Catskill Town Board Monthly Meeting
Catskill Town Hall
July 2, 2007 6:30 pm
Attendance: Supervisor, Joseph F. Izzo
Councilman, Joseph Leggio
Councilman, Robert Antonelli
Councilman, Lewis O’Connor
Councilman, Patrick Walsh
Town Clerk, Elizabeth Izzo
Also present: Ambulance Administrator, Matthew Liebowitz
Code Enforcement Officer, Linda Speckman
Supervisor Izzo opened the meeting with a moment of silent prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. He thanked everyone for attending.
He then had Judge Margolius swear in the new Town Clerk, Elizabeth Izzo, and the new Town Councilman, Patrick Walsh.
He then presented a proclamation and a plaque to outgoing Town Clerk, Karen Sprague Johnson. He acknowledged her dedication and years of service to the people of the Town of Catskill. Mrs. Johnson stated it was a pleasure to work for the citizens of the Town of Catskill.
He then proceeded to present a proclamation and a plaque to outgoing Town Councilman, Joseph Hanusik. He acknowledged Joe’s dedication and 22 years of service as Town Councilman to the people of the Town of Catskill. Mr. Hanusik thanked all that attended and stated that he had a wonderful time as Councilman.
Supervisor Izzo then proceeded with the regular Board meeting. The following minutes were accepted:
06/05/2007 Public Hearing #15-2007 Sherrick: 6 Fyke Road
Motion Councilman Antonelli
Second Councilman O’Connor
Ayes 5, Nays 0, Absent 0
06/05/2007 Public Hearing #16-2007 Thorpe: 476 Cairo Jct. Road
Motion Councilman Antonelli
Second Councilman Leggio
Ayes 5, Nays 0, Absent 0
06/05/2007 Monthly Town Board Meeting
Motion Councilman Antonelli
Second Councilman Walsh
Ayes 5, Nays 0, Absent 0
06/13/2007 Special Meeting #5-2007 Noise Ordinance, Contract for
Babe Ruth Field, Passed Resolution 368-2007
Motion Councilman Antonelli
Second Councilman O’Connor
Ayes 5, Nays 0, Absent 0
6/20/2007 Monthly Town Board Committee Meeting
Motion Councilman Antonelli
Second Councilman Leggio
Ayes 5, Nays 0, Absent 0
6/20/2007 Special Meeting #6-2007 Fill Vacancy Town Clerk
and Town Councilman
Motion Councilman Antonelli
Second Councilman O’Connor & Leggio
Ayes 5 Nays 0 Absent 0
6/27/2007 Special Meeting #7-2007 Brookside Campgrounds &
Neighbors Re: Noise Issue
Motion Councilman O’Connor
Second Councilman Leggio & Antonelli
Ayes 5 Nays 0 Absent 0
Supervisor Izzo then proceeded with the following Resolutions:
RESOLUTION# 74-2007 JUSTICE COURT EXAMINATION
Councilman Lewis O’Connor presented the following for consideration and adoption,
WHEREAS, the Town Supervisor and the Town Comptroller have examined the Town of Catskill Justice Court records and dockets for the year ending December 31, 2006, and
WHEREAS, this examination was performed within the guidelines set forth by the New York State Comptroller, and
WHEREAS, this examination indicated that the court records and dockets were maintained within those guidelines, so
THEREFORE, WE, the Catskill Town Board, acknowledge that the Town Supervisor and Town Comptroller have completed the required examination of the Town of Catskill Justice Court records for the year ending December 31, 2006.
Councilman Patrick Walsh seconded this motion.
Ayes 5, Nays 0, Absent 0. Motion Carried
RESOLUTION # 75-2007 Appointment Senior Center Director
Councilman Joseph Leggio presented the following for consideration and adoption,
WHEREAS, Anne Marie Moran has passed the civil service examination for Senior Citizen Center Director, and is currently on the civil service list eligible for permanent appointment to aforementioned position, so
THEREFORE, WE, the Catskill Town Board do hereby appoint Anne Marie Moran, to the permanent position as the Town of Catskill Senior Citizen Center Director, effective July 03, 2007.
Councilman Robert Antonelli seconded this motion.
Ayes 4, Nays 0, Abstain 1(Leggio), Absent 0. Motion Carried
RESOLUTION # 76-2007 APPOINTMENT OF DEPUTY TOWN CLERK
---------Councilman Robert Antonelli, offered the following for consideration and adoption,
WHEREAS, the Town of Catskill Town Clerk, Elizabeth Izzo, desires to appoint Kim Leggio as Deputy Town Clerk and Deputy Registrar, so
THEREFORE, WE, the Catskill Town Board hereby concur with the appointment of Kim Leggio to the position of Deputy Town Clerk and Deputy Registrar.
Councilman Patrick Walsh, seconded this motion.
Ayes 4, Nays 0, Abstain 1(Leggio), Absent 0. Motion Carried.
RESOLUTION # 78-2007 APPOINTMENT REGISTRAR OF VITAL STATISTICS
Councilman Robert Antonelli, presented the following for consideration and adoption,
WHEREAS, Elizabeth Izzo has been appointed as Catskill Town Clerk, effective June 30, 2007, so
THEREFORE, WE, the Catskill Town Board do hereby appoint Elizabeth Izzo as Registrar of Vital Statistics for the Town of Catskill, effective June 30, 2007.
Councilman Joseph Leggio seconded this motion.
Ayes 4, Nays 0, Abstain 1(Izzo), Absent 0. Motion Carried.
RESOLUTION # 79-2007 APPROVE JOB DESCRIPTION FOR ASSISTANT ASSESSOR
Councilman Robert Antonelli, presented the following for consideration and adoption,
WHEREAS, the Town of Catskill, upon the recommendation of the Town Assessor, to further upgrade the professionalism of the Assessor’s office, has created the job description of Assistant Assessor, and
WHEREAS, this job description has been approved by the Greene County Civil Service Commission, so
THEREFORE, WE, the Catskill Town Board do hereby approve the job description of Assistant Assessor, copy attached, effective July 03, 2007.
Councilman Patrick Walsh, seconded this motion.
Ayes 5, Nays 0, Absent 0. Motion Carried.
RESOLUTION # 80-2007 APPOINTMENT OF ASSISTANT ASSESSOR
Councilmen Antonelli and O’Connor, presented the following for consideration and adoption,
WHEREAS, the Town of Catskill, upon recommendation of the Town Assessor, to appoint Jessica Misevcis as Assistant Assessor, and
WHEREAS, Jessica Misevcis has met the qualifications to be an Assessor, as set forth by the New York State Department of Real Property Services, so
THEREFORE, WE, the Catskill Town Board hereby resolve to appoint Jessica Misevcis as Assistant Assessor, at the rate of $15.00 per hour, effective July 03, 2007.
Councilman Joseph Leggio, seconded this motion
Ayes 5, Nays 0, Absent 0. Motion Carried
RESOLUTION # 81-2007 APPROVE AWARD TO GREENE CO. YOUTH FAIR.
Councilman Lewis O’Connor, offered the following for consideration and adoption,
WHEREAS, there has been a request from the Greene County Youth Fair, asking Towns to help offset the cost of the fireworks display at this year’s event, and
WHEREAS, this yearly event celebrates achievements of youth in our county, and provides something for all residents of our county, so
THEREFORE, WE, the Catskill Town Board do hereby award the sum of $300.00 to the Greene County Youth Fair, to offset the fireworks display.
Councilman Robert Antonelli, seconded this motion.
Ayes 5, Nays 0, Absent 0. Motion Carried.
RESOLUTION #82-2007 APPROVE ENGAGEMENT OF WHITEMAN, OSTERMAN & HANNA FOR PLANNING BOARD ASSISTANCE, AS NEEDED.
Councilman Robert Antonelli, offered the following for consideration and adoption,
WHEREAS, from time to time, the Catskill Town Planning Board has requested the assistance of the firm of Whiteman, Osterman & Hanna, in dealing with subdivision regulations and SEQRA compliance, and
WHEREAS, the aforementioned firm is requesting a new letter of engagement from the Town Board, and has outlined the parameters of legal services to be provided, and
WHEREAS, determination of fees and expenses are, as outlined in the firm’s letter
of engagement, so
THEREFORE, WE, the Catskill Town Board, do hereby accept this letter of engagement for the Planning Board’s reference.
Councilman Joseph Leggio seconded this motion.
Ayes 4, Nays 1(O’Connor), Absent 0. Motion Carried
Supervisor Izzo then reviewed the Correspondence:
Fax from New York State Senator, James L. Seward, regarding the State Senate has just passed a bill and a State Constitutional Amendment that would impose term limits on Statewide Elected Officials.
Letter from Robert J. Jacobson, regarding a flood zone map that he enclosed which shows the part of West Main Street, near his house, that is a flood zone. Mr. Jacobson also states that in the event of another flood that the roadway and some remaining trees would possibly be washed out. He also states that this is a problem that requires FEMA’s intervention, and he would like some feed back from the Town with regards to this issue.
Letter from Clough Harbor & Associates, LLP, with their preliminary findings on the financial feasibility of a new Thruway interchange. As a result of this analysis it indicates that he diversions alone from the adjacent Thruway interchanges (20 Saugerties & 21 Catskill) will not be sufficient to support a new interchange.
Supervisor Izzo spoke about the Thruway Interchange Study that Clough Harbor completed (revenue neutral study). In order for the interchange to remain revenue neutral and to support the operating and maintenance costs, there would have to be a significant development, approximately one million square feet of office development, in the Empire Zone, to support a new interchange.
Letter from Nyrelle Colon, Assistant Cheer Coordinator for the Greene County Pop Warner League, thanking the Catskill Town Board for allowing them to march in the Memorial Day Parade.
Correspondence from Kay Stamer, Executive Director of the Greene County Council on the Arts, thanking the Town for the $1,000 grant, to be used for programs to serve Catskill’s youth.
The Quarterly report from the HOCA/CCC to the Town of Catskill for January through March 2007.
Notice from the Association of Towns and the NY Planning Federation and the New York Conference of Mayor regarding summer school planning and zoning 2007.
Letter from Greene County Planning Board with a meeting notice for June 20, 2007 at 7:00 pm. They will be presenting Frank McDonald a distinguished service award for his 26 years of service to the Greene County Planning Board.
Letter from NYS Dept of Agriculture & Markets with regards to the availability of request for proposals to solicit state assistance payments for Farmland Protection Implementation Projects.
Letter from Richard Bear, Greene County Youth Fair, requesting that the Town possibly assist to help offset the expense of the fireworks display that is scheduled for Saturday, July 28, 2007.
Letter from NYS Encon on the notice of completion of application #4-1926-00252/000001, for the protection of the Maple Street embankment in Smith’s Landing.
Letter from Carey R. Dunn from the Special Commission on the Future of the New York State Courts, thanking Supervisor Izzo for meeting with the Commission and sharing his views on the Court that serves our Community.
Letter from Senator Seward highlighting a few issues in the spring legislative session: Upstate-Now: Basically about revitalizing our upstate economy. Property Tax Relief: Immediate help for seniors, property tax reform commission. Family Health Plus Medicaid Program: Additional funding to relieve more of the counties share.
Letter from George B. Ceresia, Jr. from the Unified Court Systems, Third Judicial District, thanking the Supervisor for his participation in the recent visit from the Dunne Commission.
Letter from Kerry Miller, Greene County Public Health Nursing Service, requesting that she be able to give a short presentation on the Pandemic Flu. We will have her speak before our Committee Meeting on July 18, 2007, if this date is good for her. It not, then it will be scheduled for our August Town Board meeting.
REPORTS:
Town of Catskill Comptrollers Report for the month of May 2007.*
Town of Catskill Highway Report for the month of June 2007.*
Town of Catskill Code Enforcement Report for the month of June 2007.*
Town of Catskill Ambulance Report for the month of June 2007.*
Town of Catskill Cemetery Report for the month of June 2007.*
* Copies of all reports are available at the Town Clerk’s office upon request.
The minutes from the Park meeting have been posted on the website.
Supervisor Izzo spoke of a letter received from Whiteman, Osterman, & Hanna in regards to Planning Board Engagement and the Planning Board’s desire to utilize their services with review of subdivision applications and compliance with SEQR. A resolution was constructed to use their services.
Denise Sousa, who works in the Code Enforcement Office, is now qualified to do fire inspections.
Supervisor Izzo asked the Board if they have any comments.
Councilman O’Connor stated that there is a meeting with Scott Dutton next week about the Ambulance building.
Councilman Walsh had no comments at this time. This was his first Town Board meeting.
Councilman Antonelli had no comment.
Councilman Leggio stated that the Village traffic is extremely congested and had some concerns as to how the Ambulance Service will navigate through the Village’s congested streets. He was wondering if anyone knew if the Village had any plans to ease congestion.
He also asked about St. Patrick’s School, located on Woodlawn Avenue, and the possibility of using that site for youth services. The believed purchase price is two million dollars.
The Town of Catskill would not be able to afford it based on the current property tax values. The only building that is of any value is the gym. The school is not handicap accessible. There is some discussion that the County would like to rent the school to house the Courthouse during their renovations. The property, upon sale, would be zoned residential. One idea would be to lease the property for the field and the gym.
An audience member asked about the property on Cauterskill Avenue. The Soccer Club stated the property is not large enough for games, but may be utilized for practice.
A question was raised about the grant for the proposed park on Five-Mile Woods Road. If the second phase of the project, the environmental phase, is not completed, the grant would more than likely be lost.
After much discussion, it was decided that the Board would not proceed with the second phase. Only Councilman Antonelli stated he would like to continue with the second phase of the project.
Councilman O’Connor stated that the music at the Schroeder’s campground site on Route 32 calmed down around 12:30 pm and the neighbors were satisfied.
Mr. Dushane, Cemetery Custodian, submitted cost of equipment for a washer, buffer, and vacuum for cleaning. It was decided that he needs to contact a couple other places for prices.
At the August meeting, Matt Liebowitz, the Ambulance Administrator, will be bringing a box ambulance for the Board to view to help with their decision in purchasing a new ambulance.
Motion to adjourn made by Councilman Antonelli and seconded by Councilman Leggio.
The meeting adjourned at 8:05 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Elizabeth Izzo
Town Clerk
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