Date: March 8, 2011
Time: 6:00 pm
Elected Officers: Mayor Frohne, Trustees O’Connor, Kurkowski, Patrick, and Pierson
Appointed Officers:
Clerk – Diane Blackwell
Treasurer – Donna Wells
Roll Call: Mayor Frohne, Trustee O’Connor, Trustee Patrick, Trustee Kurkowski present.
Trustee Pierson absent.
Mayor Frohne asked if there were any objections to waiving the reading of the minutes of the Feb. 23rd. 2011 minutes. No objections.
Motion to approve the Feb. 23rd, 2011 minutes made by Trustee O’Connor, 2nd. by Trustee Patrick, Trustee’s O’Connor, Patrick, Kurkowski and Mayor Frohne voted yes. Motion carried.
The Village Attorney David Merzig was present at the board meeting. He wanted to meet all the board members and the Mayor and was available to answer any questions they had.
Bid for Ambulance- one bid was received from Lance Frelberger, 33 River Crest Rd, Gansevoort, NY 12831.
$163,625.00 – Bid
$172,625.00 – Total cost for ambulance
$ 9,000.00 – Trade in
$110,000.00 – taken out of Reserve Fun.
$ 53,000.00 – Fire Dept.
Resolution to approve the motion to accept the bid from Lance Frelberger for $163,625.00 for a Type III Ambulance upon the approval of Chief Tom Hallock was made by Trustee O’Connor, 2nd. by Trustee Kurkowski, Trustee O’Connor-yes, Trustee Patrick – yes, Trustee Kurkowski – yes and Mayor Frohne – yes.
Special Business:
Tom Hallock – Fire Chief
Passed out a proposal for new radio for the new ambulance at a cost of $1321.03. Low ban portable radios are obsolete. Have 14 new ones at a cost of $500.00 per unit. They have decided to use a repeater system which will enable them to use their own radio system and tie into the repeater and will cover the low ban, which will save a lot of money. The present ambulance has two radios in front and in back. One is obsolete now and another will be in 1 ½ yr. The radio system from old ambulance has to be put in the new ambulance. Tom is asking for the board to approve a new system to be put in the new ambulance at the cost of $1321.03 before it is obsolete. After discussion was decided Tom would ask the fire dept. to include this amount with the money they are putting in for the ambulance. Tom said he would take it back to the firemen for an answer.
The water heater at the fire house has not been working for 2 weeks. Chief Hallock asked Ed Bello’s for an estimate for a wall hung tankless water heater and all labor and materials included. The estimate is $1940.00.
Resolution was made to approve the motion to hire Ed Bello’s to install a CNG Noritz wall hung tankless water heater and to remove the old water heater and do all plumbing and electrical work needed to install for a cost of $1940.00. Motion was made by Trustee Kurkowski, 2nd. by Trustee Patrick, Trustee O’Connor –yes, Trustee Patrick – yes, Trustee Kurkowski – yes, and Mayor Frohne – yes.
Tom also asked about a part time person working for the village that is receiving benefits. It was explained to him that this took place many years ago and since then any part time personnel hired do not receive benefits.
Doug Bordinger – Property maintenance
Reported the dumpster behind the laundry mat on Lake St. has not been emptied yet. A certified letter was sent to owner Claudia McNair on Feb. 23rd. No response has been received from her.
Motion was made by Trustee Patrick, and 2nd. by Trustee Kurkowski for the Clerk to call the garbage company to have the dumpster emptied and then the owner will be billed from the village, Trustee O’Connor – yes, Trustee Patrick –yes, Trustee Kurkowski – yes and Mayor Frohne –yes. Motion carried.
Also, Doug reported that Bob Mahoney from Otsego Co. called him, but he was not available so he will return the call.
Public Comment:
Judy Stone was representing the Chamber of Commerce. She informed the board that the Chamber has reached the half way point of raising funds for the restoration of the bandstand in Spring Park.
She asked the board if the Chamber could sponsor concerts in Spring Park again this year and if so, could the deposit for use of the park be waived? Everyone was in agreement that no deposit would be charged.
The Chamber would like to sponsor a Business Fair, including all local businesses to promote their businesses, on the same day that the Farmers Market starts which is June 18th, and would like the deposit waived? She also asked if the food booths needed permits and was told they must get permits through Otsego Co. She also asked if this could be advertised on the village board.
She also reported the 1st. celebration for the Village’s 150th anniversary will be held at the RSCS on March 30th, at 7:00 pm and invitations were passed out to all board members. Invitations were sent out to all local businesses and a notice will be in the Pennysaver as well. Judy then asked the board if they had any intentions of contributing any monetary support for the celebrations coming up throughout the year. They have checked in the cost of a cake from Price Chopper and it would be $42.00. She explained the Vet’s Club is supplying coffee and drinks, and the Rotary Club will be supply the paper products.
Motion was made by Trustee O’Connor, and 2nd by Trustee Patrick for the village to spend up to $100.00 for cake to be purchased for the upcoming 150th. anniversary events throughout the year. Trustee O’Connor – yes, Trustee Patrick – yes, Trustee Kurkowski – yes and Mayor Frohne – yes. Motion carried.
The next meeting for the Chamber of Commerce being held to work out more details for the celebration will be held at the Pennysaver office on March 23rd. at 5:30. One thing the Chamber has started is a Community Calendar.
Clerk – Diane Blackwell
Abstract #019, General Fund $11,703.45, Water Fund $1,192.76, Sewer Fund $45,375.33, Trust & Agency $48.72, Capitol Products $95,251.24. Total $153,571.50
Motion to approve abstract #019 made by Trustee O’Connor, 2nd. by Trustee Kurkowski, Trustee O’Connor, Trustee Patrick, Trustee Kurkowski and Mayor Frohne voted yes. Motion carried.
Clerk passed out clerks report for the month of Feb. 2011 to each member. A correction was made to the clerks account and a check was given to the treasurer for $10.00.
Clerk received a request from Marta St. John-Anders asking permission for their class to have a picture taken on August 6th, for their reunion on the bandstand in Spring Park. After discussion, was agreed by all that if the bandstand is restored by then there would be no problem, but if not, it would be best to not allow anyone on it.
An invitation was passed out to all members from the Chamber of Commerce inviting them to the 1st. celebration for the Village’s 150th. anniversary which will be held at the RSCS on March 30th, at 7:00.
A letter was received by the clerk by e-mail that was signed by 35 clergy and religious leaders that was sent to Governor Cuomo regarding hydrofracking, and was asked to be passed out to all board members.
Treasurer – Donna Wells:
The new uniform co. for the village employees is R & S. out of Johnstown. The cost is approximately $32.00 per wk for the 3 employees who want them. Donna suggested that if the board is going to require the employees to wear uniforms for identifying purposes, the village should pay for them. Some employees only want shirts, some want shirts and pants.
Motion made by Trustee Kurkowski, 2nd. by Trustee O’Connor, for the village to enforce the village employees to wear uniforms for means of identification and all uniforms will be paid for by the village. Trustee O’Connor – Yes, Trustee Patrick – No, Trustee Kurkowski – Yes, and Mayor Frohne – Yes. Motion carried.
The Profit and Loss Budget vs. Actual report for June 2010 through Feb. 2011 was passed out to all members.
Treasurer asked if the members wanted a copy of the employee’s earnings report. It was agreed that it will be kept in the treasurer’s office and any board member can review it if they choose to. If a copy is requested it will be given.
The St. Police Sergeant stopped in the office and introduced himself. He invited Donna to come to the St. Police Barracks so he could show her where the staples are coming through one tile. The contract was good for only one year, so Bob Graepel will fix this. The barracks are very clean. He will give a report monthly or bi-monthly of what needs to be fixed. The interior needs to be painted and was due last year, so it will need to be done this year. Bob Graepel will do this also. A work order will be done for this.
Change order for Stilsing Electric. This work has already been done.
Resolution to approve a motion to accept Change Order #5 for Contract #3, Stilsing Electric which was for conduit and wire to power vents work that was done was made by Trustee O’Connor, 2nd. by
Trustee Patrick, Trustee O’Connor – yes, Trustee Patrick – yes, Trustee Kurkowski – yes, and Mayor Frohne – yes.
A letter was received from Vic Ronovech, the Director of the Otsego Co. Youth Bureau explaining that the state has cut funding for the youth program.
Cemetery rates from Toth Enterprise has gone up this year. His rates are as follows
Toth: Village Treasurer’s suggested increases:
April 15th thru Nov. 30th. - $425.00 April thru Nov - $525.00
Dec. 1st. thru April 14th. - $525.00 Dec. thru April - $750.00
Holidays and Sundays $625.00 Holidays and Sundays - $750.00
Cremations – M-F $200.00
“ Sat. & Sun $250.00
Disinterments - $600.00
Motion was made to accept the rate increases for burials made by Trustee Patrick, 2nd. by Trustee O’Connor,
Trustee’s O’Connor, Patrick and Mayor Frohne voted yes. Trustee Kurkowski abstained.
Price of water meters that have been broken or frozen are now $25.00. Tom S. and Donna discussed this and both agreed the price needs to be increased. The suggestion was made to raise the cost to $50.00.
Motion was made by Trustee O’Connor, 2nd by Trustee Patrick to raise the cost of the meters to $50.00, Trustee’s O’Connor, Patrick, Kurkowski and Mayor Frohne voted yes. Motion carried.
Tom Shypski did get one meter put in this week.
Donna then asked Attorney Merzig if a non profit company can own more the one property and still be tax exempt. He stated that yes; it can own as many pieces of property as long as it is for the non profit use for it to be tax exempt. If it is tax exempt, the Village can ask the company for a payment is lieu of taxes.
Jim Malinowski – DPW – asked Attorney Merzig about calling a snow emergency for the village. The village needs to put into their village law the criteria about calling a snow emergency.
Jim addressed the complaint that was brought to the village clerk about the snow on the sidewalk on Main St. and that the woman who complained said her child had to walk in Rt. 20 to get to school. Jim stated that the crew worked 10 hrs. straight during the snow storm and Tom Hallock did the sidewalks. The public needs to be made aware that the plowing of the sidewalks is a courtesy; it is the owner and business owners’ responsibility to keep the sidewalks clean.
Mayor Frohne:
Personnel policies and re-organization – Mayor Frohne read what they had worked up so far, starting with the chain of command, decision making, information flow, job assignments, crossing guard, overtime, work orders, maintenance of buildings and uniforms. This will be filed with the minutes.
It was discussed that Doug Bordinger and Bob Graepel will report to Jim at the DPW for him to delegate where they should be working that day. Bob will also be clocking in and out at the DPW.
Jim asked about the woman crossing the pre-school children at noon to the school. Now that the crossing guard does not cross at noon time, could they borrow an extra paddle to cross the children? It was explained that they can borrow a paddle but the village can not buy one for them.
Donna asked Jim to have all the guys to bring their drivers licenses to the office for a copy to be put into their personnel files.
Trustee O’Connor: Nothing at this time.
Trustee Patrick:
Asked if there is anything the village can do about all the stray cats on Park St. It was suggested that the SPCA be called to see if they would take them.
He was approached about someone parking in the village library parking lot from the church during pre-school hours. This concerns one vehicle only possibly 12 times a year. It was stated that the signs clearly say for village employees and library customers only. If there are 15 min. parking signs on Elm St. Mayor Frohne will ask Jim Malinowski to take them down.
Trustee Kurkowski:
Brought to the boards attention there is a sink hole and two big cracks on the North side of the pavilion underneath the asphalt. A work order will be done for Jim Malinowski to check into this in the spring. He also stated that the roof of the pavilion is getting bad on the east side and asked if money could be put in the budget this year to replace the bad part of the roof. He also made a suggestion as a board to take a tour of all the buildings and all the land and let people know what the village owns and the condition of the buildings.
Motion to adjourn made by Trustee O’Connor, 2nd.by Trustee Kurkowski, Trustees O’Connor, Patrick, Kurkowski and Mayor Frohne voted yes. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:40 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Diane Blackwell
Village Clerk
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Thursday, March 10, 2011
February 23, 2011
Date: February 23, 2011
Time: 6:00 pm
Elected Officers: Mayor Frohne, Trustees O’Connor, Kurkowski, Patrick, and Pierson
Appointed Officers:
Clerk – Diane Blackwell
Treasurer – Donna Wells
Roll Call: Mayor Frohne, Trustee O’Connor, Trustee Pierson, and Trustee Patrick, Trustee Kurkowski present.
Mayor Frohne asked if there were any objections to waiving the reading of the minutes of the Feb.8, 2011 minutes. No objections.
Motion to approve the Feb. 8, 2011 minutes made by Trustee Pierson, 2nd. by Trustee Patrick, Trustee’s O’Connor, Pierson, Patrick, Kurkowski and Mayor Frohne voted yes. Motion carried.
Special Business:
Lamont Engineers: Glen Simpson
Glen- Contract 1 – over and under presented to board at last meeting, needs to have $175.00 added to it for a manhole on Bronner St. needs work done.
Contract 2 - did bench walls on 2 manholes and needed to be re-done. Glen had them do them over and are ok now.
Contract 5 – everything is in as far as the contract, there is an issue of swapping out the fans and louver’s or possibly just reversing them, Glen is waiting for a price from JV Warren for a decision on this. Heaters are all in, just have to co-ordinate with Stilsing to come and have them wired.
Problem at 19 River St., the sewer backed up in basement of house. When DeVincentis hooked up the sewer for this residence it was hooked to the floor drain, instead of the sewer drain. The DeVincentis Co. hired Ed. Bello to temporarily hook the house to the floor drain, and then DeVincentis sent a cleaning crew in on 2/22/2011. Eventually a permanent hook up will be done; the resident must put in a sump pump. DeVincentis does not feel they should pay for the permanent hook up, but Lamont Eng. feels it is their mistake and they should cover the expenses.
Doug Bordinger – Property maintenance
Trustee Patrick expressed his appreciation as did the rest of the board members to Doug for the welding job he did for the water plant on the air tank 5 hp. compressor.
2/14/2011 - has been patrolling for illegal parking, going out 4:30 am. and has not had to write any tickets yet.
2/18/2011 – received a complaint about garbage build up behind the laundry mat on James St. He checked it and a certified letter was sent out to the owner, Claudia McNair on 2/23/2011.
Doug spoke to Judge Brykailo about the Rudenko property issue at 177 Main St.; he was told that he did not show up for court, so he will be getting a $200.00 fine per day from 2/17/2011 for not appearing.
Doug has tried to contact the County about different properties that have been turned over to them, but does not receive a phone call back. Mayor Frohne called them on 2/23/2011 and asked them to call Doug.
The issue with the snow on the sidewalks is difficult to handle. There are at least 30-40 residences within the village that are putting snow on the sidewalks because there is no place else to put it. He has also spoken to different people who have been snow blowing the snow out on the streets. Doug suggested that the DPW crew haul the snow away when they got a chance to clear out some of these areas.
Public Comment:
Jack Clark sponsors a car show at the Tally Ho every other Monday night throughout the summer starting on May 30th, and asked the Village board if there was an overflow for parking if they could use part of the Spring Park so no one has to park on Route 20. The board agreed there was no problem with that. Jack also asked about using the park for his last show of the season which he started last year and had a very good turnout. It was agreed by the board, and Jack was told to speak with the Clerk for the application and to reserve the date.
Barbara Smith approached the board about the water pressure in the village. She feels it is too strong and feels the village residents should be made aware. It was explained to her that the water for the village is gravity fed and has been this way for many years and is not anything that can be changed. She then asked about the amount of the water bills, and explained that she feels the residents are not made aware of the prices they are paying for water. It was stated that a price outline could possibly be sent with Tom Shypski’s water report that goes out once a year. No decision was made on that. She also feels that the figures on the reports are outdated. It was explained to her that Tom does water tests every day; therefore, the figures are accurate.
Clerk – Diane Blackwell
Abstract #18- General Fund- $11,433.68, Water Fund - $6,781.94, Sewer Fund - $3,684.24,
Trust and Agency $670.16, Total: $22,570.02.
Motion to approve abstract #18 made by Trustee O’Connor, 2nd. by Trustee Pierson, Trustee’s O’Connor, Pierson, Patrick, Kurkowski and Mayor Frohne voted yes. Motion carried.
The Clerk reported to the board that she had received a letter from George Erhmann requesting to do a concert in Spring Park again this year. It was agreed by all members and the Clerk will get back to Mr. Erhmann to reserve the date.
Treasurer – Donna Wells:
Donna informed the board that she has found a new uniform company for the employees. It is R&S out of Johnstown. The contract is good for 3 years with a clause that says if not happy with their services it can be canceled at any time. Quote for everyone who has uniforms now - $32.18 per month.
Motion to approve the new uniform contract which is good for three (3) years, R&S, made by Trustee Pierson, 2nd. by Trustee Patrick, Trustee’s O’Connor, Pierson, Patrick, Kurkowski and Mayor Frohne voted yes.
It was asked by one member as to why only 3 employees are getting uniforms? Donna informed them that the others did not want them. After a lengthy discussion, it was decided that all employees would get measured when the R&S man comes to the garage, and it would be decided by the board about the employees wearing uniforms or just shirt or t-shirts with their name and village name on them for identification purposes.
Transfer needed: From A9901.03 to L5031 for $2000.00.
Motion to approve transfer made by Trustee O’Connor, 2nd by Trustee Pierson, Trustee O’Connor, Pierson, Patrick, Kurkowski and Mayor Frohne voted yes.
We received a new rate schedule from Frank Toth, the man who digs the graves. April 15th – Nov. 30th will be $425.00, weekdays and Saturdays, Dec. 1st - April 14th, is $525.00, and Holidays and Sundays is $625.00. After discussion, it will be decided at a later meeting what the village’s rates will be.
The contract for Ove Varik, at 3544 St. Hwy. 20 for the outsider use for sewer only is ready to be mailed out. It states the board will set the fee from time to time.
Cemetery monies: would like to move money from LPL Financial, to NBT and eventually put into treasury notes or bonds or CD’s.
FYI for the board – as of Feb 20th we have $51,288.57 past due on water/sewer. Break down is: water - $19,102.39, sewer - $32,186.18. According to the village attorney it is legal to shut off water/sewer services to residences that are overdue on payments. If this were to be done, the dept. of health would have to be notified and if any children live at the residence, Social Services must be notified.
Mayor Frohne:
The attorney has spoken to Mayor Frohne about a new template for Property Maintenance: it has a 10 day warning, then a 5 day warning and then the codes officer can order it mowed. This will make the process move at a faster pace to get properties mowed and cleaned up.
Mayor Frohne met with all dept. heads on 2/23/2011 to discuss the budget needs for next year. He also spoke with Jim Malinowski about the workforce organization. He will make a list of all decisions made about the re-organization of roles for the workplace. Trustee Pierson has asked Jim Malinowski to keep a log of what the employees are doing and who is doing what, and the time frame it takes to do certain jobs.
After discussion about the sewer trainee and the issue of getting his license, it was agreed by all members that he will be given 1 year to pass the test for his license to operate the sewer plant. Mayor Frohne will talk with him about this issue.
CODES: all members reviewed the last part of the codes for General Codes.
Trustee Kurkowski:
Asked for a resolution to approve using money out of the fire dept. capitol reserve offset the cost of a new ambulance in the amount of $110,000.00.
Resolution to approve a motion for the Village to expend funds from the Fire Dept. Capitol Reserve for the purchase of a new ambulance in the amount of $110,000.00 made by Trustee Kurkowski, 2nd. by Trustee O’Connor, Trustee O’Connor, Pierson, Patrick, Kurkowski and Mayor Frohne voted yes.
Discussion was brought up again about the e-mail that the Clerk received regarding the playground in the Spring Park. A woman from Cullen, NY. would like to do research on either raising private funds or a grant to put a big playground in. After discussion, it was decided that because there is a playground in the park already and a playground at the school, and that the Village has serious concerns about the insurance liabilities, it was decided to not participate in this project at this time.
Trustee Kurkowski also expressed the fact that the roof of the pavilion is getting in need of repair.
Another discussion took place about the Rudenko property. It was stated that another junk car has been put on the property.
Trustee Kurkowski was also concerned about the Belle Vista property and if anyone lived there. No one had an answer for him.
Trustee O’Connor:
Wanted to stress the problems with the water plant. He explained that he has spoken to Tom Shypski and encouraged him to come to a board meeting and explain what he needed. The Mayor told him that he had met with all the dept. heads earlier that day and had gone over all of that.
Trustee Pierson: Nothing new at this time.
Trustee Patrick:
Praised Mayor Frohne about the good job he is doing.
There is a list of 24 water meters to be installed. Mayor Frohne has spoken to Tom Shypski to get the meters done and gave him a deadline of May 31st. 2011. He stressed to Tom that when a meter has been completed to let the board know about the progress. Mayor Frohne told Jim Malinowski that Doug Bordinger could help Tom during the April break when he will not be doing crossing guard; also have Bob help him if he needs to. There are a couple places where the homeowner needs to do some work to make it available for the meter to be put in. A warning can be given that they have so much time to get the repairs done so Tom can get the meter in, if not they will be fined.
The Library appointed new officers at their last meeting, but the officers must be appointed by the Mayor at the organizational meeting in April.
Rerob solution - Mayor Frohne e-mailed the attorney and he needs to know exactly what the village wants done.
Also, the Community Development revolving loan fund which is available strictly to owner occupied village residents of a 1-2 family home at an interest rate of 6%. Trustee Patrick would like to see this lowered. After discussion it was agreed to lower the rate to 2.5%, and it was suggested it be put in the Pennysaver to make village residents more aware.
Resolution to approve the motion to lower the interest rate of the Community Development revolving loan fund which is offered by the village and is currently 6%, down to 2.5% made by Trustee Patrick, 2nd. by Trustee O’Connor, Trustee O’Connor-yes, Trustee Pierson-yes, Trustee Patrick-yes, Trustee Kurkowski-yes and Mayor Frohne-yes.
A motion was made for an ad to be put in the Pennysaver that the money is available by Trustee Pierson, 2nd. by Trustee Kurkowski, Trustee’s O’Connor, Pierson, Patrick, Kurkowski and Mayor Frohne voted yes.
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 8:30 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Diane Blackwell
Village Clerk
Time: 6:00 pm
Elected Officers: Mayor Frohne, Trustees O’Connor, Kurkowski, Patrick, and Pierson
Appointed Officers:
Clerk – Diane Blackwell
Treasurer – Donna Wells
Roll Call: Mayor Frohne, Trustee O’Connor, Trustee Pierson, and Trustee Patrick, Trustee Kurkowski present.
Mayor Frohne asked if there were any objections to waiving the reading of the minutes of the Feb.8, 2011 minutes. No objections.
Motion to approve the Feb. 8, 2011 minutes made by Trustee Pierson, 2nd. by Trustee Patrick, Trustee’s O’Connor, Pierson, Patrick, Kurkowski and Mayor Frohne voted yes. Motion carried.
Special Business:
Lamont Engineers: Glen Simpson
Glen- Contract 1 – over and under presented to board at last meeting, needs to have $175.00 added to it for a manhole on Bronner St. needs work done.
Contract 2 - did bench walls on 2 manholes and needed to be re-done. Glen had them do them over and are ok now.
Contract 5 – everything is in as far as the contract, there is an issue of swapping out the fans and louver’s or possibly just reversing them, Glen is waiting for a price from JV Warren for a decision on this. Heaters are all in, just have to co-ordinate with Stilsing to come and have them wired.
Problem at 19 River St., the sewer backed up in basement of house. When DeVincentis hooked up the sewer for this residence it was hooked to the floor drain, instead of the sewer drain. The DeVincentis Co. hired Ed. Bello to temporarily hook the house to the floor drain, and then DeVincentis sent a cleaning crew in on 2/22/2011. Eventually a permanent hook up will be done; the resident must put in a sump pump. DeVincentis does not feel they should pay for the permanent hook up, but Lamont Eng. feels it is their mistake and they should cover the expenses.
Doug Bordinger – Property maintenance
Trustee Patrick expressed his appreciation as did the rest of the board members to Doug for the welding job he did for the water plant on the air tank 5 hp. compressor.
2/14/2011 - has been patrolling for illegal parking, going out 4:30 am. and has not had to write any tickets yet.
2/18/2011 – received a complaint about garbage build up behind the laundry mat on James St. He checked it and a certified letter was sent out to the owner, Claudia McNair on 2/23/2011.
Doug spoke to Judge Brykailo about the Rudenko property issue at 177 Main St.; he was told that he did not show up for court, so he will be getting a $200.00 fine per day from 2/17/2011 for not appearing.
Doug has tried to contact the County about different properties that have been turned over to them, but does not receive a phone call back. Mayor Frohne called them on 2/23/2011 and asked them to call Doug.
The issue with the snow on the sidewalks is difficult to handle. There are at least 30-40 residences within the village that are putting snow on the sidewalks because there is no place else to put it. He has also spoken to different people who have been snow blowing the snow out on the streets. Doug suggested that the DPW crew haul the snow away when they got a chance to clear out some of these areas.
Public Comment:
Jack Clark sponsors a car show at the Tally Ho every other Monday night throughout the summer starting on May 30th, and asked the Village board if there was an overflow for parking if they could use part of the Spring Park so no one has to park on Route 20. The board agreed there was no problem with that. Jack also asked about using the park for his last show of the season which he started last year and had a very good turnout. It was agreed by the board, and Jack was told to speak with the Clerk for the application and to reserve the date.
Barbara Smith approached the board about the water pressure in the village. She feels it is too strong and feels the village residents should be made aware. It was explained to her that the water for the village is gravity fed and has been this way for many years and is not anything that can be changed. She then asked about the amount of the water bills, and explained that she feels the residents are not made aware of the prices they are paying for water. It was stated that a price outline could possibly be sent with Tom Shypski’s water report that goes out once a year. No decision was made on that. She also feels that the figures on the reports are outdated. It was explained to her that Tom does water tests every day; therefore, the figures are accurate.
Clerk – Diane Blackwell
Abstract #18- General Fund- $11,433.68, Water Fund - $6,781.94, Sewer Fund - $3,684.24,
Trust and Agency $670.16, Total: $22,570.02.
Motion to approve abstract #18 made by Trustee O’Connor, 2nd. by Trustee Pierson, Trustee’s O’Connor, Pierson, Patrick, Kurkowski and Mayor Frohne voted yes. Motion carried.
The Clerk reported to the board that she had received a letter from George Erhmann requesting to do a concert in Spring Park again this year. It was agreed by all members and the Clerk will get back to Mr. Erhmann to reserve the date.
Treasurer – Donna Wells:
Donna informed the board that she has found a new uniform company for the employees. It is R&S out of Johnstown. The contract is good for 3 years with a clause that says if not happy with their services it can be canceled at any time. Quote for everyone who has uniforms now - $32.18 per month.
Motion to approve the new uniform contract which is good for three (3) years, R&S, made by Trustee Pierson, 2nd. by Trustee Patrick, Trustee’s O’Connor, Pierson, Patrick, Kurkowski and Mayor Frohne voted yes.
It was asked by one member as to why only 3 employees are getting uniforms? Donna informed them that the others did not want them. After a lengthy discussion, it was decided that all employees would get measured when the R&S man comes to the garage, and it would be decided by the board about the employees wearing uniforms or just shirt or t-shirts with their name and village name on them for identification purposes.
Transfer needed: From A9901.03 to L5031 for $2000.00.
Motion to approve transfer made by Trustee O’Connor, 2nd by Trustee Pierson, Trustee O’Connor, Pierson, Patrick, Kurkowski and Mayor Frohne voted yes.
We received a new rate schedule from Frank Toth, the man who digs the graves. April 15th – Nov. 30th will be $425.00, weekdays and Saturdays, Dec. 1st - April 14th, is $525.00, and Holidays and Sundays is $625.00. After discussion, it will be decided at a later meeting what the village’s rates will be.
The contract for Ove Varik, at 3544 St. Hwy. 20 for the outsider use for sewer only is ready to be mailed out. It states the board will set the fee from time to time.
Cemetery monies: would like to move money from LPL Financial, to NBT and eventually put into treasury notes or bonds or CD’s.
FYI for the board – as of Feb 20th we have $51,288.57 past due on water/sewer. Break down is: water - $19,102.39, sewer - $32,186.18. According to the village attorney it is legal to shut off water/sewer services to residences that are overdue on payments. If this were to be done, the dept. of health would have to be notified and if any children live at the residence, Social Services must be notified.
Mayor Frohne:
The attorney has spoken to Mayor Frohne about a new template for Property Maintenance: it has a 10 day warning, then a 5 day warning and then the codes officer can order it mowed. This will make the process move at a faster pace to get properties mowed and cleaned up.
Mayor Frohne met with all dept. heads on 2/23/2011 to discuss the budget needs for next year. He also spoke with Jim Malinowski about the workforce organization. He will make a list of all decisions made about the re-organization of roles for the workplace. Trustee Pierson has asked Jim Malinowski to keep a log of what the employees are doing and who is doing what, and the time frame it takes to do certain jobs.
After discussion about the sewer trainee and the issue of getting his license, it was agreed by all members that he will be given 1 year to pass the test for his license to operate the sewer plant. Mayor Frohne will talk with him about this issue.
CODES: all members reviewed the last part of the codes for General Codes.
Trustee Kurkowski:
Asked for a resolution to approve using money out of the fire dept. capitol reserve offset the cost of a new ambulance in the amount of $110,000.00.
Resolution to approve a motion for the Village to expend funds from the Fire Dept. Capitol Reserve for the purchase of a new ambulance in the amount of $110,000.00 made by Trustee Kurkowski, 2nd. by Trustee O’Connor, Trustee O’Connor, Pierson, Patrick, Kurkowski and Mayor Frohne voted yes.
Discussion was brought up again about the e-mail that the Clerk received regarding the playground in the Spring Park. A woman from Cullen, NY. would like to do research on either raising private funds or a grant to put a big playground in. After discussion, it was decided that because there is a playground in the park already and a playground at the school, and that the Village has serious concerns about the insurance liabilities, it was decided to not participate in this project at this time.
Trustee Kurkowski also expressed the fact that the roof of the pavilion is getting in need of repair.
Another discussion took place about the Rudenko property. It was stated that another junk car has been put on the property.
Trustee Kurkowski was also concerned about the Belle Vista property and if anyone lived there. No one had an answer for him.
Trustee O’Connor:
Wanted to stress the problems with the water plant. He explained that he has spoken to Tom Shypski and encouraged him to come to a board meeting and explain what he needed. The Mayor told him that he had met with all the dept. heads earlier that day and had gone over all of that.
Trustee Pierson: Nothing new at this time.
Trustee Patrick:
Praised Mayor Frohne about the good job he is doing.
There is a list of 24 water meters to be installed. Mayor Frohne has spoken to Tom Shypski to get the meters done and gave him a deadline of May 31st. 2011. He stressed to Tom that when a meter has been completed to let the board know about the progress. Mayor Frohne told Jim Malinowski that Doug Bordinger could help Tom during the April break when he will not be doing crossing guard; also have Bob help him if he needs to. There are a couple places where the homeowner needs to do some work to make it available for the meter to be put in. A warning can be given that they have so much time to get the repairs done so Tom can get the meter in, if not they will be fined.
The Library appointed new officers at their last meeting, but the officers must be appointed by the Mayor at the organizational meeting in April.
Rerob solution - Mayor Frohne e-mailed the attorney and he needs to know exactly what the village wants done.
Also, the Community Development revolving loan fund which is available strictly to owner occupied village residents of a 1-2 family home at an interest rate of 6%. Trustee Patrick would like to see this lowered. After discussion it was agreed to lower the rate to 2.5%, and it was suggested it be put in the Pennysaver to make village residents more aware.
Resolution to approve the motion to lower the interest rate of the Community Development revolving loan fund which is offered by the village and is currently 6%, down to 2.5% made by Trustee Patrick, 2nd. by Trustee O’Connor, Trustee O’Connor-yes, Trustee Pierson-yes, Trustee Patrick-yes, Trustee Kurkowski-yes and Mayor Frohne-yes.
A motion was made for an ad to be put in the Pennysaver that the money is available by Trustee Pierson, 2nd. by Trustee Kurkowski, Trustee’s O’Connor, Pierson, Patrick, Kurkowski and Mayor Frohne voted yes.
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 8:30 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Diane Blackwell
Village Clerk
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