- February 5th 2024 Minutes
The regular board meeting was called to order by Mayor Aaron Kaufman at 6:30pm. Those present were Mayor Kaufman, Deputy Mayor Amy Reinshagen, Trustees Jim Quarino, Kayla Mason, Randy Roe, Clerk/Treasurer Ann Barr and Superintendent of DPW Lucas McMullen. Community members in attendance where Cody Hager and Michelle Sacari.
Mayor Kaufman proceeded with Department Head reports.
Lucas McMullen (Supt. Of DPW) presented his report stating that He had the truck serviced with new tires and new chains put on. Lucas also spoke about needing the next size up for pumps at the water plant. Lucas also brought up renting Eklunds Lift again to take down the Christmas lights from the street poles. Lucas also stated is been a busy month trying to keep up with plowing and sanding.
Chief Operator Richi Horne Head of Waste water
Richi stated that Boyle found and repaired a leaking well line to the waste water plant. Kevin O’Connor DEC stopped in for an inspection which went well. Richi continued to state that they ordered a new microfilter which was paid for 100% by NYC. Richi also continued to share that Lucas McMullen signed up for Suny ulster online courses Bioscopes and Joey Kaufman a Karl Ogborn signed up for Morrisville in Person training on basic operations, Activated Sludge and lab classes being held throughout the year.
Richi then stated that there was a furnace issue and when repaired Muthigs advised planning for a new furnace soon.
Economic development/Business Alliance Don Thomases : Alliance Don Thomases Brought up that the historical society is interested in the uniforms spoken about during the last meeting. He also stated that there is a business on main street they are in the process of building which will be take out with American food, Spanish ect… The Hobart exchange is still doing very well open 7days a week. They got permission to bake at home and will be selling pastries and making cakes to order for events. They are also looking into starting classes like yoga, art and knitting. Don Thomases continued to pass around some sample baked goods from the Hobart exchange.
Mayor Kaufman stated that there was no new business in front of the zoning board.
Mayor Kaufman stated that there was no new business in front of the Planning board.
Fire department report – Josh Mason was not present with a report.
Mayor Kaufman asked for acceptance of the secretary / treasurer’s report from the board. A motion was made by Trustee Reinshagen, seconded Trustee Mason. Motion was carried. AYES: Unanimous
Mayor Kaufman asked for the Approval of the January minutes from the last meeting. A Motion was made by Trustee Quarino, Seconded by Trustee Mason. Motion was carried. AYES: Unanimous
Old Business:
Water plant upgrade: Mayor Kaufman stated that The upgrade plans to be finished within the next coulpe of weeks and a bid put out for the inside.
Generator Project: Mayor Kaufman stated that there is nothing new to report. The village is still waiting on NYC to secure the necessary funding for such to take place.
EMS Recruitment: Mayor Kaufman stated that our partnership with Spec-GX and the village to start an EMT course is still moving forwards and will be started sometime the end of this month. We are still looking at about 20 people participating.
Solar Liberty Update: They want to eliminate old Solar boxes and have them all go to one box and we have to find out how much we have been saving.
Community center upgrades: Trustee Reinshagen stated that there was nothing new to report. Mayor Kaufman brought up Waynes coating to put on the sheet rock in the kitchen. We will be looking into getting volunteers to help with the upgrade as well as an upgrade in the bathroom
Expansion of the fitness room: Trustee Quarino reported that all the sheet rock is up and just needs to be painted. Then they will just have flooring then furnishing.
HAC Rentals: Mayor Kaufman stated that there is still rental space available at HAC.
Heating system for HAC gym: Trustee Roe stated that he has a $6,000.00 Proposal with us providing the lift and we will also need a 120-volt circuit to run it but through a different company. It was also decided we are going to continue to keep the heater the way it is now.
New Business:
New water/ sewer billing system: Mayor Kaufman stated that this first quarters billing is going to be a whole new upgraded system for $5,000.00.
Sludge truck options: Mayor Kaufman stated we are still waiting to hear back from them.
HRA Reimbursement from NYC: Mayor Kaufman stated that HRA health insurance has owed us back money for the past 3 ears.
Funding for water shut offs/Fire hydrant repairs: Mayor Kaufman stated that Laberge suggested a low-income survey to try and qualify for additional water improvement funding.
Hobart fire department is working on getting a grant through the state.
Laberge alone is up to 500,000 in equipment and 100,000 in building.
Mayor Kaufman also stated that there is a EFC low income survey to apply for grants as a low income village which would cost 7,500.00 to do but would be very beneficial for the village in the long run. Mayor Kaufman stated we are a month away from doing the new budget.
It was further discussed that Andrew VanBuren is leaving along with te project independence for income to keep the activity center running. Andrew pays 500.00 a month which is 6,000.00 a year, Project independence we are losing 13,000.00 a year and we only have The dog grromer and Andrew Flach which is 14,000.00 in the budget which doesn’t include insurance that cost, 22,000.00 a year to run.
Trustee Quarino mentioned building up our gym for more income to compensate cost. Quarino also continued to say our gym is very clean and more people are showing interest to it. He continued to Mention getting a train Josh Anderson in there and to expand to the upstairs. He is going to work on getting it prced out and look into funding for it. It was decided to bring Josh Anderson to the following meeting where he can discuss some of his ideas, including selling and serving health food.
Floor open for community participation.
Discussion of looking into a historic grant was talked about to keep the activity center.
Motion to go in Executive session: Mayor Kaufman asked for a motion to go into executive session. A motion was made by Trustee Reinshagen, Seconded by Trustee Mason. A motion was carried. AYES: Unanimous
A motion to pay the bills was made by Trustee Mason Seconded by Trustee Reinshagen. Motion carried. AYES: Unanimous
Trustee Kayla Mason made motion to adjourn meeting, seconded by Trustee Roe. Motion carried. AYES: Unanimous
Meeting came to adjourn at 7:20p.
Respectfully submitted by
Ann Barr
