Roxbury Town Board Approved Meeting Minutes - September 12, 2016
APPROVED MINUTES
September 12, 2016
Two Public Hearings and the regular meeting of the Town Board were held September 12, 2016 at 7:15 pm at the Town Hall. Present were: Supervisor Thomas S. Hynes, Councilmen Gene Cronk, Edward Raeder, Allen Hinkley and Carol Murray, Dpty. Hwy. Supt. William Sprague, Assessor Robert Breglio, Parks Clerk Carolynn Faraci, Attorney Kevin Young and 2 residents. Absent: Hwy. Supt. Neil German (due to illness) and Building Inspector William Walcutt.
The Public Hearing for closeout of the 2012 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) was called to order at 7:15 pm. The notice calling for the hearing was read. Margaret Ellsworth of the M-ARK Project Inc. discussed the project that funded 18 housing rehabilitation projects in the Town of Roxbury. The total cost including administration fees was in the amount of $400,000.
No comments were heard in favor of or against closeout of the program.
The Hearing closed at 7:22 pm.
Four additional residents arrived.
The Public Hearing for comments on submission of an application to NYS Homes and Community Renewal for a new CDBG for housing rehab was called to order at 7:25 pm. The notice calling for the hearing was read. Margaret Ellsworth discussed the program and recommends submitting for only a $200,000 grant for 6-8 projects as there were only a few homeowners that were not able to be served by previous program funds. Maureen Sauveur expressed concerns with the homeowner application process and getting put on a waiting list. Ellsworth will look into the matter. Town Board members spoke in favor of submitting another application. No comments were heard against submitting the application.
The Hearing closed at 7:34 pm.
The regular meeting was called to order at 7:34 pm.
The Minutes of the August 8, 2016 meeting were approved on motion of Gene Cronk second by Allen Hinkley.
AYES-5 Cronk, Hinkley, Raeder, Murray, Hynes
NAYS-0
One additional resident arrived.
William and Patricia Davis were present to discuss issues they have with property they purchased next to their home in Grand Gorge. They purchased the property from Federal National Mortgage Assoc. in March of 2016 for $4,500 and removed the house in May 2016. Issues pertain to the house having been condemned and notice posted by the Building Inspector in 2013 and currently having an assessed value of $44,800 that they were unaware of upon the purchase and that they will now be responsible for paying 2016 School Tax and 2017 Town/County taxes on. Assessor Robert Breglio upheld his assessment referencing Real Property Tax Law as it pertains to the house still standing as of March 1, 2016 (taxable status date), conditions of the structures, value of the primary acre with municipal water and sewer and that the Building Inspector had stated at an October 2015 Town Board meeting that the property was now in acceptable condition to him per his inspection. Breglio also added the owner’s were aware of the Grievance process having been in to speak with him regarding their primary residence assessment and further stated the assessment on the new property will decrease on March 1, 2017 due to the house being removed and will only reflect the primary acre and garage unless the owners decide to combine the two properties for taxable purposes which would further remove the second primary acre value. Attorney Young agreed with the Assessor’s interpretation of the tax law regarding the matter. The Davis’s also had issues with the Building Inspector not returning calls and not responding with requests for copies of building permits and plans that would now make the property condition acceptable. The Town Board will contact the Building Inspector regarding the issues raised and to attend the next meeting to discuss the matter further.
Assessor Robert Breglio spoke about items from his written report to the Town Board including issues with people not getting building permits for required work and therefore the Assessor not knowing about the work until viewing changes on real estate sale listings. He also discussed issues with the STAR check program that is now being administered by the State.
Attorney Kevin Young stated having received a report from Chazen regarding NYCDEP sewer collection system values. The matter will be discussed further at a later date for future assessments.
Highway Supt. Neil German was absent but Deputy Hwy. Supt. William Sprague reported stone and oiling for this year has been completed, the Hwy. Supt. would like to post an old tractor with mower and old garage light fixtures for sale on the Auctions International site, requested the Town sell the carriages being stored at the old highway garage because they have not been used in several years and it would clear storage space for highway materials/equipment, the Highway Supt. is requesting Ralph Sprague to fill the Highway Mechanic vacancy and they are waiting on the rest of the parts to fix the truck damaged by the Town of Middletown.
RESOLUTION #64-USED MOWER & LIGHT FIXTURES TO ONLINE AUCTION
On motion of Gene Cronk second by Carol Murray the following resolution was offered and adopted:
“RESOLVED, The Town Board authorizes the Highway Supt. to post the 1972 Ford 2000 tractor & mower and the highway garage halogen light fixtures for sale on the online Auctions International site to obtain bids for same.”
AYES-5 Cronk, Murray, Raeder, Hinkley, Hynes
NAYS-0
RESOLUTION #65-UPGRADE RALPH SPRAGUE TO HWY. MECHANIC
On motion of Gene Cronk second by Carol Murray the following resolution was offered and adopted:
“WHEREAS, there exists a vacancy in the position of Highway Mechanic due to the retirement of Edward Docskalik; and
WHEREAS, Ralph Sprague currently holds the position of Mechanic’s Assistant;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board appoints Ralph Sprague from Mechanic’s Assistant to the position of Mechanic effective September 13, 2016 at a rate of pay of $21.22/hour.”
AYES-5 Cronk, Murray, Raeder, Hinkley, Hynes
NAYS-0
Dpty. Supt. Sprague requested filling the current vacancy in the Highway Dept. He was directed to have the Hwy. Supt. make his recommendation to the Town Board.
Parks Clerk Carolynn Faraci reported there are still four events booked for the pavilion this year, has six events already booked for next year, the flower boxes on Main Street will soon be getting filled with mums and stated the dollhouse windows are still out being repaired.
Brian Perazone expressed concerns with event signs being posted on the Veterans Memorial property and requested the Town Board enact a law with penalties that would prevent such posting. The Attorney will look into doing a local law on the matter.
Supervisor Hynes stated the water running across the pony farm driveway in Grand Gorge was due to an open valve on the old Frevert Well waterline. The valve has been shut off.
Supervisor Hynes also reported a leak still exists on the Roxbury waterline in between the school and Benecke residence and is expected to be repaired soon.
Attorney Young is still awaits a response from NYCDEP regarding costs for Grand Gorge Tire to hook up to the Grand Gorge DEP sewer line.
On motion of Edward Raeder second by Allen Hinkley the Town Board approved the Town Clerk’s monthly report for August 2016 in the amount of $2,647.16 (Town Clerk $1647.16 and Building Permits $1,000.00)
AYES-5 Raeder, Hinkley, Cronk, Murray, Hynes
NAYS-0
On motion of Gene Cronk second by Allen Hinkley the Town Board approved the Supervisor’s monthly reports for June and July 2016.
AYES-5 Cronk, Hinkley, Raeder, Murray, Hynes
NAYS-0
On motion of Gene Cronk second by Edward Raeder the Town Board approved the Assessor’s monthly report for August 2016.
AYES-5 Cronk, Raeder, Hinkley, Murray, Hynes
NAYS-0
On motion of Allen Hinkley second by Gene Cronk the Town Board approved the Building Inspector’s report for August 2016.
AYES-5 Hinkley, Cronk, Raeder, Murray, Hynes
NAYS-0
On motion of Carol Murray second by Gene Cronk the Town Board approved the Water Receipts monthly reports for August 2016 in the following amounts: Denver $651.42; Grand Gorge $487.64 and Roxbury $1,061.07.
AYES-5 Murray, Cronk, Raeder, Hinkley, Hynes
NAYS-0
On motion of Edward Raeder second by Allen Hinkley the Town Board approved the Justice Court monthly reports for July 2016 in the amount of $2,667.00 and August 2016 in the amount of $3,855.50.
AYES-5 Raeder, Hinkley, Cronk, Murray, Hynes
NAYS-0
No action was taken on hiring a School Crossing Guard as no applications have been received.
RESOLUTION #66-SCHEDULE BUDGET WORKSHOP
On motion of Gene Cronk second by Carol Murray the following resolution was offered and adopted:
“RESOLVED, the Town Board will hold a Special Meeting on October 17, 2016 at 7:00 pm at the Town Hall to conduct a Budget Workshop on the 2017 Tentative Budget and to discuss any other business that may come before the Town Board.”
AYES-5 Cronk, Murray, Raeder, Hinkley, Hynes
NAYS-0
RESOLUTION #67-ADVERTISE BIDS FOR FUEL OIL
On motion of Gene Cronk second by Edward Raeder the following resolution was offered and adopted:
“RESOLVED, the Town Board authorizes advertising for sealed bids for fuel oil for the 2016/2017 heating season; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, said bids must be received before 2:00 pm on October 7, 2016 at which time they shall be opened; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, any award will be made at the regular monthly meeting of the Town Board to be held October 10, 2016.”
AYES-5 Cronk, Raeder, Hinkley, Murray, Hynes
NAYS-0
RESOLUTION #68-RE-APPOINT GOCKEL TO BOARD OF ASSESSMENT REVIEW
On motion of Allen Hinkley second by Gene Cronk the following resolution was offered and adopted:
“RESOLVED, the Town Board re-appoints Henry Gockel to the Board of Assessment Review for the five year term 10/1/16-9/30/21.”
AYES-5 Hinkley, Cronk, Raeder, Murray, Hynes
NAYS-0
No action was taken on renewing the health insurance plans as the State has not yet accepted the proposed rates.
RESOLUTION #69-CLOSEOUT OF 2012 CDBG PROGRAM
On motion of Gene Cronk second by Carol Murray the following resolution was offered and adopted:
“WHEREAS, in 2012 the Town of Roxbury was awarded a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Project #1004HR64-12 for owner occupied housing rehabilitation from NYS Homes and Community Renewal in the amount of $400,000; and
WHEREAS, the program was administered by the M-ARK Project, Inc. on behalf of the Town of Roxbury; and
WHEREAS, all work was completed and final funds were dispersed in October 2015; and
WHEREAS, funds were dispersed to eighteen homeowners in the amount of $351,000 and for administration in the amount of $49,000; and
WHEREAS, a Public Hearing on closeout of the program was advertised in the Catskill Mountain News; and
WHEREAS, the Public Hearing was held September 12, 2016 at 7:15 pm at the Town Hall; and
WHEREAS, no negative comments were heard on the closeout of the 2012 CDBG Program,
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board of the Town of Roxbury officially closes out 2012 CDBG Project #1004HR64-12.”
AYES-5 Cronk, Murray, Raeder, Hinkley, Hynes
NAYS-0
RESOLUTION #70-NEW APPLICATION FOR CDBG PROGRAM FUNDS
On motion of Carol Murray second by Allen Hinkley the following resolution was offered and adopted:
“WHEREAS, the Town Board Town of Roxbury wishes to submit an application to NYS Housing and Community Renewal for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for owner occupied home repair in the amount of $200,000; and
WHEREAS, the notice of the Public Hearing was advertised in the Catskill Mountain News; and
WHEREAS, the Public Hearing was held September 12, 2016 at 7:25 pm at the Town Hall; and
WHEREAS, there were no negative comments heard at the Public Hearing for application to NYS Housing and Community Renewal;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board authorizes an application to NY Homes and Community Renewal for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for owner occupied home repair not to exceed $200,000; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Town Board authorizes the M-ARK Project, Inc. as a sub-recipient to administer the program.”
AYES-5 Murray, Hinkley, Cronk, Raeder, Hynes
NAYS-0
RESOLUTION #71-EQUIPMENT DESTRUCTION LIST
On motion of Gene Cronk second by Edward Raeder the following resolution was offered and adopted:
“RESOLVED, the Town Board authorizes the following equipment for destruction as non-working from the Highway Dept Office: Brother Model 575 Fax Machine Serial #U61227A4W711923.”
AYES-5 Cronk, Raeder, Hinkley, Murray, Hynes
NAYS-0
To apply for the County Clean Sweep Program for hazardous wastes applicants must register with the program through September 15, 2016.
A Tire Day has been scheduled for October 15, 2016, 8:00 am -4:00 pm at the Roxbury Highway Garage. It is being done jointly with the Town of Middletown. Requirements for use: Town of Roxbury or Town of Middletown residents only, Transfer Station Permit required, will take tires fitting up to 17” wheels, rims must be removed and a limit of 10 tires per household.
Attorney Young stated Attorney Beebe acknowledges that he will receive no payment for the NYCDEP collection system assessment work until completed and the Town Board accepts the terms of the agreement.
Joseph Resch requested the Town Board have the Civic Center gym floor refinished and to have the gym repainted the original school colors of green and white. Supervisor Hynes will check with Alan Davis of Roxbury School regarding the matter on what materials to use on the floor.
Sam Maniscalco’s car received bumper and gas tank damage from stones that came from a Town of Roxbury dump truck when the tailgate opened unknowingly to the truck driver. Attorney Young was directed to prepare General Release papers for the car owner to sign, based upon his copies of estimates, and the Town will pay the damages outright to the owner.
On motion of Gene Cronk second by Allen Hinkley the bills were audited and ordered paid in the following amounts:
General #422-475 – $49,480.10
Denver Water #54-59 – $2,081.00
Highway #186-209 – $321,359.38
Roxbury Sewer #57-67 – $30,075.12
Roxbury Water #66-74 – $4,035.56
Denver Sewer #77-85 – $16,263.33
Grand Gorge Water #68-76 – $3,381.85
Special Lights #13-14 – $2,087.84
AYES-5 Cronk, Hinkley, Raeder, Murray, Hynes
NAYS-0
On motion of Allen Hinkley second by Gene Cronk the meeting adjourned at 8:41 pm.
THIS IS A TRUE COPY
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Diane Pickett, Town Clerk
Thomas S. Hynes, Supervisor
Gene Cronk, Councilman
Edward Raeder, Councilman
Allen Hinkley, Councilman
Carol Murray, Councilwoman