August 8, 2023
| TOWN BOARD MEETING TOWN OF COXSACKIE August 8, 2023 PRESENT: ABSENT: Linda Wilkinson, Councilwoman GUESTS: The meeting was called to order by Supervisor Hanse at 7:00 pm with the Pledge of Allegiance. 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 June 13, 2023, was made by Michael Veeder seconded by Patrick Kennedy and duly carried. Supervisor Hanse opened the meeting for public comments none were offered. Town Clerk introduced Nancy Kern, a reporter with Columbia Greene Media. Patrick Doyle of Flint Mine Solar was unable to attend the meeting but sent an email stating that they are addressing comments on the SEEP (Site Engineering and Environmental Plan) and SWPP and moving towards financing. Supervisor reported on behalf of the EMS Chief that they had 109 calls; June has been the busiest month this year; 94 calls are average. New stretchers are still not in due to shortage of parts at the factory. Tom reported that Larry continues working with the State regarding various bridge issues. Supervisor reported that last Winter one of the grinder pumps on Kings Road froze. Delaware Engineering has advised us that insulated inserts should prevent the situation from happening again. The covers will be installed by Siewert Equipment, installers of the pumps. There are funds in the water/sewer fund to cover the cost for eleven covers for a total amount including labor of $2468. Insulating the pumps will safeguard the warranty. Discussion ensued. Mike feels that the Town should not have to pay as the inserts should have been done when installed. A motion to approve the grinder pumps to be insulated was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Patrick Kennedy and duly carried. Ayes: 3 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy Noes: 1 – Veeder Absent: 1 – Wilkinson The bookkeeper’s report was distributed, and Donna reviewed a few items. She explained that UHY billed for services from September 2022 through March 2023 all on one invoice. She feels that the bill does not accurately reflect the work provided. Discussion ensued. Donna has reached out to three different accounting firms requesting estimates as she thinks it would be in the best interest of the Town to engage the services of another firm. More information will be forthcoming. She indicated that Nordutch Technologies monthly services will be increasing from $2196 to $2488 for 2024 and that health insurance is anticipated to increase 18%. The comptroller’s office expects to increase employer/employee contributions as well. Work on the budget has begun. Donna returned from the PERMA Risk Assessment & Cyber Security Forum with some great information. Cyber Security should be in place soon and the Cyber insurance coverage will be approximately $1250.00 per year. Currently we do not have insurance in place. Supervisor reported that several trees at the senior center need removed. He received two quotes to cut the trees to 12’; clean-up/removal of the debris is included. Grand Arbor Tree Service LLC quoted $3600, and J-B Tree Specialist LLC came in at $4650. Patrick Kennedy made a motion to accept the quote from Grand Arbor Tree Service LLC as presented. Michael Veeder seconded the motion which was duly carried. Ayes: 4 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy Veeder Absent: 1 – Wilkinson The meeting was called to order by Deputy Supervisor Veeder at 7:00 pm with the Pledge of Allegiance. A motion to accept the minutes of July 11, 2023, was made by Patrick Kennedy seconded by Thomas Burke and duly carried. Deputy Supervisor Veeder opened the meeting for public comments. Carol Metz thanked the Board for the white boards at the Senior Center. She inquired as to whether the Town would be replacing the pavilion once it is removed. Currently there are no plans for doing that. Patrick Doyle gave an update on Flint Mine Solar. SEEP filed a few months ago and received comments from State agencies with requested revisions; they are working to accommodate the necessary requirements. They are at the advanced stages of engineering and working towards plans for construction. Continue working with conservation to place as much of the site under a conservation easement. Land acquisitions are moving along. Possibly start construction in 2024. The board thanked Patrick for the updates. Beth Tailleur, Chip Tailleur and Nathan Tailleur all addressed the Board with their ongoing concerns regarding the Gallivan Mine. Beth inquired as to when the Zoning Board will be meeting to discuss the appeal. A meeting is going to be scheduled sometime in September. It will not be a public hearing; however, the meeting will be open to the public. Discussion regarding case law, zoning, etc. The board will check into the possibility of placing a moratorium on new mining. Erin Kennedy and Shelly Pascuzzi addressed the board regarding Riverside Festival. They are on the festival committee along with Stefanie Sitcer and are looking for donations from the community as they are hoping to revive the festival with many children’s events, entertainment, and fireworks. The board will have to check with the bookkeeper to see if there is any money available in the budget. EMS Chief submitted report – 116 calls for the month of July. Tom gave an update on behalf of the highway superintendent. Paving projects have been completed. Larry and Tom will be meeting with the Supervisor and Budget Officer regarding new equipment (front end loader) and possible construction of a pole barn. Discussion on bridges continues, Tom feels there are grants available and, suggests the Town look into hiring a grant person for assistance in obtaining said funds. The Town received notice from the Village of Coxsackie that they are seeking to regulate short term rental properties within their boundaries. They have asked that the Town consent to the Village acting as SEQRA lead agency on this matter. On motion of Thomas Burke seconded by Patrick Kennedy and duly carried the Town authorizes Supervisor Hanse to execute the consent as presented. Ayes: 3 – Burke, Kennedy, Veeder Absent: 2 – Hanse, Wilkinson On motion of Thomas Burke seconded by Patrick Kennedy and duly carried the old gas range currently being stored at the Senior Center pavilion was declared surplus and its sale was authorized to the highest bidder. Ayes: 3 – Burke, Kennedy, Veeder Absent: 2 – Hanse, Wilkinson It was noted that Mike and Patrick have been trying to get a meeting scheduled with Hose 3 for contract discussions as budget season is upon us. General Fund and Highway bills in the amount of $156,296.27 were audited on abstract #8, voucher numbers 2023-423 through 2023-473. A motion to accept the June and July Justice Reports as presented was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Patrick Kennedy and duly carried. At 7:34 pm a motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Patrick Kennedy and duly carried. Copies of all resolutions, agreements, and contracts are on file in the Town Clerk’s Office.
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