Village Board Minutes

March 20, 2013 (52)

A regular meeting of the Village Board was held March 20, 2013 at 6:00 PM in the firehouse, 16 Saratoga Ave.

Mayor Morreale called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll Call: Trustee Denno, Trustee Enekes, Trustee Halliday and Trustee Saunders were present.

Motion by Trustee Denno, seconded by Trustee Enekes, approved minutes of regular meeting March 6, 2013.
Carried – 4 – 0

CORRESPONDENCE

Mayor Morreale read a letter from Don Briner, President of the Corinth Little League, requesting permission to hold the annual parade on Saturday, April 27 at 11:00 AM, with a rain date of April 28. The Board agreed.

PUBLIC COMMENTS, QUESTIONS & CONCERNS (AGENDA ITEMS ONLY)

Jim Murray asked how the cartridge filtration pilot study project would be financed. Trustee Enekes pointed out that it was part of the EFC filtration project financing.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

CLERK/TREASURER – Dep Clerk/Treas Lissow was present, report for 3/20/13 read & filed.

Motion by Trustee Saunders, seconded by Trustee Halliday approved payment of Abstract #19: Payroll $37,727.72; General $36,555.90; Water $356.32; Sewer $3,755.82; Community Development $18,625.00
Carried – 4 – 0

Resolution #57 approved, budget transfers.

Closing documents for the bond refinancing have been signed. Savings on debt payment for the 2013/2014 budget year amounts to $25,507. The Board expressed its appreciation to Clerk/Treas Colson for her efforts on this project.

The Board agreed that Clerk/Treas Colson research the cost of a planter in memory of Betty Bogle. Mrs. Bogle’s daughters have made contributions to the Village of $1000 for flower planting over the last 5 years in her memory.

DPW/WATER/WWTP – Supt Lozier was present.

The sweeper was repaired by Tim Monica, Mark Maile, and Shane Russell of the DPW crew at a savings of $5,500.00

Flags need to be ordered for the upcoming season.

The cartridge filtration pilot study will be for a 2 to 3 week period. All results will be sent to DOH for approval.

Motion by Trustee Saunders, seconded by Trustee Halliday, approved publication in the Pennysaver News of hydrant flushing April 22 – April 25, 2013.
Carried – 4 – 0

The trickling filter has been repaired, again with the help of the DPW crew. The repairs done in-house saved thousands of dollars.

Interviews for the Waste Water Treatment Plant Operator will start shortly.

BUILDING INSPECTOR – Insp Jacon was present, report for 3/20/13 read & filed.

The Hudson River Community Credit Union is scheduled to open in mid or late April.

Chief Kelley arrived at 6:14 PM.

FIRE DEPT - Chief Kelley was present.

OLD BUSINESS

Trustee Denno will meet with Supt Lozier and arborist Phill Sexton on March 27 regarding the streetscape proposal and work that may be able to be completed by the DPW in order to cut costs.

The Board briefly discussed the Noise Ordinance. It was decided that some language changes needed to be made and any further suggestions be sent to Atty Buettner. The Board tabled any further discussion for the next meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

Resolution #58 approved, authorize mayoral signature on contract with Koester Associates, Inc. for the Harmsco Cartridge Filtration Pilot Study in the amount of $8,650.00 plus $1,200.00 per diem for additional services.

The Board discussed at length the term of the DPW Superintendent. Atty Buettner, who had been instructed to draft a law changing the term from a one year to a four year appointment, explained that Village Law and General Municipal Law do not specifically give a village the authority to increase the term of an appointed official. In 2009, the position was classified as appointed due to the comptroller’s opinion regarding retirement. If the position were reclassified to village official, there would be no term limit. Atty Buettner explained that she would follow the Board’s direction with regard to drafting a law. Supt Lozier spoke of his dedication to his job and urged that it be a four year term. Mayor Morreale noted that Supt Lozier has done an excellent job and will be employed by the Village for many years; however, the law should refer to the position, and not the employee. He felt that a one year term would protect the interests of the Village in the future. Trustee Denno felt that if the Village wants to retain a good employee like Supt Lozier who can effectively handle the huge upcoming projects, the position should be a four year appointed term. She also noted that if Municipal Home Rule is not clear on a matter, it is up to the discretion of the Village to enact laws as it sees fit.  

Motion by Trustee Denno, seconded by Trustee Enekes, instructed Atty Buettner to draft a law amending the term of the DPW Superintendent to a four year term.
Carried – 4 – 0 

The Board discussed the 2013/2014 tentative budget. The tax rate will remain $5.49 per thousand; water rents increase $4.00 per year; sewer rents increase $12.00 per year. Debt services decrease by $25,507 due to bond refinancing. The Board asked that the Clerk/Treasurer’s salary be increased to $52,000 annually, and the Youth Committee line be increased by $1,500.

Motion by Trustee Denno, seconded by Trustee Enekes, approve publication in the Post Star and Pennysaver of a notice of public hearing regarding the 2013/2014 budget to be held on April 3, 2013 at 6:00 PM at the firehouse.
Carried – 4 – 0

PUBLIC COMMENTS, QUESTIONS & CONCERNS

Kate Halliday stated she felt uncomfortable with the position of DPW Superintendent being made a four year appointment since someone who was incapable could be appointed to the position.

Jim Murray felt that the Village should recognize the money-saving efforts of its employees, perhaps with a pizza party.

BOARD COMMENTS, QUESTIONS & CONCERNS

Trustee Saunders inquired about the progress of the Comprehensive Master Plan. Trustee Denno is meeting with Trustee Enekes and Jim Martin of the LA Group on March 25.

Trustee Denno reported that the Town of Corinth IDA is projected to run out of funds in a year. She noted the important work it does and urged that it be kept in mind for future budgets.

Mayor Morreale asked about the Senior Housing Project. Trustee Denno noted that there had been a meeting the previous week and she would contact Ed Byrnes regarding it.

Motion by Trustee Denno, seconded by Trustee Enekes, that meeting adjourn, 7:32 PM.
Carried – 4 – 0

Alice M. Lissow
Deputy Clerk/Treasurer