Village Board Minutes

November 4, 2024 (31)

A regular meeting of the Village Board was held November 4, 2024 at 6:30 PM in the Firehouse, 16 Saratoga Avenue.

Roll Call:  Trustee Bedell, Trustee Clark, Trustee Kirchhoff & Trustee Stollery were present.

Motion by Trustee Bedell, seconded by Trustee Kirchhoff, approved minutes of October 21, 2024 regular meeting as typed.
Carried – 4 – 0

CORRESPONDENCE – none.

PUBLIC COMMENTS, QUESTIONS & CONCERNS (AGENDA ITEMS ONLY) – none.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

CLERK-TREASURER – Clerk-Treas Colson was present, report for 11/4/2024 read & filed.

Motion by Trustee Clark, seconded by Trustee Kirchhoff, approved payment of abstract #10 in the amount of: Payroll $42,579.26 (#0462); General $117,588.68 (#0463-0477; 0488-0494); Water $4,707.29 (#0478-0479; 0481; 0487; 0489-0491; 0494-0495); and Sewer $9,029.67 (#0480-0494).
Carried – 4 – 0

Resolution #32 approved, budget transfer.

FIRE DEPARTMENT – Chief Kelley was excused, report for October 2024 filed.

Mayor Miller stated one of the Fire Department vehicles was involved in an accident on Mechanic St, no one was injured and the vehicle damage is being evaluated.

DPW/WATER/WWTP – Supt Lozier was excused.

BUILDING DEPARTMENT – Insp Hepner was present, report for 11/4/2024 read & filed.

OLD BUSINESS

Clerk-Treas Colson presented the Board with a quote of $1,000 to send surveys to each property in the Village.  The Board discussed options and decided to mail surveys to property owners in addition to residents in multi-unit homes and homes not owner occupied once they have deemed the survey satisfactory as written.

NEW BUSINESS

Motion by Trustee Bedell, seconded by Trustee Stollery, authorized mayoral signature on proposal from Penflex Actuarial Services to administer the Village Length of Service Award Program for Volunteer Firefighters 11/1/2024 – 10/31/2025 for $7,595.
Carried – 4 – 0

The Board discussed Hometown Christmas.  Mayor Miller and Trustee Stollery will work on organizing the event along with volunteers from the community.

The Board discussed possible appointments to the Strategic Planning Committee to get a cross section of business owners and residents involved.  Trustee Stollery will be participating in a call with State representatives to discuss.

The Board discussed enforcing the Village Code prohibiting all junk vehiclesnot stored within a building with Insp Hepner being given some discretion in assessing violations.  Mayor Miller stated the goal of enforcement is

compliance with the Code, not punishment.  The Board instructed Clerk-Treas Colson to work with Atty Buettner & Insp Hepner to prepare a letter notifying residents for insertion in the December water/sewer bills.

PUBLIC COMMENTS, QUESTIONS & CONCERNS

Jim Murray, Center St, expressed opposition to using the junk vehicle Code against owners of vehicles with seasonal registrations or owners of vehicles in need of repair with intent to complete repairs.

Jennifer Michelle, Locust Ridge, questioned if pollinator gardens are allowed to exceed established height limits for vegetation. Insp Hepner stated if the plantings are intentional and well maintained they are acceptable.  Trustee Clark cautioned that NYS Fire Code prohibits vegetation higher than 10 inches within 3 feet of buildings.

Jennifer Kietzman, Pine St, asked about abandoned homes on Sherman Ave & Pine St.  Insp Hepner stated the Sherman Ave home is not abandoned and he is working on the Pine St home.

BOARD COMMENTS, QUESTIONS & CONCERNS

Trustee Stollery asked if the Villagehas received the information for agreements with the Food Pantry to allow DPW to make monthly pick-up and delivery.  The mayor will follow up.

Trustee Clark requested the recycling schedule be posted on Facebook.

Mayor Miller stated he will contact National Grid regarding leaning poles at the end of Center St.  Mayor Miller also expressed interest in enforcing the Village Curfew Code forbidding minors on Village streets, sidewalks and parks between 11p.m. – 5a.m. and asked Atty Buettner to review the Code, he will speak to the Sheriff about enforcement.

Trustee Bedell requested an executive session to discuss the job performance of a specific individual.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Motion by Trustee Bedell, seconded by Trustee Stollery, to adjourn to executive session as requested by Trustee Bedell above, 7:27 PM.
Carried – 4 – 0

The Board reconvened at 8:08 PM with no action taken in executive session.

ADJOURNMENT

Motion by Trustee Clark, seconded by Trustee Bedell, that the Board adjourn, 8:08 PM.
Carried – 4 – 0

Nicole M. Colson
Clerk-Treasurer