March 14, 2023
TOWN BOARD MEETING
TOWN OF COXSACKIE
March 14, 2023
PRESENT:
Richard Hanse, Supervisor
Thomas Burke, Councilman
Patrick Kennedy, Councilman
Michale Veeder, Councilman
Bambi Hotaling, Town Clerk
Donna Wasilewski, Bookkeeper
ABSENT:
Linda Wilkinson, Councilwoman
GUESTS:
Carol S. Metz, M.K. Garvey, Bill Whitbeck, Patrick Doyle, Chip & Beth Tailleur
Read Town Board Workshop Meeting, March 30, 2023
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 February 14, 2023, was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Patrick Kennedy and duly carried.
Supervisor opened the meeting for public comments.
Patrick Doyle gave an update on the Flint Mine Solar project. Things are moving forward slowly. The Sate has approved minor amendments. Patrick hopes to have draft host agreements soon.
Carol Metz thanked Patrick for keeping the public updated on the project. She inquired about the status of the Hecate project; the Town has not heard from them in several months.
Beth Tailleur asked for an update with the Gallivan mine. Rick responded that a number of blasts have been called off due to low ceiling cloud deck.
Department reports were received from Code Enforcement and Chief of EMS.
Highway Superintendent Ross reported that they are finished working on the extension out back. The last snowstorm brought down trees which have been cleaned up. There was a minor fender bender with the 2019 one ton. Information has been submitted to insurance company.
The 2013 International is back at Ben Funk having some front-end work done.
Larry presented his 284 Agreement which was approved on motion of Thomas Burke seconded by Michael Veeder and duly carried.
Ayes: 4 – Burke, Hanse, Kennedy, Veeder Absent: 1 – Wilkinson
Larry also stated that he would like to advertise for help as they are currently down a full-time person.
Discussion ensued on the excavator which is old and obsolete; they have tried to get parts to no avail. Thomas Burke made a motion to declare the excavator surplus and authorize the Highway Superintendent to list for sale on Auctions International. Michael Veeder seconded the motion which was duly carried.
Ayes: 4 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Veeder Absent: 1 – Wilkinson
Larry and Scott will be traveling to Yacano’s in Norwich, New York to look at a used Gradall which would replace the excavator.
Rick reported that the 2014 Ambulance that was declared surplus last month was sold on Auctions International for $7500. A motion to approve the sale was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Patrick Kennedy and duly carried.
Ayes: 4 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Veeder Absent 1 – Wilkinson
Bambi reported that Greater Things Roasters, LLC has notified the Town that they intend to apply for their liquor license and provided their 30-day advance notice.
Donna has signed up for “free” PERMA training at the annual conference May 11 and 12 at the Sagamore Hotel. There is no cost to attend the training other than mileage. A motion to approve the training was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Michael Veeder and duly carried.
Ayes: 4 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Veeder Absent: 1 – Wilkinson
UHY Proposal was presented for Justice Court accounting services, this was tabled last month so that Donna could look into this matter further. At this time, she suggests keeping the process in place otherwise the Board would be responsible for auditing the Court’s books. A motion to accept the UHY proposal (not to exceed $2750) was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Richard Hanse and duly carried.
Ayes: 3 – Hanse, Burke Veeder Noes: 1 – Kennedy Absent: 1 – Wilkinson
The proposal for the Town’s employee health insurance was presented. Donna and Tom have been working on plan options for the coming year. Presently insured employees are enrolled with CDPHP. Donna and Tom have suggested the Town moves to MVP which is the same coverage and 2% less than CDPHP which would increase 15%. The cost difference is CDPHP is nationwide whereas with MVP employees need to reside in NYS but out of state emergencies would still be covered. A motion to switch to the MVP plan was made by Michael Veeder seconded by Patrick Kennedy and duly carried.
Ayes: 3 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Veeder Absent: 1 – Wilkinson
Tom Burke reported that the Ambulance service is interested in a project to determine whether having Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians (AEMTs) will provide a service and generate revenue above the level of a staff composed entirely of Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). Some of our EMTs are already certified as AEMTs If the trial period were to go forward, the certified AEMTs would assume the title AEMT on a temporary basis (6 months) and receive no pay increase. At the end of the trial period the Town would determine if there was a benefit to promoting certified individuals to AEMTs on a permanent basis. Mike asked about the billing issues and paperwork/PCR reports; there needs to be more accountability. Tom stated that once our contract is up with MultiMed the Town can check into hiring a smaller billing company. It was noted that the plan is endorsed by the Union and is Civil Service compliant.
A motion to move forward with the project on a six-month trial basis was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Patrick Kennedy and duly carried.
Ayes: 4 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Veeder Absent: 1 – Wilkinson
Rick reported that the lighting at the Senior Center needs to be replaced; the ballasts are melting, and it is a fire hazard. He received a quote from Barry Rausch. Mike would like to get another quote and will contact Kevin Tobin. It was noted that due to this being an emergency situation there is no requirement to bid. A motion to get another quote and go with the cheapest one was made by Michael Veeder seconded by Thomas Burke and duly carried.
Ayes: 4 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Veeder Absent: 1 – Wilkinson
Larry stated that the structure/pavilion behind the Senior Center is hazardous as it is falling apart and suggests having the building removed. Thomas Burke made a motion authorizing Larry to remove the building which will be done by the highway crew. Michael Veeder seconded the motion which was duly carried.
Ayes: 4 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Veeder Absent: 1 – Wilkinson
General Fund and Highway bills in the amount of $330,016.57 were audited on abstract #3, voucher numbers 2023-115 through 2023-184.
A motion to accept the January Justice Reports as presented was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Patrick Kennedy and duly carried.
A motion to accept the budget transfers as presented was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Michael Veeder and duly carried.
At 8:00 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