VILLAGE OF HOBART BOARD MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 20, 2019
The regular meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Mayor Aaron Kaufman. Those present were Mayor Kaufman, Trustees Jim Quarino, Amy Reinshagen and Kayla Mason, Superintendent of DPW Lucas McMullen, Clerk-Treasurer Kellee Estus, Chief of Waste Water Richi Horne, Christine Kaufman and Donna Muthig. Trustee Gordy Key entered tardy to the meeting.
Superintendent McMullen reported to the Board that the crew had to replace a few frost plates during the colder weather and in doing so were able to replace some meters with the new cellular meters. Timber Tree Service took down the Christmas lights. The crew has been busy with snow. McMullen stated the Bobcat blew a hydraulic line for the dump box. Mayor Kaufman said to have Eklund’s fix it. Trustee Quarino asked if it could be re-routed. McMullen said it was a possibility.
Chief of Waste Water Richi Horne reported to the Board that the one of the microfilter feed pumps was sent out to be repaired. She stated she had attended a NYWEA event. She reported that with a snow event and a rain event the plant had high flows recently. During the summer a door blew off one of the panels for the solar power system. She contacted Solar Liberty and they came out and looked at the damage and said they’d be back to replace it. They didn’t, and it was found that for 7 months the sewer plant was not producing any electricity. To compensate, Solar Liberty will credit half of the lease payment for the next 4 months. The panel is fixed now. Chief Operator Horne stated the generator agreement is up for renewal which includes the generator being serviced twice a year. The coolant needs to be changed and the batteries need to be replaced for a quoted price of $1000. The Board unanimously agreed to have Chief Horne sign the 3 year agreement. Chief Horne stated she has been in contact with the health department regarding Tim and Dan’s water licensing. Jake is due to retake his sewer test. Chief Horne said that the State has changed the test so hopefully that change will help him pass. She asked for approval for the Village to pay the $114 fee to take the test. The Board said yes.
A motion to approve the January Treasurer’s Report with the following changes was made by Trustee Reinshagen with a second from Trustee Quarino, with all in favor, carried. In the General Fund, transfer $.92 from 1325.4-5 to 1325.4-4; transfer $15.98 from 1340.4 to 1325.4; transfer $167.67 from 5110.4 to 5142.3; transfer $307.50 from 7110.4 to 8160.4. In the Water Fund, transfer $302.60 from 8340.4-10 to 8340.4; transfer $16.00 from 8160.4 to 9060.1. In the NYC Fund, transfer $131.11 from 1440.4 to 8130.1-5. A motion to approve the minutes of last month’s meeting was made by Trustee Quarino, with a second from Trustee Reinshagen, with all in favor, carried.
In regard to the Village owned property off of Reservoir Road, Northeast Timber submitted an agreement with Gutchess Lumber Co. out of Cortland NY, for the bid of $93,500 for the timber marked out on the Village’s property. There was also an agreement for the purchase of a temporary right of way in the amount of $5000 between the Village and Henry and Carl Bohne. After some discussion the Board agreed unanimously to accept the bid of $93,500 from Gutchess Lumber Co.
In regard to water issues, Mayor Kaufman stated the application for the emergency grant has finally been submitted. Mayor Kaufman was told that the government shutdown was to blame for part of the hold up on the submittal of the application.
In new business, Mayor Kaufman stated the policy and procedure book for Village employees does not state that when employees are out on sick time that they need to get a doctor’s note stating they are good to come back to work with no restrictions. This could be a liability issue for the Village. A policy will be drafted with this additional requirement for the next board meeting. Eva Haessler will be leaving the Activity Center making her room available for rent/lease on May 1st. Project Independence has asked to rent the top floor portion of an office at the Activity Center for $100/month. The Board unanimously agreed to accept this amount on a month to month basis contingent on it becoming null and void if the room can be rented by another person or persons for the whole office. Project Independence’s lease has expired. The Board agreed to raise their rent of $550/month to $600/month. This would be a 3 year lease with automatic renewal each year. In regard to the Board’s roles, Mayor Kaufman stated he thought it was to have the best interest of the Village at heart when it came to being a Board member and that the Board had to work together for what’s best for the Village. He also reiterated to the Board that he is the sole disciplinarian of the Village’s employees. He appreciates and accepts the rest of the Board’s views and input, but according to NYCOM , board members do not have any authority to supervise or direct subordinate village employees.
Mayor Kaufman asked the Board’s opinion regarding letters to be sent out to property owners that still need to have their water meters changed out to a cellular read meter. The Board agreed to give the owner’s 2 weeks to contact the Village. If they do not, the water will be shut off at that property owner’s address. Mayor Kaufman stated the Village’s Tentative Budget has to be in the clerk’s office by March 20th and has to be approved by March 31st. The public hearing to pass the budget is due by April 15th. Trustee Quarino stated he thinks letters to residents asking them to sign off on sidewalk clearing would be a good idea. This letter could also let residents know that sidewalk clearing after a snow event is a courtesy. A letter will drafted for the next meeting. Donna Muthig asked about fire hydrants? Who is responsible to clear snow from them? The last snowstorm only had 2 cleared in the Village. This will be looked into and if determined to be the property owner, it will be added to the letter as well. Clerk-Treasurer asked the Board for approval for an auto shut-off device for the fuel tank located outside of the Community Center. It is a DEC regulation but Mirabito will be installing it and they wanted approval before they purchased the part as it is not cheap. The Board agreed to approve the purchase.
Mayor Kaufman opened the floor to community participation. Donna Muthig asked about the status of the EMS. She and Ken are recertifying for the last time. When they are gone away on vacation, there will be no one to respond. She also stated Ken had addressed the snow in front of the truck bay to the DPW. She also asked for an outside outlet at the firehouse. She stated the fireman’s annual dinner will be on May 18th if any of the Board members were able to attend.
Mayor Kaufman stated there is once again unknown activity in the gym at the Activity Center. Doors are being left open and people are accessing the gym that shouldn’t be. All cards with the exception of school coaches are to be deactivated. A request from George Nebesnik to use the HAC gym a few nights a week for the Girl’s Club – SK 7th and 8th grade girls was given to the Board. Proof of insurance and/or an AAU card are required for him to do this. Jennifer Renwick is ready to begin her second day – Monday - for an exercise class.
A motion to approve the following bills on Abstract No. 9 was made by Trustee Key, with a second from Trustee Reinshagen, with all in favor, carried.
General Fund Voucher No. 241-269 $10,320.35
Water Fund Voucher No. 134-149 $ 2,817.30
Sewer Fund Voucher No. 161-181 $ 5,576.45
NYC Fund Voucher No. 179-202 $ 6,315.52
A motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:40 p.m. was made by Trustee Reinshagen, with a second from Trustee Key, with all in favor, carried. Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kellee J. Estus
Clerk-Treasurer
