March 11, 2025
TOWN BOARD MEETING
TOWN OF COXSACKIE
March 11, 2025
PRESENT:
Thomas Burke, Councilman
Patrick Kennedy, Councilman
Shane Pilato, Councilman (entered the meeting at 7:06 pm)
Michale Veeder, Councilman/Deputy Supervisor
Bambi Hotaling, Town Clerk
Donna Wasilewski, Bookkeeper/Budget Officer
GUESTS:
Hugh Quigley, Carol Metz, Catherine S. Huber, Michael Rausch
The meeting was called to order by Supervisor Hanse at 7:00 pm.
A motion to accept the minutes of February 11 was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Patrick Kennedy and duly carried.
Meeting opened to Hugh Quigley, Chairman of the Coxsackie Historical Society (401c Corporation) who gave a quick presentation regarding the renovation of 14 South River Street which will be home to a welcome center and museum. Hugh stated that they have plenty of money to do the project which will be funded by the NY Forward Grant. The Historical Society will be looking for the Town and the Village to split up to 75% of the operating costs. He is not asking for money right now but hopes the Town will budget for this in 2026. Michael Rausch, Town Historian stated that this project benefits the entire Coxsackie Community. Tom Burke disclosed that he is a member of the committee and moving forward will abstain from any votes.
Supervisor opened meeting to the public: Catherine Huber addressed the board but thought it might be a Village issue (which it is) regarding the disrepair of the sidewalks on Lafayette Avenue in front of doctor’s office. She will speak to the Village regarding this matter.
Carol Metz reported that the issue with the recycling container worked out well at the Senior Center.
Highway Superintendent Ross discussed and presented his 284 agreement. A motion to accept as presented was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Shane Pilato and duly carried.
Ayes: 5 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Pilato, Veeder
Chief of EMS Myrdycz submitted a written report – 101 calls for February.
Nadine presented three Parttime EMT applications – Keil McCarran, Jacob Fletcher and Alana Columbus. All three have been Civil Service approved. A motion to hire the three part-time EMTs as recommended by the Chief was made by Patrick Kennedy seconded by Michael Veeder and duly carried.
Ayes: 5 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Pilato, Veeder
Supervisor’s Bookkeeper Wasilewski stated that Nadine would like to purchase a laptop. Donna was not aware that Nadine wanted a laptop and did not originally order one through NorDutch – a desktop is on order. Discussion ensued. The board agreed that the laptop, quoted at $1,654.83 (includes all hardware, service and programing) could be purchased if the order for the desktop could be cancelled. Michael Veeder made the motion which was seconded by Shane Pilato and duly carried.
Ayes: 5 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Pilato, Veeder
Received quotes for new door readers at the EMS station. S&F quote $2,711.20, NorDutch quote $1,865.99+labor. S&F charges a $15 monthly fee, no monthly fee with NorDutch. More clarification on labor to install is needed. Authorization for the Supervisor to go with the best offer was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Michael Veeder and duly carried.
Ayes: 5 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Pilato, Veeder
Teamsters’ agreement regarding health insurance for full-time highway employees for 2025-2027 was presented. Article 9 of the agreement limits the length of time the Town covers insurance payments for out-of-work employees. The agreement has already been signed by the teamsters. On motion of Patrick Kennedy seconded by Shane Pilato and duly carried the agreement was approved and the Supervisor authorized to sign.
Ayes: 5 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Pilato, Veeder
Authorization for the Town Clerk to advertise for mowing bids for the 2025 season was made by Patrick Kennedy seconded by Thomas Burke and duly carried. Bids will be opened at the April 8 board meeting.
Ayes: 5 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Pilato, Veeder
Planning Board Chairman, Joeseph Garland has recommended Chris Fisher to fill the vacancy on the Planning Board. Chris sent a letter of interest. A motion to appoint Chris to the Planning Board was made by Patrick Kennedy seconded by Shane Pilato and duly carried.
Ayes: 5 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Pilato, Veeder
Renewal of employee health insurance was presented. The current plan is MVP, and the Town is paying $610.86; the increase for 2025 would be (for the same plan) $678.67. Donna also priced out CDPHP $795.55 and Anthem $737.57. The Reis Group quoted the same rate with MVP and an alternative MVP plan that would save about $3,340.56 but there would be a $60 copay after the deductible which is currently covered in full. It was suggested to remain with Marshall & Sterling as their healthcare division is efficient and responsive. There would be no need for employees to complete new enrollment forms. A motion was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Michael Veeder and duly carried to remain with the current MVP plan through Marshall & Sterling.
Ayes: 5 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Pilato, Veeder
Donna asked for authorization to switch payroll companies from Paychex to Recalibrate as she is unhappy with their service. The Town spent $9,473.94 with Paychex in 2024. Recalibrate estimates they can save the Town about $1,000 per year and are able to provide the NYSLRS report. A motion to change companies was made by Shane Pilato seconded by Thomas Burke and duly carried.
Ayes: 5 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Pilato, Veeder
Donna asked for authorization to attend the 2025 PERMA Conference being held at Turning Stone in Verona, NY. The conference is free, sessions are included as are meals. The only cost associated would be mileage. However, she would like to stay for an extra night to attend a special workshop on Certified Safety Coordinator Training. The cost for the hotel would be $229. Thomas Burke made a motion to approve seconded by Michael Veeder and duly carried.
Ayes: 5 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Pilato, Veeder
General Fund and Highway bills in the amount of $385,991.99 were audited on abstract #3, voucher numbers 2025-141 through 2025-212. Bank reconciliations were presented for review.
A motion to accept the January Justice reports was made by Shane Pilato seconded by Michael Veeder and duly carried.
At 7:45 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.
__________________________________
Bambi Hotaling, Town Clerk
Read minutes from last month