December 21, 2021 Regular Meeting Minutes
REGULAR MEETING – VILLAGE OF NORTHVILLE
Tuesday, December 21, 2021
The Village Board met Tuesday, December 21, 2021 at 7:00 PM
Present: John Spaeth, Mayor
Steve Collins, Trustee
Sue Eckert, Trustee
John Markiewicz, Trustee
Sue Sedon, Trustee
Absent:
Wendy Reu, Village Clerk
Nathan Matthews, Treasurer
Dan Reidell, Highway Superintendent
Public Attendance: Dominick Cox, Cindy Close, Chantal Daigneault
Mayor Spaeth called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Motion to approve the minutes of the November 16, 2021 Regular Meeting was made by Trustee Markiewicz, seconded by Trustee Eckert, and passed by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Eckert, Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
PUBLIC COMMENTS – Cindy Close, representing the Sacandaga Garden Club addressed the Board. She indicated that a member bequeathed a sum of money to the Club with the desire that daffodils be planted in the Village of Northville with the funds. She stated the group had the idea to line the terrace area of Bridge Street with daffodils to create a “yellow brick road” feel when entering the Village, but was looking for input or suggestions from the Board. DPW Superintendent Reidell expressed concerns about planting them in the terrace area as terraces are owned by the property owner and are to be maintained by the property owner. Through discussion, other potential areas were brought up, to include the Village Green, church properties and the entrance area to the Village by Route 30. Mrs. Close asked about planting them out by the Village of Northville sign on the highway. Trustee Sedon stated that the Town, along with the State, owns the property where the sign is and that permission would have to be obtained from them. As discussion continued, it was determined that Garden Club would need to decide on what municipally owned property they want to put the bulbs on and obtain permission from that municipality. Mayor Spaeth stated there still seems to be a lot of questions that need to be answered but in terms of Village property, we would just need a proposal and we can tweak it as we see necessary.
REPORT OF COMMITTEES:
Police – Mayor Spaeth reported that Scott Bradt has retired from his full-time job and, as such, has tendered his resignation from the Village effective December 31, 2021. It was noted that Scott wants to continue working for the Village and plans on reapplying when he is eligible to do so.
Mayor Spaeth stated that Officer VanNostrand has been working with Kevin Donovan trying to determine if he is eligible for Zone 5 academy. Officer VanNostrand reported that since it was four years in August since Mr. Donovan retired from the FBI, Zone 5 indicated he would have to go through the entire program. Mayor Spaeth stated that Mr. Donovan is working full time and not able to attend a full-time academy but would be open to a part time academy. Mayor Spaeth stated that several years ago, the Village made the decision to not use the part time academy and if we wanted to proceed with hiring Mr. Donovan, we would need to address that issue.
Trustee Collins gave a committee report on the expansion of police coverage into the Town. He reported that the Town offered that they would provide the same amount of money to police coverage that the Village provides. He reported that he drafted a sample policy statement for the police department that details the need for bi-weekly time sheets being signed by the officers and a patrol log for the Board’s consideration. Trustee Eckert stated it was also important for the officers to work the hours we need them to be here, rather than when they want to do shifts.
Streets – The DPW report was read and is on file at the Clerk’s office. DPW Superintendent Reidell wanted to make sure that we were going to address the requirement for clearing sidewalks of snow.
DPW Superintendent Reidell reported that the engineering study was done on the Water Street bridge/culvert and as a result, it was deemed that no vehicles over 8 ton can travel that section of the road. He stated that signs have been posted at both entrances to Water Street and it needs to be enforced. DPW Superintendent Reidell stated that it is estimated that repairing just the “bridge part” of the culvert could cost $ 80,000.00 and he is looking into whether Bridge NY funds could cover the culvert.
DPW Superintendent Reidell reported that he is still in communication with the Town of Hope over sharing the truck for commercial garbage pickup.
DPW Superintendent Reidell reported that HRBRRD is looking at purchasing some salt from the Village, the same as NCS does. He reported it would be a small amount, approximately 2-3 ton over the winter. After discussion, Trustee Eckert made a motion to allow HRBRRED to purchase salt from the Village. The motion was seconded by Trustee Collins and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Eckert, Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
Mayor Spaeth reported that at the previous meeting, we had discussed a mass mailing about the need for residents to keep their sidewalks cleared of snow/ice. He reported that DPW Superintendent Reidell took the time to visit residents personally regarding their sidewalks so there was not a need for the letter going out.
Mayor Spaeth also reported two different people approached him recently, letting him know what a great job our crew does in the Village and he wanted to pass that on to DPW Superintendent Reidell and his crew.
Water – It was reported that usage increased from 1,623,000 gallons in November 2020 to 1,828,000 this year. Water testing and operations were normal.
DPW Superintendent Reidell asked permission from the Board to scrap the old meters that were recently replaced. Trustee Eckert made a motion to scrap the old manual read water meters. The motion was seconded by Trustee Sedon and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Eckert, Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
Code Enforcement- The Code report is on file in the Clerk’s office. It was reported that one permit was issued in November. Code Officer Reidell reported that four letters have gone out for temporary rentals.
Dog Control – The Dog Control Officer reported 3 calls for December. The report is on file in the Clerk’s office.
Joint Youth – No Report
Marketing – No Report
LWRP- Mayor Spaeth reported that the hold up with the LWRP has been at the Department of State. He stated that all of our draft paragraphs have been in their hands for review. He stated that in early January, the committee will need to get together and move this forward.
Mayor Spaeth presented proposed Local Law #1 of 2022 Local Waterfront Consistency Review Law and Waterfront Access Form in final format for the Board’s review. After reviewing the document, Trustee Collins made a motion to approve the proposed Local Law # 1 of 2022 as presented and schedule a public hearing on the law for January 18, 2022 at 7 p.m. The motion was seconded by Trustee Eckert and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Eckert, Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
Park Use Requests – No requests
Tree Commission – Chantal Daigneault, representing the Tree Commission addressed the Board. She stated they would like a mailer to go out in the May water billing regarding the Tree Commission. She also asked about obtaining a website presence. Mayor Spaeth stated he would look into what was entailed in getting the Tree Commission their own space on the website.
Chantal stated there were two trees of concern that commission members had. She stated one is on South Third Street by the library and the other is on N. Third and it has power lines running through it. DPW Superintendent Reidell responded to her concerns and said that the S. Third Street tree is not a street tree and the homeowner does not want it taken down. He stated that as for the N. Third Street, that tree is on National Grid’s list of trees to be taken down. He stated that if there were other street trees that needed to be taken down, locations should be given to him and he will add them to the list.
TRANSFERS
Treasurer Matthews requested the following:
Trustee Collins made a motion to approve the Transfers as requested by Treasurer Matthews. The motion was seconded by Trustee Markiewicz and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Eckert, Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon
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 $ 55,848.05, from the Water Fund in the amount of $ 3,345.60, and from the Joint Youth Fund in the amount of $ 286.75 were presented for payment. Motion to approve payment was made by Trustee Markiewicz, seconded by Trustee Eckert and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Eckert, Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
OLD BUSINESS:
Mayor Spaeth gave an update on the lighting project. He stated that the purchasing of the street lights has been completed. He reported that there will be a kick off meeting the first week in January to begin scheduling the replacement. Mayor Spaeth stated it is anticipated that the lights will be in by the end of February.
Mayor Spaeth reported that CFA awards were recently announced and that the Village was awarded $ 131,250.00 for the Hunter Creek Dam Pedestrian Way Project and $ 82,500.00 for the Dredging Feasibility Study on the Little Lake. He pointed out that they are 25% matching grants and the Village will need to contribute $ 42,750 and $ 27,500 respectfully to those projects.
RESOLUTIONS:
RESOLUTION # 11 OF 2021
Permissive Referendum re Use of Reserve Funds for
Purchase of Police Protection Equipment
December 21, 2021
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 police protection equipment, which fund is designated A0230.5 Capital Reserve for Police Equipment, under General Municipal Law 6-c, and
WHEREAS the amount that will be utilized from the reserve fund should not exceed $12,000, 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 police protection equipment, and utilize funds not to exceed $12,000 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 Sedon made a motion to approve Resolution #11 of 2021 as presented. The motion was seconded by Trustee Collins and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Eckert, Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
RESOLUTION #12 OF 2021
Permissive Referendum re Use of Reserve Funds for Lighting Purchase
December 21, 2021
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 lighting equipment, which fund is designated A0230.6 capital reserve for construction and reconstruction or acquisition of buildings and land, under General Municipal Law 6-c, and
WHEREAS the amount that will be utilized from the reserve fund should not exceed $120,000, 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 street and park lighting equipment, and utilize funds not to exceed $120,000 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 #12 of 2021 as presented. The motion was seconded by Trustee Eckert and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Eckert, Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
RESOLUTION # 13 OF 2021
Permissive Referendum re Use of Reserve Funds for a Pickup Truck
December 21, 2021
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 A0230.3 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 $40,000, 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 $40,000 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 Eckert made a motion to approve Resolution #13 of 2021 as presented. The motion was seconded by Trustee Sedon and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Eckert, Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
RESOLUTION # 14 OF 2021
Permissive Referendum re Use of Reserve Funds for
Cap. Project for Pedestrian Way
December 21, 2021
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 Capital Project of Pedestrian Way, which fund is designated A0230.6 capital reserve for construction and reconstruction or acquisition of buildings and land, under General Municipal Law 6-c, and
WHEREAS the amount that will be utilized from the reserve fund should not exceed $175,000, 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 support the Capital Project of Pedestrian Way, and utilize funds not to exceed $175,000 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 Eckert made a motion to approve Resolution #14 of 2021 as presented. The motion was seconded by Trustee Sedon and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Eckert, Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
RESOLUTION # 15 OF 2021
Permissive Referendum re Use of Reserve Funds for
Feasibility Study of Dredging
December 21, 2021
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 feasibility study of dredging, which fund is designated A0230.6 capital reserve for construction and reconstruction or acquisition of buildings and land, under General Municipal Law 6-c, and
WHEREAS the amount that will be utilized from the reserve fund should not exceed $110,000, 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 support the feasibility study of dredging, and utilize funds not to exceed $110,000 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 #15 of 2021 as presented. The motion was seconded by Trustee Eckert and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Eckert, Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
Resolution # 16 of 2021
Adoption of the Fulton County Hazard Mitigation Plan
(Name of Jurisdiction) Village of Northville
(Governing Body) Village Board of Trustees
(Address) 412 S. Main Street, Northville NY
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Village of Northville with the assistance from Albany Visualization and Informatics Labs, has gathered information and prepared the Fulton County Hazard Mitigation Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Fulton County Hazard Mitigation Plan has been prepared in accordance with the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000; and
WHEREAS, Village of Northville is a local unit of government that has afforded the citizens an opportunity to comment and provide input in the Plan and the actions in the Plan; and
WHEREAS, Village of Northville have reviewed the Plan and affirms that the Plan will be updated no less than every five years;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by Board of Trustees that the Village of Northville adopts the Fulton County Hazard Mitigation Plan as this jurisdiction’s Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan, and resolves to execute the actions in the Plan.
ADOPTED this 21st Day of December, 2021, at the meeting of the Northville Board of Trustees.
Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to approve Resolution #16 of 2021 as presented. The motion was seconded by Trustee Collins and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Eckert, Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
Mayor Spaeth requested to adjourn to Executive Session to discuss a Personnel issue. Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to enter into Executive Session at 8:30 p.m. The motion was seconded by Trustee Collins and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Eckert, Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
The meeting resumed in Regular Session at 8:50 p.m. on a motion by Trustee Markiewicz, seconded by Trustee Eckert, and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Eckert, Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
Mayor Spaeth stated that after reviewing the draft police policy, the Board amended it as follows: Remove final sentence on draft. Add “Failure to follow policy will result in disciplinary and/or termination.”
Trustee Sedon made a motion to approve the Police Policy as amended. The motion was seconded by Trustee Eckert and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Eckert, Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
Mayor Spaeth instructed Treasurer Matthews to distribute the new Police policy to all the officers for their signature.
Treasurer Matthews reported that Scott Bradt has filled out an application for employment effective January 3, 2022. After discussion, Trustee Collins made a motion to approve offering Scott Bradt a six-month probationary reappointment to the Village Police Department providing he agrees to the newly adopted policy as all officers of the PD are now being required to do. The motion was seconded by Trustee Markiewicz and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Eckert, Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
Trustee Eckert had questions about police scheduling and stated that the officers need to work hours when we need not when is convenient for the officer. She stated that we need to have some evening shifts in the Village to assist with parking issues, especially when the winter parking ban is in effect. Treasurer Matthews stated that we should cap the hours to less than 30 a week as 30 hours is considered full time, and the Board agreed. Mayor Spaeth stated that ultimately, the Village needs to have input in the scheduling. Trustee Eckert stated that she would rather have day time hours go unscheduled than to pay someone to do nothing.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: There was no further comment from the Public.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business before the Board, motion was made to adjourn by Trustee Markiewicz, seconded by Trustee Eckert and passed by voice vote with no one dissenting. The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Wendy L. Reu, Clerk
