Village Board Minutes

April 20, 2011 (56)

A regular meeting of the Village Board was held April 20, 2011 at 6:00 PM in the firehouse, 16 Saratoga Avenue.

Mayor Winslow called the meeting to order and Trustee Densmore led the Pledge of Allegiance.

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

Motion by Trustee Lescault, seconded by Trustee Enekes approved minutes of the public hearing and regular meeting April 6, 2011 as typed.
Carried – 4 – 0

SPECIFIC REQUESTS

Michael N’dolo, Camoin Associates, appeared before the Board to discuss the specific actions that must be taken by the Corinth Town Board in the event of a Village dissolution. It is hoped that these actions could be agreed to in principle through a joint Memorandum of Understanding between the Town and Village prior to any vote on dissolution.

Mr. N’dolo explained critical items that need to be detailed in an MOU. It should state that the Town intends to send the New York State Legislature a home rule message to form a special police district. The MOU should also state that the Town intends to assume responsibility for such services as crossing guards, sidewalk snow removal, community services and shared services that currently exist, and payment of retiree benefits to former Village employees. In addition, if the date of dissolution were to occur prior to the expiration of the EPCOR agreement, the MOU  would need to state that the Town would deliver those proceeds to the special districts that would serve the current Village residents. The MOU would also need to state that the Village’s DPW workers and code enforcement officer would be hired by the Town and their current pay levels and accrued benefits would be honored. The MOU would also need to state whether the Town intends to continue the water/sewer rate schedule for inside and outside users. Additionally. the MOU would need to state that the Town intends to expand its Fire Protection District, hire the Corinth Fire Corporation, assume ownership and debt of fire protection assets, lease those assets to the Fire Corporation, and pass debt charges on through a FPD tax. Finally, the MOU would need to state that the Town intends to continue the existing LOSAP arrangement with the Fire Department volunteers.

Mr. N’dolo also discussed elements not critical to an MOU since they would be obligations of the Town under law.

These items include setting up special districts for water, sewer, street lighting, sidewalk repairs, and garbage collection in the former Village.

He also noted that the Dissolution Plan should include a tentative date of dissolution. The Village Board should specify that the proceeds of any sale of assets and the use of all remaining fund balances should be used to pay down existing debt.  Mr. N’dolo also explained that the State has set up a new funding source to promote government efficiency programs with current total appropriations of $35 million.

The Board questioned whether an MOU may be rescinded. Mr. N’dolo responded that a Memorandum of Understanding is not a binding contract. He also noted that it will take some time to formulate an MOU and dissolution plan, so that a September or October  vote may not be feasible. The Board also discussed the costs of a special election. Mr. N’dolo noted that there is a $50,000 grant available for expenses related to implementation of dissolution.Bob Hudak asked if the Town could dissolve a special district or if it needs to go to a vote. Mr. N’dolo replied that the Town can simply stop service in a district.

The Board thanked Mr. N’dolo for his presentation.

CORRESPONDENCE

The Mayor read the March Sheriff’s report.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

CLERK/TREASURER – Clerk/Treas Colson was present, report for 4/20/11 read & filed.

The Board agreed to allow Corinth Youth Football use of Pagenstecher Park on May 21. Supt Lozier will coordinate scheduling an attendant to be on duty.

Cleveland Brothers submitted a maintenance contract for Village grounds for $2,998.80 which the Board accepted.

Motion by Trustee Lescault, seconded by Trustee Denno authorized Mayoral signatures on the 2011/2012 water contracts with the Towns of Corinth and Lake Luzerne.
Carried – 4 – 0

Clerk/Treas Colson received a quote of $1,333.61 for a new server for the Village Hall. The Board agreed.

The Board also agreed to place a $30 ad in the program of the Summer Children’s Theatre Workshop production of Oliver!.

Motion by Trustee Lescault, seconded by Trustee Denno approved payment of Abstract #21: Payroll $25,578.19; General $37,711.90; Water $2,092.85; Sewer $4,343.22; Community Development $2,550.00.
Carried – 4 – 0

Resolution #77 approved, budget transfers.

Trustee Denno asked if the Village website could be updated. Clerk/Treas Colson noted that budget information is already on-line, and various Village applications should be on shortly.

FIRE DEPARTMENT – Chief Kelley was excused.

DPW/WATER/WWTP – Supt Lozier was present.

Supt Lozier reported that Pagenstecher Park should be open Friday, weather permitting. He also noted that sidewalks on Main Street are scheduled for repair on June 1.

Supt Lozier asked to study the flower proposals from Chips and Cleveland Brothers and report back to the Board at the next meeting.

BUILDING INSPECTOR – Insp Jacon was present, report for 4/7/11 – 4/20/11 read & filed.

Adam Lawrence Apartments are being upgraded as they become vacant.

ATTORNEY – Atty Auffredou was excused at 6:15 PM, report read & filed.

OLD BUSINESS

There was no update on GWUDI.

Trustee Enekes had questions for Atty Auffredou regarding the Nuisance Abatement Law.  The matter was tabled for the next meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

Resolution #78 approved, award of bid for River Street pump station generator to Milton Cat for $19,450 subject to attorney review.

Resolution #79 approved, accepted Karen Saunders’ resignation from the Planning Board.

Resolution #80 approved, appointment of Matthew Rogers as Chair of Planning Board to fill position vacated by Rebecca Fasulo effective immediately.

Motion by Trustee Denno, seconded by Trustee Lescault authorized American Legion to hold a coin drop on Maple St 5/28 and 5/29/11.
Carried – 4 – 0

The Memorial Day parade will be held on Monday, May 30 at 6 PM with a rain date of May 31.

PUBLIC COMMENTS, QUESTIONS & CONCERNS

Jim Murray felt that the Town and Village Planning and Zoning Boards should be combined. Trustee Denno responded that the Shared Services/Dissolution Committee had made that recommendation as one of the alternatives to dissolution. He also felt that Mayor Winslow should update his comments on the Village website.

Terry Cleveland noted that Cleveland Brothers’ flower proposal did not have any labor cost. Ray Bush commented on the good work Cleveland Brothers does.

BOARD COMMENTS, QUESTIONS & CONCERNS  - none.

ADJOURNMENT

Motion by Trustee Lescault, seconded by Trustee Denno that Board adjourn, 7:11 PM
Carried – 4 – 0

Alice M. Lissow
Deputy Clerk/Treasurer