PATTERSON TOWN BOARD MEETING
PATTERSON TOWN HALL
1142 ROUTE 311
PATTERSON, NY 12563
FEBRUARY 9, 2011
MINUTES
PRESENT: MICHAEL GRIFFIN, SUPERVISOR
GINNY NACERINO, COUNCILWOMAN
EDMOND O’CONNOR, DEPUTY SUPERVISOR
ANTOINETTE KOPECK, TOWN CLERK
TIMOTHY CURTISS, TOWN COUNSEL
ABSENT: KEVIN BURNS, COUNCILMAN
JOSEPH CAPASSO, COUNCILMAN
Salute to the Flag and Roll Call.
Supervisor Griffin called the Patterson Town Board meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. with 10 in attendance.
REPORTS
Mr. Griffin as the clerk to file the reports as read.
Code Compliance - None
Code Enforcement - January
Dog Control Officer - January
E.C.I. - January
Putnam Lake Fire Dept.-None
Patterson Fire Dept.-None
SUPERVISOR REPORTS
None
MINUTES
Mrs. Nacerino made a motion to approve the following minutes:
Annual Audit – January 19, 2011
Bid Opening – Legal Services – January 11, 2011
Public Hearing – Chapter 154 (Tax Map 35.-5-37) – November 17, 2010
Public Hearing – Dogs and Other Animals – December 8, 2010
Public Hearing – Taggart Subdivision Open Development – December 8, 2010
Presentation Plaza at Clover Lake – December 22, 2010
Organizational Meeting – January 5, 2011
Town Board Meeting Minutes – November 17, 2010
Town Board Meeting Minutes – December 8, 2010
Town Board Meeting Minutes – December 22, 2010
Town Board Special Meeting Minutes – December 27, 2010
AUDIT OF BILLS
Mrs. Nacerino made a motion to accept the Abstract No. 1 as written:
General Fund $82,822.88, Highway Fund $57,705.53, Waste Water Treatment Plant $9,230.46, Capital Fund $11,313.95, Patterson Light District $23.69, Patterson Refuse District #2 $33,226.59, Deerwood Drainage District $17.35, Patterson Park District $569.26, Alpine Water District $1,317.04, Dorset Hollow Water District $786.40, Trust & Agency $1,717.50, Grand Total Abstract $198,730.65.
Seconded by Mr. O’Connor. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Nacerino, yes; Mr. O’Connor, yes; Mr. Griffin, yes.
KEVIN BURNS
Absent
TIME OFF REQUESTS
Mr. Griffin made a motion to approve three (3) time off requests as written.
Seconded by Mrs. Nacerino. All In Favor: Aye. Carried.
JOSEPH CAPASSO
Absent
MICHAEL GRIFFIN
WWTP HEATING SYSTEM
Mr. Griffin stated we have a letter from the Town Planner who received quotes for repairs and replacement of various heating parts and pieces at the Waste Water Treatment Plant. Haviland Heating & Plumbing came in with the lowest bid for the replacement of the boiler for $6,900.00. The replacement and the headworks for $3,447.00 and the repairs to the vent $190.00.
Mr. Griffin made a motion to approve the Town Planners request to award the bids to Haviland Plumbing for the boiler repairs, the vent repair and the head work.
Seconded by Mrs. Nacerino. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Nacerino, yes; Mr. O’Connor, yes; Mr. Griffin, yes. Carried.
FRONT STREET PUMP STATION
Mr. Griffin stated I will table this since there is no paperwork.
COURTHOUSE CAMERAS
Mr. Griffin stated I have another letter from the Town Planner. Judge King is requesting additional cameras on the southeast side of the new courthouse. The camera will allow court personnel to view the general area behind the building along the railroad tracks. He contacted NYCONN Security who was the original installers of the system to obtain a price of $650.00 to install the additional camera. This is in addition to the previous request for an additional camera that would view the door to the south used by the court clerks. Combine the two cameras it would cost an additional $1,300.00. I spoke to Rich today and he seems to be comfortable with that. We can roll that into the capital costs.
Mr. Griffin made a motion to approve the Town Planners request for two cameras for the courthouse for an amount not to exceed $1,300.00.
Seconded by Mr. O’Connor. All In Favor: Aye. Carried.
ICE POND ROAD – SPEEDING
Mr. Griffin stated we received calls from the neighbors that people are driving too fast on that road. Sue was kind enough to prepare a letter that I sent to the Sheriff’s office requesting their assistance in additional road patrol and monitoring. I believe they will work on that. If you are driving on Ice Pond, slow down.
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT GAS TANKS – DISCUSSION
Mr. Griffin stated we had an inspection at the Highway garage by New York State D.E.C. recently. They came up with a variety of petroleum bulk storage violations. The Highway Department contacted the Town Engineer who said they don’t get involved with a lot of that. They recommended that we contact Conklin Services and Construction in Newburgh. Conklin came down. The number we were given for the repairs that were required are in excess of what we can do without a bidding process. Unfortunately, I am going to have to contact the D.E.C. to see if we can get more time. Then we will have to put most of this work out to bid. There are a lot of tanks, waste oil, hydraulic tanks and a variety of other things. It is no longer compliant with the New D.E.C. regulations. I will work with the Town Planner to put together some specifications to go out to bid. We will work on this for the next meeting.
MS-4
Mr. Griffin stated Rich and I have been meeting with representatives from Putnam and Westchester Towns to discuss the possibility of Inter-Municipal Agreement. Did everyone get a copy of the proposal. We will make sure you get one tomorrow. I would request that the Board take a hard look at that document. It will be the basis for whatever regional stormwater entity eventually develops out of that. In the meantime, we need that for the purposes of negotiations and also to eventually getting money out of New York City.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. Griffin stated the Executive Session has been cancelled.
EDMOND O’CONNOR
DIRECTOR OF CODES MEMO – WARREN DRIVE
Mr. O’Connor stated the suggestion that the renewal fee for the house addition permit be extended for a year until such time the situation changes. The Code Enforcement Officer is recommending that the above ground swimming pool be taken down until such time as conditions change and the resident is able to comply with all the rules.
Mr. O’Connor made a motion that we agree with the Director of Codes Enforcement for the house addition permit and the removal of the above ground swimming pool.
Seconded by Mrs. Nacerino. All In Favor: Aye. Carried.
ATTORNEY INTERVIEWS – DISCUSSION
Mr. O’Connor stated seven law firms have submitted applications. Is there going to be a sub-committee to narrow it down to two or three candidates and then meet with them as a whole Board.
Mrs. Nacerino stated since two Board members are not here this evening it is a difficult decision to make. I would speculate to say that probably the full Board would want to meet with all seven candidates. It is a big decision to make. I think we mentioned something two weeks ago that we would probably have to divide it up and do two afternoons of interviews. Whatever the Boards issues are I will go along with.
Mr. Griffin stated I don’t know how we are going to make any decisions with three people tonight.
Mr. O’Connor stated we will table this discussion until we have a full Board.
HEATING OIL CO-OP – DISCUSSION
Mr. O’Connor stated we received a letter from Mr. Francis Christian discussing the possibility of a heating oil co-op modeled after the Town of Cortlandt to be administered by the Town of Patterson for senior citizens on a fixed income. In Putnam County we do have HEAT which is the Home Energy Assistant Program for seniors and those who have difficulties. Cortlandt is a totally different thing. They have a fuel cooperative and it has no relation to age or income. It has nothing to do with seniors or people on a fixed income. There are programs that do that. We will look into this more.
Mrs. Nacerino stated will you also contact Mr. Christian and tell him you are following up with this. I know this is something that he has been pursuing since 2008.
Ms. Pat Ploegher stated I belong to an energy cooperative called Consumers Energy Corp. It’s a not-for-profit organization and does exactly what this thing in Cortlandt is set up to do. I could send you information on that.
Mr. O’Connor stated that would be great. Thank you.
GINNY NACERINO
PAB Request
Mrs. Nacerino made a motion to approve service on the skag mower for Empire Power Tools not to exceed $900.00 with pick-up and delivery.
Seconded by Mr. O’Connor. All In Favor: Aye. Carried.
APPOINT RECREATION LEADER
Mrs. Nacerino stated I have a memo from Ray regarding a request to hire Matt Chibbaro for the position of part-time Recreation Leader at $18.00 per hour. Ray will get all of the necessary paperwork in to both Sue Brown and Patricia Brooks as soon as possible before they begin working.
Mrs. Nacerino introduced the following Resolution for Appointment of Recreation Leader within the Recreation Department:
R-0211-01
WHEREAS, the Director of Recreation & Parks has conducted interviews for the part-time non-competitive position of Recreation Leader within the Recreation Department of the Town of Patterson; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Patterson has received the attached memorandum from the Director of Recreation & Parks requesting the appointment of Matthew Chibbaro to the non-competitive part-time position of Recreation Leader within the Recreation Department of the Town of Patterson; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Patterson has determined that Matthew Chibbaro meets the qualifications for the non-competitive part-time position of Recreation Leader within the Recreation Department of the Town of Patterson; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Patterson, as appointing authority, wishes to appoint Matthew Chibbaro to the non-competitive part-time position of Recreation Leader within the Recreation Department of the Town of Patterson at an hourly rate of $18.00; and
WHEREAS, Matthew Chibbaro wishes to accept the appointment to the non-competitive part-time position of Recreation Leader within the Recreation Department of the Town of Patterson at an hourly rate of $18.00.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Patterson hereby appoints Matthew Chibbaro to the non-competitive part-time position of Recreation Leader within the Recreation Department of the Town of Patterson at an hourly rate of $18.00; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town of Patterson hereby authorizes the Supervisor to execute any and all documents necessary to give effect to this resolution.
Seconded by Mr. O’Connor.
Mr. Griffin stated discussion. I didn’t read the resolution. Does it say that he is not going to start until we’ve completed a background check and everything else.
Mrs. Nacerino stated I don’t think it says that in the resolution which is why I read the memo to make sure that it is contingent on all the background work being completed.
Mr. Griffin stated are we comfortable without the Board meeting him or interviewing him.
Mrs. Nacerino stated I think we decided early on to leave it to Ray. It is a part-time exempt position. I’m comfortable with him doing it.
Mr. Griffin stated we asked the Building Inspector and Fire Code Officer to do interviews and make a recommendation to the Board.
Mrs. Nacerino stated he has quite an amazing resume´.
Mrs. Nacerino stated I have a memo from Ray Blanar regarding the kitchen grease trap at the Recreation Center. It is not functioning properly causing the water to overflow onto the kitchen floor. Also there is a vent installed on the trap that emits sewer odor into the room when the kitchen sink is used. Paul Fava has obtained a price quote from Haviland Plumbing & Heating.
Mrs. Nacerino made a motion to approve Haviland Plumbing & Heating to do the work for $750.00.
Seconded by Mr. O’Connor. All In Favor: Aye. Carried.
HIGHWAY REQUEST(S)
Mrs. Nacerino stated I have a memo from Gene Brandon. In November 2009, Charlie Williams purchased a new vertical compressor for the garage that could fit in the mechanics room on their side of the shop rather than the complete opposite. We got a price from J.P. Pullen Electrical from Holmes, New York that the Town has used before for $786.00. Before we spend time in getting a second quote we would like to know if this is a project the Board would like to approve.
I spoke to Marguax earlier today in regards to this and she explained to me that we have this new compressor that is worth between $2,000.00 and $3,000.00 and it’s not being used. They would like to utilize it. The question is can we use J.P. Pullen Electrical which has traditionally been known as our Town Electrician. They feel there is more continuity using the same person than jumping all over the place. It is up to the Board as to whether or not she needs to seek other quotes or if she could go ahead with this electrician. I would recommend that she get more quotes and hope that he will still be the one to do the job.
Mr. Griffin stated I’m okay with that.
OTHER BUSINESS
Mr. O’Connor stated there is a request from Accounting. They want to send Janet to a state bookkeeping class in White Plains.
Mr. O’Connor made a motion to approve Janet Ravo to go to Pace University for a basic bookkeeping class to be held in March not to exceed $155.50 including registration and travel.
Seconded by Mrs. Nacerino. All In Favor: Aye. Carried.
MRS. NACERINO’S ENVIRONMENTAL TIP
A controversial new power line has been proposed in an unlikely spot buried under almost the entire length of the Hudson River. The proposed transmission line known as the Champlain Hudson Express would be funded as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. If built, it will begin north of the Canadian border and run 370 miles along the bottom of Lake
Champlain down the bed of the Hudson all the way to New York City continuing under the Long Island Sound to Connecticut. Not only will this produce an extreme ecological impact on the unique environment of the Hudson River, but the project has many other controversial aspects. These include its status as a renewable energy project. The lack of inclusion of the first nation’s people in the decision process, its questionable economic benefits and the necessity of the project to obtain a presidential permit. Furthermore the project is currently being labeled as a renewable energy development. The project has applied for a $1.5 billion in recovery act loan guarantees under the assumption that the cable will transport the perquisite renewable wind and or hydropower into the New York facilities at the lower Church Hill Falls, Canada. However, those facilities have yet to be constructed. Central to the promotion of the project is the promise to import green renewable energy in the service area. However, as a transmission only facility the project has no control of the source of quality of the commodity it will transport. As such, the project has never assessed that it will only transport renewable wind and hydropower over the cable and has never said it will not transport non-renewable power from cold nuclear power or tar sands.
A catch 22, the anticipated hydro electrical power is to be produced for the project depending on the Champlain Hudson Express cable being approved. The dam at Church Hill Falls was yet to be built in the environmental impact of the dams is yet to be determined. From an economic perspective, purchasing energy from outside New York State does not make sense for the state as well as the national balance of payments. The project seeks to enter an energy market that has already had an oversupply of electricity at a time of contrasting economic supply. The project development appears to be dependent on non-current or projected market conditions but rather on federal loan guarantees including federal subsidies which will underwrite at least 80% of the projects cost. Additionally the project will be eligible for other federal state and local subsidies and other business incentives including industrial development agency, tax exemption, property tax abatement, IRS allowances, job creation credits and Brownfield Redevelopment Grants. Since both the cable and electric power are to cross the international US Canada border, the project must first be granted a presidential permit. Because of this it is imperative that all consequences of the project be taken into account and local options be considered. The Champlain Hudson Power Express project will encourage reliance on concentrated large scale production and transmission over long distance instead of encouraging domestic renewable energy resources which are urgently needed to combat climate change. The project claims to define market realities which demonstrate on a daily basis that a plentiful supply of power exists within the New York Metro area.
If built this project will be one of the longest submarine power cables in the world and if successful other transmission developers will likely propose their own ambitious projects in rivers and lakes. In the words of New Jersey Sierra Club Chapter Director Jeff Tittle, frankly my dear, I don’t want a dam.
PUBLIC RECOGNITION
Mr. Joseph Tierney stated awhile ago we spoke about the D.P.W., Director of Public Works. Is there anything coming on that.
Mr. Griffin stated basically the County indicated to us that they would prefer it to be a Civil Service position and that would leave us in worse shape than an elected position. Once you appoint someone you are pretty much stuck with them from then on. Since we still don’t have any resolution to our problem, the Board’s general consensus was to leave it the way it is and have a new Highway Superintendent elected this November.
Ms. Deb Lawlor stated I am here tonight to ask the Town Board what is going to be done to improve the health of Putnam Lake. It has been clearly identified that the lake is in significant stages of eutrophication. Recently HGTV aired its production of selling New York which a home on Plumb Island owned by Larry Palper was featured. It was really sad to see the aerial views of the island homes surrounded by our algae ridden lake. The PLCC brought a presentation to the Town Board in July of 2010 at which most of you were able to attend and the same presentation was brought to the residents of Putnam Lake which about 10% of the residents were able to attend in September. The solution, a process of aeration for the lake seems financially reasonable and effective. I have been president of the PLCC for a short time, I know that issues concerning Putnam Lake have long been discussed, studied and little has actually happened. Through the combined efforts of the PLCC Board members Rob Lichtenberger and Chris Lawlor and the Town, the installation of the vortex basins and the sediment ponds have helped somewhat but the problem is not solved. I guess all I can say now is that we are back. We need decisions to be made and more importantly steps need to be taken. We do not want to see another day go by without another plan of action in place.
Mr. Griffin stated the whole problem is always revolved around the same issue, its finances. Rich has been looking and working with the D.E.C. about possibilities of grant opportunities. We have even gone so far as to suggest to the D.E.P. to do a demonstration project for water quality since MS4 has to do with phosphorous loading and cleaning up. We are still looking for the money. We are looking at about $100,000.00 to launch the program. There is also the on- going operation and maintenance and electric bills. It has been brought to the attention of our new senator. We are actively seeking funding where ever we can. If we can get a grant this Board would be very happy to move ahead with the program. I think it is the best idea I’ve seen yet for a solution to the problem to the eutrophication, to the lack of oxygen, to the algae growth and everything else. It makes a lot more sense than carp. This is extraordinarily difficult economic times and to do it out of taxpayer funding presents another problem because the lake is essentially closed. If we use federal monies or some of the other grants than there is a possibility we will have to open up the lake. If we do it through the PLCC that presents another issue because Town funds are given to a private non-for-profit, which represents another series of issues. Right now we are doing everything we can to try to find a source of funding and if we can do that we intend to go forward.
Ms. Lawlor stated I just think a lot of people are very frustrated by the process. As I said, there have been so many projects and so many different things and ideas and everything always comes to the same conclusion that without the funding we cannot move forward. We need to come up with a solution to that problem. That is why we are here. We know there are three different issues going on here because of the uniqueness of Putnam Lake. How are we going to proceed with this. We appreciate Rich looking into these grants and we are doing what we can to continue this.
Mrs. Nacerino stated it is not because of the lack of support of the Board.
Ms. Lawlor stated I do feel that. We understand that you are supporting this and you want to see something happen.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mr. O’Connor made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:10 p.m.
Seconded by Mrs. Nacerino. All In Favor: Aye. Carried.
Respectfully submitted,
___________________________________
ANTOINETTE KOPECK, TOWN CLERK