VILLAGE OF ALTAMONT
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
July 18, 2006
Mayor James M. Gaughan
Trustee William F. Aylward
Trustee Kerry Dineen
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, Approximately 20 guests.
Mayor Gaughan called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Gaughan introduced George Pratt, rooted in Schuylerville, NY, Veteran of World War II and the Korean War, Investigative Reporter, long time resident of Altamont, former village Chief of Police, community servant with exemplary record of personal outreach to the underserved seniors, youth, veteran’s and civic organizations in the area. During the winter months of late, Mr. Pratt resides in Arcadia, Florida with his wife, Faith, where he is involved in cattle ranching. Tonight, George Pratt is guest of honor at the Village Board of Trustee’s meeting and recognized for his production of “Florida Cowboys” a social commentary on a threatened American institution and way of life due to land development and changing times. Mr. Pratt was presented with a copy of an American classic novel The
Virginian personalized by the Mayor Board of Trustees as well as champagne to enjoy at home.
Mr. Pratt thanked the Board and offered interesting facts on cattle ranching. Florida is the largest cattle producing state in the nation that comprises some 50,000 individuals – Cowboys. Mr. Pratt relates the cowboy culture of Desota County, Florida to the Amish culture of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania in this way: These societies are foreign to many, have nothing in common with the general population, are not accepted by most and generally ignored by many. The film, produced by George, was meant to be a documentary but could become a eulogy as many are unable to comprehend a culture within a culture.
Trustee Aylward offered very favorable remembrances of a working and personal relationship with George Pratt.
Trustee Vlahos reported that the Comprehensive Planning Survey has been summarized and the committee is cross tabulating the information for the purpose of identifying specific areas and issues of concerns of village residents. A draft vision statement is prepared for identifying goals and strategies. The efforts of the committee are commendable and information should be available on the web site within two weeks.
Trustee Dineen reported that a second mailing is prepared for 16 new residents to welcome them to the Village and include an informational pamphlet and donated coupons from local businesses.
The Guilderland Chamber of Commerce and the Village had a very successful “Pignic” in Orsini Park with approximately 1,000 attending.
Mayor Gaughan reported that he is pursuing a luncheon exchange for the Altamont Senior Citizens with a senior group in Rensselaerville. The Farmer’s Market, established this year as a base, will be considered for expansion next year.
Commissioner Salerno is currently finishing the Village Emergency Plan, which should be available for the Board by September for approval. The ground water project is on target. Volunteer and village resident, Christine Marshall and Jean La Crosse are gathering information in order to present the Board with a recommendation for updating the village Personnel Policies. Practices related to the postal delivery service and issues surrounding the Country Fest held at the Altamont Fair grounds this month will be addressed.
Mayor Gaughan reported that to his knowledge the village has received a first time check agreement with event organizers to pay for the assignment of our police personnel. $2,675 has been received with. twice the amount expected from the Country Fest organizers. All eight-village police officers plus Commissioner Salerno were assigned to the event.
Trustee Aylward referred to complaints regarding the Country Fest.
Donald Cropsey, Building Inspector, reported that Town of Guilderland issues mass gathering permits that outline very specific regulations for such events including times of operation, placement of equipment, number of enforcement officials and Public Safety personnel. The Comprehensive Planning Committee could develop a noise ordinance for the Village. Parking was a big issue at the Country Event. This event overtaxed the whole system. Planners should have made other arrangements for busing. These things are learned from an event such as this. Permits can control it but enforcement could be a problem with events this large in size. The traditional events such as the Scottish Games will continue however mass gathering concerts are a bigger problem and regulations are more difficult to enforce.
Mr. Cropsey reported that the Building Department is in the process of computerizing the building permit process
Mayor Gaughan stated that the met the requirements of the mass gathering permit with regard to law enforcement as well as other issues however this did not address the excessive noise.
Tim McIntyre reported that the DPW will begin paving Schoharie Plank Road West, Sunset Drive ant Thatcher Drive The Mayor asked for a list of projected paving projects over the next few years.
Mayor Gaughan referred to the July Police Report. The New York state Department of Transportation completed a study at the intersection concerns for Route 146, Route 397, County Route 253, Maple Avenue and Western Avenue. Warning signs will be installed for the eastbound motorists near the railroad tracks. A supplemental left side stop sign may be beneficial for northbound Maple Avenue motorists.
Trustee Aylward made a motion seconded by Trustee Vlahos and carried to accept the Treasurer’s Report as presented. Roll Call: All in favor
Public Comment
Norman Bauman, Rosemary McGowan and Ms. Ramarez commented on the issues connected with the Country Fest.
Trustee Vlahos made a motion seconded by Trustee Dineen to enter into contract with Donald W. Montgomery PE, PLLC for services related to the Maple Avenue Park shelter. Fee for service is $1,500.00. Roll Call: All in favor
Trustee Vlahos requested an amendment to the May 2006 minutes regarding the purchase of a new police vehicle. The vehicle purchased is a 2007 Ford Taurus for $12,300. Trustee Dineen requested an addition to the June 20, 2006 minutes regarding the bid to repair the firehouse roof. The contractor is Moisture Barriers. With those amendments, Trustee Vlahos made a motion seconded by Trustee Dineen and carried approve Board Minutes of May 2006 and June 20, 2006. Roll Call: All in favor.
Trustee Aylward reported that Former Mayor Paul DeSarbo is recuperating at home from a recent hospitalization for a heart related incident.
Trustee Vlahos made a motion seconded by Trustee Aylward to transfer $3,583 from OSHA reserve to police reserve to pay for accessories for the new police car bringing the purchase to $15,882.79. Roll Call: All in favor.
Trustee Aylward made a motion seconded by Trustee Dineen and carried to enter into Executive Session to discuss personnel and litigation matters. All in favor
Trustee Dineen made a motion seconded by Trustee Vlahos and seconded to come out of Executive Session. All in favor.
Trustee Vlahos made a motion seconded by Trustee Aylward and carried to enter into Regular Session. All in favor.
Trustee Aylward made a motion seconded by Trustee Dineen and carried to accept the recommendation of the committee of the whole review of the citizen’s complaint against Anthony Salerno by Terri Gockley and to authorize the Mayor to transmit the conclusion of this report to
Ms. Gockley. Roll Call: All in favor.
Trustee Aylward made a motion seconded by Trustee Dineen and carried to adjourn at 9 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jean La Crosse
Clerk
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