Meeting Minutes April 17, 2018
REGULAR MEETING – VILLAGE OF NORTHVILLE
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
The Village Board met Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at 7:00 PM at the village offices.
Present: John Spaeth, Mayor
Steve Collins, Trustee
Sue Eckert, Trustee
John Markiewicz, Trustee
Sue Sedon, Trustee
Wendy Reu, Village Clerk
Nathanial Matthews, Treasurer
Excused:
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 March 19, 2018 Budget Workshop was made by Trustee Markiewicz, seconded by Trustee Sedon, and passed by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
Motion to approve the minutes of the March 19, 2018 Regular Meeting was made by Trustee Sedon, seconded by Trustee Collins, and passed by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
Motion to approve the minutes of the April 9, 2018 Budget Hearing was made by Trustee Markiewicz, seconded by Trustee Collins, and passed by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Eckert, Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
PUBLIC COMMENTS – There were no members of the public present to address the Board.
REPORT OF COMMITTEES:
Police– – Mayor Spaeth reported there were 27 complaints handled in March, one of which was criminal. The report stated there were 217.5 man hours worked for the month.
Mayor Spaeth reported that he had received a request from Sheriff Giardino to sponsor two recruits in the Little Falls part time academy. He indicated that Sheriff Giardino had previously requested that two individuals be sent to the same academy but the class was never held. Mayor Spaeth stated that he has had recent discussion with current law enforcement officers and he was informed that the cadets who come out of the part time academies generally are unprepared and require additional field training after graduation. Mayor Spaeth indicated that the Village is a member of Zone 5 which is a full-time academy. He stated that there is a benefit to having more active officers on our roster but his personal preference would be to only sponsor Zone 5 candidates. After a brief discussion, Trustee Collins made a motion to only sponsor full time police academy candidates through Zone 5. 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
Streets – Highway Superintendent Reidell reported that he is still dealing with winter weather in April, plowing and salting. He indicated the crew has begun picking up brush and leaves and did the first round of sweeping. Highway Superintendent Reidell reported that work would continue on the pit and waterline at the new soccer fields and they would begin curbing work on Center Street.
Water – It was reported that usage increased from 2,548000 gallons in March 2017 to 2,839,000 this year. Water testing and operations were normal.
Mayor Spaeth stated that Water Supervisor Roosa was still recovering and as a result meter reading was delayed but set to begin soon. He also reported that the first batch of new meters had arrived and installation would begin on those also. Mayor Spaeth stated that in 2003, the homeowners were required to make arrangements with plumbers to get the meters installed. He stated that as a municipality, we should not enter people’s homes to install meters. Mayor Spaeth stated that he felt the same process should be followed this time, indicating that a letter should be sent to the property owner with a list of plumbers from the local area who could install the meter. Trustee Sedon asked how we would know that they had completed the work. It was stated that the plumbers would coordinate with the Village and we would inspect it to verify. After a brief discussion, Trustee Sedon made a motion to not have the Village install the water meters and to follow the same procedure that was initiated in 2003. 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 reported that he had received a question from a realtor about the availability of Village water at the end of Legion Drive to a parcel that abuts the American Legion property. It was reported that the line is a Village line that is on private road. The history of the line indicates that it was put in by a private individual and turned over to the Village. Mayor Spaeth stated that if we allowed the property owner access to the water, the property owner would be responsible for all cost associated with running the line. He also stated that the property owner would have to get an easement to run the line across the Legion property. Highway Superintendent Reidell asked if it was a case by case basis on outusers. Mayor Spaeth explained that they should approach it on a case by case basis, indicating that we don’t want to create any multi-line new taps. After discussion, Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to allow the property owner abutting Legion Drive access to Village water providing they obtain an easement from the American Legion and assume all costs associated with the installation and easement. 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
Fire – There was no fire report received.
Mayor Spaeth reported that he had met with Benson Supervisor John Stortecky regarding the proposed raise to the fire contract. He stated that Supervisor Stortecky voiced concerns about training and requested that Mayor Spaeth make a presentation at a Benson town board meeting. Mayor Spaeth indicated he informed Supervisor Stortecky that the County was working to best practices standards and they have been working with all the departments to identify what their training levels are. Mayor Spaeth indicated that several fire department officers have gone to a “train the trainer” classes in anticipating of keeping training current. Mayor Spaeth stated that all the firefighters have been trained but many have not kept up their refreshers. Mayor Spaeth stated that Supervisor Stortecky also had questions about response time but Mayor Spaeth informed him that the FD had a high ISO rating and response time is included in that scoring.
Code Enforcement – The CEO’s monthly report indicated that three permits were issued in February.
Mayor Spaeth reported that the Village received notice from CEO Ginter that the sidewalk in front of 131 N. Main Street needed to be blocked because of unsafe conditions of the building on the property. CEO Ginter, present at the meeting, stated that debris has been falling from the structure and that he had sent an order to remedy to the property owner. CEO Ginter explained the process involved with issuing the order to remedy. Trustee Collins asked what would happen if the owner sold the property without making the necessary repairs. CEO Ginter stated that what is posted on the building will stay there and is specific to the parcel, not the owner.
CEO Ginter reported that he and Dennis Miller, Building Safety Inspector, worked with the BAS training inspection module. He indicated they have started inputting SBLs for some properties. He sated that once the SBLs are established in the module, they can create an inspection schedule. CEO Ginter stated that Dennis has gone on Town inspections with him to get accustomed to the process.
Dog Control – The Dog Control report was read. Mayor Spaeth indicated that Vern has been having battles with NYS Ag & Markets on his methods. He indicated that the dog reports received each month are maintained in our office and are not submitted to the State.
Joint Youth – Trustee Sedon reported that they conducted a summer camp hiring meeting recently. She reported that approximately 100 children participated in the Easter Egg hunt. Trustee Sedon stated that mini soccer would be starting in late May.
Trustee Sedon reported that Head Lifeguard Katie Coupas has earned her WSI certification and would be conducting swimming lessons through summer camp at a cost of $ 5.00 each. She indicated that the Commission would be entering into a three-year contract with Katie as the Commission paid for her WSI training.
Trustee Sedon informed the Board that the Commission was looking for a place for summer camp to be held due to the capital project at NCS. They were discussing possible locations such as the Bradt Building, the Waterfront Park, and Edinburg School.
Mayor Spaeth discussed the Joint Youth budget with the Board. He indicated that the fund balance was too high and that Treasurer Matthews had suggested lowering the annual contribution to the line item until the fund balance reached an acceptable level. After brief discussion, Trustee Sedon made a motion to lower the JY contribution to $ 1,500.00 a year until the fund balance gets to a sufficient level. 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
Marketing – The monthly Marketing report was presented to the Board. Mayor Spaeth reported that the Town the Marketing contract. The Logo was discussed and potential uses such as postcards, stickers, and magnets were suggested.
Park Use Requests – Mayor Spaeth reported that the TRYON Amateur Radio Club requested use of the Waterfront Park June 23rd and 24th to conduct their annual radio contest. It was indicated they had used the park previously for the same event without any issue. Trustee Collins made a motion to approve the park use request of the Radio Club and to waive the fee for the use. 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
Zoning Committee – CEO Ginter reported that the Committee has met four times so far and they have redrawn district lines. He indicated they have tried to eliminate as many non-conforming uses as possible. He stated the new plan would call for six district and a historic district. He stated they were using setbacks and lot sizes for creating lots in the future that would be similar to the Town’s zoning and use regulations. CEO Ginter stated that the Committee is following the outline in the Comprehensive Plan and is currently doing definitions. He stated they are struggling to get public involvement and are open to any ideas to get the word out. Mayor Spaeth suggested releasing two or three pages of a synopsis of the work the Committee has been doing periodically, rather than waiting for the final document to be completed before release.
TRANSFERS
Treasurer Matthews requested the following transfer:
$6,000
From: A5142.2 Snow – Equipment
To: A5142.1 Snow – Personal Services.
Reason- to cover Payrolls
Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to approve the transfer as requested by Treasurer Matthews. 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
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Bills to be paid from the General Fund in the amount of $ 31,016.05, from the Water Fund in the amount of $ 36,523.79, and from the Joint Youth fund in the amount of $ 603.54 were presented for payment. Motion to approve payment was made by Trustee Collins, seconded by Trustee Markiewicz, discussed, 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 Third Street property. He indicated that he has spoken with representatives at St. Mary’s and they are not interested in the property. Mayor Spaeth reported that he has been in communication with the Mason’s about whether they were interested in selling a portion of their property or allowing the Village to place a pavilion on the property as part of the waterfront revitalization plan and he indicated they were receptive to continuing discussion. Mayor Spaeth stated he has also spoken with the Fireman’s Association members and discussed the area where their current storage garage is. He stated the Association needs a single stall garage for their antique fire truck. Mayor Spaeth stated that if the Association property was eventually turned over to the Village, tennis courts and/or pickle ball courts could be built there and a small garage for the antique fire truck could be built adjacent to a new pavilion. Mayor Spaeth stated that Supervisor Groff would like to explore the idea of building a joint Town and Village municipal facility on Third Street and potentially create a Great Sacandaga Lake museum at the Bradt Building. Trustee Collins asked if the Third Street lot would be big enough for a joint facility and was told that it was big enough and it could also include room for the Town Court. After discussion, it was decided to hold onto Third Street at this time.
Mayor Spaeth reported that the Fireman’s Association was still pursuing a grant opportunity for firehouse construction and that they expected to have an answer by the end of May.
Mayor Spaeth gave a NYSERDA update. He stated he had attended an LED streetlighting meeting and he was informed by Dan Sullivan, the NYSERDA, contact that the Village would be getting the $ 50,000.00 grant. Mayor Spaeth stated the grant can only be used for energy updates. He stated that he felt the Village would be able to swap out all their street lights for LED. Mayor Spaeth stated the Governor has a program for LED conversion through the NY Power Authority but that the Power Authority model only works for larger communities. Mayor Spaeth stated that he, along with representatives from neighboring smaller communities, are going to approach the Fulton County Board of Supervisors to invite NY Power Authority to make a presentation to the group. Mayor Spaeth stated that we currently have 134 street light and that we could swap those out for approximately $ 70,000.00. He stated that while we would need an additional $ 20,000.00 to add to the grant to swap all the lights, in a year and a half, we would be paid back by the savings generated. He informed the Board that he would continue researching this option and report back when he has more information.
Mayor Spaeth reported that the Treasurer and Clerk are in various stages of accounting software updates. He stated that Nate is totally converted to the new software and using it in all aspects of finance. He indicated that the Clerk is to begin training this month for the water portion of the software.
NEW BUSINESS:
Mayor Spaeth presented a request for SVAN for a donation of $ 750.00 toward the summer concert series. Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to approve the $ 750.00 donation to SVAN. 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 reported that a request was received to allow the Civic Association to have fireworks on July 7th. It was noted that they would be launched from the Spencer property on Prospect Street. Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to allow the Civic Association fireworks on July 7th at the Spencer property. 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 stated that the Interact Club and the Fireman’s Association planned on allowing vendors to set up on their property, for a donation, during garage sale weekend. He stated that in the past, the Village waived the vendor fee for vendors that chose to set up in these locations. After discussion, Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to waive Village vendor fees for vendors that are setting up and donating to Interact Club or Fireman’s Association. 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 the next meeting of the Board would be 7 p.m. on May 15, 2018.
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 9:02 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Wendy L. Reu
Clerk
