Village Board Minutes

January 21, 2009 (46)

A regular meeting of the Village Board was held January 21, 2009, at 6:00 PM in the firehouse, 16 Saratoga Ave.

Mayor Winslow called the meeting to order and Chief Kelley led the Pledge of Allegiance.

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

Motion by Trustee Enekes, seconded by Trustee Denno approved minutes of the regular meeting December 3, 2008 as typed.
Carried – 3 – 0

SPECIFIC REQUESTS

Tim Weidemann and Peter Fairweather of Fairweather Consulting appeared before the Board to discuss their services conducting dissolution studies.  Mr. Fairweather gave an overview of the firm’s experience in handling dissolution and shared services studies for municipalities such as Lake George, the Village and Town of Saugerties and the Village of Fleischmanns.  Mr. Fairweather suggested the Board consider a shared services study with dissolution as an option to avoid any limitations.  Mr. Fairweather also stated the goals of the study would be set by the committee (i.e. saving money, increasing scope of services); Fairweather Consulting would be responsible for gathering and analyzing data, such as the actual costs of services offered by the Village.  A financial analysis would then be presented to show the impact on Village and Town taxpayers based on different scenarios.  Fairweather Consulting aims to provide ample opportunity for community involvement by holding public meetings and maintaining a website with their findings.  Mr. Fairweather answered the Board’s questions on different aspects and possibilities of the study and process.

Jim Thatcher of Avalon Associates addressed the Board about applying for a HOME grant award in 2009.  Mr. Thatcher gave an overview of the Village’s current successful HOME programs and encouraged the Village to apply for further funding to maintain the rehabilitation program through 2011.  Eleven homeowners have currently been awarded funds through the Village’s HOME program, a total of thirty-two cases are ultimately expected to be approved using currently awarded funds.  HOME funds are federal funds administered by the State; the deadline for applications is March 17.  The RFP previously issued by the Village for grant application and administration services has expired.   Mr. Thatcher encouraged the Board to again request RFPs from consultants.

Resolution #81 approved, authorizing issuance of requests for proposals for application preparation and administrative services for 2009 HOME grant funding.

CORRESPONDENCE

Mayor Winslow read the Sheriff’s report for December.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

CLERK/TREASURER – Clerk/Treas Colson was present, report for 1/21/09 read & filed.

Resolution #82 approved, adjustments to water/sewer rolls.

Motion by Trustee Denno, seconded by Trustee Enekes approved publication in the Pennysaver News of Christmas tree removal 1/19/09 – 1/30/09.
Carried – 3 – 0

Motion by Trustee Densmore, seconded by Trustee Enekes approved payment of abstracts #15 & #16: Payroll $32,557.77 & $33,808.71; General $66,439.50 & $39,916.37; Water $6,780.87 & $3,437.06; Sewer $11,839.68 & $3,058.96 and Community Development $13,530.60 & $9,507.50.
Carried – 3 – 0

Resolution #83 approved, budget transfers.

Clerk/Treas Colson stated the current recyclable collection contract expires May 31, 2009 and asked the Board to determine the details of a bid request.

Clerk/Treas Colson thanked Supt Lozier and the DPW crew for the excellent job they did moving the Village Hall to the new location at 244 Main Street.  Clerk/Treas Colson also thanked Insp Jacon for hanging the mini-blinds in the new Hall, and the Mayor for his help in the move.

FIRE DEPARTMENT – Chief Kelley was present, report for December read & filed.

DPW/WATER/WWTP – Supt Lozier was present, report for December read & filed.

Supt Lozier stated the sidewalk plow is in need of repairs, the mechanic is in the process of evaluating what parts are needed.  Supt Lozier is renting a snow blower for clearing the sidewalks at the cost of $1,500 per week; the machine is also available for lease at $5,000 per month.  The Board instructed Supt Lozier to take whatever action he determines is necessary.

Supt Lozier had no update on the GWUDI determination.  The equipment for the WWTP upgrade has been ordered.

The sequestering agent should be added to the water system by March, the public will be notified before the sequestering agent is added to the system.

BUILDING INSPECTOR – Insp Jacon was present, report for 12/4/08 – 1/21/09 read & filed.

Insp Jacon requested permission to work with Atty Auffredou to prepare court proceedings for 314 Walnut Street.

Motion by Trustee Denno, seconded by Trustee Densmore authorized the Code Enforcement Officer and Village Attorney to commence any and all necessary proceedings on behalf of the Village regarding alleged violations and enforcement matters for 314 Walnut Street.
Carried – 3 – 0

ATTORNEY – Atty Auffredou was present, report for 1/21/09 read & filed. 

There was no ZBA meeting this month; a Planning Board meeting is scheduled for 1/22/09.  Atty Auffredou is unaware of any projects pending for the Planning Board.

OLD BUSINESS

The Board tabled the proposed modifications to the Sign Law for further review by the full Board.

NEW BUSINESS

Resolution #84 approved, relieving Saratoga PLAN of responsibility for monitoring 2008 Main St Grant recipients.

Resolution # 85 approved appointment of Melanie Denno, William Fuller, Annie McMahon and Lloyd Murdoch to two-year terms on the Grant Project Review Committee.

Motion by Trustee Denno, seconded by Trustee Densmore approved attendance by Jim Murray, Becky Fasulo, Pat Raufman, Joe Sycuro and Jim Woods at the Planning & Zoning Conference in Saratoga on January 28, 2009 at the cost of $265.00.
Carried – 3 – 0

Resolution #86 approved mayoral signature on contract with Curtis Palmer regarding the maintenance of the public fishing pier.

Motion by Trustee Densmore, seconded by Trustee Enekes approved attendance by Sue Winslow at the Crescent Fire Department Emergency Response training on March 19, 2009 at the cost of $15.00.
Carried – 3 – 0

Ron White has declined his appointment to the Consolidation/Shared Services Committee; Mayor Winslow appointed Jim Hopkins to serve in his place.

PUBLIC COMMENTS, QUESTIONS & CONCERNS

Jim Murray stated Fairweather Consulting gave an excellent presentation and suggested future presenters bring extra copies of materials for the public.

Lyndy Walker commended Supt Lozier and the DPW crew for the good job they have done this winter.

BOARD COMMENTS, QUESTIONS & CONCERNS

Mayor Winslow requested an executive session to discuss the negotiations related to upcoming changes to the labor relations contract.

Motion by Trustee Denno, seconded by Trustee Densmore approved adjournment to executive session as requested by Mayor Winslow above, 7:45 PM.
Carried – 3 – 0

At 8:10 PM the Board reconvened with no action taken in executive session.

ADJOURNMENT

Motion by Trustee Denno, seconded by Trustee Densmore that Board adjourn, 8:10 PM.
Carried – 3 – 0

Nicole M. Colson
Clerk/Treasurer