Meeting Minutes May 15, 2018
REGULAR MEETING – VILLAGE OF NORTHVILLE
Tuesday, May 15, 2018
The Village Board met Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at 7:00 PM at the village offices.
Present: John Spaeth, Mayor
Steve Collins, Trustee
Sue Eckert, Trustee
John Markiewicz, Trustee
Wendy Reu, Village Clerk
Nathanial Matthews, Treasurer
Excused: Sue Sedon, Trustee
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 April 17, 2018 Organizational Meeting was made by Trustee Markiewicz, seconded by Trustee Collins and passed by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Eckert, Trustee Markiewicz
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
Motion to approve the minutes of the April 17, 2018 Regular Meeting was made by Trustee Markiewicz, seconded by Trustee Collins, and passed by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Eckert, Trustee Markiewicz
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
PUBLIC COMMENTS – No members of the public wished to address the Board.
Mayor Spaeth reported that Fire Chief Doug Ellsworth has recently resigned from his position for medical reasons. Mayor Spaeth informed the Board and the public present that he requested that Doug and his family attend so Doug can be recognized for his many years of service to the Northville Fire Department. Trustee Collins, on behalf of the Board, presented Doug with a plaque in honor of his retirement as Chief for the past three years and all the years he has served the Northville Fire Department in various positions in the department. Trustee Markiewicz presented Doug with a badge for the position of Fire Chief Emeritus.
Mayor Spaeth asked current Fire Chief Owen Jensen and First Assistant Chief Greg Bedell to come forward to be recognized. Fire Chief Jensen was presented with his Chief’s badge by Mayor Spaeth.
REPORT OF COMMITTEES:
Police–Trustee Collins read a resignation letter from Officer Chad Simonson who stated he was going to work for the Gloversville Police Department and as such, he could not work for an outside agency at the same time.
Mayor Spaeth reported that the new police car was in and an appointment had been made for June 5th to get the vehicle fitted with the equipment from the current car.
Mayor Spaeth reported that he had received a question from Bill Coffey regarding how the Board would like Officer Robert Johnson’s name on the planned memorial in the Waterfront Park. It was decided that since his name is listed as Robert J. Johnson on both the NYS Memorial and the National Memorial that we would keep it consistent and list it the same way.
Streets – Highway Superintendent Reidell reported that the crew has been picking up leaves and brush. He indicated that Doug Hammon’s class would again be adopting Water Street and scheduling a clean up there in the next few weeks. Highway Superintendent Reidell stated that flags would be going up, mulching would begin in the park, and cross walks would be painted. Highway Superintendent Reidell reported that there have been numerous basket ball hoops that have been put in the streets as well as many residents designating no parking zones in front of their residences that he would like the police to address.
Mayor Spaeth reported that Highway Superintendent Reidell would like to hire Dan Ryan and Skylar Buyce back to work for the summer. After discussion, Trustee Collins made a motion to hire Dan Ryan and Skylar Buyce at their next year’s rate of pay to work for the summer. The motion was seconded by Trustee Markiewicz and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Eckert, Trustee Markiewicz
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
Water – It was reported that usage decreased from 2,662,000 gallons in April 2017 to 2,616,000 this year. Water testing and operations were normal.
It was reported that water bills totaling $ 75,548.28 were mailed on May 9th. The final date to pay without penalty would be June 9, 2018.
Mayor Spaeth reported that it has come to his attention that a resident was inadvertently charged for two units instead of a single unit, water account #01-000047, for five years. The error resulted in an overcharge of $ 300.00. After discussion, Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to reimburse the customer (01-000047) $ 300.00 for the overcharge. The motion was seconded by Trustee Eckert and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Eckert, Trustee Markiewicz
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
Mayor Spaeth reported there was an issue with the meter associated with account # 01-000293. The meter had broken over the winter and the homeowner failed to notify the Village. Mayor Spaeth stated that Water Supervisor Roosa determined that the resident had removed the meter entirely and had made a series of pipe connections to keep his water going. Mayor Spaeth reported that the Village Code states that water meter repairs are the responsibility of the homeowner and be verifiable by the Village, but over the years that has not been followed. After discussion, Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to adhere to the policy of water meter repair that is addressed in the code. The motion was seconded by Trustee Collins and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Eckert, Trustee Markiewicz
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
Trustee Markiewicz also made a motion to send a letter to the customer with account #01-000293 and give him 30 days to arrange for the necessary repairs to his water meter, which would be verified by the Village, and if he failed to comply, water service would be terminated to his residence. The motion was seconded by Trustee Collins and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Eckert, Trustee Markiewicz
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
Mayor Spaeth reported that the blow off that was installed on Skiff Road was not working during the winter. It was reported that the last resident on the line, Kovalovich, was told by Water Supervisor Roosa to run his water to keep the line from freezing and as such, there was a very high water bill for the parcel. He discussed the need to fix the issue with the blow off prior to next winter but also felt there was a need to adjust the customer’s bill and recommended billing him the average of his last two years of water use for this cycle. After discussion, Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to adjust the Kovalovich water bill to the average of the last two years for this current billing cycle. The motion was seconded by Trustee Eckert and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Eckert, Trustee Markiewicz
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
Fire – Fire Department Report for February 2018
| Village of Northville (1) | Landing Zone 1 |
| Town of Northampton (1) | Propane Leak 1 |
| Town of Edinburg (1) | Chimney Fire 1 |
| Town of Hope (1) | Structure Fire 1 |
| Town of Benson (2) | Medical Assist 2 |
| Mutual Aid Given (4)
Mutual Aid Received (0) |
Total Man-hours reported were 72.64
Fire Department Report for March 2018
| Village of Northville (1) | Tree on Wires 1 |
| Town of Northampton (0) | |
| Town of Edinburg (1) | MVA PI 1 |
| Town of Hope (0) | |
| Town of Benson (1) | Alarm Activation 1 |
| Mutual Aid Given (1)
Mutual Aid Received (0) |
Total Man-hours reported were 19.97
Fire Department Report for April 2018
| Village of Northville (3) | Fire Alarm Activation 1
Smoke in residence 1 Hazardous Conditions 1 |
| Town of Northampton (6) | Cover Assignment 1
Hazardous Conditions 5 |
| Town of Edinburg (2) | MVA PI 1
Hazardous Condition 1 |
| Town of Hope (1) | Hazardous Condition 1 |
| Town of Benson (1) | MVA PI 1 |
| Mutual Aid Given (2)
Mutual Aid Received (0) |
Total Man-hours reported were 193.63
Mayor Spaeth reported that he had attended the Town of Benson meeting recently to discuss the plan for modifying their fire contract. He also explained that he would be attending the Town of Northampton meeting tomorrow night to discuss the plan for modifying their fire contract also. He stated that he wanted the Boards to have advance information for when they begin their budget work sessions in the fall. He stated the modifications would begin in January 2019 and that contracts would be payable in January.
Code Enforcement – The CEO’s monthly report indicated that three permits were issued in April.
Mayor Spaeth reported that Code Officer Matt Ginter was working with the owner of the hotel on North Main Street regarding the property maintenance issue.
Mayor Spaeth reported that Dennis Miller would be starting his Building Safety Inspector courses in June. He stated that Mr. Miller wanted to be certified before he started doing apartment inspections.
Marketing – The monthly Marketing report was presented to the Board. Carla Kolbe stated she was working out a calendar and was considering putting out a small newsletter. It was indicated there is a calendar on the website and that Mrs. Kolbe should be working with the web designer to gain access to the it.
Park Use Requests – Mayor Spaeth reported that the NCS PTO requested use of the Waterfront Park on Friday, June 8th for their movie in the park. It was cited that they traditionally hold it on the front lawn of the school but it was uncertain if they would be able to do that due to the capital project. Trustee Collins made a motion to approve the park use request of the PTO and to waive the fee for the use. The motion was seconded by Trustee Markiewicz and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Eckert, Trustee Markiewicz
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
Zoning Committee – CEO Ginter reported that the Committee met recently and completed the mapping of the Village. He stated they were currently working on residential and commercial use definitions.
END OF YEAR TRANSFERS:
Trustee Collins 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 2018, which encompasses May 19, 2018 through June 1, 2018; and to authorize non-modified accrual of the first payroll with pay date on or after June 1, 2018. The motion was seconded by Trustee Markiewicz and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Eckert, Trustee Markiewicz
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
Transfers to make as follows:
Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to approve the following transfer:
$2,000.00
From: A1990.4 Contingent – Contractual Exp
To: A1325.2 Clerk/Treasurer – Equipment
The motion was seconded by Trustee Collins and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Eckert, Trustee Markiewicz
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
Trustee Eckert made a motion to approve the following transfer:
$6,000.00
From: A1990.4 Contingent – Contractual Exp
To: A3120.1 Police – Personal Services
The motion was seconded by Trustee Collins and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Eckert, Trustee Markiewicz
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to approve the following transfer:
$6,000.00
From: A1325.409 Clerk/Treasurer – Contractual Exp
To: A1325.1 Clerk/Treasurer – Personal Services
The motion was seconded by Trustee Collins and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Eckert, Trustee Markiewicz
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
Trustee Collins made a motion to approve the following transfer:
$2,000.00
From: F8340.402 Water Trans/Dist – Repair Exp
To: F8340.1 Water Trans/Dist – Personal Services
The motion was seconded by Trustee Eckert and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Eckert, Trustee Markiewicz
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to approve the following transfer:
$2,500.00
From: A3410.401 Fire – Supplies & Materials
To: A9950.901 Cap. Reserve fund for Fire Equipment
Reason: To increase amount being put into reserve
The motion was seconded by Trustee Collins and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Eckert, Trustee Markiewicz
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to approve the following transfer:
$52,500.00
From: A9950.901 Cap. Reserve fund for Fire Equipment
To: A5031 Inter-fund Transfer for Fire Equipment
Reason: Transfer to reserve
The motion was seconded by Trustee Collins and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Eckert, Trustee Markiewicz
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to approve the following transfer:
$25,000.00
From: A9950.903 Cap. Reserve fund for Street Equipment
To: A5031 Inter-fund Transfer for Street Equipment
Reason: Transfer to reserve
The motion was seconded by Trustee Collins and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Eckert, Trustee Markiewicz
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to approve the following transfer:
$15,000.00
From: F9950.9 Cap. Reserve fund for Water System
To: F5031 Inter-fund Transfer for Water System
Reason: Transfer to reserve
The motion was seconded by Trustee Collins and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Eckert, Trustee Markiewicz
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Bills to be paid from the General Fund in the amount of $ 25,555.87, from the Water Fund in the amount of $ 3,039.40, and from the Joint Youth fund in the amount of $ 1,505.00 were presented for payment. Motion to approve payment was made by Trustee Markiewicz, seconded by Trustee Eckert, discussed, and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Eckert, Trustee Markiewicz
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
OLD BUSINESS:
Mayor Spaeth reported that the Village was awarded the $ 50,0000.00 NYSERDA grant and he indicated those funds needed to be used for energy conservation. Mayor Spaeth stated that when he attended the LED street lighting workshop he met with members of the Seimans Corporation. He stated that the Village could retain their services and they would come in and take a look at what we currently have for street lighting and look for ways to improve it. He indicated the initial evaluation would be free and if we take on their series, it would cost $ 2,500.00 for them to do GIS mapping, full illumination testing and the required National Grid paperwork. Mayor Spaeth indicated that fee could come out of the grant funding. Mayor Spaeth stated that replacing the street lights to LED is the main objective but we could also achieve additional energy savings by installing auto dimming switches for use in the overnight hours. Trustee Eckert asked if there was any thought given to changing the lamp posts to a more decorative post. Mayor Spaeth stated that posts would not be covered under the grant, only the lighting itself is covered. After discussion, Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to hire the Seimens Corporation to begin the inventory process. The motion was seconded by Trustee Eckert and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Eckert, Trustee Markiewicz
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
Mayor Spaeth reported that he had communication back from the Mason’s regarding their property adjacent to the Waterfront Park. He stated they are not interested in selling the property but would allow for a pavilion to be constructed on the parcel for municipal use. Mayor Spaeth stated that he would be speaking with the Village Attorney to see what the next step would be for entering into an agreement with the Mason’s if that is how the Board wanted to proceed. He also asked if the Board felt they wanted to continue to hold onto the Third Street parcel at this time. After discussion, Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to continue to pursue waterfront development by constructing a pavilion near the Waterfront Park and to hold onto the Third Street parcel at this time. The motion was seconded by Trustee Eckert and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Eckert, Trustee Markiewicz
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
Mayor Spaeth discussed the need to hire a grant writer to assist with moving the Waterfront Revitalization Plan forward. He indicated the plan would include walkways around the Little Lake and over the spillway and Water Street area, construction of a pavilion near the Waterfront Park, and dredging the Little Lake. He stated he would like to have a plan in place for submission in the next CFA grant cycle. After discussion, Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to obtain the services of a grant writer to assist with preparation for the Waterfront Revitalization Plan. The motion was seconded by Trustee Eckert and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Eckert, Trustee Markiewicz
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
NEW BUSINESS:
Mayor Spaeth presented a request from the Rotary for porta johns and police coverage for the annual woodworking show which would be held July 20th through July 22nd. Trustee Eckert made a motion to approve the Rotary request for porta johns and police coverage. The motion was seconded by Trustee Markiewicz and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Eckert, Trustee Markiewicz
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
Mayor Spaeth presented a request from the Civic Association to hold the Memorial Day parade on Monday, May 28th at 6:00 p.m. It was noted that in the event of rain, there would be a service at Northville Central School instead of the parade. Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to approve the Memorial Day parade request. The motion was seconded by Trustee Eckert and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Eckert, Trustee Markiewicz
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
Mayor Spaeth stated that the Civic Association also presented a request for the Doin’s parade and a donation toward the entertainment for the parade. It was indicated that the parade would be on July 7th at 1:00 p.m. Mayor Spaeth stated that participants in the parade are staged on South First and South Second Street and last year those streets were left open to allow traffic flow which created a hazardous situation for parade participants. He stated that the staging streets should be blocked to traffic along with the other streets that are blocked for the parade. Highway Superintendent Dan Reidell stated a resident had concerns about Union and Fourth not being blocked off as it had historically been before. After discussion, Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to allow the parade route as presented with the staging areas blocked along with a road closed sign at Fourth and Union, and a $ 1,500.00 donation to the Civic Association to be used toward entertainment in the parade. The motion was seconded by Trustee Eckert and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Eckert, Trustee Markiewicz
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
NCS presented a request to block Third Street for their graduation ceremony on June 22nd. Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to approve blocking Third Street per the NCS request. The motion was seconded by Trustee Eckert and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Eckert, Trustee Markiewicz
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
NCS presented a request to hold a color run on June 6th at 2:35 p.m. and a PTO bike a thon on June 8th at 5:15 p.m. Trustee Eckert made a motion to approve the NCS requests for color run and bike a thon. The motion was seconded by Trustee Markiewicz and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Eckert, Trustee Markiewicz
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
The American Legion Auxiliary requested permission to sell poppies on the Village green during Memorial Day weekend. Trustee Eckert made a motion to approve the Legion Auxiliary to sell poppies on the Village green during Memorial Day weekend. The motion was seconded by Trustee Collins and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Eckert, Trustee Markiewicz
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
Mayor Spaeth presented Resolution #7 of 2018 to Abolish the Northville-Northampton Consolidated Health District as follows:
WHEREAS, the Village of Northville and the Town of Northampton have a Consolidated Health District which was created pursuant to Resolutions of the Village of Northville and Northampton Town Boards; and
WHEREAS, THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF NORTHAMPTON HAS DECIDED THAT PURSUANT TO NEW YORK STATE PUBLIC HEALTH LAW § 341(3), THE NORTHVILLE-NORTHAMPTON CONSOLIDATED HEALTH DISTRICT SHOULD BE ABOLISHED, AND THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF SAID NORTHVILLE-NORTHAMPTON CONSOLIDATED HEALTH DISTRICT SHALL DEVOLVE TO FULTON COUNTY HEALTH COMMISSIONER; AND
WHEREAS, THE VILLAGE TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTHVILLE HAS DECIDED THAT PURSUANT TO NEW YORK STATE PUBLIC HEATLH LAW § 341(3), THE NORTHVILLE-NORTHAMPTON CONSOLIDATED HEALTH DISTRICT SHOULD BE ABOLISHED,
AND THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF SAID NORTHVILLE-NORTHAMPTON CONSOLIDATED HEALTH DISTRICT SHALL DEVOLVE TO FULTON COUNTY HEALTH COMMISSIONER;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Northville-Northampton Consolidated Health District shall be and is hereby abolished, with all of its powers and duties being given to the Fulton County Health Commissioner; And Be It Further
RESOLVED: that this resolution be recorded in the Village and Town Clerk’s minutes
and be a permanent record of the Town. A copy of said resolution is to be sent to The Fulton
County Public Health Director, Dr. Irina Gelman, who is also the Fulton County Health
Commissioner (P.O. Box 415, Johnstown, New York 12095) and to Jon R. Stead, Clerk of the
Fulton County Board of Supervisors, at the Fulton County Office Building.
Trustee Collins made a motion to approve Resolution #7 of 2018. The motion was seconded by Trustee Eckert and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Eckert, Trustee Markiewicz
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
Mayor Spaeth reported that the next meeting of the Board would be 7 p.m. on June 19, 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 8:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Wendy L. Reu
Clerk
