June 18, 2019 Regular Meeting Minutes
REGULAR MEETING – VILLAGE OF NORTHVILLE
Tuesday, June 18, 2019
The Village Board met Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at 7:00 PM at the Village offices.
Present: John Spaeth, Mayor
Steve Collins, Trustee
Sue Eckert, Trustee
John Markiewicz, Trustee
Sue Sedon, Trustee
Absent:
Wendy Reu, Village Clerk
Nathanial Matthews, Treasurer
Mayor Spaeth called the meeting to order at 7:00p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Motion to approve the minutes of the May 21, 2019 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 – Sam Ellsworth addressed the Board regarding the proposed new Zoning. He stated he was encouraged to hear that the zoning in the Gould Hill area would be staying at 5 acres. He indicated he was glad people spoke out about the zoning and he hoped that the new zoning would evolve into more of what the people want. He presented a petition and letters of support for keeping the Gould Hill area zoned at five acres for the Board to review. Mayor Spaeth stated that the Board should be receiving a revised draft copy by the end of the week and would be reviewing the changes for the first time then. He indicated at this point the Board does not know what has and hasn’t changed from the original proposal. He stated the process moving forward would include workshops for the Board, more public input sessions and a review by the Village Planning Board along with the County Planning Board.
REPORT OF COMMITTEES:
Police – There was no police report
Streets – Highway Superintendent Dan Reidell’s monthly report was read. Highway Superintendent Reidell reported that the deadline to submit a petition regarding the permissive referendum on the dump/plow truck ends on Friday, June 21, 2019. He asked if a motion to could be made to approve the truck purchase, pending no petition, to get the order initiated prior to the July board meeting. After discussion, Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to approve purchase of the dump/plow truck after June 21, 2019, pending no petition is received regarding the permissive referendum. 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
Water – It was reported that usage decreased from 3,330,000 gallons in May 2018 to 3,059,000 this year. Water testing and operations were normal.
Mayor Spaeth reported that an outuser on the private line on Skiff Road had experienced an episode of freezing pipes and had let his water run for two weeks before contacting Darryl about the issue. Mayor Spaeth stated that a blow off had been established at the end of the line on Skiff Road in an attempt to help the residents along that line to prevent the line from freezing. He stated the blow off is metered and the water that flows through it is recorded. As a result of running his water for two weeks, the resident incurred a large bill and was looking for relief from the Village for a portion of the bill. Mayor Spaeth stated that in a previous winter billing cycle, the resident had run the water at the request of the Village and their water bill was adjusted, but this time was not at the request of the Village. After discussion, Trustee Eckert made a motion to split the water consumption in half with the homeowner and forgive the penalty for this one time only. 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 2019
| Village of Northville (4) | Illegal Burn 2
Landing Zone 1 EMS Assist 1 |
| Town of Northampton (3) | Hazardous Condition 1
MVA 1 Illegal Burn 1 |
| Town of Edinburg (2) | Alarm Activation 1
Landing Zone 1 |
| Town of Hope (1) | Search (missing child) 1 |
| Mutual Aid Given (3)
Mutual Aid Received (2) |
Total Man-hours reported were 242.56
Fire Chief Own Jensen reported to the Board that he had obtained quotes to update the Jaws of Life and had presented them to Treasurer Matthews. He indicated that the higher quote provided items the other quotes did not and he asked for the Board’s consideration of that information when deciding on which quote to go with. Treasurer Matthews stated he would have a permission referendum for the Board to review at their next meeting.
Code Enforcement – Code Officer Ginter reported that four permits were issued during May. It was noted that five inspections were completed by the Building Inspector in April.
Mayor Spaeth reported that Building Inspector Dennis Miller had submitted a letter of resignation but due to issues with the sale of his home up here, he had temporarily rescinded the letter and would be continuing to perform inspections while he is actively selling his home.
Mayor Spaeth reported that Code Officer Ginter has submitted his letter of resignation effective June 26th and that it was accepted with regret. Moving forward, Mayor Spaeth informed the Board that he has been talking with Supervisor Groff and they would like to propose changing the Code Officer position to a full time position with benefits. He stated that he felt that it would help with retention of a person in that position. Mayor Spaeth stated the proposed salary for the position would be between $ 35,000.00 and $ 45,000.00 a year. He stated that between the Village and the Town, they are paying $ 40,000.00 combined for the current position. Mayor Spaeth proposed that the Village would hire for the position and the Town would contract half back to us. After discussion, Trustee Sedon made a motion to advertise for the full time code enforcement position, with a salary range between $ 35,000.00 to $ 45,000.00 and benefits. 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 in the meantime, he would work to see if we can hire an interim Code Officer at an hourly rate if the Board approves. Trustee Eckert made a motion to hire an interim Code Officer at an hourly rate while we are taking applications for a new officer. 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
Dog Control – No Report
Joint Youth – Mayor Spaeth reported that Director Ken Adamczyk has accepted a position at CRG but he plans on continuing on in his position as JY Director. Mayor Spaeth indicated that Ken would not be able to be at summer camp all of the days and Assistant Director Charlotte Albertin has agreed to step up and take a larger roll. Mayor Spaeth stated the JY Commission would be having a meeting in the near future to further discuss this.
Marketing – Mayor Spaeth indicated that he is working on plans to move forward with developing a plan for what the Village would want in terms of a new marketing program and will have an update at next month’s meeting.
Park Use Requests – No requests.
Zoning Committee- Mayor Spaeth reported that the Board will be getting hard copies of the proposed Zoning Amendment with the changes that the Committee made based on public input sessions. He stated the Board members would take a few weeks to digest the information and suggested a workshop meeting be set up on July 8th at 6:30 for the Board to discuss what they might want to change in the document. He stated that after that, the document would be dispersed to the public for additional public input. He stated that when the Village Board was comfortable with the document, it will be available to the public for their input. Mayor Spaeth indicated that the Village Planning Board and the County Planning Board will review the document when the Village Board is comfortable with it. Highway Superintendent Reidell asked if the Planning Board can change items the Village Board changes and Mayor Spaeth indicated that the final vote on zoning is the Village Board. Trustee Collins stated he has seen summaries of public sessions that always start with the phrase “poorly attended”. He stated that without public input, it is hard to know if what we are doing is right. He stressed that public input sessions are very important.
Tree Committee – Mayor Spaeth presented a document submitted by Carl Sedon of the Tree Commission. The commission is requesting changes in the current tree law pertaining to cars parking and driving on the terrace area. He reported that trees parking on the terraces compacts the soil which kills the trees. Trustee Sedon stated that the area from the sidewalk to the pavement is most affected. Mayor Spaeth stated that the Village is in the process of installing curbs which will alleviate a majority of the issues, but it is done based on the street paving schedule. Trustee Sedon asked if the Board could look at addressing the areas that are most heavily impacted with curbing earlier than the paving schedule dictates. Mayor Spaeth stated that previously we went on homeowner request for curbing and the street crew did it. He stated that if we could get six or seven residents interested in getting curbs in advance of the paving schedule, they could make the choice of paying for it now or waiting until the curbs would go in based on paving schedule. He stated we would have to be up front about it that eventually, all the streets in the Village will be curbed. Trustee Markiewicz asked where the original concern began. Trustee Sedon stated that homeowners are parking their cars on their lawns. Mayor Spaeth indicated that in areas where there are no curbs, cars are parking up on the edge of the lawn area. He stated that people are using creative ways to stop people from parking which also creates problems. Mayor Spaeth stated that the Village owns the terraces, but it is the responsibility of the homeowner. Fire Chief Jensen stated the Village may need to consider parking on one side of the street only when curbs are installed as some of the streets are already narrow and he worries about fire vehicles being able to get down the streets. Mayor Spaeth asked the Board to take the document presented by the Tree Commission and review it for next month’s meeting.
Doins Committee – The Clerk gave an update on the Doins/Parade meetings. They are anticipating having carnival rides for Friday and Saturday of the Doins.
Mayor Spaeth stated that the Tryon Radio Club has expressed interest in sponsoring the event next year. He stated that the Civic Association still seems to be operating the fireworks and he had discussed with Tom Wood about the Civic Association taking on the event next year with the committee that organized the event this year but he had not heard anything back from the Civic Association. Trustee Collins stated we need to hear back from the Civic Association before making a final decision. Mayor Spaeth stated we would revisit it in July.
LWRP Committee – Mayor Spaeth reported that the LWRP Committee hosted an open house on May 23rd. It was not heavily attended but quite a few people came. He stated that two fifth grade classes came down with brainstorming input. Mr. Lent’s and Mr. Clapper’s class came with powerpoint and easel presentations which contained incredible information. The next meeting of the LWRP Committee will be July 15th. Mayor Spaeth indicated that the committee is still working on vision and projects. He stated there is a lot of discussion about the spillway walkway, dredging of the Little Lake, and public parking.
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Bills to be paid from the General Fund in the amount of $ 100,244.18, from the Water Fund in the amount of $ 5,693.68, and from the Joint Youth Fund in the amount of $ 1669.84 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, Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
OLD BUSINESS:
Mayor Spaeth asked what the Board wanted to do with the Third Street property, whether they wanted to hold onto it or put it back on the tax rolls. Trustee Eckert asked if we needed to sell the property. Mayor Spaeth stated that they did not need to sell it. He stated that Highway Superintendent Reidell was currently using it as a staging area for soil to be used in the curbing process and in the winter sand for resident’s use is stored there. Trustee Sedon stated it is the only piece of municipal property that we own that is undeveloped. After discussion, the Board agreed to hold on to the property and revisit it in six months.
Mayor Spaeth reported that a group of concerned citizens and elected officials from Old Forge came to Northville yesterday to meet with the CCC in an effort to breathe life back into their town. He stated they read about Northville in the local ADK magazine and want to recreate our successes up there. Mayor Spaeth stated that Supervisor Groff has made a lot of noise at the County level, both in his time a Supervisor and Chairman of the Board, and we have benefited from that.
Mayor Spaeth reported that John Sira’s Eagle Project, the Mini Library at the Beach was completed. He also reported that the Girl Scout Mini Libraries around the Village was completed and that they would be having a pinning ceremony at NCS in the near future that Trustee Markiewicz would be attending.
NEW BUSINESS:
Mayor Spaeth reported that Chris Draffen has expressed an interest in getting involved as an alternate on the Planning Board. After discussion, Trustee Eckert made a motion to appoint Chris Draffen to the Village Planning Board as an alternate. 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 presented a request from the Northville Fireman’s Association to conduct a coin drop on July 6th. Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to approve the coin drop for the 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 presented a request from the American Legion for reimbursement for cemetery flags. Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to reimburse the American Legion $ 449.29 for the cost of cemetery flags. 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 informed the Board that the Civic Association was requesting to conduct their Annual Fundraising Block party on August 18th. He indicated that no details of the event were provided and the request came in just before the meeting. After discussion, Trustee Eckert made a motion to approve the Civic Association’s request for the Block Party with details to follow. 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 presented a request from the Clerk to conduct the July 6th Farmers’ Market at the Red Barn property while the Doins are operating. Trustee Eckert made a motion to approve the Farmers’ Market at the Red Bard 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
Mayor Spaeth reported that there has been a request from the public to move the Farmers’ Market from Friday afternoons to Saturday mornings. He stated that many people expressed interest in this citing that they were not able to get to the market during working hours. He stated that Village is required to have a manager on site while the market is in session and the Clerk has agreed to manage the Saturday market. He indicated that it would be considered overtime and asked for the Board’s approval. After discussion, Trustee Eckert made a motion to approve the Clerk’s Saturday hours for market managing as overtime. 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 indicated that he would like to have an assistant market manager be designated in the absence of the Clerk. He stated it would not be fair for that person to fill in and not be compensated so he was proposing a stipend of $ 100.00/day that the assistant manages the market. Mayor Spaeth indicated that Sandy Yates would be named as assistant market manager in the Clerk’s absence if the Board so approved. Trustee Sedon made a motion to approve Sandy Yates as assistant market manager and establish a stipend of $ 100.00/days she fills in. 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
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 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Wendy L. Reu, Cle
