REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWN BOARD
TOWN OF GLENVILLE
MAY 19, 2010
AT THE GLENVILLE MUNICIPAL CENTER
18 GLENRIDGE ROAD, GLENVILLE, NEW YORK
Supervisor Koetzle called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM; gave the Invocation and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Supervisor Koetzle asked the Town Clerk, Linda C. Neals, to call the roll.
Present: Supervisor Christopher A. Koetzle, Councilmen Alan Boulant, Mark Quinn, and Sid Ramotar
Absent: Councilwoman Gina M. Wierzbowski
Also present were Attorney Michael Cuevas and Director of Operations James MacFarland.
Supervisor Koetzle announced that Item #8 on the agenda, a resolution scheduling a public hearing on an amendment to the Code of the Town of Glenville regulating portable storage containers, was being withdrawn.
Town Council Reports:
Councilman Quinn – “I met with the Board of Directors from the Senior Center last week and I was very impressed with the wide range of services that are offered that even I wasn’t completely familiar with which included tax preparation. They have added quite a bit of services to their array and I was very impressed by that.
The senior van runs from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Monday through Friday for on request pick-up and delivery for a variety of Glenville base errands. The service is free to our seniors but donations are gratefully accepted to defray van costs. If you would like to take advantage of this service call #374-0734 at least a day in advance to schedule a pick-up. They cannot be used for medical appointments.”
Supervisor Koetzle – “Are you aware of any marketing opportunities the Senior Center is undertaking to let our seniors know about all they do because I think it is surprising.”
Councilman Quinn – “They have a good newsletter. They gave me a copy but I think that we might want to incorporate more of that on the website. I think the average person in Glenville knows about the senior van, they know about a small number of activities that take place over there but your point is well taken. I think we should do more to advertise what is going on at the Senior Center.”
The following people exercised the Privilege of the Floor:
Daniel Hill, resident, thanked the Board members for passing the resolution to prohibit smoking in Maalywck and Indian Meadow Parks.
Mr. Hill informed the Board about the plans for National Grid to put in a new transmission line adjacent to where they have the existing ones. He explained that this is the one that goes from Rotterdam, across the river, west of Maalywck Park, crosses Route 5, Vley Road, Ridge Road, Sacandaga Road and Snake Hill Road and then goes into Charlton. He explained that they are planning on installing the additional line within their existing right-a-way but there are a few spots where they plan to acquire additional property. He further explained that in the application process they are not required to inform property owners who may be effected what the effect may be for their property, once they have the application from the state
they then deal with the negotiations of property owners. A lot of the property owners don’t quite grasp what is going on and it is sort of like the cart before the horse where the application is granted and anybody that is going to be effected the momentum is already against them.
He stated that he owns property that is adjacent to the line. The only scheduled public statement hearing was yesterday. He stated that several Supervisors including Supervisor Koetzle have called for additional public statement hearings. The judge wanted to see a proposal for the schedule, her only real concern was the resources that the Department of Public Service has to allocate but there is no restriction about having additional opportunities for the public to formerly present their concern.
He stated that he is considered an active party in the process and so is Supervisor Koetzle, all of the town supervisors are and that gives us the right to ask National Grid questions that they are required to respond to. He stated that any concerns that are raised actually become part of the record and then they have to respond to them.
He further stated that in the application they are required to set forth where they are asking the state to grant them waivers from local ordinances, for Glenville there are a few, for instance they want to put up larger signs for warnings then the zoning ordinance allows. One that may be of concern they want to be able to clear cut more extensiviley then zoning allows in the slope down to the river near Maalywck Park.”
Supervisor Koetzle – “We are trying to arrange for a public meeting here in Glenville. The administrative judge does not have to grant that, she is getting that request from most of the towns. She will decide where the meetings will be and we hope one will be here in Glenville.”
No one else wished to speak
Supervisor’s Comments:
Supervisor Koetzle shared the following information:
We are working to get a public meeting here in Glenville, regarding National Grid, we are active participants receiving emails and we are staying on top of this project. We should get a list of the residents who are affected by this and get some communication out to them as well so they are aware that this is happening.
Just a reminder that there is no meeting next Wednesday due to the Scotia Memorial Day parade in the Village which begins at 6:15 pm. Just a reminder that during June, July and August our board meetings will be held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7:30 pm, our work session will remain on the 2nd Wednesday at 7:30 pm.
The two new committees, Engineering and the Budget and Finance Committees are meeting regularly now and writing suggestions on how we can do things a little bit different and they are beginning to assist our staff. Very shortly the Budget Committee will have some budget recommendations for the 2011 budget and that will be part of my letter to department heads that will be going out and I will be talking about that schedule in a few minutes.
The next “Supervisor’s Saturday” has been postponed due to the DARE Golf Tournament which is June 5th. We will reschedule for another Saturday.
The central dispatch discussions are continuing. We hosted a meeting here with the Town Attorney, the representative from the County Legislature that is spearheading this. They did offer some amendments to the proposed agreement. This is a response to the letter that we sent but they did not respond to every item. Noticing that we had some issues with the oversight committee, the policy committee didn’t have enough teeth in it to make sure that the budget costs weren’t going to be passed onto the town. They tried to beef that up a little bit and added language that said prior to submission to the County Legislature for inclusion in the budget the committee can advise and approve the suggested budget. The key word is “prior” as I push back and I continue to push back about does the County Legislature still have the ability to amend that budget after it is submitted and the answer continues to be “yes”. Although the County Attorney was quick to point out that
much like the SCC budget it’s submitted and isn’t changed. We would just have to take on faith that ours wouldn’t be changed either and I am not sure that I am comfortable with that.
As far as the equipment goes that we purchased, that we are asking credit for, they try to beef that up too and added language that says, when ever possible and practicable and doing so we’ll provide a credit to the contributing members for such equipment.
The big one I think recognizing there are other things that our dispatchers do. It isn’t just dispatching they do and that the town would be loosing some operational functions if we lost the dispatch center. They gave us a 10% discount on the cost of the first two years lowering our cost 10% as a way of saying there is some extra money to make up for operational losses.
The problem is that every town gets that 10% and so they did not address the fundamental unfairness that Glenville residents are paying more than the other towns for the same service. The root of the issue is that Glenville has invested over the years in a dispatch center that cost our residents and our residents were willing to pay for it but if we go to equal service and continue to pay different costs it is fundamentally unfair. I don’t see that they addressed any of those issues in this new agreement.
I told them that we would talk about it and we have in the past. Our position, I believe as far as I understand it stayed the same and I told the county attorney that if the County wants the service then take the service. It is that simple, I really can’t say it any simpler than that but the county attorney said that isn’t going to happen. I am mostly disappointed on why he said it wasn’t going to happen. He said it wasn’t going to happen because he doesn’t want a political mailer against the County Legislature saying that they raised taxes. I told him that’s a political problem that the County has, we are not dealing with political issues, we’re dealing with what’s
best for the taxpayer and what’s best for the taxpayer is for the County to take it over and realize the savings that they say they are going to realize. Other wise I don’t think there is any more to talk about.
Baptist Retirement Center submitted a preliminary plan for the site plan and looking for approval from Planning and Zoning last Monday. The review of these plans will continue next month.
Salisbury Chevrolet was demolished.
I attended “Opening Day” this last Saturday at the Burnt Hills/Ballston Lake Little League and the league was very appreciative of our partnership. What the Town did, what the community did, what Rotary did to help build the pavilion and some of those improvements at the parks.
Just to go over the budget calendar really quick;
· Requests to department heads by July 15th
· Department heads responses due by August 5th
· Departmental budget hearings – August 11th, 18th and 25th
· Tentative Budget filed with Town Clerk by September 30th
· Commence our periodic community forums – September 1st at 7:00 pm, Town Hall and September 8th at the Senior Center at 7:00 pm (tentative)
· Pass a Preliminary Budget by October 20th
· Public hearing
· Final Budget adopted by November 17th
We have more data on mortgage tax, it’s still slightly off but starting to trend back in the right direction, so we really have three months of our mortgage tax, February and March we already talked about where we were $24,000 and $33,000 off of prior year budget. April we are off $34,000 so all total we’re off $91,000 from prior year but April was at least an up tick where we were in February collected $39,000, March $40,000 we are up in April to $49,000. We budgeted for this year $615,000 which is a reduction from previous years. The longer term trend is that mortgage tax revenue is falling annually but we are looking at…we need to be bringing in at least $52,000 a month to try and hit the $615,000 budget
line. We are a little bit off, that is for the first six months, by the way this isn’t a January to December, it’s October through September is how we bring this in so we are six months into this thing and we are a little bit short so the next six months we have got to be looking for up towards $60,000 for at least a couple of those months.
The market is not looking all that great; the federal tax credit is running out. Our equalization rate went up to 91% from 85%, that sounds good and there is some good news in it but the equalization rate works opposite of home values so that means home values in Glenville dropped by 6.6% according to the state. The good news and the bad news is we are closer to 100% so needs for re-assessment may not be as needy, the bad news is that means housing values are dropping and are selling for lower then they should be. Other towns that have come in already; Duanesburg is down 6% and Rotterdam is down 5%, Niskayuna, Princetown and the City of Schenectady has not been determined yet.”
Councilman Boulant – “On the additional 10% savings that the attorney for the county gave us for UCC, was that on the $50,000 projected savings or the overall number?”
Supervisor Koetzle – “The overall number.”
Mike Cuevas – “They were referring to 12% with this additional 10% that would be 12% less than the 2009 figures.”
Councilman Boulant – “So it’s not going to get us anywhere near where we need to cover the loss of revenue or services.”
Supervisor Koetzle – “The total two year savings would be $87,000 according to his chart. You know the other thing this prompted me to ask him again if you are confident in these savings then in the contract I believe we should have a price protection clause written in that these are the numbers that they are going to be. They will not provide those and so I asked for a cola, where we suggest it’s not going to rise above a certain number, it’s not going to rise above 5%. What if we get into this thing and costs are rising and there’s no circuit breaker there to protect us and they won’t put that in either. Those don’t go well in my opinion for being confident in any type of real
savings. Remember it’s 10% off the old number, that’s before retirement costs go up, that’s before health insurance costs go up, that’s before contracts are negotiated so that 10% or 12% savings is going to evacuate in additional costs they would argue that we’re going to see anyway. We are not going to realize a true dollar savings.”
Supervisor Koetzle moved ahead with the agenda items.
RESOLUTION NO. 110-2010
Moved by: Councilman Quinn
Seconded by: Councilman Boulant
WHEREAS, in order to provide for evening and weekend security and maintenance of the parks, park security workers are hired annually,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Director of Human Services is hereby authorized to employ one (1) Park Security Worker for a period from May 22, 2010 – September 30, 2010 at the budgeted pay rate of $8.00 per hour with no benefits.
Ayes: Councilmen Boulant, Quinn, Ramotar and Supervisor Koetzle
Noes: None
Absent: Councilwoman Wierzbowski
Abstentions: None
Motion Carried
RESOLUTION NO. 111-2010
Moved by: Councilman Boulant
Seconded by: Councilman Quinn
WHEREAS, the Town of Glenville Water District No. 11 has previously entered into agreements for the bulk purchase of water by users outside of the district and outside of the Town and the Town expects to continue to provide water under the terms of long-term, written agreements with such users under the terms and conditions of such agreements; and
WHEREAS, the town expects that from time to time outside users may request short term connections to Water District No. 11, which are not part of a long term written agreement; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board has met in public work sessions to discuss the feasibility of establishing an outside district water user rate for such circumstances; and
WHEREAS, the Commissioner of Public Works and the Comptroller have recommended to the Town Board in its capacity as the Board of Commissioners for Glenville Water District No. 11 that a rate of $3.73 per thousand gallons of water would fully compensate the water district for all of its costs in the production and delivery of water; and
WHEREAS, the Glenville Water District has determined that it has sufficient source water, treatment capacity and pumping ability to deliver the water to potential out of district users;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Glenville, acting as the Board of Commissioners of Glenville Water District No. 11, hereby establishes a rate of $3.73 per thousand gallons of water for out of district water users, effective immediately upon adoption of this resolution.
Ayes: Councilmen Boulant, Quinn, Ramotar and Supervisor Koetzle
Noes: None
Absent: Councilwoman Wierzbowski
Abstention: None
Motion Carried
RESOLUTION NO. 112-2010
Moved by: Councilman Boulant
Seconded by: Councilman Quinn
WHEREAS, the Chief of Police desires to purchase a replacement police vehicle as provided for in the 2010 Police Department budget, and recommends that the replaced vehicle be declared as surplus property,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Chief of Police is hereby authorized to purchase one unmarked police vehicle at a total cost not to exceed sixteen thousand dollars ($16,000.00), as per New York State Contract #PC65030 Item #2A Code P0H, with the expense charged to account 02.00.3120.2000 (Equipment) as set forth in the approved 2010 budget; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the vehicle being replaced is hereby declared surplus property after the receipt of new replacement vehicles and the transfer of necessary equipment; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that such surplus vehicles shall be offered for sale upon such terms and conditions as the Chief of Police may direct with all proceeds credited to account 02.00.2660.0000(Sale of Vehicles).
Ayes: Councilmen Boulant, Quinn, Ramotar and Supervisor Koetzle
Noes: None
Absent: Councilwoman Wierzbowski
Abstentions: None
Motion Carried
Councilman Ramotar made a motion to table Item #11, a resolution to adopt Local Law # 4 of 2010 until the next regularly scheduled Town Board meeting; Seconded by Councilman Quinn.
Ayes: Councilmen Boulant, Quinn, Ramotar and Supervisor Koetzle
Noes: None
Absent: Councilwoman Wierzbowski
RESOLUTION NO. 113-2010
Moved by: Councilman Quinn
Seconded by: Councilman Boulant
BE IT RESOLVED that the Monthly Departmental Reports for April, 2010 as received from the following:
Assessor’s Department
Building Department
Dog Control
Highway Department
Justice Department
Planning Department
Receiver of Taxes
Town Clerk's Office
be, and they hereby are accepted, approved for payment and ordered placed on file.
Ayes: Councilmen Boulant, Quinn, Ramotar and Supervisor Koetzle
Noes: None
Absent: Councilwoman Wierzbowski
Abstentions: None
Motion Carried
RESOLUTION NO. 114-2010
Moved by: Councilman Quinn
Seconded by: Councilman Boulant
BE IT RESOLVED, that the minutes of the regular meeting held on May 5 2010, are hereby approved and accepted as entered.
Ayes: Councilmen Boulant, Quinn, Ramotar and Supervisor Koetzle
Noes: None
Absent: Councilwoman Wierzbowski
Abstentions: None
Motion Carried
RESOLUTION NO. 115-2010
Moved by: Councilman Boulant
Seconded by: Councilman Quinn
WHEREAS, a need currently exists in the Police Department to replace ballistic vests, commonly known as soft body armor, for police officers, and
WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Justice is currently sponsoring the Bureau of Justice Assistance Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant which provides the necessary funds to purchase and replace ballistic vests, and
WHEREAS, the deadline for all applications to participate in this grant to purchase ballistic vests is May 28, 2010, and
WHEREAS, the ballistic vests funded by this grant may be purchased anytime between acceptance of the grant application and September 30, 2012, and
WHEREAS, the grant does not require the Town of Glenville to provide matching funds,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that this Town Board does hereby authorize The Chief of Police to apply for the Bureau of Justice Assistance Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant for up to a total of 23 ballistic vests at a cost of $675.00 per vest for a total cost of $15,525.00,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board does authorize the Chief of Police to purchase said ballistic vests pursuant to the terms of the grant, once awarded, utilizing grant funds.
Ayes: Councilmen Boulant, Quinn, Ramotar and Supervisor Koetzle
Noes: None
Absent: Councilwoman Wierzbowski
Abstention: None
Motion Carried
RESOLUTION NO. 116-2010
Moved by: Councilman Boulant
Seconded by: Councilman Quinn
WHEREAS, the Town of Glenville is the recipient of a New York Power Authority (NYPA) solar grant for an amount not to exceed $100,000, and
WHEREAS, the Town of Glenville contracted with HRP Associates to prepare engineering analysis and bid specifications consistent with the grant’s intent to provide a solar photovoltaic project for a municipal building, and
WHEREAS, bids have been solicited, accepted and opened in accordance with municipal bidding requirements, and
WHEREAS, HRP Associates has reviewed the bids for conformance with the project requirements and recommends that the lowest responsible bidder Epergy, LLC, be awarded the contract,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Glenville hereby authorizes the Supervisor to enter into contract with Epergy, LLC, 450 Duane Avenue, Schenectady, NY 12304, for installation of a solar photovoltaic system in an amount not to exceed Sixty-Six Thousand Two Hundred Seventy-Six Dollars and Eighty-Nine Cents ($66,276.89), such contract subject to approval of the town’s legal counsel prior to execution.
Ayes: Councilmen Boulant, Quinn, Ramotar and Supervisor Koetzle
Noes: None
Absent: Councilwoman Wierzbowski
Abstentions: None
New Business:
Councilman Boulant – “I was involved in the stocking of the Indian Kill for the fishing derby that was an experience and a lot of fun. There were 400 rainbow trout that were put into the water. I believe on that day they caught 45 trout so to my math there are probably another 300 plus still in the Indian Kill.”
Supervisor Koetzle asked for a motion to adjourn; motion to adjourn was moved by Councilman Boulant; Seconded by Councilman Quinn, everyone being in favor the meeting was adjourned at 8:10 PM.
ATTEST:
______________________________
Linda C. Neals
Town Clerk
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