| TOWN BOARD MEETING TOWN OF COXSACKIE October 13, 2020
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PRESENT: ABSENT: Patrick Kennedy, Councilman GUESTS: Donna Gianola, Dawn Smith, Bill Mirando, Carol Metz, Tom Notabartolo, Kevin Tobin, Helen Meier, David Meier, Mark Flach, Patrick Doyle, Giuseppina Agovino, Nadine Myrdycz, Gordon Bennett, Gabe Wapner (via cell phone) Supervisor called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm with the Pledge of Allegiance. Rick opened the public hearing on the proposed fire protection contract with Earlton Fire Department. Town Clerk presented the legal notice. The contract is for a two-year period–effective January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021 Donna Gianola commented that there are discrepancies in the funding for Earlton and Hose 3. Mike Veeder stated that truck payments for the Earlton Fire Department are paid for by them from their contract money; they are not given additional funds. Hose 3 was given additional money above their contract for Scott Air Packs. Bill Mirando commented that volunteer fire companies are having to shut down due to lack of funding. Turnout gear costs thousands of dollars, equipment/hoses need to be replaced, mandatory cancer coverage has become a hot topic. The requested washer and dryer are needed to help prolong life of the gear and to protect members. Rick stated that Hose 3 should be negotiating with their liaisons. Carol Metz stated that she hopes the board will always support the fire departments; their safety should never be compromised due to lack of funding. At 7:11 pm a motion to close the public hearing and opening the board meeting was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Michael Veeder and duly carried. A motion to accept the minutes of September 8 and September 30 was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Michael Veeder and duly carried. Supervisor opened the meeting to the public. Patrick Doyle gave an update on Flint Mine’s project. Public informational sessions and virtual presentations will be held on October 22. Draft regulations for 194C (alternative to Article 10) have been published. Discussion regarding wetlands. Town and landowners should be involved in the process. Giuseppina commented on the wetland issue stating that the cumulative effect will have a bigger impact on Coxsackie (properties coming off the tax roll) than the solar project. She would like to see the Town Board take issue with this matter. Helen commented that 10 feet outside the Town’s door is wetland, guidance is needed on this matter. Gabe Wapner gave an update on the Hecate project (via telephone). Virtual informational sessions were held on September 22 and public hearing on 9/29. He thanked Rick for attending. They received a balanced set of comments and support. It was noted that information on both the projects are available online. EMS Chief Myrdycz reported a busy month with 103 calls. Greene Correctional is experiencing an influx of COVID cases. Two EMTs were recently exposed to COVID patients at the facility. Both have been tested and are negative. PERMA is not covering the cost of COVID testing. Nadine would like to promote Jennifer Magee from parttime EMT to fulltime. There will be no effect on the budget and civil services has already approved. Thomas Burke made the motion which was seconded by Michael Veeder and duly carried. Tom reported on behalf of Highway Superintendent Ross. The additional area for salt storage has been dug out, shale brought in and rolled out. Discussion ensued. Possibility of getting blocks at little to no cost. Approximate cost of shale/stone is $4200. Discussion on outside electric/lighting. In accordance with procurement policy three written quotes/bids have been obtained. Barry Rausch would like the opportunity to provide a quote. Tom and Mike will review the quotes. Supervisor reported that Dawn Smith’s term on the Board of Assessment Review was up. Dawn has indicated her interest in remaining on the board and Gordon Bennett reported that she has been an asset to the board. Thomas Burke made a motion to reappoint Dawn Smith to the Board of Assessment Review for a five-year term. Michael Veeder seconded the motion which was duly carried. A resolution was presented to engage the services of a deputy code enforcement officer to enforce matters as needed and directed by the Town Board and to carry out inspections and code enforcement duties related to Sunset Vista Mobile Home Park. Cordell Consulting Services will be hired at a rate of $150 per hour not to exceed $5,000 without prior Town Board approval. Thomas Burke made a motion to adopt the resolution as presented. Michael Veeder seconded the motion which was duly carried. A complete copy of the resolution is on file in the Town Clerk’s Office. A resolution was presented to hire a temporary part-time Assessor’s Clerk in the absence of Julie Fisk. This will have no effect on the budget and Civil Service advises that no eligible list currently exists for the position. Gordon would like to hire Hope Nugent, she is his clerk in Greenville. Ms. Nugent will work no more than twenty-two hours per week and be paid $16.93 per hour. Thomas Burke made a motion to adopt the resolution as presented. Michael Veeder seconded the motion which was duly carried. A complete copy of the resolution is on file in the Town Clerk’s Office. General Fund and Highway bills in the amount of $58,457.38 were audited on abstract #12, voucher numbers 2020-746 through 2020-806. General Fund and Highway bills in the amount of $75,477.87 were previously audited on abstract #11, dated September 23 voucher numbers 2020-714 through 2020-745. A motion to accept the August Justice reports as presented was made by Michael Veeder seconded by Linda Wilkinson and duly carried. A motion to approve the budget transfers as presented was made by Michael Veeder seconded by Linda Wilkinson and duly carried. At 8:00 pm Michael Veeder made a motion to enter executive session to discuss pending litigation. Thomas Burke seconded the motion which was duly carried. Assessor Gordon Bennett was asked to remain. At 8:15 pm Michael Veeder made a motion to come out of executive session and adjourn the meeting. Thomas Burke seconded the motion which was duly carried
Bambi Hotaling, Town Clerk |