Village of Hobart
Monthly Board Meeting
October 5, 2026, Minutes
The regular board meeting was called to order by Mayor Kaufman at 6:26 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 Inna Sobel, Ayhan Dargin, Don Thomases, and Donna M. Arnone.
Mayor Kaufman proceeded with Department Head reports.
Lucas McMullen (Superintendent of DPW) stated that Cornell Avenue and Railroad Avenue were paved and that on Wednesday, October 7th these roads would be oiled and stoned to seal them. The DPW crew has been busy preparing equipment for the winter months.
Richi Horne (Chief Wastewater Plant Operator) shared that the UV bulbs and sleeves have been changed in the microfilter room. Muthigs Plumbing and Heating have added an outside air intake, and the plant is ready to go with heating season. Two new tires had to be purchased to replace a tire blowout on the sludge truck. On the Colombus Day weekend, the sludge truck is being repaired. Richi has been working closely with PARR Health to streamline a permit. She provided paperwork to the Board to review from Lamont Engineers to help with questioning as PARR Health is requesting more information about the limits on the current permit. Work has been completed in the South Kortright receiving pit. Dans Septic cleaned the solids out of the bottom and completed a valve check. As far as the generator project, there was no good response from the engineer. A quarterly DEP inspection has been scheduled for Wednesday and on Thursday Jake Palmatier, Lucas McMullen, and Richi Horne will be attending training in Sidney.
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 the Architect has been paid by Joyce and Dave Barber for the drawings of new bathroom facilities.
Zoning Board- No Report
Planning Board- No Report
Fire Department- Josh Mason shared that an electric vehicle plug has been purchased. This device is plugged in, turned on, and disarms an entire vehicle. Mr. Mason shared that the airpack service company had come to service the airpacks and it was discovered that the four airpacks in the rescue truck are outdated. It was suggested that grants be investigated to replace the airpacks. The washer and dryer used to clean turnout gear is in the process of being moved to the back of the firehouse. Mr. Mason shared that the area where the most recent house fire started is known, but due to the condition of the house, the cause is unknown.
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 Mason. Motion was carried. AYES: Unanimous
Mayor Kaufman asked for approval of minutes from the last meeting. A motion was made by Trustee Quarino, seconded by Trustee Roe. Motion was carried. AYES: Unanimous
Old Business:
Water Plant Upgrade: Mayor Kaufmas explained that he had been on the phone with Ron from the LaBerge Group regarding the well redevelopment bids. Last month the board passed a resolution for Layne Christensen Company to do the work. After the Mayor spoke with Ron, the board will have to reject all bids and start the bidding process over again or accept the bid from Surface Technologies. After speaking with Lucas, the board unanimously agreed to reject all the bids and start the bidding process over again. A resolution to do so was passed.
Generator Project: Richi Horne (Chief Wastewater Plant Operator) explained that the lowest bidder was vetted by the engineer. After the contract had been signed, the generator was to be ordered. It was later found out by the electrical engineer has discovered the lowest bidder had not paid for three previous generators and therefore the company has refused to accept the order for our generator. To date, our generator has not been ordered. The Board decided to terminate the contract with the lowest bidder and put it out for re-bid. NYC has informed the village that a re-bid is necessary.
Fire Cleanup of Main St. Property: Mayor Kaufman shared that the next court date is Tuesday, October 13th at 4:00.
Street Work: Lucas McMullen (Superintendent of DPW) provided an update earlier in the meeting during his report.
Expansion of Fitness Center: Trustee Quarino had no new updates at this time.
Back Taxes/ Foreclosures: Clerk Katherine Sparkes shared an update with the board. One property is settled, and the rest remain in the foreclosure process.
Comprehensive Plan: This process will continue when the planning board reconvenes.
2nd Fire Property: There are no new updates to report at this time.
New Business:
None
Floor Open for Community Participation:
Inna Sobel inquired about the New York Forward Main Street grant. She said Western Catskills would be willing to help write a grant, and she could provide the contact information. Mayor Kaufman asked her to give the information to the clerk.
Don Thomases inquired about the fencing project. The Mayor explained this project may not get done this year due to the weather and finding the time in everyone's schedule to complete the project. Don Thomases reminded everyone there of the Community Clean up Day scheduled for Saturday, October 10th at 8:30 am. Refreshments will be served following the cleanup at 40 Cornell Avenue. Mr. Thomases inquired about the ash trees and to date no one had contacted the clerk. Ayhan Dargin offered to help with the ash trees by clearing them and taking them away.
A discussion ensued about the possibility of a Veterans Cornhole Tournament but, it was immediately discovered that at this time no one is available to take on the responsibility of coordinating such an event at this time.
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. 143-179 $ 98,844.11
Water Fund Voucher No. 63-73 $ 9,110.36
Sewer Fund Voucher No. 68-78 $ 11,720.90
NYC Fund Voucher No. 69-80 $ 14,014.97
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
