Minutes December 19, 2017
REGULAR MEETING – VILLAGE OF NORTHVILLE
Tuesday, December 19, 2017
The Village Board met Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at 6:30 PM at the village offices.
Present: John Spaeth, Mayor
Steve Collins, Trustee
John Markiewicz, Trustee
Matthew Ginter, Trustee
Sue Sedon, Trustee
Wendy Reu, Village Clerk
Nathanial Matthews, Treasurer
Excused:
Mayor Spaeth called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Motion to approve the minutes of the November 13, 2017 Regular Meeting was made by Trustee Markiewicz, seconded by Trustee Collins, and passed by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Ginter, Trustee Markiewicz. Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
PUBLIC HEARING – Local Law #3 Authorizing Raffles in the Village
Chapter 68 Games of Chance, Limited to Raffles
68-1 Title
This chapter shall be known as the “Games of Chance, Limited to Raffles”
68-2 Definitions
Unless the context otherwise requires, the meaning of the terms used in this chapter shall be as follows:
AUTHORIZED ORGANIZATIONS – An authorized organization as defined in Subdivision 4 of Section 186 of the General Municipal Law.
GAMES OF CHANCE, LIMITED TO RAFFLES – Games of chance, limited to raffles as defined by Subdivision 3-b of Section 186 of the General Municipal Law
68-3 Games of Chance, Limited to Raffles, Authorized
Any authorized organization may conduct games of chance, limited to raffles, within the Village of Northville as provided in Article 9-a, Subsection 190-a of the General Municipal Law and as provided further in this chapter. Such games of chance shall be conducted in accordance with the laws of the State of New York and with the rules and regulations adopted by the New York State Racing and Wagering Board.
68-4 Penalties for offenses
Any willful violation of any provision of this chapter shall constitute and be punishable as a misdemeanor as provided in Article 9-a, Subsection 195-k of the General Municipal Law.
68-5 Effective date
This Local Law shall not become effective unless and until it shall have been approved by a majority of the electors voting on a proposition submitted at a general or special election held within the Village of Northville who are qualified to vote for officers of the Village and thereafter filed in the office of the New York State Secretary of State.
Mayor Spaeth opened the Public Hearing for the Local Law #3 at 6:32 p.m. Mayor Spaeth gave a history of the Local Law for the members of the public present. He indicated that the law was originally drafted in 2016 after the Village was approached by a local group asking if there was a law in place, as required by the State, that would allow for raffles to be conducted in the Village. Mayor Spaeth stated since there was not a law on the books and we had been put on notice by the letter from the organization, the Board felt it best to proceed with developing a law to allow for the various groups in the Village to continue to conduct raffles. He stated the law was drafted but as it required Public Referendum and needed to be on a Village ballot, we were advised by the Village Attorney to put it on the 2018 ballot. Mayor Spaeth stated that when we recently contact the Attorney to start the process on putting it on the March ballot, we were told that the timeline to go on a ballot had changed and we would need to start the process again. He stated that the context of the law before the Board tonight was the same one that they passed previously. As there was no one from the public wishing to speak at the Public Hearing, Mayor Spaeth indicated he would leave the Hearing open for the remainder of the Regular meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENTS – Brian Correll, Harold and Denise Cheney, and Tom Wood addressed the Board about getting snowmobile access into the Village. They had several suggestions, including allowing snowmobiles to come up Water Street and enter the Waterfront Park and other areas of the Village. Mayor Spaeth asked if there was a way to get snowmobiles into the Park without being on a Village street. He also stated that legally, it is difficult to get to the Little Lake as the area is surrounded by private property. Tom Wood felt that if they were allowed to come up Water Street, they could come into the village for gas and visit the shops and eating establishments in the Village. Trustee Markiewicz indicated that the Comprehensive Plan Committee looked at avenues for snowmobile access in the plan. Mayor Spaeth stated there would have to be a specific proposal as it is a safety issue and there are no provisions in the Village code for snowmobile access on Village streets. Brian Correll suggested exploring a trail that led from the Little Lake up into the Waterfront Park, perhaps coming by the rock wall at the edge of the park. Mayor Spaeth stated that in the Comprehensive Plan, Water Street was controversial and identified as a safety hazard because of the intersection, blind hill, and narrowness. He felt that mixing snow machines in creates more of a hazard. He stated that if there was a safe way to allow machines to access the dirt driveway of the Waterfront Park, it would be something the Board could consider. Tom Wood asked if placing snowmobile trail signs at the Water Street entrance to the park would be an option. Trustee Ginter stated the Village takes pride in their streets and sidewalks. He stated that the crew does a great job of keeping them clear of debris and snow. He had concerns about the amount of damage sleds would do to the sidewalks and paved parking lots. Continued discussion ensued about possible routes for snowmobiles to use. Tom Wood asked if the Board was willing to take a vote on allowing snowmobiles on the street and in the Village. Mayor Spaeth stated there are several things to look at and consider. He stated that he sees where it would be beneficial but there are concerns. Mayor Spaeth stated, and Board members agreed, that there is not enough information for them to consider a vote on the subject tonight. Mayor Spaeth stated that snowmobiles on streets is a violation of law and a ticketed offense and at this time, there is no law on the Village books that would allow it. He stated that there is support for it but it needs to be done the right way.
Brian Correll asked if there was any update about the code issues at the old hotel. Mayor Spaeth stated that a letter has been sent to the property owner.
REPORT OF COMMITTEES:
Police – Mayor Spaeth reported there were 23 complaints handled in November, two of which were criminal.
Streets – Trustee Ginter reported that the final leaf pickup was completed and streets were swept. He stated that the flags were taken down and the Christmas decorations were put up. Highway Superintendent Reidell asked permission to purchase more benches in the spring and was given approval.
Water – It was reported that usage increased from 2,329,000 gallons in November 2016 to 2,443,000 this year. Water testing and operations were normal.
Fire – Fire Department Report for November 2017
| Village of Northville (0) | |
| Town of Northampton (1) | Service Call 1
|
| Town of Edinburg (5) | Alarm Activation 2
Structure Fire/Chimney 1 Smoke Scare 1 Furnace Issue 1 |
| Town of Benson (0) | |
| Town of Hope (0) | |
| Mutual Aid Given (5)
Mutual Aid Received (0) |
Total Man-hours reported were 38.8
Code Enforcement – Mayor Spaeth reported that there was one permit issued in November/December. He indicated that the CEO had sent a certified letter to Patricia Richard, regarding code violations at her property.
Joint Youth – Trustee Sedon reported that the Joint Youth program took in donation money from the sale of the “Harnessing Nature” DVD. She indicated that the money was used to purchase a bounce house, inflatable obstacle course and a commercial popcorn popper. Mayor Spaeth indicated that the Commission previously rented the equipment when they needed it but now they will be able to possibly rent out to other groups and generate more funds for the program.
Marketing- Carla Kolbe provided a report on November/December events around the Village. She indicated she was sending out holiday cards to Village businesses. Ms. Kolbe also reported that she would like to possibly host a first night event in the Village in the future.
Park Use Requests – Mayor Spaeth reported that a request was received from James Clair to conduct a wedding ceremony on August 18, 2018 at 2 p.m. It was reported that it would be just the ceremony only, no reception. After discussion, Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to approve the request with no fee. The motion was seconded by Trustee Collins and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Ginter, Trustee Markiewicz. Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
TRANSFERS
Treasurer Matthews requested the following transfer:
$10,000.00
From: A3410.2 Fire – Equipment
To: A3410.401 Fire – Supplies/Materials
It was explained that the department had obtained a grant and purchased turn out gear before the grant money had come in.
Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to approve the transfer as requested. The motion was seconded by Trustee Collins and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Ginter, Trustee Markiewicz. Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Bills to be paid from the General Fund in the amount of $ 59,094.27, from the Water Fund in the amount of $ 3,273.77, and from the Joint Youth fund in the amount of $ 4,378.66 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 Ginter, Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
OLD BUSINESS:
Mayor Spaeth reported that the Regional Economic Development Awards winners were recently announced and he was please to report that Northville Central Schools Wi-Fi Grant proposal and the Northville 5&10 Anchor Project Grant were both funded. He stated that Brian Correll was putting in approximately $400,000.00 of his own money into his project and that it represented a huge investment and commitment to the Village. Mayor Spaeth stated that in addition to the renovations at the 5&10, the Corrells would be saving an additional historic building next door that they recently purchased.
Mayor Spaeth reported that the Village has obtained the services of a grant writer for the shared Records Management Grant Application that the Village and Town are applying for. He indicated that the fee for writing the grant was $ 500.00 and that it would be split between the Town and the Village. Mayor Spaeth stated that as lead agency, the Village was working on obtaining quotes for a new HVAC system and renovations to the Town Clerk’s office for storage of her vital records. Trustee Ginter also indicated there may be a need for an engineering study for renovations to the Town Clerk’s office. Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to retain the services of an engineer, if necessary, to obtain an estimate for renovations to the Town Clerk’s office at a fee not to exceed $ 2,000.00, the cost of which would be split between the Town and Village. The motion was seconded by Trustee Collins and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Ginter, Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
Mayor Spaeth reported that the Village had received confirmation that Officer Robert Johnson’s name was accepted to be added to the National Law Enforcement Memorial on May 13, 2018 at a ceremony in Washington D.C.
Mayor Spaeth reported that the first meeting of the Zoning Committee would be held on January 11, 2018.
Mayor Spaeth discussed the Third Street property with the Board. He indicated that at the previous meeting, the NCS Fourth grade class made a presentation about recreational uses for the property. Mayor Spaeth stated that, in keeping with the setbacks of the property, we could easily put in a tennis court or two as part of a grant. He stated the Board needed to decide if we wanted to keep the property or sell it. Trustee Ginter asked about the possibility of applying for a grant and if it got denied then that would be a sign to sell the property. He continued by stating that if we are thinking that we want tennis courts, that would be the way to go. Mayor Spaeth stated that there are Smart Growth Grants, which are 100% grant with no match required, which typically have a deadline the last week of January. Trustee Sedon stated she would like to see the Village do at least one thing the kids proposed and felt that tennis courts would be a good option. Trustee Markiewicz agreed and stated the courts are very popular and always seem to be full. Mayor Spaeth stated he would write the grant and he indicated he would make arrangements to go to the school and update the students on the plans for Third Street. Trustee Ginter made a motion to apply for the funding for tennis courts at Third Street. The motion was seconded by Trustee Sedon and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Ginter, Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
NEW BUSINESS:
Mayor Spaeth reported that the current lease on the postage meter is up and presented a new lease for renewal. Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to approve the new lease with Pitney Bowes. The motion was seconded by Trustee Sedon and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Ginter, Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
Mayor Spaeth presented Local Law #1 of 2018 – Extending the Cold War Veterans Real Property Tax Exemption. He explained that the current exemption is expiring and the new law would reinstate it and remove the expiration. Trustee Sedon made motion to move forward with setting a Public Hearing at the January meeting to present Local Law #1 of 2018. The motion was seconded by Trustee Collins and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Ginter, Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
Mayor Spaeth reported that he has been working with Water Commissioner Ginter and Treasurer Matthews regarding water rates and the future of the water system in the Village. Treasurer Matthews provided the Board with several options of rate proposals. Mayor Spaeth explained that the current rates are somewhat sufficient until we factor in the age of the current meters and the need for replacement. Mayor Spaeth stated that the cost of a radial read meter is $ 250.00 each. He indicated there are approximately 640 meters that need to be replaced and that the funds have to come out of the Water funds. Mayor Spaeth continued by stating that we also have 100-year-old valves in the streets that will eventually need replacing. Mayor Spaeth stated that the new meters have a 20-year life span. Mayor Spaeth stated that the proposed rates presented by Treasurer Matthews allows us to keep the capital reserve fund active and we would be able to build it up by the time of the next meter replacement cycle. Trustee Collins stated the public needs to understand the why of why we need to raise water rates. Mayor Spaeth agreed and felt that he would like to have the final decision by the February meeting of the Board which would give time to get the word out to encourage the public to attend and hear the presentation. After continued discussion, the Board decided to go with a 6 year meter phase in and a $ 35.00 base rate. They asked Treasurer Matthews to present figures based on that plan at the January meeting.
Mayor Spaeth presented Resolution # 15 of 2017 as follows:
RESOLUTION #15 OF 2017
Permissive Referendum re Use of Reserve Funds for
Purchase of Radio Read Meters
December 19, 2017
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 radio read meters, 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 $20,000, 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 $20,000 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 # 15 of 2017 as presented. The motion was seconded by Trustee Collins and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Ginter, Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
At 8:40 p.m., Mayor Spaeth closed the Public Hearing regarding Local Law # 3 of 2017 on a motion by Trustee Markiewicz, seconded by Trustee Collins and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Ginter, Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
Trustee Collins made a motion to approve Local Law #3 0f 2017. The motion was seconded by Trustee Sedon and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Ginter, Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
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 8:42p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Wendy L. Reu
Clerk
