Village Board Minutes

January 11, 2012 (37)

A special meeting of the Village Board was held January 11, 2012 at 6:00 PM in the firehouse, 16 Saratoga Ave.

Mayor Winslow led the Pledge of Allegiance and Supervisor Lucia led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll Call: Trustee Denno, Trustee Densmore and Trustee Lescault were present.  Trustee Enekes was excused.

Mayor Winslow thanked the public for attending the second informational meeting before the dissolution vote on January 17, 2012.  The mayor thanked the members of Dissolution Feasibility Study Committee that were present.

Michael N’dolo of Camoin Associates presented an overview of the findings of the Dissolution Feasibility Study Committee.  Mr. N’dolo worked with the Center for Governmental Research (CGR) on the study on the financial impacts of dissolution.  Ultimately, the study determined that assuming all services currently provided by the Village were continued by the Town the ultimate savings to the Village resident would be $145 per year on a $100,000 home and an increase of $48 per year to a Town resident with a similar home.  Mr. N’dolo pointed out that according to requirements of the State grant used to develop the study, the possible increase in State aid, known as the Citizens Empowerment Credit, was not used in the estimates.  If the potential aid is included in the calculation, the savings for a Village resident would be $242 and savings for a Town resident would potentially be $48.   The main savings in the study are from eliminating the Village Board and Mayor, the Clerk-Treasurer and Deputy Clerk-Treasurer, as well as the Building Inspector.  The study assumed all DPW employees would be hired by the Town, Town Highway employees have a higher pay scale than the DPW therefore there would be an approximate increase in costs of $20,000.  Mr. N’dolo also pointed out that the Town would need to petition the State Legislature in order to maintain the current 24/7 Sheriff presence in the Village, currently the Town cannot enact a special district for enhanced police protection.  In addition, the plan assumed the Fire Department would become an expanded fire protection district to cover the Town and former Village, which may lead to increased administrative costs for the fire department.

Mayor Winslow apologized for any confusion caused by mailers that went to some Town residents in addition to the Village residents for which they were intended.  Only Village residents are permitted to vote in the referendum.  Mayor Winslow opened the floor to Dissolution Feasibility Committee members who wished to make a statement.

Jim Hopkins, Committee member, stated that although the Committee recommended no dissolution the majority of them, after reflection, felt that the Village residents should vote.  Mr. Hopkins also stated that the people collecting signatures for a petition had initially considered a consolidation petition, which would have allowed both Town and Village residents to vote, but they received advice from the Town Attorney, Bob Hafner, that they submit a dissolution petition allowing Village residents only the opportunity to vote.  Tim Hanchett, committee member, questioned why the Town Attorney would be working as a consultant to the committee that gathered petitions.  Supervisor Lucia stated the attorney worked with the petitioners under the retainer with the Town, there was no additional cost other than the retainer.  Mr. Hanchett stated it was not to the benefit of Town residents for the attorney to provide that service since it kept Town residents from voting.

Trustee Melanie Denno, Committee member, stated that no one on the Village Board was willing to put forward a resolution to dissolve the Village, which would have been required for the permissive referendum to move forward.  The Board decided to honor the Committee’s recommendation not to dissolve and let the people file a petition if they wished to move forward with a vote.

Superintendent Dick Lucia, Committee member, stated that after the study he felt the figures did not outweigh the uncertainties in dissolution, but felt the residents should vote on it.  Supervisor Lucia thanked the Village for allowing Town representation on the Feasibility Study Committee.  Mayor Winslow stated if dissolution takes place, the Village would work closely with the Town for an orderly transition.

Kevin Granger, Committee member, discussed uncertainties in the administration costs for the fire department if the Village dissolved.  Currently all administrative tasks are done by Village Hall staff, if the fire department needed to incorporate to provide protection they would need to hire admin staff, auditors and lawyers.  Mr. Granger stated that Greenfield Fire Department spends $100,000 per year in administration costs.  Mr. Granger also expressed his concerns about maintaining the current quality of services delivered by the Village.

Tim Hanchett, Committee member, spoke of the importance of a representative government and his concern that dissolution would lead to less representation for Village residents.  Mr. Hanchett also commented that the fiscal report was a snapshot and the projected savings are an estimate.  Although Mr. Hanchett voted for no dissolution and no vote, he stressed the importance of residents turning out to vote.

Councilman Jeff Collura, Committee member, spoke of his doubt about the receipt of the enhanced AIM funds from the State and his concern over how those funds would be applied by the Town.  Councilman Collura also expressed his opinion that there would be a negative impact on the Curtis Palmer payment if the Village were to dissolve.  Councilman Collura also expressed concern about the proliferation of districts for things such as street repairs, lighting, sidewalks, etc.

Councilman Ed Byrnes, Committee member, stated he was against consolidation but was glad it was going to a vote.  The councilman also expressed his frustration with groups he felt were misleading voters, encouraged people to vote against the dissolution, and expressed admiration for the abuse the Village Board has endured over the years.  Councilman Byrnes expressed his hopes that the community could work past this issue and cooperate on issues.

After the Committee members offered their opinions, the Village Board offered their thoughts on the matter.

Mayor Winslow stated he did not feel that the projected savings would be realized.  The plan calls for the replacement of two full time Village Hall staff members by converting a part time Town employee to full time, Mayor Winslow does not feel this is realistic.  Mayor Winslow spoke of the increase in the Village Hall workload over the past several years and the numerous hours worked by the Village Board members.  The mayor does not feel the duties performed by the Village should be taken lightly.

Trustee Lescault referred to the legal costs involved in the dissolution and stated they could be very significant onetime costs.  She also expressed her doubts that the enhanced AIM payment would continue.

Trustee Densmore stated that the business of both the Town and Village has increased tremendously over the years and that the two Board system has served residents well for the last 100 years.  Trustee Densmore also pointed out that the villages that have voted to dissolve have been very small villages, except Seneca Falls and they are already having problems realizing the savings promised by dissolution.  Trustee Densmore recommended exploring more shared services without dissolution.

Numerous Town and Village residents asked questions, which were answered by Michael N’dolo, Board and Committee members.  Numerous residents also voiced opinions.

ADJOURNMENT

Motion by Trustee Lescault, seconded by Trustee Denno that Board adjourn, 8:20 PM.
Carried – 3 – 0

Nicole M. Colson
Clerk-Treasurer