TOWN BOARD MEETING

JUNE 21, 2001

 

A meeting of the Town of Esopus Town Board was held on Thursday, June 21, 2001 at 7:30 PM in the Town Hall on Broadway in Port Ewen with the following persons in attendance:

 

Supervisor Ray Rice

Councilman Marshall Courtney

Councilman John Loughlin

Councilman Peter Beisel

Councilman Gloria VanVliet

 

Recording Secretary: Diane L. McCord

Town Clerk, RMC

 

The Meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM by Supervisor Ray Rice. Supervisor

Rice made the following announcements:

 

1. Recognition of Brownie Troop #39 for the beautiful flowers they planted in the

barrels outside the Town Hall.

 

2. Tire Amnesty - There will be a week in July (to be announced) sponsored by the

Ulster County Resource Recovery Agency (UCRRA) and the Ulster County

Health Dept. when tires can be brought to designated Transfer Stations at no

cost. Tires on rims will have a small charge. This is to prevent the spread of

the West Nile Virus.

 

3. Bug Repellent is available free of charge from the Town Clerks office.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT: None

 

TOWN BOARD RESOLUTIONS:

 

1. RESOLUTION APPROVING TRAILER COURT LICENSES

 

BE IT RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Esopus, in the County of Ulster, as follows:

WHEREAS, the Town is required to accept and examine applications for the renewal of licenses for the operation of Trailer Courts within the Town,

 

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board has examined the applications, accepted the required fees, and does hereby authorize the issuance of Trailer Court licenses for the following:

 

Connelly Village, Inc. Jing Enterprises

Daniel Enterprises Daniel Boons

Dutcher Mobile Homes

 

Resolution offered by Councilman Peter Beisel

Resolution seconded by Councilman John Loughlin

 

Supervisor Ray Rice Aye

Councilman Marshall Courtney Aye

Councilman John Loughlin Aye

Councilman Peter Beisel Aye

Councilman Gloria VanVliet Aye

 

Resolution duly adopted.

 

2. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING NEW TRANSFER STATION FEES

 

BE IT RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Esopus, in the County of Ulster, as follows:

 

WHEREAS, the fee schedule for the Esopus Transfer Station has been examined and suggestions have been made which will benefit the Transfer Station Customers and the taxpayers at large,

 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board sets the following fee schedule for the Esopus Transfer Station:

 

Household Garbage:

Small bags/can $1.25

Large bags/can 2.00

loose by weight .06 per pound

 

Construction & Demolition

loose by weight .06 per pound

White Goods:

under 2'x2'x2' $ 5.00

over 2'x2'x2' 10.00

any freon appliance 10.00

Permits:

one day $ 5.00

annual 20.00

senior 10.00

second permit 2.00

pro-rated after June 1 15.00

pro-rated after Sept. 1 10.00

 

Tires:

up to 14 inches 2.00

fifteen to nineteen inches 3.00

truck tires 15.00

loader/equipment per ply 10.00

 

Resolution offered by Councilman John Loughlin

Resolution seconded by Supervisor Ray Rice

 

Supervisor Ray Rice Aye

Councilman Marshall Courtney Aye

Councilman John Loughlin Aye

Councilman Peter Beisel Aye

Councilman Gloria VanVliet Aye

 

RESOLUTION DULY ADOPTED.

 

Robert Richter - Esopus: There is a question regarding purchasing a new car or a different car during the year and your permit goes with the car. Supervisor Rice stated the Transfer Station would have a record of your permit number and this should not pose an issue. Another question from Robert Richter was will there be a change in the way we handle the Town Cleanup? Supervisor Rice said there would be some changes which will include going to the Transfer Station to cleanup on a permit, however, there will be more discussion about this.

 

3. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ADJUSTMENTS TO 2001 BUDGET

 

BE IT RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Esopus, in the County of Ulster, as follows:

 

WHEREAS, adjustments to the 2001 budget are required in order to properly reflect changes in certain accounts,

 

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board authorizes the transfer of the following amounts from the indicated accounts and Fund Balances to the indicated active accounts.

 

From A2990.4 Contingency $ 564.82 A1420.4 Legal Fees

1,300.00 A5132.4 Hwy Garage (copier)

4,945.00 A7140.2 Hwy Dept Truck

1,629.00 A8889.4 St. Lighting (repairs)

1,543.81 A9050.8 Unemployment Ins.

 

Resolution offered by Supervisor Ray Rice

Resolution seconded by Councilman John Loughlin

 

Supervisor Ray Rice Aye

Councilman Marshall Courtney Aye

Councilman John Loughlin Aye

Councilman Peter Beisel Aye

Councilman Gloria VanVliet Aye

 

Resolution duly adopted.

 

4. RESOLUTION APPOINTING LISA CASTALDO TO THE RECREATION COMMISSION

 

BE IT RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Esopus, in the County of Ulster, as follows:

 

WHEREAS, a vacancy exists on the Recreation Commission and a recommendation for appointment has been received from the Recreation Commission,

 

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board appoints Lisa Castaldo to the Town of Esopus Recreation Commission,

 

RESOLUTION OFFERED BY COUNCILMAN GLORIA VANVLIET

RESOLUTION SECONDED BY SUPERVISOR RAY RICE

 

SUPERVISOR RAY RICE AYE

COUNCILMAN MARSHALL COURTNEY AYE

COUNCILMAN JOHN LOUGHLIN AYE

COUNCILMAN PETER BEISEL AYE

COUNCILMAN GLORIA VANVLIET AYE

 

RESOLUTION DULY ADOPTED.

 

5. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE DEPUTY SUPERVISOR TO SIGN CHECKS

 

BE IT RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Esopus, in the County of Ulster as follows:

 

WHEREAS, there is a requirement that a representative of the Town of Esopus have the authority to sign checks in the absence of the Town Supervisor,

 

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board authorizes the Deputy Supervisor Marshall Courtney, to sign checks when the Town Supervisor is absent.

 

RESOLUTION OFFERED BY COUNCILMAN JOHN LOUGHLIN

RESOLUTION SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN PETER BEISEL

 

SUPERVISOR RAY RICE AYE

COUNCILMAN MARSHALL COURTNEY AYE

COUNCILMAN JOHN LOUGHLIN AYE

COUNCILMAN PETER BEISEL AYE

COUNCILMAN GLORIA VANVLIET AYE

 

RESOLUTION DULY ADOPTED.

 

6. RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE PURCHASE RESOLUTION FOR A PLOW TRUCK

 

At the Workshop Meeting Highway Supt. Art Cross explained there was a need to add an additional $4,945 to the cost of the plow truck due to a technical difference in the 2001 International truck regarding the nine speed transmission. The sum of the plow truck will be $85,748.00.

 

BE IT RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Esopus, in the County of Ulster as follows:

 

WHEREAS, the Town of Esopus Highway Department was authorized to purchase, using the NYS bid, a 2001 International Truck with plows for the sum of $85,748.00 from the Highway Capital Equipment Account on January 18, 2001,

 

WHEREAS, the availability of options on the truck has changed,

 

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board authorizes the expenditure of an additional $4,945.00 for the plow truck.

 

RESOLUTION OFFERED BY COUNCILMAN PETER BEISEL

RESOLUTION SECONDED BY SUPERVISOR RAY RICE

 

SUPERVISOR RAY RICE AYE

COUNCILMAN MARSHALL COURTNEY AYE

COUNCILMAN JOHN LOUGHLIN AYE

COUNCILMAN PETER BEISEL AYE

COUNCILMAN GLORIA VANVLIET AYE

 

RESOLUTION DULY ADOPTED.

 

7. RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE EXPENDITURE OF $3500 TO UPDATE THE TOWN CODE

 

BE IT RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Esopus, in the County of Ulster, as follows:

 

WHEREAS, Shuster Associates has submitted a proposal to prepare the changes for review by the Planning, ZBA, and the Town Board for $3,500.00

 

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board authorizes the Supervisor to contract with Shuster Associates to update the Town Code.

 

RESOLUTION OFFERED BY SUPERVISOR RAY RICE

RESOLUTION SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN JOHN LOUGHLIN

 

SUPERVISOR RAY RICE AYE

COUNCILMAN MARSHALL COURTNEY AYE

COUNCILMAN JOHN LOUGHLIN AYE

COUNCILMAN PETER BEISEL AYE

COUNCILMAN GLORIA VANVLIET AYE

 

RESOLUTION DULY ADOPTED.

 

There was some discussion concerning this Resolution. Councilman VanVliet

wanted to be assured that the proper procedures were to be followed regarding the review and public hearings. Councilman Courtney stated this would not change the actual zoning plan but would streamline some uses that have come to light.

 

8. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PAYMENT OF BILLS RECEIVED SINCE THE MAY BOARD MEETING

 

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 #284-357 $ 64,704.98

HIGHWAY FUND #107-145 33,981.90

STREET LIGHTING #6 3,383.54

PORT EWEN SEWER #78-94 16,791.57

PORT EWEN WATER #139-170 15,003.72

 

TOTAL..................................................................$134,024.62

 

RESOLUTION OFFERED BY SUPERVISOR RAY RICE

RESOLUTION SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN MARSHALL COURTNEY

 

SUPERVISOR RAY RICE AYE

COUNCILMAN MARSHALL COURTNEY AYE

COUNCILMAN JOHN LOUGHLIN AYE

COUNCILMAN PETER BEISEL AYE

COUNCILMAN GLORIA VANVLIET AYE

 

RESOLUTION DULY ADOPTED.

 

9. MOTION ACCEPTING THE MINUTES OF THE MAY TOWN BOARD

MEETING

A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES SINCE THE MAY TOWN BOARD MEETING WAS MADE BY SUPERVISOR RAY RICE AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN JOHN LOUGHLIN. ALL TOWN BOARD MEMBERS VOTED IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.

 

10. Announcement of availability of correspondence and the following reports of committees:

 

Town Clerks’ Report dated May 2001

Monthly Report of Building Inspector dated May 2001

Port Ewen Water/Sewer District Monthly Report dated May 2001

Fire Inspectors Report dated May 2001

Minutes of the May Meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals

Port Ewen Water and Sewer Board Meeting dated June 12, 2001

Planning Board Workshop Minutes dated June 7, 2001

Planning Boad Meeting Minutes dated May 24, 2001

Rabies Clinic Report dated June 1 2001

 

Comments of Supervisor Ray Rice to Ira Weiner - commentator of the program FOCAS on Esopus:

 

“Ira, on some of your recent programs you’ve made some misleading comments regarding a loan to our Town Library. Ira, I’ve explained to you the status of the loans to our library on several occasions -most recently at the November 17^th Town Board Meeting.”

 

“The Library received two loans from a community revolving loan fund - one for $25,000 and one for $10,000 -for their proposed expansion. They repaid the $10,000 loan almost immediately, and they have five years, contractually, to repay the $25,000 loan.”

 

“You have implied that there was some impropriety in loaning money to the library -you allege that the loan terms require job creation. This is totally false. The money which was loaned to the library was from a community loan fund which originated with HUD. The money was loaned initially, to renovate a business building in Port Ewen. As the loan was repaid, the money was loaned to the Esopus Fire Company, the Connelly Fire Company, and to the Town of Esopus Volunteer

Ambulance Service for capital improvements. All of these loans have been repaid on time and I’m certain the library will do the same.”

 

“This loan fund has a long history of community service in our Town and for you to imply that there was any impropriety in loaning money to the library is simply malicious use of your program.”

 

 

PUBLIC COMMENT:

 

Ira Weiner - West Park made the following comments:

 

1. Any time you loan this kind of money there should be a contract and you have no

specific contract for I have asked you for a copy many times. Supervisor Rice

answered there was a contract and he would provide a copy of the contract.

 

2. The rules of the county state that there should be a payment program at any time

and you have no county payment program. You only say it is five years open

ended. Supervisor Rice stated that was the contract.

 

3. This is essentially a HUD Loan....does this loan continually run under the HUD

Guidelines? No.....once it is paid it continues under the Town Guidelines. Do

you have that in writing? Yes, I do. I would love to have a copy. I will be

more than happy to read that in front of the camera for our viewing audience. When can I pick that up? Tomorrow.

 

James Ellsworth - Port Ewen: Is there any way on FOCUS on Esopus you could mention people need to pick up after their pets, especially in our park areas.

A MOTION WAS MADE BY SUPERVISOR RAY RICE AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN MARSHALL COURTNEY TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8 PM. ALL TOWN BOARD MEMBERS VOTED IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Diane L. McCord, Town Clerk, RMC