May 9, 2023
TOWN BOARD MEETING
TOWN OF COXSACKIE
May 9, 2023
PRESENT:
Richard Hanse, Supervisor
Thomas Burke, Councilman
Patrick Kennedy, Councilman
Linda Wilkinson, Councilwoman
Bambi Hotaling, Town Clerk
Donna Wasilewski, Bookkeeper
ABSENT:
Michale Veeder, Councilman
GUESTS:
Carol S. Metz, Patrick Doyle, Rob Panasci, Mark Flach
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 April 11 and April 26, was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Patrick Kennedy and duly carried.
Supervisor opened the meeting for public comments.
Carol Metz asked that the pavilion (at the Senior Center) remain standing until July 27th as that is the picnic and Lynn will need to cook under there to be out of the sun. Rick stated that it will remain in place, and he will have the hazardous piece of sheet metal removed before then.
Department reports were received from Code Enforcement and Chief of EMS.
Two points of interest in Ed’s report is that the tire dump has finally been cleaned up; and while Gallivan continues blasting the Town is notified and it appears the last few blasts have been less intrusive.
EMS had 92 calls and the new stretchers have been ordered; currently they have a loaner from Stryker.
Tom reported on behalf of Highway that the roads have been paved in accordance with the 284 agreement with assistance from the Towns of Athens, New Baltimore, Catskill, and the County. Our highway crew will help them with their paving projects as well. A full-time laborer has been hired. The new truck is expected to arrive on Monday.
Tom also reported that has met with Senator Hinchey and has had phone calls with her staff members regarding the disrepair of the three bridges in the Town. There is a possibility of grant money being available. He is looking into obtaining estimates for repairs which could cost up to a million dollars.
Donna distributed and explained the settlement allocation between the various funds regarding the Sleepy Hollow Lake tax certiorari case. The first payment will be due before June 15in the amount of $20,125. Next year the second payment will be due by the end of January. The Town has enough in reserves to cover the cost. Rick stated that if we did not settle it could have cost $60-70,000 in legal fees.
Donna also reminded everyone of her schedule – Wednesday and Thursday attending the PERMA conference at the Sagamore and on Monday and Tuesday she, Rick and Tom will be attending the AOT Finance School in Albany. It was noted that Rick will be unable to attend on Tuesday as he has a meeting at the prison.
Bambi reported that she received a rather lengthy FOIL request regarding commercial solar projects. She has reached out to Tal for guidance on how to proceed.
Bambi read a letter we received from the County in response to the Town’s request for a speed limit reduction on County Route 51 between Route 81 and Paradise Hill Road. The request was denied, stating that a 45MPH speed limit is still appropriate. Rick notified Mr. and Mrs. Pascuzzi as they initiated the request.
Tom suggested that we purchase a plaque for the dedication of Town Hall. The board agrees it is appropriate. Rick will get some prices.
The Host Community Agreement between the Town and Flint Mine Solar was presented; Patrick Doyle and Rob Panasci of Young/Sommer reviewed. The agreement calls for a one-time payment in the amount of $120,000 if approved and executed by the Town prior to May 31, 2023. Patrick noted that the Town of Athens has already signed their Host Agreement. The Town expects to receive a $200,000 per year PILOT once the project is up and running with 1.5% annual increases for 30 years. A motion to accept the Host agreement as presented was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Patrick Kennedy and duly carried.
Ayes: 4 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Wilkinson Absent: 1 – Veeder
General Fund and Highway bills in the amount of $78,401.47 were audited on abstract #5, voucher numbers 2023-239 through 2023-295.
A motion to accept the March Justice Reports as presented was made by Linda Wilkinson seconded by Patrick Kennedy and duly carried.
At 7:50 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.
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Bambi Hotaling, Town Clerk
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