Village Board Minutes

April 21, 2021 (48)

A regular meeting of the Village Board was held April 21, 2021 at 6:00 PM via videoconference.

Mayor Pasquarell called the meeting to order.

Roll Call: Trustee Brown, Trustee Halliday & Trustee Kelly were present.  Trustee Bedell joined at 6:02 PM.

Motion by Trustee Kelly, seconded by Trustee Brown, approved minutes of Organizational Meeting April 5, 2021 and public hearing & regular meeting April 7, 2021 as typed.
Carried – 3 – 0

SPECIFIC REQUEST

Sue Commanda of Hudson River Community Credit Union & Sybil Newell of Rise (formerly Transitional Services) presented an affordable housing partnership project to the Board.  Ms. Commanda gave an overview of the income demographics of the Town and Village and discussed services Hudson River CCU provides to improve individual economic conditions.  Ms. Newell discussed the role of Rise in offering people affordable housing, supportive housing and connections to health services.

Ms. Newell outlined the affordable housing project Rise proposes to put on land donated by Hudson River CCU.  The apartment complex would have 60 units, 30 of which would be supportive housing apartments, 15 units affordable senior housing, and 15 affordable community apartments.  Forty-two units would be one bedroom, eighteen would be two bedroom units.  Ms. Newell stated Rise has been providing supportive housing since 1991 and plans to use a local builder, possible Bonacio Construction, and maintain ownership of the property, it will not be used as an income property.  The project calls for 8 staff members on site which will be locally hired staff, not staff moved from other residences.  Rise does plan on seeking a Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement which they predict will be a payment above the estimated tax calculation with a 2% annual increase over 15 years.  Ms. Newell referred to studies that show supportive housing reduces healthcare and other public service costs including ER visits and police involvement.  The complex would be advertised locally with preference for supportive units given to people in the community.

Ms. Commanda & Ms. Newell answered numerous questions from Board members regarding the project.  There is a meeting scheduled with Fire Department and EMS officials to discuss emergency access requirements.  Project leaders are also open to having public forums to answer questions from the community.

CORRESPONDENCE

The Board discussed a letter from Lou Faraone, 91 Main Street, requesting the use of the Village public parking lot for his residents.  The Board, on advice of counsel, denied the request.

Cheri Bovee, Main Street, requested a sewer refund for charges related to her sprinkler system.  The Board denied the request as the charges were legally incurred.

Joanne VanHorne, Ash Street, requested a sewer refund for charges related to filling a swimming pool.  The Board denied the request as the charges were legally incurred.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

CLERK/TREASURER – Clerk-Treas Colson was present, report for 4/21/2021 filed.

Motion by Trustee Kelly, seconded by Trustee Brown, approved payment of abstract #21: Payroll $34,368.98; General $180,344.48; Water $3,609.67; Sewer $1,694.78; and Capital Reserves $134,475.31.
Carried – 4 – 0

Resolution #108 approved, budget transfers.

FIRE DEPARTMENT – Chief Kelley was present.

DPW/WATER/WWTP – Supt Lozier was present.

BUILDING INSPECTOR – Insp Hepner was present, report for 4/21/2021 filed.

OLD BUSINESS- none

NEW BUSINESS

Atty Buettner presented a hold harmless agreement for use by people reserving the Pagenstecher Park Pavilion acknowledging COVID risks and agreeing to abide by current guidelines.  Atty Buettner and Trustee Kelly are also preparing wording for signage to be installed at Pagenstecher Park, Jessup’s Landing Park and the Village Beach.

Motion by Trustee Brown, seconded by Trustee Kelly, approved allowing reservations of the Park Pavilion provided hold harmless agreement is signed.
Carried – 4 – 0

The Board again discussed the request to use Jessup’s Landing Park for Youth Lacrosse.  Supt Lozier has stated the bathrooms and field can be prepared with minimal cost and effort. 

Resolution #109 approved, retraction of a portion of Resolution #35 dated October 16, 2013 declaring parcel #73.26-2-4 (Jessup’s Landing Park) surplus and authorized to be sold.

Motion by Trustee Bedell, seconded by Trustee Brown, approved mayoral signature on an agreement with Robert Baldwin of Axe & Eagle Youth Lacrosse to use Jessup’s Landing park for games & practice in return for in-kind services of cleaning bathroom facilities with appropriate materials to be provided by the Village.
Carried – 4 – 0

The Board reviewed a proposal to purchase two 2022 Ford F-550 XL pick-up trucks with stainless steel side-dump bodies and plow package from Van Bortel Ford for $215,233.40.  The trucks will be ordered for purchase in the 2021/2022 budget.  Atty Buettner has reviewed and approved all documentation.

Resolution #110 approved,  purchase of two 2022 Ford F-550 XL pick-up trucks with stainless steel side-dump bodies and plow package from Van Bortel Ford for $215,233.40 as an authorized piggyback of the Onondaga County Bid (ONGOV-106-19 2021) per provided proposal.

Clerk-Treas Colson discussed the Village’s Revolving Loan Fund which offers loans to businesses in the Village that meet HUD guidelines to create or maintain jobs in the Village.  The program has been dormant with only one active loan.  At this point the program guidelines and forms need updating as well as someone to assist with review of applications.

Motion by Trustee Halliday, seconded by Mayor Pasquarell, approved mayoral signature on a contract with The LA Group to provide updated guidelines and forms as well as marketing assistance for $2,500; plus administrative assistance with application intake and review on a time and effort basis estimated to be $500.
Carried – 5 – 0

BOARD COMMENTS, QUESTIONS & CONCERNS

Trustee Kelly spoke regarding the new legalization by NYS of marijuana use and pointed out it does not affect the Federal requirements of CDL drivers.  Atty Buettner will issue memo for the DPW employees.

ADJOURNMENT

Motion by Trustee Halliday, seconded by Trustee Brown, that Board adjourn, 7:47 PM.
Carried – 4 – 0

Nicole M. Colson
Clerk-Treasurer