PRESENT:
Richard Hanse, Supervisor
Thomas Burke, Councilman
Michael Veeder, Councilman
Patrick Kennedy, Councilman
Bambi Hotaling, Town Clerk

ABSENT:
Linda Wilkinson, Councilwoman

*GUESTS:
David Meier, Lloyd Zimmerman, Mary Lou Zimmerman, Jeanette Rice, Carol Metz, Steve Ritter, Dom Multari, Ellen DeLucia, Gabe Wapner, Douglas Koch, James Taylor, ? Ternullo, Mark Flach, Helen Meier, Douglas Koch, Joseph Klene, Tessa Partridge, ? Ritter, ? Schmollinger, Donald Gardner, Patrick Doyle, Donald Gardner

*some guests did not sign in; others were not legible

Supervisor called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm with the Pledge of Allegiance.

A motion to accept the minutes of May 1, May 14, and May 30 was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Michael Veeder and duly carried.

Before opening the public hearing on proposed Local Law #1-2019, Supervisor stated that this is
a hearing, not a debate. He asked that comments be addressed to the board, that they be limited
to new information, and that there be is no cross talk. Supervisor went on to say that there have
been no changes to the law itself rather the board took a more thorough look at the
environmental impacts and determined there were no changes. The legal notice of publication
was presented. Comments from the Town Planning Board were received. No input
has been received from the County Planning Board yet, their meeting is scheduled for June 19.

Joe Klene of Athens addressed the board and submitted written documentation and appraisal reports.

Jeanette Rice emailed her comments to the board.

Donald Gardner, Sleepy Hollow Lake Resident, read a statement.

Kim Rose, Saving Greene read a statement.

Gusippena Agovino, Friends of Flint Mine read and submitted a statement.

Steve Ritter, family farm owner asked that the board listen to the voice of all people, not just three and that the board compromise and consider rezoning.

Carol Metz, 13 year resident of Sleepy Hollow. Not against solar, against improper siting.
Reminded everyone that a petition with over 1,000 signatures against the large scale projects was submitted to the Town.

Douglas Koch of Athens not personally affected but sees lots of wins for Athens and Coxsackie, what happens in Coxsackie will affect the entire State.

Win Morrison Realty would like to see Coxsackie be part of a legacy that benefits the environment.

James Taylor applauds efforts to maintain farmland views however, they are turning into wastelands that will be of no economic benefit, falling off the tax rolls leaving little opportunity for economic benefit for small farmers.

David Meier read and submitted written comments.

Patrick Doyle submitted written comments prepared by their attorney. Would like to the Flint Mint site used to its fullest potential, not suitable for farming anymore. It will provide broad economic benefits to the community.

Gabe Wapner stated it is good opportunity for the Board to reassess the situation, the Town has more information than they did two years ago. He asks that each project be assessed individually.

Helen Meier read a prepared statement; Barbara finished reading.

Mary Garvey, Sleepy Hollow resident stated she pays higher taxes than she did in Westchester. She has concerns about the blue green algae in the lake. Implores the board to take people’s lives into consideration. Farms are not selling.

Lloyd Zimmerman would like to see rebate on taxes.

RJ Schmollinger stated the future can be scary, but new ideas, technology and solutions need to be looked at. He asked the Town to be bold.

Ellen DeLucia lived and worked in Coxsackie for 20 years, is now a Catskill resident. Environment is in terrible trouble. Asks that each project be based on merits, this is an opportunity for Coxsackie to be a leader in renewable energy.

Lisa Turnello parents have a home in the country for 60+ years. They endured many changes over the years — NYS Thruway, cell towers and others. This is a chance for Coxsackie to be a leader in renewable energy for New York State.

Mark Flach 40+ years of farming. In the past has had to sell farmland for housing lots. Without solar he will continue to sell off land as building lots.

Barbara Brumell read a statement about “children of the world”.

At 7:55 pm a motion to close the public hearing and open the board meeting was made by Patrick Kennedy seconded by Michael Veeder and duly carried.

Written comments are on file and available for review at the Town Clerk’s Office. Copies can be obtained at 25 cents per page.

Carol Metz asked about Senior Center parking lot, nothing new to report.

Gabe Wapner of Hecate reported that two $1,000 study grants were given out at the awards ceremony to Coxsackie Seniors (Michael Petramale and Steven Maurer) who plan to enter into the renewable energy field.

EMS Chief submitted a written report indicating they had 87 calls in May. She asked the board to declare the 2012 ambulance as surplus and be authorized to list on Auctions International. Patrick Kennedy made the motion which was seconded by Thomas Burke and duly carried.
Ayes: 4 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Veeder Absent: 1 – Wilkinson

Correspondence was reviewed and acted upon if necessary:

–Resignation of Town Attorney, Joan P. Tailleur

With regret and reluctance Richard Hanse made a motion to accept Joan Tailleur’s resignation. Michael Veeder seconded the motion reluctantly which was duly carried.
Ayes: 4 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Veeder Absent: 1 – Wilkinson

It was noted that Joan served as Town Attorney for 20+ years, the Town is more than thankful for her service and dedication.

The Town has retained the services of Tal Rappleyea as the attorney for the Town. Tal comes with great municipal expertise and is already the attorney for the Planning Board.

Joan and Tal will be working together to tie up some loose ends.

The Town received a purchase offer on 16 Reed Street, for $225,000. The sale is subject to permissive referendum. Inspections have been complete and the negative declaration prepared. A motion authorizing the supervisor to sign the contract as written was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Michael Veeder and duly carried.
Ayes: 4 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Veeder Absent: 1- Wilkinson

General Fund and Highway bills in the amount of $84,102.88 were audited on abstract #6, voucher numbers 2019-486 through 2019-545.

A motion to approve the budget transfers as presented was made by Patrick Kennedy seconded by Thomas Burke and duly carried.
Ayes: 4 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Veeder Absent: 1- Wilkinson

A motion to accept the April Justice reports as presented was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Michael Veeder and duly carried.
Ayes: 4 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Veeder Absent: 1 – Wilkinson

Councilman Burke presented a proclamation recognizing the Coxsackie American Legion Post 166. They will be celebrating their 100 year charter anniversary on August 10, 2019. Thomas Burke made a motion designating August 10, 2019 as honorary Coxsackie American Legion Post 166 Day throughout the Town. Patrick Kennedy seconded the motion which was duly carried.
Ayes: 4 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Veeder Absent: 1 – Wilkinson

Supervisor Hanse asked for motion to enter into executive session at 8:15 pm to discuss pending litigation. Patrick Kennedy made a motion which was seconded by Michael Veeder and duly carried. Attorneys Joan Tailleur, Tal Rappleyea and Town Assessor Gordon Bennett, were present.

A motion to end executive session and reopen the meeting at 8:35 pm was made by Patrick Kennedy seconded by Michael Veeder and duly carried.

A motion was made by Michael Veeder seconded by Thomas Burke and duly carried authorizing Joan Tailleur and/or Tal Rappleyea to proceed with settlement of the Save a Lot case.
Ayes: 4 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Veeder Absent: 1- Wilkinson

At 8:36 pm a motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Michael Veeder, seconded by Patrick Kennedy and duly carried.

Bambi Hotaling, Town Clerk