PATTERSON TOWN BOARD MEETING
PATTERSON TOWN HALL
1142 ROUTE 311
PATTERSON, NY 12563
July 25, 2012
AGENDA
1. SALUTE TO THE FLAG & ROLL CALL
2. AUDIT OF BILLS
3. MICHAEL GRIFFIN
4. GINNY NACERINO
5. KEVIN BURNS
6. CHARLES COOK
7. ROBERT MCCARTHY
8. OTHER BUSINESS
9. PUBLIC RECOGNITION
10. ADJOURNMENT
PATTERSON TOWN BOARD MEETING
PATTERSON TOWN HALL
1142 ROUTE 311
PATTERSON, NEW YORK 12563
July 25, 2012
MINUTES
PRESENT: MICHAEL GRIFFIN, SUPERVISOR
KEVIN BURNS, COUNCILMAN
CHARLES W. COOK, DEPUTY SUPERVISOR
ROBERT MCCARTHY, COUNCILMAN
GINNY NACERINO, COUNCILWOMAN
ANTOINETTE KOPECK, TOWN CLERK
MICHAEL LIGUORI, TOWN COUNSEL
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.
AUDIT OF BILLS
Mrs. Nacerino made a motion to accept Abstract No. 13 as written:
General Fund $152,029.20, Highway Fund $10,885.37, Waste Water Treatment Plant $12,025.87, Putnam Lake Light District $1,533.73, Patterson Light District $1,449.65, Patterson Refuse District #2 $768.06, Patterson Park District $114.26, Fox Run Water District $1,265.53, Trust & Agency $3,157.50, Grand Total Abstract $183,229.17.
Seconded by Mr. Burns. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Burns, yes; Mr. Cook, yes; Mr. McCarthy, yes; Mrs. Nacerino, yes; Mr. Griffin, yes. Vote: 5-0.
MICHAEL GRIFFIN
MULTI-MODAL PROJECT – CHANGE ORDER #9
Mr. Griffin asked Mr. Williams to give a brief overview.
Mr. Griffin introduced the following Resolution for Approval of Change Order No. 9 to Contract for Roadway Improvements NYS Route 312 and I-84 Interchange – Multi-Modal 4 Project Pin #8ME047.30A:
R-0712-05
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Patterson by Resolution R-0712-05 duly accepted the bid of Paleen Construction Corp. for the construction of improvements to the NYS Route 312 and I-84 interchange as shown on certain plans entitled MULTI-MODAL 4 PROJECT PIN #8me047.30; (the “Project”); and
WHEREAS, the Town and Paleen Construction entered into a contract for the Project dated September 1, 2012; and
WHEREAS, Paleen has submitted a Change Order pursuant to the Contract, namely Change Order No. 9 providing for the performance of additional work under the Contract for an addition to the Contract Sum of $27,705.50, a full and complete copy of said Change Order No. 9 being annexed hereto; and
WHEREAS, the proposed Change Order has been reviewed and approved by Insite Engineering, Surveying and Landscape Architecture, P.C., which performs site inspections on behalf of the Town; and
WHEREAS, the developer of the Patterson Crossings project has agreed to pay the full amount of the additional cost of the work referred to in Change Order No. 9; and, the payment of same being otherwise secured under a certain Letter of Credit posted by the developer in connection with the Project; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Patterson wishes to accept the proposed Change Order No. 9 as submitted;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Patterson hereby approves Change Order No. 9 as submitted; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Patterson hereby authorizes the Supervisor to execute Change Order No. 9 in the form submitted and any and all other documents necessary to give effect to this resolution.
Seconded by Mrs. Nacerino. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Burns, yes; Mr. Cook, yes; Mr. McCarthy, yes; Mrs. Nacerino, yes; Mr. Griffin, yes. Vote: 5-0.
QUAIL RIDGE – ROAD DEDICATION
Mr. Griffin stated for several years the residents of Quail Ridge have requested that the Town take over the road. There are a number of steps in the process. The Town Planner, Town Engineer and I have met with a number of the residents out there and laid out a process they have to follow.
Mr. Griffin made a motion to approve the Town Planner’s request to hire Bunney Associates Land Surveyors for the installation of monuments along the road right-of-way and preparation of a map showing the monuments for the Quail Ridge Subdivision roads in the amount of $6,652.00 with the agreement that the work does not proceed until we have a signed agreement with the homeowners that they will guarantee reimbursement to the Town for that work.
Seconded by Mrs. Nacerino.
Mr. Williams stated can we include with the District in place.
Mr. Griffin amended the motion so that the work will not proceed until a Special Permit District has been created.
Seconded by Mrs. Nacerino. All In Favor: Aye. Carried.
PATTERSON COMMONS SEWER EXTENSION – SET ESCROW/LEAD AGENCY
Mr. Griffin stated for the last several meetings we have discussed the need for the A&P Shopping Center to tie into the sewer plant. Their system is in failure. Dunkin Donuts systems is in failure. We have had a number of meetings and phone calls with the D.E.P.
and there are a couple of issues to be done before we can get to some of the harder work.
Mr. Cook stated what about the library and the Cartwright building.
Mr. Griffin stated we are currently working with the Design Engineer on this to include Cartwright and the library in any work that is performed. It seems to me that anything they are going to do they will need easements and permission from Mr. Cartwright. We have to authorize setting up an escrow account and that is recommended in the amount of $9,000.00.
Mr. Griffin made a motion to set the escrow amount at $9,000.00.
Seconded by Mrs. Nacerino. All In Favor: Aye. Carried.
Mr. Griffin stated the second thing we need to get done tonight is to start the SEQRA process and that begins with the Patterson Town Board’s declaration of our intent to assume lead agency status for the Patterson Commons Sewer Extension.
Mr. Griffin made a motion that we declare tonight the intent for the Patterson Town Board to act as lead agency for the Patterson Commons Sewer Extension and the SEQRA reviews.
Seconded by Mr. Cook. All In Favor: Aye. Carried.
MILITARY BAND CONCERT – FOLLOW-UP
Mr. Griffin stated we had a great time Saturday. The military band was fantastic and we had a great turn out. We have a letter from Brian Benedict thanking everyone.
GINNY NACERINO
HISTORICAL SOCIETY UPDATE – OLD BURYING GROUND
Mrs. Nacerino introduced Ron Taylor, of the Historical Society to give a brief presentation.
Mr. Ron Taylor stated this is an update on the old burying ground which is on Route 311 just North and East of Brick House Road. It is one of the oldest cemeteries in town and it may date from the 1730’s or 1740’s. It’s on the 1780 military map and on the same map there is a Baptist Meeting House labeled on there across the road. There are a few stones that are engraved. The earliest is from 1773 and the last is 1862. The Society has a journal from 1879 where someone wrote down the names of what stones were visible at the time. There were 16 gravestones engraved at that time. Another record has 20 gravestones with a note that three were moved to the Catskills. There are at least two Revolutionary War Patriots there and several wives, sisters and daughters of Revolutionary War Patriots. We have been clearing the land and doing some grave stone restoration.
Mr. Taylor continued with his presentation.
Mr. Taylor asked for help in fixing the fence around the graveyard. How can we proceed with this project. How do we deal with the wetlands, parking and signage. Based on the result of that then we can finish the restoration comprehensive plan and come back to you for approval.
Mrs. Nacerino stated in reference to the fence I conferred with the rest of the Board and we are receptive to you replacing the fence. That is going to be replaced through donations.
Mr. Taylor stated we already have the money.
Mrs. Nacerino stated then we are receptive to the fence being replaced. In reference to the comprehensive plan, we would like some sort of presentation once you are ready to present that it would be most acceptable to us and in reference to the wetlands you need to confer with Ted Kozlowski and Rich Williams prior to proceeding.
Mr. Griffin stated most of this was reviewed during that project that is out there, wasn’t it. That property was part of Louie Pescatore’s project. I assume the parking lot and everything was already reviewed.
Mr. Williams stated no. All we did was look at the boundaries of the cemetery and we tried to identify the appropriate boundaries to take that out of the subdivision and make an offer of dedication to the Town. I don’t know if we accepted it.
Mr. Griffin stated did Louis put in a gravel parking pad years ago.
Mr. Williams stated yes but it was minimal.
Mr. Griffin stated so what you are saying is it was never looked at by the Planning Board.
Mr. Williams stated correct.
Mrs. Nacerino stated I applaud you for all the work you did. You all did a great job.
RECREATION REQUEST(S)
Mrs. Nacerino made a motion to approve Matt Chibbaro’s request to hire Timothy Tighe in the position of junior staff counselor for the Recreation Department in the amount of $7.50 per hour.
Seconded by Mr. Cook. All In Favor: Aye. Carried.
Mrs. Nacerino stated I spoke with Matt and he told me the camps are doing phenomenal. They are all maxed out to capacity, they are thriving and the kids are having a great time.
Mr. Nacerino made a motion to approve the request from Recreation for league shirts and playoff champ shirts and screen changes from LMJ Design for an amount not to exceed $936.00. Three quotes were obtained.
Seconded Mr. Cook. All In Favor: Aye. Carried.
HIGHWAY REQUEST – TRUCK BODY
Mrs. Nacerino introduced the following Resolution for Budget Transfer for Purchase of New Dump Body-Highway Truck No. 10:
R-0712-06
WHEREAS, by memorandum dated July 20, 2012, Russell Goff, Highway Superintendent, has recommended the replacement of the dump body for Highway Truck No. 10 since it is beyond repair; and
WHEREAS, in order to fund the purchase of a replacement dump body the Superintendent has requested a Budget Transfer of $20,375.00 from DA5130.200 Capital Equipment to DA5130.400 Equipment Repair;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Patterson hereby approves a Budget Transfer of $20,375.00 from DA5130.200 Capital Equipment to DA5130.400 Equipment Repair as requested in the above described memorandum; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Supervisor is hereby authorized to execute any and all documents and perform any and all acts as may be necessary to give effect to this resolution.
Seconded by Mr. Burns. All In Favor: Aye. Carried.
Budget Transfer No. 28
From: DA.5130.200 Machinery Equipment & Capital Outlay ($20,375.00)
To: DA.5130.400 Machinery Contractual $20,375.00
Mr. McCarthy stated I also went down there to look at them and it is amazing how some of those trucks that are 20 years old look. They are amazing. Russ you are doing a good job in keeping those trucks in good shape.
PUTNAM LAKE DAM INSPECTION – ENGINEERING FEES
Mrs. Nacerino made a motion to approve Maser Engineering to do the Putnam Lake Dam inspection work for a sum of $2,600.00.
Mrs. Nacerino stated this is $600.00 less than the original inspection of $3,200.00. We are saving some money here.
Seconded by Mr. Cook.
Mr. Cook stated we have to make sure that Maser completes their work because their report is due to D.E.C. by August 19, 2012.
Mrs. Nacerino stated Rich can you just make sure that is conveyed and they are aware of the deadline.
Mr. Williams stated we are aware of it.
All In Favor: Aye. Carried.
KEVIN BURNS
LIBRARY REQUEST – WAIVER OF ZONING BOARD FEES
Mr. Burns stated the library wants to put a shed in the back of their property. We waived the fees and they went before the Planning Board to do that. There now appears to be a need for an area variance for setbacks for $175.00 with each additional at $50.00 and we charge for postage.
Mr. Burns made a motion to waive all the fees totaling $225.00 for the library.
Seconded by Mrs. Nacerino. All In Favor: Aye. Carried.
COUNTY BUREAU OF EMERGENCY SERVICES LETTER – BURNING BAN
Mr. Burns stated we received a letter from the Putnam County Bureau of Emergency Services, Adam Stiebeling to inform us that there will be an extension of restriction on open burning fires; pursuant to Park 215 to NYS DEC Regulations; Chapter II – Air Resources and the “burn ban” will be extended through October 10th of this year. The period will now be from March 16th through October 10th. This restriction is due to the seasonal increase in risk of wildfires.
EMPLOYEE SICK BANK – REQUEST
Mr. Burns made a motion to establish a Sick Bank for an employee who would benefit from the use of some additional time off and to allow employees to donate unused sick time.
Seconded by Mrs. Nacerino. All In Favor: Aye. Carried.
BUDGET TRANSFER(S)
Mr. Burns made a motion to approve Budget Transfer No. 29 through 32
Budget Transfer No. 29
Increase: A.3501 Consolidated Highway Aid $211,720.01
Revenue Account
Decrease: DA.5110.400 General Repairs Contractual ($5,350.22)
Increase: DA.5112.200 Improvements Equipment & Capital Outlay $217,070.23
Expense Account
Budget Transfer No. 30
Increase: H.2770.006 Route 84/311 Project - Camarda $23,717.29
Revenue Account
Increase: H.5110.200 Maintenance of Roads – Equipment
& Capital Outlay $23,717.29
Budget Transfer No. 31
From: DA.9060.800 Hospital & Medical Insurance ($3,538.00)
To: DA.9050.800 Unemployment Insurance $3,538.00
Budget Transfer No. 32
From: GWTP.8130.400 Sewer Treat Disp-Contractual ($6,766.00)
To: GWTP.8130.405 Sewer Treat Disp – Service
Contracts $6,766.00
Seconded by Mrs. Nacerino. All In Favor: Aye. Carried.
CHARLES COOK
DATA COLLECTOR’S MEMO – EXEMPTION FOR HOME IMPROVEMENT OF THE DISABLED
Mr. Cook stated we received a request from our Town Assessor’s office asking the Town Board to consider exemptions for home improvements for the disabled. What that means is if a person experiences a need to put handicapped accessible ramps or other amenities to their current domicile, that additional improvement would be exempt from the assessed valuation.
If it is a handicapped ramp that cost $1,000.00, they would put on their tax bill that additional improvement and a second line that would take it off. The County has had this on their books for a number of years. The Assessor’s Office would verify the homeowners who are requesting it. To date there are six residents who have applied and received the County’s exemption.
Mr. Cook introduced the Resolution Introducing Local Law No. 5 of 2012 and Scheduling Public Hearing – “Exemption on Improvements for Physically Disabled”:
R-0712-07
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 459 of the Real Property Tax Law of the State of New York, the Patterson Town Code includes, in Article II Chapter 142 thereof entitled "Exemption on Improvements for Physically Disabled," a tax exemption for the increased value attributable to certain qualified improvements made to accommodate disabled residents that were constructed prior to the effective date of said Chapter; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board, on introduction of Mr. Cook, proposes to amend Section 142-2 thereof to also provide for a tax exemption for the increased value attributable to certain qualified improvements made to accommodate disabled residents which were or are constructed on or after the effective date of said Chapter; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of the Draft Local Law which will, when adopted, effectuate the proposed amendment, is annexed hereto and hereby made a part hereof; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of the Draft Local Law be laid upon the desk of each member of the Board, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Board will hold a public
hearing on said
proposed Amendment at the Town Hall, in the Town
of Patterson, New York at 7:30 o'clock
P.M. on August 15, 2012;
and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk shall publish, or cause to be published, a public notice of said public hearing in the official newspaper of the Town of Patterson of said public hearing at least five (5) days prior thereto, and to post such notice as required by law.
Seconded by Kevin Burns. All In Favor: Aye. Carried.
ROCCO’S PIZZA REQUEST – NO-U-TURN SIGNS
Mr. Cook stated we received a request from Rocco’s Pizza. They are experiencing problems with vehicles using their parking lot and driveway to execute U-turns. They approached DOT to install U-turn signs. DOT said they would not approve the signs as they will not meet the various warrants by DOT. They are asking the Town Board to contact the DOT to assist us in DOT’s approving the no U-turn signs in front of their business. I would suggest we ask the Supervisor to write a letter to the DOT and say we support the no U-turn signs.
Mr. Griffin stated I will do a little homework on this.
ETHICS CODE – SET PUBLIC HEARING
Mr. Cook stated we received a draft of the Ethics Code. I would ask everyone to review it. It expands on our current code relative to standards of conduct, the Board of Ethics appointments with the procedures to be followed and penalties for offenses and the distribution of the code to all employees.
Mr. Cook introduced the following Resolution Introducing Local Law I-6 of 2012 and Providing for Public Notice and Hearing “Code of Ethics”:
R-0712-08
WHEREAS, an amendment to Patterson Town Code Chapter 17, entitled "Code of Ethics", which amendment will replace Chapter 17 in its entirety to establish new standards and guidelines for ethical conduct of officers and employees, is hereby introduced by Councilman Charles Cook as Introductory Local Law
No. I-6 of the year 2012 before the Town Board of the Town of Patterson in the County of Putnam and State of New York, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of the Draft Local Law which will, when adopted, effectuate the proposed amendment, is annexed hereto and hereby made a part hereof; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of the Draft Local Law be laid upon the desk of each member of the Board, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Board will hold a public hearing on said proposed Amendment at the Town Hall, in the Town of Patterson, New York at 7:30 o'clock P.M. on September 12, 2012; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk shall publish, or cause be
published, a public notice of said public hearing in the official newspaper of the Town of Patterson of said public hearing at least five (5) days prior thereto, and to post such notice as required by law.
Seconded by Mr. Burns. All In Favor: Aye. Carried.
ROBERT MCCARTHY
PUTNAM COUNTY 4-H – JULY 27 – 29
Mr. McCarthy stated the Putnam County 41st Annual 4-H Fair on Friday, July 27, 2012 through Sunday, July 29, 2012 at the Putnam County Veterans Memorial Park on 201 Gypsy Trail Road, Carmel in the Town of Kent. It is sponsored and supported by contributions from individuals, local business along with many adult and youth volunteers who dedicate numerous hours to the fair.
GOLDEN AGE SENIORS’ REQUEST – ACE IN THE HOLE TRIP
Mr. McCarthy made a motion to approve the request by the Golden Age Seniors’ for Ace in the Hole on August 1, 2012 not to exceed $1,235.10.
Seconded by Mrs. Nacerino. All In Favor: Aye. Carried.
SOLOMON PROPERTY MEMO – FOLLOW-UP
Mr. McCarthy stated this is a piece of property that Marsha Solomon wishes to offer the Town for $7,500.00. It is a .18 acre lot located in the northeast corner of the intersection of Norfolk Road and Interlaken Road, 102 feet of frontage on Interlaken and 84 feet of frontage on Norwood Road. Directly across Interlaken Road is the Putnam Lake Memorial Ball Field. This property would be for parking.
Mrs. Nacerino stated yes, parking was one of the options that were presented.
Mr. Cook stated I went up to look at this property. It is very small and there are two houses abutting the property. I think we should negotiate the price, first off. Second, I really don’t see it as a parking lot. There is a drainage pipe for a stream that is located there. I think we should have the Assessor go take a look so he can give us his opinion on what it is worth.
Mrs. Nacerino stated if it is not conducive for parking why would we want it. What other function would it serve.
Mr. Griffin stated storm water management.
Mrs. Nacerino stated well then that is an option.
Mr. Griffin stated I don’t see it being worth $7,500.00 no matter what we do with it.
Mr. Cook stated we should get an opinion from the Assessor.
Mr. Burns stated I haven’t seen it so maybe we can table it until the next meeting.
Mr. Griffin stated sure.
Mr. McCarthy stated we will table this topic until the next meeting.
Mr. McCarthy made a motion to add one item to his agenda.
Seconded by Mrs. Nacerino. All In Favor: Aye. Carried.
Mr. McCarthy stated Janet Schuman-Andrew representing the Young Colonial Fife and Drum Corp., which I was a member of about 35 years ago, is requesting to use the Town Hall parking lot on the morning of August 18, 2012. Each year they host an overnight jamboree with other fife and drum corps. at the Patterson Firehouse. On Saturday they have a parade along Route 311 from Town Hall to the Patterson Firehouse. They are requesting the use of the Patterson Town Hall parking lot to set up.
Mr. McCarthy made a motion to allow Young Colonial Fife and Drum Corp. to use the parking lot for their set up.
Seconded by Mrs. Nacerino. All In Favor: Aye. Carried.
OTHER BUSINESS
Mr. Griffin stated we had a request from the American Legion. For those of you who may be aware the American Legion Post in Patterson on Route 311 has been resurrected. It has been defunct for several years. People from the Mahopac area who are members of the American Legion decided they would like to reinvigorate the Post as it were. They made several improvements to the building and one of the things that they are doing now is they applied for a liquor license. The Town has the authority to review their request for a liquor license for up to 30 days. They have submitted a request that we waive the 30 day review period and allow them to proceed right to the liquor authority to apply for their license. We have no approval of the liquor license. We can make an objection. I’m not sure on what grounds or what basis we could make an objection. Does the Board want to take action on this tonight.
Mr. Burns stated it was the senior center, wasn’t it.
Mr. Griffin stated the County was running a program out of there.
Mr. Burns stated but it was leased from the American Legion.
Mr. Griffin made a motion to add the American Legion request to the agenda.
Seconded by Mrs. Nacerino. All In Favor: Aye. Carried.
Mrs. Nacerino stated I would support expediting it. We have no impact on whether or not it will be rejected.
Mr. Liguori stated it’s only if you have some proximate concerns about there being a liquor license at that location. Maybe there is a school across the street or something of that nature which would be the basis for a Town to provide an objection.
Mr. Cook stated one of the members is Sheriff Smith, so I think he would take care of any indiscretions.
Mr. Griffin made a motion to waive the 30 days.
Seconded by Mr. Burns. All In Favor: Aye. Carried.
Mr. Griffin made a motion to add the mower for the Town Park to the agenda.
Seconded by Mrs. Nacerino. All In Favor: Aye. Carried.
Mr. Griffin stated we have had problems with the mower. We took it to a local dealer and the repairs were less than effective. We have taken it subsequently to another dealer and he has taken it apart and looked at it and has determined that the engine essentially needs to be replaced. He is in the process of preparing two estimates. One is approximately $3,000.00 to replace the engine plus labor and the other is about $2,000.00 plus to replace a short block or a long block. For a short block they use the old heads. The heads are warped and he seems to think he has someone who might be able to machine them to the point where they would be useable. I would suggest we go with the long block.
Mr. Burns stated we never seem to be happy with whoever services their mowers. Is there anyway Highway can service the mowers and then we charge it back to the Park Board.
Mr. Russ Goff stated how many times are we talking, once or twice a season. We are pretty busy but it’s not out of the question.
Mr. Griffin stated I also wanted to thank Russ on behalf of the Town and the residents of Putnam Lake for the outstanding job he and his crew did on the diesel spill that some of you may or may not be aware of. The Highway Department found a very significant spill in Putnam Lake.
Mr. Goff gave an update on the situation.
Mr. Cook stated we have another copy on this letter on fences from the Town Planner.
Mr. Griffin stated if the Board wants to have a Work Session that’s fine. My personal opinion is that I don’t think it is that complex an issue. To restrict fences to four feet in R4 zoning I think it is not appropriate. I understand when we put the fence ordinance in primarily we were concerned about smaller areas in the Town like Putnam Lake or South Street. If you have a piece of property with a lot of frontage and your house is set way back from the road, I think a six foot fence would be entirely appropriate as long as it wasn’t in the Town’s right of way or have any impact on the Highway Superintendents ability to maintain the roads.
Mr. Cook stated how do you want to deal with these changes.
Mr. Griffin stated I think it would be appropriate for everyone to review it and comment on it and then I would just bring it up at a regular Town Board meeting.
Mrs. Nacerino stated I don’t know if I should direct this to Rich or Kevin. The Reed property really looks good and I would like you to give us a little update. The improvements seem to be pretty swift of late.
Mr. Griffin stated it is more of a Building Department issue now.
Mr. Williams stated there is a new owner and they started some major renovations. At this point, I know there are some issues with zoning variances.
Mrs. Nacerino stated the pavers were installed at the Veterans Memorial Park. They look beautiful, so if you have the opportunity to go down to the park and take a look, I invite you to do so.
Mrs. Nacerino stated Friday night is the Patterson Fire Departments parade at 7:00 p.m. The fair is going on for three nights. Community Day is on September 8th and more details will follow but we are gearing up on working with Matt Chibbaro.
Mrs. Nacerino read her Environmental Tip.
Mr. Cook stated the Town Board has received a draft copy of the Putnam Lake Park District legislation for our in-depth review.
PUBLIC RECOGNITION
Ms. Dede Lifgren stated in an effort to make sure that things are moving along in regards to the Park District, I would like to ask if the letter went out from the Town Attorney to the PLCC for the transfer of property.
Mr. Griffin stated we have a draft from the Town Attorney. I’m not sure if it was circulated to all parties as of yet, but we do have a memo put together with a laundry list of items.
Mr. Bruce Major stated the Master Plan, I know you were spearheading with Kevin. Is there any thought as to what we are going to do. Has there been consideration for the next budgetary cycle.
Mr. Burns stated we got the responses back and the next step was basically part of the budgeting process. We were going to retain a consultant and move forward with it.
Mr. Major stated the other issue is with Comcast our cable provider. We talk about the live productions of the Planning, Zoning and Town Board meetings. Where have we gotten with that as it relates to our contract with Comcast.
Mr. Cook stated we met with them in March and we just received an email from their representative that told us that at her level they have reviewed our comments. It has to go to a District level and then whatever is above a District level they have to return comments to us. We are waiting on them. Until they come back to us, there is nothing we can do.
Mr. Major stated have you gotten a response yet from the MTA in reference to the loud blasting of the horn at the train crossing. That was about a month ago.
Mr. Griffin stated no, other than to direct us to certain Federal regulations that say that crossings have to be forewarned. The big problem we have out there is that it is an unguarded crossing. It is highly unlikely they are going to acquiesce to anything that we asked them to do. We have asked them not to blow the whistle as often, as much or as loud and there are decibel Federal requirements for the decibel levels. There are Federal requirements for how far before, how far just before and how far after. I’m not sure once you have been run over by the train if blowing the whistle afterward is really much help to you but the Federal Government has a lot of great rules.
Ms. Deb Lawlor stated this evening I learned about this fuel spill. I was completely unaware of it. I heard about it in the parking lot outside and I am just wondering why no one contacted the PLCC as well in terms of letting us at least know about any environmental impact.
Mr. Griffin stated I don’t have an answer for you. The spill was found by the Highway Department. We called all of the state agencies and all of the other agencies.
Ms. Lawlor stated I’m sure it was handled well. I’m not saying it wasn’t but it would have been nice to have learned before walking into a meeting here.
Mr. Griffin stated understood. Believe me if anything else happens we will certainly let you know. It never occurred to us that you wouldn’t know because of all the activity with the fire department, the booms in the lake and all the other things that were going on.
Ms. Lawlor stated our attorney did forward the information regarding the Park District to the PLCC.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mrs. Nacerino made a motion to adjourn the Town Board meeting at 8:50 p.m.
Seconded by Mr. Burns. All in favor: Aye. Carried.
Respectfully Submitted,
__________________________
Antoinette Kopeck, Town Clerk