July 18, 2023 Regular Meeting Minutes
REGULAR MEETING – VILLAGE OF NORTHVILLE
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
The Village Board met Tuesday, July 18, 2023, 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
Rick Richardson, Chief of Police
Public Attendance –Mike Warner, Lanie Groff, Chuck Haugh
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 June 26, 2023, Regular Meeting was made by Trustee Markiewicz, seconded by Trustee Rudd, and passed by voice vote as follows:
AYE: Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Rudd, Trustee Sedon, Trustee Terwilliger
NAY: 0
ABSTAIN: 0
PUBLIC ACCESS: No one from the public expressed a desire to address the Board.
REPORT OF COMMITTEES:
Police –The police report was filed with the Clerk and read at the meeting. Chief Richardson reported that all his officers got range qualified today.
Mayor Eckert reported that Chief Richardson requested the services of a grant writer to assist with the Livescan grant. Chief Richardson indicated that Tony Clay, former Chief in Gloversville, now does grant writing for police grants and he would like to engage his services. It was reported that he charges $ 50.00/hr. and anticipates 15 hours to complete the grant application. After discussion, Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to approve the services of Tony Clay as grant writer for the PD grant at the rate of $ 50.00/hr. 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
Streets – The DPW report was read and is on file at the Clerk’s office. Highway Superintendent Reidell provided the Board with brochures related to his planned backhoe and articulating loader purchases he was going to be making. He indicated he can get two machines for the price of one. Trustee Terwilliger asked if there are other attachments that can be purchased for the equipment. Highway Superintendent Reidell indicated that the attachments we already have for the bobcat will attach to the new equipment.
Highway Superintendent Reidell reported he is in the process of purchasing an additional radar sign. He stated he found a local distributer who will work with the Village and get the signs they need.
Trustee Sedon asked if there was any flashing crosswalk signs that could be put out around the Village. She indicated she was crossing Water Street and almost got hit by a vehicle. Highway Superintendent Reidell stated there are signs available, at a cost of $ 2,000.00 per sign and if we were going to be putting lighted signage at the crosswalks, we would need to do it at all the crosswalks. He expressed concerns about where he would be able to attach those signs as there are not poles near all the crosswalks.
Water – It was reported that usage increased from 3,055,000 gallons in June 2022 to 3,202,000 this year. Water testing and operations were normal.
Code Enforcement- The Code Officer’s report was filed. It was reported that 2 permits were issued in June.
Dog Control – No report issued.
Joint Youth – Mayor Eckert reported there were issues with the beach. She reported that people were swimming at the north end of the beach area, outside of the roped area, while the beach was open and the lifeguards on duty. Chief Richardson reported that he was called to the beach after the people would not stop swimming in the non-designated swim area. Mayor Eckert asked the Chief what the Village could do in that instance. Chief Richardson indicated that he had spoken with DA Mike Poulin and was informed that we have no ability to charge those people with trespassing. He indicated he informed the lifeguards to tell individuals swimming outside the ropes that it is prohibited and that they need to document name, date, and time of each occurrence. He stated we don’t own the water and we have no legal recourse. He continued by stating that if the gate is locked and signs say no trespassing, we could enforce that. Chief Richardson also stated if there was a permit system to use the beach, we could strip permits from the individuals that are violating the rules. He strongly recommended a permit system at the beach. Discussion ensued and past permit system prices/policies were discussed. Treasurer Matthews stated that even if we had a $ 5.00 permit, that would not cover the cost of hiring the person that would needed to monitor the gate. He stated that there are issues any way you cut it. Mayor Eckert stated that most of the people using the beach are outside of our area. She continued by stating we are paying a lot of money to have a beach with lifeguards. Trustee Sedon stated that a lot of kids learned how to swim at camp and she felt it was important. Mayor Eckert stated there have been a lot of issue with the beach and she felt we needed to take a hard look at it before moving forward with it next year. She stated there are other ways to provide swimming opportunities for day campers, such as bussing to the YMCA or other beaches.
Park Use Requests – There were no park use requests.
Marketing – The Clerk gave a marketing update. She reported a very well attended DOINS event in the Waterfront Park. Trustee Rudd stated the parade was wonderful and Mayor Eckert stated she has heard nothing but good reports about the parade. The Clerk reported there were some issues with the fireworks, and we will be looking for a new place to launch them next year. She reported that Carla Kolbe, FC Tourism Coordinator, has been in touch with her about potential financial support from FC for next year’s event.
Mayor Eckert reported she received a letter that was jointly signed by Carl & Kitty Ingalls, Pat & Lynne Barnett, and Kirk & Kitty Tooley, expressing their displeasure that a flag vendor at the Doins was displaying Donald Trump flags and paraphernalia at the event. A copy of the letter is included in the meeting folder. Mayor Eckert provided the Board with a copy of her response, in which she stated while she may not have agreed with the content the vendor displayed, she upheld their right to display it under the First Amendment. A copy of her full response is included in the meeting folder. Trustee Sedon stated the vendor also had a confederate flag and she wanted to go on record stating she finds the confederate flag offensive. She stated it was not appropriate for kids to see those flags. Trustee Sedon asked if it was appropriate that they were selling an FU Biden flag. Trustee Rudd stated she did not like the FU flags and if they were being sold, they should be out of sight of kids. The Clerk reported that one of the authors of the letter issued a verbal exchange directed at the vendor that she found vulgar and noted that it was in the presence of many children that were utilizing the bounce houses. The Clerk reported that there was an issue with that particular vendor, unrelated to the concerns voiced at tonight’s meeting, and because of the issue that was previously brought to the Clerk’s attention by another vendor, the vendor in question was not going to be asked to return next year.
Report of Village Projects – Mayor Eckert reported the next Project Advisory Committee meeting was scheduled for July 24th.
Tree Commission – Lanie Groff reported that they are planning on contacting an arborist to gather tree advice and to assist with developing an list of appropriate plantings to help with choosing the correct trees to plant under power lines and the terrace area. Highway Superintendent Reidell reported the arborist would look at hazardous trees around the community and give the Village guidance on how to proceed with them. Trustee Sedon suggested protective sleeves for the newly planted trees to prevent the young rabbits from eating them.
PAYMENT OF BILLS
The monthly financial report was reviewed and bills to be paid from the General Fund in the amount of $ 57,231.00, from the Water Fund in the amount of $ 5,615.64 and from the Joint Youth Fund in the amount of $ 1,987.60 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
ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORTS
Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to approve the Annual Financial Report for Village. 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
Trustee Sedon made a motion to approve the 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
OLD BUSINESS:
Mayor Eckert gave an update on the sign in the Waterfront Park, constructed as an Eagle Scout project, that was reported as being broken at last month’s meeting. Highway Superintendent Reidell reported that the project wasn’t really finished and the treatment to the wood was not applied. He indicated that was the reason the wood split. He stated he had been in contact with Bill Coffey after last month’s meeting and he was scheduled to repair it. Mayor Eckert stated that she felt that since the sign wasn’t being utilized regularly and that it was not in the spot where the municipality wanted it to begin with, she felt that rather than repairing it, the sign should be removed, saving the stained glass piece of artwork that was at the top of the sign. After discussion, Trustee Sedon made a motion to remove the sign from the Waterfront Park, if the repair work has not already been started on it. 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
NEW BUSINESS:
Mayor Eckert presented Resolution #9 of 2023 for the Board’s consideration as follows:
RESOLUTION #9 OF 2023
Permissive Referendum re Use of Reserve Funds for
Purchase of Police Equipment
July 18, 2023
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 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 $7,500, 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 equipment, and utilize funds not to exceed $7,500 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 2023 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
The Clerk reported she would post the Permissive Referendum on Resolution #9 of 2023.
Mayor Eckert presented Resolution #10 of 2023 for the Board’s consideration as follows:
RESOLUTION # 10 OF 2023
Permissive Referendum re Use of Reserve Funds for a Street Equipment
July 18, 2023
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 Loader and Excavator, 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 $150,000, 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 Loader and Excavator, and utilize funds not to exceed $150,000 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 #10 of 2023 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
The Clerk reported she would post the Permissive Referendum on Resolution #10 of 2023.
Mayor Eckert presented Resolution #11 of 2023 for the Board’s consideration as follows:
Resolution # 11 of 2023
RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF
2023 DOS LOCAL WATERFRONT REVITALIZATION PROGRAM
CONSOLIDATED FUNDING APPLICATION
WHEREAS a Notice of Funding Availability for Local Waterfront Revitalization Program grant funds has been made by the Department of State in the 2023 CFA Round; and
WHEREAS the Village of Northville seeks to advance its Local Waterfront Revitalization Program, Comprehensive Plan and Hamlet Economic Development Plan by constructing safe and accessible pedestrian and bicycle access to the Great Sacandaga and Hunter Lake waterfront area; and
WHEREAS this project is identified as the top priority by the community in the Village’s Local Waterfront Revitalization Program; and
WHEREAS design for the proposed improvements is currently in progress utilizing a previous DOS Local Waterfront Revitalization Program grant; and
WHEREAS the recent announcement of a Bridge NY grant award provides $1,897,000 in funding to reconstruct the existing bridge over the dam spillway with sufficient space for a multi-use trail, offering a unique moment of opportunity to address this longstanding safety issue; and
WHEREAS this project will advance the vision and strategies of the Mohawk Regional Economic Development Council’s Strategic Plan; and
WHEREAS the proposed project is supported by the local community, volunteer groups, and partner agencies; and
WHEREAS, the Village of Northville Board of Trustees fully supports the proposed projects included in the funding application;
NOW HERE BE IT RESOLVED:
Mayor Sue Eckert, as Mayor of the Village of Northville, is hereby authorized and directed to file an application for funds to the New York State Department of State Local Waterfront Revitalization Program with a Village cash matching share of $ 730,000.00 and Village in kind contributions as detailed in the grant application.
Be it further resolved that the Mayor is hereby authorized to act on behalf of the Village of Northville Board in all matters related to this financial assistance, and upon approval of the said request, to enter into and execute a state assistance contract for such financial assistance. The attached Resolution shall take effect immediately.
Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to approve Resolution #11 of 2023 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
Mayor Eckert reported that Environmental Design & Research Services (EDR) would be submitting the letters for the SEQRA review that would designate the Village as Lead Agency for the CFA grant with the Board’s approval. After discussion, Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to authorize EDR to submit the letters for SEQRA as indicated. 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
CORRESPONDENCE: Mayor Eckert reported there was a Thank You note from the Rotary for the assistance the Village provided during the Woodworking Show.
Mayor Eckert reported that Fulton County sent invitations to the Board for the Grand Opening of the NYS Baseball Hall of Fame Museum on July 29th at 11 a.m.
It was reported that the July meeting would be held on Tuesday, August 15th at 7 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: No comments were offered by the public.
At 8:25 p.m., Mayor Eckert requested to go into Executive Session to discuss a Personnel issue. She asked the Clerk, Treasurer, and DPW Superintendent to attend as well. Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to enter Executive Session to discuss a Personnel issue. 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
The meeting resumed in Regular Session at 9:40 p.m. on a motion from 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
It was reported that no action was taken during the Executive Session.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business before the Board, motion was made to adjourn by Trustee Sedon, seconded by Trustee Rudd, and passed by voice vote with no one dissenting. The meeting was adjourned at 9:42 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Wendy L. Reu, Clerk
