TOWN OF ESOPUS TOWN BOARD MEETING

JANUARY 15, 2009

A regularly scheduled meeting of the Town of Esopus Town Board was held on Thursday, January 15th in the Town Hall at 284 Broadway in Port Ewen, New York with the following persons in attendance:

                                                            Supervisor John Coutant

                                                            Councilperson Gloria VanVliet

                                                            Councilperson Wayne Freer

                                                            Councilperson Deborah Silvestro

                                                            Councilperson Carl Belfiglio

 

                                                            Administrative Recorder: Diane L. McCord

                                                                                                         Town Clerk

 

Supervisor John Coutant called the meeting to order at 7:38 PM.

Pledge to the Flag

Public Comment: None

Charlie Wesley - New Town Hall Update

Date: January 15th, 2009

Re: NYSERDA Application #NCP7787 - Esopus Town Hall

I am pleased to report that we have been approved for the full amount of our NYSERDA Incentive Application of $41,925.00. 

“The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is pleased to have the Town of Esopus as a participant in the New York Energy Smart New Construction Program.  Based upon our review and approval of your application, we will set aside funds to provide an incentive award in the amount of $41,925.00 to implement selected electric energy efficiency improvements in the above referenced building, subject to the Terms and Conditions set forth in your application.  The incentive award will be available until January 31, 2010.”

Bookkeeper Debra Kain and Charlie Wesley will meet to prepare the receipts to send in for the funding. 

Charlie is working on the punch list.  Safeco will be here Tuesday, January 20th to install a program on the Town Clerk’s computer to view the parking areas and the court room.  Councilperson Belfiglio will be available.  A few of the parking lot cameras will be reconfigured on this date also. 

A phone will be installed in the Community Room and this phone will not allow long distance calls.  This should be done on Friday. 

1.  Resolution to Send Delegate to Association of Towns Annual Meeting

Whereas, the Association of Towns is holding its Annual Meeting and Training School in New York City from February 16th through February 18th, 2009,

Whereas, Councilperson Carl Belfiglio has volunteered to attend said meeting and school,

Therefore, Be it Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Esopus authorizes Councilperson Carl Belfiglio to attend the New York State Association of Towns Annual Meeting and Training School as its Voting Delegate.

Resolution offered by Supervisor John Coutant

Resolution seconded by Councilperson Wayne Freer

 

                                                Supervisor John Coutant                 Aye

                                                Councilperson Gloria VanVliet       Aye

                                                Councilperson Wayne Freer            Aye

                                                Councilperson Deborah Silvestro    Aye

                                                Councilperson Carl Belfiglio            Aye

 

Resolution duly adopted.

1-A.  Resolution to Increase Transfer Station Fees - Jan. 15, 2009

 WHEREAS, the Town of Esopus Town Board, County of Ulster, State of New York would like to set the following fees for the Town of Esopus Transfer Station effective January 1, 2009:

                                    Large Bag Fees                                   $4.50

                                    Small Bag Fees                                   $2.50

                                    Over the Scale Fees                            $.  08 per pound

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, THE Town of Esopus Town Board accepts the fee schedule for the Town of Esopus Transfer Station as listed above.

Resolution offered by Councilperson Carl Belfiglio

Resolution seconded by Councilperson Wayne Freer

The Board was polled:

 

                                                Supervisor John Supervisor             Aye

                                                Councilperson Gloria VanVliet                   Aye

                                                Councilperson Wayne Freer                        Aye

                                                Councilperson Deborah Silvestro                Aye

                                                Councilperson Carl Belfiglio                        Aye

 

Resolution duly adopted.

2.  Resolution - Planning Board Fees

Resolution to Increase Planning Board Fees - January 15, 2009

Whereas, the Town of Esopus Town Board, County of Ulster, State of New York, would like to set the following fees effective January 1, 2009 for the Town of Esopus Planning Board:

            Land Subdivisions:

            Sketch Plan                                                                 $150.00

            Lot Line Adjustment                                                  $150.00

            Minor Subdivision                                                      $275.00 Plus $50 for each lot

            Subdivisions (26 lots or less)                                      $350.00 plus $50 per new lot

            Major Subdivisions (26 lots or more)                          $500.00 plus $25.00 per new lot

            Final Development Subdivision Plan                          $300.00 plus $20.00 per dwelling unit

            Inspection of Public Improvements                            $250.00 per inspection

            Recreation Fee in lieu of land                                     $2,000.00 per lot or per dwelling unit

            (4 lots or less)               

            Recreation Fee i lieu of land                                       $2,000.00 per lot or per dwelling unit

            (4 lots or more)

            Site Plans - Residential                                               $250.00 plus $25.00 per lot or dwelling unit

            PUD - Pre-approval                                                    $500.00

            PUD - Approval of PUD Conceptual Plan                 $2,000.00

            (Draft Findings Statement)

            Commercial                                                                 $200.00 plus $20.00/1,000 sq. ft. of

                                                                                                Bldg. Area

            Public Hearings                                                           $200.00 plus publication & Transcript cost

            Cost of Inspection of Site Plan,                                  $250.00 each inspection

            Erosion Control, Landscaping, Paving, etc.

            Site Plan Reviews:

 

Residential - Minor Subdivision                                             $300.00 plus $100.00/dwelling unit

10 Divisions or less                                                                 $325.00 plus $100.00/dwelling unit

25 Divisions or less                                                                 $525.00 plus $100.00/dwelling unit

25 Divisions or more                                                               $1,000.00 plus $100.00/dwelling unit

 

Commercial                                                                             $300.00 plus $20.00/1,000 sq. ft. of bldg. area

Inspection of Improvements                                                   $200.00 each inspection

Recreation in lieu of land or multi-family                               $2,000.00 per new lot or per dwelling unit

 

Public Hearings                                                                       $200.00 plus publication & transcript cost

Public Services for Eng. Review                                            Escrow

Conditional Use Permit (Special Use Permit                          $175.00 plus Site Plan Fees

 

Site Preparation:

 

Permit Requiring Planning Board Review                              $250.00 min. plus $25.00 each lot or dwelling unit

Multi-family Residential                                                         $150.00 per dwelling unit

 

S.E.Q.R.

 

SEAF                                                                                      $200.00

LEAF                                                                                      $750.00

EIS                                                                                          Escrow

 

Therefore, Be it Resolved, the Town of Esopus Town Board accepts the fee schedule effective January 1, 2009 for the Town of Esopus Planning Board as listed above.

Resolution offered by Councilperson Gloria VanVliet

Resolution seconded by Supervisor John Coutant

The Board was polled:

 

                                                Supervisor John Coutant                 Aye

                                                Councilperson Gloria VanVliet       Aye

                                                Councilperson Wayne Freer            Aye

                                                Councilperson Deborah Silvestro    Aye

                                                Councilperson Carl Belfiglio            Aye

 

Resolution duly adopted.

3.  Resignation from Port Ewen Water & Sewer Board

Michael Celuch, Chairperson from the Port Ewen Water & Sewer Board has resigned his position as member of the board effective January 9, 2009.  A letter of recognition for his services will be forthcoming.  A recommendation for a replacement will be requested from the Port Ewen Water and Sewer Board.

4.  NYSERDA Approval - 100 % of Requested $42,925.00

Previously discussed in Charlie Wesley’s Report.

5.  Supervisor’s Audit is completed and report will be available by January 20th

6.  Water Chestnut Harvester Progress

We have been successful in getting a grant for our Water Chestnut Harvester.  The Supervisor stated this item will have to go out to bid.  The Town of Saugerties has requested use of the harvester and there may be other towns interested.  There were some problems with the operators on our old machine.  The harvesters cannot be brought in too close to the dock and it has to be manipulated for people to get off and on the machine.  The machine has cylinders that come down when you dock and it keeps the vessel stable.  We need an educational process for the people operating the machine.

Councilperson Gloria VanVliet believes the season may be too short for us to share the machine with other towns.  Supervisor Coutant said the salt line near Poughkeepsie gives us differing growth periods.  Councilperson Wayne Freer said it would be nice if we had a letter from the Town of Saugerties and Lloyd stating they would be interested in using the machine with an operator.  Supervisor Coutant stated there were twenty-two people who donated funds for the repair of our old machine in the amount of $1,740. 

The company with the harvester will allow us a trade in of $25,000.00.  If you look at the outstanding balance it is about $30,000.00.  The trailer we currently have is not road worthy and the Supervisor will meet with Highway Supt. Al Larkin to see if we can repair it and would it be cost effective?  What we had was a pontoon harvester and this new vessel is a flat bottom boat.  The machine can harvest 10,000 lbs. of water chestnuts at one time.  It can travel 3.5 miles per hour.  Councilperson Freer suggested we apply for a Shared Services Grant.  We may be able to share this machine at no cost.  Councilperson Belfiglio would be in favor of having our men run the boat and charge for it.  Councilperson Silvestro said you may have a problem with who gets to keep the boat.  Previously we had volunteers run the machine.  If this is town equipment we may want to have only employees operate it.  Supervisor Coutant said the machine will have numbers and will be registered with the Coast Guard.  He was not in favor of having someone else operate the boat from other towns.  Our people should have the operating credentials.  The Supervisor will investigate further and keep the Town Board posted.

 7.  Budget Adjustments

Resolution Authorizing Budget Adjustments

December 2008

Be it Resolved, by the Town Board of the Town of Esopus, County of Ulster as follows:

Whereas, the Town Board of the Town of Esopus has been presented with the following budget adjustments,

Now, Therefore, Be it Resolved, that the following budget adjustments be approved:

Assessor’s                                           A00599           $   127.50                    A01355.4

Town Attorney                                   A00599           $1,682.06                    A01420.4

Dog Personnel                         A00599           $1,103.88                    A03510.100

Dog Contractual                                 A00599           $   374.12                    A03510.400

Highway Garage                                 A00599           $     44.08                    A05132.406

Street Lighting                                    A00599           $1,253.59                    A05132.400

Park Maintenance Cont.                     A00599           $   490.16                    A07110.400

Building Utilities                                A00599           $1,471.44                    A01620.402

 

Highway Machinery                           DA0599          $1,466.57                    DA5130.400

Highway Snow Removal                    DA0599          $5,529.62                    DA5141.400

General Repairs Highway                   DA0599          $1,246.47                    DA5110.400

 

Resolution offered by Supervisor John Coutant

Resolution seconded by Councilperson Wayne Freer

 

                                                Supervisor John Coutant                 Aye

                                                Councilperson Gloria VanVliet       Aye

                                                Councilperson Wayne Freer            Aye

                                                Councilperson Deborah Silvestro    Aye

                                                Councilperson Carl Belfiglio            Aye

 

Resolution duly adopted.

8.  Resolution Authorizing Payment of Bills - 2008 Final and 2009 Vouchers

            RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF BILLS

2008 FINAL AND 2009 VOUCHERS

Be it Resolved, by the Town Board of the Town of Esopus, County of Ulster as follows:

Whereas, the Town of Esopus has been presented with vouchers for payment and these vouchers have been examined and approved by the Town Board,

Now, Therefore, Be it Resolved, that the following vouchers be approved for payment:

General Fund  081697-081751                                                                    

                        091001-091009                                                                     $ 56,973.73

 

Highway Fund 082334-082357       

                        092001-092001                                                                     $  9,409.10

 

Capital Fund    095001-095009                                                                    $ 58,347.11

 

Street Lights     086013                                                                                 $   5,860.87

 

Port Ewen Sewer 083179-083184                                                                                             

                            093001-093003                                                                 $ 11,658.83

 

Port Ewen Water 084327-084343                                                                

                            094001-094006                                                                 $ 25,863.81

 

Total................................................                                                              $168,113.45

Resolution offered by Councilperson Gloria VanVliet

Resolution seconded by Supervisor John Coutant

 

                                                            Supervisor John Coutant

                                                            Councilperson Gloria VanVliet

                                                            Councilperson Wayne Freer

                                                            Councilperson Deborah Silvestro

                                                            Councilperson Carl Belfiglio

 

Resolution duly\

There was discussion about the purchasing of electrical and technical equipment.  Councilperson Belfiglio had concern about the purchase of a laptop computer and two cameras from Staples.  We should be purchasing equipment through New York State bid to get the best and most economical prices.  There needs to be a technology liaison and Councilperson Carl Belfiglio volunteered to take this assignment.  Supervisor Coutant will make a note to have all department heads review their technical purchases with Councilperson Belfiglio.

9.  Problem with Attorney Peter Graham’s vouchers

There were several questions concerning the vouchers for Attorney Peter Graham.  There were

questions about the cost of reviewing the Planning Board Minutes and why was this necessary.  There were serious concerns about the various dates of the vouchers that were submitted.  The Attorney did not submit bills on a monthly basis....these vouchers were for the year.  There was questions about his review of the zoning changes and the cost of this review and who authorized the payment.

10.  Miscellaneous Discussion

Questions arose as to what our monthly cost for phone service would be and is it on par with our previous bills?

A question about paying for polling sites and has this been a standard practice in the past?  Yes.

A question about Charlie Wesley’s contract and how his payments are to be divided?  Charlie Wesley said after March things should settle in and he should be putting in four hours a week.

A Motion was made by Councilperson Wayne Freer and seconded by Supervisor Coutant that Charlie Wesley’s contract has been written and begins as of January 1, 2009.

All Town Board Members voted in favor.  Motion Carried.

There was discussion about the Town Hall Contractors and their maintenance agreements and when they should begin?  We could pay in September for the generator contract and for the elevator contract.  HVAC has to be signed this year.  Councilperson Freer asked if this could be taken up next month.

11.  Approval of Minutes

Councilperson Wayne Freer made a Motion to approve the Minutes through January 5th, 2009 and Supervisor John Coutant seconded the Motion.  All Town Board Members voted in favor.  Motion Carried.

12.  Reports of Boards and Committees

The following Reports of Boards and Committees were received and are on file in the Town Clerks’ Office:

Town Clerks’ Monthly Report for December 2008

Town Clerks’ Yearly Report for 2008

Assessor’s Monthly Report dated January 12, 2009

Agenda of Meetings for 2009

Annual Report for the Building Department for 2008

Monthly Report for the Building Department for December 2008

Port Ewen Water/Sewer Board Meeting January 12, 2009

13.  Mail Delivery for New Town Hall

Councilperson Wayne Freer spoke to the Ulster Park Postmaster.  Our mailing address is P O Box 700 Port Ewen, New York 12466 - 284 Broadway.  We can now received delivery of our mail at 284 Broadway Ulster Park, New York 12487.  We should think about this.

14.  Flood Insurance

If we do not take flood insurance for the Port Ewen Water and Sewer District SEMO and FEMA will not give us funding.  If the insurance is taken with a $5,000 deductible the premiums will be better.

Motion to adjourn was made by Councilperson Wayne Freer and seconded by Supervisor John Coutant at 9 PM.  All Town Board Members voted in favor.  Motion Carried.

                                                                                    Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                    Diane L. McCord

                                                                                    Town Clerk, CMC, RMC

                                                                                    NYSTCA Dist. 2 Reg. Dir.