April 11, 2023
April 11, 2023
PRESENT:
Richard Hanse, Supervisor
Thomas Burke, Councilman
Patrick Kennedy, Councilman
Linda Wilkinson, Councilwoman
Bambi Hotaling, Town Clerk
Donna Wasilewski, Bookkeeper
ABSENT:
Michale Veeder, Councilman
GUESTS:
Carol S. Metz, M.K. Garvey
Read Town Board Workshop Meeting, April 26, 2023
The meeting was called to order by Supervisor Hanse at 7:00 pm with the Pledge of Allegiance.
A motion to accept the minutes of March 14 and March 30, 2023, was made by Patrick Kennedy seconded by Linda Wilkinson and duly carried.
Supervisor opened the meeting for public comments.
Carol Metz stated that there are several tree limbs that need to be trimmed at the Senior Center, concerned about them falling on cars. Rick will investigate.
Department reports were received from Code Enforcement and Chief of EMS.
Rick reported that Nadine is working on the REMO paperwork to get the AEMT’s approved. They had 91 calls for March. Nadine is looking to hire two parttime EMTs – Lilyann Orszulak and Cruz Couse. Both applicants have been rated and approved by Civil Service. Patrick Kennedy made a motion to approve the new hires on recommendation of the Chief of EMS. Thomas Burke seconded the motion which was duly carried.
Ayes: 4 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Wilkinson Absent: 1 – Veeder
Donna distributed financial reports including January – March. She is waiting for Nicole to supply further information. Payroll and health insurance reports were also provided.
Senior Center lighting was once again discussed. Rick reported that he received a bid from Barry Rausch to replace the fluorescent lighting with LED lighting in the amount of $2,975. We also received a quote from East Empire Electric in the amount of $3,148.88. A motion to accept the bid submitted by Barry Rausch was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Linda Wilkinson and duly carried.
Ayes: 4 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Wilkinson Absent: 1 – Veeder
One lawn mowing bid was received from Rich’s Lawn Care. Rich has been taking care of the mowing for the past several years and is doing a good job. A motion to accept his bid was made by Patrick Kennedy seconded by Linda Wilkinson and duly carried.
Ayes: 4 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Wilkinson Absent: 1 – Veeder
A resolution to abolish the tax collector position and transfer the duties to the office of Town Clerk was presented. The tax collector is not seeking another term and the transfer will be to the Town’s advantage. A motion to adopt the resolution as presented was made by Thomas Burke and seconded by Patrick Kennedy. Discussion on the motion – Councilman Kennedy wanted it to be clear that the salary of the tax collector will be passed on to the Town Clerk and budgeted for in 2024.
Ayes: 3 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy No: 1 – Wilkinson Absent: 1 – Veeder
Discussion on snow removal/lack of at Town Hall. This situation needs to be addressed; the Town has had no luck finding anyone to take on the task.
A donation request for the Greene County Youth Fair was presented. Linda Wilkinson made a motion to donate $200 to the youth fair which was seconded by Thomas Burke and duly carried.
Ayes: 4 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Wilkinson Absent: 1 – Veeder
Rick requested that he and Donna be authorized to attend the 2023 Finance School May 15 & 16 that is being offered by the Association of Towns. The cost is $200 per person and milage would be reimbursed for one vehicle as they will be traveling to Albany together. Councilman Burke would like to attend as well. A motion approving the Supervisor, Bookkeeper and Councilman to attend was made by Linda Wilkinson seconded by Patrick Kennedy and duly carried.
Ayes: 4 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Wilkinson Absent: 1 – Veeder
Tire dump update – Rick reported that the State has started to remove the tires, situation will have to be monitored with the assistance of the Sheriff to make sure they don’t start bringing in more. Rick reported that the Town has a concurrent problem at 49 Surprise Result Road. The tires from that location have been removed but the property owner has not responded to the Notice of Violations issued last year. The reason for the NOV is that there are two dilapidated trailers and much junk on the property. Rick has asked that the board retain Tal’s services in this matter as it is not covered under his retainer. Thomas Burke made the motion which was seconded by Patrick Kennedy and duly carried.
Ayes: 4 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Wilkinson Absent: 1 – Veeder
Discussion on bridges that need repair. Tom Burke reported that he has spoken with Senator Hinchey regarding this matter. He has a meeting scheduled with her on April 18 to discuss federal grants for getting bridges repaired. Larry has posted a weight limit sign, and no school buses are permitted to travel over the Potic Creek bridge. Patrick said that he has spoken with the Senator as well and she is quite responsive.
Supervisor reported that he obtained bond rates for the International truck which was procured last April for the sum of $290,985.78. National Bank of Coxsackie’s rate is 4% and the Bank of Greene County is 4.06%. The first payment will not be due until next April. A motion to approve the bond and finance with National Bank of Coxsackie was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Patrick Kennedy and duly carried.
Ayes: 4 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Wilkinson Absent: 1 – Veeder
General Fund and Highway bills in the amount of $137,597.34 were audited on abstract #4, voucher numbers 2023-185 through 2023-238.
A motion to accept the February Justice Reports as presented was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Linda Wilkinson and duly carried.
At 7:25 pm a motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Patrick Kennedy seconded by Linda Wilkinson and duly carried.
Copies of all resolutions, agreements, and contracts are on file in the Town Clerk’s Office.
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Bambi Hotaling, Town Clerk
Read minutes from last month