August 16, 2016 Minutes
REGULAR MEETING – VILLAGE OF NORTHVILLE
Tuesday, August 16, 2016
The Village Board met Tuesday, August 16, 2016 at 7:00 PM at the village offices.
Present: John Spaeth, Mayor
Debra Ellsworth, Trustee
Matthew Ginter, Trustee
John Markiewicz, Trustee
Sue Sedon, Trustee
Wendy Reu, Village Clerk, Recording Secretary
Nathanial Matthews, Treasurer
Excused:
Mayor Spaeth called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Motion to approve the minutes of the July 19, 2016 Regular Meeting was made by Trustee Sedon, seconded by Trustee Markiewicz, and passed by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Ginter, Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: Trustee Ellsworth (absent from meeting)
PUBLIC HEARING
Mayor Spaeth opened the Public Hearing regarding Local Law #2 of 2016– Amending Chapter 170 of the Village Code as Regards the Placement and Removal of Temporary Signs at 7:02 p.m. Local Law #2 of 2016 is as follows:
Section 1. Intent
The intent of this Local Law is to amend and clarify Chapter 170 of the Code of the Village of Northville with regard to the placement and removal of temporary signs, as hereinafter provided.
Section 2. Amendments
- Section 170-17, Subsection A(4) is hereby amended to read as follows:
- “Temporary signs advertising the sale, rental, construction or improvement of the premises on which they are located shall be permitted, provided that signs shall not exceed six (6) square feet and shall not be illuminated. Signs may be placed 60 days prior to an event and shall be removed within 10 days after”.
- Section 170-17, Subsection B(3) is hereby amended to read as follows:
- “Temporary signs advertising the sale or rental, construction or improvement, of the premises on which they are located shall be permitted, provided that such signs shall not exceed ten (10) square feet in area. Signs may be placed 60 days prior to an event and shall be removed within 10 days after”.
Section 3. Repealer
Any and all provisions of the Code of the Village of Northville, as well as any other Local Law which may be currently in effect in said Village, which are or may be in conflict, or inconsistent, with amendments herein contained are hereby nullified and repealed.
Section 4. Effective Date
This Local Law shall take effect immediately upon the filing thereof in the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of New York.
After the Public Hearing was opened, no members of the public present requested to speak regarding the Local Law. Mayor Spaeth indicated he would keep the Public Hearing open until the end of the Regular meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENTS – Dean Shepard addressed the Board. He began by commending the highway crew for the work they did on rip rapping the embankment along Water Street. Mr. Shepard told the Board he wanted to discuss rumors he had been hearing around Village. He stated that it seemed that there was a group of individuals outside the Village that were making decisions regarding the Village. He stated examples such as closing Water Street or making Water Street a one-way street and sewers in the Village. He continued by stating that it appeared that this small group of people was putting together a wish list of items and he wondered if the Board was aware of it and what their thoughts were regarding it. Trustee Markiewicz stated what Mr. Shepard was referring to was the Comprehensive Plan Committee. Mayor Spaeth explained that the Village was in the process of forming a new comprehensive plan. He indicated that two community members, two Planning Board members, and two Zoning Board members sat on the committee and they compile a list of recommendations to make to the Board. He continued by stating that there will be public meetings when the committee has something to present to the Board and a public hearing before the plan is approved by the Board. Mr. Shepard asked if a sewer treatment plant has been discussed. Mayor Spaeth stated that it is being mentioned. He explained that for the purposes of economic development, you need to explore these things. He stated that the town has a plant that is in big trouble. Mayor Spaeth stated that right now, a plant is not being mandated by the Health Department and we can’t afford it either. He continued by stating that there are two areas in the Village where a sewer system would be a benefit: Gould Hill and the Commercial Main Street District. He stated that if a system was installed, the property owners in that district would be responsible for the cost of the system. Mr. Shepard stated he had an objection to spending time putting together something we can never afford instead of truly looking at what we can actually do. Mayor Spaeth stated that the comprehensive plan is not set in stone and that everything suggested in the plan is not implemented. It is a tool to show what kind of infrastructure we might need and it looks at the whole picture of what would best benefit the Village in the future.
Tom Wood, representing the Civic Association, addressed the Board regarding the final plans for the Block Party scheduled on August 21st. He stated he had a discussion with the Manager at Stewart’s and they are no longer opposed to blocking off their Main Street entrance, so he is proposing that Main Street be blocked from Bridge to Center Street, from noon to 5 p.m. Mr. Wood stated that attendees would be parking on the side streets as the public parking areas would be blocked. Trustee Ellsworth expressed concern about the Van Arnam and Main Street intersection and after discussion, it was determined that Event in Progress signs would be placed at the intersections impacted. Mayor Spaeth stated he was still concerned about the traffic coming in and out of Stewart’s and it was suggested that two officers be on duty for the event with one officer stationed near the Stewart’s entrance. After discussion, the Board was satisfied with the plan for the event and approval remained.
REPORT OF COMMITTEES:
Police – Mayor Spaeth cited the statistics in the police report for July, which is on file. There were nine complaints handled, one of which was criminal. A total of 161 man-hours were expended.
Mayor Spaeth reported that he would be meeting with Chief VanValkenburg this week to continue discussing ideas for expansion of coverage.
Mayor Spaeth reported that Sheriff Giardino had contacted him regarding sponsoring two more candidates at the academy. He stated that the County will not provide sponsorship for part time positions. Mayor Spaeth stated that the Village does get some benefit by having extra part time officers that can pull shifts in the Village. After discussion, Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to sponsor two more candidates in the police academy. The motion was seconded by Trustee Ellsworth and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Ellsworth, Trustee Ginter, Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
Streets – Trustee Ginter reported that the crew had been busy with various projects around the Village.
Highway Superintendent Reidell reported that the Presbyterian Church would like no parking spaces designated on both sides of their driveway on Reed Street. He stated that when cars park there, it is difficult to safely exit the parking lot. Mayor Spaeth stated that it would require amending of our code and explained the process entailed with that. It was suggested that they try policing it themselves with cones in those spots on church days.
Highway Superintendent Reidell reported the Presbyterian Church would also like a cross walk across Reed Street. After discussion, Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to put a crosswalk with ADA compliant pads across Reed Street at the intersection of First Street. The motion was seconded by Trustee Ginter and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Ellsworth, Trustee Ginter, Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
Mayor Spaeth reported that the company that was approved several months ago to remove the asbestos at the Third Street building is anxious to start the project. He stated that the County approved the demolition last month but it is still not scheduled. Highway Superintendent Reidell suggested we could proceed with the asbestos removal which included the windows and a few shingles and then board up the first floor window openings with items on hand. After discussion, Highway Superintendent Reidell was instructed to proceed with the asbestos removal.
Water – It was reported that usage decreased from 3,601,000 gallons in July 2015 to 2,837,000 this year. Water testing and operations were normal.
Mayor Spaeth reported that he had been in communication with Andrew Kovalovich and it was noted that the residents of Skiff Road on the private line are in the process of putting together an association and they are discussing potentially running a new line.
Fire – Fire Department Report for July 2016
| Village of Northville (3) | Med Flight LZ 1
Standby for Edinburgh 1 Unintentional Fire alarm 1 |
| Town of Northampton (6) | MVA 3
Trees/Powerline 1 EMS Assist 1 Drowning 1 |
| Town of Hope (1) | Traffic Control 1 |
| Town of Edinburg (2) | Electrical Fire 1
Missing Boater 1 |
| Mutual Aid Given (3)
Mutual Aid Received (4) |
Total Man-hours reported were 265.11
Code Enforcement – Mayor Spaeth reported six building permits were issued during July/August according to the Code Enforcement report on file.
Joint Youth – Mayor Spaeth reported that camp has concluded and that a child broke his arm on the playground the last day of camp. He indicated that surveys were sent to counselors and the Commission members would review the results when they were returned.
Comprehensive Plan – Trustee Markiewicz reported that group discussed the streets in the Village along with placement of future crosswalks for public safety. Mayor Spaeth indicated the group was finalizing their work and should have a draft for the Board’s review before the end of the year. He stressed that we would to give serious thought to how we get the information out there to get public to attend the Public Input sessions.
Park Use Requests – Mayor Spaeth reported there were no use requests for review.
TRANSFERS:
Treasurer Matthews requested the following transfers:
$100.00
From: A6772.4 – Programs for Aging – Contractual Exp
To: A6510.4– Veteran Services – Contractual Exp
Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to approve the transfer as presented by Treasurer Matthews. The motion was seconded by Trustee Ginter and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Ellsworth, Trustee Ginter, Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Bills to be paid from the General Fund in the amount of $27,162.23, from the Water Fund in the amount of $11,399.08, and from the Joint Youth Fund in the amount of $ 4,243.39 were presented for payment. Motion to approve payment was made by Trustee Ellsworth, seconded by Trustee Markiewicz, discussed, and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Ellsworth, Trustee Ginter, Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORTS
A motion to approve the Annual Financial Report for Village was made by Trustee Markiewicz, seconded by Trustee Sedon, and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Ellsworth, Trustee Ginter, Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
A motion to approve the Annual Financial Report for Joint Youth Commission was made by Trustee Sedon, seconded by Trustee Ellsworth, and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Ellsworth, Trustee Ginter, Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
OLD BUSINESS:
Mayor Spaeth addressed the Board regarding the bill from the Firemen’s Association that was previously tabled. He stated that he had been unable to schedule a meeting with the Association members due to their training schedules but that he would be attending their September meeting. Trustee Markiewicz stated he was at the previous Association meeting and the members were developing a program to make sure physicals are being completed and they indicated that they would suspend individuals who did not get physicals. Mayor Spaeth reported that physicals and the plowing of the parking lot, in addition to the bill that was received, are items he intends to discuss with the Association members. He explained that as he understood it, the vacant lot was not insured at the time the Association requested that it be plowed, which was an issue for the municipality. He stated that if it can be determined that there is now insurance on the lot, plowing it can be revisited based on the Village attorney’s advice. After discussion, it was decided that the bill previously tabled would be again tabled.
Mayor Spaeth presented correspondence from the Attorney Greco regarding Local Law #1 of 2016. It was determined that the proposition regarding the Local Law could not be placed on the November ballot as it was not during a Village election. Attorney Greco said it would need to be placed on a ballot that occurred at the Village level, such as the next Village election in March 2018. Mayor Spaeth reported that the Village could hold a special election but it would cost the Village approximately $ 1,500.00 which he didn’t feel was necessary. Mayor Spaeth stated that Attorney Greco is continuing to review options regarding permissive referendum on the subject and will report at the next meeting.
Mayor Spaeth gave a final update on the upcoming Cycle Adirondacks event scheduled for August 26th.
NEW BUSINESS:
Mayor Spaeth presented a request from Search Team 5-1 to conduct their annual coin drop. The letter was requesting an earlier date of October 8, 2016, but if that date was not possible, they requested October 22, 2016. It was noted that the Knight’s of Columbus historically conduct a coin drop on the first weekend of October. After discussion, Trustee Ginter made a motion to approve the Search Team 5-1 Coin Drop for October 22, 2016. The motion was seconded by Trustee Markiewicz and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Ellsworth, Trustee Ginter, Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
Mayor Spaeth reported that he had received the 2015/2016 fiscal year accounting for the Inter-Municipal Fuel Facility from NCS and a copy was provided for the Board’s review.
Mayor Spaeth presented a draft Intermunicipal Cooperation Agreement between the Village of Northville and The Town of Edinburg pertaining to periodic shared use of equipment and/or personnel. It was noted that the Town of Edinburg was still reviewing the document.
Mayor Spaeth presented Resolution #9 of 2016 as follows:
RESOLUTION # 9 OF 2016
Permissive Referendum re Use of Reserve Funds for Pickup Truck
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 purchase of a pickup truck, which fund is designated RB0231.1 Capital Reserve for Street Equipment, under General Municipal Law 6-c, and
WHEREAS the amount that will be utilized from the reserve fund should not exceed $45,000, 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 purchase the pickup truck, and utilize funds not to exceed $45,000 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 # 9 of 2016 as presented. The motion was seconded by Trustee Sedon and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Ellsworth, Trustee Ginter, Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
Mayor Spaeth presented Resolution # 10 of 2016 as follows:
Resolution # 10 of 2016
Adoption of The State of New York Deferred Compensation Plan
WHEREAS, the Village of Northville wishes to adopt the Deferred Compensation Plan for Employees of the State of New York and Other Participating Public Jurisdictions (the “Plan”) for voluntary participation of all eligible employees; and
WHEREAS, the Village of Northville is a local public employer eligible to adopt the Plan pursuant to Section 5 of the State Finance Law and
WHEREAS, the Village of Northville has reviewed the Plan established in accordance with Section 457 of the Internal Revenue Code and Section 5 of the State Finance Law of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, the purpose of the Plan is to encourage employees to make and continue careers with the Village of Northville by providing eligible employees with a convenient and tax-favored method of saving on a regular and long-term basis and thereby provide for their retirement;
NOW, THEREFORE, it is hereby:
RESOLVED, that the Village of Northville_ hereby adopts the Plan for the voluntary participation of all eligible employees; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the appropriate officials of the Village of Northville_ are hereby authorized to take such actions and enter such agreements as are required or necessary for the adoption, implementation, and maintenance of the Plan; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the Administrative Services Agency is hereby authorized to file copies of these resolutions and other required documents with the President of the State of New York Civil Service Commission.
Trustee Ginter made a motion to approve Resolution # 10 of 2016 as presented. The motion was seconded by Trustee Ellsworth and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Ellsworth, Trustee Ginter, Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
At 8:40 p.m., Trustee Ginter moved to close the Public Hearing regarding Local Law # 2 of 2016. The motion was seconded by Trustee Markiewicz and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Ellsworth, Trustee Ginter, Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to approve Local Law # 2 of 2016- Amending Chapter 170 of the Village Code as Regards the Placement and Removal of Temporary Signs. The motion was seconded by Trustee Sedon and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Ellsworth, Trustee Ginter, Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business before the Board, motion was made to adjourn by Trustee Ginter, seconded by Trustee Markiewicz, and passed by voice vote with no one dissenting. The meeting was adjourned at 8:42 p.m. The next meeting will be September 20, 2016.
Respectfully submitted,
Wendy Reu
Village Clerk
