Village of Hobart
Monthly Board Meeting
April 7th, 2025, Minutes
The regular board meeting was called to order by Mayor Kaufman at 6:31 pm. Those present were Deputy Mayor Amy Reinshagen, Trustee Jim Quarino, Trustee Kayla Mason, Trustee Randy Roe, Treasurer Michelle Sicari, Clerk- Katherine Sparkes, Superintendent of DPW Lucas McMullen, Head of Wastewater Richi Horne, and Hobart Business Alliance- Kathy Duyer, Code Enforcement Officer- Richard Briscoe. Community members present were Don Thomases, Cody Hager, Darian Argyan.
Mayor Kaufman proceeded with Department Head reports.
Lucas McMullen (Superintendent of DPW) presented his report stating that the sweeping of the streets in the village is underway. The tractor has been serviced as well. He brought to the board's attention the shop air compressor demo saw needs a new piston. The board voted unanimously to fix the air compressor demo saw at the cost of $400.00.
Richi Horne (Chief Wastewater Plant Operator) presented her report next. She stated that the plant experienced a one-day power brownout in which the generator ran overnight. She also said the PALL Microfilter tech was at the plant for two days troubleshooting issues and working on the level sensor and valve. They will return to do their annual maintenance service sometime over the next month. Mayor Kaufman inquired about testing dates for Joseph Kaufman & Lucas McMullen for their state license. Joseph will be returning in June to retake his test and to date Lucas does not have a testing date.
Kathy Duyer (Economic Development/ Business Alliance) spoke next. She gave an update concerning the upcoming Hobart History Day on July 19th. There will be a guided walking tour that will include stops at the historical signs that are located throughout the village. The Fire Department will be putting their antique equipment on display for this event. The three churches within the village will be hosting open houses on this day. Food will be available for purchase on this day too. Next, she provided Mayor Kaufman with the measurements for the banner to be displayed on Main Street. She also mentioned a safety issue about a barn on Main Street where the doors on the second floor had blown off during the recent windstorm. This safety concern was turned over to Richard Briscoe (code enforcement officer) who will be pursuing this matter further.
Former Economic Development/ Hobart Business Alliance head Don Thomases then spoke concerning the kias signs on the Catskill Rail Trail. The idea was presented for two kias signs to advertise the fitness center. The initial cost is $90.00. To maintain the signs each year after the cost is $30.00. The board voted unanimously to approve this idea.
Board Member Reports:
Trustee Jim Quarino (HAC) had nothing to report at this time.
Trustee Randy Roe (Streets) had nothing to report.
Deputy Mayor Amy Reinshagen (Water & Sewer) had nothing to report at this time.
Trustee Kayla Mason (Water Plant) had nothing to report.
Trustee Jim Quarino (HAC Committee) gave an update. Extra square footage is available in the building where the Fitness Center is housed because the dog groomer no longer needs two rooms. She has offered to continue to pay the same rent. Trustee Quarino suggested the addition of a sauna and shower be installed in the newly acquired extra space. Deputy Mayor Reinshagen suggested a small lockeroom and shower be installed in the newly acquired extra space. This discussion led to a discussion concerning the revenues being brought in from the Fitness Center. Trustee Quarino then asked Don Thomases if he was aware of any historical building grants that might help with the replacement of the roof on the building. The idea of a member's lounge was also presented by Trustee Quarino. He suggested housing it in the upstairs office which overlooks the gym. He explained that parents are waiting around for their kids while they are working with a professional trainer and have nowhere to go. Another issue was presented on how to use the equipment in the gym. Kathy Duyer suggested bringing in a trainer to show members how to use the equipment.
Zoning Board- No Report
Planning Board- No Report
Fire Department- No Report
Mayor Kaufman asked for acceptance of the secretary/ treasurer's report from the board. A motion was made by Deputy Mayor Reinshagen, seconded by Trustee Quarino. Motion was carried. AYES: Unanimous
Mayor Kaufman asked for approval of minutes from the last meeting. A motion was made by Trustee Roe, seconded by Trustee Quarino. Motion was carried. AYES: Unanimous
Old Business:
Water Plant Upgrade: Mayor Kaufman stated according to LaBerge that within the next six weeks something will start to go wrong with the water plant. LaBerge is working with the Layne Company to go back and continue working with the test site that has already been drilled.
Generator Project: Richi Horne (Chief Wastewater Plant Operator) stated that we are still waiting for paperwork from New York City due to the lawyers going back and forth on the wording within the contract.
Fire Cleanup of Main St. Property: Mayor Kaufman stated a second letter had been sent to the homeowner and the deadline has passed with no response from the homeowner. Richard Briscoe (Code Enforcement Officer) stated that this is a sanitation issue and that he is meeting with another code enforcement officer to discuss this issue. He also said that a fine can be issued for this. If the homeowner does not comply then this matter can be taken to the court system.
Eklund Well Cleaning: Mayor Kaufman reported this is being tabled now.
Weight Limit on Maple Ave. Bridge Mayor Kaufman states the signs have been order for this.
Internal Repairs to Water plant: Lucas McMullen (Superintendent of DPW) presented a quote of $8,000.00 from Schmidt’s Wholesale. The Board approved Lucas to order the parts needed.
NYS State Sewer License Exam: Joseph Kaufman will be retaking his test in May. To date Lucas McMullen does not have a test date.
Back Taxes/ Foreclosures: Mayor Kaufman had no updates at this time due to the lawyer being on maternity leave.
Low Income Survey: Mayor Kaufman states the survey is complete and the results are in writing in the clerk's office.
Community Center Upgrades: Materials have been purchased to begin this project, and the project will be started as soon as time permits.
New Business:
Local Fiscal Recovery Funding Reporting: Mayor Kaufman states that in 2023 half of the total money we were awarded was used towards the purchase of the Ford. In 2024, the other half of the total money we were awarded was used for the Dodge purchase.
USDA NRCS EWP Tropical Storm Debbie Funding: Mayor Kaufman states we were awarded $92,550 to be used towards the banks of the Delaware River located behind the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Spectrum Contract Vote: There was no vote on this due to an issue in the wording of the public hearing announcement that was posted. A new public hearing announcement will be posted, and this vote will be done in the future.
2025-2026 Budget Vote: The budget was voted on and passed unanimously.
Speed Limit Change: Trustee Quarino brought to the attention of the board the concern with how fast people are driving on Pine Street at the Hobart Activity Center. The idea of speed bumps and a change within the speed limit was discussed. After discussion it was determined that a resolution needs to be created so this was tabled until the next meeting.
Floor Open for Community Participation: Kathy Duyer (Economic Development/ Business Alliance) spoke about the Christmas lights. She stated that Don Dales offered to repair the lights if he could have access to one. If he cannot repair the lights, then the business alliance would like to purchase new ones. Mayor Kaufman explained that each year the lights are repaired and once they go up after a couple of weeks with the wind they stop working. Kathy Duyer then mentioned that the garland has disintegrated, and they would like to replace that. The mayor instructed her to get ahold of the Village Clerk Katherine Sparkes who would then get ahold of Lucas so they may have access to replace the garland.
There was no motion to go into executive session.
A motion to pay the bills was made by Trustee Roe, seconded by Trustee Quarino. Motion carried. AYES: Unanimous Bills were paid as written
General Fund Voucher No. 401-433 $ 16, 636.62
Water Fund Voucher No. 181-197 $ 4, 773.58
Sewer Fund Voucher No. 202-226 $ 14,937.02
NYC Fund Voucher 222-259 $ 39,456.14
A motion was made to adjourn the meeting by Trustee Mason, seconded by Deputy Mayor Reinshagen. Motion carried. AYES: Unanimous
The meeting was adjourned at 7:35.
Respectfully Submitted
Katherine E. Sparkes
Village of Hobart Clerk
