Meeting Minutes June 19, 2018
REGULAR MEETING – VILLAGE OF NORTHVILLE
Tuesday, June 19, 2018
The Village Board met Tuesday, June 19, 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 May 15, 2018 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
Nay: 0
Abstain: Trustee Sedon (absent from meeting)
PUBLIC COMMENTS – No members of the public wished to address the Board.
REPORT OF COMMITTEES:
Police– Mayor Spaeth reported that the new police car was being picked up this week.
Streets – Highway Superintendent Reidell reported that the Center Street curbs were completed. He reported that the crew has been putting out flower boxes, flag, and banners along with mulching around the park, Village green and Bridge Street approach by Route 30. Highway Superintendent Dan Reidell reported that the two broken hydrants on Main Street have been repaired. It was reported that Highway Superintendent Dan Reidell recently attended the highway school in Ithaca.
Mayor Spaeth reported that a request was received from Hanna Halloran, of Wellness in Motion Physical Therapy, for a handicapped spot in front of the office space she rents at 166 S. Main Street. Highway Superintendent Dan Reidell stated she wanted to have a spot specifically for her business but was told that could not occur. He stated that she currently has wheelchair patients enter through the back of the building but stated that is not ideal because they are entering through the treatment gym area. Mayor Spaeth stated that at most, five cars could squeeze in front of the businesses on that block and if we painted a legal handicapped spot we would lose two spots. Highway Superintendent Dan Reidell stated he spoke with the other business owners on the block, Tom Wood and Jay Gander, and they said they had no problem if all the spots on the block were handicapped. Mayor Spaeth stated that there is also the public parking lot across the street. He stated that there is one handicapped spot at the beginning of the lot and that the next closest spots are typically taken by employees of the downtown businesses. He stated that we could make a second handicapped spot and suggested setting a two-hour time limit on the next two closest spots in the lot. After continued discussion, Trustee Sedon made a motion to designate two handicapped parking spots and one ramp space along the block on South Main Street between the Timeless Tavern and the Firehouse, and designate the two parking spots after the handicapped spot in the public parking lot on South Main Street as two-hour time limit spots between the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 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
Water – It was reported that usage increased from 2,857,000 gallons in May 2017 to 3,330,000 this year. Water testing and operations were normal.
Mayor Spaeth reported Tammy Warner requested a reduction in her base rate for the last two billing cycles as she ceased cutting hair in her home-based salon for a year. He stated she never officially notified the office that she was closing her business and she has since reopened. Mayor Spaeth indicated she was looking for a refund of $ 130.00, which was $ 60.00 salon rate for the November 2017 billing and $ 70.00 salon rate for the May 2018 billing. It was noted that she has paid her current bill in full. Mayor Spaeth stated there was concern voiced that landlords who have vacant apartments have in the past asked that the base charge for that empty unit be forgiven and they were denied but he stated that he felt the closing of a business was not a similar situation. After continued discussion, Trustee Eckert made a motion to refund the $ 70.00 salon rate on the current May 2018 bill as it is in the current fiscal year and the 2017 year has been closed out. 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 – Fire Department Report for May 2018
| Village of Northville (3) | Hazardous Condition 1
Alarm Activation 2 |
| Town of Northampton (19) | Hazardous Conditions 18
Alarm Activation 1 |
| Town of Edinburg (1) | Stand by 1 |
| Town of Hope (1) | Brush Fire 1 |
| Town of Benson (1 ) | Brush Fire 1 |
| Mutual Aid Given (3)
Mutual Aid Received (2) |
Total Man-hours reported were 69.24
Code Enforcement – The CEO’s monthly report indicated that thirteen permits were issued in May. Mayor Spaeth reported that Building Safety Inspector Dennis Miller completed his first class.
Code Officer Ginter reported that he had been working on complaints of chickens running loose in the Village. He also stated that work at the old hotel on Main Street was moving along. He indicated that the owner is very cooperative and they are working to reach a point that the sidewalk can be reopened.
Code Officer Ginter made recommendations to the Building Permit fee schedule. He provided potential changes in fees for certain codes and added items that were not currently on the schedule. After discussion, Trustee Collins made a motion to approve the fee schedule updates presented by Code Officer Ginter. 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
Joint Youth – Trustee Sedon reported that the Commission met last Friday. She indicated they approved the purchase of a trailer to haul inflatables. Highway Superintendent Dan Reidell asked who was taking ownership of the trailer and it was not known at this time. Trustee Sedon reported that they are looking at purchasing a double water slide inflatable in the future and had approval by the Treasurer Matthews to spend up to $ 2,500.00 on it. Trustee Sedon reported that Assistant Director Charlotte Albertin was not paid when she did interviews and the Commission approved for her to be paid at her Assistant Director rate. It was explained that the Assistant Director was not necessary for the interviews and that is why she was not paid. Trustee Eckert stated there needs to be better delineation to determine how and when the Assistant Director is paid. Trustee Sedon stated she would have Chairman Gritsavage speak with Treasurer Matthews.
Marketing – No report received. Trustee Sedon stated she had received numerous calls about the lack of advertisement of the upcoming Doins. Mayor Spaeth stated he was planning to schedule a meeting as soon as possible to discuss marketing. He feels the marketing person may be waiting for people to feed her information rather than her seeking out the information and advertising it. He felt that now that a new contract was signed, it would be a good time to reset to what the Village/Town’s expectations are. He did indicate that a seasonal calendar of events was, and still is, a priority.
Park Use Requests – No Requests
Zoning Committee – Code Officer Ginter reported that the Zoning Committee is currently exploring sign regulations. Mayor Spaeth stated that the Committee is moving along and the outcome will be a much more consistent, simplified code.
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Bills to be paid from the General Fund in the amount of $ 88,351.75, from the Water Fund in the amount of $ 9,717.13, and from the Joint Youth fund in the amount of $ 1,180.00 were presented for payment. Motion to approve payment was made by Trustee Markiewicz, seconded by Trustee Sedon, 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 reported that the LED lighting costs that he had been given to replace the street lights in the Village was low. It was reported that the actual costs to replace all the street lights in the Village is close to $ 150,000.00. He stated that it was recommended that the Village explore a performance contract with NY Power Authority. Mayor Spaeth reported that they would assist the Village in making decision to buy out the streetlights, which the $ 50,000 NYSERDA grant could be used toward, and borrow the remaining $ 100,000.00 to complete the project. He stated the municipality wouldn’t see the savings in the budget until the end of the contract, approximately 5-6 years, but once the contract was paid for, we would see greater savings. He indicated that there is no interest on the contract and it includes a maintenance agreement. Trustee Collins stated in the future, we could involve the public to determine if they wanted decorative lighting. After continued discussion, Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to enter into a performance contract with NY Power Authority to begin street light replacement. 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 he is still looking at potential Commission members and he tabled further discussion until the next meeting.
Mayor Spaeth discussed the Lakefront Waterfront Revitalization Plan (LWRP). He stated that Elan and The LA Group presented plans for the grant application. He indicated that both companies were fully compliant with the RFP. Mayor Spaeth stated it would take approximately 15-18 months to develop the plan, indicating that it included the boundaries around the whole Village, including both the Little Lake and the Great Sacandaga Lake. He indicated that we can add spots in the future, such as waterfront access and/or docking space, because we have increased the boundaries. Mayor Spaeth stated that the grant is a 75% grant and that the Village would need to commit up to $ 25,000.00 toward the grant. Mayor Spaeth presented Resolution #8 of 2018 as follows:
Application for Local Waterfront Revitalization Program Grant
Whereas the Village of Northville is eligible to participate in the New York State Department of State Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP); and,
Whereas, a Waterfront Revitalization Plan will be instrumental in guiding future redevelopment along the waterfront areas in Northville; and,
Whereas, the Village of Northville wishes to develop a Waterfront Revitalization Plan and seek its acceptance by the New York State Department of State; and,
Whereas, the Village of Northville is desirous seeking grant funding to retain a professional planning firm to develop a Waterfront Revitalization Plan,
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the Village of Northville apply for funding under the New York State Department of State Local Waterfront Revitalization Program for the purposes of developing a Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan; and,
Be It Further Resolved that the Village provide the local funding match requirement to the LWRP grant in an amount up to $25,000; and,
Be It Further Resolved, that the Mayor is authorized to sign said application for funding.
Trustee Sedon mad a motion to approve Resolution #8 of 2018 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
Trustee Eckert made a motion to award the bid to Elan contingent on receiving grant funding. 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 discussed the opportunity for potential waterfront access in the Village for courtesy docks. He stated that he was approached by Joan Brodsky, whose mother owns lakefront property on VanArnam Avenue. He stated the family was looking for a form of tax abatement and in return offered use of their property for a small park with waterfront access. Mayor Spaeth stated that courtesy docks were included in the Comprehensive Plan and an area behind the school was originally suggested. Mayor Spaeth stated that the spot on the VanArnam parcel was a visible location from the spillway and afforded the opportunity for the public to access the Village at the southern end of the Village with a short walk up Main Street. Trustee Sedon stated that handicapped accessibility was a problem at the school and she felt it would be a problem at this location as well. She stated she had issues with the idea of tax abatement for the parcel. Trustee Eckert stated she would abstain as she is an abutting neighbor. Trustee Collins stated he felt it was located too far away from the business district. After continued discussion, Mayor Spaeth stated the concept at VanArnam was a no go and he would inform the family.
Mayor Spaeth reported that the Village and Town were awarded a $44,194.00 Shared Services Records Management Grant. He stated the Village Highway crew would be starting work in the Town Clerk’s office to renovate the rooms. He indicated the Village was putting in the labor and the Town was putting in the cash for the materials, all of which would be in-kind services. As part of the grant, Alden Stevens presented a Letter of Intent for his work on the project. Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to accept the Letter of Intent from Alden Stevens for the Records Management Grant work. 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 annual Workplace Violence training session was held on June 5th. He indicated that a second session would be held tomorrow and a third session would be conducted at the Firehouse on a Monday evening in the near future. Trustee Sedon and Trustee Collins both indicated that they would like to see online training sessions for the annual trainings. Mayor Spaeth stated he would explore online training opportunities for next year.
NEW BUSINESS:
Mayor Spaeth reported that Richard Esler has contacted him regarding replacing the Miss NYS sign that is at the entrance to the Village. Mr. Esler would be spending his own money to have a new sign made up in honor of his daughter. Mayor Spaeth stated that he feels all the service signs should be removed from the area and suggested that they could be placed along the Welcome to Northville sign that is out on Route 30, south of Cristiano’s. He stated that currently the sign on the highway is hidden by overgrown trees but he proposed cleaning up the area and placing all the periphery signs out there. Highway Superintendent Dan Reidell stated that the trees that are around the sign out on Route 30 are on the property of Wilhelm Munster and in the past, he has not wanted them cut back. After continued discussion, Trustee Sedon made a motion to removed the peripheral service signs from the bridge approach, relocating them to a new area, and work with ideas for sign placement potentially at the Route 30 sign. 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
Mayor Spaeth reported he had received a proposal for a Great Sacandaga Lake Half Marathon on May 19th that would benefit the Northville Fireman’s Association. He indicated that Don Wood is organizing the event and at this time is looking for approval of the concept before moving forward. After reviewing the tentative proposal, Trustee Collins asked if the Village was going to be compensated for the police protection and stated that the Route 30 portion of the route is a very dangerous area. Mayor Spaeth indicated that Mr. Wood would be looking for the members of the Fireman’s Association to provide large scale assistance with safety setup for the participants. After a brief discussion, Trustee Collins made a motion to accept the concept of the Great Sacandaga Half Marathon, contingent on Town approval at their next meeting. 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
A request was received from the Fireman’s Association to conduct their annual coin drop on July 7th. Trustee Collins made a motion to approve the Fireman’s coin drop request. 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
The Clerk requested permission to hold the July 6th Farmers’ Market at the Breda property as they have historically done during the Doins’. Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to approve the Farmers’ Market at the Breda property on July 6th. The motion was seconded by Trustee Collins and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Eckert, Trustee Markiewicz
Nay: 0
Abstain: Trustee Sedon
A correspondence was received from Cycle Adirondacks regarding potential use of the Waterfront Park as a stop along the route for riders during the September 29th through September 30th event. A park use application was forwarded to Cycle Adirondacks.
Mayor Spaeth presented a request from Sacandaga American Legion Post 1076 for reimbursement of $ 291.71 for American flags for the cemetaries. Trustee Collins made a motion to approve the flag reimbursement to the American Legion. 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 the next meeting of the Board would be 7 p.m. on August 21, 2018.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business before the Board, motion was made to adjourn by Trustee Eckert, seconded by Trustee Collins and passed by voice vote with no one dissenting. The meeting was adjourned at 9:52 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Wendy L. Reu
Clerk
