September 12, 2023
| TOWN BOARD MEETING TOWN OF COXSACKIE September 12, 2023 PRESENT: ABSENT: Patrick Kennedy, Councilman GUESTS: The meeting was called to order by Supervisor Hanse at 7:00 pm with the Pledge of Allegiance. A motion to accept the minutes of August 8, 2023, was made by Michael Veeder seconded by Thomas Burke and duly carried. The meeting was opened to Catherine Benson, Director of the Heermance Memorial Library. Catherine gave her annual report to the board and presented the proposed 2024 budget in the amount of $290,575 an increase of 4.56% compared to last year. The budget vote will take place at the library on October 3 from 10 am – 9 pm. The meeting was opened for public comments: Carol Metz thanked the Board for having the trees cut at the Senior Center. Chris Garvey stated that she was impressed with the library presentation. Patrick Doyle gave an update on Flint Mine Solar. They continue moving forward with the financing process, and engineering permits. Hope to start construction next year. EMS Chief submitted report – 112 calls for the month of August. Nadine is looking to hire two part-time EMTs. They were Junior Members who obtained their EMT Certifications while in high school and are now 18 years of age and eligible for employment. Both applicants are Civil Service approved — Courtney Deangelis and Samuel Mozzillo. Michael Veeder made the motion to approve the new hires as presented by the EMS Chief. Thomas Burke seconded the motion which was duly carried. Ayes: 4 – Hanse, Burke, Veeder, Wilkinson Absent: 1- Kennedy Supervisor reported that the Town received correspondence from the Planning Board asking that the Town Board allocate funds to update the Comprehensive Plan and to form a volunteer committee. Discussion ensued. The Town addresses issues and problems as they arise. The Village faces different types of situations than the Town. Currently the Town Board has no interest in updating the comprehensive plan. Jerry Donnelly, Chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals indicated that he would be resigning his position immediately following their September 14 meeting. It was recommended that Jim Clark who currently serves on the Board of Appeals be appointment as the Chairman and he has agreed to serve. Thomas Burke made a motion to accept Mr. Donnelly’s resignation and appoint Jim Clark as the new chair. Michael Veeder seconded the motion which was duly carried. Ayes: 4 – Hanse, Burke, Veeder, Wilkinson Absent: 1 – Kennedy Rick received two quotes to replace /retro fit lighting at the ambulance station. One from Barry Rausch in the amount of $4,029.93 and one from East Empire Electric Inc. in the amount of $4,157.00. In accordance with the lease agreement the Town pays up to $3,000 per calendar year for necessary repairs and the Village pays the rest. Mayor Evans said that the Village will reimburse the Town for any of the lighting expenses that would put the Town over the Three Thousand Dollar total for the year. A motion to accept the quote from Barry Rausch was made by Michael Veeder seconded by Thomas Burke and duly carried. Ayes: 4 – Hanse, Burke, Veeder, Wilkinson Absent: 1 – Kennedy Association of Towns annual meeting and training school will be taking place in NYC February 18-21 at the Marriott Marquis. Discounted rates are being offered on the registration and hotel rooms if signed up before October 31. A motion to approve the training for Elected Officials and employees was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Michael Veeder and duly carried. If anyone chooses to go after the deadline they will have to incur the additional cost. Ayes: 4 – Hanse, Burke, Veeder, Wilkinson Absent: 1 – Kennedy A utility easement was presented for short term construction and long-term maintenance to make changes to the hydrant system in the Greene Business and Technology Park on Vermilyea Lane. The IDA has agreed to pay for the cost of putting in a 6” water line. The easement needs to be agreed to as the water line/hydrant will become part of the Town’s water district. Thomas Burke made a motion to accept the easement which was seconded by Linda Wilkinson and duly carried. Ayes: 4 – Hanse, Burke, Veeder, Wilkinson Absent: 1 – Kennedy Delaware Engineering has asked that the board approve the Ely Street water project being put out to bid. As with the Kings Road sewer project ARPA money will be used to fund this project. A motion to approve was made by Michael Veeder seconded by Linda Wilkinson and duly carried. Ayes: 4 – Hanse, Burke, Veeder, Wilkinson Absent: 1 – Kennedy Donna presented engagement letters from Evening Star Bookkeeping. She has recommended switching accounting services due to the unfortunate billing problems the Town has experienced with UHY and the late submission of the 2022 AUD. Discussion ensued. Donna stated that Evening Star is a small local firm used by the Town of New Baltimore. She checked with RBT who was purchased by a larger firm and charges significantly more money. Evening Star charges $70 per hour plus any disbursements they incur on the Town’s behalf. A motion authorizing the Supervisor to sign the engagement letters from Evening Star Bookkeeping was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Michael Veeder and duly carried. Ayes: 4 – Hanse, Burek, Veeder, Wilkinson Absent: 1 – Kennedy Supervisor presented a resolution in opposition to NYS Senate Bill S139B & NYS Assembly Bill A1358B which would require certain Town and Village Justices be admitted to practice Law in the State of New York. The County has already passed a resolution opposing the bills. Thomas Burke made a motion adopting the resolution as presented which was seconded by Linda Wilkinson and duly carried. Ayes: 4 – Hanse, Burke, Veeder, Wilkinson Absent: 1- Kennedy General Fund and Highway bills in the amount of $118,996.57 were audited on abstract #9, voucher numbers 2023-474 through 2023-534. At 7:47 pm a motion to enter executive session for the purpose of discussing contract negotiations was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Michael Veeder and duly carried. At 7:58 a motion was made by Thomas Burke to come out of executive session and adjourn the meeting. Michael Veeder seconded the motion which was duly carried. At 7:34 pm a motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Patrick Kennedy and duly carried. Copies of all resolutions, agreements, and contracts are on file in the Town Clerk’s Office.
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