Village Board Minutes

March 3, 2025 (51)

A regular meeting of the Village Board was held March 3, 2025 at 6:30 PM in the Firehouse, 16 Saratoga Ave.

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

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

Motion by Trustee Kirchhoff, seconded by Trustee Stollery, approved minutes of February 20, 2025 public hearings and regular meeting as typed.
Carried – 3 – 0

SPECIFIC REQUESTS

Jennifer Michelle, Healthy Corinth Coalition, addressed the Board regarding her work on a transit study she began in 2023.  Ms. Michelle received 359 responses on a survey regarding the need for public transportation in Corinth.  Ms. Michelle has been exploring options with a CDTA Flex plan, shuttle services provided by larger employers in the area such as the Acedistribution center, and “Care 4 You” which provides non-emergency medical transport.  Ms. Michelle asked for the Board’s support to move forward with a planning phase to ultimately apply for transportation grant funding potentially assisted by the Town’s grant writer.  The Board agreed public transportation would be beneficial to the Village and encouraged her to move forward with planning.

CORRESPONDENCE

John Coltrain, 10 West Walnut, wrote requesting the Board waive sewer overage fees associated with a leaking hose bib November – December 2024 on his fourth quarter bill.

Motion by Trustee Kirchhoff, seconded by Trustee Stollery, approved forgiveness of $156.66 in sewer overages on the fourth quarter billing for John Coltrain, 10 West Walnut St.
Carried – 3 – 0

Terry Towers of the American Legion wrote requesting permission for the Memorial Day Parade, Remembrance Ceremony, and coin drop.  The Legion also invited Board members to participate in the parade.

Motion by Trustee Clark, seconded by Trustee Kirchhoff, authorized the American Legion to hold a coin drop May 24 – May 25 on Maple St from 9 AM – 3PM upon submitting a signed hold harmless agreement and insurance certificate.
Carried – 3 – 0

Motion by Trustee Kirchhoff, seconded by Trustee Clark, authorized the American Legion to hold a service on May 30 at the boat launch to honor naval veterans that died in service upon submitting a signed hold harmless agreement and insurance certificate.
Carried – 3 – 0

Motion by Trustee Clark, seconded by Trustee Kirchhoff, authorized the American Legion to hold a Memorial Day parade from Fifth Street to Saratoga Avenue on Memorial Day (May 30) stepping off at 6:00 PM upon submitting a signed hold harmless agreement and insurance certificate.
Carried – 3 – 0

Pastor Josh Jacquard of the Victory Bible Baptist Church submitted a request to hold a Sunrise Easter Service at the Village Beach on April 20^th.

Motion by Trustee Kirchhoff, seconded by Trustee Clark, authorized Victory Bible Baptist Church to conduct a Sunrise Easter Service at the Village Beach on April 20 upon submitting a signed hold harmless agreement and insurance certificate.
Carried – 3 – 0

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

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

CLERK-TREASURER – Clerk-Treas Colson was present, report for 3/3/2025 read & filed.

Motion by Trustee Clark, seconded by Trustee Stollery, approved payment of abstract #18 in the amount of: Payroll $51,012.94 (#0822-0823); General $73,127.91 (#0824-0843; 0851-0853); Water $5,885.69 (#0842-0845; 0853); and Sewer $ 8,168.40 (#0843; 0846-0853).
Carried – 3 – 0

Resolution #51 approved, budget transfer.

The Board set the first budget workshop for March 12 at 6:00 PM in the Village Hall.

Clerk-Treas Colson informed the Board of the recent Standard & Poor’s review of the Village’s bond rating which has been downgraded from “A+” to “A” with a “Stable” outlook.  The head analyst responsible for the review indicated the major factors resulting in the downgrade are the loss of assessment as a result of the Indeck Article 7 case & the Village’s comparatively low reserve balance (under $2 million).  Conservative budgeting, frequent monitoring, and manageable costs were enough to prevent losing status on the “A” level.  The new rating should not impact the Village’s future infrastructure plans.

FIRE DEPARTMENT – Chief Kelley was present, report for February 2025 read & filed.

DPW/WATER/WWTP – Supt Lozier was present, report for February 2025 read & filed.

BUILDING INSPECTOR – Insp Hepner was present, report for 3/3/2025 read & filed.

Mayor Miller thanked Insp Hepner for working through two recent condemnations.

OLD BUSINESS

Mayor Miller will follow up with the Community of Churches after their next meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

Motion by Trustee Kirchhoff, seconded by Trustee Stollery, approved publication of a public hearing on May 21, 2025 at 6:00 PM in the Firehouse to allow comment on the Five Year PHA Plan for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program.
Carried – 3 – 0

Motion by Trustee Kirchhoff, seconded by Trustee Clark, authorized mayoral signature on proposals from Cleveland Brothers for summer maintenance $5,920; Firehouse fertilization $750; and annual flower planting and maintenance $8,990.
Carried – 3 – 0

The Board discussed the repairs for ETA-212, Chief Kelley stated the Village mechanic can replace the rub rail.  Chief Kelley will get quotes for the parts.  The Board decided not to file an insurance claim for the repairs.

The Board discussed a quote from Upstate Audio for a security system add on that would permit recording Board meetings which would then be posted online.

Motion by Trustee Kirchhoff, seconded by Trustee Clark, approved payment to Upstate Audio for security system modifications for recording up to $600.
Carried – 3 – 0

The Board discussed recent a bid by Gear Grid LLC for Fire Department gear lockers.  Chief Kelley stated the bid would provide gear lockers for 26 firemen for two sets of turnout gear.  The bid did not include nameplates.

Resolution #52 approved, accept bid from Gear Grid LLC for Fire Department equipment lockers; $19,751.

PUBLIC COMMENTS, QUESTIONS & CONCERNS

Jennifer Michelle, Locust Ridge, requested the Cleveland Brothers contracts follow the same parameters as last year.  Ms. Michelle volunteered to perform maintenance at the pollinator garden when the weather allows.

Jason Petrovitch, Pine St, asked when the website would be revamped.  Mayor Miller stated he is in the process of reviewing it.  Mr. Petrovitch asked about animal control which is provided by the Town Animal Control Officer.

BOARD COMMENTS, QUESTIONS & CONCERNS

Trustee Clark questioned Supt Lozier about the condition of the sidewalk plow.

Mayor Miller thanked Supt Lozier, Chief Kelley, Insp Hepner, DPW &WWTP staff and Village Hall staff for their efforts.

ADJOURNMENT

Motion by Trustee Stollery, seconded by Trustee Kirchhoff, that Board adjourn, 7:19 PM.
            Carried – 3 – 0

Nicole M. Colson
Clerk-Treasurer