Minutes Regular Meeting June 20, 2017
REGULAR MEETING – VILLAGE OF NORTHVILLE
Tuesday, June 20, 2017
The Village Board met Tuesday, June 20, 2017 at 7:00 PM at the village offices.
Present: John Spaeth, Mayor
Debra Ellsworth, Trustee
John Markiewicz, Trustee
Sue Sedon, Trustee
Wendy Reu, Village Clerk, Recording Secretary
Nathanial Matthews, Treasurer
Excused: Matthew Ginter, Trustee
Mayor Spaeth called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
The Regular Meeting minutes for May 16, 2017 were tabled due to a lack of quorum.
PUBLIC COMMENTS – No members of the public expressed a desire to address the Board.
REPORT OF COMMITTEES:
Police – Mayor Spaeth reported there were 44 complaints handled in May, four of which were criminal.
Mayor Spaeth reported there has been a number of vandalism reports in the Village. He indicated that in certain instances, residents have called the Sheriff’s Department but there was no response in a timely matter. Mayor Spaeth stated he would be talking with Officer VanNostrand to see if he could patrol some late shifts, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. to try and curb some of the activity.
Streets – Highway Superintendent Reidell read his report for the Board. He stated the NCS 4th grade class had adopted Water Street as a clean-up project.
Mayor Spaeth reported that he had discussed with Highway Superintendent Reidell the possibility of installing cameras on the garbage truck for safety and complaint purposes. Mayor Spaeth stated he had received complaints regarding how garbage cans are being left. Mayor Spaeth stated that cameras were more for the protection of the workers and to put an end to potential threats of lawsuits. Highway Superintendent Reidell stated he was quoted $ 1,400.00 for a camera that would record the whole time the truck was in use. It was indicated that the cost would be split between the Village and the Town. After discussion, Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to split the cost of cameras for the garbage truck with the Town up to the amount of $ 1,400.00. The motion was seconded by Trustee Sedon and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Ellsworth, Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
Mayor Spaeth reported that Zach Colson has left his position on the Village highway department. Highway Superintendent Reidell indicated that he could work with the crew he currently had, including the summer help, for now. He indicated he would like to have someone in place by October 1st to fill the vacated position.
Highway Superintendent Reidell reported that Spectrum Environmental was done with the soil sampling at the Third Street property. He stated that they dug 26 holes and there was no contamination.
Water – It was reported that usage increased from 2,845,000 gallons in May 2016 to 2,857,000 this year. Water testing and operations were normal.
Water Supervisor Roosa reported that he would be installing a water tap for Tyler Greenhill.
Fire – Fire Department Report for May 2017
| Village of Northville (3) | Tree on lines 2
Standby for Edinburg 1 |
| Town of Northampton (4) | Structure Fire 1
Tree on lines 1 Smoke detector activation 2 |
| Town of Edinburg (2 ) | Structure Fire 1
Fire alarm activation 1 |
| Town of Hope (0) | |
| Town of Benson (0) | |
| Mutual Aid Given (2)
Mutual Aid Received (1) |
Total Man-hours reported were 152.4
Mayor Spaeth reported that the Fireman’s Association has been able to find a financial institution that will give them a 25-year mortgage at a rate they can afford. He indicated the members would be meeting with their accountant tomorrow and once they had their funding in place, they would move forward with their new addition.
Code Enforcement – Mayor Spaeth stated that eight permits were issued in April per the Code Enforcement Officer’s monthly report.
It was reported that the letters for apartment fire safety inspections would be mailed out by the end of June.
Comprehensive Plan – Mayor Spaeth asked the Board members to read through the draft copy of the Comprehensive Plan and then a special meeting would be set up to determine what changes the Board would like to see. He stated he would like a workshop meeting for the Board to openly discuss the changes they felt needed to be made. He asked to set up a workshop meeting of the Board on July 17th from 6-7 p.m. Mayor Spaeth stated any recommended changes could then be discussed at the next regular meeting of the Board. He stated it was important to have a public discussion session where the Board could listen to the public and respond to their concerns.
Park Use Requests-
04-2017 Merchant’s Association – Joint Youth Program Movie Nights – July 7th and 21st , August 11th and 25th. Motion to approve with fee waived by Trustee Sedon, seconded by Trustee Ellsworth, and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Ellsworth, Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
Marketing- Trustee Sedon read the Marketing report submitted by Carla Kolbe. It was reported that Carla is using a variety of media outlets to spread the word regarding upcoming activities in the Village.
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Bills to be paid from the General Fund in the amount of $ 74,238.68 from the Water Fund in the amount of $ 4,797.17 and from the Joint Youth fund in the amount of $ 3,959.35 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 Ellsworth, Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
LOCAL LAW #1 OF 2017 Amending Chapter 143 Pertaining to Streets, Sidewalks and Trees
Mayor Spaeth presented Local Law #1 for the Board to review. He indicated that it contained the Tree Ordinance that the Board has been working on for several months. After review, Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to approve Local Law #1 of 2017 as presented and schedule a public hearing for the next meeting. The motion was seconded by Trustee Sedon and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Ellsworth, Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
LOCAL LAW #2 OF 2017 Amending Chapter 170 Pertaining to Zoning
Mayor Spaeth presented Local Law #2 for the Board to review. He explained the zoning amendment and the history behind the previous changes that were thought to have occurred in 2010. He indicated that the opportunity came up for Community Heritage to put 8 units on the South First Street lot that is owned by the Sacadaga Task Force for Senior Living. He explained that the group was under the impression that the amendment to zoning was passed in 2010 and they have applied for grant funding from the State to do their project. Trustee Sedon asked if under the Housing definition the verbiage stating “at least one of the occupants were 62 years of age or older” opened the door for younger people being able to live there. Mayor Spaeth indicated that as the ordinance is sitting now, yes. The Board agreed that the definition under Housing should read “All occupants are 62 years of age or older”. After continued discussion, Trustee Ellsworth made a motion to move forward with Local Law #2 of 2017 with the minor change to the Housing definition as discussed, and to schedule a public hearing for the next meeting. The motion was seconded by Trustee Markiewicz and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Mayor Spaeth, Trustee Ellsworth, Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
OLD BUSINESS:
Mayor Spaeth presented Resolution # 8 of 2017 as follows:
Authorizing Application for New York Main Street Funding
Whereas the Village of Northville wishes to promote improvements to the Main Street business area, and;
Whereas the State of New York has a program to assist downtown business districts known as the New York Main Street program, and;
Whereas Susan and Brian Correll, are the owners of the Northville Five and Dime Store and the adjacent structure, and wish to participate in the New York Main Street program, and;
Whereas Mr. and Mrs. Correll are willing to make the necessary financial commitments to participate in the New York Main Street program, and are willing to pay the cost of applying for the New York Main Street grant;
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved that the Village of Northville apply for New York Main Street funding under the 2017 application year in the amount of $500,000 as an anchor building project for the Northville Five and Dime building and the adjacent structure, and;
Be It Further Resolved that Nick Zabawsky of Orion Management Company is authorized to prepare the application on behalf of the Village of Northville and submit said application to the New York State Office of Community Renewal.
After discussion, Trustee Ellsworth made a motion to approve Resolution # 8 of 2017. The motion was seconded by Trustee Markiewicz and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Ellsworth, Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
Mayor Spaeth gave an update on the courtesy docks. He reported that Village, NCS, and HRBRRD personnel did a walkthrough at the site and HRBRRD gave verbal approval for the project. He indicated that NCS is on Board with covering the insurance on the area. Mayor Spaeth stated that the docks would be purchased by the Village, with the street crew assisting with clean-up of the area and grading the access path. Trustee Sedon asked if the access would be open all the time. Mayor Spaeth indicated that it would be open during the summer for boating season. He continued by stating there would be access hours and a fence installed. Mayor Spaeth stated the proposed plan included a single dock, 60’ in length with a T at the end. After discussion, Trustee Sedon made a motion to move forward with the courtesy dock project. The motion was seconded by Trustee Ellsworth and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Ellsworth, Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
NEW BUSINESS:
Mayor Spaeth presented Resolution # 9 of 2017 as follows:
WHEREAS, New York State has developed a unified solar photovoltaic permitting process designed to streamline municipal permitting which will reduce costs for solar projects and support the growth of clean energy jobs across the state, and
WHEREAS, the Village of Northville is desirous of participating in the unified permitting process, thereby increasing the Village’s eligibility for various incentives and grants through the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Village of Northville adopts the New York State Unified Solar Permit as attached hereto as Exhibit 1, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Village Board of Trustees authorizes the Building Inspector to complete the grant application through the Streamlined Permitting Program to allow for the Village to receive a grant award up to $2,500 from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority for the adoption of the Unified Solar Permit Application; and be it further
RESOLVED, that this resolution shall take effect immediately and a copy of this resolution, with Exhibit 1, shall be provided to the Building Inspector.
Mayor Spaeth indicated that the Village is eligible for a $ 2,500 grant by adopting the proposed NYS Unified Solar Permit application. After discussion, Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to approve Resolution # 9 of 2017. The motion was seconded by Trustee Sedon and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Ellsworth, Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
Mayor Spaeth presented the 2018 contract with the Fulton County Planning Board. After discussion, Trustee Ellsworth made a motion to approve the 2018 contract with the Fulton County Planning Board in the amount of $ 400.00. The motion was seconded by Trustee Markiewicz and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Ellsworth, Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
Mayor Spaeth reported to the Board that Northville Central School was looking at bringing in their own Wi-Fi system to reach at least the students within the village. He stated it was an opportunity for the Village to contract with the school for internet services in the Village office and voice over IP. After continued discussion, the Board agreed to proceed with the shared service that this opportunity presented. Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to offer support for Northville Central School’s application for a planning grant to explore bringing Wi-Fi to the Village. The motion was seconded by Trustee Sedon and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Ellsworth, Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
Mayor Spaeth reported to the Board that NCS has approached the Village regarding entering into an agreement that the Village Clerk collect walk in school tax payments for the school. He indicated that the local bank would no longer be collecting school taxes. He also stated that it is was a safety issue to have people making payments in person at the school. Mayor Spaeth discussed a tentative fee for tax collection service with NCS. He stated that the agreement would be for collection of taxes for two months at a fee of $ 4,000.00. Mayor Spaeth indicated that $ 1,000.00 would be for the Village and the remaining $ 3,000.00 would be paid to the clerk as a stipend for collecting the taxes. After discussion, Trustee Sedon made a motion to approve the contract in the amount of $ 4,000.00 for the collection of NCS in person school tax payments by the Village Clerk and authorizes the Mayor to sign an agreement to such effect. The motion was seconded by Trustee Markiewicz and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Ellsworth, Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
Mayor Spaeth presented a request from CMK to conduct the CMK 5K on September 2, 2017. Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to approve the CMK 5K on September 2nd. The motion was seconded by Trustee Sedon and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Ellsworth, Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
Mayor Spaeth read a letter of resignation from Trustee Ellsworth. Trustee Ellsworth indicated she would be resigning from the Board effective June 30, 2017. Mayor Spaeth accepted the letter of resignation with regret, citing that Trustee Ellsworth has been a valued member of the Board during her term.
Mayor Spaeth reported that he has been looking for people to serve on the Village Board and has been in contact with Steve Collins, who has expressed an interest in serving as a Trustee. After discussion, Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to appoint Steve Collins to Trustee Ellsworth’s vacated seat effective July 1, 2017. The motion was seconded by Trustee Sedon and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Ellsworth, 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 Ellsworth, and passed by voice vote with no one dissenting. The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Wendy Reu
Village Clerk
