August 24, 2022 Regular Meeting Minutes
REGULAR MEETING – VILLAGE OF NORTHVILLE
Wednesday, August 24, 2022
The Village Board met Wednesday, August 24, 2022, 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 Superintendent
Carmel Greco, Village Attorney
Absent:
Public Attendance – Sandra Fish, Ken Adamczyk, Bob Ellsworth, Frank Pedatella, Sam Ellsworth, Melissa Ellsworth
Mayor Eckert called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Motion to approve the minutes of the July 17, 2022, Regular Meeting was made by Trustee Rudd, seconded by Trustee Sedon, and passed by voice vote as follows:
AYE: Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Rudd, Trustee Sedon, Trustee Terwilliger
NAY: 0
ABSTAIN: 0
PUBLIC ACCESS: No members of the public requested to address the Board.
REPORT OF COMMITTEES:
Police – Mayor Eckert reported that a request was received from the organizers of Ring of Fire 5K for the PD to escort the runners at the start and then provide coverage at the Skiff Road intersection. Trustee Sedon made a motion to have the PD escort the runners and provide coverage as requested. 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
Streets – The DPW report was read and is on file at the Clerk’s office.
Highway Superintendent Reidell opened the ongoing discussion of commercial garbage. He reported that he is looking into renting a few dumpsters and trying the program out to get a better idea of what the cost may be. He stated he had little information from the businesses regarding previous tonnage. He stated they were being charged a weekly fee for their current dumpsters. Treasurer Matthews stated it was going to be very difficult to come up with a fee without having tonnage information and rental fee. He stated at best we could come up with a flat rate to start and adjust it as more data becomes available. Mayor Eckert stated we can’t leave it open ended. She stated we have to come up with fair the rate based on the actual use by each business. Treasurer Matthews stated we don’t even have any agreement with these businesses. He stated we need to get something in writing from them, agreeing to the percentage of the rental and cost per ton of the garbage we would be hauling. Treasurer Matthews cautioned that we have no guarantee of reimbursement from the business owners. Trustee Sedon stated she felt we need some type of agreement before we start this. Trustee Terwilliger asked if the percentage would be based on how many businesses are participating. Treasurer Matthews stated that once we know the cost of the rental fee, the contract could be written up based on the number of users for (X) % of rental fee with the tonnage split between the same percentage, not to exceed $ 200.00/month. He suggested a short term contract, with a trial period, perhaps three months to evaluate the data and make adjustments where necessary. He did state that every business that has a dumpster would have to either agree to participate or sign off on participating. Highway Superintendent Reidell asked when we are going to stop picking up the commercial garbage that we are already picking up. Mayor Eckert reported that all commercial would have to be treated the same way. Trustee Terwilliger asked if the contract will come back to the Board for review before we start the program. Mayor Eckert stated a draft contract would come to the Board for their approval. After continued discussion, Trustee Rudd made a motion to move forward and rent the dumpsters as requested by Highway Superintendent Reidell. 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
Highway Superintendent Reidell reported there is an opening on the highway crew. He stated that one worker is leaving for a neighboring town for more money. He stated there are currently openings in surrounding municipalities for workers. Highway Superintendent Reidell asked the Board to consider a raise of $ 5.00/hour for his lowest paid worker to help with retention. Trustee Terwilliger asked if we could feasibly do this. Treasurer Matthews stated that when Mayor Eckert and Highway Superintendent Reidell approached him with the idea, he ran the numbers based on replacing the worker that left closer to November 1st. He stated the amount of savings in the budget by having the position vacant that length of time, it would net out even by raising the lowest worker $ 5.00/hour. Trustee Terwilliger asked if the highway workers all did the same work. Highway Superintendent Reidell stated they guys on the crew all do the same work. Trustee Sedon asked what was the lowest pay on the street crew. Treasurer Matthews stated the lowest pay was $ 18.26 and the second lowest pay was $ 19.75. He stated his suggestion was bringing up the lowest person to $ 23.00/hour and advertising the new position for the same rate. Highway Superintendent Reidell stated the highest paid member of his crew receives $ 25.00/hour and all the workers do the same work.
He also stated that with the increase in salary, he would require that all his crew members be certified in water and mechanic duties. After discussion, Trustee Terwilliger made a motion to increase the rate of pay for the lowest highway worker to $ 23.00/hour effective August 29, 2022. 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 Sedon made a motion to advertise for the vacant street crew position, CDL and mechanic background preferred, at the pay rate of $ 21.00 to $ 23.00/hour with a deadline of September 16th. 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
Highway Superintendent Reidell asked when the Board wanted him to lock the gate at the Beach. He stated there have been some issues down there, such as illegal fires and homemade privies and he requested that the PD continue to make trips down there at least once on a patrol. Treasurer Matthews reported that he had spoken with our insurance company about keeping it open during the winter and it would create a liability for the Village the first time any private individual dropped a plow in the area. The Board instructed Highway Superintendent Reidell to lock the gates after Labor Day
Mayor Eckert reported the new Crossing Guard, Leon Pratt has been hired and is set to begin when school starts. She reported that we do have an alternate guard if necessary.
Water – It was reported that usage increased from 3,055,000 gallons in July 2021 to 3,312,000 this year. Water testing and operations were normal.
The Clerk reported that the radio read meter was installed for account # 01-000424 today. She requested that the Board waive the $ 200.00 penalty on the current bill for that account. Trustee Sedon made a motion to waive the $ 200.00 penalty on the current water bill for account #01-000424. 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
It was reported that there was still one meter left in the Village that had not yet been converted to a radio read meter.
Code Enforcement- The Code Officer’s report was filed. It was reported that two permits were issued.
Dan reported that he needed to proceed with legal action against a property owner due to a code violation not being addressed. He asked for the Board’s permission to pursue legal action against the owner of parcel #18.17-6-1. After review, Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to proceed with legal action against the property owner of parcel #18.17-6-1 for the code violation. 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
Dan reported to the Board that the APA has approved NCS application for 70’ tall lights on the soccer field.
Dog Control – Nothing to report.
Joint Youth – Trustee Sedon reported that they have their end of season meeting on September 8th to wrap up the summer program. She reported that they have one person that will be coming to the meeting to discuss a project she would like to do at the beach area.
Park Use Requests – No requests were received.
Marketing – Village Clerk Wendy Reu gave an update on Marketing. She reported she continues to use various social media sites and working with FC Chamber/44 Lakes.Com to promote events in the Village. She stated she has begun planning a Fall Fest on the Saturday of Columbus Day Weekend and plans are underway for the Christmas parade the first weekend in December. Mayor Eckert stated she has received great feedback on the marketing the Clerk has been doing. She stated SVAN reported their attendance at their summer concert series increased significantly this year and they attribute it to the marketing program.
Report on Village Projects – John Spaeth provided an update on the Village projects. The cameras in the Waterfront Park are anticipated to be installed in early fall. He reported that an RFP has been issued for the Dredging Feasibility Study and the due date is September 16th. Mr. Spaeth reported that Elan Planning was awarded the contract for the Spillway Engineering and he anticipated a kick off meeting to be occurring within the next few weeks.
Tree Commission – No report
ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORTS
Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to approve Annual Financial Report for Village. 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 Sedon made a motion to approve Annual Financial Report for Joint Youth Commission. The motion was seconded by Trustee Markiewicz and carried by voice vote as follows:
AYE: Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Rudd, Trustee Sedon, Trustee Terwilliger
NAY: 0
ABSTAIN: 0
TRANSFERS
Treasurer Matthews requested the following Transfer:
$4,000
From: A1930.4 Judgements & Claims – Contractual Exp.
To: A1620.4 Buildings – Contractual Exp.
Reason – Network upgrades
Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to approve the Transfer as presented by Treasurer Matthews. The motion was seconded by Trustee Sedon and carried by voice vote as follows:
PAYMENT OF BILLS
The monthly financial report was reviewed and bills to be paid from the General Fund in the amount of $ 58,967.88, from the Water Fund in the amount of $ 10,304.17 and from the Joint Youth Fund in the amount of $ 4,858.58 were presented for payment. Motion to approve payment was made by Trustee Markiewicz, seconded by Trustee Sedon and carried by voice vote as follows:
AYE: Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Rudd, Trustee Sedon, Trustee Terwilliger
NAY: 0
ABSTAIN: 0
OLD BUSINESS:
Mayor Eckert reopened the previously tabled subject of snow removal from sidewalks. The discussion centered on how we would cause the sidewalks to be cleared in the event property owner failed to do it. Treasurer Matthews stated we would have to contract with an individual and that person would clear the sidewalk when it was determined that the property owner was in violation and a bill would be sent to the municipality. He stated the homeowner would then be billed that amount. The Clerk stated that there would have to be some type of software system to track the charges to the homeowner as it would ultimately be relevyed to their property taxes if they failed to pay. She stated the current utility billing software she has could be used but there will have to be additional codes added to it by the software company which will incur a cost. Trustee Rudd stated she was concerned about the elderly and thought they should be given some consideration. She stated some seniors don’t have the funds. Mayor Eckert stated that we have the law on the books, and it needs to be enforced across the Board. She stated we cannot enforce it against some and not others. Trustee Markiewicz asked Highway Superintendent Reidell if he noticed problems with seniors not having their properties maintained. Highway Superintendent Reidell stated that the seniors are always the ones who have their walks shoveled in the winter. Trustee Sedon asked if the Village cleared the sidewalks in the commercial district. Highway Superintendent Reidell stated they don’t shovel the commercial area, they remove the snow banks from the curb area. He stated the business owners clear their sidewalks. Mayor Eckert stated we will continue to move this forward to draft an updated snow removal law.
Mayor Eckert reported we received quotes back from two real estate companies for the listing of the Third Street property. Howard Hanna agent, Joanna Olson, presented a package at 6% and Coldwell Banker agent, Deborah Oare, presented a package at 5%. Trustee Terwilliger asked if we had to go with the lowest offer and Mayor Eckert stated we did not. Trustee Rudd stated she likes Deborah Oare. Mayor Eckert stated she felt Howard Hanna has larger audience reach. After discussion, Trustee Rudd made a motion to have Coldwell Banker agent, Deborah Oare list the property. 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
NEW BUSINESS:
Ken Adamczyk, from CRG, gave a presentation on the NY Forward Program for the Board. He explained that it is similar to Gloversville’s $ 10 million dollar DRI except this time, the State is offering mini DRIs, two or three per region. He stated the Village has already signed a letter of intent but that doesn’t commit you. He stated if awarded, the Village could get some grant funding that would assist with LWRP projects. He stated you can stack grant funding. Mr. Adamczyk stated the negatives are that you may not get selected, and you will have to obtain the services of a consultant to do the work if you are awarded a grant. He stated that CRG will facilitate and help set up public forums and possibly assist with presentations. Mayor Eckert stated that it would be an upfront commitment of $ 15,000.00 from the Village. Mr. Adamczyk stated to get money you have to spend money. Mayor Eckert stated from her understanding, this is not seed money, it is end of project money. She also stated that they want to see one or two private projects included in the application and at this current time, there are no private projects out there.
Various projects that the Village listed in the LWRP were discussed, such as the linear park along Water Street and the pavilion in Waterfront Park, but it was determined that we are no where near getting to those projects in the next few grant cycles. Treasurer Matthews stated we are in the Engineer/Design phase of the spillway project, which was at the top of the LWRP list, right now. Mayor Eckert stated the grants was awarded in 2023 and the money would not be given until 2024. She also informed the Board that the deadline for submission was September 23rd. Trustee Rudd stated she didn’t feel we have time to digest this in time to make an educated decision. She stated it is a large cost to the Village and that she had mixed feelings about it. Trustee Sedon stated that the money is not budgeted in this current cycle and perhaps we can explore it next year. After continued discussion, Trustee Rudd made a motion to not move forward with the NY Forward grant program at this time. 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
Mayor Eckert discussed 2022 Zero- Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Grants for Municipalities with the Board. She stated that funds are available for the purchase and installation of electric vehicle supply equipment and that the maximum award for one facility is $ 250,000.00. She stated it there is a municipal match of 0 to 20 percent to the total cost of the project and that it was based on the median household income of the municipality. Mayor Eckert reported she discussed the idea with Highway Superintendent Reidell and it was felt that the municipal lot on South Main Street, adjacent to Stewart’s, would be an ideal spot for chargers. She stated that by having chargers at that location, we could also get electrical service to the storage garage that is already on the property, which would be an added benefit. After discussion, Trustee Sedon made a motion to apply for the EV Grant. The motion was seconded by Trustee Markiewicz and carried by voice vote as follows:
AYE: Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Rudd, Trustee Sedon, Trustee Terwilliger
NAY: 0
ABSTAIN: 0
Mayor Eckert reported that Jamie Dickenson, Earth Science/Marine STEM Teacher at NCS, was requesting to construct a shed on the area at the beach, next to the shed that is already there, to house items needed for field trip experiments throughout the year. In her request, Ms. Dickenson stated she has already obtained permission from HRBRRD but needed permission from the Village and the Town, as they jointly hold the permit, before a work permit could be issued. Ms. Dickenson also stated that there would be no need for Village maintenance or any Village funds for the project and the school would assume responsibility and liability for the shed and contents. After discussion, Trustee Terwilliger made a motion to approve Ms. Dickenson constructing a shed on the beach property as presented for storage of science equipment. 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
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Bob Ellsworth had several questions. With regard to the EV Charging stations, he asked who paid for the electric that the car chargers use. With respect to the Third Street property, he asked if the Board tried to sell it on their own before listing it with real estate agent. With respect to commercial garbage, what do the businesses get for their tax money, why can’t he put out two cans? Mayor Eckert stated the problem with commercial garbage is that we cannot dump it at the transfer station, it has to be hauled to Mud Road and we have to pay a commercial rate. She stated she is working with Highway Superintendent Reidell at modifying our garbage pickup so we are no longer hauling any commercial garbage to the transfer station. Trustee Sedon stated that apartments are viewed as commercial in terms of their water billing and she felt they should be handled the same way with respect to garbage. Mr. Ellsworth said he didn’t disagree with requiring snow to be removed from the sidewalks but asked if he could tear up his sidewalk. Mr. Ellsworth stated we have a tree ordinance that hasn’t been enforced. He stated the ordinance calls for trees to be trimmed on the sidewalk areas. With respect to the increase in pay to the highway crew, he stated he didn’t think we should just throw money at it. He stated that, as a business owner, if his employees came to him and told him they could make more money elsewhere, he would not increase their pay. With respect to the July event in the park, Mr. Ellsworth commented that it was a great event and offered his praise to the Clerk as he knew a lot of work was involved.
Sam Ellsworth stated that with respect to garbage, if you pay the same taxes, you should get the same services. He disagreed with the pay increase for the highway crew. With respect to the gates at the beach, he felt that they should be left open in the fall and winter. He stated that many people like to walk down there, and in the winter, snowmobilers can park their vehicles there and access the lake. Mayor Eckert asked the Board if they wanted to extend the length of time the gate is open based on Mr. Ellsworth’s comments. Treasurer Matthews reminded the Board of the liability that the Village would incur once the area was plowed. After discussion, Trustee Sedon made a motion to leave the gate at the beach open until the first snowfall. The motion was seconded by Trustee Markiewicz and carried by voice vote as follows:
AYE: Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Rudd, Trustee Sedon, Trustee Terwilliger
NAY: 0
ABSTAIN: 0
Sandy Fish stated that in the winter, snow mobiles go up and down the street and park on her lawn. Mayor Eckert informed Ms. Fish that she should call the non-emergency number of the Sheriff’s Department when that occurs.
Frank Pedatella addressed the Board again about the speeding on South Main Street. He stated the speeding is totally out of hand. He stated it is not fair for the people that live there. He stated it has been a super problem for many years and the Board has done nothing about it and the people before you did not do their job. He informed the Board that there should be stop signs at every intersection on Main Street, all the way up to the top of Gould Hill. He stated all you have to do is put up all way stop signs and that would solve the speeding problem. He stated it is getting worse. He stated the motorcycles and the log trucks speed terribly on that road. He stated the spillway is a disaster and the Board needs to correct the problem, but you are not doing anything.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business before the Board, motion was made to adjourn by Trustee Sedon, seconded by Trustee Markiewicz and passed by voice vote with no one dissenting. The meeting was adjourned at 9:56 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Wendy L. Reu, Clerk
