A Regular meeting of the Town of Tusten was held on May 12th, 2008 at 7:00 P.M. at the Tusten Town Hall with the following members present:
PRESENT Supervisor Ben Johnson
Councilman Eileen Falk
Councilman Lewis Meckle
Councilman Wingert
Councilman Dowling
OTHERS PRESENT: Mrs. Karen Valenti, Bookkeeper; County Legislator David Sager; Mr. David Sparling, Code Enforcement Officer; Mr. George Kinch, Highway Superintendent; Scott Birney, Water and Sewer Superintendent; Mr. Edwin Jackson, Planning Board Chairman; Mrs. Debra Wasylyk, Highway Clerk; Mr. Charlie Wieland, UDC Representative; Mr. Tony Ritter, Zoning Board Chairman; Mrs. Barbara Buckman, Deputy Supervisor; Fritz Mayer of the River Reporter and approximately 15 members of the general public.
Supervisor Johnson called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm with the pledge to the flag.
Approval of the minutes from the April meetings was postponed until next month’s regular meeting.
Supervisor Johnson read the expenditures report.
RESOLUTION #69-08
PAYMENT OF BILLS
On motion of Supervisor Johnson, seconded by Councilman Falk the following resolution was
ADOPTED AYES 5 NAYES 0
RESOLVED that the bills be paid in the following amounts as presented:
General Account $ 27,309.31
Highway Account $ 89,169.41
Water Account $ 12,575.37
Sewer Account $ 20,065.30
Lighting Account $ 1,037.00
Total $ 150,156.39
Water & Sewer Financial Report
Water $175.63 Service $ 205.90 Penalties $ 4.70 Total $ 386.23
Sewer $426.36 Service $ 0.00 Penalties $ 10.98 Total $ 437.34
TOTAL COLLECTED: $ 823.57
CORRESPONDENCE
HIGHWAY REPORT
REPORT 4-12-08 TO 5-9-08
WE HAVE TAKEN DELIVERY OF OUR SALT FOR THIS YEAR.
STARTED HAULING IN OUR SAND FOR NEXT WINTER
WILL BE STARTING OUR PAVING ON WED. AS OF NOW
SWEEPING AND BROOMING ROADS
GRADING ROADS
PUT UP FENCH AT THE BALL FIELD
HAULED SEVERAL LOADS OF SCRAP TO WEINERTS.
HAD 103 TONS OF GRADER PATCH MADE UP.
ROADS:
COCHECTON TURNPIKE: INSTALLED ONE 15” X 30’ PIPE, (2) 12’ X 30’ PIPE, 30 TON OF CRUSHER RUN, 9 TON DIRTY #8.
SWAMP POND: FILLED IN PIPES THAT SETTLED, GRADED FROM END OF BLACK TOP TO MATHIAS , 5-6-08 GRADED AND ROLLED USED 400 TON OF CRUSHER RUN
LAKE RIDGE: REPAIRED SHOULDER BY GUIDE RAIL, INSTALLED NEW USED POSTS AND GUIDE RAIL,
INSTALLED FRENCH DRAIN OAK AND HICKORY TOWARDS TOP OF HILL, AND AT CORNER OF LAKE AND CULLEN.
SCHOOL STREET: CUT BRUSH,
CACKLETOWN: CUT BRUSH, DITCHED
BUDDENHAGEN ROAD: CUT BRUSH
HANKINS ROAD: DITCHED
SCHALCK ROAD: PUT IN TWO FRENCH DRAINS, IN BETWEEN COUNTY ROAD 22 AND THE PAVILION, GRADED, 5 TNS OF #8’S, 10 TN CRUSHER RUN, 5-6-08 GRADED AND ROLLED,
HOMESTEAD ROAD: GRADED
LUCKY LAKE: GRADED, USED 60 TN CRUSHER RUN
HUMPHREY ROAD: GRADED USING 40 TN OF CRUSHER RUN
BROOK ROAD: GRADED , THEN HAD TO PICK UP THREE BAGS OF LITTER, ON 4-23-08, YORK RAKED, USED 60 TON OF CRUSHER RUN, ROLLED
OLD COCHECTON ROAD: BROOMED
PERRY POND ROAD: BROOMED
BUDDENHAGEN: BROOMED
PARKER ROAD: BROOMED
CACKLETOWN: SWEPT
IRISHTOWN: SWEPT
NOBER STRUNK: BROOMED
HOFFMAN: BROOMED, REPAIRED ON 507098 WITH 35 TON OF CRUSHER RUN, YORK RAKED AND ROLLED,
DAUB ROAD: RAKED AND ROLLED,
EQUIPMENT:
JOHN DEER TRACTOR: FINISHED REBUILDING
LOADER: REPLACEED THE SOLONOID, INSTALLED FENDERS
TRUCK # 24: WENT TO ARKEL FOR RECALL, PAINTED THE WING
TRUCK # 25: WENT TO ARKEL FOR RECALL, DID HIS BODY OF TRUCK WITH LUBRA SEAL
TRUCK # 26: REMOVED SANDER, LUBRA SEALED AND PUT AWAY FOR SEASON,
TRUCK # 1: SANDER WAS WASHED AND LUBRA SEALED,
TRUCK # 18: WING WAS PAINTED,
TRUCK # 4: TOOK TO RTS POWER STEERING PROBLEMS, FIXED TIRE, GREASED
FD7 DOZER: WORKED ON THE IDLER ,
GRADER: BLADE WON’T SLIDE, WE HAVE ORDERED THE PARTS FOR IT.
WATER AND SEWER REPORT
April 15 - May 12, 2008
Started renovation of Grinder Stations.
Kirk’s Road pump station panel is scheduled to arrive next week.
Worked on structure renovation of cleanouts and manholes in areas that highway will be paving.
Kirk’s road boundaries have been surveyed, easement work is in progress.
Continuing vehicle and equipment maintenance.
Hydrant flushing completed.
Second Avenue Valve and Hydrant Replacement completed.
Started installing meters and turning on services that were off over winter.
Installed new Water and Sewer decals on vehicles.
Aquaduck water transport took two tankers of water from District.
Received quotes for water treatment chemicals and water works equipment.
Norm Meyer suggested that they put up more warning signs on the street when they are working.
CODE ENFORCEMENT/ BUILDING INSPECTOR REPORT
April 2008
FEMA Inspections – 0
Regular Inspections – 25
Certificate of Occupancy – 6
Certificate of Compliance – 3
Building Permits – 7
Camping – 1
Burn Permits - 0
Septic Permits – 0
Logging Permits - 0
C/O and violation search – 9
Permit Renewals - 2
Stop Work – 1
Operating without CofO - 0
Flood Plain Permit – 0
Dangerous and Unsafe Building Declaration – 0
Violations - 0
Clerk/Inspector, Jocelyn Strumpfler, received her Basic Code Enforcement Training Certificate.
Monies collected by this office from April 1, 2008 to April 30, 2008 were $2,528.60.
Respectfully,
David W Sparling
ASSESSORS REPORT
No report.
UDC REPORT
Charlie Wieland reported that Berlin Township joined the Council, that business was usual and the awards banquet was nice.
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTION #70-08
AUTHORIZE THE SUPERVISOR TO SIGN PARKING LOT LEASE
On motion of Councilman Wingert, seconded by Councilman Meckle, the following resolution was
ADOPTED – AYES 5 NAYS 0
RESOLVED that the Supervisor be authorized to sign a 5-year lease with Bank of America for the parking lot at $1.00 per year.
RESOLUTION #71-08
AUTHORIZE WATER AND SEWER SUPERINTENDENT TO RETAIN CHARLIE WIELAND PART-TIME
On motion of Councilman Falk, seconded by Councilman Wingert, the following resolution was
ADOPTED – AYES 5 NAYS 0
RESOLVED that the Board authorize the Water and Sewer Superintendent to continue using Charlie Wieland part-time on an hourly basis.
RESOLUTION #72-08
AURHORIZE PLANNING AND ZONING CHAIRS TO ATTEND SCHOOL
On motion of Supervisor Johnson, seconded by Councilman Wingert, the following resolution was
ADOPTED – AYES 5 NAYS 0
RESOLVED that the Board authorize the Planning and Zoning Board Chairmen to attend an all day school, from 8:00am to 4:00pm, on July 17th, 2008 in New Paltz at a cost of $60/person.
RESOLUTION #73-08
AUTHORIZE THE CLOSURE OF MAIN STREET FOR RIVERFEST
On motion of Councilman Meckle, seconded by Councilman Dowling, the following resolution was
ADOPTED – AYES 5 NAYS 0
RESOLVED that the Board authorize the closure of Main Street from 7:30 am to 6:00pm on July 27, 2008 for Riverfest.
A website, www.nyalert.gov, is available to receive alerts, road closings, weather, etc.
RESOLUTION # 74-08
UTILIZE TOWN HALL AS A DROP OFF SITE FOR THE FOOD PANTRY
On a motion of Councilman Falk, seconded by Councilman Wingert, the following resolution was
ADOPTED – AYES 5 NAYS 0
RESOLVED that the Town Board designate the town hall as a drop off site for the Ecumenical food pantry from 9a-3p Monday through Friday.
The rising cost of fuel prices was discussed. Currently the federal IRS rate is 50.5¢. It was decided to increase the mileage re-imbursement rate.
RESOLUTION # 75-08
INCREASE MILEAGE RE-IMBURSEMENT RATE TO 54¢ PER MILE
On a motion of Councilman Falk, seconded by Councilman Meckle, the following resolution was
ADOPTED – AYES 5 NAYS 0
RESOLVED: that the mileage re-imbursement rate be increased to 54¢ per mile effect immediately.
OLD BUSINESS
The stone bids were read.
Linde R H Gorr Callanan
1A Aggregate $10.75/ton 12.61 none
2A Aggregate 9.25 11.61 15.50
3A Aggregate 9.25 12.61 none
AASHTO #1 11.00 14.61 none
AASHTO #3 11.00 14.61 16.50
AASHTO #57 11.00 13.61 17.75
AASHTO #67 11.00 16.61 18.00
AASHTO #8 13.00 11.86 23.00
B-3 Sand 14.00 none 16.75
Gabions (R-3, R-4) 14.00 14.36 17.25
Rip-Rap (R-5, R-6, R-7, R-8) 16.00 25.00 17.25
Shot rock 9.25 25.00 17.25
Wall rock 50.50 49.50 none
Bulk Wall Rock 50.50 49.50 none
RESOLUTION #76-08
ACCEPT STONE BIDS FROM BOTH R.H. GORR AND LINDE
On motion of Supervisor Johnson, seconded by Councilman Meckle, the following resolution was
ADOPTED – AYES 5 NAYS 0
RESOLVED: that the Board accept the stone bids from both R. H. Gorr and Linde Construction.
At this point in the meeting Supervisor Johnson asked for Board discussion on the proposed Department of Public Works. Tables were set up for the discussion. Public comment was incorporated into the discussion. Supervisor Johnson addressed a letter to the editor in the River Reporter. The DPW is not to replace two departments; it is to coordinate management and manpower. Chris Holden asked if the Board was better qualified to pick management. Supervisor Johnson said they are not asking or telling the voters how to vote on the issue. It will be the people that decide whether to establish a DPW, not the Town Board. At this meeting, the Board will decide whether or not it should go on the ballot. Regarding a question about the budgets for the departments; the funds can’t be blended. The budgets will stay separate. The Town has an independent auditor that reviews this. The local government commission on efficiency report of April 2008 explains why Towns should go for a DPW; with consolidation, the necessary qualifications for highway superintendent are required. The reason for a resolution now is that it must be made 150 days before the election. There is then time to explore ways to lower taxes and cut costs through sharing of manpower and equipment. There will be no change in the top salaries (except usual Board raises). The structure would be a commissioner, Scott Birney and assistant commissioner, George Kinch. George Kinch said he does not know enough about the DPW to from an opinion as yet.
Supervisor Johnson read the following proposed structure plan for the DPW:
Mike Calvet asked if there was money available from the state to go with this. Supervisor Johnson replied, no. Tom Prendergast said if it was presented as an elected position, the people would go for it. The savings to the Town will be determined by shifts, manpower, equipment use and good management practice. A question was asked about tenure, there is none. However, both positions would be covered against the whims and politics of boards by civil service law. Norm pointed out that this board cannot tie the hands of future boards. Sue Hallock asked about savings now by restructuring. Chris Holden said that it is all opinion, became unruly and was asked to be seated. Norm asked if the Board could give a cash projection of the proposed savings. Ed Kraus said the system would be political; a republican hires a republican and a democrat, a democrat. The qualifications for each job will be written. Councilman Dowling said that they are not voting on a DPW, they are considering change and discussing it. Councilman Falk said she wants it on the ballot. There will be many more meetings before the November election to work out details.
Mike Calvet asked how many people would be hired. That is currently determined by the superintendents. Water and Sewer has always been appointed. Emily Buddenhagen pointed out that George stayed with the town and that Scott left for a while, then came back. Sue Hallock asked if there was a job description for the supervisor, there is none. Tom Prendergast asked about the number of days before the election to put the proposition on the ballot. Bob Wiegers said that an elected official can’t be fired, an appointed one can be.
The question came up about the length of term of the offices to be appointed. The Supervisor will have to check on the law. At this point the board decided to make a resolution. There will be Public Hearings on the issue in the future.
RESOLUTION #77-08
PUT THE FOLLOWING PROPOSITION ON THE NOVEMBER 2008 BALLOT FOR PUBLIC REFERENDUM
On motion of Supervisor Johnson, seconded by Councilman Wingert, the following resolution was
ADOPTED AYES 5 NAYS 0
RESOLVED that the Board place the following proposition on the November, 2008 ballot to be decided by the voters:
Shall the Town abolish the elective office of the Superintendent of Highways and create an appointed position of Superintendent of Highways, and create a department of public works which would include the departments of highway and water and sewer?
There being no other Board or public comment, on a motion of Councilman Falk, seconded by Councilman Wingert, the meeting was recessed at 9:05pm to June 2nd, 2008 at 7:00 pm.
Respectfully submitted, _________________________________Kathleen Michell, Town Clerk, from minutes taken by Karen Valenti, Bookkeeper and Second Deputy