Town Board Public Hearing/Regular Meeting - September

CLERMONT TOWN BOARD

PUBLIC HEARING

SEPTEMBER 8, 2015

 

The Clermont Town Board held a public hearing on Tuesday, September 8, 2015 at 6:30 P.M. at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were Supervisor Raymond Staats, Councilman Robert Desmond, Councilwoman Dawn Brownson, Councilman Evan Hempel and Councilman Kris Gildersleeve. Others present were Andy Howard, Town Attorney, William Foster and Rob Nedwick of Southern Columbia Little League, residents Katelyn Miller, Travis Sterrett, Ronald Miller, Carol Miller, Anthony Finta, Ellen Earle, Jennifer Phillips, Mary Howard, Chris Nolan, Ray Tousey, Kimberly Tousey Peacock, Desiree Webber, Ben Shute, Maura DeKaser and Paul Morano.

 

PUBLIC NOTICE: The Town Clerk read the public notice as published in the Register Star. The purpose of this public hearing is for the purpose of conducting an inquiry and balancing of the factors to be weighed under Matter of Monroe, 72 N.Y.2nd 33:8 (1988) on whether the Town of Clermont is subject to zoning and land use approval by the Town Planning Board with regard to proposed improvements to be made to the Clermont Town Park. All interested parties are invited to attend.

Andrew Howard, our attorney, explained that the purpose if this hearing is to take input from the public regarding improvements relative to the proposed town park. The case of Matter of Monroe in 1988 in which they said that any municipality which wants to initiate a project on town property needs to have a public hearing and do a balancing of the interests relative to the proposed project before they declare themselves exempt from the zoning ordinance.

Prior to the Matter of Monroe these issues were dealt with whether action was determined to be a proprietary or non-proprietary act. If the Town was looking to do something that would make money, that would be deemed a proprietary act and they would be required to go through the zoning process. The Court of Appeals said that the proprietary nature should be looked at before the public and then go forward with a decision. This project is part of a remediation program that has been in the queue for a decade. In connection with this program, there were a series of public hearings, which were required by DEC and held to examine the land, possible uses and come up with a determination of significance.

As a result, the Town Board in 2009, as lead agency, made a negative declaration on a full environmental review that work done here would not have a negative impact. Mr. Howard submitted a copy of the SEQRA and determination for the record. Jennifer Phillips asked when referring to the work being done, are you referring to the remediation work. Mr. Howard explained that yes, but part of the SEQRA analysis also included where to provide access ways, active or passive recreation, parking, where on the site it would be disturbed, what is the ultimate intended use for the site, because that dictated the remediation efforts that were going to occur. This was part of a series of meetings, public hearings and SEQRA. This program is slated to begin this fall, so the question becomes moving forward with the town park project.

In looking at the factors, there are several that the Town Board needs to consider. The first is the nature and scope of the instrumentality, which is the Town Board seeking immunity for activities related to the town park on lands currently owned by the Town that has previously gone through review under the ERP Program.

The second is function, this is a non-proprietary function being proposed, and the Board is looking to engage in park development improvements for additional recreation for the residents.

The next would be the effect of the land use regulation on this project. The nature of the project which is slated to begin in the next few months and going through a lengthy review could threaten the project getting done in a timely manner and also having the work done by the contractors that have been designated by the State of New York, which are part of the program. There is a certain time factor involved.

 

As the executive and legislative branch, the Town Board is authorized to provide recreational opportunities for the Town. The other factor to consider would be another area for town park improvements in less restrictive zoning areas. The property was purchased for the purpose of a town park based on its proximity and represents the area for most people to participate in a town park. Other alternate methods to provide improvements consist of initial infrastructure improvements necessary to carry out a town park, parking areas, fields and access.

The remediation and restoration of the site is necessary in order to clean up site and clean it up in such a manner that it provides a use for the town residents.

The public hearing is the other part of the process in that the members of the public are provided an opportunity to comment.

Councilman Desmond reported that the property was acquired by the Town in 2004. Shortly thereafter, testing by DEC took place.

Supervisor Staats asked for any comments on what we are considering tonight.

Jennifer Phillips asked for an explanation of what Mr. Howard means.

Andy Howard: The town is here to determine whether they should declare themselves immune under the Matter of Monroe from the zoning process.

Some of the concerns of the residents present and responses:

  • Jennifer Phillips feeling is that the town should go through planning board with respect to this. Whenever anyone is going to make a change, she feels it is a reasonable process. Since it is a public place it would be appropriate to have input from residents.
  • Katelyn Miller agrees that the residents have to go through the planning board and the town should also.

Supervisor Staats responded that we want to keep the process going with DEC and by going to the planning board could delay the project from starting.

  • Paul Morano is thinking of selling his property and his concern is this may have an impact. The road from County Route 6 looks close to his property line and if it is gravel it will be dusty. The well is out in the middle of his field and this looks very close to property line. He understands that the board is trying to improve Clermont.

Supervisor Staats responded that the road shown from Route 6 is temporary and will be used for access for equipment.

Councilman Desmond commented that this would not be a through road, it is temporary and the state will be building it. He and Supervisor Staats said that they would look at how close it is to Mr. Morano’s well.

  • Jennifer Phillips: She is glad that the property is being remediated and appropriate.

Once cap is put over it what will happen next. She realizes that some of that will depend on what the state can do that will allow the town to proceed with the ballfield.

Councilman Desmond stated that since the last board meeting we have met with DEC. Listening to comments from that town board meeting, we have made some changes and asked DEC to rework the maps. The entrance from Route 9 will be moved from the northern property line to allow for some screening or fencing, as necessary. The parking lot has been relocated further west and away from the neighboring house and closer to the cemetery. We have asked about installing clay rather than topsoil which would have to be dug out in the future for the ballfield. Again, we are trying to save costs and take in the concerns of residents.

  • Travis Sterret stated that this seems to be decided and wondered why are we here.

Supervisor Staats said that we are proceeding with the remediation work and part of that is an entrance to the area. The ballfield is not a definate but the rest is part of the project.

  • Travis Sterrett called part of the remediation by putting an asphalt parking lot an eyesore.

Supervisor Staats would not agree with this being an eyesore. Exactly where it will be located has been in the planning for over ten years.

  • Chris Nolan commented that his is not going to site plan review so there would be no screening or other kind of site factors, which are imposed on a private citizen during a review.

Councilman Desmond said that we did listen last month and that is why the parking lot was moved further back.

  • Travis Sterrett thought that the proposed parking lot was already further back than is being discussed now.
  • Jennifer Phillips said that some feel that there should not be access from route 9.
  • Katelyn Miller stated that they are already on Route 9, and now we will have another road. They will have no privacy with a parking lot. They are concerned about security issues with a parking lot behind their house.
  • Billy Foster on behalf of Southern Columbia Little League stated that the current Little League field is an asset to the little league and the town has done a wonderful job with hard work and ingenuity, taking raw materials and making them work. The Little league is all volunteer and does not charge for admission and gives the kids an opportunity to play sports and stay out of trouble.

Anywhere you go there is going to be trouble, which has to be addressed, and with good neighbors you let it known that vandalism won’t be tolerated. There is a need for a softball field because there are not enough places for girls to play. The Germantown fields are multi-use and used for soccer in the fall and this does not allow for the girls to play girls softball. He has been involved with Little League for 10 years and the last 5 or 6 with softball and it is tough to find a place to play. He feels that this would be an asset to the Town.

  • Jennifer Phillips said that it has been mentioned that there are five softball fields within a short distance from here.
  • Mr. Foster is not aware of these fields.
  • Katelyn Miller said that she belongs to a softball league and there is not a problem unless it rains for makeup games.
  • Rob Nedwick, President of Southern Columbia Little League said that there is only one softball field in Southern Columbia. Games are held from September to October with three or four per week. Little League is from April to the middle of June or July if in playoffs. There is a difference in the mound for pitching.
  • Chris Nolan asked for statistics for use in a season.
  • Rob Nedwick said there are about three games per week for Little League and three to four from April to June on the softball field. In the fall, most of the games would be on the weekends. Southern Columbia League covers the town of Clermont, Germantown and Livingston.

Supervisor Staats said that there has been interest in using the field for soccer and LaCrosse. There is not really any expense to the Town for the field to use for these youth activities.

  • Chris Nolan said there is a need for a soccer field because there is an under served community in the town.
  • Rob Nedwick is the treasurer of the Southern Columbia Soccer League and there is a space in Germantown that is not big enough for the two fields and there are three fields crammed in there now serving ages 4 to 13.

Supervisor Staats said that we would like to develop as much of this as we can because DEC is going to do as much as we can get them to do. This is why we have proceeded along this route and have it as acceptable as possible to everyone.

Andy Howard stated that the purpose of this hearing is to do the Monroe analysis. This does not preclude the board from looking and listening to all the comments.

 

  • Ray Tousey asked if what is shown as softball field could be used for soccer. It can be used for soccer. He asked if the parking lot shown has to be blacktop. Once put down it is forever and it scars the land. It could be done in the future.

Councilman Desmond said that there are a few reasons why asphalt should be used. It is a better wear surface. Oil and stone does have a tendency to move around and has to be replaced.

It would also be very expensive and now we get it for 10% of the costs with DEC paying the bill.

  • Chris Nolan said that there would probably be curb cuts, acceleration and deceleration lanes for entrance from Route 9 put in. He asked if this can be unified with the recreation complex and be tied to Route 6 so that there is no entrance from Route 9.

Supervisor Staats said we don’t want this as a through road going through where there are spectators and children.

There were some complaints that the map did not show all that will be done and the Supervisor Staats said that we would have this in a larger map. The States only concern is the remediation area.

  • Ron Miller said that we should consider going to the planning board, because they look at all this.
  • Maura DeKaser said that this would directly affect her property next to a recreational complex.
  • Jennifer Phillips handed the board some information on "Old Fields" and management of grasslands. She would like to see it maintained this way, since there are other ballfields. She asked how much of the total parcel will get mowed and if some would be left wild.

Councilman Desmond estimates that about half or less of the acreage would be mowed, which may be 9 or 10 acres. He stated that the survey did call for walking trails, playgrounds and recreation areas.

  • Travis Sterrett asked why are we still talking about the survey.

Councilman Desmond said that it is a valid survey and he has asked a lot of people in the community if they want parks and recreation. We don’t have other property to do this and it has been intended to be this when the property was acquired. We have a vision of what we want to do but we are trying to adjust to your concerns.

  • Maura DeKaser asked if people wanted more recreation or they supported the recreation that we have.

Councilman Desmond said they wanted to incrementally add recreation and one neighbor, that lives near the present ballfield, said that it is great. There is very little noise, the kids are using it and she thinks it improves her property value.

  • Billy Foster said that there is a dire need for softball fields. The other fields are set up for baseball, different dimensions, and different layout. This area drains well because of the gravel base. The girls have always been slighted when it comes to softball fields.
  • Chris Nolan would like it convertible to accommodate soccer for the Hispanic community. He does not think the survey is applicable at this time.

Councilwoman Brownson said that this map serves the purpose of our meeting with DEC and may not serve the purpose of what we needed for tonight but we owe it to people here to have a map of the entire parcel. She thanked everyone for coming here tonight and although we may not go to the Planning Board we are still going to seek public input and react accordingly.

  • Anthony Finta asked if the sole purpose of the meeting tonight is as to whether you go to the planning board or not. It seems like the majority wants you to go to the planning board.

Supervisor Staats said we don’t want to go to the Planning Board because that will take time to go back and forth with DEC so that is why we are proceeding this way. We don’t want to circumvent the Planning Board and we would probably solicit them for comments. As soon as we get a more detailed plan we can circulate it to the planning board.

Councilwoman Brownson said that the remediation is going to start next month and we need to tell DEC what the use of the property is going to be so that they know how much fill to use. This is why we need to locate what is going to be done.

  • Jennifer Phillips is against blacktop and believes it should be something else and it shouldn’t be decided based on money.
  • Maureen DeKaser asked if we would loose the money if not done now.

Councilwoman Brownson explained that our project is on the state’s timeline. Our project was approved and is directed and overseen by DEC. It will be remediated as they say.

Councilman Desmond explained about how to put in a backstop you have to dig more than two feet. We can’t dig down any further than the barrier without being able to get rid of the soiled material. DEC will excavate and spread the uncontaminated soil over the area.

Councilman Hempel’s inclination is to go forward with the remediation and go to the planning board with the softball field layout when the time comes.

Supervisor Staats feels that the field is needed and a lot of the opposition is that do we need anything at all. He doesn’t think this is an option and we need future development.

  • Chris Nolan asked if the state can do it in another step, can it be phased.

Supervisor Staats said that they would not except for any blacktop work that has to be done.

  • Maura DeKaser asked what would be the cost of this project.

Supervisor Staats said that Southern Columbia would probably donate the clay, volunteers take care of it, the town would do any mowing, and anything else would be donated.

  • Travis Sterrett is not worried about the people who play baseball but does not want the parking lot in his backyard because of possible drug use, vandals in his back yard.
  • Katelyn Miller said this is more secluded from the road.

Supervisor Staats said this parking lot and field would be in plain view, we would like to keep it up front to leave the back for any future development.

Councilman Desmond commented on the parking lot remaining close to the cemetery for their parking use and use for the Veterans ceremonies.

Councilman Hempel is hearing from the public that there may not be a use for a ballfield.

  • Mary Howard thinks it should be remediated to the highest use so that whatever goes in, you know that you have the most protected property.
  • Ben Shute supports this going through the full planning process and the compromise suggested by Councilman Hempel seems reasonable.

A motion was made to close the public hearing at 7:50 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

　

Mary Helen Shannon, RMC

Town Clerk

TOWN BOARD MEETING

SEPTEMBER 8, 2015

Supervisor Staats opened the regular Town Board meeting at 8:00 P.M following the public hearing on the Matter of Monroe with a salute to the flag. Those present were Supervisor Staats, Councilman Desmond, Coucilwoman Brownson, Councilman Hempel and Councilman Gildersleeve. There were four residents present.

Supervisor Staats asked Andy Howard, Town Attorney, to read the prepared Resolution for Consideration by the Board regarding providing recreational opportunities for residents of the Town of Clermont and to determine whether this project is subject to site plan review by the Town of Clermont Planning Board or any other agency of the Town of Clermont.

TOWN OF CLERMONT

COLUMBIA COUNTY, NEW YORK

 

　

RESOLUTION NO. 43

 

At a regular meeting of the Town Board for the Town of Clermont, Columbia County, New York, duly held on the 8th day of September, 2015 at the Clermont Town Hall, Route 9, Clermont, New York, the following Resolution was proposed and seconded:

Resolution by: Robert Desmond;

 

Seconded by: Dawn Brownson.

 

WHEREAS, the Town of Clermont is the owner of a parcel of real property constituting approximately 26.1 acres of land that has been designated for municipal purposes ("subject premises"); and

WHEREAS, the Town of Clermont is a municipal corporation duly organized and existing pursuant to the laws of the State of New York, and having those powers set forth in Town Law Article 4 with regard to providing recreational opportunities for residents of the Town of Clermont in promotion of the general health, welfare and safety of its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Clermont Town Board is the governing body of the Town of Clermont charged with executing and providing for the general health, welfare and safety of Town residents; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Clermont Planning Board is an agency of the Town of Clermont, whose members are appointed by the Town Board, and which is responsible for overseeing land use regulation as specified in Article 16 of the Town Law; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Clermont has submitted an application to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation ("NYSDEC") in order to have the subject premises restored for use as recreational lands as part of the state funded and managed NYWIIERP program ("Town of Clermont Town Park Project"); and

WHEREAS, in connection with the NYWIIERP Program, the Town of Clermont Town Board declared itself lead agency under SEQR, performed a thorough analysis of the potential environmental impacts under SEQR, and duly issued a negative declaration on December 2, 2009 in connection with the plan to develop, amongst other items, an access drive, parking lots and recreational fields upon the subject premises as part of the NYWIIERP Program; and

WHEREAS, the proposed work to be performed in conjunction with the remediation and restoration activities to be conducted by NYS DEC includes the creation of an access drive, parking lot, and recreational field; and,

WHEREAS, the Town of Clermont’s application was approved under the NYWIIERP Program and the long awaited remediation and restoration activity is slated to commence in the Fall of 2015; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to the decision of the New York Court of Appeals in the Matter of County of Monroe, 72 N.Y.2d 338 (1988), a "balancing of public interests" is required to determine whether and to what extent the Clermont Town Board is exempt from the zoning and land use regulatory approval from the Town of Clermont Planning Board; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Clermont Town Board held a public hearing on September 8, 2015 for the purpose of describing the project to be undertaken at the subject premises and having further inquiry and comment from the public on the Monroe inquiry being undertaken by the Town Board; and

WHEREAS, upon a review of the proposed activities, the SEQR determination that was previously conducted, and testimony at the public hearing, and after due deliberation thereon;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Clermont Town Board has analyzed, considered and discussed the following factors as set forth in the Matter of County of Monroe in relation to the Clermont Town Park Project to take place on the subject premises, and the Town of Clermont’s land use regulations, and hereby finds as follows:

1. The nature and scope of the instrumentality seeking immunity.

(a) The Town of Clermont Town Board is the body primarily responsible for the legislative and executive functions of the Town of Clermont. The Town of Clermont Planning Board is an agency of the Town of Clermont, whose members are appointed by the Clermont Town Board. The two bodies are not of equivalent authority and status.

(b) This is only one factor to be considered and is not controlling.

2. The kind of function of land use involved and the extent of the public interest to be served.

(a) The improvements contemplated at the Town Park are of a non-proprietary nature and will serve the public interest by ensuring safe, reliable recreational space for all Town residents.

(b) The creation and development of recreational space is a statutory governmental function.

3. The effect local land use regulation would have upon the enterprise concerned and the impact upon legitimate local interests.

(a) the work to be performed in developing the parking lot, access way, and recreational fields will be de minimis and will be taking place in conjunction with the restoration and remediation activities simultaneously occurring under the NYWIIERP Program.

(b) conducting the park improvement activities at the same time that the remediation activities are occurring under the NYWIIERP program will result in the overall project being completed in a more efficient and timely manner, and will limit the extent of disruption to the community.

(c) the development of the Town Park has been determined to have no significant adverse environmental impacts pursuant to the negative declaration under SEQR that was previously adopted by the Clermont Town Board on December 2, 2009.

(d) subjecting the Town Park improvements to an open ended site plan review by the Clermont Planning Board may unnecessarily delay the project and result in prohibitive cost increases.

4. Applicant’s legislative grant of authority.

(a) Article 4 of the Town Law authorize the Town of Clermont to accept land for recreational purposes, and by and through its Town Board, to provide for recreational opportunities for its residents.

 

　

5. Alternate locations for the Town Park improvements in less restrictive zoning areas.

(a) there presently exists Town Park facilities at the subject premises and same are permitted pursuant to the Town of Clernont Zoning Law.

(b) the subject premises are the most feasible location within the Town of Clermont and represent the most reasonable and efficient use of Town owned property in furtherance of the objectives of increased recreational opportunities in a consolidated, central location within the Town.

(c) there are no feasible alternate locations, which meet the recreational objectives of the Town of Clermont Town Park Project.

6. Alternate methods of providing the improvement.

(a) the creation of the subject parking lot, access way and recreational field represent the minimal infrastructure improvements necessary to promote increased use of the subject premises as a centralized Town Park facility.

7. Intergovernmental participation in the project development process.

(a) The remediation, restoration and development of the subject premises through the NYWIIERP Program has been the result of nearly a decade of planning, environmental review and engineering review, as well as public Town Board meetings.

(b) The remediation, restoration and development of the subject premises through the NYWIIERP Program will be overseen by members of the Town of Clermont, its engineers and hired professionals, and will be the subject of weekly or bi-weekly meetings with members of the NYS DEC to oversee progress and development of the project.

8. Opportunity to be heard

(a) the Clermont Town Board gave legal notice of the Public Hearing to hear statements and gather evidence as to the interests of the Clermont Planning Board to exercise regulatory authority over this project as set forth in Matter of County of Monroe and to provide an opportunity for public input.

(b) on September 8, 2015, the Clermont Town Board held a public hearing at which time public comment was taken.

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that for the reasons and on the basis of the findings set forth herein, the Clermont Town Park Project on the subject premises is not subject to site plan review by the Town of Clermont Planning Board, or any other agency of the Town of Clermont;

Upon calling the question of the foregoing Resolution, the following Board members voted "Aye" in favor of the Resolution:

Robert Desmond;

 

Dawn Brownson;

 

Evan Hempel;

 

Kris Gildersleeve; and

 

Raymond Staats.

 

The following Board members voted "No" in opposition

 

thereto:

_________________________________________; and

 

_________________________________________.

 

 

The Resolution having been approved by a majority of the Town Board, the same was declared duly adopted by the Supervisor of the Town of Clermont

 

　

Dated: September 8, 2015 Mary Shannon, Town Clerk

Town of Clermont

 

 

　

　

　

　

　

Councilman Desmond asked a question on page 5 (5a) ‘there presently exists Town Park facilities at the subject premises and same are permitted pursuant to the Town of Clermont Zoning Law’. The whole area is on two separate parcels. Andy said it includes the whole town park complex including the town hall.

Councilman Hempel does not agree with the statement on page 3 (2B) ‘the creation and development of recreational space is an essential governmental function’. Andy Howard can change this to say ‘statutory’ governmental function, which gives the town the authority to do this.

Supervisor Staats would like to vote on this resolution. We have had comments from the public and keep this with the Town Board. We can certainly make changes with DEC. Councilman Desmond will attend the Planning Board tomorrow night which will be a joint Planning and ZBA meeting. We do not want to subject the planning board to dealing with DEC, because it has not been particularly easy to deal with them.

Supervisor Staats thinks we should retain the authority because we are so far along with DEC.

Councilman Gildersleeve is in agreement with letting the Planning Board know and asking for their comments on this. It makes sense to get their opinions, which offer solutions, which may be helpful.

Supervisor Staats entertained a motion to approve Resolution #43 of 2015

A motion was made to approve Resolution No. 43 of 2015 by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in favor. So carried.

Supervisor Staats said that we would have a similar public hearing next month for the highway garage storage shed. Our engineer can draw up a sketch and long form SEQRA.

MINUTES:

Councilwoman Brownson noted a correction in the August 3rd minutes on page 1, Minutes: correct from $300.00 to $350.00. A motion was made by Councilman Desmond to accept the minutes with correction, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in favor. So carried.

A motion was made to accept the minutes of the Special Meeting on September 3rd by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in favor. So carried.

TOWN CLERKS REPORT: The Town Clerk presented the Supervisor with a check for the General fund in the amount of $268.78 and for Trust & Agency for $1500.00. A motion was made to accept the Town Clerk’s report by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilman Hempel. All in favor. So carried.

CORRESPONDENCE:

  • A Local Law was received from the Town of Saugerties amending certain sections of their Zoning Law.
  • Supervisor Staats provided the budget and revenue report through August 31st.

WEBSITE: Councilman Hempel did have correspondence from someone with ideas for improving our website. Mary Howard suggested PDF format so that forms can be typed on.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

  • Councilman Desmond reiterated that we have made some changes to the plan for the property trying to respond to come concerns.
  • Councilman Hempel would like to discuss, at some point, what further changes we are going to suggest to DEC.
  • TAX COLLECTOR’S LAPTOP: Supervisor Staats asked Councilman Gildersleeve to look into a new laptop for the Tax Collector. The County suggests the minimum requirements, and the Tax Collector did request a number keyboard on the side. There was further discussion on the requirements needed.
  • VILLAGE GREEN COMMITTEE: Councilwoman Brownson thanked everyone who helped and came to the Village Green BBQ. There was a good turnout and Chairwoman Tami Connolly was grateful for the help and donated food.
  • HISTORIAN: Councilwoman Brownson continues to meet the Historians of Germantown and Livingston. They are working on a joint 2017 event on history, possibly centered around World War I, 100th anniversary. As part of the Hudson Valley Ramble, the Community House, Germantown Parsonage and Livingston History Barn will be open on Saturday, September 26 from 10 to 1 PM. Light refreshments will be served.

OLD BUSINESS:

  • Mill Road Turnaround: Supervisor Staats reported that the County did not complete the turnaround in August as expected. They did start last week with provided material and labor. They will provide the blacktop and our highway crew will put it down in the next few weeks. There is no cost to the town for this and should enable trucks and buses to turn around.
  • DEC UPDATE: We are proceeding with the remediation and the project and will ask the Planning Board for their opinion.
  • PAVING: The paving is complete on County Route 33 except for the shoulder. Our town roads are in good shape. The signs for Lasher Road have been put up by the County.
  • STEAMBOAT: We have a twelve-foot long steamboat that was used in a bicentennial event, we believe in 1976. We need to find a home for this, if not we should get rid of it. We have no place to store it permanently and it does need repair. A motion was made by Councilman Hempel, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve that if we can’t find a home, we get rid of it. All in favor. So carried.

NEW BUSINESS:

  • HIGHWAY STORAGE BUILDING: A Public Hearing and SE QRA review in the Matter of the Town of Monroe will be held for proceeding with the Highway Storage Building and taking any public comments on October 5th at 6:30 P.M.
  • A Budget Workshop will be held on Tuesday, September 15th at 7:00 P.M. for the 2016 budget.

SUPERVISORS REPORT:

  • COUNTY BUDGET PROCESS: The County is working on the department budgets but there is no consistency with how the salaries and positions are filled.
  • ENTERPRISE CAR LEASING: The County is selling the entire fleet of County owned vehicles and will start leasing vehicles. There has been no money budgeted in the last few years for upgrading the County cars. He does not believe this is the best idea.
  • Supervisor Staats thanked the Village Green Committee and the volunteers for their work at the BBQ. He also thanked the Highway Department for setting up, cleaning up and mowing for the BBQ.

ABSTRACTS:

A motion was made to pay Trust & Agency abstract #7, vouchers #40-44 in the amount of $1,617.00 by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in favor. So carried.

A motion was made to pay General abstract #9, vouchers #224 –247 in the amount of $4,914.14 by Councilman Hempel, seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in favor. So carried.

A motion was made to pay Highway abstract #9, vouchers #98-109 in the amount of $28,331.84 by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in favor. So carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

  • Desiree Webber, Animal Control Officer asked how much the state gets for a dog license. The Clerk replied the state gets a $1.00 surcharge for each license and an additional $3.00 fee for unspayed or unneutered dogs. She also reported that Greenport, Red Hook, Germantown have gotten their microchip scanners. She will be holding a microchip clinic in Greenport at the Town Hall on Saturday, September 19th at 2 P.M. The cost is $11.00 cash and this is available for any animal. This could be added to our website.
  • Chris Nolan asked if the events that the Historian is holding could be put on the website. Councilwoman Brownson will get them to Councilman Hempel to put on the website. He also suggested more publicity for the Community Day BBQ.
  • Supervisor Staats will ask our Engineer to bring enlarged maps of the remediation site and proposed improvements to the Planning Board meeting on September 9th.

 

A motion was made to adjourn by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve at 8:50 P.M. All in favor. So carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Helen Shannon, RMC

Town Clerk

Date: 
Meeting: 
Town Board