VILLAGE OF ALTAMONT
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
May 2, 2006
Mayor James M. Gaughan
Trustee William Aylward
Trustee Kerry Dineen
Trustee Dean Whalen
Trustee Harvey C. Vlahos
7:30 pm
Attending: Attorney, E. Guy Roemer; Clerk, Jean La Crosse; Chief AFD, Daniel Madison; Building Inspector, Donald F. Cropsey, Jr.; Timothy McIntyre, Supt.DPW; Larry Adams, Jr.; Water Treatment Operator; Commissioner Anthony Salerno; Approximately 20 guests.
Mayor Gaughan called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance
Trustee Whalen reported that following the accomplishments in April including the survey and public workshop, the committee took a short breather and now are absorbing the information that has been gathered while waiting for further word from planner, Nan Stolzenburg. The next step is to define goals, develop a mission statement and present the findings to the public. Over 400 surveys were returned. Trustee Vlahos and Kristen Casey were instrumental in securing a 40% return on the surveys.
Keith Lee reported for the Maple Avenue Park’s Committee. Through the efforts of volunteer Mike La Mountain as well as the Village Department of Public Works, brush, dead trees, etc have been cleared from the back of the lot. A Survey of the property has been prepared in order to define the boundaries. Misc. saplings, perennials, and 90 hosta, contributed from Cornell Cooperative Extension in Voorheesville, are planted. Electricity is installed. Carl Schilling offered to do the labor for the new shelter and that project’s plans are finalized and in the hands of the engineers for approval. Mr. Schilling hopes to have a report back within a couple of weeks. A material list has been provided to Tim McIntyre in hopes that the foundation might be poured within the next six weeks.
Trustee Dineen Business Collaborations is finalizing plans with Jane Schram for the June 29 Pigtacular planned for Orsini Park. Organizations can still sign up by contact the Guilderland Chamber of Commerce.
Mayor Gaughan reported on the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony planned for June 1, 2006 to formalize the completion of the Main Street/ Maple Avenue road construction. Many dignitaries from the State as well as the New York State Department of Transportation will attend. The Mayor will send information on the event to the Altamont Enterprise. Plans for the summer Bozenkill Park programs are starting including the requirement of new parking passes that are available at the Village Office. A cooperative venture to purchase two benches for the Angel Park, between the Village, ACT and Mr. Frank, who runs the DWI initiative, is underway. The placement of the benches is determined, the pads are marked and the concrete will soon be poured. Mr. Gaughan extended thanks to the Altamont Community Traditions as well as Mr. Frank for subsidizing one of the two
expensive benches. In response to public concern and following a meeting with Postal Central, the Mayor wrote a letter to the General Post Office regarding the unfortunate loss and miss-directed personal mail due to new postal procedures. More information is forthcoming. In April 2006 the Mayor reported that a settlement was reached in the yearlong litigation with Michael and Nancy Trumpler. The closing took place successfully. The next step is to quickly move into the design and construction stage to move the project forward. The Town of Guilderland attorney will complete the Crounse house purchase and closing as soon as vital paper work is received from Albany County. Through the State of New York Unified Court System Justice Court Assistance Program 2006, we made application for a grant up to the amount of $20,000 subsidize improvements to the Altamont Justice Court. The Mayor has negotiated with Jim and Cindy Barber and the Abruzzee’s for a summer
Farmers Market. If three vendors are secured the village might be eligible for a grant from the State Department of Agriculture and Markets.
Trustee Aylward inquired about the Fire House roof replacement.
Tim McIntyre reported that the part being replaced is over the police station and E 1-7. The current roof is thirty/thirty-five years old. A few leaks were detected over the winter and the corners are pulling apart.
Building Inspector Donald F. Cropsey reported that there are two on-going projects in the village- Troy Miller’s senior housing on Park Street and the Steven property reconstruction also on Park Street. Mr. Cropsey reminds us that permits are required for the installation of swimming pools including those of the blow-up variety.
Commissioner Salerno reported that Officer Patrick Thomas did a public safety course for Cobb Memorial School and due to sightings of bears in the areas village officers attended an ENCON training seminar on the subject.
In the Catherine Hasbrouck’s absence, the Mayor asked for a motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report. Trustee Vlahos made a motion seconded by Trustee Dineen and carried to approve the Treasurer’s May 2006 report. Roll Call: All in favor.
PUBLIC HEARING .
Howard Brock, resident of Main Street, expressed an objection to required Building Permits for home repairs as opposed to reconstruction.
Mayor Gaughan asked Mr. Cropsey to provide Mr. and Mrs. Brock with the current regulations that require them to obtain a Building Permit and also requested that the Comprehensive Planning Committee review and evaluation the related building and zoning ordinances as part of the major plan.
Donald Cropsey answered a question regarding the Brock project. The repair or replacement of a roof would not require a permit; however, the Brock project is covered under the International Building Code as well as the Village of Altamont Code. For any work done on your property, it is wise to contact the Building Inspector to see if a permit is required. If Mr. Brock were just replacing the floorboards on his porch he would not be required to have a permit. This project consisted of the entire structure being taken apart and rebuilt. Mr. Cropsey’s concern was for structural issues.
Mayor Gaughan suggested a public notice in the newspaper regarding the necessity for Building Permits and how to apply.
Kate Provencher, Thatcher Drive and member of the Zoning Board of Appeal, stated that it is the responsibility of the residents to be aware of what to do. The problem in the past has been the result of inconsistent enforcement. Having a Building Inspector who is responsible is a valuable thing and not meant to make things more difficult for the homeowner but to be more consistent and for safety issues.
PUBLIC HEARING
The Treasurer read the Legal Notice for a Public Hearing to consider using $41,020 from Police Car reserve to pay-off loans for Ford Explorer Police Cars and purchase an additional new police car.
Don Constantino, Schoharie Plank Road asks how many cars do we have and how many are needed for a one square mile village? How long do they last and what is the total mileage before they are no longer repairable? If you decide to buy a new police car you should consider something more economical.
The Mayor says the targeted vehicle is a fuel economy 2007 Impala for $12,000. The two prior vehicles are V-8 engines and a financial draw. One current vehicle with 127,000 miles needs deep repair. A 25-year replacement schedule was included in the 2006 budget meetings. Taking into consideration the village’s nine police officers, the particulars have been carefully thought out.
Trustee Whalen understands that we will gradually cycle out the least economical yet keep one larger vehicle just because of where we live.
Kate Provencher has the same questions regarding the vehicles and although she has faith in the police department, why do we need 3 vehicles? Ms. Provencher states that the same questions were raised when the two ford explorers were purchased.
Commissioner Salerno reports that the vehicles are needed in the summer time for major events. Frequently one or two vehicles are used to transport warrant arrests from Albany and Schenectady that leaves one car to patrol for the emergency calls, traffic safety, checkpoints and public safety. With the number of calls and now applying for grants we have to do what’s in the specs of the grants. The computer systems require the engines to be running continuously which causes significant wear and tear on the vehicles.
Ms. Provencher asks for a clarification of the grants. In order to receive grants do we need this many police cars? Since we are in the Town of Guilderland do we get some kind of help from them?
Commissioner Salerno states that for events such as the Irish Fest and the Country Fest we are running three cars. We are below average with vehicles and we do the best with what we have. What would we do in case of an accident? Would we rent a car? We are in a maintenance plan now to extend the life of the vehicles and are very conscientious regarding the usage. Our vehicles run over 100,000 miles before we discard them. He states that he does not know how we would manage with two vehicles. Rental vehicles would be of no use. They would be expensive and not equipped for service. We have 10 officers for a budget of $137,000. We are trying to give the best service to the community. He asks for respect and support from the community.
Kate Provencher asks what part the Altamont Fair plays in the special events. In the past the Fair says that they will police themselves.
Commissioner Salerno states that ultimately the Altamont Police is responsible. We are all working together and in time the community will see that things will be better.
Trustee Vlahos understands that the Fair is considered to be separate and we are in essence are managing those people who come into the village and not in the Fair as such.
Commissioner Salerno says this is correct unless a crime occurs in the Fair grounds, then it is our responsibility. In answer to another question regarding running the engines on the police cars Commissioner Salerno replies that there does not appear to be another solution for operating the radios and computers even in larger police departments.
Trustee Aylward made a motion seconded by Trustee Vlahos to close the Public Hearing.
Roll Call: All in favor.
The Board of Trustees continued to discuss the police vehicle proposal. Trustee Whalen understands that we have basically two vehicles in service and one in reserve. Trustee Vlahos questions the mileage usage of the two SUV’s that were purchased together – heavier usage on one so that they do not have to be replaced at the same time? Commissioner Salerno states that part-time officers are now assigned to a particular vehicle. The new vehicle will have the most usage, one of the four-wheel drive vehicles is primarily used in the winter and the Commissioner will conserve on the other SUV that he drives.
Trustee Aylward made a motion seconded by Trustee Whalen to approve using $41,020 from Police Car reserve to pay-off loans for Ford Explorer Police Cars and purchase an additional new 2007 Chevrolet Impala police vehicle for $12,000. Roll Call: All in favor.
PUBLIC HEARING
The Treasurer read the Legal Notice to consider establishing a Public Works Water Equipment Reserve Fund and establish a Public Works Sewer Equipment Reserve Fund.
Trustee Aylward asked if there are reserve monies at the present time?
Timothy McIntyre states that there are some reserves. In the water and sewer departments there is high priced equipment and it is difficult to determine the need when planning and annual budget. When DEC decides to implement a new type of equipment, the proposed plan would be helpful.
Trustee Vlahos made a motion seconded by Trustee Dineen and carried to close the Public Hearing. Roll Call: All in favor.
Trustee Vlahos made a motion seconded by Trustee Dineen and carried to approve the establishment of a Public Works Water Equipment Reserve Fund and establish a Public Works Sewer Equipment Reserve Fund. Roll Call: All in favor.
PUBLIC HEARING
The Treasurer read the Legal Notice for the Public Hearing to consider spending up to $11,000 from Capital Improvement Reserve to repair Fire House Roof.
In answer to the Trustees questions, Tim McIntyre explains that this is a repair not a replacement and the Village will accept bids. This is a full tear down to deck; replaced by an EPDM rubber-like membrane rolled and adhered to the roof deck. Some insulation will be replaced. The other bids were in the $10,000 - $12,000 range.
Trustee Vlahos made a motion seconded by Trustee Whalen to close the Public Hearing.
Roll Call: All in favor.
Trustee Vlahos made a motion seconded by Trustee Aylward to approve spending up to $11,000 from Capital Improvement Reserve to repair the Fire House Roof. Roll Call: All in favor.
Don Fletcher, Managing Engineer, Barton & Loguidice presented a summary for the Board’s review. To date the firm has completed three items: 1) Water Facilities Plan; 2) Environmental Review, Initial Permitting and public Outreach, and (3) Engineering assistance to Village board and Village Attorney during the litigation. The Village Board previously authorized these three items at a budgetary cost of $234,100. The fees to date, including the May 1, 2006, proposal is $185,500. Currently we are prepared to move ahead with the design, permitting, final bidding and ultimate construction phase of the Ground Water Development Project.
Trustee Aylward made a motion seconded by Trustee Whalen and carried to approve the Barton & Loguidice updated proposal for design, permitting, bidding and construction phase services related to Brandle Road water project. Roll Call: All in favor.
Mayor Gaughan asked that Mr. Fletcher consult with Trustee Vlahos to answer any questions he might have regarding the project.
Trustee Aylward made a motion seconded by Trustee Vlahos and carried to approve minutes of March 2006 and April 2006 as submitted. Roll Call: All in favor
Trustee Vlahos made a motion seconded by Trustee Dineen and carried to dispose of the following records under the Municipal Records Management Schedule following a review by Historian for archival significance: Roll call: All in favor.
Vouchers from June 1997 to May 1998 as per Schedule MU-1, 1.[275] pg 64.
Vouchers from June 1998 to May 1999 as per Schedule MU-1, 1.[275] pg 64.
Check Stubs from 12/6/1989 starting at # 3422 to 5/28/1993 ending at # 5539
as per Schedule MU-1, 3.[265] pg 62.
Cancelled Checks/Monthly Banking Statements/Deposit Slips from 12/6/1989
starting with # 3422 to 5/28/1993 ending at # 5539 as per Schedule MU-1, 2. [264]
pg 62, 1 [263] pg 61 and 7. [269] pg 62.
All General, Water, Sewer, Trust and Agency, and Capital Reserves Ledgers and
Journals for Fiscal Years 1992/93, 1993/94, 1994/95, 1995/6, 1996/97, 1997/98,
and 1998/99 as per Schedule MU-1, 1.[245] pg 65 and 2 [247] pg 65
Trustee Vlahos made a motion seconded by Trustee Aylward and carried to reimburse Attorney E. Guy Roemer in the amount of $2,200 for Barton & Loguidice project Phase I ESA Audit.
Roll Call: All in favor
Trustee Whalen made a motion seconded by Trustee Aylward and carried for the Mayor to submit a grant application proposal to State of New York Unified Court Assistance Program for consideration of funding for a court recording system ($5,580) and customized judge’s bench ($14,680). Amounts are list prices with anticipated discounts. Additional quotes are required before purchase. Grant is not to exceed $20,000. Village Justice budget of $2,500 will serve as additional funding source.
Trustee Vlahos made a motion seconded by Trustee Aylward to adopt the State’s Office of Cyber Security & Critical Infrastructure Coordination Policy as required by State Law that became effective on December 7, 2005. Roll Call: All in favor
Trustee Dineen made a motion seconded by Trustee Aylward and carried to enter into Executive Session to discuss litigation and personnel issues. All in favor
Trustee Dineen made a motion seconded by Trustee Vlahos to come out of Executive Session.
All in favor. Trustee Aylward made a motion seconded by Trustee Whalen to enter into Regular Session. All in favor.
With no further business, Trustee Dineen made a motion seconded by Trustee Aylward and carried to adjourn at 9:35 pm. All in favor.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jean La Crosse
Clerk
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