| TOWN BOARD MEETING TOWN OF COXSACKIE January 14, 2020 |
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PRESENT: ABSENT: Patrick Kennedy, Councilman GUESTS: Larry Ross, Beau Dushane, Mark Flach, Jeanette Rice, Patrick Doyle, Gabe Wapner, Giuseppina Agovino, Helen Meier Supervisor called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm with the Pledge of Allegiance. The public hearing on the proposed fire contracts with Coxsackie Hose Company No. 3 was opened at 7:00 pm on motion of Richard Hanse seconded by Thomas Burke and duly carried. Clerk presented the legal notice. Helen Meier asked if the Town was seeing that the fire company gets a special washer and dryer to clean their turnout gear. The cost is approximately $15,000. Presently D.M. Hamilton lets Hose 3 use their machines; this issue can be revisited next year. The only change to this year’s contract was the mandated cancer insurance that the Town is required to pay for both fire companies. Mrs. Meier questioned why Earlton gets the same amount of money as Hose 3 even though their call volume is less. Supervisor stated that is not true and that there is some confusing/misleading information being passed around on Facebook. There is one fire district; the Town contracts with both Earlton and Hose 3. Both contracts are available for public review. The Town is very fortunate to have volunteer fire protection. At 7:10 pm a motion to close the public hearing was made by Michael Veeder seconded by Thomas Burke and duly carried. A motion to approve and authorize the supervisor to sign the fire protection contract with Coxsackie Hose Company No. 3, Inc. was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Linda Wilkinson and duly carried. A motion to accept the minutes of December 10, and December 30 (2 sets) was made by Michael Veeder seconded by Thomas Burke and duly carried. Meeting was opened to the public. Mrs. Meier addressed the board polling them individually as to their position on solar. Each member related their individual response; indicating they had no problem with solar as long as it is responsibly sited. Helen stated that the Friends of Flint Mine Solar have set up a Facebook page where donations can be made to assist in saving the animals in Australia from the wildfires. Giuseppina provided the board with a handout regarding NYS approving a large windfarm overriding the local zoning. Gabe Wapner gave an updated on the Hecate project stating that they have submitted their application. It has been a very comprehensive process and he encourages everyone to look at the changes to the visual impacts. The application is available at Town Hall, the library and online. Patrick Doyle gave an update on the Flint Mine project stating that they have not yet submitted their application. Climate change is real, we all need to step up our efforts. Solar is good for the community. Jeanette Rice and Mary Garvey voiced their concerns on climate change; both are worried for their grandchildren and are asking the board to revisit the local law. Helen Meier stated that none the farms are food producing and are no longer dairy farms. Highway Superintendent Ross reported that they have been cutting brush, the County assisted with their bucket truck. They continue to clean up at the old garage. Larry purchased storage cabinet and spill containers which are compliant with PESH and OSHA. EMS Chief Myrdycz reported a busy month with 87 calls. The inmates from Greene Correctional have been doing a great job at the station painting, replacing doors, etc. At the December 30 meeting Beau Dushane presented the board with information on the new ambulance. Total amount for 2020 F350 4×4 chassis and options is $182,906; does not need to go out for bid, prices are effective until February 1. The purchase was approved contingent upon receipt of all the proper paperwork which has been submitted. Thomas Burke made a motion approving the purchase as discussed above. Michael Veeder seconded the motion which was duly carried. Michael Veeder made a motion to purchaser two Stryker stretchers in the amount of $5011.80. Linda Wilkinson seconded the motion which was duly carried. A motion to purchase a salt storage shed from Hybrid Building Solutions in the amount of $108,743 was made by Thomas Burke and seconded by Linda Wilkinson. Discussion on the motion. Originally $60,000 budgeted for the shed, according to Karen there is money available in the budget for the purchase. The motion was carried. A motion to adopt the income limits for Senior Citizens and Disabled Tax Exemptions as recommended by the Greene County Legislature with a maximum income limit of $29,000 with sliding scale was made by Linda Wilkinson, seconded by Thomas Burke and duly carried. Thomas Burke made a motion appointing delegates for the Association of Towns Annual Meeting as follows: Richard Hanse delegate and Thomas Burke as alternate. Michael Veeder seconded the motion which was duly carried. Thomas Burke made a motion authorizing the Supervisor to sign the retainer with Tal Rappleyea, attorney for the Town in the amount of $15,926 for the year. Richard Hanse seconded the motion which was not carried. Michael Veeder made a motion to accept the contract with Barton & Loguidice for engineering services relating to the Hecate Article 10 process. Thomas Burke seconded the motion which was duly carried. General Fund and Highway bills in the amount of $18,437.86 were audited on abstract #1, voucher numbers 2019-001 through 2019-057. Supervisor and Town Clerk year end accounts were reviewed. Michael Veeder made a motion at 7:54 pm to enter executive session for the purpose of discussing ongoing and potential litigation. Thomas Burke seconded the motion. Linda Wilkinson made a motion to come out of executive session at 8:08 pm which was seconded by Thomas Burke. A motion to retain the services of Whiteman, Osterman and Hanna to represent the Town in a code enforcement issue was made by Michael Veeder seconded by Thomas Burke and duly carried. At 8:09 pm Michael Veeder made a motion to adjourn the meeting which was seconded by Thomas Burke and duly carried.
Bambi Hotaling, Town Clerk |