February 8, 2022
PUBLIC HEARING and TOWN BOARD MEETING
TOWN OF COXSACKIE
February 8, 2022
PRESENT:
Richard Hanse, Supervisor
Thomas Burke, Councilman
Patrick Kennedy, Councilman
Michael Veeder, Councilman
Bambi Hotaling, Town Clerk
ABSENT:
Linda Wilkinson, Councilwoman
GUESTS:
Mark Flach, Carol S. Metz, Chris ChimentoThe meeting was called to order by the Supervisor at 7:00 pm with the Pledge of Allegiance.
A motion to accept the minutes of January 11 was made by Patrick Kennedy seconded by Michael Veeder and duly carried.
Rick opened the meeting to the public – no comments were offered.
The Town’s commercial insurance coverage is up for renewal and the proposal was presented. There is a slight increase in the premium – 3.35% which is driven by annual inflation, increase in vehicles and equipment. Thomas Burke made a motion to accept the proposal as presented from Marshall & Sterling which was seconded by Michael Veeder and duly carried.
Ayes: 4 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Veeder Absent: 1 – Wilkinson
Bruce Haeussler’s three-year term on the Greene County Planning Board will expire March 15, 2022. Bruce has indicated that he does not wish to be reappointed. William Whitbeck has been recommended. He is a longstanding member of the Town Planning Board and would be an excellent addition to the County Board. Bill has indicated his willingness to serve. A motion appointing William Whitbeck to the Greene County Planning Board was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Patrick Kennedy and duly carried.
Ayes: 4 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Veeder Absent: 1 – Wilkinson
Resolution authorizing the hiring of part-time assessor’s clerk was presented. Julie Fisk the Assessor’s Clerk will be going out on extended medical leave later this month for an undetermined amount of time. The resolution calls for the hiring of Hope Nugent to serve as part-time Assessor’s Clerk during Julie’s absence. Greene County Civil Service has cleared the position and informed the Town that no eligible list exists. Ms. Nugent will be paid $17.61 per hour and work no more than 22 hours per week. It was noted that Hope works for Gordon in Greenville and filled in here the last time Julie was out due to medical reasons. Michael Veeder made the motion which was seconded by Thomas Burke and duly carried to hire Ms. Nugent per the resolution presented.
Ayes: 4 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Veeder Absent: 1 – Wilkinson
The Town’s mask policy was revisited. The Governor is expected to make an announcement tomorrow concerning mask requirements. The board was in favor of taking its lead from the Governor regarding masking requirements in public places. Rick will put out a memo after the announcement is made.
Supervisor mentioned the topic of COVID related work absences. In speaking with other Towns and with attorney Rappleyea, Rick found that employees are not being charged their accrued time when being absent from work due to COVID. Documentation would be required – i.e., results of COVID test, a doctor’s note, etc. Mike is not in favor of this as he thinks it could get out of hand; that people would take advantage. Discussion ensued. A motion was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Patrick Kennedy and duly carried that Town employees are not charged their accrued time due to COVID related illness provided proper documentation is provided.
Ayes: 3 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy No: 1 – Veeder Absent: 1- Wilkinson
General Fund and Highway bills in the amount of $66,464.22 were audited on abstract #2, voucher numbers 2022-042 through 2022-111.
Town Board workshop meeting will take place on Thursday, February 24 at 6:00 pm. The board will be reviewing a virtual presentation from Nordutch Technologies on Cyber Security.
Tom stated that he and Mike will be meeting with Larry after the next meeting to discuss highway equipment plan and budgeting.
Patrick asked whether the road use agreement for the Flint Mine Solar project is in place. Rick said that it remains in the hands of the attorneys.
No arbitration meetings have been scheduled with UPSCEU as of yet, a mediator has been assigned.
Discussion on Hose 3 contract. The Mayor will be in next week to sign the contract. The negotiation process needs to begin earlier this year. Kevin is no longer president but has them on the right track. Ken Bauer is the new president.
At 7:28 pm a motion to adjourn the meeting 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.
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Bambi Hotaling, Town Clerk
Read minutes from last month