Village of Hobart
Monthly Board & Re-organizational Meeting
June 2nd, 2025, Minutes
The regular & re-organizational board meeting was called to order by Mayor Kaufman at 6:32 pm. Those present were Deputy Mayor Amy Reinshagen, Trustee Jim Quarino, Trustee Randy Roe, Treasurer Michelle Sicari, 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 Ayhan Dargin, Brooke Wood, Don Thomases, Lisa Coster.
Mayor Kaufman proceeded with Department Head reports.
Lucas McMullen (Superintendent of DPW) presented his report stating that Laynes had come and fixed the filter pump and the motor control. There was also a communication problem that was fixed. They also felt that the well needed to be cleaned.
Richi Horne (Chief Wastewater Plant Operator) presented her report next. She stated that she attended a safety fair. Lucas helped to repair the sludge tank butterfly valve. She went on to explain that more parts have been ordered to repair the slave unit. A module had cracked and was replaced with help from Lucas. Richi attended the New York Rural Water Conference. A new contact pump has been purchased and will be paid for by New York City. Lucas McMullen, Jake Palmatier, and Richi Horne attended training this month. Joey Kaufman will be retesting this week for his state license and Lucas McMullen will be taking his state license test on June 24th.
Kathy Duyer (Economic Development/ Business Alliance) spoke next. She invited everyone to attend their meetings held on the 4th Wednesday of the month at 5:15 at the Community Center. She gave an update concerning the upcoming Hobart History Day on July 19th. The banner is all ready to be put up. Don Thomases explained the Kisi are all set up and ready to go on the trails. He also mentioned that the 13th Annual Women's Writers Festival and Art Show will be here this weekend. Ayhan Dargin spoke next concerning the Hobart Farmers Market. He explained that he is trying to encourage more food vendors to attend the market. He is currently advertising online, and it is every Friday from 4-7pm.
Board Member Reports:
Trustee Jim Quarino (HAC) had nothing to report.
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) was absent from the meeting.
Trustee Jim Quarino (HAC Committee) brought to the board's attention that he has been receiving complaints concerning the weight room. He has received numerous complaints concerning the Reracking of weights. It was suggested an e-mail be sent to a member for the first offense and for the second offense a 30-day termination will take effect. The other complaint being received is about a particular member of the gym community who is using five pieces of equipment at the same time and not allowing other gym members to use them. It was also noted that the cleanliness of the gym is being maintained.
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 Deputy Mayor Reinshagen. Motion was carried. AYES: Unanimous
Old Business:
Water Plant Upgrade: Mayor Kaufman, DPW Lucas McMullen, and Treasurer Michelle Sicari attended a Zoom Meeting today with Laberge and key players who provide grants for water plants. Each key player of the grants shifted responsibility to another key player of the grants. Laberge is continuing to work with us to help us get the much-needed funding for the water plant.
Generator Project: Mayor Kaufman is continuing to review the contract provided to us from New York City.
Fire Cleanup of Main St. Property: Richard Briscoe (Code Enforcement Officer) stated that he met with the homeowner and hand delivered her a notice on May 14th. She has 30 days to respond to the notice. If the homeowner does not respond, the next step is to fine her. Mr. Briscoe stated the village has a rubbish and rubbish law which may be used in this situation. If this occurs, the homeowner will have to come before the mayor, who will serve as the judge and the board. Another avenue is to put a lean on her property if the village were to clean up the property. It is estimated that it would take $30,000.00 to clean up the property.
Eklund Well Cleaning: Mayor Kaufman reported this is being tabled.
Internal Repairs to Water plant: Mayor Kaufman reports this will take years to complete.
Tree Work to HAC: Tree work is scheduled to take place on June 15, 2025, and June 16, 2025.
Garbage in Village Parking Lot: Kathy contacted the homeowner, and the garbage is getting cleaned up.
Ball Field Upgrade: Spec Gx. chose to put the grant money towards this project. Fill will be brought in to improve the ball field.
HAC Roof: This is being tabled at this time
NYS State Sewer License Exam: Joseph Kaufman will be retaking his test June 4th. Lucas McMullen will be taking his test on June 24th.
Back Taxes/ Foreclosures: Mayor Kaufman states that the paperwork has been turned over to our new attorney Coughlin & Gerhart.
Community Center Upgrades: This project has been tabled until our contractor returns.
Tropical Storm Debbie Grant: Mayor Kaufman stated that this grant will continue to be on hold until further notice due to an executive order.
Speed Limit Change: Mayor Kaufman stated that the signs are in for the 15mph speed limit on Church Street, Pine Street, and Pearl Street by the ball field.
Grant Services for Water plant: We continue to work with LaBerge on these grants.
Concrete work at Courts: Bids were received for this project last month. Work will begin in the future on this project.
HAC Fencing: This project will not be occurring this year and will be scheduled for the future.
New Business:
Re-Organizational Information: Please see attached Appointments & Resolutions for 2025.
Sheffield Well Options: The Department of Environmental Conservation and the Department of Health say that you cannot use a well within 200 feet of a building. Laberge is looking at ways we might be able to be grandfathered in so we can use this well.
Floor Open for Community Participation: Ayhan Dargin shared that on May 10th or 11th he lost 4 chickens when 4 dogs came to his barn. Mayor Kaufman suggested going to the Town of Stamford and discussing with them what had happened.
Lisa Coster shared a concern about a neighbor who is blaring music at all hours of the night and that traffic is going in and out of this residence as well. She explained this happens between 3:00 and 4:00 in the morning. Mayor Kaufman explained the village cannot do anything about this. He suggested continuing to call the Sheriff's Department or the State Police.
Brooke Wood asked who Mayor Kaufman would be meeting with from the Department of Transportation as she had concerns about speeding on Main Street. She asked if speed study had been done and yes it had been done. She also asked about the placement of pedestrian signs on Main Street. The mayor explained that these signs have been smashed and demolished by motorists and can no longer be used. Brooke also asked about her sewer/water bill and the need for a sewer exemption because she was filling her swimming pool. The mayor suggested reaching out to Kathy if a sewer exemption is necessary.
There was no motion to go into the executive session.
A motion to pay the bills was made by Trustee Quarino seconded by Trustee Roe. Motion carried. AYES: Unanimous Bills were paid as written
General Fund Voucher No. 473-499 $ 6, 562.19
Water Fund Voucher No. 217-227 $ 1, 715.69
Sewer Fund Voucher No. 248-263 $ 7,147.18
NYC Fund Voucher 287-307 $ 18,652.21
A motion was made to adjourn the meeting by Trustee Roe, seconded by Deputy Mayor Reinshagen. Motion carried. AYES: Unanimous
The Meeting was adjourned at 8:15.
Respectfully submitted
Michelle Sicari
Village of Hobart Treasurer
APPOINTMENTS FOR 2025
VILLAGE OF HOBART- REORGANIZATIONAL MEETING
1. MAYOR KAUFMAN made a motion to appoint RBT CPA’S as Accountants for the Annual Report for the Village.
SECONDED BY: Trustee Roe
ON THE VOTE: All Ayes
2. MAYOR KAUFMAN made a motion to appoint as attorneys for the Village, Coughlin and Gerhart with regards to Fore-Closure related issues.
SECONDED BY: Trustee Quarino
ON THE VOTE: All Ayes
3. MAYOR KAUFMAN made a motion to appoint as attorneys for the Village, Coughlin and Gerhart as a needed basis for any issues that might arise.
SECONDED BY: Trustee Roe
ON THE VOTE: All Ayes
4. MAYOR KAUFMAN made a motion to appoint as Code Enforcement Officer for the Village, Richard Briscoe on a as needed basis for any issues that might arise.
SECONDED BY: Deputy Mayor Reinshagen
ON THE VOTE: All Ayes
5. MAYOR KAUFMAN made a motion to appoint LaBerge Engineering as the engineering firm for the Village.
SECONDED BY: Trustee Quarino
ON THE VOTE: All Ayes
6. MAYOR KAUFMAN made a motion to make appointments for the Planning Board and Zoning Board at a later date for the Village.
SECONDED BY: Deputy Mayor Reinshagen
ON THE VOTE: All Ayes
APPOINTMENTS FOR 2025
VILLAGE OF HOBART- REORGANIZATIONAL MEETING
7. MAYOR KAUFMAN made a motion to appoint Trustee Quarino to oversee the Hobart Activity Center for the Village.
SECONDED BY: Trustee Roe
ON THE VOTE: All Ayes
8. MAYOR KAUFMAN made a motion to appoint Trustee Roe to oversee the Streets and Roadways for the Village.
SECONDED BY: Deputy Mayor Reinshagen
ON THE VOTE: All Ayes
9. MAYOR KAUFMAN made a motion to appoint Trustee Mason to oversee the Hobart Fire/EMS Department.
SECONDED BY: Trustee Quarino
ON THE VOTE: All Ayes
10. MAYOR KAUFMAN made a motion to appoint Trustee Reinshagen to oversee the WWTP for the Village.
SECONDED BY: Trustee Roe
ON THE VOTE: All Ayes
11. MAYOR KAUFMAN made a motion to appoint Himself to oversee the Water Plant for the Village.
SECONDED BY: Deputy Mayor Reinshagen
ON THE VOTE: All Ayes
12. MAYOR KAUFMAN made a motion to appoint Trustee Reinshagen as Deputy Mayor for the Village.
SECONDED BY: Trustee Roe
ON THE VOTE: All Ayes
RESOLUTIONS FOR 2025
VILLAGE OF HOBART- REORGANIZATIONAL MEETING
RESOLUTION 2025-01: BONDING
Mayor Kaufman made a motion, that
BE IT RESOLVED BY the Village Board of the Village of Hobart that the Mayor is authorized to procure a blanket bonding to cover the Officers and Employees of the Village of Hobart.
SECONDED BY: Trustee Roe
ON THE VOTE: All Ayes
RESOLUTION 2025-02: OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER
Mayor Kaufman made a motion, that
BE IT RESOLVED, the Village Board of the Village of Hobart does hereby designate THE REPORTER as the official newspaper for the Village of Hobart.
FURTHER, BE IT RESOLVED, that in cases of emergency where a weekly publication does not afford sufficient notification, a daily publication be designated as official newspaper, that daily to be THE DAILY STAR.
SECONDED BY: Deputy Mayor Reinshagen
ON THE VOTE: All Ayes
RESOLUTION 2025-03: REIMBURSEMENT OF TRAINING
Mayor Kaufman made a motion, that
BE IT RESOLVED BY the Village Board of the Village of Hobart that all Officers and employees approved by the Village Board prior to attending conferences or training seminars, shall be reimbursed as follows:
1. Mileage: .70 cents per mile plus tolls. (Starting location is Village Office)
2. Course registration as allowed by the Village Board.
3. Up to $60.00 per day for meals. (excluding alcohol)
4. Hotel room cost if overnight.
FURTHER, BE IT RESOLVED, that all expenses are to be accompanied by proper documentation in forms of invoices and receipts.
SECONDED BY: Deputy Mayor Reinshagen
ON THE VOTE: All Ayes
RESOLUTIONS FOR 2025
VILLAGE OF HOBART- REORGANIZATIONAL MEETING
RESOLUTION 2025-04: MONTHLY MEETING REPORTS
Mayor Kaufman made a motion, that
WHEREAS, in order all Village Board members and the residents to be kept abreast of the workings of the Village Departments.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the following departments are required to submit monthly reports: Water, Sewer,Village Clerk, Village Treasurer, HAC, Fire, Planning, Zoning, Economic.
SECONDED BY: Trustee Roe
ON THE VOTE: All Ayes
RESOLUTION 2025-05: OFFICIAL VILLAGE BULLETIN BOARD
Mayor Kaufman made a motion, that
WHEREAS, it is incumbent upon the Village Board, Departments and Committees or otherwise to comply with the Open Meeting Laws and post all notices of meetings; and
WHEREAS, said postings should be readily accessible to the general public.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the bulletin board located in the hallway of the Village Office, NBT Bank of Hobart, and the Hobart Post Office will serve as the Official Bulletin Boards for postings.
FURTHER, BE IT RESOLVED, that all committees and boards shall post notices of meetings on said Boards in compliance with the Open Meeting Laws.
SECONDED BY: Deputy Mayor Reinshagen
ON THE VOTE: All Ayes
RESOLUTION 2025-06: MEETING NOTICE
Mayor Kaufman made a motion, that
WHEREAS, the Village Board recognizes the importance of public participation it its decision making; and
WHEREAS, the public be notified of all meetings to encourage their input and comply with the Open Meetings Law,
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Village Clerk, after notification of such meetings, will be responsible for posting the meeting notice on the Official Bulletin Boards.
FURTHER, BE IT RESOLVED, the Village Clerk is to keep a journal of the dates of posting and notification of the media if applicable.
SECONDED BY: Deputy Mayor Reinshagen
ON THE VOTE: All Ayes
RESOLUTIONS FOR 2025
VILLAGE OF HOBART- REORGANIZATIONAL MEETING
RESOLUTION 2025-07: VILLAGE BOARD MEETINGS
Mayor Kaufman made a motion, that
BE IT RESOLVED BY, the Village Board of the Village of Hobart that the regular Village Board Meetings are to be held on the first Monday of every month at 6:30pm at the Community Center located at 80 Cornell Ave, Hobart NY 13788.
FURTHER, BE IT RESOLVED, the Village Clerk is instructed to send notice of this resolution to the Village Official Newspaper.
SECONDED BY: Trustee Quarino
ON THE VOTE: All Ayes
RESOLUTION 2025-08: DEPOSITORIES
Mayor Kaufman made a motion, that
BE IT RESOLVED BY, the Village Board of the Village of Hobart that NBT Bank and Delaware National Bank be designated as Village depositories in which all Village Officers shall deposit all monies coming into their hands by virtue of their offices.
SECONDED BY: Trustee Roe
ON THE VOTE: All Ayes
RESOLUTION 2025-09: RETURNED CHECKS
Mayor Kaufman made a motion, that
BE IT RESOLVED BY, the Village Board of the Village of Hobart imposes a $35.00 fee against all checks tendered for payment and returned for insufficient funds.
SECONDED BY: Trustee Quarino
ON THE VOTE: All Ayes
RESOLUTION 2025-10: CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS
Mayor Kaufman made a motion, that
BE IT RESOLVED BY, the Village Board of the Village of Hobart imposes an additional 5% fee when using credit cards for payments made to the Village.
SECONDED BY: Trustee Roe
ON THE VOTE: All Ayes
RESOLUTIONS FOR 2025
VILLAGE OF HOBART- REORGANIZATIONAL MEETING
RESOLUTION 2025-11: TAX COLLECTION
Mayor Kaufman made a motion, that
BE IT RESOLVED BY, the Village Board of the Village of Hobart that the Tax Collecting Officer (Village Clerk and Village Treasurer) deposit all monies received in an interest-bearing account.
SECONDED BY: Trustee Quarino
ON THE VOTE: All Ayes
RESOLUTION 2025-12: PETTY CASH
Mayor Kaufman made a motion, that
BE IT RESOLVED BY, the Village Board of the Village of Hobart that petty cash fund be established for the Village Clerks Office in the amount of $50.00.
SECONDED BY: Deputy Mayor Reinshagen
ON THE VOTE: All Ayes
RESOLUTION 2025-13: PURCHASING POLICY
Mayor Kaufman made a motion, that
BE IT RESOLVED BY, the Village Board of the Village of Hobart to adopt the Purchasing Policy set forth in the Procurement P/P Manual.
SECONDED BY: Deputy Mayor Reinshagen
ON THE VOTE: All Ayes
RESOLUTION 2025-14: HOURS OF OPERATION
Mayor Kaufman made a motion, that
BE IT RESOLVED BY, the Village Board of the Village of Hobart to establish the following hours of operation for the Village Clerks Office.
Monday- Thursday 8:00AM-12:00 PM / 1:00-3:30PM (CLOSED ON FRIDAYS)
SECONDED BY: Trustee Roe
ON THE VOTE: All Ayes
RESOLUTIONS FOR 2025
VILLAGE OF HOBART- REORGANIZATIONAL MEETING
RESOLUTION 2025-15: PAYMENT OF CLAIMS IN ADVANCE OF AUDIT
Mayor Kaufman made a motion, that
WHEREAS, the Village of Hobart incurs charges for certain services which from time to time are audited by the Village Board for payment after the due date; and
WHEREAS, as a result of said audit late charges can be assessed or the services not rendered,
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Village Board of the Village of Hobart authorizes the Village Treasurer to pay all bills recieved for electric, telephone, gas, fuel oil, as well as postage charges in advance of audit claims.
SECONDED BY: Deputy Mayor Reinshagen
ON THE VOTE: All Ayes
