Roxbury Town Board Approved Meeting Minutes - June 8, 2015
APPROVED MINUTES
June 8, 2015
The regular meeting of the Town Board was held June 8, 2015 at 7:30 pm at the Town Hall. PRESENT: Supervisor Thomas S. Hynes, Councilmen Gene Cronk, Edward Raeder, Allen Hinkley and Carol Murray, Hwy. Supt. Stephen Schuman, Assessor Robert Breglio, Building Inspector William Walcutt, Town Attorney Kevin Young and 9 residents.
The Minutes of the May 11th regular meeting and the May 22nd special meeting were approved on motion of Allen Hinkley second by Edward Raeder.
AYES-5 Hinkley, Raeder, Cronk, Murray, Hynes
NAYS-0
Assessor, Robert Breglio, presented a written monthly report for the Town Board. Mr. Breglio updated the Board on Greivance Day stating there were 4 petitions, 19 stipulations and 36 grievances, he explained the adjourned hearing process, stated the Board of Assessment Review is deliberating on decisions and discussed NYCDEP easement values. Attorney Young discussed NYCDEP’s grievance on sewer collection lines where they are requesting a pay back or reduction on taxes for a few years. Attorney Young does not recommend doing a Tax Litigation Avoidance Program (TLAP) through Catskill Watershed Corp. (CWC) at this time but rather we should go by value tables. The Board commended Assessor Breglio on the re-val work.
Margaret Ellsworth stated the CDBG Program needs to be closed even though not all of the money was used. Several outreaches were made to the community to apply, however, there was either no responses or applicants were just over the income limits. Mrs. Ellsworth discussed constructing a community kitchen in the North Barn for use by local food industry businesses and caterers. Costs are estimated at $250,000 to be paid for with grant funds. Some funds are already in place and the M-ARK Project would help market the produce to sell. A new company, Transition Catskills would also help promote the kitchen. A request was made to apply for remaining funds from the State. Ellsworth also requested Town Board approval to apply for grant funds for Jay Gould Memorial Reformed Church, will be meeting with business owners to discuss projects eligible for funding under a Main Street grant, commended Community Resource Clerk Carolynn Faraci for all the work she has done in the park and discussed summer youth workers being responsible for attending events at the park and closing up buildings after events.
RESOLUTION #48-RESOLUTION BY THE TOWN OF ROXBURY APPROVING AND ENDORSING THE MARK PROJECT INC TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION ON BEHALF OF THE TOWN TO NYSDOS FOR FUNDING UNDER THE LWRP PROGRAM
On motion of Allen Hinkley second by Gene Cronk the following resolution was offered and adopted:
“WHEREAS, the Town of Roxbury desires to apply for financial assistance through the 2016 Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) under the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program; and
WHEREAS, the application proposes funding to assist in the development of a Community Local Growers Kitchen located in the North barn of Kirkside Park on the East Branch of the Delaware River; and
WHEREAS, the proposed funding will contribute to ongoing waterfront revitalization efforts; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Roxbury approves and endorses the 2016 Consolidated Funding Application for assistance prepared and to be submitted by the MARK Project Inc.”
WHEREUPON the resolution was put to a vote as follows:
AYES-5 Hinkley, Cronk, Raeder, Murray, Hynes
NAYS-0
RESOLUTION #49-SUPPORT GRANT APPLICATION FOR GOULD CHURCH
On motion of Gene Cronk second by Allen Hinkley the following resolution was offered and adopted:
“NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town of Roxbury recognizes that the Jay Gould Reformed Church is a prominent historic structure and community asset located on the highly visible State Route 30/Main Street corridor and greatly contributes to the historic character of Roxbury; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town of Roxbury fully supports the proposal being submitted to the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation for funds to make repairs to this valuable historic resource.”
WHEREUPON the resolution was put to a vote as follows:
AYES-5 Cronk, Hinkley, Raeder, Murray, Hynes
NAYS-0
Carolynn Faraci stated that she continues to book events in the park into 2016, discussed summer work crew details, cleaning up around the park, planting lilies donated by Norma & Dennis Coney of Gilboa, NY, commended Gordon Mead on all of his work in the park, and stated there are a few trees in the park that will be taken down soon.
Highway Supt. Stephen Schuman stated crews have been getting roads ready for stone & oil, have been working dirt roads fixing ruts, he will be meeting with DEC this week regarding Rodrigues gravel pit reclamation, has met with Delaware County Soil & Water regarding proposed stream projects on Robbins Rd., stating the stream work proposed for Schoolview Dr. cannot be done under the Soil & Water program because there is no Town owned land nearby to set up on, however, it may be done under another program, the water problems at the garage will be looked into further, one highway employee is retiring and he has purchased a used truck for $4,000 to be used for parts.
The Personnel Committee will look into the vacancy in the Highway Dept.
Discussion took place on getting a bigger generator for the highway garage and for the radio equipment housed there.
RESOLUTION #50- ADVERTISE FOR HIGHWAY GARAGE GENERATOR
On motion of Allen Hinkley second by Gene Cronk the following resolution was offered and adopted:
“RESOLVED, the Town Board will advertise for sealed bids for a larger generator for the Highway Garage; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED said bids will be opened July 13, 2015 at 2:00 pm at the Town Hall; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the Town Board reserves the right to reject any and all bids.”
AYES-5 Hinkley, Cronk, Raeder, Murray, Hynes
NAYS-0
Councilman Hinkley reported having spoken with B&B Construction regarding the concrete work needed at the Transfer Station. Costs are estimated at $10,000+/-. The highway department would take out the old concrete.
Building Inspector William Walcutt had a written monthly report for the Town Board. He also stated he has received several complaints of noise, odor and rat infestation as a result of the chickens on Main Street Roxbury. The Building Code covers such issues under the Property Maintenance Section, however, it is difficult to enforce or the Town Board could do a Local Law. The Board discussed the matter and felt since Roxbury has always been a farming Town that it did not want to ban it by doing a local law. The owners are down to one rooster so will see if the noise diminishes. Mr. Walcutt also stated the bar building on the Lilly property was demolished today and clean up will take place shortly.
The Town Planning Board has requested the appointment of Edward Hinkley to fill the vacancy on the Planning Board that was held by Melony Lee.
RESOLUTION #51-APPOINT HINKLEY TO PLANNING BOARD
On motion of Carol Murray second by Edward Raeder the following resolution was offered and adopted:
“RESOLVED, effective immediately, the Town Board appoints Edward Hinkley to fill the unexpired term for the vacancy on the Planning Board where said term shall expire 12/31/15.”
AYES-4 Murray, Raeder, Cronk, Hynes
NAYS-0
ABSTAIN-1 Hinkley (relative)
A letter was received from Martin Menne requesting connection to the Roxbury Water District for his house located on Shepard Lane.
RESOLUTION #52-APPROVE MENNE WATER CONNECTION TO ROXBURY WATER
On motion of Allen Hinkley second by Gene Cronk the following resolution was offered and adopted:
“RESOLVED, the Town Board authorizes Martin Menne to connect to the Roxbury Water District per the conditions of a Water Agreement that must be executed by both parties.”
AYES-5 Hinkley, Cronk, Raeder, Murray, Hynes
NAYS-0
Discussion took place on a water break at the Park Lane Trailer Park. It is anticipated that Cowan Excavating will complete the repair.
Evelyn Irwin questioned the Roxbury Business Association being on the Town’s insurance for the flower baskets. They are under the M-ARK Project for Worker’s Comp and Disability.
Charles Serrie again raised concerns with being charged prevailing wage by a contractor to thaw his frozen water lines this winter in anticipation of being reimbursed by the Town and then not being reimbursed by the Town. Supv. Hynes stated he told the contractor the Town cannot reimburse the owners for frozen lines per the water district bylaws. Supv. Hynes will contact the contractor again to explain the matter so the owner can be reimbursed by the contractor for the difference charged for prevailing cost fees as private homeowners cannot be charged prevailing wage. Mr. Serrie also again requested the Town Board change the water district laws to reflect the owner being responsible from the house to the curb box and not the main, especially for those whose service line runs under the road.
Edward Dalski complained about no flowers on Main Street in the hamlet of Roxbury and the poor condition of the Christmas lights in the hamlet of Roxbury this past year. It was stated flowers were placed on Main Street by the Greater Roxbury Business Assoc. who are also going to hang flower baskets on the poles as soon all permits are approved by all agencies involved and the Roxbury Rotary has the Christmas lighting and all lights are checked each day for outages and fixed.
Councilwoman Carol Murray questioned the work needed on the Civic Center ballfield as Little League has begun. It was stated William Lawrence takes care of the field for the Town and is expected there shortly to remedy.
A letter was received from Stone Tavern Farm indicating they would be applying for a Liquor License for the restaurant at Shepard Hills Golf. No action was taken pending proper notification per NYS Liquor Authority rules.
No action was taken on the Police Policy.
On motion of Carol Murray second by Gene Cronk the Town Board approved the monthly report of the Town Clerk for May 2015 in the amount of $3,257.03 (Town Clerk $907.03 and Building Permits $2,350.00)
AYES-5 Murray, Cronk, Raeder, Hinkley, Hynes
NAYS-0
On motion of Edward Raeder second by Allen Hinkley the Town Board approved the monthly report of the Supervisor for April 2015.
AYES-5 Raeder, Hinkley, Cronk, Murray, Hynes
NAYS-0
On motion of Allen Hinkley second by Gene Cronk the Town Board approved the monthly report of the Justice Court for January 2015 in the amount of $2,972.00; February 2015 in the amount of $3,236.00 and April 2015 in the amount of $2,482.00.
AYES-5 Hinkley, Cronk, Raeder, Murray, Hynes
NAYS-0
On motion of Carol Murray second by Allen Hinkley the Town Board approved the monthly report of the Assessor for May 2015.
AYES-5 Murray, Hinkley, Raeder, Cronk, Hynes
NAYS-0
On motion of Allen Hinkley second by Edward Raeder the Town Board approved the monthly report of (CDBG (HUD) Funds for May, 2015 reflecting a balance of $79,521.50.
AYES-5 Hinkley, Raeder, Cronk, Murray, Hynes
NAYS-0
On motion of Gene Cronk second by Carol Murray the Town Board approved the monthly report of the Building Inspector for May 2015.
AYES-5 Cronk, Murray, Raeder, Hinkley, Hynes
NAYS-0
On motion of Allen Hinkley second y Gene Cronk the Town Board approved the monthly report of Water Receipts for May 2015 in the following amounts: Denver $967.44; Grand Gorge $1,211.38 and Roxbury $487.97.
AYES-5 Hinkley, Cronk, Raeder, Murray, Hynes
NAYS-0
Discussion took place on revising the dog law to reflect penalties for unlicensed dogs found during an enumeration. Attorney Young will draft a new law for Town Board review.
Copies of the Annual Water reports for Denver, Grand Gorge and Roxbury Water Districts for the year 2014 were distributed to the Town Board, mailed to all customers, mailed to all applicable agencies and advertised as required. Copies are also available at the Town Clerk’s Office for inspection.
On motion of Gene Cronk second by Allen Hinkley the bills were audited and ordered paid in the following amounts:
General #220-264 – $124,676.90
Denver Sewer #47-54 – $12,721.18
Highway #115-136 – $122,073.05
Special Lights #7 – $2,236.94
Roxbury Water #34-42 – $3,376.25
Capital Projects :
Grand Gorge Water #39-45 – $3,020.51
CDBG (HUD) Prog #2 – $32,082.00
Denver Water #38-44 – $1,835.98
Other:
Roxbury Sewer #36-42 – $27,392.07
Stratton Falls Escrow #2 – $3,077.50
AYES-5 Cronk, Hinkley, Raeder, Murray, Hynes
NAYS-0
Attorney Young stated receiving several complaints regarding the odors at the Mountainside Creamery sewer facility and discussed the processing of materials sent there. The matter will be looked into further.
On motion of Gene Cronk second by Allen Hinkley the meeting adjourned at 8:45 pm.
THIS IS A TRUE COPY
_____________________________________
Diane Pickett, Town Clerk
Thomas S. Hynes, Supervisor
Gene Cronk, Councilman
Edward Raeder, Councilman
Allen Hinkley, Councilman
Carol Murray, Councilwoman