January 14, 2025
TOWN BOARD MEETING
TOWN OF COXSACKIE
January 14, 2025
Organization Meeting January 14, 2025
PRESENT:Richard Hanse, Supervisor
Thomas Burke, Councilman
Patrick Kennedy, Councilman
Shane Pilato, Councilman
Michale Veeder, Councilman/Deputy Supervisor
Bambi Hotaling, Town Clerk
Larry Ross, Highway Superintendent
Donna Wasilewski, Bookkeeper/Budget Officer
Michael H. Rausch, Town Historian
Press:
Shawn Ness, Daily Mail
GUESTS:
Carol Metz, Ken Bauer, Catherine S. Huber, Joseph F. Huber
Supervisor opened the public hearing on the proposed fire contracts for Earlton Fire Department
and Coxsackie Hose Co. No. 3; legal notice was presented.
There being no public comments, the hearing was closed at 7:06 pm on motion of Thomas Burke
seconded by Michael Veeder and duly carried.
A motion to accept the minutes of December 10 was made by Patrick Kennedy seconded by Michael Veeder and duly carried.
A motion to accept the two-year fire protection contract as presented with Coxsackie Hose Co. No 3 was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Shane Pilato and duly carried.
Ayes: 5 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Pilato, Veeder
A motion to accept the two-year fire protection contract as presented with Earlton Fire Department was made by Michael Veeder seconded by Shane Pilato and duly carried.
Ayes: 5 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Pilato, Veeder
The meeting was opened for public comments:
Carol Metz mentioned the issue with the garbage/recycling pickup at the Senior Center. She suggested they get a dumpster for the center’s recycling, Rick said that refuse removal is the responsibility of the County.
Catherine Huber inquired if the Town was planning any events to commiserate the Revolutionary War. Michael Rausch, the Town Historian reported that the County and Towns have acknowledged the 250th anniversary. They are in the planning stages to celebrate the anniversary of the war that began in 1776 and ended in 1783.
Town Historian, Michael Rausch gave his annual report to the board.
Attorney for the Town, Tal Rappleyea’s retainer was presented for approval. It was noted that the retainer which is paid monthly is $1,519.33 and the hourly rate is $175.00 for work outside the retainer. A motion to accept Mr. Rappleyea’s retainer was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Patrick Kennedy and duly carried.
Ayes: 5 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Pilato, Veeder
Highway Superintendent Ross reported that the new fueling station has been installed. He is looking to purchase a new international truck, specifications were provided, delivery time is approximately 4 years out; discussion ensued. No action was taken, the board will review the proposal at the February 11 meeting.
EMS Chief Myrdycz submitted a written report. They had 101 calls. Much of her staff is out with the flu and norovirus. There is a meeting at the end of the month with several other agency administrators to produce a plan to present to the legislature on a countywide agency, at their request. It was noted that there was a feasibility study done on this in the past.
Annual income limits as established by the County for Senior and Disabled tax exemptions were presented. The Town typically aligns with the County on both exemptions. A motion to adopt the recommended maximum income limit of $36,000 with full sliding scale for 2025 was made by Patrick Kennedy seconded by Michael Veeder and duly carried.
Ayes: 5 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Pilato, Veeder
A motion to schedule a public hearing on proposed Local Law #1-2025 providing real property tax exemptions for volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers pursuant to Section 466-A of the real property tax law for February 11 at 7:00 pm was made by Patrick Kennedy seconded by Michael Veeder and duly carried.
Ayes: 5 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Pilato, Veeder
Supervisor reported that the Town’s commercial insurance policy with Trident is up for renewal/expires February 13. The Town has been experiencing some difficulties with our broker, Marshall & Sterling. Donna and Rick are working with them to get quotes ASAP and are also looking to get a quote from NYMIR. They are waiting for more information.
Donna reported that we have received $36,000 in interest with NY Class in six months.
Columbia-Greene Humane Society housing contract for 2025 was presented. There were no changes to the current contract. A motion to accept the contract was made by Patrick Kennedy seconded by Michael Veeder and duly carried.
Ayes: 5 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Veeder, Wilkinson
General Fund and Highway bills in the amount of $228,710.07 were audited on abstract #1, voucher numbers 2025-1 through 2025-77. Bank reconciliations were presented for review.
Town Clerk’s and Supervisor’s year-end accounts were presented for review.
A motion to accept the November Justice reports was made by Patrick Kennedy seconded by Shane Pilato and duly carried.
At 8:00 pm a motion to enter into executive session to discuss litigation was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Michael Veeder and duly carried.
At 8:10 pm a motion to come out of executive session and 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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Bambi Hotaling, Town Clerk
Read minutes from last month