file in town clerk’s office). All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Jennings, Furman; carried.
MOTION TO APPROVE THE 2020 HUMANE SOCIETY OF MIDDLETOWN CONTRACT WITH THE TOWN OF MOUNT HOPE:
MOTION offered Councilman Carey 2nd Councilman Howell to approve the 2020 Humane Society of Middletown contract with the Town of Mount Hope (as a back up) as presented. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Jennings, Furman; carried.
MOTION TO APPROVE THE SUPERVISOR’S YEAR END BUDGET MODIFICATIONS:
MOTION offered Councilman Carey 2nd Councilman Furman to approve the following:
Decrease DB5110.4 Maint. Of Streets personal services by $1,213.47
Increase DB1910.4 Unallocated Ins. Contractual by $1,213.47
Decrease B1560 Safety Inspection fee revenue by $3,544.46
Increase B3620.2 Building Department equipment by $3,544.46
A1110.2 Justice equipment transfer to Capital Office equipment $800.00
A1220.2 Supervisor equipment transfer to Capital Office equipment $195.00
A3010.2 Public safety equipment transfer to Capital Office equipment $274.00
A7140.2 Playground & Rec equipment transfer to Capital Playground equipment $726.00
Decrease A1990.4 contingency by $1,894.04
Decrease A1330.4 Tax Collector by $1,894.04
Decrease A1990.4 contingency by $2,049.64
Decrease A1410.4 Town Clerk by $2,049.64
Decrease A1990.4 contingency by $75.57
Decrease A7140.4 Playground & Rec contractual by $75.57
Decrease A1990.4 contingency by $7.59
Decrease A3510.4 Dog control contractual by $7.59
All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Furman, Jennings; carried.
MOTION TO APPROVE THE 2020 INVESTMENT POLICY:
MOTION offered Councilman Carey 2nd Councilman Jennings to approve the 2020 Investment Policy as presented (policy attached to these minutes) All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Jennings, Furman; carried.
MOTION TO ACCEPT THE HIGHWAY DEPT. BUDGET MODIFICATION:
MOTION offered Councilman Howell 2nd Councilman Carey to approve the budget modification as follows:
Increase revenue account for Sale of Equipment DB2665 by $57,407.50 and Increase Machinery EQ DB5130.2by $57,407.50 (this reflects proceeds from the sale of surplus trucks sold on Auctions International 11/2019) AND
Decrease A5132.4 by $2200.00 & Increase A5132.2 by $2200.00 (to cover a shortage in A5132.2 from the purchase of a new furnace).
All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Furman, Jennings; carried.
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2020 COMMITTEE LIST:
Supervisor Volpe spoke re: 2020 Committee list. He added some things to everyone’s list. We are not a big town where we have excess staff. We all check the senior center rentals and the youth center will be added to that. Probably in the summer we will be looking at the pavilion. Almost every night when he goes through there in the summer, he has to turn the lights off at the pavilion. He would like to do the tree lighting at the youth center and have a huge gathering. It will take more planning. He has 2 members on the list for this. He put Brian on the website because he also does our facebook page. He added Jim as a court liaison to the list as well. Jim does not need to go to every court night. But they should have a court liaison especially with all these changes now with the new law. The staff may possibly need more hours.
TOWN HALL ADDITION:
Supervisor Volpe reported he received a verbal approval for a $125,000.00 grant for an expansion to town hall. He’d like to start immediately after the youth center completion.
YOUTH CENTER:
Supervisor Volpe is thinking for the gym side they will do a 6am start to 11pm at night. All residents that have cards will be able to enter during those hours. That will give enough time for the police at the end of the shift to go in and check the building to make sure everyone has exited.
Discussion on the panel box at the park pavilion.
RESOLUTION TO AUDIT THE CLAIMS – 2019 ABSTRACT #41 & #42 AND 2020 ABSTRACT #1:
MOTION offered Councilman Howell 2nd by Councilman Furman to approve the following bills:
ABSTRACT #41:
GENERAL A: #812-839 $46,302.42
GENERAL B: #113-114 $ 4,741.50
HIGHWAY: #198-205 $26,122.11
SEWER: #107 $ 130.00 and
ABSTRACT #42:
GENERAL A: #840-850 $60,265.87
GENERAL B: #115 $ 5,439.86
HIGHWAY: #206-207 $22,281.41
SEWER: #108 $ 1,048.76 and
ABSTRACT #1:
GENERAL A: #1-13 $7,648.35
HIGHWAY: #1-3 $4,006.60
SEWER: #1-3 $2,430.85.
All in favor: Howell, Carey (abstained from vouchers he put in for payment), Volpe, Jennings, Furman (abstained from his school training voucher); carried.
POLICE DEPARTMENT:
Chief Rickard reported that right before Christmas they had no heat at the police station. The system is really old. Parts are hard to find. He and Chad have spoken about this. Fan unit is not produced anymore. They discussed an engineer getting involved to spec a unit. He noted on March 21st at the senior center at 10am will be a Women’s self defense class. There is no cost for this. Fliers will be made. He added that Sen. Metzger called him this evening and we set up a meeting. She expressed concerns with some of the new laws. We will wait a month to see what the actual (inaudible). The state police lab which is something we use – they said they are underfunded & will not be able to process misdemeanor drug evidence which clearly is a problem. She’s committed to getting money restored to that budget.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:
Rose Phillips: Happy New Year. Over the winter break I have been working on the bookcases. They are ready to be stained and installed into the room. She has gotten other things for the room such as: double-sided bookshelf which will be used for children’s books and sensory books on another side since that will be with the sensory corner. She has gotten a sensory wall panel and some sensory games. She is waiting on the desk for the computers. It should be delivered around the 10th to 17th. She is waiting on the floor. Supervisor Volpe: originally, we thought the carpet was going in and it was not what they wanted and it had to be leveled. Now its perfectly level. H’way Supt.: if you wanted to bring any of that stuff in, we could put it in the larger room. Rose will stain the book shelves. With school being back in session and this month she is booked with mid-terms and regents; she will try to be going after school and weekends to work done. Councilman Carey added that the internet is in and works in the building and you asked about some sort of restrictions. She has emailed the vice principal of her school because she used to be a tech teacher wondering if she knew who she could speak with. Rose has not heard from her yet. She would still like to talk to her for security.
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Councilman Carey: we have an IT guy now for the town that we recently hired and he’s supposed to be going up there with me hopefully by Friday. She asked if volunteers will be able to sign up through the website to be able to use the room for: tutoring, story hours, crafts, etc? Supervisor: yes, we are not there yet but the website guy has to do that.
Alison Miller: Happy New Year. She asked for information on this public hearing you just scheduled. Atty. Bavoso explained that it’s basically a trial and error situation. The new zoning was put in place and they found a couple things that didn’t work quite the way they expected it to. There’s a slight change on cluster subdivisions as far as the requirements for the cluster subdivisions. Supervisor added that in that section they need for one word to change from shall to may. They are looking for regulations on the solar farms to allow for an additional foot of fence which isn’t currently in the zoning. And, putting a 2nd building on 1 parcel. They would like to be permitted. Attorney Bavoso added that the new zoning created a situation where you could put a 2nd residence on a single lot provided that you could demonstrate that if that residence could still be subdivided off and still meet the current zoning regulations. That process had to go through the planning board. The planning board and the building department thought it was better that it just goes through the building department with the recommendation of the engineer. The other one was the same kind of thing with accessory apartments. If you’re going to have an accessory apartment in the main structure and it meets all the zoning, they don’t think you should need to go to the planning board just for that and then the building department would be able to approve it. Mrs. Miller spoke re: Dollar General. Dollar General is about to be approved and built on Route 211 in the commercially zoned location in Otisville. Dollar stores are a growing phenomenon in the country – they target rural, low income neighborhoods. While they can provide increased tax income & a small number of jobs, they also bring significant side effects. Much research has been done on this over the last few years. They reduce the amount of quality food and produce available to a community. They discourage the opening of other independently owned businesses who cannot compete with a franchise. They carry processed foods that are not often lower in price when you compare the cents per ounce of the product. Their aggressive pricing drives locally owned stores like Mick’s & True Value out of business. The jobs they provide are low quality and minimum wage. I am not opposed to new businesses opening in Mount Hope. We should be encouraging business development but with an emphasis on small local businesses not national franchises. At the public hearing for Dollar General on Nov. 20th, the town supervisor suggested that the public bear some responsibility as at no time during the towns revision of the master plan did anyone say ‘we don’t want a national franchise like Dollar General in our town’. To a certain extent – he is right. Following the suggestion of the town engineer after the last planning board meeting, I would like to ask this board to pass an ordinance addressing future formula businesses. Stores & restaurants that have standardized services, decor & methods of operation & other features that make them virtually identical to businesses elsewhere. Cities/towns across the country have already adopted ordinances that either prohibit formula businesses, capped their total number or require they meet certain conditions to open. Because Dollar General’s business model is to open multiple stores within 5 miles of each other – at this time there is nothing that will stop them from opening more stores in the T/O Mount Hope. She brought info from the Institute of Local Self-Alliance re: formula stores. She gave copies to the board. She asked the board to review it and consider adopting an ordinance.
Mary Maurizzio spoke re: town tree lighting. She asked Dean why the tree lights are vertical vs. around the circumference. She is curious why. She thinks circumference decoration is more attractive. Supervisor Volpe explained that the lift goes up and down not side to side. Dean explained the tree is about 80’ tall. The lawn out there is wet. He described the ruts from the truck.
BOARD COMMENTS:
Councilman Howell congratulated the newly elected/re-elected officials on their swearing in ceremonies.
Councilman Carey thanked everyone for coming.
Councilman Furman thanked everyone for coming.
Councilman Jennings congratulated everybody for their ceremony tonight. He reminded Dean about the 284 agreement.
MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT:
MOTION offered Councilman Carey 2nd Councilman Howell to adjourn the meeting at 8:15pm. All in favor: Howell, Carey, Volpe, Jennings, Furman; carried.
The next meeting is scheduled for January 21, 2020 at 7:30pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen A. Myers
Town Clerk
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2020 APPOINTMENT LIST
TOWN OF MOUNT HOPE
ACCOUNTANT – Cooper Arias LLP
ASSESSMENT REVIEW BOARD CLERK – Laura Sedita
ASSESSOR CLERK – Angela Cangialosi
BOND ATTORNEY – Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, LLP (Doug Goodfriend)
BUDGET OFFICER – Chad J. Volpe
BUILDING INSPECTOR – Julie-Ann Musial, Heidi Volpe
CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER – Julie-Ann Musial, Heidi Volpe
FIRE INSPECTOR – Julie-Ann Musial, Heidi Volpe
CLERK – Deborah Taylor
CONFIDENTIAL SECRETARY TO THE SUPERVISOR – Angela Cangialosi
COURT CLERKS – Lisa Bacigalupo, Francine Heppes
DEPUTY HIGHWAY SUPT. – Andrew Pingotti
DEPUTY REGISTRAR – Paula L. Bird
DEPUTY SUPERVISOR – Matthew Howell
DEPUTY TOWN CLERK – Paula L. Bird
DOG CONTROL OFFICER – Thomas Yonskie
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR – Paul Rickard & Chad J. Volpe
HIDDEN VALLEY PLANT OPERATOR – Michael Brock
ASST. PLANT OPERATOR – David Brock
HISTORIANS – Nancy Craig
HIGHWAY CLERK – Amy Hassenmayer
PLANNING BOARD MEMBER – Barry Moore (term to expire 2027)
PLANNING BOARD CLERK – Linda Franck
ASST. CLERK – Angela Cangialosi
PLANNING BOARD ENGINEER – Pitingaro & Doetsch Consulting Engineers
PLANNING BOARD ATTORNEY – Glen Plotsky (Bavoso & Plotsky)
POLICE CHIEF – Paul Rickard
POLICE CLERK – Marie Bubilo
P/T ASST. CLERK – Carol Dolan
REGISTRAR OF VITAL STATISTICS – Kathleen A. Myers
DEPUTY REGISTRAR OF VITAL STATISTICS – Paula L. Bird
SEXUAL HARASSMENT OFFICER – Anna Briceno
SPECIAL PROSECUTOR (for conflict cases) – John Bach (Thursday/Goldsmith)
SPECIAL PROSECUTOR (for conflict cases) – Leonard Kessler (Tuesday/Hosking)
TAX COLLECTOR – Kathleen A. Myers
DEPUTY TAX COLLECTOR – Paula L. Bird
TOWN ATTORNEY – David Bavoso (Bavoso & Plotsky)
TOWN ENGINEER – Clark Patterson Lee Eng. P.C. (Environmental) & Pitingaro & Doetsch Consulting Engineers
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS MEMBER – Rita Rich (term to expire 2025)
ZONING BOARD ATTORNEY – Glen Plotsky (Bavoso & Plotsky)
DESIGNATED BANKS – Connect One Bank, Orange Bank & Trust, Wallkill Federal Savings & Loan
MEETING NIGHTS – 1st AND 3rd Monday Nights unless otherwise approved by Town Board & except as follows due to holidays: Meetings for Jan. will be 21st, Feb. will be 18th, Sept. will be 8th.
POSTAGE, PAYROLL & ASSOCIATED DEDUCTIONS & UTILITIES PAID PRIOR TO AUDIT
DELEGATE/ASSOC. OF TOWNS MTG. – Delegate –Chad J. Volpe / (alternate – Matthew Howell)
DESIGNATED NEWSPAPER – Times Herald Record
INVESTMENT POLICY – Reviewed with changes
MILEAGE – .58 cents per mile/rate (established by the I.R.S.- to be examined quarterly)
PROCUREMENT POLICY – Reviewed with no changes
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TOWN OF MOUNT HOPE
2020 INVESTMENT POLICY
Motion by 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 Connect One, Orange Bank & Trust Company & Wallkill Valley Federal Savings & Loan. 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 & controls should be within the guidelines of policies and procedures set forth by the Office of the State Comptroller.
Seconded by Councilmember Jim Jennings
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 January 6, 2020.
Kathleen A. Myers, RMC
Town Clerk
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