November 9, 2021
| TOWN BOARD MEETING TOWN OF COXSACKIE November 9, 2021 |
| PRESENT: Linda Wilkinson, Councilwoman GUESTS: Carol S. Metz, Michael Deering, Jacqueline Phillips, Mary Beth Bianconi, April Ernst, Rene Van Schaack, Alex Campbell, Nadine Myrdycz, Beau Dushane, Larry Ross 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 October 12 and October 21, was made by Michael Veeder seconded by Thomas Burke and duly carried. Presentation by Mary Beth Bianconi of Delaware Engineering regarding the proposed replacement of the existing Kings Road sewer line. Mary Beth explained the scope of the project, required steps and costs. The Town will be receiving approximately $579,000 in ARPA funding. ARPA funds for the Town are very limited and basically can only be used for public health and safety and for improvement of water and sewer infrastructure. A new district will need to be created with approximately twenty service connections in the Town. New grinder pumps for each residence will need to be purchased and installed. Plumbing inside the homes and cost of service is the property owner’s responsibility but owners will not be charged for the construction or engineering costs. Mary Beth indicated that if there are left over funds, we should look at the Ely Street water line situation. While not on the agenda, Mary Beth also discussed the proposed resolution exempting the Village from the Town Land Use Laws for the construction of a water storage tank. The Village has secured a grant to construct the tank and the property agreement is in place with adjacent owner. The Town’s zoning does not permit public utility facilities where the existing water plant is located. The resolution is like the one the Town adopted when the new County jail was constructed. This resolution would allow the construction to take place and exempts the Village from the Town’s zoning code. Rene Van Schaack, Director of Greene County IDA spoke regarding the PILOT programs for the solar projects. The IDA has stayed neutral during the process but now that both Flint Mine and Hecate have been approved PILOTS need to be negotiated. For the record he has not started with either one. There will be public hearings/negotiations. The IDA does not negotiate the host agreements. Rene introduced April Ernst who will be the interim director, as he is retiring. Chief of EMS and Beau Dushane addressed the board regarding the incorporation of advanced level care by advancing the Town of Coxsackie Ambulance from basic life support to advanced life support. Advanced level EMTs are required to have additional education and training. Becoming an advanced agency requires approval from REMO and the NYS Department of Health. Nadine also reported 108 calls for the month with thirty turnovers. Highway Superintendent Ross stated that the roads have been completed, trucks ready for the snow. They have taken a tree down out back to extend the parking lot for stone storage. The heater in the old garage needs serviced. Tires are in short supply. The new employee that he hired is working out well. Carol Metz once again implored the board to do what they can to reopen Senior Center. Jacqueline Murray stated that in addition to following up on the Freepoint Solar application fee, she wanted to extend an invitation to the Freepoint open house at Pegasus on Thursday, November 11 from 1-6 pm. A resolution was presented regarding the reduced fee; giving the supervisor authority to take action to complete and execute necessary documents to facilitate final payment of the fee which was reduced to $50,000. Patrick Kennedy made a motion which was seconded by Michael Veeder and duly carried adopting the resolution as presented. Ayes: 4 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Veeder Absent: 1- Wilkinson Mike Deering, a Kings Road property owner/resident addressed the board stating that he hopes the board approves the agreement for the Kings Road project. He will be happy to finally have these issues resolved. Questioned who is responsible for repairs. A motion to approve training for Ed Pebler, Code Enforcement November 16-19 in Kingston for $375 was made by Michael Veeder seconded by Thomas Burke and duly carried, Ayes: 4 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Veeder Absent: 1- Wilkinson A motion to accept the insurance renewals with CDPHP and BSNENY for Town retirees was made by Patrick Kennedy seconded by Michael Veeder and duly carried. Ayes: 4 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Veeder Absent: 1 – Wilkinson Rental agreement between the Town and County for the use of the Senior Center was presented. A motion to authorize the Supervisor to sign the agreement was made by Patrick Kennedy seconded by Michael Veeder and duly carried. Ayes: 4 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Veeder Absent: 1 – Wilkinson Contribution request received from American Legion Post 166 for banners honoring local military heroes. Supervisor disclosed that he is a Legion member. Thomas Burke made the motion to contribute $500 which was seconded by Michael Veeder and duly carried. Ayes: 3 – Burke, Kennedy Veeder Abstain: 1 – Hanse Absent: 1 – Wilkinson Resolution presented to increase ambulance rates effective January 1, 2022, was approved on motion of Thomas Burke seconded by Patrick Kennedy and duly carried. Ayes: Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Veeder Absent: 1 – Wilkinson Agreement with Delaware Engineering for professional services relating to the construction of a sewer line on Kings Road was presented. A motion authorizing the supervisor to sign the agreement was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Michael Veeder and duly carried. Ayes: 4 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Veeder Absent: 1 – Wilkinson Mike Veeder presented a municipal lease purchase proposal for the new equipment (tractor) for the highway department. The cost not to exceed $136,000; current interest rate is 3.57% and payment would be due until January of 2023. Thomas Burke made a motion to accept the lease agreement with Real Lease as presented. Michael Veeder seconded the motion which was duly carried. Ayes: 4 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Veeder Absent: 1 – Wilkinson The Water tank resolution as presented by Delaware Engineering was approved on motion of Thomas Burke seconded by Patrick Kennedy and duly carried. Ayes: 4 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Veeder Absent: 1 – Wilkinson General Fund and Highway bills in the amount of $45,882.16 were audited on abstract #11, voucher numbers 2021-808 through 2021-874. A motion to accept the September Justice reports as presented was made by Patrick Kennedy seconded by Michael Veeder and duly carried. At 8:50 pm a motion to enter into executive session for the purpose of discussing contract negotiations was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Michael Veeder and duly carried. At 9:00 pm a motion to come out of executive session was made by Michael Veeder seconded by Thomas Burke and duly carried. The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 pm on motion of Thomas Burke seconded by Michael Veeder and duly carried. Copies of all resolutions, agreements, and contracts are on file in the Town Clerk’s Office. Read minutes from last month
Bambi Hotaling, Town Clerk |