Date: August 25, 2010
Time: 9:00 am
Elected Officers: Mayor Frohne, Trustees O’Connor, Kurkowski, Patrick, and Pierson
Appointed Officers:
Clerk – Diane Blackwell
Treasurer – Donna Wells
Roll Call: Mayor Frohne, Trustees Kurkowski, Patrick, O’Connor, Pierson present.
Mayor Frohne asked if there were any objections to waiving the reading of the minutes of the August 10, 2010 meeting. No objections. Motion was made to approve the August 10, 2010 minutes by Trustee Pierson, 2nd. by Trustee O’Connor, Trustees O’Connor, Pierson, Patrick, Kurkowsk and Mayor Frohne voted yes. Motion carried.
Property Maintenance: Doug Bordinger
Trustee Patrick asked Doug about the status of 1 Hyde St. Doug stated that the County was going to send a second letter to the property owner and would have 2 weeks to respond. After that it will be in the hands of the DA.
Also would like Doug to check into Walnut St. near the Springer’s business, there are cars parked on the sidewalk quite often.
Park St. property across from 9 Park St. in need of paint.
Special Business:
Glen Simpson from Lamont gave an update on the project. Contract 1
Did some checking into finances to do some sidewalks. The bid item has a little more than 4300 sq. ft. of sidewalk, there is about 1800 ft. of sidewalks that must be done due the digging to replace laterals. There should be some funds left to use for concrete sidewalk to be done. Glen will check with Nick Green to see if EFC will allow the money to be used for sidewalks other than what was dug up for the laterals. The main area of concern at this point is on the east side of Lake St. and some on the west side. Glen will update the over/under spread sheet to have a better idea of what funds are left to use. Lake St. was milled on 8/24/2010 and by the end of 8/25/2010 all binder and trench should be complete. Extra sewer pipe video tape was done and the total cost was $250.00. One section from manhole 6 to manhole 5 is in very bad condition. Approximate cost for repair is $28,000.00.
Contract #2 – work at the WWTP – is progressing along now. The village received a letter from Blue Heron requesting approximately $78,000.00 extra because of the consistency of the sludge. Donna Wells called Chittenango to see what the cost was to dump the sludge; it was $.05 a gallon. If the solids were over 6% they would add $.01. One test did come out 12% solids. Herkimer did not charge extra for thick sludge. Nick Green from Lamont requested that Blue Heron provide documentation. As of 8/24/2010, he had not received any. Lamont had a meeting with Blue Heron regarding the $78,000.00 and it was cut down to $5600.00. If there is no documentation from Blue Heron, there will be no extra payment made.
Chris Butler stated that Blue Heron was guaranteed 401,000 gals. of sludge removal. They have taken that amount out. An estimate was given of 29,000 gals. to continue to take sludge out. This is unacceptable. The overflow pond will be used for the excess sludge, and next year when the reed beds are in operation, this will be reprocessed. Chris checked into the reed beds to be sure this will not do any damage to the reed beds. Being that the pond is on site, the DEC should have no problem with this process.
Jim Malinowski received 3 estimates for repairs to be done to the north side of the DPW building.
1- Graves Enterprises LLC- $5,400.00, 2- Greg Hardy Construction- $4000.00, 3- WTC Construction- $3,050.00. Jim reviewed all estimates and all had in the estimate what was needed to be done.
Motion made to approve the WTC Construction’s estimate of $3050.00 and all proper paperwork, which includes certificate of insurance and workers comp. forms, by Trustee Pierson, 2nd. by Trustee Patrick, Trustees O’Connor, Pierson, Patrick, Kurkowski and Mayor Frohne voted yes. Motion carried.
Jim also reviewed the estimates he had passed out at a previous meeting for certain streets in the village to be paved using the CHIPS allotment. 1- Canadarago St. to be milled and paved. The cost would be $5000.00 for milling, and $17,820.00 for the paving. Total: $22,820.00. 2- Johnson St. - $11,745.00, 3- Lake St, 25,515.00, 4- Sylvan St. $10,215.00, 5- Walnut St. $6,480.00. Each estimate includes Type 6 Top @ $81.00 per ton. The CHIPS allotment is $35,796.00. These streets will total $51,170.00, leaving a balance of $15,470.00 unfunded by CHIPS. After discussion, it was decided to do Johnson St., Sylvan St. and Walnut St. with the CHIPS money.
Motion made by Trustee O’Connor and 2nd.by Trustee Pierson, to use the CHIPS money to blacktop Johnson St., Sylvan St. and Walnut St. Trustees O’Connor, Pierson, Patrick, Kurkowski and Mayor Frohne voted yes. Motion carried. This will leave an approximate balance of $7000.00 in the CHIPS fund for this year, depending on what the cost of the blacktopping is. A discussion took place about looking into using the balance of the CHIPS money to replace sidewalks in the village. This needs to be checked into and brought back to the next meeting.
Jim would like to have a fence put back up between the village property and Bronner St. (Domion Tr.Park), where two trees were removed and the fence taken down. There is some wire and posts that can be used, and there is wire from the reservoir that can be used. The G. De Vincentis Co. took this fence down, so they will be putting this back. After discussion, it was agreed for this to be done.
Chris Butler-WWTP report
Due to the 5” of rain from the weekend a serious issue occurred. They were not able to do wet weather operations because of Blue Heron not completing the manhole at the WWTP. Because of this the pumps had to be turned on full throttle and pumped from the wet well where it comes into the treatment plant up on top to the wet weather basin and treatment basins. Fortunately, a bypass was avoided. Chris was assured the manhole problem will be taken care of 8/26/2010.
Chris reported on the projects that are completed, such as the new generator, that is up and running and the Solar Panels are operating. Extra sampling for the EPA is required now for every 6 mo. starting in August 2010. The trash pump was delivered on 8/24/2010. The green house has been dismantled; Blue Heron is in the process of building over the clarifiers.
Letter from J. Spytko regarding the tests results from Express Mart. Mr. Spytko does a FOIL request every month for the tests results from Environmental Lab.
Privilege of the floor: public comments and requests:
Bill Klemm asked about the trees around the village that are old and need trimming. It was noted by Mayor Frohne that the trees are on private property, but he will make a note to the public to tend to these problem trees. He also asked the board when they started having two meetings a month. He feels the attendance has not increased and that people are missing information because they can not always get to the two meetings. Mayor Frohne tried to explain the reason for this is that there is a lot of business to take care of and if we cut back to one meeting, the meetings would be 3-4 hrs. long. He also explained the minutes of each meeting are put on the web site and are available in the Clerks office if anyone is interested in obtaining them.
Ron Hansel asked if he could have permission to buy water from the village for his barns to be washed. The person hired to wash the barns has a truck that will hold 2600 gals. After discussion it was decided there would be a charge of $40.00 per fill, $20.00 for the water and $20.00 for the hydrant to be opened and the water drawn.
Motion made to approve 3 tanks of 2600 gals. of water drawn and to charge $40.00 per fill made by Trustee O’Connor, 2nd. by Trustee Pierson, Trustees O’Connor, Pierson, Patrick, Kurkowsk and Mayor Frohne voted yes. Motion carried.
Clerk – Diane Blackwell
Abstract #06- General Fund- $10,055.57, Water Fund - $4,093.36, Sewer Fund - $8,206.09, Cemetery Fund- $1,067.04, Trust and Agency - $422.24, Capitol Projects- $250.00. Total: $24,094.30.
Motion to approve abstract #06 made by Trustee O’Connor, 2nd. by Trustee Pierson, Trustee’s O’Connor, Pierson, Patrick, Kurkowski and Mayor Frohne voted yes. Motion carried.
Correction on abstract #05 due to a change in the capitol projects amount: was read as $825,135.96, s/b $706,587.96.
Board agreed to let the Boy Scouts do a clean up project in Spring Park on August 29th, 2010 through the Rural Three for Tobacco Free Communities led by Marcia Kozubek, Project Coordinator. This is based at the Bassett Research Institute in Cooperstown.
Also, the clerk received an application from the Chamber of Commerce for their Country Fair on 10/3/2010, insurance updated and deposit check of $100.00 and check for $100.00 for electric, water and bathrooms given. Motion made to approve the Chamber to use park for Country Fair made by Trustee Patrick, 2nd. by Trustee Pierson. Trustees O’Connor, Pierson, Patrick, Kurkowski and Mayor Frohne voted yes. Motion carried.
Training sessions: Chris Butler, Fred Clements, James Malinowski, for Oct. 14, 2010, Vernon, NY for pump calibrations, cost $75.00 each. Also for James Malinowski for Sept. 8, 2010 in Auburn, NY for pump mechanics, cost $35.00, and for Sept. 29, 2010 in Vernon, NY for basic math, cost $75.00.
Motion to approve training sessions for Chris Butler, Fred Clements and James Malinowski made by Trustee Pierson, 2nd. by Trustee O’Connor, Trustees O’Connor, Pierson, Patrick, Kurkowski and Mayor Frohne voted yes. Motion carried.
Also the Clerk reminded all Board members and Mayor Frohne of the upcoming Open House for the Library Anniversary on August 29th, 2010 from 1-4pm.
Treasurer – Donna Wells
Cemetery plot fees-would like to have the $50.00 just added to the total of cost of the plot. To explain to someone buying a plot it gets very confusing to break this down, much easier to just say $425.00 which includes the 4 corner markers with the initial on. All agreed this would be easier.
Cemetery financial- meeting with bank, put in sell orders on all stock. Have sold some, and made money from it. Wells Trust has been updated and addresses changed. Needs a resolution to approve the treasurer and Mayor to sign the paperwork from The Hartford Ins. Co. for $10,000.00 the cemetery association will receive from James McGee who named the Lakeview Cemetery as a beneficiary.
Resolution made to authorize Treasurer, Donna Wells and Mayor Ronald Frohne to sign the paperwork from The Hartford Ins. Co. #L01365704, on behalf of the Richfield Springs Cemetery Assoc. 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.
Donna also reported that the Library roof repairs and the back wall of the Library building have been completed. The village has $22,000.00 left from the State Dormitory Authority in regards to the chimneys being fixed at the base and to paint the trim and the overhang. Donna has been in touch with the State Dormitory Authority and they do not think there will be a problem but it has to taken to the Assembly for approval. We have an estimate from Kurt Van Spanje for the chimney repair. Two other men came and looked but no estimate has been received from them. Mayor Frohne asked the Trustee’s if someone could help finding a responsible party that might be interested in the paint job for the Library building. Trustee Patrick volunteered to make phone calls and get them to come to the office to speak to Donna about the job. The gutter that was taken down needs to be replaced. The diverter put up when roof was repaired does not do the job and when a lot of rain it splatters on the stucco work of the building.
The new natural gas furnace has been installed and the Otsego Co. Codes Enforcer will be coming to inspect the job.
Donna wants to put money into the Cooperstown Bank, which was approved by the board at the Organizational meeting to use, because the interest rates are better right now than NBT.
Party on Rt. 20, possibly outside user, might have hooked up the village water line into their private well. This is not legal. After the water meters are read, this will be checked into further. Another concern is the charge for the sewer use as well.
Mayor Frohne:
Received a letter from Marcia Kozubek, from Rural Three for Tobacco Free Communities requesting for the village to put signs up in the village parks for Tobacco-Free Policy for all public facilities. After discussion, was decided not to sign the resolution for the no smoking in the village park because it is next to impossible to enforce it.
Trustee Pierson:
Expressed how well the Lakeview Cemetery is being kept. He was told recently by non-residents how nice the Cemetery is taken care of. He also asked about possibly looking into a gas post hole digger for Brian Coones when he needs to dig for a cremation burial. He will talk to Brian about this.
Request to go into executive session to discuss personnel issue.
Trustee Kurkowski:
Concerned about 11 Church St. and the possibility of dogs being left abandoned in the house. The Clerk took a call on 8/19/2010 about 2 dogs being abandoned in the house at 11 Church St. David Weise was called but not available, then the State Police were called and told the person they had no jurisdiction. The Clerk called the Otsego Co. Sheriff’s Dept. and was told they would check into the situation. It was stated that being the village does not have a dog officer right now, so if there is an unknown unlicensed dog call David Weise, or if there is a dangerous dog, call 911. In January 2010, the state turned over the licensing to the localities and they can set whatever licensing fees they want and the locality keeps the money. The village could hire their own dog control officer and take over the licensing for the village. After discussion, was decided to bring this subject back up at a future meeting.
Also concerned about the sidewalk torn up on Manley St. and was not replaced.
Trustee Kurkowski also was concerned about the electric used for the recent carnival that was held by the Zone. He read the meter before the carnival started and after, for future reference.
David Arkema and Trustee Kurkowski checked the bandstand structure. The floor ok, the railing is very bad, the wiring needs to be worked on, and the door needs to be checked. The door is very heavy and steps are very steep. The bandstand is an historical structure; certain steps must be followed to keep it that way.
Received a letter from Joseph Spytko concerning the BOD’s and oil and grease tests results for August 2010.
Trustee O’Connor:
Nothing at this time.
Trustee Patrick:
Asked about the cemetery speed limit signs. Was told the signs have been placed in the cemetery.
Bill and Cindy Klemm left at this time.
Motion to go into executive session to discuss personnel issue made by Trustee Kurkowski, 2nd. by Trustee Pierson, Trustee’s O’Connor, Pierson, Patrick, Kurkowski and Mayor Frohne voted yes. Motion carried.
Motion to come out of executive session made by Trustee Kurkowski, 2nd. by Trustee Pierson, Trustee’s O’Connor, Pierson, Patrick, Kurkowsk and Mayor Frohne voted yes. Motion carried.
After executive session, a discussion took place about the cafeteria plan for the employees who decide not to take advantage of the CDPHP Ins. offered to them by the village. No decision was made at this time.
Motion to adjourn made by Trustee Kurkowski, 2nd.by Trustee Pierson, Trustees O’Connor, Pierson, Patrick, Kurkowski and Mayor Frohne voted yes. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:00 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Diane Blackwell
Village Clerk
