TOWN BOARD MEETING

DECEMBER 17, 2009

 

A regularly scheduled Town Board Meeting was held on Thursday, December 15th at 7:30 PM at the Town Hall 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

 

                                                                Recording Administrator:  Diane L. McCord, Town Clerk

 

Supervisor Coutant called the meeting to order at 7:32 PM

 

Public Comment: 

 

Scott Warren:  Mr. Warren lives at 145 Black Creek Road in the Town of Esopus.  He stated CSX added a second track to their railroad lines.  The trains do not bother the Warrens’, however, since the second track was installed the trains idol for four or five hours at a time.  At least two to six engines set there at a time.  The noise is bad.  We have no problem with the trains going back and forth.  Compare the situation to a tractor trailer setting next to your bedroom for several hours at a time.  Mr. Warren spoke with CSX over a year ago and the man was nice and helpful and he worked with the engineers getting them to pull up where they are suppose to be near Old Post Road behind the rocks.  This gentleman was Lou Frangella but now he has retired and the calls go to a Supervisor in Buffalo.  This man is of no help.  Lou was from Albany.  It has been a year since he retired.  If the train went back to Old Post Road behind the rocks this would alleviate the problem.  It would eliminate the four to twelve hours of noise and diesel fumes.   

 

Councilperson Belfiglio asked people in the neighborhood what was going on?  The train has to yield for a north bound train.  This is the closest pull off and the trains just have to wait.  They cannot stop the train engine and turn it off.  The noise level is bad.  CSX told him they are doing this in front of the houses because it is easier to get the engineer off the engine so that he can leave and get some sleep.  They pick him up and take him home and bring him back.  Many residents were afraid to speak out because when they do there is much more horn blowing.

 

Marilyn Genter provided pictures of the trains from her bedroom window.  This is not a safe situation for children to sleep with ear plugs.  We cannot open our windows.  This is a quality of life issue. 

 

Supervisor Coutant said we will get the phone numbers of the neighbors.  We will contact the Albany CSX office and find the phone number of Lou Frangella.  I will have a meeting with CSX and the neighbors and try to solve this.  Please give us the information about how many feet the train needs to be moved.  We need to measure the noise level. 

 

At one point CSX said if they park south of where they normally do the engineer has to walk a mile in the dark to be picked up.  Councilperson Gloria VanVliet said the fumes and emissions do not meet DEC standards and they should be called in and they should take readings on the fumes because they are not healthy.  Councilperson Silvestro said public notices were placed in the newspaper regarding the addition of a second track.  Assessor Dan Terpening said no letters were sent out and the hearings were secretive. 

 

Highway Worker Jon Haight:  Over the last few years more and more people are pushing snow on the road from their driveways.  People should be reminded this is not right.   Councilperson Deborah Silvestro said the City of Kingston is having the same problem.  Notices should be placed on bulletin boards.  The freeman should be could be notified.  It is a state law that snow cannot be shoveled into the road.  Highway Supt. Al Larkin said you can tell people over and over but they do not respond.  A notice in the newspaper would be a good idea.  Notices should be placed in the Post Offices.  A notice should be sent to the Times Herald Record.

 

1.  Town Assessor – NYS Award Presentation

 

Supervisor Coutant introduced Jim LaPlante, a Regional Manager for the New York State Office of Real Property Services for the southern portion of the state.  The Supervisor stated it is a privilege to entertain Mr. LaPlante for the second year in a row.  Mr. LaPlante stated this is really the fifth time our town has been recognized and received this award.  Real Property Taxes in New York State are in a chaotic mess with everyone doing the assessing differently.  New York has thousands of school districts and the system stinks and is very expensive.  We do not have a lot of things going for us.  The only thing a municipality has is a staff that produces a fair and equitable property assessment.  Mr. LaPlante presented our Assessor Dan Terpening and JoAnna Mignone with the award.  Supervisor Coutant thanked the Assessor for a job well done.

 

2.  Highway Supt. Alan Larkin – Pipe Replacement/Park Plowing

 

Supervisor Coutant said the other night there was a miscommunication when we talked about what meeting to attend.  There were questions on the pipe replacement on Canal Street.  Councilperson Wayne Freer wondered if it were legal to do the work and asked if we had an easement?  Supt. Larkin explained the pipe was installed by people in the town.  Past Highway Supt. Art Cross said he turned the pipe over because it had rotted on the top.  Art Cross signed the following statement:  “To my knowledge the pipe in question was originally installed by Joe Clark and Roger Elmendorf  in the mid 80’s when I came to work for the town.  Myself and John Wood went in and uncovered the pipe and rolled it over because of rot holes on the top of the pipe.  This pipe was not replaced.  We did this pipe as well as the next house up.”  There are pipes all over town on private property without easements.  If we installed the pipe we are responsible for it.   Councilperson Freer thought, in a lot of cases, we may be responsible but where do we get the money to take care of these problems?  The 120 feet of pipe which is needed crosses two properties.  Two easements are needed.  There is another pipe across Canal St. but that was installed by Larry Brink and goes into a drainage ditch.  We will leave it the way it is.  If the water is drained into a ditch you do not have to take the responsibility according to Supt. Larkin.  We will have to wait to fix this until next year.  This owner of the property is willing to replace the retaining wall and the shrubs.  Supt. Larkin’s concern is the town was notified of the hole and if someone gets hurt it is our responsibility.  The work will be done the end of May when the frost is out of the ground. 

Councilperson VanVliet asked if we could get an easement from the Canal St. property and ask if he puts in the retaining wall and the flower beds we would not be responsible to replace them if there is a problem?  Our Attorney Paul Kellar said it would cost $250 to $350 for an easement and we would need two.  It was suggested a barrel be placed by the hole to prevent someone from falling in. 

                                                                                               

 

A Motion was made by Supervisor John Coutant to have Highway Supt. Al Larkin do the pipe replacement as early in the spring as possible provided there are easements.  The pipe will be purchased this year to save money.  Councilperson Carl Belfiglio seconded the Motion and all Town Board Members voted in favor.  Motion Carried.

 

Sojourner Park Plowing:  There was a question about who would plow the parking lot and who would clear the sidewalk at the park?  There was also a question about parking hours and what they should be?  Supt. Larkin was asked if he had any thoughts about overnight parking?  Supt. Larkin said he had no problem with maintaining the parking lot, however, it could not be done the same day as the storm.  It may take a day or two.  The parking lot will have to be vacated so many hours after the storm ends because it cannot be plowed if there are cars parked and cannot be plowed with our regular trucks.  When it snows cars have to be off the street and if it is a town lot people should be able to use it.  Councilperson Freer said so many hours after the storm they would have to move their vehicles.  Dec. 1 – March 31 there should be no parking between midnight and 8 AM.  Supt. Larkin said it is not the night parking that is the problem, it is the morning problem. 

 

The question was asked if the Recreation Dept. could maintain the sidewalks and the parking lot and crosswalks?  Usually Dan Vedder is a wingman during a storm and would this conflict with his plowing?  Supt. Larkin said he works the storm as a wingman but does not work the day after the storm so there should be no problem.  Supervisor Coutant asked about if the extra plow at the town garage and if it could be retrofitted to Vedder’s vehicle.  We will look into the retrofitting.  It was decided there would be no overnight parking and a limit of three hours. 

 

New Signs:  Supt. Larkin explained how New York State wants all the signs changed.  If we dropped the speed limit to 30 MPH you could use signs with four inch letters.  When you have a 35 MPH limit the signs must be bigger, four and one half foot signs.  It will cost $29,000 to replace all our signs.  We will spent $3,800 just on stop signs.  These signs must all be up by 2015.  Stop signs and warnings by 2012.

 

Councilperson Freer asked what will we do?  Will we go with Dan Vedder?  Councilperson Silvestro said the Banner of Love and the rock cut are not being done.  Supervisor Coutant believes the rock cut should be a seasonal walkway.  It was suggested the parking lot and sidewalk will be done by Dan Vedder with the bobcat.  For now the sidewalk will be done by Supt. Larkin until we talk with Dan Vedder.  This should be done within twenty four hours. 

 

3.  Resolution – Alan Larkin, Highway Supt. Appointment

 

 Be it Resolved, by the Town Board of the Town of Esopus, in the County of Ulster, State of New York, as follows:

 

Whereas, Alan Larkin is the Highway Superintendent of the Town of Esopus with a term expiring December 31, 2011 and,

 

Whereas, the Highway Superintendent has decided to resign this position for one day on December 30, 2009 and retire from the New York State Retirement System and

 

Whereas, the Highway Superintendent would like to remain Highway Superintendent for a one year term expiring on December 31, 2010,

 

Therefore, Be it Resolved, the Town of Esopus Town Board does hereby appoint Alan Larkin as Highway Superintendent for a term expiring December 31, 2010.

 

Resolution offered by Supervisor John Coutant

Resolution seconded by Councilperson Carl Belfiglio

 

                                                                Supervisor John Coutant                              Aye

                                                                Councilperson Gloria VanVliet                  Aye

                                                                Councilperson Wayne Freer                       Aye

                                                                Councilperson Deborah Silvestro             Aye

                                                                Councilperson Carl Belfiglio                       Aye

 

Resolution duly adopted.

 

 

4.  Resolution – Sewer District Rate Increase

 

Whereas, the law requires the cost of the operation and maintenance of the Port Ewen Sewer District to be paid by revenue derived from the sale of the service,

 

Whereas, this Town Board has adopted a Sewer District budget, for the year 2010, based on a rate of a minimum charge of $13.44 for the first 0 to 4,000 gallons and a rate of $3.36 per 1,000 gallons thereafter, based on the water meter.

 

Therefore, Be it Resolved, that the Town Board increase the rate charged for sewer service from a minimum of $12.80 for the first 0-4,000 gallons and $3.20 per 1,000 gallons thereafter, based on the water meter, to a minimum of $13.44 for the first 0 to 4,000 gallons and the rate of $3.36 per 1,000 gallons thereafter, based on the water meter, with the new rate to be effective upon adoption of this resolution.

 

Resolution offered for adoption by Councilperson Carl Belfiglio and 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.

 

 

5.  Resolution – Water District Rate Increase

 

Whereas, the law requires the cost of the operation and maintenance of the Port Ewen Water District to be paid by revenue derived from the sale of the service,

 

Whereas, this Town Board has adopted a Water District budget, for year 2010, based on a rate of a minimum charge of $16.16 for the first 0 to 4,000 gallons and a rate of $4.04 per 1,000 gallons thereafter, based on the water meter.

 

Therefore, Be it Resolved, that the Town Board increase the rate charged for water service from a minimum of $15.40 for the first 0 to 4,0000 gallons and $3.85 per 1,000 gallons thereafter, based on the water meter, to a minimum of $166.16 for the first 0 to 4,000 gallons and the rate of $4.04 per 1,000 gallons thereafter, based on the water meter, with the new rate to be effective upon adoption of this resolution.

 

Resolution offered for adoption by Councilman Carl Belfiglio and seconded by Supervisor John Coutant.

 

                                                                Supervisor John Coutant                              Aye

                                                                Councilperson Gloria VanVliet                  Aye

                                                                Councilperson Wayne Freer                       Aye

                                                                Councilperson Deborah Silvestro             Aye

                                                                Councilperson Carl Belfiglio                       Aye

 

Resolution duly adopted.

 

6.  Resolution – Ulster Co. Self Insurance vs. Port Ewen Fire District

 

Whereas, the Town of Esopus is a named defendant in a lawsuit entitled Ulster County on behalf of the Ulster County Self-Insurance Plan vs. Port Ewen Fire District, and the Town of Esopus, Index No: 04-1849; and

 

Whereas, there exists cross-claims between the defendants, Port Ewen Fire District and the Town of Esopus; and

 

Whereas, after extensive negotiations, an offer of settlement has been made, and it is the opinion of the Town Board that it is in the best interest of the citizens of the Town of Esopus to conclude the litigation pursuant to the terms of said offer of settlement,

 

Now, Therefore, Be it Resolved, by the Town Board of the Town of Esopus in the County of Ulster, that the matter be settled pursuant to the terms set forth herein:

 

                1.  The Town Supervisor is authorized to enter into a settlement agreement on the pending litigation, which shall provide that the Town of Esopus pay to the plaintiff, Ulster County on behalf of Ulster County Self-Insurance Plan, the sum of Thirty Thousand Dollars ($30,000.00) on or before December 31, 2009.

 

                 2.  The Town Supervisor is authorized to executive general releases for the benefit of any other party to the pending lawsuit against which the Town of Esopus has filed a claim or may have a claim related to the subject matter of this litigation.

 

                3.  The Town of Esopus is to receive from the other parties to this litigation a general release related to the subject matter of this lawsuit for any claims asserted or that could be asserted against the Town of Esopus related to the subject matter of this litigation and be it

 

Further Resolved, that the Town Supervisor is hereby authorized and directed to stipulate to the settlement on behalf of the Town of Esopus, New York, and be it

 

Further Resolved,  the Town Supervisor is authorized to make or direct payment of the said Thirty thousand Dollars ($30,000.00), to plaintiff from the Town of Esopus funds to pay the aforementioned Thirty Thousand Dollars ($30,000.00), and be it

 

Further Resolved, that the Town Supervisor is authorized to execute all necessary documentation to effect the settlement of this lawsuit, pursuant to the terms of settlement as authorized here or to direct such other appropriate municipal official to execute said documentation.

 

Dated:  December 17, 2009

 

Motion by:          Councilperson Wayne Freer

 

Sectioned by:    Councilperson Gloria VanVliet

 

Ayes:                     5                                                                              Supervisor John Coutant

                                                                                                                Councilperson Gloria VanVliet

Nays:                     0                                                                              Councilperson Wayne Freer

                                                                                                                Councilperson Deborah Silvestro

Abstentions:      0                                                                              Councilperson Carl Belfiglio

 

                                                                                                                TOWN OF ESOPUS

 

                                                                                                                Diane L. McCord, Town of Esopus Town Clerk

                                                                                                                               

7.  Resolution – Esopus Lighthouse

                               

RESOLUTION TO TERMINATE

THE SAVE THE ESOPUS LIGHTHOUSE COMMISSION

 

WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Esopus, State of New York, on March 14, 1990 established the Save the Esopus Lighthouse Commission and,

 

WHEREAS, the Esopus Town Board has been petitioned by the members of the Esopus Meadows Lighthouse to dissolve such commission,

 

WHEREAS, there are remaining funds and these funds will be allocated to the Esopus Meadow Lighthouse treasury,

 

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, THAT ALL ASSETS SHALL BE TRANSFERRED TO The Esopus Meadow Lighthouse and the Commission be dissolved,

 

Resolution offered by Supervisor John Coutant

Resolution seconded by Councilperson Deborah Silvestro

 

                                                Supervisor John Coutant                              Aye

                                                Councilperson Gloria VanVliet                  Aye

                                                Councilperson Wayne Freer                       Abstained

                                                Councilperson Deborah Silvestro             Aye

                                                Councilperson Carl Belfiglio                       Aye

 

Resolution duly adopted.

 

 

Councilperson Carl Belfiglio commented that things had been done in the past that maybe should not have happened.  He did not know the Town Board had commissioned this group and they were under our authority.  Whatever mistake there was we need to correct it and dissolve our involvement with this commission.

 

8.  Storm Water Agreement Birchez

 

Our Attorney Paul Kellar has engineered a method of making Birchez responsible now and in the future

for their storm water ponds on their adjacent properties.

 

A Motion was made as discussed on Dec. 15 to authorize the Supervisor to sign a Storm Water Agreement with Birchez to maintain their ponds and to file a TP No. 584 form which means every transaction that goes on with the property will state it legally binds Mr. Aaron to be responsible for the ponds now and in the future.   Councilperson Wayne Freer made this Motion and Councilperson Deborah Silvestro seconded the Motion.  All Town board Members voted in favor.  Motion Carried.

 

 

9.  Resolution – Longevity – Part-time Employees

 

RESOLUTION TO TERMINATE

PART TIIME LONGEVITY

 

Whereas, the Town Board of the Town of Esopus have reviewed Longevity Payments to all employees,

 

Whereas, the Town Board no longer will authorize any and all payments to part time personnel working less than 35 hours per week,

 

Therefore, Be it Resolved, that this resolution will take effect immediately  upon its passing by the Town of Esopus Town Board.

 

Resolution offered by Councilperson Gloria VanVliet

Resolution seconded by Councilperson Deborah Silvestro

 

                                                                Supervisor John Coutant                              Aye

                                                                Councilperson Gloria VanVliet                  Aye

                                                                Councilperson Wayne Freer                       Aye

                                                                Councilperson Deborah Silvestro             Aye

                                                                Councilperson Carl Belfiglio                       Aye

 

Resolution duly adopted.

 

The Supervisor will notify the Department Heads regarding the adoption of this resolution.

 

10.  Resolution – Bonding Port Ewen Water

 

The Supervisor read the following Summary relating to the borrowing of money by the Port Ewen Water District to do the repairs on the Water Plant:

 

“A Resolution will be adopted by the Town Board of the Town of Esopus, Ulster County, New York (the “Town”) on December 17, 2009 authorizes a project (the “Project”) consisting of site repairs and improvements to stabilize the Port Ewen Water District’s Roger Mabie Water Filtration Plant including original furnishings, equipment, machinery apparatus and other improvements incidental thereto in accordance with the maps and plans prepared pursuant to Section 202-b of the Town Law, all as required for the purpose for which such facilities are to be used, at a maximum estimated cost of One Million Eight Hundred Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($1,800,000), including all professional costs, equipment, machinery and other necessary appurtenances and all other necessary costs incidental to such work which is estimated to be the total cost thereof, and the plan for the financing of the aforesaid specific object or purpose is the issuance of up to One Million Eight Hundred Thousand and 00/100 $1,800,000) or such lesser amount as may be necessary, of serial bonds or any bond anticipation notes in anticipation of the issuance and sale of the bonds of said Town and the levy of a tax to pay interest on said obligations.  Pursuant to paragraph I of Section 11.00 of the Local Finance Law, the period of probably usefulness of the Project is forty (40) years.  Such resolution shall be kept available for public inspection in the Town Clerk’s Office during regular business hours for twenty days following this publication.

 

                                                                                TOWN OF ESOPUS

                                                                      ULSTER COUNTY, NEW YORK

 

                                                                                DECEMBER 17, 2009

 

A REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWN Board of the Town of Esopus, in the County of Ulster New York was held at the Town Hall at 284 Broadway, Port Ewen, New York on December 17, 2009, at 7:30 o’clock P.M. (Prevailing Time).

 

There were present:  (Board Members)

 

                                                                Supervisor John Coutant

                                                                Councilperson Gloria VanVliet

                                                                Councilperson Wayne Freer

                                                                Councilperson Deborah Silvestro

                                                                Councilperson Carl Belfiglio

 

There were absent:  None

 

Also present:

 

                                                                Diane L. McCord, Town Clerk

 

The above resolution was offered by Councilperson Wayne Freer, who moved its adoption and seconded by Supervisor John Coutant.

 

                                                                Supervisor John Coutant                              Aye

                                                                Councilperson Gloria VanVliet                  Aye

                                                                Councilperson Wayne Freer                       Aye

                                                                Councilperson Deborah Silvestro             Aye

                                                                Councilperson Carl Belfiglio                       Aye

 

Resolution duly adopted.

 

Supervisor Coutant said he read in detail the information provided by Ted Trespasz who was our attorney who did the borrowing for our Town Hall along with Bob Ranger and Orange County Bank.  This information gives us two phases of bonding.  The first phase is on the $800,000 needed to begin the project.  The payback money from FEMA and SEMO will retire the bond within six or seven months.  The second phase would be an additional $900,000 to deal with the purchase of the clarifier.  When they pay for this that money would go back to retire the bond.  The original cost was $1,650,000 and the attorney suggested going for 1.8 million to give us some safety room because in their experience they have never seen something come in on the money with the FEMA SEMO situation.  We needed to pass this resolution so we could be ready by spring to purchase the equipment necessary.

 

Councilperson Belfiglio asked for borrowing this amount of money don’t we need a public hearing?  Yes.  This is just a resolution that says we want to bond.

 

11.  Resignation – Andrew Bicking – Environmental Board

 

Andrew Bicking  has submitted his resignation from the Environmental Board and we will need a replacement for his term which ends Dec. 31, 2010.  We thank him for a job well done.

 

12.  NYSERDA – Solar Electric Incentive Program

 

We have received official documentation from NYSERDA relative to our Solar Electric Project and the amount they will give us is $194,440.  Our solar panels are being unloaded at this time.

 

13.  Resolution – New Councilpersons – Association of Town School Attendance

 

Resolution to Allow

New Councilpersons to Attend

2010 Association of Towns School

January 5-7, 2010

 

Whereas, the Town of Esopus Town Board, County of Ulster, State of New York, would like to send two new Councilpersons to attend the New York State Association of Town’s Newly Elected Officials to be held at the Desmond Hotel in Albany, New York January 5-7, 2010,

 

Therefore, Be it Resolved, the Town of Esopus Town Board approves the new Councilpersons to attend the New York State Association of Town’s School  to be held January 5-7, 2010 at the Desmond Hotel in Albany.

 

Resolution offered by Councilperson Carl Belfiglio

Resolution seconded by Councilperson Deborah Silvestro

 

                                                                Supervisor John Coutant                              Aye

                                                                Councilperson Gloria VanVliet                  Aye

                                                                Councilperson Wayne Freer                       Aye

                                                                Councilperson Deborah Silvestro             Aye

                                                                Councilperson Carl Belfiglio                       Aye

 

Resolution duly adopted.

 

14. Budget Adjustments

 

                                                                                   Budget Adjustments

 December17, 2009

 

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:

 

 

Town Board Contractual                                           AO.0599.00                             $  744.36               AO.1010.4

Town Justice Personal                                                   AO.0599.00                         $12,840.89           AO.1110.1

Town Clerk Personal                                                       AO.0599.00                         $  301.02               AO.1410.1

Town Clerk Contractual                                                 AO.0599.00                         $  104.30               AO.1410.4

Attorney                                                                              AO.0599.00                         $ 4,390.30            AO.1420.4

Building Utilities                                                                AO.0599.00                         $ 2,521.28            AO.1620.2

Dog Control Personal                                                     AO.0599.00                        $ 3,321.47            AO. 3510.1

Dog Control Contractual                                                AO.0599.00                         $  660.08               AO.3510.4

Feral Cats                                                                            AO.0599.00                         $  113.65               AO.3511.4

Safety Inspection Cont                                                  AO.0599.00                         $  328.34               AO.3620.4

Supt of Highway Personal                                            AO.0599.00                         $  121.81               AO.5010.4

Highway Garage Cont                                                    AO.0599.00                         $  154.85               AO.5132.401

Street Light Cont                                                              AO.0599.00                         $ 1,733.13            AO.5182.400

SS Benefits                                                                         AO.0599.00                         $ 3,359.93            AO.9030.800

SS Benefits                                                                         DA.0599.00                         $1,808.75             DA.9030.800

SS Contractual                                                                   SS.0599.00                           $7,383.93             SS.8110.4

SS Benefits                                                                         SS.0599.00                           $  733.06               SS.9030.8

 

 

Resolution offered by Supervisor John Coutant

Resolution seconded by Councilperson Deborah Silvestro

 

Resolution duly adopted.

 

15.  Payment of Vouchers

 

                                         SOLUTION AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF BILLS SINCE DECEMBER

 

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                                  091612 - 091683                                                                   $ 41,028.44

 

Highway Fund                                 092309  -092334                                                                   $ 68,376.24

 

Capital Fund                                    095052-  095053                                                         $134,251.28                                                                                                                              

Street Lights                                    096013                                                                                     $     5,789.28                                                                                                                               

Port Ewen Sewer                           093181-093196                                                           $     7,233.93

 

Port Ewen Water                           094282-094315                                                            $  16,796.56

 

Total...............................................                                                                                    $273,475.73

 

Resolution offered by Supervisor John Coutant

Resolution seconded by Councilperson Deborah Silvestro

 

16.  Merit Billing

 

The Town never received a bill from Merit for the trenching for our solar panels.  An invoice was never sent for the Town Board to approve.  There was a meeting of our Clerk of the Works, our Architect Joseph Hurwitz and they concurred this was a legitimate charge.

 

17.  Minutes

 

A Motion to approve Minutes was made by Councilperson Gloria VanVliet and seconded by Supervisor John Coutant.  All Town Board Members voted in favor.  Motion Carried.

 

18.  Announcement of Organizational Meeting

 

The Swearing In Ceremony and the Organizational Meeting will be held on January 1, 2009 at 12 Noon.

 

19.  Communications and Reports

 

Communications for December are available and are on file in the Town Clerk’s Office.

The following reports of boards and commissions are available for review in the Town Clerk’s Office:

 

Town Clerk’s Report for November 2009.

Supervisor’s Report for December 2009  

 

Building Department Report dated November 2009.

Planning Board Minutes dated November 18, 2009.

Assessor’s Report dated December 2009.

Councilperson VanVliet said this is our last official meeting for the year and two of our Town Board Members will be leaving and I want to thank them for their service.  Supervisor Coutant on behalf of the residents of the town, the Town Board and personally he thanked Councilperson Deborah Silvestro for a job well done.  You have worked hard and you have done one hell of a good job.  You have been very positive and you have kept the taxpayers interest at heart.  Thank you for you have been an asset to me and the Town Board and I am sure everyone in the Town of Esopus.  In whatever you decide to do the best of everything to you.  To Councilperson Belfiglio he said we have had two years of your service and I could stand another two.  You got things done, you are a worker and you take on a task and you get the job done and I appreciated that.  You are one of the few.  I will miss your dedication, your computer skills, your hours of work you put in when we were building this place and helping out.  Thank you.  Thank you on behalf of everyone in the town.

 

Supervisor Coutant made a Motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:20 PM in honor of both Councilpersons Silvestro and Belfiglio.  Councilperson Wayne Freer seconded the Motion.  All Town Board Members voted in favor.   Motion Carried. 

 

                                                                                                                Respectfully submitted, 

 

                                                                                                                Diane L. McCord