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 Katherine Sparkes, Treasurer Michelle Sicari and Chief Operator of Waste Water Treatment Plant Richi Horne. Seven Community members were in attendance.
Mayor Kaufman proceeded with Department Head reports.
A. DPW - Lucas McMullen (Supt. Of DPW) was not present at the meeting due to personal issues. No official report was given. Mayor Kaufman stated that he knows the DPW crew has been very busy this past month with snow plowing. He also stated that problems in the water plant remain an issue for the DPW crew daily, but have settled down some for the time being.
B. WWTP -Chief Operator Horne presented her report which mostly contained information of general maintenance and day to day operational matters. She stated that the Waste Water Treatment Plant has been operating smoothly. She stated that the past month saw extremely high flows. A zoom meeting was conducted for the upcoming generator project with NYC and the project continues to move forward. Next step is receiving the contract from NYC. Joey has been issued a testing date from NYS for March with regards to obtaining his 2A license. NYC conducted an unannounced inspection and all was good with the plant. A water class will be held at our location next month which will allow Jake, Richi, and Lucas to get some of their annual required credits saving the village both money and travel expenses. Mayor Kaufman questioned Richi with regards to test dates for Lucas and Karl with regards to Sewer License Testing. Her response was that Lucas was all set with NYS, he just must go on line and pick a test date. She stated that Karl has not made any attempts to go back to Morrisville to retest for the Basic Operators class that he took this summer so that he can move onto the next class. She stated she believes he does not want to take the classes. A decision occurred amongst the Board members and it was unanimously decided that he is to re-schedule the test and continue with the remaining classes. The board all agreed that when he was hired in his new position that obtaining a NYS License was part of the agreement to maintain such position. The board also determined that he will need to schedule such test using his own time since the Village has paid for two rounds of testing already. Mayor Kaufman also asked Richi if she had any information on the new internet system that he asked her to look into last month. She had no info but said she would work on it.
C. Economic Development Committee - Kathy Duyer gave a quick report stating that they had a Meeting in January. The main topic of such was organizing a new steering committee. She also requested information about putting a banner across Main Street for an upcoming event this summer. Mayor Kaufman said he would check with NYS DOT and NYSEG to see if that was possible.
D. Board Member Reports – Trustee Roe and Quarino had nothing new to report. Trustee Reishagan brought up concerns of parked cars on Main Street, Maple Park and Cornell not following parking regulations with regards to snow emergencies and posted no parking signs. Mayor Kaufman added to the discussion that the same issues are happening in our Village parking lots making proper plowing impossible. It was decided to reach out to the individuals first, if not then consider towing as stated on posted signs in such areas. Concerns of plowing on High Street were discussed. Mayor Kaufman stated that he has obtained a map showing the property owned by the village and what we should be plowing. Certain residents believe that we are plowing private property which we are not according to the map.
E. HAC Committee – Nothing new to report.
F. Zoning Board – Nothing new to report.
G. Planning Board – Nothing new to report.
H. Fire Department – Josh Mason was not present but Trustee Mason stated the fire department needed two more air packs. The board agreed to purchase such. A quote will be sent to the village.
II. Acceptance of Secretary/Treasurers Report: Mayor Kaufman asked for the acceptance of such reports as written. A motion was made by Trustee Reinshagen, seconded by Trustee Roe.
Motion was carried 4-0 AYES: Unanimous
III. Approval of Minutes: Mayor Kaufman asked for the acceptance of such minutes as written. A motion was made by Trustee Quarino, seconded by Trustee Mason.
Motion was carried 4-0 AYES: Unanimous
Mayor Kaufman moved the meeting onto Old Business with the following items being discussed.
- Water Plant Upgrade Project: Mayor Kaufman reported that we are waiting on the updated contract from the Engineering Firm. Once in place we will start working on the upgrade portion of the new well. It has been determined that the grant funding we received will not allow for any interior plant upgrades to be performed until the new well portion is complete. This is per NYS.
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- Generator Project: Mayor Kaufman reported that the project is moving forward. No further discussion as it was discussed earlier in the meeting.
- Maple Ave Culvert Issue: Mayor Kaufman reported that he had no new updates on the project. We have received the funding through a grant from DEC and work should start sometime in the near future.
- Maple Ave Bridge - Mayor Kaufman reported that the Village is still exploring avenues to obtain Funding for decaying Banks around the Maple Ave Bridge.
- Main Street Fire Cleanup: Mayor Kaufman reported that a registered letter was sent to the property owner asking about the plan for cleanup of the property. A response date was included in the letter, and no response was received. Discussion was held and suggested to contact DEC, DEP and the Code Enforcement Officer moving forward.
- Playground: A $10,000.00 grant has been received by Spec-GX for playground upgrade, discussion of the addition of a splash pad. Quotes for upgrades to follow.
- Water / Sewer – A quick discussion was conducted suggesting to place water alarm sensors in the water plant with all the problems we have had of lately. It was agreed we should look into putting in a few floor sensors which would be a minimal cost.
- Low Income Survey: Nothing new to report.
- Back Taxes/Foreclosures: Mayor Kaufman reported that the process has been successful and that 3 properties have been settled and paid up to date. The process is moving forward for the remaining properties in question.
Mayor Kaufman moved onto New Business with the following being discussed.
- Heating Oil Switch-Over: Mayor Kaufman reported the Village is now using Buell and are supplying at State Bid Pricing. Our old supplier was no longer able to match the state bid pricing, therefore leaving the village no choice to switch over for cost saving reasons.
- Code Enforcement: Mayor Kaufman announced that the village has finally obtained a new Code Enforcement Officer after the retirement of Tom Liddle. Richard Briscoe, from East Merideth – 607 386-0701. E-mail = This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
- Weight Limit: Mayor Kaufman suggested to the Board that a weight limit be placed on the Maple Ave Bridge. He stated that he and Lucas met with the County and their engineers and after visual inspection of bridge, they recommended we post a weight limit of 15 ton on the bridge until further notice and future addressment of ongoing issues. Discussion was held and Mayor Kaufman asked for a Motion to do such. Motion was made by Trustee Roe, Seconded by Trustee Mason.
Motion Carried: 4-0 AYES: Unanimous
Over weight traffic will be sent to truck route on Cornell Ave. Signage will be purchase.
- Road Rally: An outside organization presented a Road Rally that will be stopping in Hobart on Saturday, September 20 2025. He is looking for support of a possible lunch opportunity. They are meeting with the Town of Stamford to present as well.
- Election Resolution: This year two trustee Positions and the Mayor are up for re-election. All are 4-year terms. A resolution was passed with AYES: 5 The election will be held on Tuesday, March 18th, 2025. 12-9pm at the community center.
Mayor Kaufman opened the floor for Community Participation.
A brief discussion was brought up Ayhan Dargin inquiring about his property and his water/sewer bill.
A motion to pay the bills was made by Trustee Mason, Seconded by Trustee Reinshagen. Motion carried. AYES: Unanimous
General Fund Voucher No. 321-363 $ 17,543.98
Water Fund Voucher No. 141-165 $ 19,179.75
Sewer Fund Voucher No. 160-182 $ 7,042.76
NYC Fund Voucher No. 174-200 $13,359.10
Trustee Kayla Mason made motion to adjourn meeting, seconded by Trustee Roe. Motion carried. AYES: Unanimous
Meeting called to adjourn at 8:25pm
Respectfully Submitted
Katherine Sparkes
Clerk
