| TOWN BOARD MEETING TOWN OF COXSACKIE September 14,2021 |
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PRESENT: GUESTS: John Benson, Catherine Benson, Jacqui Phillips Murray, Dan Boyd, Carol S. Metz, Helen Meier, David Meier, Giuseppina Agovino, Alex Campbell, Mark Flach, Eileen West, Melanie Lekocevic, Daily Mail
The meeting was called to order by the Supervisor at 7:00 pm with the Pledge of Allegiance. A motion to accept the minutes of August 10, 2021, was made by Michael Veeder seconded by Patrick Kennedy and duly carried. Supervisor opened the meeting to Catherine Benson, Director of the Heermance Memorial Library. Catherine presented the 2020 Annual report and the 2022 proposed budget. Copies are on file in the Town Clerk’s Office. The library budget vote will take place on October 26 from 10 am – 9 pm at the library, three board of trustee positions will be voted on . It was noted that they are not asking for an increase. Catherine stated that she has a wonderful team and thanked Eileen West for her efforts. The Board thanked Catherine for her time. The meeting was opened to Jacqueline Phillips Murray from the Murray Law Firm. Ms. Murray addressed the board on behalf of Freepoint Solar (FPS) formerly the Marrone property located across from Pegasus. She gave background on the project which has been in the works for several years. The project has been approved by both the Town Planning and Zoning Boards. Ms. Phillips is here to object to the building permit fees and asked the Board to review the application fee which they feel is too high; discussion ensued. Ms. Phillips stated that the application will be submitted later this week and the fee will be paid “under protest”. This will allow them to move forward in the process but hopes that the fee will be adjusted. The Board did not take any action on this matter. The meeting was opened to the public. Carol Metz reminded everyone of the Owl Auction taking place at the Yacht Club on Saturday, September 25 from 1 – 4 pm. She thanked the various sponsors in the room. Giuseppina addressed the board regarding the on-going flooding at the underpass which poses big problems and is a safety concern. It was noted that area has flooded for years. The State maintains the road, but the Village takes care of putting up cones/barriers, road closed signs, etc. when it gets flooded. Giuseppina was directed to contact NYS DOT with her concerns. Alex Campbell gave an update on the Hecate project. They should have a decision from the law judge on or before October 4. They continue to work on their conservation benefit plan. Highway Superintendent Ross reported that the electrical project has been completed, the new carport top has been installed and the new utility truck is here. He is hoping to finish up his final road depending on the weather. Town Clerk reported that she gets a lot of calls regarding dead deer and thanked Larry & the crew for their efforts in assisting with that. Tom Burke has been approached by two people inquiring about one-way signs being posted on Warren Avenue. Discussion ensued; no action was taken. Tom also reported that he and Mike continue to work with Larry on his equipment plan. Training for EMS Chief, Beau Dushane and Brian Frisbee was requested. Emergency Supervisor Bootcamp is being held on November 16 & 17 from 8 am – 5 pm at the Greene County 911 Center. The cost is $300 per person. Thomas Burke made the motion authorizing the training, which was seconded by Patrick Kennedy and duly carried, Tom reported that negotiations with the teamsters has begun. Patrick and Mike have been negotiating with Coxsackie Hose Co. No. 3, things are progressing, and they hope to have a recommendation to the Board in a couple of weeks for a 1, possibly 2-year contract. Their loans have been renegotiated, saving a lot of money. Patrick and Mike concur that Mr. Tobin is doing a great job and are pleased with how he is turning things around. General Fund and Highway bills in the amount of $194,156.14 were audited on abstract #9, voucher numbers 2021-646 through 2021-739. A motion to accept the budget transfers as presented was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Patrick Kennedy and duly carried. A motion to enter into executive session for the purpose of discussing two matters of pending litigation was made by Patrick Kennedy seconded by Michael Veeder and duly carried. Gordon Bennett, sole assessor was asked to remain. At 8:00 pm a motion to come out of executive session was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Michael Veeder and duly carried. A motion authorizing the supervisor to sign a letter of engagement with Emminger Newton Pigeon Magyar, Inc. (ENPM) to provide appraisal and consulting services in the Peppertree tax certiorari case was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Patrick Kennedy and duly carried. At 8:03 pm Linda Wilkinson made a motion to adjourn the meeting which was seconded by Michael Veeder and duly carried.
Bambi Hotaling, Town Clerk |