Village of Hobart
Monthly Board Meeting
May 5th, 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 Darian Argyan, Donna M. Arnone, Brooke Wood, and Elizabeth Delfalco from the Walton Reporter.
Mayor Kaufman proceeded with Department Head reports.
Lucas McMullen (Superintendent of DPW) presented his report stating that the sander is off the truck, has been cleaned up and put away for the summer months. Two sections of streets are left to be swept.
Richi Horne (Chief Wastewater Plant Operator) presented her report next. She stated that that the four air compressors have been serviced. Tech support spent two days at the plant working on the microfilters and the annual inspection of the microfilters has been completed. Two speed drives were purchased through Aqualogics Systems, Inc. DEP inspection was completed. The slave has been put on manual since its malfunction. There is a broken valve that is being worked on our end of the building. The valve is located in a holding tank. Joey Kaufman has a new test date of June 5th, 2025, for his state license and Lucas still does not have a test date currently.
Kathy Duyer (Economic Development/ Business Alliance) spoke next. She gave an update concerning the upcoming Hobart History Day on July 19th. The historical society will be having an open house. A panel discussion and a village scavenger hunt have been added to the list of events for the day. Kathy then asked about the status of the banner application. Mayor Kaufman said that the application has been submitted and that the Village is just waiting for approval.
Board Member Reports:
Trustee Jim Quarino (HAC) reported that he has contacted a commercial roofing company who will be pricing out the cost of a new roof.
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. He will be meeting with Joyce Barber tomorrow to discuss how things are going with the fitness center.
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 Trustee Quarino, seconded by Deputy Mayor Reinshagen. 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 Mason. Motion was carried. AYES: Unanimous
Old Business:
Water Plant Upgrade: Mayor Kaufman stated we are continuing to work with Laberge. The Laberge engineers are currently working on designs and will provide updates as they become available.
Generator Project: Mayor Kaufman stated that the contract for the generator has been received from New York City, and he is currently reviewing it.
Fire Cleanup of Main St. Property: Richard Briscoe (Code Enforcement Officer) stated that a letter was sent on April 14, 2025 to the homeowner. The letter states that the homeowner has 30 days to respond. At the time of the meeting the 30 days were not up. Briscoe explained the next step is a fine and if necessary, an appearance ticket would be issued.
Eklund Well Cleaning: Mayor Kaufman reported this is being tabled until the summer.
Weight Limit on Maple Ave. Bridge Mayor Kaufman and Lucas McMullen (Superintendent of DPW) met last Thursday with Engineering Department Personnel of Delaware County. The storm drains are washing down the bank, but no structural damage was noted. It was suggested that a higher pipe go out to the stream. It was decided that there is no need to restrict the weight limit on the bridge at this time.
Internal Repairs to Water plant: Lucas McMullen (Superintendent of DPW) stated that parts have been ordered, and they are just waiting for them to arrive.
NYS State Sewer License Exam: Joseph Kaufman will be retaking his test in June. To date Lucas McMullen does not have a test date.
Back Taxes/ Foreclosures: Mayor Kaufman states that the attorney that was hired has now taken a job with a new law firm. To complete the job begun by the previous attorney Coughlin & Gerhart who have a law office in Walton have been hired.
Community Center Upgrades: Chip Myers has completed the flooring in the Men's bathroom. He will complete the woman’s bathroom next. The board agreed to have him complete the flooring in the meeting area of the community center too.
Tropical Storm Debbie Grant: Mayor Kaufman stated that this grant is 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.
New Business:
Spectrum Contract Vote: Mayor Kaufman asked for acceptance of the contract. A motion was made by Deputy Mayor Reinshagen, seconded by Trustee Roe. Motion was carried. AYES: Unanimous
Grant Service Proposals: A letter was received from LaBerge concerning additional grants that could be applied for the Water plant. Three grants were discussed. Each grant included an application fee ranging from $9,500.00 to $11,500.00.
Tree Work at HAC: Our insurance company suggested removing 4 trees due to safety concerns. A quote of $11,000.00 was provided for this project.
Finish Work of Basketball/Pickleball Courts: Bids have been received for this project ranging from $ 14,900 to $16,500.
Reorganizational Meeting: This meeting will take place at the June Village Board Meeting.
HAC Fencing: Mayor Kaufman states that this project will cost the village $ 27,000.00 to complete.
Garbage in Parking Lot: A dumpster belonging to the Pillars is on Village property. A pile of garbage is also in the parking lot, and Code Enforcement Officer Richard Briscoe gave the homeowner until Friday to remove it. The Clerk will contact the homeowner to have the dumpster removed off village property immediately,
Floor Open for Community Participation: Brooke Wood provided an update concerning the speed limit radar signs. She spoke with the company (Elan City) which created the signs, and to get them put on State Highway 10, the face plates would need to be changed to the correct color. The cost of this is $543.00 per unit. Brooke will forward the e-mails to the village for our records.
Code Enforcement Officer Richard Briscoe provided an update that the reroofing project for Mallinckrodt has been approved, and they are expected to begin this project May 17th. The project is expected to be completed in September.
Kathy Duyer of the Business Alliance asked for permission to park two food trucks in the community center parking lot for Hobart History Day on July 19th.
There was no motion to go into executive session.
A motion to pay the bills was made by Trustee Mason, seconded by Trustee Roe. Motion carried. AYES: Unanimous Bills were paid as written
General Fund Voucher No. 434-472 $ 27, 576.31
Water Fund Voucher No. 198-216 $ 8, 419.13
Sewer Fund Voucher No. 227-247 $ 5,656.17
NYC Fund Voucher 260-286 $ 31,288.32
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 7:10.
Respectfully Submitted
Michelle Sicari
Village Treasurer
