VILLAGE OF HOBART BOARD MEETING MINUTES APRIL 18, 2022
A public hearing was opened to the public at 6 p.m. by Mayor Aaron Kaufman for the review of the proposed 2022-2023 annual budget. The hearing was closed by Mayor Kaufman at 6:31 p.m.
The regular meeting of the Board of Trustees was called to order at 6:31 p.m. by Mayor Kaufman. Those present were Mayor Kaufman, Trustees Kayla Mason and Jim Quarino, Clerk- Treasurer Kellee Estus, Village Attorney John Hubbard, Superintendent of DPW Lucas McMullen, Chief Operator of Waste Water Richi Horne, Joe Andreno, Don Thomases, Donna Muthig, Cody Hager, Duane Martin, Chris Kaufman and Mary VanValkenburg.
Superintendent McMullen reported to the board that the crew had been sweeping roads and would finish up when we got more rain. They cleaned the culverts after a big storm and serviced the mowers. They were getting loads of gravel for shoulder repair as well. McMullen said the tractor broom will need new brushes and the cost would be approximately $600 for new ones.
Chief Operator of Waste Water Richi Horne reported to the board that the air compressor had been serviced, they had wet weather events and had done the wet testing that was required. The wet testing will be four times a year. Mayor Kaufman asked her to get a generator quote as soon as possible.
Don Thomases stated he had talked with Scott Norwalk, an engineer for NYSDOT regarding the potholes in front of the post office. He also contacted Tague and Oberacker’s offices.
Joe Andreno of the ZBA stated the one application that they had received was incomplete and they were waiting for the submission of the new paperwork.
The board reviewed the March Treasurer’s report. A motion to accept the report with the following changes was made by Trustee Mason, with a second from Trustee Quarino, with all in favor, carried. In the General Fund, transfer $ $126.13 from 1620.1-1 to 1325.4; transfer $4085.75 from 1990 to 1620.4-1; transfer $2446.91 from 1990 to 1620.4-2; transfer $14.36 from 1990 to 5110.4-3; transfer $904.49 from 5182 to 5142.4-1; transfer $139.19 from 5182 to 5142.4. In the Water Fund, transfer $106.92 from 1990 to 8310.4-2; transfer $1722.83 from 1990 to 8320.4-1; transfer $1019.21 from 1990 to 8320.4-2; transfer $38.00 from 1990 to 8330.4-1; transfer $16.00 from 1990 to 9060.1. A motion to approve the minutes of last month’s board meeting was made by Trustee Quarino with a second from Trustee Mason, with all in favor, carried.
Mayor Kaufman continued the meeting with old business. There was no update on the water plant upgrade and the police officer subject is tabled until the Village gets a response from Robinson Broadhurst regarding the grant application. Regarding EMS issues, the monitors in the ambulances are basically obsolete and will need new ones. A new one costs $39,000. Options for funding would be applying for a grant with the O’Connor Foundation or funding for one that would be paid off in 60 months. A motion to sign the contract and purchase one monitor was made by Trustee Quarino, with a second from Trustee Mason, with all in favor, carried. Regarding the condition of properties on Main Street, there are no new changes. Mayor Kaufman talked about the possibility of looking for another code enforcement officer. Regarding the Airbnb subject, zoning is still working on the language. Regarding the Maple Avenue guardrails, the Village is still waiting to hear back from the Town of Stamford.
In new business, as part of the annual organizational meeting, Mayor Kaufman appointed Kellee Estus as Clerk-Treasurer, John Hubbard as Village Attorney and Amy Reinshagen as Deputy Mayor. Sewer plant is Jim Quarino and Gordy Key, Water Plant is Amy Reinshagen, Buildings and Grounds is Kayla Mason and streets is Aaron Kaufman. Petty cash is set at $50 and the chicken permit fee is $25/year. A resolution to designate the mileage rate reimbursement as the 2022 IRS mileage rate was passed with all ayes and no nays. A resolution to designate the bank depositories as the Hobart branches of NBT and Delaware National bank of Delhi was passed with all ayes and no nays.
Mayor Kaufman discussed the change of rental rates for the community center and pavilion. The board agreed to raise the rates as follows:
Pavilion - $75 Not profit - $50
Community Center - $75 – with kitchen $125 Not profit - $50 – with kitchen $110
Kitchen - $100 Not profit - $80
A motion to approve the 2022-2023 annual budget was made by Trustee Mason, with a second from Trustee Quarino, with all in favor, carried.
Mayor Kaufman opened the floor to community participation. Superintendent McMullen stated he had contacted the Department of Health regarding sale of the land by the Eklund wells. They recommended not selling it, but allowing access. A written legal agreement should be drawn up for this.
A motion to approve the following bills on Abstract No. 11 was made by Trustee Mason, with a second from Trustee Quarino, with all in favor, carried.
General Fund Voucher No. 290-314 $14,568.85
Water Fund Voucher No. 170-181 $ 4,060.76
Sewer Fund Voucher No. 173-190 $ 7,740.09
NYC Fund Voucher No. 200-227 $ 11,125.74
A letter was read from Margaret Tucker asking for relief on her sewer side of her bill due to a leak found with a hose to her icemaker. If it affects her next bill, the board agreed to allow the sewer side of her bill to be adjusted.
A motion to close the meeting at 7:50 p.m. was made by Trustee Quarino, with a second from Trustee Mason, with all in favor, carried. Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kellee J. Estus
Clerk-Treasurer
