May 19, 2020 Regular Meeting Minutes
REGULAR MEETING – VILLAGE OF NORTHVILLE
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
The Village Board met Tuesday, May 19, 2020 at 7:37 PM via Zoom
Present: John Spaeth, Mayor
Steve Collins, Trustee
Sue Eckert, Trustee
John Markiewicz, Trustee
Sue Sedon, Trustee
Absent:
Wendy Reu, Village Clerk
Nathan Matthews, Treasurer
Mayor Spaeth called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Motion to approve the minutes of the April 14, 2020 Budget Hearing was made by Trustee Markiewicz, seconded by Trustee Sedon, and passed by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Eckert, Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
Motion to approve the minutes of the April 14, 2020 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 – Fire Chief Owen Jensen was the only member of the public during the Zoom meeting. He wished to address the Board during the Fire Department Committee reports.
REPORT OF COMMITTEES:
Streets – The DPW report was read by Trustee Eckert and is on file at the Clerk’s office. It was reported that Highway Superintendent Reidell has the crew continuing to pick up brush and leaves around the Village. Highway Superintendent Reidell stated that they are not putting the flower boxes out yet as he is uncertain which businesses are open during the Covid crisis. He indicated if there was a merchant that wanted a box, all they needed to do was call and one would be dropped off for them.
Highway Superintendent Reidell reported he had a request from a student to perform community services hours required by NCS by doing work for the Village. He indicated there would be jobs that could be done by a student, such as painting of bandshell, painting of picnic tables, etc. He indicated that he would not have any volunteer operating any equipment or assisting on the garbage truck. He stated that he did not plan on hiring any summer help this year. Highway Superintendent Reidell stated the student interested was Scotty Henze, who will be 16 on June 16th. After a brief discussion, the Board agreed they had no issue with any student performing community service hours doing the activities outlined by Highway Superintendent Reidell. It was verified that even if they are doing community service projects, students would need to complete working papers for the Village. Trustee Sedon made a motion to allow Highway Superintendent Reidell to provide opportunities for community service hours for students with the appropriate documentation as he sees fit. The motion was seconded by Trustee Eckert and carried by voice vote as follows:
Water – It was reported that usage decreased from 3,043,000 gallons in April 2019 to 2,071,000 this year. Water testing and operations were normal.
Mayor Spaeth reported that meters have been read. He indicated that Allen and Palmer has begun installing the new radio read meters in outdoor pits and seasonal homes that are vacant. Trustee Sedon voiced concern about installing meters during the Covid crisis. Mayor Spaeth stated we have not authorized Allen and Palmer to go into people’s homes as of right now to replace the meters. He stated we will continue to monitor the situation and when we are at an area when it is allowable by the state and we are comfortable as well, we will lift those restrictions.
Trustee Sedon stated she received a call from Jackie Junquera regarding her water bill. She stated she is billed for an apartment that she no longer rents. It was pointed out that the house was listed as a two family on the tax roll, and as such, that is how the water account was billed. She was instructed to speak with the Assessor for further information.
Fire– No report was filed.
Chief Owen Jensen addressed the Board regarding purchasing a new fire truck. He indicated they had gotten bids for a truck and have found one they are comfortable with. He indicated they are looking at a new truck which costs $ 559,413.00 and then it would need to be equipped. Treasurer Matthews indicated that the total cost of the vehicle, after the equipment was installed would be under $ 625,000.00 and that funds were in reserve, subject to Permissive Referendum for the vehicle purchase.
Mayor Spaeth presented Resolution #9 of 2020, as follows, for the Board’s consideration:
RESOLUTION #9 OF 2020
Permissive Referendum re Use of Reserve Funds for Fire Truck Purchase
May 19, 2020
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 new fire truck, which fund is designated A0230.1 Capital Reserve for Fire Equipment, under General Municipal Law 6-c, and
WHEREAS the amount that will be utilized from the reserve fund should not exceed $625,000, 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 a new fire truck, and utilize funds not to exceed $625,000 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 2020 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
Chief Jensen said that if a prepayment arrangement could be made, they would save approximately $ 11,000.00 on the vehicle. As this is during a period of Covid shutdown for many places, the situation has been discussed by NYCOM for guidance on how we can proceed and it was reported that a letter of intent from the municipality would satisfy that requirement, with the process being completed pending the outcome of the Permissive Referendum. Trustee Collins made a motion to authorize prepayment by issuing a letter of intent for the purchase of the new firetruck. 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
Code Enforcement- The Code Enforcements Officers report indicated that there were six permits issued for April.
Joint Youth – Trustee Sedon stated the Board will be receiving something soon from Youth Director Adamczyk regarding whether or not camp will be able to be held this summer. She stated the Committee has talked and there will be a lot of hurdles that would need to be met if camp was allowed to happen. Trustee Eckert stated that Governor Cuomo is expected to make a determination on summer camps towards the end of May. Mayor Spaeth stated he has spoken with Ken and Ken feels uncomfortable trying to hold a program under the current situation. Trustee Sedon stated there are many concerns, citing first aid, CPR, restroom sanitation, to name a few. Mayor Spaeth stated that Ken did lay out potential options for running a socially distanced camp but stated it would be extremely difficult to do and there would be the need to hire additional counselors. Mayor Spaeth stated the same situation would hold true at the beach. If beaches were allowed to be open, they would have to follow the same strict protocol and observe social distancing. He stated there would be the need to have additional staff there as well because lifeguards are there for water safety, not to be a social distance monitor.
PAYMENT OF BILLS
The monthly financial report was reviewed and bills to be paid from the General Fund in the amount of $ 53,804.96, from the Water Fund in the amount of $ 1,849.22, and from the Joint Youth Fund in the amount of $ 250.90 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
END OF YEAR TRANSFERS:
Treasurer Matthews reported he was recommending to the Board that we do not fund any reserves other than Fire Reserves in an effort to keep our fund balances up due to the anticipated loss of revenue from the Covid shutdown.
Treasurer Matthews requested the following end of year transfers:
Motion to authorize salary increases for all bi-weekly employees to take effect with the first payroll with a pay date falling in June 2020, which encompasses May 16, 2020 through May 29, 2020; and to authorize non-modified accrual of the first payroll with pay date on or after June 1, 2020. Motion to approve was made by Trustee Eckert, seconded by Trustee Collins, and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Eckert, Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
Motion to close out the CDBG account and transfer remaining balance of $255 plus interest to General fund. Motion to approve was made by Trustee Sedon, seconded by Trustee Markiewicz, and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Eckert, Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
$1,700.00
From: A3410.2 Fire – Equipment
To: A3410.4 Fire – Contractual Exp.
Reason:
$ 3,500.00
From: A5142.1 Snow- Personal Services
To: A5110.1 Street- Personal Services
Reason: Cover end of year payroll
$11,200.00
From: A3410.4 Fire – Contractual Exp
To: A9950.901 Cap. Reserve fund for Fire Equipment
Reason: To increase amount being put into reserve
$58,200.00
From: A9950.901 Cap. Reserve fund for Fire Equipment
To: A5031 Inter-fund Transfer for Fire Equipment
Reason: Transfer to reserve
$3,000.00
From: A9950.902 Cap. Reserve fund for Repair Fire Equipment
To: A5031 Inter-fund Transfer for Repair Fire Equipment
Reason: Transfer to reserve
Trustee Sedon made a motion to approve the end of fiscal year transfers 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
OLD BUSINESS:
Mayor Spaeth gave a brief update on the Cell Tower buyout option. He stated that the Village Attorney reached out to SBA and was still waiting to hear back from them.
Mayor Spaeth reported that he had been working with the Clerk to organize a Ceremonial Procession for Memorial Day that meets with social distancing requirements. It was reported that the Fire Department would lead a procession throughout the Village and that wreaths would be placed at the cemeteries in the Village and at the monument at the post office. He stated that NCS Elementary Principal Tammy Reidell would be providing some powerpoint and video presentations made by students, that could be uploaded to the Village FB page.
The Clerk reported that the Doins Committee did not feel they could safely hold the Doins’ this year due to social distancing and size gathering restrictions issued by the Governor. Mayor Spaeth agreed, as did the entire Board. Mayor Spaeth stated we have no way of controlling the attendance at an event of that nature. After continued discussion, Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to cancel the 2020 Doins’, with regret, based on the current executive orders from Governor Cuomo on size gathering and social distancing requirements. 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 Clerk reported that the Northville Farmers’ Market would be held on just Saturdays this summer. It was reported that Farmers’ Markets were considered essential under the Governor’s Executive order. The Clerk stated that the vendors would be spread out more to allow social distancing. It was reported that there is no requirement to have bathroom facilities for markets that run four hours or less.
NEW BUSINESS:
Mayor Spaeth discussed an issue with vacation carry over that one of our employees is facing. He stated that the individual is beyond the limit of carry over. He stated that due to the Covid issues, the employee couldn’t take enough vacation time to reduce the carry over. Mayor Spaeth stated there are two employees in this position and he didn’t want the employees to lose the time accrued and discussed the options with the Board. After discussion, Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to authorize additional carry over amounts and waive the restrictions on carry overs for the remainder of this year. 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
Mayor Spaeth discussed the 2021 budget with the Board. He indicated the Village is looking at a minimum potential revenue loss of $ 70,000.00 due to shutdown for the Covid outbreak, but it could be much higher than that based on how long businesses are closed. He stated that if the cell tower buyout goes through, it will put the Village in a better position, but he wanted to look at areas where cuts could be made if it were necessary. Mayor Spaeth stated Highway Superintendent Reidell was not looking to hire summer help this year and with Mike Warner’s retirement anticipated in October, Dan was looking to try a three man crew which would create a savings. It was noted that during big snow storms in the winter, we may need a fourth person and there was talk about approaching Mike to do per diem work at that time. Highway Superintendent Reidell also indicated he can put off curbing and paving this year to assist in the savings. Mayor Spaeth stated that if summer camp was not able to operate this year, and it looked like was a distinct possibility that would be the case, there would be additional funds that could be shifted in the budget. Mayor Spaeth reported that as far as the police budget was concerned, we have approximately 56 hours scheduled per week and with FC cutting back for fiscal reasons, he did not feel it was beneficial to reduce hours further here. Trustee Sedon agreed and stated that moving into the summer season, we should not be cutting patrols. She stated that in light of the recent break ins around the area, perhaps additional night shifts could be scheduled.
Mayor Spaeth reviewed the proposed reopening plan with the Board. It was reported that Highway Superintendent Reidell and his crew should get testing as essential personnel. Highway Superintendent Reidell stated he would like the Board to consider talking with other neighboring municipalities about coordinating services if a potential second wave of the virus should hit during the fall/winter. Mayor Spaeth stated he would begin discussion with the Towns of Edinburg, Hope, and Northampton.
At 9:38 p.m., the Board entered into Executive Session to discuss a personnel issue on a motion issued by Trustee Eckert. 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
At 9:49 p.m., Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to adjourn Executive Session and return to Regular session. The motion was seconded by Trustee Eckert and carried by voice vote a follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Eckert, Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
It was reported there was no action taken during Executive Session.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business before the Board, motion was made to adjourn by Trustee Markiewicz, seconded by Trustee Collins and passed by voice vote with no one dissenting. The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Wendy L. Reu, Clerk
