| TOWN BOARD MEETING TOWN OF COXSACKIE January 12,2021 |
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PRESENT: GUESTS: Jason Gardiner, Rebecca Gardiner, Kevin Tobin, Richard Mirando, Dawn Smith, Terry Hannigan, Ken Bauer, Patrick Doyle, Leslie Albright, Carol Metz, Joe Hoogkamp, Mark Flach, Nadine Myrdycz, Gabe Wapner and Alex (via cell phone) The public hearing was called to order by the Supervisor at 7:00 pm with the Pledge of Terry Hannigan, Esq., addressed the board, he has been retained by Hose Company No. 3. Patrick Kennedy stated that negotiations did take place. Ken Bauer addressed the board reciting portions of minutes from January 2019 and February 12. Once again there was talk about Ferguson the largest building in Town. Current funding level is not enough. Kevin Tobin stated that in the past truck payments have been part of the contract. Discussion ensued on truck purchases. Jason Gardiner stated that there is a big difference in what is collected for taxes and what the fire company is given. “Volunteers spend countless hours away from their families.” Carol Metz stated that this conversation is very upsetting and implores the Town and fire Rick Hanse stated that there is one fire district and two companies. The Town asked for a quick audit of the fire company’s financial records to no avail. The Town board has a fiduciary responsibility to our taxpayers. Mike Veeder stated that negotiations are a give and take; without going into details, he said the negotiations were not handled well. Tom Burke would be willing to help negotiate Hose 3’s loans with other banks. Patrick replied to Carol that he and Mike sat down with Hose 3 and feels the proposal was fair. While he appreciates and respects their service, the Town cannot dig them out of 10+ years of bad financial management. Rebecca Gardiner is a member of Hose 3; she does not understand the tax allocation by the board. At 7:40 pm a motion to close the public hearing and open the regular meeting was made by A motion to accept the minutes of December 8 and December 31, 2020, was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Patrick Kennedy and duly carried. The meeting was opened to the public for other comments. Patrick Doyle gave an update on the Flint Mine project. They are still in settlement discussions with the stakeholders. Patrick Kennedy and Thomas Burke will serve as Host liaisons. Leslie Albright stated that two solar projects one in Coeymans and one in Schohaire have beenapproved. She asked about the cumulative impacts and whether or not PILOTS have been negotiated. Supervisor reported that negotiations have not taken place yet, but the Assessor has contacted both companies to start the process. Gabe Wapner introduced Alex their new associate (via cell phone). Alex wanted to be at the meeting but is currently under quarantine due to travel. Gabe stated that PILOTS for the solar projects are not typical; they are long-term with no reassessment for about 10-20 years. Hecate continues moving forward with the permitting process. Town Clerk reported on behalf of EMS Chief Myrdycz that they had 77 calls. Calls for the year were 997 which is a decrease in calls from 1030 in 2019 due to COVID. Town Historian Michael Rausch provided copies of his annual report to the board. Town Clerk noted that Michael was not present as he was attending another meeting. Tom Burke reported on behalf of the Highway Superintendent Larry Ross. The crew has been busy with snowstorms, doing an excellent job. Received two quotes for blocks for the salt shed annex – Matter Contracting in the amount of $9,945.00. The County would assist in transporting the blocks. Bonded Concrete provided a quote but did not meet the specifications. Not many places make the required blocks. Matter is a local business. Tom noted that Larry will be ordering 600 tons of salt next year. Patrick Kennedy made a motion to accept the quote from Matter Contracting. Michael Veeder seconded the motion which was duly carried. General Fund and Highway bills in the amount of $48,645.56 were audited on abstract #1, voucher numbers 2021-001 through 2021-050. A motion to authorize the supervisor to execute the one-year contract with Hose Company No. 3 for fire protection services in the amount of $219,970 was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Patrick Kennedy and duly carried. Resolution for vacation time for non-union employees was presented. A motion to adopt the resolution as prepared was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Patrick Kennedy and duly carried. A copy of the resolution is on file in the Town Clerk’s Office. The year end accounts of the Town Clerk and the Supervisor were presented for review. Mr. Bauer requested that in the future no board members who are also members of the Earlton Fire Company serve as liaisons/negotiate with Hose Company No 3. It was noted that Patrick Kennedy and Mike Veeder are not members of the Earlton Fire Department. At 8:02 pm a motion to enter into executive session for the purpose of discussing litigation was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Patrick Kennedy and duly carried. At 8:08 pm a motion to come out of executive session was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Patrick Kennedy and duly carried. Linda decided that she would like to serve on the Host Committee with Patrick. Tom Burke gladly gave up his seat. Linda Wilkinson made a motion to authorize the stipulation of settlement with Ferguson. Thomas Burke seconded the motion which was duly carried. At 8:10 pm Thomas Burke made a motion to adjourn the meeting which was seconded by Richard Hanse and duly carried.
Bambi Hotaling, Town Clerk |