September 17, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes
REGULAR MEETING – VILLAGE OF NORTHVILLE
Tuesday, September 17, 2024
The Village Board met Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at 7:00 PM.
Present: Sue Eckert, Mayor
John Markiewicz, Trustee
Janet Rudd, Trustee
Sue Sedon, Trustee
Kathleen Terwilliger, Trustee
Wendy Reu, Clerk, Recording Secretary
Nathan Matthews, Treasurer
Dan Reidell, DPW/Code
Carmel Greco, Attorney
Public Attendance –Amy Davis, Mike Warner, Blanche Draupen, Joseph Dellafiora, Bill Coffey, Don Gifford, Sherrie Gifford, Ron Geary, Bob Peck, Lanie Groff
Mayor Eckert called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Motion to approve the minutes of August 20, 2024, Regular Meeting was made by Trustee Markiewicz, seconded by Trustee Terwilliger and passed by voice vote as follows:
AYE: Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Rudd, Trustee Sedon, Trustee Terwilliger
NAY: 0
ABSTAIN: 0
BOARD DISCUSSION ON MEEETING PROCDEURES
Mayor Eckert provided a copy of the current Procedures for Meetings that was adopted by the Board of Trustees on July 22, 2020. She indicated that after the August meetings, she had a conversation with a NYCOM attorney about public meetings and public engagement. The NYCOM attorney indicated that it is not a requirement to allow the public to speak at Board meetings. Mayor Eckert stated that as it has been past practice, she felt that we should still allow public comment periods but there needed to be more defined guidelines. She indicated that the NYCOM attorney indicated that if comments were allowed, they should be limited to agenda items only and a defined time limit should be established and followed. Trustee Sedon stated she liked having two public comment periods, at the beginning and end of the meeting. Trustee Rudd agreed. After discussion, Trustee Sedon made a motion to amend the meeting procedure as follows:
- All comments will address agenda items only
- All comments and questions will be addressed directly to the Board in a respectful manner
- The session will be limited to three (3) minutes unless extended by a majority vote of the Board
- Once public input session is closed, no further public input will be allowed until the end of the meeting, or in response to a direct question from a Board member
Trustee Markiewicz seconded the motion which was carried by voice vote as follows:
AYE: Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Rudd, Trustee Sedon, Trustee Terwilliger
NAY: 0
ABSTAIN: 0
PUBLIC ACCESS: Don Gifford addressed the Board regarding his request to use Village property to conduct ham radio operations. He explained his affiliation with the Tryon Radio Club and the various contest the group is involved in, all the while they are honing their ham radio skills. He explained the value of ham radio operations and how they are involved in times of disaster. He stated his group has participated in many events in the park and has completed park use requests in the past. He stated they have also been at other events in the park that they did not have to complete applications. He stated he is not trying to be difficult, but he doesn’t understand why he needs to complete a park use request when he is just an individual doing it. Mayor Eckert stated that the Board established Park Rules and Regulations and part of that is completing a use application and providing a certificate of insurance. She asked Mr. Gifford what equipment he would need to conduct a test on Village property. Mr. Gifford stated he would bring table and chairs, an easy up, and his equipment. Mayor Eckert asked what his equipment entailed and Mr. Gifford indicated an receiver and an antenna that he usually puts up on a tree branch and an electrical source. Mayor Eckert indicated these are all items that pose a liability and in her opinion would require the certificate of insurance. She indicated she would reach out to NYMIR at the suggestion by Attorney Greco. The Clerk clarified that during the other events the Tryon Radio Club participated in, the group hosting the event in the park completed the park use requests and provided the appropriate certificate of insurance for the event.
REPORT OF COMMITTEES:
Police –Mayor Eckert reported that Chief Richardson passed his Civil Service exam for the Chief’s position and he is no longer listed as interim Chief.
Streets – The DPW report was read and is on file at the Clerk’s office.
Highway Superintendent Reidell discussed issues with items in the terrace which have been brought to his attention by the Mayor. He indicated page 56 of our zoning addresses signs and page 58 addresses sandwich board signs. He stated that is the current zoning for signs that he has to enforce. Mayor Eckert stated we had received a line of sight complaint of items in the terrace and she asked Highway Superintendent Reidell to address the issue. She stated that during that process, it was determined there were several other areas with same or similar issues and she stated that the Village is enforcing our code across the board, not just on certain individuals. Trustee Sedon asked what the process would be to change the zoning if we wanted to make changes. Mayor Eckert stated we would have to amend Village code which is a three month process. Highway Superintendent Reidell stated that as the code is currently written, nothing can be in the terrace. Mayor Eckert stressed the importance of addressing the issue Village wide.
Water – It was reported that usage increased from 2,816,000 gallons in August 2023 to 3,100,000 this year. Water testing and operations were normal.
Trustee Markiewicz reported there was a Water Department meeting on September 4, 2024 during which time they discussed priority projects, including upgrades and improvements to the wellhouse.
Code Enforcement- The Code Officer’s report was filed. It was reported that six permits were issued in August.
Dog Control – DCO Duesler reported no calls.
Joint Youth – Trustee Sedon stated the Commission has a meeting scheduled in October to review how the summer program went. She stated they will also be discussing the bounce houses and other inflatable inventory they have to determine if they are going to keep any or sell them. Mayor Eckert also asked the Commission to discuss the future of the beach and how they would like to see it operated next season.
Park Use Requests – There were no park use requests.
Marketing – The Clerk/Marketing Director informed the Board that Fall Fest would be held on October 12th from 9-5 p.m., with Sawyer Frederick would be performing at the event. She indicated that there are a variety of events in the Village, including the NCS Artisan Fair that will be conducted on the same day. The Clerk/Marketing Director reported that the Lighted Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting would be on Saturday, December 7th. She discussed a possible change of route through the Village and suggested running the parade up Third Street to Reed and then Main. She stated it would go through more of the commercial district, where several businesses already decorate and with the construction by the firehouse, it would provide easier access to the Waterfront Park for the participants.
Report of Village Projects – Mayor Eckert stated that the kayak dock was scheduled for installation on September 19th.
Tree Commission – Lanie Groff reported that all the trees promised for last year have been planted. She stated that three trees are being planted this year. Mayor Eckert reported that Pat Purtell had expressed interest in serving on the Tree Committee. Trustee Sedon made motion to appoint Pat Purtell to the Tree Commission. The motion was seconded by Trustee Rudd and carried by voice vote as follows:
AYE: Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Rudd, Trustee Sedon, Trustee Terwilliger
NAY: 0
ABSTAIN: 0
PAYMENT OF BILLS
The monthly financial report was reviewed and bills to be paid from the General Fund in the amount of $ 116,247.37, from the Water Fund in the amount of $ 27,849.68, and $ 6,317.13 from the Joint Youth Fund were presented for payment. Motion to approve payment was made by Trustee Markiewicz, seconded by Trustee Rudd, and carried by voice vote as follows:
AYE: Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Rudd, Trustee Sedon, Trustee Terwilliger
NAY: 0
ABSTAIN: 0
OLD BUSINESS:
There was no old business to discuss.
NEW BUSINESS:
Mayor Eckert presented Local Law # 1 of 2024- To Amend Chapter 86 of the Code of the Village of Northville as it pertains to Short Term Rentals in final format for the Board’s consideration. She indicated we were proposing capping the number of short term rentals in the Village to 15, establishing annual fees of $ 150.00 for owner occupied/primary residence and $ 250.00 for all other short term rental properties. She stated that properties that have short term rental permits would also be assessed commercial charges for their water. After review, Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to approve the changes to Chapter 86 as presented. The motion was seconded by Trustee Sedon and carried by voice vote as follows:
AYE: Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Rudd, Trustee Sedon, Trustee Terwilliger
NAY: 0
ABSTAIN: 0
Trustee Terwilliger made a motion to advance Local Law # 1 of 2024 and schedule a Public Hearing for October 15, 2024. The motion was seconded by Trustee Rudd and carried by voice vote as follows:
AYE: Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Rudd, Trustee Sedon, Trustee Terwilliger
NAY: 0
ABSTAIN: 0
Mayor Eckert presented Resolution #11 of 2024 as follows:
RESOLUTION #11 OF 2024
Permissive Referendum re Use of Reserve Funds for
Repairs/Upgrades to Well House
WHEREAS it is the intention of the Governing Body of the Village of Northville to utilize funds that have been accumulated in a reserve fund the purpose of which is to support the repairs/upgrades to well house, which fund is designated F0230 Capital Reserve for water system improvements, under General Municipal Law 6-c, and
WHEREAS the amount that will be utilized from the reserve fund should not exceed $20,000, and
WHEREAS the Village Law of the State of New York requires a permissive referendum in the event of taking such action,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Clerk of the village of Northville be directed to take appropriate steps with respect to holding a permissive referendum on the issue of whether to utilize funds not to exceed $20,000 from the reserve fund; toward that purpose; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that in the event that a sufficient number of valid petitions by registered voters is not received within 30 days of passage of this resolution, the resolution will take full force and effect.
Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to approve Resolution #11 of 2024 as presented. The motion was seconded by Trustee Terwilliger and carried by voice vote as follows:
AYE: Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Rudd, Trustee Sedon, Trustee Terwilliger
NAY: 0
ABSTAIN: 0
CORRESPONDENCE – None
PUBLIC ACCESS: Bill Coffey asked what can be done about signs. He asked what can we do to resolve the issue with his business sign that has been at the corner of Third and Bridge for the last eight years. He stated it seems like both he and Bob Peck are being singled out for their signs. Mayor Eckert read the sign ordinance out loud and informed Mr. Coffey that he could put the sign the back side of the sidewalk area, but it could not be in the terrace. She stated that those types of temporary signs are also supposed to be brought out and taken in every day. Trustee Sedon stated that all this started over a written complaint for line of sight issues at her property and through addressing that, other areas of concern and issues came up. Mayor Eckert stated it is about enforcing the code that we have across the board.
Bob Peck indicated that his deed says he owns out to the center of the street so how could the terrace area be Village property. Code Officer Reidell stated that he has been tasked with enforcing the code as it is written. He told Mr. Peck that he would review his deed. Mr. Coffey said we are not misusing the terrace and to remove the signs would cut into his business. He stated there are only two businesses affected by this and asked if a law could be made to allow businesses outside the commercial district to have these types of signs at the corner intersections. Mayor Eckert stated that any changes made to zoning affect everyone, they cannot spot zone or make exceptions for certain individuals. She stated that when the zoning was revised, countless hours went into the sign chapter, specifically when dealing with the number of signs, the types of signs, location of signs, etc. Mr. Peck asked about the patios that several businesses have on Main Street and asked why they were allowed to have them. He urged the Board to just work with them and leave businesses alone. Code Officer Reidell offered a suggestion to the business owners to make their own business sign and it could be added to the street signs at the intersection. He stated that currently, the business signs that are at the corner intersections are over size by code and they aren’t brought in every night. He stated that it is a line of sight issue for vehicles at those intersections. Code Officer Reidell stated a simple fix would be to bring the sign to the back side of the sidewalk. Mr. Coffey stated he would bring in all the business owners in the community to the next meeting if he had to. He stated that Bob has no other place to put his sign. After discussion, Attorney Greco suggested that the Planning Board review the section pertaining to signs in the zoning chapter to see if they have any suggestions. Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to have the Planning Board reviews the sign ordinance. The motion was seconded by Trustee Sedon and carried by voice vote as follows:
AYE: Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Rudd, Trustee Sedon, Trustee Terwilliger
NAY: 0
ABSTAIN: 0
Amy Davis asked if there was anything that could be done to address the parking issue on South Main Street by the garage. She asked if lined parking spaces could be painted, similar to how they are in the commercial district. She said there have been numerous fender benders at that location and cars blocking driveways. She stated she had noticed yellow lines painted in other areas close to intersections and wondered if lines could be painted down there as well. Highway Superintendent Reidell stated they are painting at the end of the month and he would address that area.
Bob Peck stated that something needed to be done about cars not stopping at the intersection of Division and S. First Street. Mayor Eckert stated that seemed to be happening on many of the internal streets and she would relay that onto PD.
Blanche Draupen asked why there was no stop sign on Fourth and Union. It was noted that a property owner at that intersection voiced concerns when the item was discussed at a Public Hearing to add stops signs at certain locations in the Village.
Lanie Groff stated that many cars don’t stop at the sign at the top of Prospect Hill either. Again, Mayor Eckert stated she would pass that on to PD.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business before the Board, motion was made to adjourn by Trustee Markiewicz seconded by Trustee Terwilliger and passed by voice vote with no one dissenting. The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Wendy L. Reu, Clerk
