Catskill Town Board Monthly Meeting
Catskill Town Hall
November 8th, 2006
Present: Joseph Izzo, Supervisor
Joseph Leggio, Councilman
Robert Antonelli, Councilman
Joseph Hanusik, Councilman
Lewis O’Connor, Councilman
Elizabeth Izzo, Deputy Town Clerk
Supervisor Izzo opened the meeting with a moment of silent prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Supervisor Izzo reviewed the minutes:
10/03/2006 Catskill Town Board Monthly Meeting
Motion: Councilman Hanusik
Second: Councilmen Antonelli & Leggio
Ayes 5, Nays 0, Absent 0, Motion Carried
10/17/2006 Budget Workshop Meeting
Motion: Councilman Antonelli
Second: Councilman Hanusik
Ayes 5, Nays 0, Absent 0, Motion Carried
10/18/2006 Catskill Town Board Committee Meeting
Motion : Councilman Antonelli
Second : Councilman Hanusik
Ayes 5, Nays 0, Absent 0, Motion Carried
10/24/2006 Preliminary Budget Workshop Meeting
Motion : Councilman Antonelli
Second: Councilman Leggio
Ayes 5, Nays 0, Absent 0, Motion Carried
11/01/2006 Special Meeting #5-2006 (Review Heating & Cooling Bids)
Motion : Councilman Antonelli
Second: Councilman Leggio
Ayes 5, Nays 0, Absent 0, Motion Carried
Supervisor Izzo reviewed the Resolutions:
RESOLUTION # 87-2006 DONATION OF SURPLUS CHAIRS TO THE
CATSKILL COMMUNITY CENTER.
Councilman Antonelli, presented the following for consideration and adoption.
WHEREAS, the Town of Catskill has approximately 30 used and surplus chairs previously donated to the Town that the Town needs to dispose of as the Town will be obtaining new chairs in connection with the current renovations at Town Hall, and
WHEREAS, it appears the limited value of said chairs possibly could be exceeded by the cost to dispose of same chairs, if done in the normal course of business, and
RESOLVED, that the said chairs be donated to the not-for-profit Catskill Community Center, at 344 Main Street, Catskill, NY.
Councilmen O‘Connor & Hanusik, seconded this motion.
Ayes 5, Nays 0, Absent 0, Motion Carried
These chairs were previously donated to the Town, which in turn will be donated to the Community Center.
RESOLUTION #89-2006 Re-Appointment of Harry Sacco to Town Planning Board
Councilman Hanusik, presented the following for consideration and adoption,
WHEREAS, Harry Sacco’s term of office on the Town of Catskill Planning Board will expire on December 31, 2006, and,
WHEREAS, the Chairman of the Planning Board has recommended that Harry Sacco be re-appointed as a member of the Town of Catskill Planning Board, and
WHEREAS, Mr. Sacco has expressed an interest in being re-appointed as a member of the Town of Catskill Planning Board, so
WE THEREFORE RESOLVE, to re-appoint Harry Sacco to the Town of Catskill Planning Board to a term expiring December 31st, 2012.
Councilmen Leggio & Antonelli, seconded this motion.
Ayes 5, Nays 0, Absent 0, Motion Carried
RESOLUTION #90-2006 Re-Appointment of Mary Beth Lange to Town Zoning Board
Councilman Antonelli, presented the following for consideration and adoption,
WHEREAS, Mary Beth Lange’s term of office on the Town of Catskill Zoning Board of Appeals will expire on December 31, 2006, and,
WHEREAS, the Chairman of the Zoning Board has recommended that Mary Beth Lange be re-appointed as a member of the Town of Catskill Zoning Board of Appeals, and
WHEREAS, Ms. Lange has expressed an interest in being re-appointed as a member of the Town of Catskill Zoning Board of Appeals, so
WE THEREFORE RESOLVE, to re-appoint Mary Beth Lange to the Town of Catskill Zoning Board of Appeals to a term expiring December 31st, 2012.
Councilman Leggio, seconded this motion.
Ayes 5, Nays 0, Absent 0, Motion Carried
RESOLUTION #91-2006 TRANSFERS FOR “A” FUNDS.
Councilman Antonelli, presented the following for consideration and adoption,
WHEREAS, the following General Fund budget transfers and revised appropriations for 2006, need to be made to the following accounts:
A1330.4 Tax Collector Cont. $ 1,499.48
A1355.4 Assessor Cont. 1,727.70
A1420.4 Town Attorney 25,597.92
A1440.4 Engineering 20,000.00
A11620.4 Town Building P.S. 32,175.75
A1620.50 Town Hall Renov. 13,194.33
A45404.44 Ambulance Billing 42,722.15
A67724.5 Senior Center 7,125.25
A1355.1 Assessor Clk. 3,848.94
A54501.1 Ambulance PS 20,000.00
A45404.35 Ambulance Cont. 21,236.32
$189,128.84
S0, THEREFORE WE, the Catskill Town Board hereby approve the following transfers and revised revenue appropriations from the below accounts:
A1990.4 Contingency $ 18,000.00
A8510.4 Community Beautf. 2,000.00
A1355.41 Appraisal Consult. 16,000.00
A8510.44 Grant Writer 10,000.00
$ 46,000.00
A Fund Revenue Town Wide
A2680 Insurance Recovery $ 100,000.00
A2681 GC ALS 11,463.84
A2770 Misc. Rev. 20,000.00
A3001 State Aid 8165.00
A1090 Int Property Tax 3500.00
$ 143,128.84
$ 189,128.84
Councilmen Leggio & Hanusik, seconded this motion.
Ayes 5, Nays 0, Absent 0, Motion Carried
Year-end budget process and review various accounts that may be either overdrawn or have a surplus and try to anticipate so we may move money in order for them to balance.
RESOLUTION # 92-2006 TRANSFERS FOR “B” FUND and “DA”
FUND.
Councilman Antonelli, presented the following for consideration and adoption,
WHEREAS, the following B Fund Outside Town and DA Fund Highway Town Wide budget transfers and revised appropriations for 2006, need to be made to the following accounts:
B Fund Outside Town
B7319.1 Youth Program $ 400.00
B7310.4 Youth Program Cont. 300.00
700.00
DA Fund Highway Town Wide
DA5120.4 Bridges Cont. 700.00
700.00
Total $1400.00
SO, THEREFORE WE, the Catskill Town Board hereby approve the following transfers and appropriations from the below accounts:
B Fund Outside Town
B8020.12 Code Asst. Officer $ 700.00
DA Fund Highway Town Wide
DA5120.1 Bridges P.S. 700.00
Total $1400.00
Councilmen Hanusik & Leggio, seconded this motion.
Ayes 5, Nays 0, Absent 0, Motion Carried
RESOLUTION # 93-2006 SALE OF WASHINGTON IRVING SCHOOL.
Councilman Antonelli, presented the following for consideration and adoption,
WHEREAS, the Catskill Town Board has received an offer to purchase Washington Irving School for the amount of $304,000.00, and
WHEREAS, this above offer to purchase is in the best interest of the citizen’s of the Town of Catskill and this sale is subject to a permissive referendum as noted under Town Law Section 64 & 64(2), so
THEREFORE WE, the Catskill Town Board hereby approve the sale of the Washington Irving School, in the amount of $304,000.00, to the Estate Capital, LLC.
Councilman Leggio, seconded this motion.
Ayes 5, Nays 0, Absent 0, Motion Carried
This motion was previously passed in 2005, however it needed to be re-passed because it needs to be placed in the Daily Mail. It is subject to a permissive referendum. The closing will be in December.
RESOLUTION # 94-2006 THRUWAY INTERCHANGE FEASIBILITY STUDY.
Councilman Antonelli, presented the following for consideration and adoption,
WHEREAS, the Catskill Town Board requested a proposal’s for professional services on a Feasibility Study for a New Interchange on the New York State Thruway, and
WHEREAS, the Clough Harbour & Associates has submitted a proposal for this study broken into three phases, total costs not to exceed $98,800:
1. Preliminary Revenue Neutral Study $17,300
2. Revenue Neutral Study $42,600
3. Engineering Analysis $38,900
THEREFORE WE, the Catskill Town Board hereby approve the completion of the first phase, Preliminary Revenue Neutral Study, which will not exceed the amount of $17,300, by Clough Harbour & Associates.
Councilman O‘Connor, seconded this motion.
Ayes 5, Nays 0, Absent 0, Motion Carried
Estimate of the construction of the new entrance and exit is approximated at $14 million. This study at least will allow us to see if it is feasible which in turn, if it is, will open up the West Side and allow us to better utilize the Empire Zone as well as a better traffic flow for the Wal-Mart and Lowe’s stores which will be opening in January 2007.
This part of the study will look at the Saugerties and Catskill interchanges to see if the proposed new interchange will take revenue away from those.
Councilman Antonelli has had requests from residents of Jefferson Heights to try to curb the truck traffic that comes off the Thruway and down Jefferson Heights. Supervisor Izzo stated that the Residents of Jefferson Heights need to establish a petition in order for us to talk to the County regarding re-routing the truck traffic, however, they should talk directly to the County Legislature and the County Highway Department.
Supervisor Izzo will send a letter to the Highway Superintendent stating their request also.
RESOLUTION # 95-2006 PURCHASE PROPERTY “ 82 WEST BRIDGE STREET”.
Councilman O‘Connor, presented the following for consideration and adoption.
WHEREAS, the Catskill Town Board wishes to purchase the following property, 82 West Bridge Street, Owner, Mr. James Vining, Jr., Tax Map # 172.05-1-17, located in the Village of Catskill, and
WHEREAS, the Catskill Town Board deems this purchase to be in the best interest of the citizen’s of the Town of Catskill and this purchase is subject to a permissive referendum as noted under Town Law, Article 14, Section 220, and
WHEREAS, the purchase of the above named property is contingent upon approval of the Village of Catskill Zoning Board for a special use permit, or what necessary special permission or permit required by the Village of Catskill Zoning Board or Village of Catskill Board of Trustees for the site of the Town of Catskill Ambulance Service, so
THEREFORE WE, the Catskill Town Board hereby offers to purchase 82 West Bridge St., for the amount of $425,000, subject to the condition as noted in this resolution, from Mr. James Vining Jr.
Supervisor Izzo, seconded this motion.
Ayes 3, Nays 2,(Antonelli & Leggio) Absent 0, Motion Carried
Roll call vote:
Supervisor Izzo, Aye
Councilman Antonelli, Nay
Councilman Leggio, Nay
Councilman Hanusik, Aye
Councilman O’Connor, Aye
Councilman O’Connor stated that we have worked on this proposal for the last couple of months and we have received the proposal from Scott Dutton whom states, tentatively, that the renovations will be in upwards of $593,000. He feels that the benefits to the Town and Village Residents outweigh the loss of tax revenue to the Village.
Supervisor Izzo asked the Board to approve this Resolution. It has been 2 to 3 years since first talking about the ambulance site. It may not be the best piece of property but it is a reasonable piece of property based on the two feasibility studies. The current purchase price is reasonable and the environmental study shows no issues now.
Councilman Leggio stated that there is no denying that the ambulance service needs a home. However, he feels that the purchase price of $425,000 is not worth the price of the building. Also, the reconstruction price of $593,000 he states will probably be higher. Councilman Leggio stated that he would have liked a complete structural assessment of the building.
These following Resolutions are because we have volunteers from Town Hall and residents of the Community who want to sponsor a free-will offering Thanksgiving Dinner at the Senior Center for those in the Town and Village of Catskill who may have no place to go.
The Passaretti’s used to have this dinner and we would like to carry on this tradition. It is being coordinated by the Deputy Town Clerk, Elizabeth Izzo, and Anne Marie Moran, the Senior Center Director.
RESOLUTION #96-2006 TO USE WASHINGTON IRVING
SENIOR CENTER FOR FREE- WILL OFFERING
THANKSGIVING DINNER
Councilman Antonelli, presented the following for consideration and adoption,
WHEREAS, volunteers within the Town and Village of Catskill would like to sponsor a free-will offering Thanksgiving Day Dinner for the Residents of the Village and Town of Catskill, and
WHEREAS, the volunteers would like to prepare and have this dinner at the Washington Irving Senior Center, so
WE THEREFORE RESOLVE, the Catskill Town Board, to allow the use of the Washington Irving Senior Center on November 22nd and 23rd for this event.
Councilmen Leggio & O‘Connor, seconded this motion.
Ayes 5, Nays 0, Absent 0, Motion Carried
RESOLUTION #97-2006 TO ESTABLISH BANK ACCOUNT FOR DONATIONS FOR
THE FREE-WILL OFFERING
THANKSGIVING DAY DINNER
Councilman Antonelli, presented the following for consideration and adoption,
WHEREAS, volunteers within the Town and Village of Catskill are sponsoring a free-will offering Thanksgiving Day Dinner for the Residents of the Town and Village of Catskill, and
WHEREAS, these volunteers will be receiving monetary donations from the Residents and Business owners of the Community, and
WHEREAS, these monies need to be deposited within a separate account, so
WE THEREFORE RESOLVE, the Catskill Town Board, to set up a separate account for these funds for this event only.
Councilman Leggio, seconded this motion.
Ayes 5, Nays 0, Absent 0, Motion Carried
Any money not used will be donated to a charity.
Supervisor Izzo reviewed the County Resolutions:
RESOLUTION # 329-2006 APPROVING REIMBURSEMENT TO
COMMUNITY COLLEGES.
Town of Catskill’s share for the Summer and Fall semesters is $26,814.48.
RESOLUTION # 330-2006 ESTABLISHING EQUALIZATION RATES
Town of Catskill’s rate of equalization is 66.69.
Supervisor Izzo reviewed the Correspondence:
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Notice of Intent to Modify the Catskill Facility T SD 4 on Maple Avenue in Cementon permit to require disinfection in order to achieve the goals set forth in the Hudson River Estuary Action Plan, 2005-2009. The sewage will need to be chlorinized before it is deposited into the Hudson River. Every water treatment facility in the State of New York will have to conform to this new regulation.
Notice from the Hudson River Valley Greenway that the $10,000 voucher has been submitted for payment pursuant to the Greenway contract for the comprehensive plan.
Letter from NYS Dept. of Health, in regard to the Proposed Garrison Subdivision. Mr. Ronald Sheppard, P.E., Senior Sanitary Engineer, has requested some more detailed explanations.
Letter from Bernadette Castro, Commissioner of NYS Historic Preservation Officer to congratulate the Town on receiving a matching grant of $167,779 from the FY 2006 Environmental Protection Fund for the MUNICIPAL PARK PROJECT. A member of the audience requested that a water/soil test be done at the 5-Mile Wood Road site.
Greene County Council on the Arts, Inc., has sent their Balance Sheet and Profit & Loss Statement for the first quarter period that ended on September 30, 2006.
Heart of Catskill Assn./ Catskill Chamber of Commerce, has submitted the Quarterly Report to the Town of Catskill for July through September 2006.
Correspondence from NYS Dept. of Public Service, in regard to the franchise agreement the Town of Catskill has with Mid-Hudson Cablevision.
NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation, is sponsoring “Wastewater Panels for Local Officials”, basic session is on Tuesday, December 5, 2006 and the advanced session is Wednesday, December 6, 2006, the class will be at the Kingston Holiday Inn, in Kingston, NY, if interested, more information is in the Town Clerks office.
Letters of support for the Catskill Community Center, from Tammy Jo Chewens and Harold Gondrez & Ann Peacob, they also thank the Town for all their help.
Kevin Burns, Chief of Grants for the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, has informed the Town that the Application submitter for the Little Red Schoolhouse Historic Restoration project has been rejected. The grant for the Development of Multi-use Town Park and the Little Red Schoolhouse Restoration also has been rejected. Senator Seward gave $10,000 to help restoration.
Central Hudson has notified the Town that effective 11/1/2006; all-decorative temporary attachments to utility poles will require Central Hudson’s prior written approval. Licenses for decorative temporary attachments, such as seasonal lighting & other temporary attachment (flags, banners, etc.).
We have received notice about the Lead Agency and SEQRA review for the Proposed DeSantis Mobile Home Park. Reference to request from the Catskill Town Planning Board to interested parties asking if they would like to be lead agent. They indicated that they do not want to be lead agent, but involved agency.
Greene Co. Planning Board meeting on 11/15/2006, at 6:30 PM, at the County Office building at 411 Main St., Catskill, NY.
Town of Catskill Comptroller’s Cash Report for September 2006
Town of Catskill Highway Report for month of October 2006
Town of Catskill Cemetery Report for the month of October 2006
Town of Catskill Code Enforcement Report for the month of October 2006
Town of Catskill Ambulance Report for the month of October 2006
* Copies of all reports are available at the Town Clerk’s office upon request
Supervisor Izzo stated that the geophysical survey has been done on the property at 82 West Bridge St.
Supervisor Izzo stated the following resolutions need to be passed:
RESOLUTION #100-2006 AMEND TOWN OF CATSKILL
PRELIMINARY “A” FUND BUDGET
Councilman Leggio, presented the following for consideration and adoption,
WHEREAS, the Catskill Community Center came before the Catskill Town Board requesting funding of $100,000 to be included in the 2007 budget, and
WHEREAS, the Thomas Cole House requested funding of $3,000 in the 2007 Budget, so
WE THEREFORE RESOLVE, to add to the 2007 Town of Catskill General Fund A Budget line item A7310.4-Youth Programs $100,000 and $3,000 to line item A8510.4-Community Beautification.
Councilman Antonelli, seconded this motion.
Ayes 5, Nays 0, Absent 0, Motion Carried
RESOLUTION #101-2006 AMEND TOWN OF CATSKILL
PRELIMINARY “A” FUND BUDGET REVENUE
Councilman Antonelli, presented the following for consideration and adoption,
WHEREAS, monies have been included in the 2007 Budget for $103,000, Community Center $100,000, Community Beautification $3,000, so
WE THEREFORE RESOLVE, to increase revenue account 2770 Miscellaneous Revenue in the 2007 Budget for $45,000.
Councilman Leggio, seconded this motion.
Ayes 5, Nays 0, Absent 0, Motion Carried
Supervisor Izzo scheduled a meeting with Mr. Seeley, President of the Village, since he was in attendance to discuss the Fire Contract. The meeting is scheduled at 5:30 on Monday.
Chris Sutherland addressed the Board regarding his neighbor’s property that is not clean and neat. He states there are drums on the property and they are filled with water and dirt. He states there is an open foundation on the property, which is unsafe for children. He has been in contact with Linda Speckman, the Town Code Enforcement Officer, and is not satisfied.
Supervisor Izzo stated that a meeting will be set up with the Town Board, Linda Speckman, and Mr. Sutherland for discussion of his complaint.
Carol Pike addressed the Board regarding the property on Rt 23A. Her main issue, as well as her neighbors main issue, the Carlson’s, is the septic permit and the camper and building in back that are falling apart.
Supervisor Izzo stated that a meeting will be held with the Town Board, themselves, and Linda Speckman to discuss.
Tom Baldwin addressed the Board in regards to the sign ordinance and the fees. He feels that the fees are not being administered in a timely manner to all who have a sign. Supervisor Izzo stated that the sign ordinance was started with Commercial properties and that the Town has a complete inventory. He stated that the Board at this time is questioning whether there should be a renewal fee so as not to be burdensome on the individuals.
Mr. Baldwin, upon the Supervisor’s request, is sending a letter with his concerns and in that letter it will state to hold off paying his fee at this time.
Councilman Leggio asked about whatever happened with Casings and overcharging businesses and residents. Supervisor Izzo stated that he and Jim Wagman, Town Attorney, met with Casings. Residents are allowed 10 tires per year free and businesses are allowed 250 per year with a .75 charge per tire up to 250 tires. After they exceed 250 tires the charge is $1.25 per tire.
Michael Bulich, President of the Little League Association, came before the Board to request funding for a new backstop at Eliot Park’s Little League Field. They are redoing the field and would like to also have a new backstop. The current backstop has been there for 30+ years.
RESOLUTION # 98-2006 APPROVE REQUEST FROM
CATSKILL LITTLE LEAGUE FOR
A BACKSTOP
Councilman Leggio, presented the following for consideration and adoption,
WHEREAS, the Catskill Little League Board has raised funds in the amount of $13,000 to repair the Little League Field at Eliot Park, and
WHEREAS, the back-stop at the Little League Field is in disrepair and has not been replaced in 30 years, and
WHEREAS, the Catskill Little League Board has received quotes from two companies to replace the backstop and has decided to accept the quote from AC Fencing which includes replacing the backstop, canopy, and fencing for $8650.00.
WE THEREFORE RESOLVE, the Catskill Town Board to award the Catskill Little League Board the fund of $8650 to replace their backstop.
Councilman Antonelli, seconded this motion.
Ayes 5, Nays 0, Absent O, Motion Carried.
Councilman Leggio stated that the Cemetery wanted to purchase a gator on State Bid, for the Cemetery that the Town has acquired.
RESOLUTION # 99-2006 PURCHASE OF GATOR FOR
ADDITIONAL CEMETERY WORK
Councilman Leggio, presented the following for consideration and adoption,
WHEREAS, the Town of Catskill Cemetery is in need of a gator for the additional cemetery that has been acquired by the Town, and
WHEREAS, this gator will be purchased from State Bid Equipment in the amount of $6900.00, so
WE THEREFORE RESOLVE, to approve the purchase of a gator for the cemetery in the amount of $6900.00.
Councilman O’Connor, seconded this motion.
Ayes 5, Nays 0, Absent O, Motion Carried.
Councilman Antonelli asked Councilman O’Connor about the trees in the Town’s Cemetery that were cut down. There is a question about the monetary value of the trees. The trees that were cut down, about 20-30, were Cherry trees, which are, valued at $500 to $600 a piece.
Councilman O’Connor stated that he brought Sam up and that Billy Wootton, Cemetery Custodian, made the deal. Councilman Antonelli states that Billy said he had nothing to do with it.
A check was received in the amount of $300. Councilman O’Connor stated he will look into it further.
Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Councilman Antonelli and seconded by Councilman Leggio. The meeting adjourned at 8:28 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Elizabeth Izzo
Deputy Town Clerk
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