PATTERSON TOWN BOARD MEETING
PATTERSON TOWN HALL
1142 ROUTE 311
PATTERSON, NY 12563
JULY 9, 2008
MINUTES
PRESENT: MICHAEL GRIFFIN, SUPERVISOR
JOSEPH CAPASSO, COUNCILMAN
ERNEST KASSAY, COUNCILMAN
GINNY NACERINO, DEPUTY SUPERVISOR
EDMOND O’CONNOR, COUNCILMAN
EILEEN CORBLEY, DEPUTY TOWN CLERK
ABSENT: JENNIFER HERODES, TOWN COUNSEL
Salute to the Flag and Roll Call.
Supervisor Griffin called the Patterson Town Board meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. with 11 in attendance.
Mr. Griffin made a motion to approve the reports as read:
Code Compliance Officer – May 19 – May 27, 2008/June 23, 26, 2008
Code Enforcement Officer - June
Dog Control Officer - June
E.C.I. - June
Putnam Lake Fire Department – None
Patterson Fire Department – None
Seconded by Mr. Kassay. All In Favor: Aye. Carried
MINUTES
Mr. Kassay made a motion to approve the following minutes:
Town Board Meeting Minutes – April 9, 2008-Amended-Page 10
Town Board Meeting Minutes – May 28, 2008
Town Board Meeting Minutes – June 11, 2008
Town Board Meeting Minutes – June 25, 2008
Public Hearing – Eminent Domain – June 25, 2008
Seconded by Mrs. Nacerino. All In Favor: Aye. Carried.
AUDIT OF BILLS
Mrs. Nacerino made a motion to approve the following bills chargeable to 2008:
General Fund $79,705.39, Highway Fund Item 1 – General Repairs $20,907.57, Highway Fund Item 3 – Machinery $1,336.18, Highway Fund-Item 4-Miscellaneous $280.18, Waste Water Treatment Plant $2,328.96, Capital Fund $448,857.39, Library $7,732.64, Patterson Light District $674.01, Patterson Park District $915.00, Alpine Water District $1,411.50, Dorset Hollow Water District $10,879.30, Fox Run Water District $31.63, Trust & Agency $10,021.04. Grand Total Abstract $585,080.79.
Seconded by Mr. Kassay. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Capasso; yes, Mr. Kassay; yes, Mrs. Nacerino; yes, Mr. O’Connor; yes, Mr. Griffin; yes. Roll Call Vote Carried.
PATTERSON TOWN BOARD JULY 9, 2008 PAGE 2
EDMOND O’CONNOR
DOG CONTROL OFFICER UPDATE
Mr. O’Connor stated Mr. Alan Jacknick, Dog Control Officer will give us an update on his six-month pilot program.
Mr. Alan Jacknick stated the six-month activity report with the pilot program has wildly exceeded my expectations due to the fantastic support from Brook Farm Veterinary Center and their excellent staff. We did not have to bring one dog up to our secondary shelter. Every dog has been returned to its owner except for two through June 30, 2008. The other two have been adopted. The fees have been a wash basically because the people come in and pay an impoundment fee that covers the kennel fees. State regulations require you to have the dog neutered or spayed at a cost of $75.00 and $13.00 for rabies shots. If you figure out all the money that has come in versus what has gone out the Town has spent $400.00 versus what would have been a fee from Putnam Humane of $12,000.00.
Mr. Kassay stated that is in the first six months. Very good.
Mr. Jacknick stated I thought we would be making some trips up to Dutchess, which would have been costly, but we haven’t made one trip. Brookfarm is very compassionate. If the dog stays there after the five days, they don’t charge the Town. It has been a big success.
Mrs. Nacerino stated that is wonderful news. With the new Executive Board at the Putnam County Humane Society do you anticipate any changes for the best interest of this Town.
Mr. Jacknick stated it is very promising. In terms of the direction that they are going in it is very positive.
Mr. Griffin stated I was contacted by one of the new Board members today and they were interested in coming over and reintroducing themselves to the Town. They asked if the Town would consider some sort of adoption program at the Recreation Center. They are taking cats now and they would like to increase their adoption efforts. I told them to speak to the Director at the Recreation Center and make up a proposal for the Town Board.
Mr. Jacknick stated I have had some success with feral kittens. I had three calls and I told them there isn’t a shelter on the planet that would take feral kittens. A veterinary center in Brewster knows a rescue group and I sent them over there.
Mrs. Nacerino stated could feral kittens become domesticated.
Mr. Jacknick stated if you get them really young, there might be some hope for them.
MADERI ROAD ABANDONMENT PROCEEDINGS
Mr. O’Connor stated our Attorney is not present tonight. Mr. Maderi would like to purchase the paper road in Putnam Lake that runs along side of his house so that he can construct a structure in that right of way. We have never done that. I have a letter from the Town Planner that states we have discussed with the Town Attorney who felt the Town may have to abandon that portion of the road and wishes to discuss it with the abstract company. Mr. Maderi would have to buy the rights to the road from the current owner and they are willing to sell a deed but their deed only gives you the right that Spedbeck has. If he can get releases from all the abutting property owners and the Town of Patterson and he feels then that he would have full rights and interest in the property he could apply for building permits to construct a shed on the property. Should the Board
PATTERSON TOWN BOARD JULY 9, 2008 PAGE 3
view their request favorably their request would be referred to the Highway Superintendent for recommendations. With a favorable recommendation, the Town Attorney could then prepare road abandonment proceedings. I would not feel comfortable proceeding until I speak with the Town Attorney because I have a couple of questions. I would like to table this topic until the next Town Board meeting.
DUFFY TREE REQUEST
Mr. O’Connor stated I asked Mr. Rich Williams, Town Planner to take a look at Joanne Duffy’s tree in question. He states in his letter the tree is a multi-leader American Red Maple approximately fifty feet in height. It is located approximately 8’ from the edge of the pavement of Hudson Drive. Utility lines run through the center, and a 6’ stockade fence has been erected between the road and the tree. While the tree is healthy, there is a large decayed area at the base of the tree, which compromises the trees structure. When I went to see it, a large part of the tree was falling off. It was a big section of the tree that came off. I’m not sure if the term “healthy” is the appropriate one if the bottom is decayed the whole thing could topple over. If this was to fall down it could create a real problem. We should speak with the Highway Department about the possibility of taking this tree down.
Mr. Griffin stated the tree is in the Town’s right of way and we don’t own that property. We have the ability to go onto that property should the Highway Superintendent deem that tree to be a potential hazard to the public. Technically the Duffy’s own that tree and if they feel strongly that the tree should come down they may want to make arrangements as well.
Mr. O’Connor stated I will contact the Highway Superintendent.
ERNEST KASSAY
ESCROW RELEASE FOR HIGHWAY RESOLUTION
Mr. Kassay introduced the following Resolution for Authorization to Release Bond to Patterson Highway
Department Regarding Stephen Kursh for the Removal of the Barn from Town
Property;
R-0708-01
WHEREAS, Stephen Kursh has offered to disassemble and relocate a certain barn located on a certain parcel of land on Bullet Hole Road designated as a portion of Section 34, Block 5, Lot 5, within the Town of Patterson, pursuant to the terms of an Agreement entered into by and between Stephen Kursh and the Town of Patterson, and
WHEREAS, in relation thereto, Stephen Kursh posted a cash bond with the Town of Patterson for the completion of the disassembly and removal of the barn structure pursuant to the terms of the aforementioned Agreement between the Town of Patterson and Stephen Kursh, and
WHEREAS, a copy of the Agreement and Cash Bond Agreement are attached hereto for reference, and
WHEREAS, Stephen Kursh has failed to fulfill his obligations under the terms of the aforementioned Agreement and Cash Bond Agreement, and
WHEREAS, the Highway Department of the Town of Patterson has been directed by the Town Board of the Town of Patterson to complete the work that Stephen Kursh failed to complete, and
PATTERSON TOWN BOARD JULY 9, 2008 PAGE 4
WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms of the aforementioned Agreement and Cash Bond Agreement, the Town wishes to pay to the Patterson Highway Department the sum of money held as a cash bond for the completion of the subject work;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that pursuant to the terms of the aforementioned Agreement and Cash Bond Agreement by and between the Town of Patterson and Stephen Kursh, copies of which are attached hereto for reference, the Town Board of the Town of Patterson hereby authorizes the release of the entire sum of money held in the aforementioned cash bond to the Patterson Highway Department as and for compensation for the work that was completed by the Patterson Highway Department, which Stephen Kursh failed to complete, in relation to the disassembly and removal of the aforementioned barn structure, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Patterson hereby authorizes the Supervisor to execute any and all documents necessary to give effect to this resolution.
Seconded by Mrs. Nacerino. All In Favor: Aye. Carried.
TOWN COMPTROLLERS’ BUDGET TRANSFER REQUEST – HIGHWAY
Mr. Kassay made a motion to approve the budget adjustment dated June 25, 2008 for the amount of $1,200.00.
Seconded by Mrs. Nacerino. All In Favor: Aye. Carried.
TIME OFF REQUEST
Mr. Kassay made a motion to approve the memo dated June 25, 2008 requesting time off.
Seconded by Mr. O’Connor. All In Favor: Aye. Carried.
PERFORMANCE BOND RELEASE – TELECOM SITE PLAN
Mr. Kassay introduced the following Resolution for a Performance Bond Reduction for Telecom Site Plan:
R-0708-02
WHEREAS, Laura Donelan, a.k.a. Telecom, Infrastructure Corporation own a parcel of land at 3204 Route 22 identified as Tax Map No. 4.10-1-8, and
WHEREAS, the Planning Board of Town of Patterson received an Application for site plan approval from Laura Donelan, a.k.a. Telecom, Infrastructure Corporation in order to construct various improvements on the lot, as shown on a site plan entitled Telecom Site Plan prepared by Insite Engineering, Surveying & Landscape Architecture, P.C., dated December 21, 2004 and last revised on May 15, 2007 ; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Patterson established the cost of a bond, sufficient to cover construction and completion of the site improvements in the amount of $45,000.00, and
WHEREAS, after recommendation of the Planning Board, the Town Board on January 9, 2008 reduced the amount of the performance bond required to complete the improvements to $22,000.00, and
PATTERSON TOWN BOARD JULY 9, 2008 PAGE 5
WHEREAS, the Planning Board has submitted a recommendation that the performance Bond held for the Telecom Site Plan now be released, as the site improvements have been completed, and
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Patterson wishes to follow the recommendation made by the Patterson Planning Board;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Patterson hereby directs that the performance bond or security posted for the Telecom Site Plan be release, and
Seconded by Mrs. Nacerino. All In Favor: Aye. Carried.
PUTNAM LAKE FIRE DEPARTMENT LETTER OF JULY 3, 2008
Mr. Kassay stated the Putnam Lake Fire Department sent us a letter regarding the following persons that were accepted into the Fire Department: John Keegan, Gary Ljungquist and Joseph Puleo. The Town Clerk’s office will take care of all the paperwork.
ROSE LANE DEDICATION
Mr. Kassay stated I will have to unfortunately table this item for two more weeks. I received a telephone call this afternoon from Anthony Molé, Town Attorney’s office regarding the paperwork that was signed by the owner of that road but their attorney didn’t send it to our attorney in time for me to take action on this tonight. You can rest assure it will be on the agenda in two weeks and we will move forward. Sorry for the inconvenience.
EXECUTIVE SESSION LEGAL - ACQUISITION
Mr. Kassay stated he would defer his Executive Session Legal – Acquisition until the end of the meeting.
Mr. Kassay stated Mr. Supervisor about fifteen minutes before the end of the meeting I would like to step out and make a telephone call to the Town Attorney that is involved in this acquisition.
Mr. Griffin stated that is fine.
GINNY NACERINO
ASSOCIATION OF TOWNS DISCUSSION
Mrs. Nacerino stated each February the Association of Towns host a three-day conference whereby workshops are provided to update Town employees relative to their respective jobs. As Councilwoman, I have attended these conferences for the last few years; however, upon attending this past February I felt the education experience did not warrant the expense. I asked our Comptroller, Patricia Brooks for a report reflecting the cost to the Town and I received this report just a few weeks ago, as did the Town Board. The collective cost is quite absorbent. Citing today’s economic climate I feel it is especially important to find ways to scale down a bit. As we approach our budget season, I feel it is a good time to create a cost effective policy relating to the Association of Towns. I would like the Board and the Town Attorney to peruse this proposal for input and review. I believe that this is a fiscally and logic approach and I hope the rest of the Board supports this concept. The policy as proposed is; Town Board, Planning and Zoning Board, Department Heads and Data Clerk would be permitted to attend every other year. Thus reducing the costs in half. Ultimately, each Board member would be
PATTERSON TOWN BOARD JULY 9, 2008 PAGE 6
permitted to attend twice during his or her respective term. Secretaries and Clerical Staff would not be permitted to attend. Planning and Zoning ongoing education requirements
may be satisfied through other venues, which would be less costly. The exception would be the Supervisor, Judges and the Town Clerk. In the event there is an important topic that warrants attendance for two consecutive years that request should be submitted to the Town Board justifying the rationale. Approval would be at the discretion of the Town Board. It should also be noted that all topics and information covered at the Association of Towns is available on line. I would like the Board and the Town Attorney to review this and I will revisit this at the next Town Board meeting.
APPOINTMENT OF RECREATION SUPERVISOR
Mrs. Nacerino introduced the following Resolution to Appoint Recreation Supervisor on Temporary Basis;
R-0708-03
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Patterson has recently established the part-time position of Recreation Supervisor, and
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Patterson desires to appoint an individual to the position on a temporary basis through August 31, 2008 at the pay rate of $28.00 per hour, and
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Patterson feels that RAYMOND BLANAR is the most qualified individual to hold the position of Recreation Supervisor for the temporary time frame set forth herein;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Patterson hereby appoints RAYMOND BLANAR to the position of Recreation Supervisor on a temporary basis through August 31, 2008 at the pay rate of $28.00 per hour, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the terms of RAYMOND BLANAR’s employment shall be as set forth in the attached job description (Schedule “A”), the personnel policy of the Town of Patterson, and as further set forth by the Patterson Town Board.
Seconded by Mr. Kassay.
Mr. Griffin stated discussion, have you checked with County Personnel on this.
Mrs. Nacerino stated this is a temporary appointment. I checked with the Town Attorney, Anthony Molé this afternoon.
Mr. Griffin stated be aware that the Town does not have that position for full-time.
Mrs. Nacerino stated it is not full-time it is temporary.
Mr. Griffin stated he is made full-time for the next two months.
Mrs. Nacerino stated but it is a temporary position.
Mr. Griffin stated I understand that. All I am saying is that the position of Recreation Supervisor as created by the Town Board is a part-time position.
Mrs. Nacerino stated I spoke with Anthony Molé today at length and the position is a temporary eight-week position, which would not constitute a full-time position. It is for a short duration and expires on August 31, 2008. Under Civil Service rules because I do this at Brewster all the time there is provisional and temporary and therefore I am sure we are in compliance.
PATTERSON TOWN BOARD JULY 9, 2008 PAGE 7
Mr. Griffin stated just be aware that the job title does not exist in the Town of Patterson
on a full-time basis.
All In Favor: Aye. Carried.
COMP TIME/EARLY DISMISSAL
Mrs. Nacerino stated on July 3, 2008 there was an early dismissal at Town Hall whereby the employees were released early however, that early release was not extended to the employees at the Recreation Center that being Melissa Brichta and Ines Petterson two full time employees. Based on the advice of the Town Attorney the clerical workers at the Recreation Center are subject to the same personnel rules policies and benefits as Town Hall employees.
Mrs. Nacerino made a motion to approve two hours compensation time for Melissa Brichta and Ines Peterson.
Seconded by Mr. Kassay. All In Favor: Aye. Carried.
SOUTH STREET SIDEWALKS
Mrs. Nacerino stated at the last Town Board meeting Stacey Damiano expressed her deep concern for the poor and dangerous sidewalk conditions on South Street. She indicated that many people in her neighborhood were desirous to walk their children to school but feel their safety is jeopardized by such poor walking conditions. As a follow up to her request, I met with our Highway Superintendent, Charlie Williams on Monday, June 30, 2008 to discuss this matter. Charlie was very keen on this initiative. We discussed the Safe Roads to School Grant sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration, which encourages children to walk or bicycle to school thereby encouraging a healthy lifestyle early on. However, we missed the deadline for the 2009 grant monies. I spoke with Mr. James Rapoli at the New York State DOT and he indicated to me that seventy-two applications were filed and only eight were accepted. The reality is we would have most likely been rejected based on the odds alone. Charlie Williams is very supportive of this endeavor and both he and I agree on the philosophy of the States Safe Roads to School concepts. Charlie inspected the conditions at South Street and is on board with this project. He has gifted his crew to do the work, which is a tremendous cost savings to the Town. I am extremely grateful to Charlie and the Highway Department for their support in this endeavor. The materials are estimated between $40,000.00 to $50,000.00 and it would be doubled if it were not for Mr. Williams. I will be meeting with Charlie and Tom McGinn next week to further review and take a site walk once again. Since we are early in our budget cycle, which comes up in late August and September I would like to propose that money be allocated for this project for 2009. One measure to offset the cost would be to use unencumbered monies from 2008 and earmark it to a subcontingency account for this purpose. In the interim, I will explore other options and it is my hope that the Board values the merit of this project and we can bring it to fruition in the spring of 2009.
Mr. Kassay stated I agree.
TRIP CLUB
Mrs. Nacerino stated I received a memo from Raymond Blanar, Recreation Supervisor regarding a trip the week of July 28, 2008, which consists of bus trips to Splashdown, the Bronx Zoo, Lake Compounce and the New York Met game. The trips require payments either prior to or the day of the trip. They are open enrollment so therefore he is unable to determine how many tickets will be needed to be purchased for each trip. He does not expect it to exceed $500.00 in purchasing tickets however, should that occur he would not be able to follow the requirements of the Town Board to seek prior approval.
PATTERSON TOWN BOARD JULY 9, 2008 PAGE 8
Mrs. Nacerino made a motion to authorize the Comptroller to issue a check on the day of the trip once he has an idea of how many people will be in attendance.
Seconded by Mr. Kassay.
Mr. Kassay stated we should have some kind of a cap on this request even if we don’t have an exact amount. We can’t just give the Comptroller carte blanche to issue a check for example $3,000.00. We have to monitor that a lot closer before we give her permission.
Mrs. Nacerino stated I know that Raymond spoke to Patricia Brooks, Comptroller and there was a budget transfer of $2,500.00 so we could say not to exceed $2,500.00 however, I do not think it would be anywhere near that amount. They don’t have any way to gauge how many kids will show up and how much interest there will be in each trip. As Mr. O’Connor pointed out there was a small group of people from Putnam Lake going to Lake Compounce and at the last minute three hundred people attended. We want this to be open to all citizens of Patterson but he can’t have preauthorized approval of a check.
Mr. Kassay stated but there will be a cap of $2,500.00.
Mr. Griffin stated the only issue that Ms. Brooks raised is that we are only allowed five or six transfers per month from the money market to the checking account. I suggested she leave a little extra money in the checking account. The interest rates at this point are so insignificant that if you left three or four thousand dollars additional funding it wouldn’t make much different.
All In Favor: Aye. Carried.
Mr. Griffin asked Mr. Kassay if he would like to step out and make his telephone call now.
MICHAEL GRIFFIN
SPECIAL COUNSEL-FOX RUN PHASE II
Mr. Griffin stated I spoke with the Attorneys today and they don’t feel that they have a conflict any longer so the Town Attorneys will be able to service as Counsel for the Fox Run Phase II lawsuit.
ASBESTOS ABATEMENT - BIDS
Mr. Griffin stated the Asbestos Abatement Bids as you know we have closed on the property in the back last week. Jennifer Herodes, Town Attorney did an absolutely outstanding job. We managed to take the price from $465,000.00 and negotiated it down to $372,000.00. We have taken ownership of that property. We have an advertisement for bids. Notice is hereby given that the Town of Patterson will be accepting sealed bids for abatement and removal of asbestos at 14, 16, 18 and 20 Leibell Place. Bids will be received by the Town Clerk of Patterson at the office of the Town Clerk Town Hall PO Box 470 until 10:00 a.m. of July 31, 2008.
Mr. Griffin made a motion to authorize the Town Clerk to publicly notice this and put this out to bid.
Seconded by Mrs. Nacerino. All In Favor: Aye. Carried.
PATTERSON TOWN BOARD JULY 9, 2008 PAGE 9
RESIDENTIAL RENTAL LAW – ENFORCEMENT
Mr. Griffin stated I had a meeting with the Code Enforcement Officer and discussed this with the Town Planner in terms of moving forward with some type of compliance and some other issues with over crowding. One suggestion is that we consider setting up a hotline so that people who have problems or notice things like many cars parked or many people coming and going. There are a number of things I need to speak to the Assessor about regarding the Residential Rental Law Enforcement. We have not been able to meet since our schedules did not permit. I will have a memo to the Board prepared for the next Town Board meeting.
PATTERSON LIBRARY – REQUEST
Mr. Griffin stated I would like the Town Boards approval on whether or not we will keep the courthouse at the library for the next year. I will be sending out a letter.
Town Board members agreed.
Mr. Griffin stated I will send the letter.
All In Favor: Aye. Carried.
Mr. Griffin stated there was some confusion about a tax certiorari. Based on the discussion with the Town Attorney we cannot deduct it from the payment to the library. The $432,000.00 payment must be made complete however, the monies can be taken from a library line. We do have additional funding on that line so the money will be deducted from that line. The library will be receiving a check for the $7,700.00 that had been deducted by the Comptroller.
Mrs. Nacerino stated I spoke with Patti Haar today and I told her the check is forthcoming. She was very excited about that and wanted to extend her thank you for the beautiful flags that we put up and they are very pleased with that. They also received their dumpster.
Mr. Griffin stated Frank Farrell and Frank Grady found a dumpster and cleaned it up and painted it and gave it to the library.
INCREASE IN MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT
Mr. Griffin stated the Town Comptroller provided me with a copy of a letter from the Internal Revenue Service. The IRS increases mileage rates through December 31, 2008 from .55 to .58.5 per mile for all business miles driven from July 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008. We are under no obligation to pass this however; this is what the IRS is recommending. What would the Board like to do.
Mrs. Nacerino stated I know that the School District has adopted this so I agree with this.
Mr. Kassay stated we approved this at the Organizational Meeting so how do we go about this.
Mr. Griffin stated we would have to make a motion to amend that.
Mr. Griffin made a motion to amend the annual mileage reimbursement based on the schools, the Deputy Supervisors and the IRS recommendation that we are increasing the mileage allowance to .58.5 per mile commencing July 1, 2008 effective through December 31, 2008.
Seconded by Mr. Kassay. All In Favor: Aye. Carried.
PATTERSON TOWN BOARD JULY 9, 2008 PAGE 10
JOSEPH CAPASSO
EXECUTIVE SESSION PERSONNEL
Mr. Capasso stated I would like to defer my Executive Session Personnel to the end of the meeting.
OTHER BUSINESS
None
PUBLIC RECOGNITION
Ms. Eileen Cuneo stated Mrs. Nacerino thank you for taking care of the South Street sidewalks, I really appreciate it. How much of South Street are we talking about.
Mrs. Nacerino stated I will take a site walk with Mr. Tom McGinn, Town Engineer and Mr. Charlie Williams, Highway Superintendent next week. Mr. Williams has already gone there and I did ask him what the starting and end point for this project is. I will know definitively next week.
Ms. Cuneo stated the price you gave for that doesn’t seem like that could possibly be the whole distance of South Street.
Mrs. Nacerino stated we are saving the labor cost and the fact that we don’t have to contract this out which is really a blessing that Mr. Williams would allow his crew to do this project. I cannot stress enough how wonderful this is that the Highway Department would gift out his men to do this project. He too feels that this is important.
Ms. Cuneo stated that is wonderful. I do walk my children everyday from my house to Tots and Us and it is a very dangerous walk. A car almost hit my son because the sidewalk caved and he went down while cars were coming. Thank you I appreciate this.
The other thing is Mr. Griffin last year they put the sewer system across the street from my house.
Mr. Griffin stated I was with the Town Planner the other day and he is in the process of completing the landscaping plan for that and we will have that out to bid in a couple of weeks. Hopefully by the end of July beginning of August there will be some trees, bushes, plants and other things around there.
Ms. Cuneo stated thank you.
Mr. Robert Odell, Patterson, stated Mr. Griffin did you finalize your contract with the Town Attorneys yet.
Mr. Griffin stated no.
Mr. Odell stated good. When they recuse themselves do they suggest to you who they should hire in their place.
Mr. Griffin stated yes, if the Town requests it, they will make a recommendation.
Mr. Odell stated do they get a referral fee from the Attorneys that they hire.
Mr. Griffin stated I do not know that.
Mr. Odell stated could you ask them
Mr. Griffin stated I would be happy to ask them.
PATTERSON TOWN BOARD JULY 9, 2008 PAGE 11
Mr. Odell stated and have them swear to it. Thank you.
Mr. Mike Semo stated Mr. Griffin item 5e on your agenda, what the County tried to do every year because there have been changes mid-year is to have one resolution that complies with the IRS and its disbursements.
Mrs. Nacerino stated that is a good idea.
Mr. Semo stated Mrs. Nacerino I commend you on the sidewalks on South Street. I think it is so important. Regarding the Comp Time/Early Dismissal is there a policy that is going to be amended or adjusted at some point in time.
Mrs. Nacerino stated thank you. We are working on a Personnel Policy and we have come to recognize that there are different requirements at the Recreation Center that vary from Town Hall employees. As it stands now all employees are under the same Personnel Policy. There is nothing to distinguish Recreation Center employees from Town Hall employees.
Mr. Semo stated item 10a, Association of Towns Discussion you indicated you had a list from someone in the Town, which I presume is a list showing charges.
Mrs. Nacerino stated yes.
Mr. Semo stated what was the cost to the Town for this past Association of Towns.
Mrs. Nacerino stated approximately $18,000.00.
Mr. Semo stated right off the bat there would be a savings of $18,000.00 if you do it every other year. Do you have a list of the expenditures by person who was down there.
Mrs. Nacerino stated we have the report that was prepared by the Comptroller, Patricia Brooks. If my proposed policy takes effect I think it would be dramatically reduced because any Elected Official in a four year term or any Planning or Zoning Board member with a five year term would only be eligible to go twice in that term.
Mr. Semo stated is there any significant differences at all when you look at the charges by individuals.
Mrs. Nacerino stated some vary but for the most part, it is pretty standard.
Mr. Griffin stated it is done on a per diem basis. The Town pays for the rooms and the conference and the Town gives a per diem stipend to each individual for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Mr. Semo stated the price of the rooms are all the same.
Mr. Griffin stated yes, we do it annually through the Supervisors Office, we book it as a group, and we get an Association of Towns rate and a group rate as well. The rooms are approximately $240.00 per night for everyone who attended. Most people go Sunday, Monday and come Tuesday. There are only certain things on Wednesday. There are classes for the Supervisors on Wednesday and the Annual Conference and Voting takes place on Wednesdays.
Mr. Semo stated like the Association of Counties.
Mrs. Nacerino stated there are other workshops and training offered through out the State, which are significantly less expensive. There is a new law taking effect that Planning and Zoning Board members are required to have four hours of training and they
PATTERSON TOWN BOARD JULY 9, 2008 PAGE 12
could achieve this through other venues that are much less cost prohibited then the Association of Towns.
Mr. Richard Armistead, Patterson, stated on the agenda I noticed there was no motion to pass the minutes from the previous meetings. It was not brought up at all.
Mr. Griffin stated the minutes have to be typed then the Board members have to read them and if there are any changes that need to be made, they are given back to the Town Clerks office.
Mr. Armistead stated the Town Board hasn’t read the April 9, 2008, May 28, 2008 and the June 11, 2008 minutes.
Mr. Kassay stated they have already been approved.
Mr. Griffin stated those meetings are approved.
Mr. Armistead stated when did you approve them, tonight.
All Town Board members stated tonight.
Mr. Armistead stated I didn’t hear that.
Mr. Kassay stated we did it right in the beginning of the meeting.
Mr. Armistead stated ok. During the presentation on the new courthouse, I believe you and Mr. Williams said that it was going to cost $3.2 million dollars and you received a $250,000.00 grant and a $1,000,000.00 from Senator Leibell. You had listed under the assets off setting costs that the purchase of the library would be $600,000.00, am I right.
Mr. Griffin stated correct.
Mr. Armistead stated Mr. Griffin I believe at the last meeting you said, in fact you said it tonight, we give the library $432,000.00 so therefore we are not getting $600,000.00 toward the courthouse we are only getting $168,000.00, am I right. We have to turn around and buy it and then we have to hand it back to them again.
Mr. O’Connor stated I don’t think that is the best way to look at. The $600,000.00 is the sale of the building, the $432,000.00 a year has been determined by the people that think that is an appropriate stipend for us to give the library on a yearly basis.
Mr. Armistead stated I understand that but it’s still not $600,000.00 going towards this building when we have to turn around and give them $432,000.00 back.
Mr. O’Connor stated we would be paying the $432,000.00 if the building had never been sold.
Mr. Armistead stated regarding the tower I believe the cost you had written here was $1.416 million dollars that the taxpayers were going to have to cough up. With the revenues from the tower, the revenues from the $600,000.00 I believe it is going to cost the taxpayers for this building about $2,967,000.00 without cost overruns, this is the bottom line. I believe that there was going to be some sort of a referendum given to the Towns people that if they wanted to pass this that it would be set forth that they would have to vote on it. We went from $1,400,000.00 to over $2,000,000.00 just in what I have gone through here. It seems we better check the monies and I hope you haven’t committed anything of the taxpayer’s money at least until there are some more studies done here. The way the real estate is now I should hope the Town Board is going to take into consideration this year about not raising our taxes. I am very happy that you didn’t do it last year but every time you turn around property values are going down. I realize
PATTERSON TOWN BOARD JULY 9, 2008 PAGE 13
you have a Town to run but I think maybe we could clip a little here and there in order for the tax base to stay where it is for another year. That is only a suggestion but I would look into it very highly because other people within the Town that are paying more and more for other things besides the taxes.
Mr. Armistead stated I had a question for the Town Attorney and I heard you say she had a death in the family.
Mr. Kassay stated yes.
Mr. Armistead stated doesn’t Curtiss Leibell have more than one lawyer to represent this Town. I know Mr. Curtiss did it for quite awhile before this young lady here and then there was a Mr. Baumgartner.
Mr. O’Connor stated he is not with the firm any longer. Mr. Molé is still with the firm.
Mr. Armistead stated I was just wondering why there isn’t anyone here to answer important questions. I’m very sorry for the young lady but there is more than one person in that office.
Mr. Griffin stated Mr. Curtiss is in Kent this evening and Mr. Molé already had another commitment.
Mr. O’Connor stated because they expected Jennifer Herodes to be here they made other commitments.
Mr. Armistead stated I spoke to Mrs. Antoinette Kopeck, Town Clerk after the meeting last week and then I called her the next day. I realize she is an Elected Official in the Town. She has no problem about getting the minutes to the people so they can read them within a certain amount of time and she has no problem with the minutes being called draft. I wish the Town Board could meet with the Town Clerk and work out something. As of tonight before I left the house, I went to the web site and it is still May 14, 2008 minutes on there. This is July 9, 2008. We come to the meetings and we try to do what is right so we can find out what is going on in this Town. I don’t want to sound like a pain in the neck but Antoinette has no problem this. I think there is something in between there maybe the right hand is not telling the left hand what is going on but I think the minutes can be done faster. For example, she has four hours in tapes last meeting that is four hours times sixty minutes that is two hundred and forty minutes. The average typist can type at least thirty to fifty words per minute. Even if the office was very busy, you are talking about the maximum of two days that these minutes could be ready. Antoinette has done a good job and the girls in her office have done a good job. I just don’t understand what the bog down is between the people finding out what went on at the meeting that can’t come here. I called other Towns and they have no problem putting drafts out. Something was amended tonight and that is the second one I have seen in all of 2008 so by the time you are getting the draft they are pretty much set in stone. You could look into getting the minutes out a little faster. We are talking about two and half months late.
Mrs. Nacerino stated I think your suggestion to speak with Antoinette and for the Town Board to speak with Antoinette to try to see if these could be delivered in a more timely fashion would be the best thing to do because if the minutes can be turned around within two weeks time then they could actually be approved at the next Board meeting so there would be no need for a draft.
Mr. Armistead stated even two weeks between your meetings is a lot better than going on six weeks now.
Mrs. Nacerino stated I can’t speak to what the delay is and why the delay is. I know the office was short staffed for many months and I think the best solution is to speak to
PATTERSON TOWN BOARD JULY 9, 2008 PAGE 14
Antoinette. I know the public is crying out for these minutes in a timely fashion as well as updated technology and I for one am a component of that. Again, Antoinette is an Elected Official and she runs her department as she sees fit and I think it would be in all of our best interest to sit down with her and see if we can have this turned around.
Mr. Armistead stated I would appreciate it. I don’t want to sound like a broken record up here every month.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
There being no further business, Mrs. Nacerino made a motion to go into Executive Session at 8:35 p.m.
Seconded by Mr. O’Connor. All In Favor: Aye. Carried.
Mrs. Nacerino made a motion
to close Executive Session at 9:55 p.m.
Seconded by Mr. Kassay. All In Favor: Aye. Carried.
Mr. Griffin called the meeting back to order at 9:55 p.m.
Mr. Griffin made a motion to authorize Craig Baumgartner, Attorney at Law to prepare a stipulation agreement for Country Hill Estates and move forward with the bond taking and all necessary paperwork.
Seconded by Mr. Kassay. All In Favor: Aye. Carried.
There being no further business, Mr. O’Connor made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:00 p.m.
Seconded by Mr. Kassay. All In Favor: aye. Carried.
Respectfully submitted,
_______________________________________
EILEEN CORBLEY, DEPUTY TOWN CLERK