Village of Hobart
MONTHLY BOARD MEETING
Monday, March 3, 2025
Mayor Aaron Kaufman called the meeting to order at 6:35pm.
Present for the meeting: Mayor Kaufman, Deputy Mayor- Amy Reinshagen, Trustee-James Quarino, Trustee- Kayla Mason, Trustee-Randy Roe, Treasurer Michelle Sicari, Clerk-Katherine Sparkes, Waste Treatment Plant Supervisor-Richi Horne, DPW Superintendent-Lucus McMullen. There were 8 Village Residents present at the meeting.
II, Department Head Reports:
a. Superintendent of DPW: Lucus McMullen reported the Village crew has been extremely busy plowing and sanding. Anxiously awaiting Spring weather to start clean up.
b. Chief Operator of WWTP: Richi Horne.reported Joe Kaufman will be taking his State Exam tomorrow in Albany. Annual Inspection is coming up. Parts have been ordered for the sludge press.(press is 10 years old and parts showing signs of needing replacing), The backflow has been tested and all checks out. On Wednesday, 3/5 they will be having a lab class in house. She reported day to day operations have been normal for the most part.
c. Economic Development: Kathy Duyer reported this Spring marks Hobart’s 20th year as Book Village. Plans are in the works for activities. She also stated that April 26 will be an Independent Book Store Awareness Day which is a nationwide event.
She continued on with an event on July 19th. The business alliance is creating The Hobart History Day with Jim Meagley the Town Historian playing a major part. Wanting to place a Banner across Main Street to commemorate the activity. The Board saw no issues with it. Mayor Kaufman is looking into necessary permits required from DOT to do such.
d. Board Member Reports:
Jim Quarino: Reported possible issues with HAC Roof as some leak issues, need to have it looked at. Will be Checking into finding the date of the last repairs/ contractor that did work.He also stated that some fitness center members are not following the rules and racking the weights. It was agreed to check security cameras and issue warnings.
NO OTHER BOARD MEMBERS HAD ANYTHING TO REPORT.
HAC Committee: Mayor Kaufman stated new vanitys, flooring and tile for bathroom upgrades have been purchased for HAC. Install will take place as time allows.
He also stated that upgrades will have to the Community Center as well. Interior upgrades were discussed, vanities and tiles, flooring for bathrooms have been purchased, Install will take place as time allows. Discussion of painting and wall coverings as well.
f. Zoning Board: Mayor Kaufman stated nothing pending.
g. Planning Board: Mayor Kaufman stated nothing pending.
h. Fire Department: Trustee Mason stated nothing to report.
III. ACCEPTANCE OF SECRETARY/TREASURER’S REPORT:
Mayor Kaufman asked for a motion which was made by Trustee Quarino, second by Trustee Reinshagen. The Board approved the Secretary/Treasurer’s report as written.
Motion Carried. AYES= Unanimous
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM LAST MEETING:
Mayor Kaufman asked for a motion which was made by Trustee Reinshagen, second by Jim Quarino. The board approved the minutes from the last meeting as written.
Motion Carried. AYES = Unanimous
V. OLD BUSINESS:
a. Water Plant Upgrade: Mayor Kaufman reported that a meeting was held this month with himself, Lucas McMullen, Bill Boyle and Smith Control systems. Upon review of the plant Smith Controls determined that the plant is on borrowed time at best. The control systems, computer programs and skid are all out dated and failing. Mayor Kaufman explained to the Board that we will start to explore funding opportunities for the upgrades but funding applications put in this Spring would not show possible start of work for about two years. He stated we must continue to look for a solution to this problem.
b. Generator at the Waste Treatment Plant: Mayor Kaufman stated that the contract is in the works from NYC and project is moving forward slowly.
c. Fire Clean up 394 Main Street: Mayor Kaufman stated that a response from the letter sent to the property owner was finally received but such response did not answer any of the questions with regards to cleanup, just a history of house and property owners personal matters. Mayor Kaufman stated that he has issued a second letter with regards to this matter with a reponse deadline of April 6th,2025. He is also asking the Code Enforcement Officer to look into what can be done.
Mayor Kaufman stated that he has contacted Nick Frandson about being the Villages Lawyer. If he accepts, inquiry will be made into the steps the Village can take to get the property cleaned up and to who’s expense.
e. Governmental Grant from Spec-GX: Mayor Kaufman stated the grant forms have been completed and sent, awaiting grant check. This money will be used at the HAC park. The amount is for $10,000.00.
f. Weight Limit on Maple Ave. Bridge: Mayor Kaufman stated that he contacted DOT and we will need to complete an application for a permit to post signage on Route 10. He stated that DOT said we could use temporary barrels to post the signs at the ends of the bride in the meantime. Signs are being ordered. orange barrels to be ordered as well.
g. Low Income Survey: G & G Municipal Consulting and Grant Writing, Jay Grasso, P.O. Box 39, Spencerport, NY 14559, 585.368.8866. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Survey complete, the Mayor was told the money was well spent for the survey. The outcome allows the Village to submit for grants for low income and Hardship grants.
h. NYS State Sewer License Exam: Joey Kaufman to take, Tuesday, March 4th in Albany.
i. Back Taxes/Foreclosure Properties: Mayor Kaufman stated the Lawyer is on maternity leave until the later part of March. Once he is back in the office his intension is to go forward with foreclosures. Total of 10 properties.
VI NEW BUSINESS:
a. Presentation from Barbara Balliet regarding the proposal of the Stamford Library, it will be constructed on Lake Street and West Main Street Stamford. Energy efficient, the project will cost estimated at 4 million, 700,000. has been raised so far. She stated that 2/3 of Hobart residents are Stamford library card holders. Geothermal, 26 parking spaces, drop-off area, community center, open garden area for reading.
b. Eklund Well Cleaning: Mayor Kaufman stated that Nitro blasting of wells was suggested, just like we did at the Maple Ave well in order to increase production. Cleaning of the well was last done 10 years ago. Estimated cost of cleaning is 26,000.00. After further discussion it was decided to table this item for a later date to consider.
c. Internal Repairs to the Water plant: Mayor Kaufman reported that Engineers suggested to re-pipe the skid to help address preventing pipes blowing apart. This would serve as a band-aid till upgrades can be completed over the next couple of years. Schmidt’s and Billy Boyle came out to look and plan for parts in need of replacement. 6 valves and gages along with piping. Estimated cost of repairs Schmits $8,400.00, Billy Boyle 10-12,000.00.
d. Community Center Upgrades:- Mayor Kaufman stated vanities, flooring and tile have been purchased. Install will take place as time allows. Painting of walls discussed. Upgrade of tables and chairs were discussed with some input from the community. Trustee Roe suggested to install a 3 bay sink for kitchen as well. He stated the kitchen stove needed to be serviced and offered to perform the task. These upgrades will bring the kitchen to the NYS health department requirements.
e. Purchase of Lift-: A discussion was held about possibly purchasing a lift. Several sources will be contacted for pricing. Item was tabled for future discussion.
f. Spectrum Agreement: Public Hearing to be done at next board meeting.
g. Budget Public Hearing: To be done at next board meeting.
A public hearing will be held, Monday, April 7th., 6:00- 6:05pm for Spectrum Public Hearing, then at 6:05-6:25 Public Hearing for Budget.
VII Floor open to Community Members:
a. Introduction of Freddie Zimmerman, new owner of the Bull and Garland, 760 Main Steet. Intention of opening the bar and restaurant this summer, possibly May or June. They presently have 5 rooms available for rent, they opened 3 weeks ago and have had rentals. No liquor license yet, however they will be applying for one. They have repaired a roof and replaced windows.
A motion to pay the bills was made by Trustee Mason, Seconded by Trustee Reinshagen. Motion carried. AYES: Unanimous Bills were paid as written .
General Fund Voucher No. 364-400 $ 37,246.65
Water Fund Voucher No. 166-180 $ 22,373.58
Sewer Fund Voucher No. 183-201 $ 9,858.41
NYC Fund Voucher No. 201-221 $10,930.49
Trustee Roe made a motion to adjourn meeting, seconded by Trustee Mason. Motion carried. AYES: Unanimous
Meeting called to adjourn at 7:55pm
Open meeting adjourned at 7:30.
Respectfully Submitted
Katherine E. Sparkes
Village of Hobart Clerk
