November 17, 2020 Regular Meeting Minutes
REGULAR MEETING – VILLAGE OF NORTHVILLE
Tuesday, November 17, 2020
The Village Board met Tuesday, November 17, 2020 at 7:00 PM via Zoom
Present: John Spaeth, Mayor
Steve Collins, Trustee
Sue Eckert, Trustee
John Markiewicz, Trustee
Sue Sedon, Trustee
Absent:
Wendy Reu, Village Clerk
Nathan Matthews, Treasurer
Dan Reidell, Highway Superintendent
Mayor Spaeth called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Motion to approve the minutes of the October 20, 2020 Regular Meeting was made by Trustee Eckert, seconded by Trustee Collins, and passed by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Eckert, Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
PUBLIC COMMENTS – Mayor Spaeth reported that prior to the meeting, it was advertised that the Board meeting would be conducted via Zoom and communication could be submitted via email to the Village. No communication from the public arrived.
REPORT OF COMMITTEES:
Police – Mayor Spaeth reported that no Police report was received. He indicated he met with Chief VanValkenburg last week for an update on the police reform process and he confirmed that the Village will be included as part of the FCSD effort. He indicated a public survey was going to be sent to all County residents. Mayor Spaeth indicated that the Villages of Broadalbin and Northville may be sent an additional survey as they each have their own part time departments and more information would be forth coming.
Mayor Spaeth stated he also discussed equipment with Chief VanValkenburg. It was determined that we have a lack of it, specifically cameras in cars and/or body cams and the department does not have adequate vests. Chief VanValkenburg is developing a list of potential equipment and getting prices together for a future meeting. Chief VanValkenburg will also be providing the Village with a thumb drive of all the police policies that FCSD utilizes for the Village to adopt and follow.
Mayor Spaeth reported he spoke with Chief VanValkenburg about potentially lightening his load now that he was a Captain at FCSD. It was reported that Officer VanNostrand will be taking care of the time sheets and the monthly reports now.
Streets – The DPW report was read and is on file at the Clerk’s office. DPW Superintendent Reidell asked if we were planning on decorating in the Waterfront park for Christmas. It was reported there was no Christmas parade or tree lighting ceremony being conducted this year due to COVID. After discussion, the Board suggested decorating the tree on the Village green and putting out the lights on the power poles this season.
Water – It was reported that usage increased from 2,327,000 gallons in October 2019 to 2,338,000 this year. Water testing and operations were normal.
Mayor Spaeth reported that water bills were delayed in mailing due to issues with conversion to radio read meters. It was also reported the software added an additional $ 90.00 charge to each unit of multi units instead of just a single charge so those bills were being corrected and the affected residents would have a full 30 days to pay without penalty.
Mayor Spaeth reported that the generator at the wellhouse has been repaired. He also stated that almost all of the accounts in the Village have been switched over to radio read meters. He indicated that just the accounts with pits are the only ones left to do. He reported that we complaint was received today from a homeowner who recently had their meter replaced. He stated that the worker from Allen and Palmer was not wearing a mask as per the homeowner and that the homeowner has addressed the issue with Allen and Palmer.
Fire – Fire Department Report for October 2020
| Village of Northville (3) | Hazardous Condition 1
Stand By Station 1 LZ 1 |
| Town of Northampton (3 ) | Hazardous Condition 2
Alarm Activation 1 |
| Town of Edinburg (4) | MVA 1
Structure Fire 1 Rescue 1 LZ 1 |
| Town of Hope (1) | Rescue 1 |
| Town of Benson (0) | |
| Mutual Aid Given (5)
Mutual Aid Received (4) |
Total Man-hours reported were – 13.23
Mayor Spaeth reported that the Rescue Truck is no longer a necessary item and presented Resolution # 16 of 2020 as follows:
Resolution #16 of 2020
Designation of Immediate Municipal Non-Necessity of Fire Equipment
WHEREAS the Village Board of Trustees unanimously approved Resolution #12 of 2020-Designation of Municipal Non-Necessity of Fire Equipment, effective January 1, 2021; and
WHEREAS it has been determined that the Rescue Truck is no longer a necessary piece of equipment at this time,
NOW THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Village of Northville designates the Rescue Truck owned by the Village to be an immediate non-necessity effective November 17, 2020.
Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to approve Resolution # 16 or 2020 and deem the Rescue Truck as non-necessity fire equipment. 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 recommended that the Village sell the Rescue Truck on Auctions International and gift the proceeds to the newly formed Fire District. After brief discussion, Trustee Eckert made a motion to sell the rescue truck on Auctions International and gift the proceeds to the Fire District. 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 provided a copy of a proposed Parking Lot Agreement between the Village and the Fireman’s Association. He stated that we have not previously had an agreement for the parking lot with them because we rented the space. He stated the document provided is the same standard agreement we have for the other properties that border the Waterfront Park. He stated that once the Fire District is established after the first of the year, we will redo the agreement with them. At that time, we will also address the section that states that a hard surface will be created by the Village as that would not be necessary for the vacant lot next to the firehouse. Mayor Spaeth stated that we are drafting this agreement at this time in the event that we receive significant snow that needs to be cleared prior to the District taking over. After discussion, Trustee Collins made a motion to approve the parking lot agreement with the Fireman’s Association. 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
Code Enforcement- Mayor Spaeth reported that he and Trustee Eckert scheduled interviews for three candidates for Code Enforcement Officer. He indicated that one person did not show for the interview. Mayor Spaeth stated that their first pick turned them down for personal reasons and the second person interviewed did not live in the County and as such, was not able to be hired. He stated that none of the other applications received were qualified for the position. Mayor Spaeth stated that at this point, we are looking at increasing our hiring boundaries but that would require an act of legislature to extend it. He stated we would be discussing that process at an upcoming meeting. In the meantime, Todd Unislawski continues to fill in as interim CEO for the Town and Village.
Dog Control – The Dog Control Officer report was filed with the Clerk. It was reported that a $ 25.00 fine was issued in the case that was sent to Court.
Joint Youth – Trustee Sedon reported that the Christmas Decorating contest in the Village was going to be sponsored by the Northville Volleyball Organization and that group would be supplying the prizes.
LWRP- Mayor Spaeth reported that they recently had a team meeting and it was determined that they would be hosting a second open house in the near future and utilizing survey monkey to solicit input. He stated the group is still on track to be able to submit the full package to the State by the end of February.
PAYMENT OF BILLS
The monthly financial report was reviewed and bills to be paid from the General Fund in the amount of $ 76,436.14, from the Water Fund in the amount of $ 16,908.67 and from the Joint Youth Fund in the amount of $ 23.70 were presented for payment. Motion to approve payment was made by Trustee Markiewicz, seconded by Trustee Collins and carried by voice vote as follows:
Aye: Trustee Collins, Trustee Eckert, Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
OLD BUSINESS:
Mayor Spaeth gave an update on the LED street lighting project. He stated the paper work was received from National Grid and was signed. He indicated that a disconnect fuse needed to be installed and done properly, so that will be part of the NYPA agreement. He indicated we need to have a letter of credit should they have to come in and install the connector. He stated that National Grid needs to know the money is there and he has been working with Pioneer Bank to put together a line of credit.
Mayor Spaeth provided an update on the Cell Tower purchase. He stated the closing package was went today and the Village Attorney is reviewing the documents. He stated when it was approved by the Attorney, we will sign the paperwork to complete the sale.
DWP Superintendent Reidell asked for clarification on the screening questionnaire for COVID. He asked what is the return-to-work policy if someone shows those symptoms and we tell them they can’t work. Mayor Spaeth stated that in our employee handbook it is stated if a worker is out more than two days, they need a note to return. He stated that if the symptoms resolve in two days, the worker can return to work without a note. Mayor Spaeth stated that if the illness causing the individual to stay out of work is non COVID illness documented by a physician, then the individual would use sick time for the days lost. He stated that whether you are COVID suspect, waiting for precautionary tests, or under any quarantine situation, sick time will not be charged. Mayor Spaeth also stated that the Village would reimburse employees for any out of pocket medical costs if we tell them they have to go to the doctor. Trustee Sedon expressed concern over trusting that a doctor will order a COVID test but the Board as a whole felt that an overwhelming majority of doctors would order the test due to the heightened outbreaks.
Mayor Spaeth stated that if the numbers were better in December, we may go back to in person meetings but he’s not comfortable at this time opening the meetings for public attendance. He stated if necessary, the next meeting will be held via Zoom but information would be provided prior to the meeting.
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 8:04 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Wendy L. Reu, Clerk
