May 15, 2022 Regular Meeting Minutes
REGULAR MEETING – VILLAGE OF NORTHVILLE
Tuesday, May 17, 2022
The Village Board met Tuesday, May 17, 2022 at 7:00 PM.
Present: Sue Eckert, Mayor
John Markiewicz, Trustee
Sue Sedon, Trustee
Kathleen Terwilliger, Trustee
Absent: Janet Rudd, Trustee (arrived at 8:35 pm due to School vote)
Wendy Reu, Clerk, Recording Secretary
Nathan Matthews, Treasurer
Absent: Dan Reidell, DPW Superintendent
Public Attendance – Lanie Groff, Gary Speckman, Mike Warner, Lisa Nally, Mr. and Mrs. Gabor Zoltay,
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 April 12, 2022 Regular Meeting was made by Trustee Markiewicz, seconded by Trustee Sedon, and passed by voice vote as follows:
AYE: Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon, Trustee Terwilliger
NAY: 0
ABSTAIN: 0
Motion to approve the minutes of the April 12, 2022 Organizational Meeting was made by Trustee Sedon, seconded by Trustee Terwilliger, and passed by voice vote as follows:
AYE: Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon, Trustee Terwilliger
NAY: 0
ABSTAIN: 0
Motion to approve the minutes of the April 12, 2022 Budget Hearing was made by Trustee Terwilliger, seconded by Trustee Markiewicz, and passed by voice vote as follows:
AYE: Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon, Trustee Terwilliger
NAY: 0
ABSTAIN: 0
PUBLIC ACCESS: No one from the public addressed the Board at this time.
REPORT OF COMMITTEES:
Police – Mayor Eckert reported that we have received an application for an officer to join our force. She stated we have begun verifying references and will continue on with the interview process in the near future.
Streets – The DPW report was read and is on file at the Clerk’s office.
Mayor Eckert reported that while at conference, she spoke with a NYCOM Attorney regarding the proposal for picking up commercial garbage and was informed by the Attorney that because the service was above and beyond normal services, it could be considered a gift under the eyes of the law. She stated the Attorney indicated that there needs some sort of equitable compensation from the businesses for the refuse that we will be direct hauling. Mayor Eckert stated we need to collect as much data as possible and try to develop a fair compensation. She recommended that whatever route we take, that it be a trial period as it may prove too costly or not beneficial. Trustee Markiewicz asked how the truck discussion was proceeding. Mayor Eckert stated they are looking at either leasing or purchasing but again stressed not entering into that until after the trial period. Trustee Sedon asked where the dumpsters would go. Mayor Eckert stated she was under the impression that they would go to the right of the fireman’s barn, along the property line. Trustee Sedon stated there was no space to the right as the property line was right there and there needed to be a setback. Mayor Eckert stated she would confirm with DPW Superintendent Reidell.
Mayor Eckert reported that DPW Superintendent Reidell would like to order a few banners for various events, to put out at the bridge approach, such as Memorial Day and 4th of July. Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to approve purchasing holiday banners for the bridge approach. The motion was seconded by Trustee Sedon and carried by voice vote as follows:
AYE: Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon, Trustee Terwilliger
NAY: 0
ABSTAIN: 0
Water – It was reported that usage decreased from 1,927,000 gallons in April 2021 to 1,768,000 this year. Water testing and operations were normal.
It was reported that there were still two meters left in the Village that had not yet been converted to radio read meters.
Mayor Eckert introduced Resolution #7 of 2022 entitled Permissive Referendum re: Use of Reserve Funds for Repair/ Upgrades to Well House as follows:
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 $30,000, 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 $30,000 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 #7 of 2022 as presented. The motion was seconded by Trustee Sedon and carried by voice vote as follows:
AYE: Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon, Trustee Terwilliger
NAY: 0
ABSTAIN: 0
Code Enforcement- The Code Officer’s report was filed. It was reported that 5 permits were issued.
Dog Control – The Dog Control report for April indicated there were three calls. One dog bite, one barking dog report, and a dog welfare complaint were reported.
Joint Youth – Trustee Sedon reported that the Commission met recently and hired ten counselors for the program. She indicated one counselor would act as head lifeguard/counselor. Trustee Sedon stated they are having a difficult time recruiting lifeguards for the program and if the beach could even open, it may only be open on Tuesdays, which would be camp swim days. She stated we are competing with other camp programs who have 40-hour weeks. Treasurer Matthews stated that he understands the Commission is still trying to actively recruit lifeguards but he questioned having the beach for just one day. He stated we have to have a porta john at the beach if camp is utilizing the beach. He stated that once we make the move of providing services to the beach, we cannot then say the beach is closed the rest of the time when camp is not utilizing it. Trustee Sedon reported they were having another meeting in June and would be making the final decision then.
Park Use Requests – None
Marketing – Mayor Eckert reported that we had reviewed the proposed marketing plan done by CRG that suggested hiring a full time person to market the Village. She stated we are not in the position to go that route as it would have to be a competitive position and a job description would need to be sent to the County for approval. Mayor Eckert stated that every event we have in the Village, such as garage sale weekend, Memorial Day parade, and Doins as examples, is always questionable of who will be organizing the event, which often causes a delay in planning. She reported that she had discussion with the Clerk, Wendy Reu, and a proposal was presented that the Clerk take on the position of marketing, much like when we hired a part time person a few years ago. Mayor Eckert stated the Clerk already fields a majority of the questions about events in the Village even if we are not organizing them. She stated it made sense to have it all in house. The proposal presented detailed additional duties the Clerk would assume, such as organizing and promoting Village sponsored events, updating website/social media information pertaining to events happening in the Village, and submission of events to outside sources such as Chamber of Commerce and media outlets. It was projected that the Clerk would spend approximately 10 hours a week on Marketing/PR and a $ 4.00 hourly increase in salary was requested by the Clerk to assume these duties. Trustee Markiewicz asked if $ 4.00 was enough and the Clerk indicated she felt it was. Mayor Eckert stated we can revisit it in the future if it turns out to be more work than anticipated. After discussion, Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to approve an increase of $ 4.00/hour increase in salary of the Clerk for Marketing/PR duties, effective June 1, 2022. The motion was seconded by Trustee Sedon and carried by voice vote as follows:
AYE: Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon, Trustee Terwilliger
NAY: 0
ABSTAIN: 0
Report on Village Projects – John Spaeth provided an update on the Village projects that Mayor Eckert read. It was reported that the lighting project is almost completed and that the quote for cameras has been received and it is anticipated that cameras will be installed in the fall.
The report indicated that the Village will be able to proceed with our CFA projects ahead of LWRP approval. The spillway engineering RFP has been completed and it is anticipated that the RFP will be going out in early June. We are actively working on putting together an RFP for the dredging feasibility study as well.
Tree Commission – Lanie Groff, representing the Tree Commission thanked the Board for including the flyer regarding the Tree Commission in the recent water billing. She reported that she anticipates having a new tree commission member in the upcoming weeks and will provide the name to the Board for approval. Lanie reported that the costs of trees is approximately $ 200.00 and her current budget is $ 1000.00 despite not putting in any trees in the last two years. She stated she is learning about the different kinds of trees that are available and various height requirements due to over head lines, along with ones that cause shading issues on the streets. Trustee Sedon asked if the money in the tree budget rolls over if it is not used and Treasurer Matthews reported that it does not roll over or build up.
END OF YEAR TRANSFERS
Treasurer Matthews requested the following End of Year Transfers:
Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to authorize salary increases for all bi-weekly employees to take effect with the first payroll with a pay date falling in June 2022, which encompasses May 14, 2022 through May 27, 2022; and to authorize non-modified accrual of the first payroll with pay date on or after June 1, 2022.
The motion was seconded by Trustee Sedon and carried by voice vote as follows:
AYE: Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon, Trustee Terwilliger
NAY: 0
ABSTAIN: 0
Transfers to make as follows:
$9,500
From: A1930.4 Judgements & Claims – Contractual Exp.
To: A1325.1 Clerk/Treasurer – Personal Services
Reason – to cover end of year payroll and retention
$9,000
From: A5110.2 Street Maint. – Equipment
To: A5110.1 Street Maint. – Personal Services
Reason – to cover end of year payroll and retention
$4,000
From: F8340.4 Water Trans/Distribution – Contractual Exp.
To: F8320.4 Water Source/Supply – Contractual Exp.
Reason – to cover end of year Expenses
$305,000.00
From: A9950.903 Cap. Reserve fund for Street Equipment
To: A5031 Inter-fund Transfer for Street Equipment
Reason: Transfer to reserve as budgeted
$3,000.00
From: A9950.905 Cap. Reserve fund for Police Equipment
To: A5031 Inter-fund Transfer for Police Equipment
Reason: Transfer to reserve as budgeted
$18,500.00
From: A1990.4 Contingent – Contractual Exp
To: A9950.906 Cap. Reserve fund for Construction/Reconstruction/Acquisition
Reason: To increase amount being put into reserve
$43,500.00
From: A9950.906 Cap. Reserve fund for Construction/Reconstruction/Acquisition
To: A5031 Inter-fund Transfer for Construction/Reconstruction/Acquisition Reason: Transfer to reserve as budgeted with increase
$25,000.00
From: F9950.9 Cap. Reserve fund for Water System Improvements
To: F5031 Inter-fund Transfer for Water System
Reason: Transfer to reserve as budgeted
Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to approve the End of Year financial transfers as requested by Treasurer Matthews. The motion was seconded by Trustee Sedon and carried by voice vote as follows:
AYE: Trustee Markiewicz, 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 $ 18,761.19, from the Water Fund in the amount of $ 4,909.25, and from the Joint Youth Fund in the amount of $ 301.67, 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 Sedon, Trustee Terwilliger
NAY: 0
ABSTAIN: 0
OLD BUSINESS:
Mayor Eckert reported that the Data Network is up and running for the LED street lighting. She stated she would also check with DPW Superintendent Reidell as to the placement of the cameras in the Waterfront Park.
Mayor Eckert opened the discussion on winter sidewalk clearing with the Board. She stated this is always an issue and we usually don’t discuss it until the season is upon us, but this year she wants to finally address what our Code requires. Trustee Sedon stated we have had this discussion in the past and she will ask again, what is a reasonable time. Discussion ensued and it was determined that our code was very vague. The Clerk suggested pulling sidewalk codes from various municipalities and see how they address the issue, specifically for timeliness of clearing and how it will be charged back to the resident. Mayor Eckert stated we could pick components from those codes and draft necessary changes to our code. The Clerk reminded the Board that amending any section of our code needs to be done via local law and the process is approximately three months from start to finish, so now it the time to be making these changes. Mayor Eckert stated once we have a code that we are happy with, then we can research bidding out clearing of the sidewalks if residents fail to keep their sidewalks clean.
NEW BUSINESS:
NCS sent a request to conduct their annual color run on May 25th at 2:30. Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to approve the NCS Color Run on May 25th. The motion was seconded by Trustee Sedon and carried by voice vote as follows:
AYE: Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon, Trustee Terwilliger
NAY: 0
ABSTAIN: 0
Mayor Eckert presented a request from the Northville Rotary for police presence, porta johns, barricades, cones and garbage cans for their annual Woodworking show on July 15th through July 17th. Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to approve the Rotary request as presented. The motion was seconded by Trustee Sedon and carried by voice vote as follows:
AYE: Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon, Trustee Terwilliger
NAY: 0
ABSTAIN: 0
The Timeless Tavern submitted a request to hold their block party on August 21st. The requested indicated that they weren’t sure they were going to conduct it and would provide detailed information in the future if it moved forward, but they wanted to reserve the date. Trustee Sedon made a motion to approve the Timeless Tavern block party date of August 21st with details to follow. The motion was seconded by Trustee Markiewicz and carried by voice vote as follows:
AYE: Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon, Trustee Terwilliger
NAY: 0
ABSTAIN: 0
Mayor Eckert reported to the Board that she and the Village Clerk recently attended the NYCOM Annual Meeting. She stated it was very informative and dealt with a lot of topics, such as Open Meetings Law, Code Enforcement, and Marijuana Legislation to name a few. She said it was a great networking opportunity aside from being educational. She reported that our Clerk, Treasurer and DPW crew regularly attend the trainings offered by NYCOM which is a benefit to the Village.
Mayor Eckert opened discussion about a Longevity Incentive for Retention During Pandemic for Full Time Employees. She reported that all of the Village full time employees were retained and stayed during COVID. She stated that they continued to provide the necessary services to keep the Village running smoothly, and in the case of the Clerk and Treasurer, these jobs were performed in their homes. She stated that both municipalities and private industries across the state have given their dedicated employees pandemic bonuses and asked the Board to consider that for our employees. Trustee Markiewicz asked if Treasurer Matthews has a certain percentage in mind or a flat amount. Treasurer Matthews stated that it has been done a variety of ways by other municipalities. He stated that many municipalities gave a retention bonus of 10% but he felt that it would be fairer to give a flat rate amount as opposed to a percentage because then everyone would get the same amount. He stated if a percentage was given, the more recently hired individuals would not receive the same bonus despite doing the same work. Mayor Eckert agreed and stated she was considering $ 1500.00 per full time employee. Trustee Sedon asked how many full-time employees there were and Treasurer Matthews indicated there were 6. Trustee Markiewicz stated he would be in favor of a flat amount of $ 1500.00 and made a motion to give the full-time employees a $ 1500.00 Longevity Retention During Pandemic bonus. The motion was seconded by Trustee Terwilliger and carried by voice vote as follows:
AYE: Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon, Trustee Terwilliger
NAY: 0
ABSTAIN: 0
PUBLIC COMMENTS: Gary Speckman addressed the Board on behalf of Linda Finch. He indicated that Linda wanted to create an artistic sign post out by the information booth on Route 30 but was told by DPW Superintendent Reidell that she needed a permit. Mayor Eckert reported that the Village does not own that parcel and we have a limited use access permit from the State for the information booth. She reported that the access permit states that we cannot make any improvements to the property without applying for a permit from the State and if we violate our access permit, it would be pulled at any time. She polled the Board and at this time, they were not looking to apply for an additional permit from the State.
Mr. and Mrs. Zoltay complained about NCS and their excessive use of water on the soccer field. Mayor Eckert stated that we have no control over how they use their water. Mr. Zoltay said that last year they watered every day during July despite it raining most of the summer. Mayor Eckert stated that she would be meeting with the new Superintendent in the near future and would point out to her the issues that occurred in the past and ask that they look into better use of the sprinkler system.
Trustee Rudd entered the meeting just before it adjourned, after finishing up at the NCS Budget vote. She briefly stated that she agreed that sidewalks need to be kept clear during the winter. Discussion ensued about people not picking up their dog waste around the Village, specifically at the school and it was requested that the dog warden perform some additional patrols.
Lisa Nally stated that she didn’t know when the Board meetings were held and that she felt there needed to be more advertisement of the meetings. The Clerk reported that meetings are posted in the municipal building and in the Leader Herald. The Clerk indicated that the meetings are held the third Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m., information which is both on our website and FB page as well. The suggestion was made that signs be placed out front on meeting days.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business before the Board, motion was made to adjourn by Trustee Markiewicz, seconded by Trustee Sedon and passed by voice vote with no one dissenting. The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Wendy L. Reu, Clerk
