Minutes
| TOWN BOARD MEETING TOWN OF COXSACKIE July 8, 2025
Thomas Burke, Councilman Patrick Kennedy, Councilman Shane Pilato, Councilman Michale Veeder, Councilman/Deputy Supervisor Bambi Hotaling, Town Clerk Larry Ross, Highway Superintendent GUESTS: The meeting was called to order by Supervisor Hanse at 7:00 pm with the Pledge of Allegiance. Everyone was asked to remain standing for a moment of silence in memory of Gordon Bennett and Donald Daoust. Gordon served as the Town’s Sole Assessor for 28 years. His skill was praised throughout the County. Don served on the Town Board for 12 years as a Councilman and as Deputy Supervisor. Both will be missed and remembered fondly. The public hearing on proposed Local Law #2-2025 held on July 8 was continued. If adopted this local law would amend the Town zoning relating to cannabis uses in the Corridor Industrial District (CI). It would allow for cannabis cultivation, cannabis nursery, cannabis processor, and cannabis warehouses to the list of permitted uses with a Special Use Permit. Councilman Veeder reiterated his concerns about smells, stating that he did some research on this issue. There are odors that can be emitted from such uses and Mike inquired as to the plans for mitigation. Allison of Cuddy & Feder said that while she does not have the plans now, specific engineered plans for HVAC, exhaust fans, carbon filters, etc. will be provided. Rick asked that she send him the mitigation plan. The planning board will need to hold the applicants to strict conditions of the special use permit. Installation of an effective air filtration system must be a requirement. Mike remains skeptical. There being no further comments a motion to close the public hearing at 7:10 pm was made by Patrick Kennedy seconded by Shane Pilato and duly carried. Ayes: 5 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Pilato, Veeder A motion to adopt Local Law #2-2025 as presented was made by Patrick Kennedy seconded by Thomas Burke and duly carried. Ayes: 4 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Pilato No: 1 – Veeder A motion to accept the minutes of July 8 was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Patrick Kennedy and duly carried. Supervisor opened the meeting to the public: Carol is concerned about the proposed solar project on Adams Road which is currently before the Planning and Zoning Boards. She does not want to see pieces of solar scattered throughout residential areas. Catherine Huber stated that there needs to be universal signage for the library. There is no signage for parking. She knows this is a Village issue and will take it up with them. Patrick stated that he could reach out to Catherine Benson. Chief of EMS Myrdycz submitted a written vehicle report. They had 109 calls for July. The new rig is expected to arrive the first week of September. Highway Superintendent provided the board with two quotes for a new soil rammer that is needed to replace the current worn-out unit. JC Smith Inc. quoted $2900, and Finke Equipment quoted $2768.00. A motion to purchase the New Wacker Neuson BS62-4AB from Finke Equipment was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Shane Pilato and duly carried. Ayes: 5 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Pilato, Veeder The installation of a fire hydrant at Diederich’s Mobile Home Park was discussed. Last October there was a fire in one trailer that quickly spread to another. Water was supplied by tanker trucks from several fire companies. The proposed new hydrant will be an asset to aid in firefighting efforts while providing increased safety for the residents. The hydrant will cost $7,451.82 and the cost for installation by the Village of Coxsackie is approximately $2,000. A motion to approve the purchase and installation of the hydrant was made by Michael Veeder seconded by Thomas Burke and duly carried. Ayes: 5 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Pilato, Veeder Supervisor reported that prior to Gordon Bennett becoming ill he was notified that 19 small claim assessment review actions have been brought against the Town. Routinely Gordon would appear in Court to defend the Town. Due to his passing, Nancy Bower, who serves as the sole assessor for several towns in our County, has offered to represent us in defending our assessed valuations. She is offering her services at no charge to the Town, other than travel reimbursement, as she indicated that Gordon was helpful to her many times during her profession. A motion to hire Nancy Bower to represent the Town in these matters was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Patrick Kennedy and duly carried. Ayes: 5 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Pilato, Veeder Supervisor also reported that the cost of the Potic Creek Culvert project has increased by $6,940. The additional cost is due to the increased size of the culvert. A motion to approve the additional cost was made by Shane Pilato seconded by Patrick Kennedy and duly carried. Ayes: 5 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Pilato, Veeder Discussion ensued regarding an email from Bill Whitbeck. Bill remains insistent that Gallivan is in violation of our zoning code by “expanding”. The Board concurs with the Code Enforcement Officer that in the absence of Gallivan extending its operation to an adjoining parcel, an expansion of the Gallivan mine has not taken place. General Fund and Highway bills in the amount of $179,828.30 were audited on abstract #8, voucher numbers 2025-443 through 2025-503. Bank reconciliations were presented for review. A motion to accept the budget transfers was made by Shane Pilato seconded by Michael Veeder and duly carried. Ayes: 5 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Pilato, Veeder A motion to accept the June Justice reports was made by Patrick Kennedy seconded by Michael Veeder and duly carried. Ayes: 5 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Pilato, Veeder At 7:40 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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