December 13, 2022
TOWN BOARD MEETING
TOWN OF COXSACKIE
December 13, 2022
Read Public Hearing December 19, 2022
PRESENT:
Richard Hanse, Supervisor
Thomas Burke, Councilman
Patrick Kennedy, Councilman
Linda Wilkinson, Councilwoman
Michael Veeder, Councilman
Bambi Hotaling, Town Clerk
GUESTS:
Chris Chimento, Carol Metz, Patrick Doyle, Mary “Kris” Garvey,
Donna Wasilewski, Larry Ross
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 November 9 and November 16 was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Michael Veeder and duly carried.
The meeting was opened for public comments:
Carol Metz inquired about the tire dump. Rick reported that in September DEC issued a Court order. At this time there has been no movement.
Department reports were received from Code Enforcement and Chief of EMS.
Highway Superintendent reported that they are down one truck so plowing took a bit longer.
Supervisor’s Bookkeeper reported that while the class she attended specifically for small Towns was excellent, there was not enough time to cover all the information. She did say that typically bookkeepers attend meetings so she will be attending the monthly board meetings. Donna went on to say that Harris sent a bill for $4,000 even though they will no longer be supporting Impact as of January 10 and additional technical assistance would be billed hourly. She did not pay the bill as we are switching to quick books. The November reports will be forthcoming; there were technical difficulties with Impact, but she did finally figure out how to do the budget transfers. Donna also stated that there would be no end of the year meeting as it is not necessary.
Discussion on the tractor/mower debacle. Bottom line the lease was never initiated. Larry stated that the tractor would be arriving Friday. The original quote from last June was $136,000, the invoice received was for $147,822. According to Association of Towns, leasing to buy is never a good idea for Towns. Money was budgeted for the tractor so it will be paid for outright, but in the meantime Donna will try to figure out the best way to proceed with the discrepancy regarding the invoice.
A motion to reappoint Stephen Simmons to the Board of Assessment Review was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Patrick Kennedy and duly carried.
Ayes: 5 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Veeder, Wilkinson
Retainer for Tal Rappleyea, attorney for the Town was presented for approval. Tal will be receiving a 4% increase; his hourly rate is $125 and has not increased. Michael Veeder made a motion to accept the retainer as presented. Patrick Kennedy seconded the motion which was duly carried.
Ayes: 5 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Veeder, Wilkinson
The 2023 contract with Greene County EMS was presented. A motion to accept the contract as presented was made by Patrick Kennedy seconded by Thomas Burke and duly carried.
Ayes: 5 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Veeder, Wilkinson
The 2023 contract with the Columbia Greene Humane Society was presented. A motion to approve the contract as presented was made by Michael Veeder seconded by Linda Wilkinson and duly carried.
Ayes: 5 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Veeder, Wilkinson
A motion to schedule the 2023 organizational meeting for 7:00 pm on January 10 was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Patrick Kennedy and duly carried.
Ayes: 5 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Veeder, Wilkinson
A motion to schedule public hearings on the proposed fire contracts with Coxsackie Company Hose No. 3, Earlton Fire Department and for proposed Local Law #1-2023 repealing a portion of the Town Zoning Law relating to Code Enforcement provisions for January 10 following the organizational meeting was made by Patrick Kennedy seconded by Thomas Burke and duly carried.
Reminder that the Board will have a public hearing/special meeting on December 19 at 4:00 pm regarding the $226,447 Bond resolution for the purchase of a new ambulance.
Application of Thomas Moore for part time EMT was presented. Civil service requirements have been met. A motion to hire Thomas Moore as part-time EMT as recommended by the Chief of EMS was made by Patrick Kennedy seconded by Thomas Burke and duly carried.
Ayes: 5 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Veeder, Wilkinson
Patrick Doyle gave an update on Flint Mine Solar. The State has requested more information; the IDA is still working on comments from the public hearing. Possible approval of a PILOT in January.
General Fund and Highway bills in the amount of $223,355.70 were audited on abstract #12, voucher numbers 2022-793 through 2022-860.
A motion to accept the November Justice reports as presented was made by Patrick Kennedy seconded by Thomas Burke and duly carried.
A motion to accept the budget transfers as presented was made by Patrick Kennedy seconded by Thomas Burke and duly carried.
A motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:42 pm was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Michael Veeder and duly carried.
Copies of all resolutions, agreements, and contracts are on file in the Town Clerk’s Office.