May 9, 2023
TOWN BOARD MEETING
TOWN OF COXSACKIE
May 9, 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, Andrew Gilchrist, Esq.
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 May 9, 2023, was made by Michael Veeder seconded by Patrick Kennedy and duly carried.
Supervisor opened the meeting for public comments. No comments were offered.
It was noted that we missed a couple of reappointments back in December. A motion to reappoint Joanne Conway to the Planning Board and James Clark to the Zoning Board of Appeals was made by Patrick Kennedy seconded by Michael Veeder and duly carried.
Ayes: 4 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy Veeder Absent: 1 – Wilkinson
A Resolution to execute the road use agreement for the Champlain Hudson Power Express Transmission Cable System Crossing (CHPE) was presented. A motion authorizing the Supervisor to execute the agreement as presented was made by Patick Kennedy seconded by Michael Veeder and duly carried.
Ayes: 4 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Veeder Absent: 1 – Wilkinson
A letter was received from the County requesting a speed limit investigation on County Route 57 (Farm to Market Road) between the Athens Town Line and the Coxsackie Village Limits. A resolution supporting the request was presented. A motion to pass said resolution was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Michael Veeder and duly carried.
Ayes: 4 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Veeder Absent: 1- Wilkinson
The supervisor presented the UMH Stipulation regarding proposed annexation of land within the Town to the Village. As previously discussed, the Town Board has no option under NYS law to deny the petition. Rick is asking for authorization to have attorney Tal Rappleyea execute said stipulation on behalf of the Town. Patrick Kennedy made the motion which was seconded by Michael Veeder and duly carried.
Ayes: 4 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Veeder Absent: 1 – Wilkinson
Attorney Andrew Gilchrist is the current attorney for UMH. He clarified that he did not represent them in past litigation. He stated that the houses are purchased, but the land is leased. The development will have green space, sidewalks, etc. and will no longer be age restricted.
A request was received from Coxsackie Hose Company #3 to use the Senior Center parking lot for the reviewing stand on September 8 (Mardi Gras parade) and September 9 (Dress parade). They will also be using the outdoor electrical outlets. Thomas Burke made the motion seconded by Michael Veeder and duly carried authorizing said use.
Ayes: 4 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Veeder Absent: 1 – Wilkinson
Supervisor reported that the Kings Road sewer project has been completed.
Tom gave an update on bridges – despite various calls and meetings with Senator Hinchey’s office there are currently no funds available for the approximate million-dollar repairs that are needed.
It was noted that the letter from Mayor Evans regarding updating the Comprehensive plan has been referred to the planning board. At present the Town Board is not interested in participating in this endeavor.
Rick has been working on getting a commemorative plaque for Town Hall, the cost is under $500. A motion to approve the purchase was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Patrick Kennedy and duly carried.
Ayes: 4 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Veeder Absent: 1 – Wilkinson
General Fund and Highway bills in the amount of $505,395.12 were audited on abstract #6, voucher numbers 2023-296 through 2023-365.
A motion to accept the April Justice Reports as presented was made by Patrick Kennedy seconded by Michael Veeder and duly carried.
At 7:25 pm the Supervisor made a motion to enter executive session for the purpose of discussing potential litigation. Thomas Burke seconded the motion which was duly carried.
At 7:30 pm a motion to come out of executive session was made by Michael Veeder seconded by Thomas Burke and duly carried.
A motion to hire outside council to assist the Zoning Board of Appeals on a single matter was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Patrick Kennedy and duly carried.
Ayes: 4 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Veeder Absent: 1 – Wilkinson
At 7:33 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