July 11, 2023
TOWN BOARD MEETING
TOWN OF COXSACKIE
July 11, 2023
PRESENT:
Richard Hanse, Supervisor
Thomas Burke, Councilman
Patrick Kennedy, Councilman
Michale Veeder, Councilman
Bambi Hotaling, Town Clerk
ABSENT:
Linda Wilkinson, Councilwoman
GUESTS:
Carol S. Metz, M.K. Garvey
Press:
Nancy Kern, Columbia Greene Media
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
It was once again noted that the pavilion will not be removed until after the Senior Club picnic on July 27.
General Fund and Highway bills in the amount of $122,091.74 were audited on abstract #7, voucher numbers 2023-366 through 2023-422. Voucher # 393 in the amount of $25,038 payable to UHY Advisors was pulled and not approved for payment.
A motion to accept the May Justice Reports as presented was made by Patrick Kennedy seconded by Michael Veeder and duly carried.
At 7:42 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.