Sunday, July 25, 2010

June 30, 2010

Date: June 30, 2010

Time: 6:00 pm

Elected Officers: Mayor Frohne, Trustees O’Connor, Kurkowski, Patrick, and Pierson


Appointed Officers:

Clerk – Diane Blackwell

Treasurer – Donna Wells

Mayor Frohne called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm.

Roll Call: Mayor Frohne, Trustees Kurkowski, Patrick, Pierson, Trustee O’Connor present


Mayor Frohne asked if there were any objections to waiving the reading of the minutes of the June 8th, 2010 meeting. No objections. Motion was made to approve the June 8th, 2010 minutes by Trustee O’Connor, 2nd. by Trustee Kurkowski, Trustees O’Connor, Pierson, Patrick, Kurkowsk and Mayor Frohne voted yes. Motion carried.

Judge Brykailo:

Report of revenue for 2009-2010. Total fiscal budget was $10,350.00; Total Expended was $10,115.66, under budget by $234.34. Total cases were 738. Funds sent to state was $73,990.00, Funds distributed to Village was $27,415.00, Net Funding for Village Court $17,533.68.

Judge Brykailo’s books were audited and resolution made to approve.

Motion to adopt a resolution that the Village Board of Trustees has audited the Village Justices books for the fiscal year 2009-2010 and to send the necessary paperwork to the state made by Trustee O’Connor, 2nd. by Trustee Pierson, Trustee O’Connor-yes, Trustee Pierson-yes, Trustee Patrick-yes, Trustee Kurkowski-yes and Mayor Frohne-yes.

Property Maintenance: Doug Bordinger

Passed out form listing the most recent property maintenance notices sent out. Doug stated he has more to send out, but it seems to be the same offenders each time.

Trustee Patrick asked Doug about checking into the Antique Store on Main St. The collection that is in front of the store has accumulated. Mayor Frohne will talk to Attorney Mezig about how to handle this.

Regarding the properties that have been turned over to the County: 1 Hyde St., The Beatle Block, Rosewood Terrace, Walnut St.(corner), Doug has not heard anything more on these properties. The village is waiting on the County for these properties to be taken care of.

Doug has spoken to the State Troopers about young people going in and out of the empty buildings in the village and was told unless they see them, they cannot do anything. They are watching these properties more closing.

Trustee O’Connor asked Doug to clarify what the difference between a double wide trailer and a modular home? As long as the building is on a permanent foundation, not a pad, it is allowed by State Law. The village codes say it has to be a certain size and must be on a solid masonry foundation. The village does allow double wide homes and modular homes in the village.


Fire Chief Tom Hallock

Trustee Kurkowski reported for Tom that the fire dept. has a pumper truck down. The cost will be about $1600.00 to repair. Motion to approve the repair on the pumper truck costing between $1500.00 - $1600.00 made by Trustee Kurkowski, 2nd. By Trustee O’Connor, Trustee’s O’Connor, Pierson, Patrick, Kurkowski and Mayor Frohne voted yes. Motion carried.


Privilege of the floor: public comments and requests

Jackie Hinckley representing the Zone Pride Days on Aug. 13th, 14th, and 15th, 2010. Asked if the fenced off areas will be planted by then, answer no. Also asked if the workers from the company that brings the rides in could park behind the pavilion more out of sight for privacy. Trustee Kurkowski suggested they park behind the restrooms, there is water and power hook ups if needed. Jackie Hinckly said they usually bring their own generator for power. She also wanted to make sure that the board of trustees knew that they would be bringing the equipment in 3 days before so they have time to set up by Friday. Trustee Kurkowski and Jackie Hinckley will meet at the park to do the walk through. Jackie also asked the Mayor if he would participate in the parade again this year. He said he would ask Town of Richfield Supervisor Wayne King to ride with him again.

William Taber, had a question on the property maintenance form. Had a suggestion that the wording be changed on the form, about the property maintenance issue would be brought up at the end of the board meetings. Was concerned about people having to sit for 1-2 hrs. to wait for their time to speak. Mayor Frohne told him he would change the wording on the form. He also had a concern about the web site where the ordinances are listed. He states they are outdated. Was worried about this creating a problem for the village if a certain situation came up. He suggested this be corrected on the web site. He stated that he had asked the Librarian Alice Mahardy if there was an updated copy of the village ordinances in the library for the public to see. She said just the old one. Mr. Taberg suggested that the village donate to the Library two copies of the updated ordinances, one to stay in the Library and the other to be available for the public. Mayor Frohne said he would work on this.




Clerk – Diane Blackwell

Abstract #2- General Fund- $11,840.09, Water Fund - $11,287.94, Sewer Fund - $4,176.82, Cemetery Fund- $1,424.22, Trust and Agency - $604.43, and Capitol Projects – $50,076.58. Total: $70,410.08.

Motion to approve abstract #02 made by Trustee O’Connor, 2nd. by Trustee Pierson, Trustees O’Connor, Pierson, Patrick, Kurkowski, and Mayor Frohne voted yes. Motion carried.

Correction on Abstract #1- Water Fund should have been $32,046.11 and Capitol Projects should have been $588,888.46. Changing the total for abstract #1 to $637,421.88.

Clerk received the resignation letter from David Ehlers for the Cemetery Commission.

Clerk asked Board of Trustees if okay to pay Brandon Dawley annually of bi-annually? It was decided during the Organizational Meeting to pay him $500.00 per year for working on the web site but not decided to pay annually or bi-annually. Brandon requested to be paid bi-annually. Trustee O’Connor made a motion to pay him bi-annually and Trustee Pierson 2nd. it. Trustee’s O’Connor, Pierson, Patrick, Kurkowsk and Mayor Frohne voted yes. Motion carried.

Clerk asked the board’s ok to close the office on July 5th. In observance of Independence Day. All

agreed.


Treasurer – Donna Wells

The contract for Gruvers, Zweiffel and Scott covering the audit for 2011, cost is $9400.00, is required due to the stimulus money the village received. Motion to approve the contract made by Trustee Pierson, 2nd. by Trustee O’Connor, Trustee’s O’Connor, Pierson, Patrick, Kurkowski and Mayor Frohne voted yes. Motion carried.

Resolution needed for the NBT bank so Treasurer Wells can access the National Integrity, LBL Financial and the Wells Trust Accounts.

Resolution to approve Donna Wells, Treasurer of Village of Richfield Springs to access the National Integrity, LBL Financial and the Wells Trust Accounts and to sign said accounts made by Trustee O’Connor, 2nd. by Trustee Pierson, Trustee O’Connor-yes, Trustee Pierson-yes, Trustee Patrick-yes, Trustee Kurkowski-yes and Mayor Frohne-yes.

Transfer needed- from A1990.4 Contingent Account $3500.00 to Code Enforcement Contractual A8664.4. Motion made to approve transfer by Trustee O’Connor, 2nd. by Trustee Patrick, Trustee O’Connor, Pierson, Patrick, Kurkowski and Mayor Frohne voted yes. Motion carried.

Treasurer gave memo to board members concerning the cemetery commission. This covers the steps the treasurer has taken, who she has talked to and what has transpired what information is available so far. Treasurer Wells read the letter. This letter is attached to the minutes.



Mayor Frohne

Appointment for Cindy Hall as the Deputy Clerk/Treasurer/Registrar to work 20 hrs. per week, from 9-1 Monday thru Friday, at $10.00 per hr. Motion to approve made by Trustee O’Connor, 2nd. Trustee Pierson, Trustee’s O’Connor, Pierson, Patrick, Kurkowsk and Mayor Frohne voted yes. Motion carried.

Chris Mayer is a village resident who is interested in being called for property maintenance jobs. After discussion the board members agreed.

Mayor will talk to Attorney Mezig again about streamlining property maintenance, to keep things in the proper order and everything is done legally.

Dog control officer – clerk asked the Town Clerk for the town ordinances for dog control. The town dog control officer is for the town and that covers the village as well. After discussion, was decided that the village people pay town taxes and the town receives the money for the dog licenses, so the only thing the village zoning officer would have to work on would be the number of dogs at one property. Motion made to no longer have a Dog Control Officer for the Village of Richfield Springs made by Trustee O’Connor, 2nd. by Trustee Pierson, Trustee’s O’Connor, Pierson, Patrick, Kurkowsk and Mayor Frohne voted yes. Motion carried.

Mayor Frohne requested executive session at the end of Trustee’s business for personnel business.

Trustee O’Connor:

WWTP project moving along nicely.

Trustee Patrick:

Was approached by a landlord who was asked by the tenants if mailboxes could be put up across Main ST. for them. They don’t want to pay for mailboxes at the Post Office because they feel it is too expensive. The landlord told Trustee Patrick he would attend the next board meeting. Trustee Kurkowsk suggested he go to Post Office and ask about a gang box being put up

The next library board meeting will be on July 12, 2010 in the library.

The next shared services meeting will be on July 7, 2010. Discussion will be on school bus garage approach.

Asked about the paving of the streets? The streets will be repaved just where the contractors had to tear up the roads, with the exception of Lake St. More work has to be done on that street.

Trustee Kurkowski:

Still concerned about the Village donating to the Fire Dept. $100.00.

Also asked again when the WWTP new truck will be lettered. Answer- it is being set up to be done.

Trustee Pierson:

Requesting executive session regarding personnel matters.


Put before the Board of Trustee’s - Local Law #1 of the year 2010.

A Local Law to amend the village code by the designation of the Mayor and Trustees as the village cemetery commission. A copy of the Local Law is attached to minutes.

Motion to consider the Local Law #1 of the year 2010 made by Trustee Kurkowski, 2nd. by Trustee Pierson, Trustee’s O’Connor, Pierson, Patrick, Kurkowski and Mayor Frohne voted yes. Motion carried.

Motion for Public Hearing for July 13th. 2010 to be put in the Daily Star 10 days prior to hearing date made by Trustee O’Connor, 2nd. by Trustee Pierson, Trustee’s O’Connor, Pierson, Patrick, Kurkowski and Mayor Frohne voted yes. Motion carried.

Motion made to go into executive session for two personnel issues made by Trustee Kurkowski, 2nd by Trustee Patrick, Trustee O’Connor, Pierson, Patrick, Kurkowski and Mayor Frohne voted yes. Motion carried.

William Taber, Wayne King and Kristine Varik left at this time.


Motion made to come out of executive session made by Trustee O’Connor 2nd. by Trustee Kurkowski, Trustees O’Connor, Pierson, Patrick, Kurkowski and Mayor Frohne voted yes. Motion carried.


Motion to approve Brian Coones a pay increase to $10.30 effective June 30, 2010 made by Trustee Kurkowski, 2nd. by Trustee Pierson, Trustee O’Connor-no, Trustee Pierson-yes, Trustee Patrick-no, Trustee Kurkowski-yes and Mayor Frohne-yes. Motion carried.


Motion to adjourn made by Trustee O’Connor, 2nd.by Trustee Pierson, Trustees O’Connor, Pierson, Patrick, Kurkowski and Mayor Frohne voted yes. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:45 pm.

Respectfully submitted,


Diane Blackwell

Village Clerk

Sunday, July 4, 2010

June 8, 2010

Date: June 8, 2010

Time: 6:00 pm

Elected Officers: Mayor Frohne, Trustees O’Connor, Kurkowski, Patrick, and Pierson


Appointed Officers: Clerk – Diane Blackwell

Treasurer – Donna Wells

Mayor Frohne called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm.

Roll Call: Mayor Frohne, Trustees Kurkowski, Patrick, Pierson, Trustee O’Connor present


Mayor Frohne asked if there were any objections to waiving the reading of the minutes of the May 26th, 2010 meeting. No objections. Motion was made to approve the May 26th, 2010 minutes by Trustee Pierson, 2nd. by Trustee Patrick, Trustees Pierson, Patrick, Kurkowsk and Mayor Frohne voted yes. Trustee O’Connor abstained. Motion carried.


Property Maintenance: Doug Bordinger

Doug reported on the results of the notices sent out for property maintenance:

1) 9 Park St., 12 W.James St. and 241 Main St. not mowed- no response to notices sent out.

Motion made to order the lawns to be mowed, fines assessed, and owners billed by Trustee Pierson, 2nd. by Trustee Patrick, Trustees O’Connor, Pierson, Patrick, Kurkowski and Mayor Frohne voted yes. Motion carried.

10 Gould St., Rosewood Terrace, County condemned.

16 Sylvan St., neighbors very disturbed about the situation. Garbage inside and out.

Walnut St. property that got the notice is cleaned up some.

Center St. and W. James St., Doug will be working on this.

42 Walnut St., Mary Weingates, lawn mower was broke, is fixed and lawn was mowed. She told Doug she will be keeping it done up.


Privilege of the floor: public comments and requests.


1) Nick Green- Lamont Eng. reporting on WWTP project.

Proposed to take money out of the Observation budget and put it into the Administration budget. Due to the delay of the ARRA papers, the administration budget needs to be replenished.

Motion made to amend the contracts by taking $55,000.00 out of the Construction Observation budget which will leave a balance of $213,510.00, and put it into the Construction Administration budget, which will bring the budget up to $112,190.00, by Trustee O’Connor, 2nd. by Trustee Pierson, Trustees O’Connor, Pierson, Patrick, Kurkowski and Mayor Frohne voted yes. Motion carried.

Update on the work completed so far:

Lake St. to town line, E. James completed, lateral completed, Hotel St. completed, Dow St., 2 man holes to be set, Bronner St., man hole on East end of Bronner, Creamery site, owner wanted lateral installed, the crew put a lateral in and it will be billed to the owner. Park St., complete, Elm St. complete, and Bronner from Park St. to Elm St. complete, Bronner St. to River St. to manhole #131A is complete, lateral complete on E. James, Hotel St,

Nick stated that Chris Butler and Jim Malinowski have been a great help to the crews.

Work at the WWTP is moving along nicely as well.

Nick asked if any concerns, and was asked about the streets being watered more because of the dirt. He will speak to Glenn about this. Mayor Frohne asked about the roads being paved, Nick said all but Lake St. That has to be awarded by the add alternates eventually.

2) Chuck Furner asked the board for permission to be hook up to the sewer line at 3190 Rt. 20. He stated he would need it for sanitary sewer, floor drains, and wash water. Mayor Frohne stated he would have to ask the DEC for approval. Mr. Furner does not think a hook up was ever put there in the man hole.

Motion made by Trustee Kurkowski to take the steps necessary to hook Chucks Towing Business up to the sewer with the consent from the DEC, 2nd. by Trustee Pierson, Trustee O’Connor, Pierson, Patrick, Kurkowski and Mayor Frohne voted yes. Motion carried.

Dan Meehan asked if Mr. Furner would have to negotiate with Rerob. He was told that the line is within the village line so it is village owned.




Tom Hallock-Fire Chief:

1) Concerning the letter from Fly Creek asking for support for them to start an ambulance service, Tom suggested supporting them; it would benefit all companies in the area.

2) Tom is going to Vernon on 6/12/2010 for a Fire Chiefs Expo and is going to check into ideas for a new firehouse.

3) The Grant application has been submitted for a new ambulance and they are asking for $151,500.00. If this comes through, they would have to come up with $30,000.00 to $35,000.00.

4) Year ago a boat was given to the fire dept. for water rescues. A person has donated a 19ft. pontoon boat to the fire dept. They will take the motor from the other boat and put on the pontoon boat; they do not have a trailer for it, but will be searching for one.

5) The ambulance needed brakes replaced last month, Skinner’s was too busy, so they took it to Chuck Furners and he took it right in and did the work on it.

6) Tom asked how someone can get a pool filled. Was told to send them to the office and we have forms to fill out. They must pay for the water, if they want to donate to fire dept. that is up to the individuals.


Clerk – Diane Blackwell

1) Abstract #025- Water Fund-$78.82, Sewer Fund-$78.82. Total of abstract- $157.64.

Motion to approve abstract #025 made by Trustee O’Connor, 2nd. by Trustee Patrick, Trustees O’Connor, Pierson, Patrick, Kurkowski and Mayor Frohne voted yes. Motion carried.

2) Abstract #1-(new fiscal year) General Fund- $12,243.91, Water Fund - $32,301.11, Sewer Fund - $3,583.01, Trust and Agency - $669.39, and Capitol Projects – 552,420.71. Total: $601,209.13.

Motion to approve abstract #01 made by Trustee O’Connor, 2nd. by Trustee Pierson, Trustees O’Connor,Pierson, Patrick, Kurkowski, and Mayor Frohne voted yes. Motion carried.

3) Cemetery Abstract #1- total $1,609.68. Motion to approve made by Trustee Pierson, 2nd. by Trustee Patrick, Trustees O’Connor, Pierson, Patrick, Kurkowski and Mayor Frohne voted yes. Motion carried.

4) Clerks report for May 2010 – check was given to the treasurer for $44.00 taken in for tax searches and copies. Also a check for $43,115.69 was given to the treasurer for taxes collected in June 2010.

5) Discussion on the papers passed out from Realty Check, was decided to put on the July 13th, agenda for more discussion.

6) Clerk passed out fire dept. report for month of May 2010.

7) Asked the board to approve reimbursement for 2 ZBA members who went to Cooperstown for a workshop on 5/25/2010, Suzanne Christman and Gerry Zavitch. Motion made to approve reimbursement by Trustee O’Connor, 2nd. by Trustee Pierson, Trustees O’Connor, Pierson, Patrick, Kurkowski and Mayor Frohne voted yes. Motion carried.

8) On 6/8/2010 a letter of resignation was given to the clerk by Trustee Patrick from three members of the Cemetery Commission, Ken Dreis, Linda Dufloe, and Geraldine Crist. Also a letter of resignation was given to the clerk from James Malinowski. All resignations were effective immediately. Clerk accepted the resignations.


Treasurer – Donna Wells

1) Transfers – need to establish a new line for zoning personal services.

Transfer from A8644.1 Codes Enforcement P.S. $17,000.00, to A3310.1 Crossing Guard P.S. $8000.00 and A8010.1 Zoning P.S. $9000.00. Total: $17,000.00.

Transfer from A9901.01 to Water Fund FX5031, $27,000.00.

Resolution to approve transfers made by Trustee O’Connor, 2nd. by Trustee Pierson, Trustees O’Connor, Pierson, Patrick, Kurkowski and Mayor Frohne voted yes.

2) Water/Sewer Rates passed out. As of May 31, 2010.

3) Inter-municipal waste agreement for transfer station: Attorney Merzig read it over, did a little rewording. The village will maintain the locks. Discussion about commercial haulers, not all in agreement about keeping commercial haulers out of transfer station.

Motion made by Trustee Kurkowski to leave the agreement as written until further notice if something happens that it needs to be changed, 2nd. by Trustee Patrick, Trustee O’Connor-no, Trustee Pierson-no, Trustee Patrick-yes, Trustee Kurkowski-yes, Mayor Frohne-no. Not carried.

Mayor Frohne made a motion to add to the agreement; commercial haulers are not permitted to dump at the Site without a permit issued by the Village of Richfield Springs, 2nd. by Trustee O’Connor, Trustee O’Connor, yes, Trustee Pierson, yes, Trustee Patrick, yes, Trustee Kurkowski, no, Mayor Frohne, yes. Motion carried.

4) Profit and loss per each class passed. Balance sheet, cemetery balance sheet also passed out.

5) Library building roof project will be started by beginning of July, possibly by the end of June.

Mayor’s Report:

1) Cemetery Commission; Mayor Frohne spoke to Ken Dreis 6/2/2010 about the commissioners having to be reappointed and having to take the oath. On 6/8/2010 the resignations of all but David Ehlers was given to the clerk. Discussion was made about whether to appoint new people for commission, or hire a sexton. Mayor Frohne will check with Attorney Merzig to see if he needs to fill the vacancy or not. Treasurer Wells will go to the bank on Wednesday 6/9/2010 to take Ken Dreis and Linda Dufloe’s name off the cemetery bank accounts. Mayor Frohne asked the clerk to write a letter to Ken. Dreis and Linda Dufloe requesting all the financial papers and maps and whatever other papers they have to be brought to the village office. Trustee Kurkowski will talk with Bryan Coones to see if he plans to stay on to maintain the cemetery or not.

2) Clerk and treasurer have advertised to fill the deputy clerk/treasurer position and would like to set up interviews. Board agreed and Trustee Patrick will interview with Mayor Frohne and Diane and Donna. The hours will be 20 hrs. a week and will work from 9am to 1pm. and the pay would be $10.00 per hr.

3) Also have several applicants for the Dog Control Officer. Trustee O’Connor asked Diane to make copies of the applications for the trustees to see. It was stated that because the town issues the dog licenses, the town dog control officer has to take stray dogs to Herk. Co.SPCA. Also was stated that the village dog control officer will get paid mileage. After discussion, was decided that Trustee Pierson and Mayor Frohne would do interviews in two weeks or so.


Trustee Kurkowski:

1) Expressed his disappointment in the Village not giving an honorary check for $100.00 to the Fire Dept. to show their appreciation on Memorial Day like they used to.

2) Asked when the Sewer dept. new truck will be painted? Donna will ask Chris about it.


Trustee O’Connor:

Nothing at this time


Trustee Pierson:

1) Expressed concern about 4 years from now when Jim Malinowski is seriously considering retirement. He is concerned about training someone to take over the DPW job. Does not feel the village board should wait until then to start training someone for his replacement.


Motion made to go into executive session for personnel issues made by Trustee Pierson, 2nd by Trustee Kurkowski, Trustee O’Connor, Pierson, Patrick, Kurkowski and Mayor Frohne voted yes. Motion carried.


Motion made to come out of executive session made by Trustee O’Connor 2nd. by Trustee Pierson, Trustees O’Connor, Pierson, Patrick and Mayor Frohne voted yes. Motion carried.


Motion made to table discussion from executive session until the June 30th. 2010 meeting made by Trustee Kurkowsk, 2nd. by Trustee Pierson, Trustees O’Connor, Pierson, Patrick, Kurkowski and Mayor Frohne voted yes. Motion carried.


Trustee Patrick;

1) Property maintenance, feels it is moving forward.

1) Library board celebrating 100 yr. anniversary on August 29th, 2010, they want to make sure all boxes are moved out of the Memorial Room.


Clerk asked what is to be done for the walk through before and after the craft fair that is being held on June 12th, 2010, Bathrooms unlocked, power on, lights all working, no garbage left and no damage done.


Motion to adjourn made by Trustee O’Connor, 2nd.by Trustee Pierson, Trustees O’Connor, Pierson, Patrick, Kurkowski and Mayor Frohne voted yes. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:45 pm.


Respectfully submitted,


Diane Blackwell

Village Clerk