Village of Hobart
Monthly Board Meeting
September 14, 2026, Minutes
The regular board meeting was called to order by Mayor Kaufman at 6:33 p.m. Those present were Deputy Mayor Amy Reinshagen, Trustee Jim Quarino, Trustee Randy Roe, Trustee Kayla Mason, Clerk Katherine Sparkes, and Treasurer Michelle Sicari. Community members present were Chris Kaufman, Ralph & Nancy Beisler, Don Thomases, and Donna M. Arnone.
Mayor Kaufman proceeded with Department Head reports.
Lucas McMullen (Superintendent of DPW) was not present at the meeting and no report was available.
Richi Horne (Chief Wastewater Plant Operator) was not present at the meeting, but Mayor Kaufman presented the report she had left for the board. A cybersecurity webinar and an operator’s ethics webinar was watched for renewal training. Richi attended an EPA inspection at PARR Health and the inspection went well. Joseph Kaufman was added to the 4th spot on the dialer. Two new tires had to be purchased for the sludge truck after a tire blew on the way back from Walton. W20 brought back tower mixing pumps and reinstalled them in the wet weather towers. With regards to the generator project, the 1st place bidder continues to be on hold. Richi requested that the board move to use the 2nd place bidder to continue the project. A motion was made by Trustee Roe to move to use the 2nd place bidder for the generator project and was seconded by Deputy Mayor Reinshagen. Motion was carried. AYES: Unanimous
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 (Hobart Fire/EMS) had nothing to report.
Trustee Jim Quarino (HAC Committee) shared that he has received the architect's drawings and will need to meet with the committee to approve the drawings.
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 Roe, 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 Mason, seconded by Deputy Mayor Reinshagen. Motion was carried. AYES: Unanimous
Old Business:
Water Plant Upgrade: Mayor Kaufman explained that a resolution was on the board agenda tonight under new business in regards to the redevelopment of the well. LaBerge shared their recommendation for the award of the Maple Avenue test well evaluation. This was discussed at greater length under new business.
Generator Project: Mayor Kaufman shared the update earlier in the meeting during the department head reports.
Fire Cleanup of Main St. Property: Mayor Kaufman and Code Enforcement Officer Richard Briscoe attended court on September 14th, 2026, at 4:00 where the case was postponed by the judge because of a no show due to sickness of the homeowner. Mayor Kaufman then referenced the Village of Hobart Local Law Titled: Brush, Grass, Rubbish, and Weed Control. He explained the steps that had been taken to date. He then referenced section # 9 of the law: “Failure to comply”. It states, When a homeowner does not comply, a hearing is to occur in front of the Village board and be conducted by the Village Mayor. All board members agreed that we should proceed with setting up such hearing. Mayor Kaufman will be looking into whether the court supersedes this law, or if we can move forward with such.
Street Work: Mayor Kaufman shared that Suite-Kote will be here on Wednesday, September 16th or Thursday, September 17th to complete paving on Cornell Avenue and Railroad Avenue.
Expansion of Fitness Center: Trustee Quarino provided an update earlier in the meeting and can be found under the HAC Committee section of the minutes.
Back Taxes/ Foreclosures: Clerk Katherine Sparkes shared an update with the board. One property has been completely paid off, leaving 4 properties. Two of the four properties are dormant and will end up in foreclosure at the end of October.
Comprehensive Plan: This process will continue next month when the planning board reconvenes.
New Business:
Resolution for Well Redevelopment: Mayor Kaufman shared that Layne Christensen had come in at the lowest bid of $106,500, but, according to LaBerge had failed to include a total of 45 hours for the work. Mayor Kaufman spoke with Layne Christensen, who was still willing to do it at the price they had quoted. The second lowest bidder was Subsurface Technologies Incorporated at a bid of $110,655. The board felt Layne Christensen was the company to go with because they know the water system at the Village and are the company that comes out and does repairs when necessary. They are also the company who drilled the current well in question several years ago when this project started. A motion was made by Trustee Roe and seconded by Deputy Mayor Reinshagen to approved Layne Christensen Company as the company to complete the redevelopment of the well. Mayor Kauman will check with NYCOM to ensure that we can legally proceed in this manner, or if we would have to re-bid. AYES: Unanimous
2nd Fire Property: A second fire within the Village of Hobart occurred on September 9th, 2026. It appears the homeowner had a sister and brother in Schenectady, so the Village is waiting to see where the property will end up with regards to cleanup.
Floor Open for Community Participation:
Donna M. Arnone asked that when Cornell Avenue is paved can no parking lanes be painted by the Book Village Inn. Mayor Kaufman shared that is something that has been discussed with the board including the side of the street from the corner of Main to the Firehouse.
Ralph Beisler inquired about the well redevelopment. Mayor Kaufman explained that we got grant money several years ago, drilled a test well, and is hoping to get it online next. Mayor Kaufman shared that Superintendent of DPW Lucas McMullen is spending at least three hours a day at the water plant to keep it going.
Don Thomases inquired about the fence around the pickleball and basketball court. Mayor Kaufman explained that the work would be done by the DPW workers, Mayor Kaufman, Trustee Roe, and Trustee Quarino. He also explained that there were other projects and issues that are going on that take priority over the fence project. Hopes are to get it down in October if time and weather permits. Don inquired as to whether volunteers could be used to help make the fencing project happen. Mr. Thomases shared that five more historical signs will be put up in the village. He also shared a picture with the board about ash trees that were blocking a sign, and a township resident Collin Miller was interested in removing them for the Village. Mayor Kaufman asked Mr. Thomases to have Mr. Miller contact the Village Office about this.
There was no motion to go into the executive session.
A motion to pay the bills was made by Deputy Mayor Reinshagen, seconded by Trustee Mason. Motion carried. AYES: Unanimous Bills were paid as written.
General Fund Voucher No. 88-142 $ 50,069.43
Water Fund Voucher No. 39-62 $ 56,028.58
Sewer Fund Voucher No. 44-67 $ 19,428.02
NYC Fund Voucher No. 45-68 $ 9,205.17
A motion was made to adjourn the meeting at 7:45 by Trustee Roe, seconded by Trustee Quarino. Motion carried. AYES: Unanimous
Respectfully Submitted
Michelle Sicari
Village of Hobart Treasurer