November 2008 Minutes

November 17, 2008

The meeting of the Cherry Valley Village Board was opened at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Jeffrey S. Stiles. In attendance were Trustees Kevin J. Flint and Edward A. Harvey, Clerk-Treasurer Dorothy E. Johnson, DPW Superintendent Kelly J. Wright, and Planning Board Chairman Tim Horvath.

MINUTES

The first item on the agenda was the approval of the minutes, as sent to all board members in written form.
It was upon motion of Trustee Flint, seconded by Trustee Harvey, unanimously carried,
RESOLVED, to dispense with the reading of the minutes and approve as written.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Fund Checking Account Balance
Village General Fund $116,319.64
Water Fund 7,468.09
Total Fund $123,787.73
Trust & Agency Fund $ 285.52

Fund Savings Account
Water System Repair Reserve $ 1,260.92
Cemetery Capital Reserve 12,699.75
Unemployment Insurance Reserve 6,922.63
Equipment Reserve 2,869.54
Capital Water Debt Service Reserve 48,231.47
Parks & Recreation Reserve 1,905.84
Sidewalk Repair/Replacement 529.35


Unpaid Taxes Unpaid Water
Billed 10/1/08 $13,119.22 Unpaid 10/1/08 $11,563.06
Paid in Oct. 4,300.01 Paid in Oct. 963.60
Paid in Nov. 495.32 Billed in Oct. 178.22
Returned to county $ 8,323.89 Unpaid 11/1/08 $10,777.68


It was upon motion of Trustee Harvey, seconded by Trustee Flint, unanimously carried to accept the report as read. Board members signed the affidavit to be returned to the county.

LAFLER BUILDING

Tim Horvath said he will be salvaging the former Lafler building, 27 Main Street and would like to build plywood walls around the building while working. Board members agreed that he must leave at least three feet of the sidewalk clear. Also, narrow walkway and caution signs must be in place at each end and around the walls, clearly marking the area.

PLANNING BOARD

Members

Horvath, as Chairman of the Planning Board has requested the board be reduced from 7 to 5 members. A motion was made by Trustee Harvey, seconded by Trustee Flint, carried,
RESOLVED to decrease the number of members on the Planning Board from 7 to 5 in April when a new appointment would be made. P.J. Shelley will remain as an alternate.

Comprehensive Plan

Tim reviewed the beginning of a draft of the Comprehensive Plan with board members. The Planning Board will go over items that were pointed out by the board.

INSURANCE CLAIM – M. Crandall

A representative from the village’s insurance met with Superintendent Wright, the company has set aside a reserve in the event they do pay. Nothing further has been heard from either party.

STREET SIGNS

Trustee Flint was asked to make an additional sign showing where the Department of Public Works shop is (on 56 Main Street).
The Superintendent said he needs to take an inventory of signs.

ELECTION – Vacancies/Polling Place/Date

As the positions of Trustee Flint and Mayor Stiles are due to expire on the day before the first Monday of April 2009, it is
HEREBY RESOLVED, due to the Village Election Day falling on St. Patrick’s and per state regulation, the election has been changed from March 17th to Wednesday, March 18, 2009, and it was
FURTHER RESOLVED, the election will be held at the Village Clerk’s office, 2 Genesee Street, and it was
FURTHER RESOLVED, the offices vacant for election are:

Mayor – Four Year Term
Trustee – Four Year Term

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

Large Decorations – The permit has been sent to National Grid to hang the decorations, which the DPW will do after Thanksgiving.

Small Baskets – A Rose is a Rose will make up the baskets for the village.

Candy and Oranges – The Clerk purchased the candy bars from the CV Firemen’s Auxiliary @ 30 cents a bar. Oranges have been ordered from the Worcester FFA.
Santa in Park – Santa will be in the village park on Christmas Eve at 7 pm. Board members need to find someone to help out with this.

Tree – Superintendent Wright is to make a stand and get it in place before the ground freezes so it can be put in as deep and sturdy as possible.

COMPLAINTS – Sidewalks, Leaves, Ditch

Mayor Stiles checked on the ditch by the Herr, Church Street residence and found it is in need of cleaning. Also, the Mayor told the Superintendent to clear out under the driveway with a rake when he is cleaning the ditch.

DPW

Genesee Street Sidewalk – The Superintendent reported the sidewalk is complete except for backfilling the sides. Mayor Stiles said he would like this done before snow.

Leaf Pickup – Superintendent Wright is still picking up leaves. The leaf machine had broken down and new bearings had to be put in. Also, the impeller is going to need replacement soon as well as the hose. The Mayor said to go ahead and get the parts, except the hose (which will have to wait for the next budget) and get the leafer rebuilt and ready to go during the winter months.

TREE – Plant in park – The Superintendent is to get the tree that was original purchase for a Christmas tree, planted in Alden Park before winter.

Jackets/Shirts – It was decided to have the Superintendent and full time laborer purchase car-hart jackets of their choice and be reimbursed by the village. The village will have them embroidered. Shirts have been ordered from National Pastimes and should be ready soon.

Water Line – George – The Superintendent has been working on the water line for the new home that will be put in on Railroad Avenue. Mr. George will be billed for parts.

Shop Roof – Mayor Stiles said he has the materials to do a temporary repair to the Quonset building roof.

Town Help with Snow Removal – The Mayor has spoken with Town Supervisor Tom Garretson who has offered the town’s help with the clean up of snow this winter so we do not have to hire outside help. They will also help the village with paving again next summer. In turn, he informed all that the village will help the town with keeping the intersections clear, clean up by the town owned Health Center and clearing of some of small streets when needed. Board members told the Superintendent to get the plow on the truck now so it is ready when needed.

SMSI GRANT

Mayor Stiles said a committee is to be appointed to this project in order to proceed. Board members and the Clerk discussed the possibility of not going any further with this for a number of reasons. If the village does not pursue the project, the money will not be spent by the state The New York State Conference of Mayors feels it is best not to consolidate as well.
The Mayor will speak to former Mayor Brigham, who has been working on the matter for his input.

INSURANCE

Michael Hutcherson, SEFCU (formerly the Colonial Agency) has submitted a proposal for renewal of the insurance policy, to be renewed in January. Board members will review and bring to the next meeting. Maggie Gage, Gates – Cole agent, has not yet submitted her proposal.

SIDEWALK CLEARING

Board members would like to have included in the next news letter that the sidewalk clearing is a courtesy of the village to the taxpayer. The property owners are actually responsible for the clearing of the sidewalks adjacent to their properties, though the village has chosen to help.


AUDIT OF CLAIMS

After review by the board, it was upon motion of Trustee Flint, seconded Trustee Harvey, unanimously carried,
Resolved, to make payment on bills and transfer of appropriations as follows:

General Fund Ch #’s 7467 - 7511 $15,679.03
Water Fund “ “ 3,922.64
Total Fund $19,671.67
Trust & Agency Fund Ch #’s 1420 -1423 $ 1,538.87

Transfer of Appropriations

From To
A9060.8 $1,000.00 A5110.1 $1,000.00
F9060.8 $1,162.00 F8340.1 $1,162.00




ADJOURNMENT
It was upon motion of Trustee Harvey, seconded by Trustee Flint, unanimously carried to close the meeting at 8:50 pm.

Respectfully Submitted,


Dorothy E. Johnson
Clerk-Treasurer
November 20, 2008

October Minutes

October 28, 2008

The meeting of the Cherry Valley Village Board was opened at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Jeffrey S. Stiles. In attendance were Trustee Kevin J. Flint, Trustee Edward Harvey, Clerk-Treasurer Dorothy E. Johnson, Loretta and Kenny Herr, Thomas and Tammy George, and Patti Engel.

MINUTES

The first item on the agenda was the approval of the minutes, as sent to all board members in written form.
It was upon motion of Trustee Harvey, seconded by Trustee Flint, unanimously carried,
RESOLVED, to dispense with the reading of the minutes and approve as written.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Fund Checking Account Balance
Village General Fund $134,792.61
Water Fund 10,591.02
Total Fund $145,383.63
Trust & Agency Fund -0-

Fund Savings Account
Water System Repair Reserve $ 1,259.77
Cemetery Capital Reserve 12,688.17
Unemployment Insurance Reserve 6,916.32
Equipment Reserve 2,866.92
Capital Water Debt Service Reserve 48,187.49
Parks & Recreation Reserve 3,606.13
Sidewalk Repair/Replacement 529.35


Unpaid Taxes Unpaid Water
Billed 9/1/08 $15,560.14 Unpaid 9/1/08 $13,990.52
Paid in Sept. 2,605.00 Paid in Sept. 2,605.00
Unpaid 10/1/08 $11,563.06 Billed in Sept. 177.54
Unpaid 10/1/08 $11,563.06

It was upon motion of Trustee Flint, seconded by Trustee Harvey, unanimously carried to accept the report as read.


MODULAR HOME – George, Railroad Ave.

Thomas and Tammy George attended the meeting for approval to install a modular home on Railroad Avenue. Board members reviewed the plans and told Mr. and Mrs. George that to make sure all of the county rules are met, there are a few local laws that may apply as well as and a permit must be filled out and paid for. The Clerk will send them the necessary paperwork.

COMPLAINTS – Sidewalks, Leaves, Ditch

Loretta Herr complained about poor conditions of some of the sidewalks. She said her daughter had fallen with her scooter near Claudine Haig’s, 45 Genesee Street home. She said there is a hole in the sidewalk and according to Claudine it had been reported in the past. No one present had heard of any former complaints. The Trustees had checked on it and found a ridge where the driveway meets the sidewalk. The board will have the Superintendent patch the area with cold mix. Mrs. Herr then complained about the hole in front of Donna Laymon’s 31 Genesee Street home, which the Superintendent is to check on and repair if needed. Also, Mrs. Herr mentioned the fact that her son in-law had twisted his leg on the sidewalk in front of 18 Genesee Street, where a new sidewalk is being put in place.
Mrs. Herr said she is worried about all of the piles of leaves being left with Halloween coming this week.
Then Mrs. Herr said that the ditch in front of her home on 37 Church Street has not been cleaned. Mayor Stiles said he would take a look at it, as he and former Mayor Brigham had in the past. He did note that the ditch could not be dug much deeper. While he is there he will inspect her culvert also.
Mrs. Herr said she feels the Superintendent is not doing his job adequately.
Mayor Stiles said he and the trustees are working on improving the image of the village, with a more aggressive plan to re-do sidewalks and streets. Trustee Harvey told Mrs. Herr that the biggest of problem is lack of funds and now manpower, as the laborer quit on October 15th.

MUNICIPAL BUILDING/ARTWORKS/LEGION

Patti Engel attended the meeting upon request of the board to discuss the possibility of Artwork’s leasing the Village Hall/Municipal Building at 44 Main Street. Mrs. Engel said they have a backer who will pay $7,000 toward a new septic system, which will cover a lot of the cost. Also, they are in the process of obtaining 150 theater chairs. They are interested in basically the theater portion of the building, but would like to have the entire building up to code. The board told Mrs. Engel that most of the $45,000 grant from the NY Power Authority is earmarked for this building.
Mrs. Engel said that if they only have the theater and not the entire building, they are not required to have a sprinkler system, per a former code officer. If the village maintains the entire building, they do not have to have the sprinkler system. The Board agreed that they would like to have a 15 year lease between the village and Artworks and are willing to work with them to make the joint venture best for all concerned. Mrs. Engel will take the information back to their board for consideration. She further stated that their plans are to have live theater, music, movies, readings, etc.
The Village and Legion are planning on entering into an agreement where the American Legion can lease their rooms for a 15 year period at one dollar a year. The village will budget a $500 donation to the legion as well.
The legion will pay their own utilities.


QUONSET BUILDING – ADJACENT LAND

The Clerk is waiting for a copy of the deed of Sandra Bridger (Swatling). All other paperwork has been faxed to Kevin Yerdon. Mayor Brigham said he will speak to Mike Swatling again about getting the deed.

STATE LINE ITEM S

Sidewalk Grant – This project is near completion.

Rebekah Lodge –Nothing to report.

CHIPS

Maiden Lane and part of Maple Lane

Work has been completed by the Towns of Cherry Valley and Sharon Springs. The Clerk sent letters of appreciation to both.

EMPIRE STATE DEVELOPMENT – Restore Program

The Clerk met with Lynn Bass, Empire State Development regarding the Restore New York program. The program is designed to restore “Main Street” buildings that are on the tax roll and that will remain on the tax roll and that are at least 51% vacant. The Village must pass a resolution to enable property owners to apply for the grant. One property owner is definitely interested and will email the information to the Clerk that she has.

CEMETERY – Lot Sold, Deed Signed

Thomas & Debra Bowen, Four Cremation lots, Sect. B2, Lot 9 e, f, g, & h.

INSURANCE CLAIM – Crandall

Mark Crandall’s wife reported that Mark had twisted his leg on a portion of the new sidewalk on Genesee Street. The Clerk contacted the insurance company who will meet with Superintendent Wright this week to investigate the incident.

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

The board asked the Clerk to contact the Planning Board to have a representative meet with them at the next meeting to review the updated plan.

LABORER/PART TIME LABORER

Upon Kelly Finch quit, the board has been accepting applications and interviewing applicants. After discussion, it was upon motion of Trustee Flint, seconded Trustee Harvey, unanimously carried,
RESOLVED to hire David Hajczewski at a rate of $11.50 per hour, with no medical insurance and with a $1.00 increase after he receives his Class C Water Certification. Mr. Hajczewski has turned down the medical insurance coverage and was told by board members that he may get it in the future, with a wage adjustment, and it was
FURTHER RESOLVED, to have Superintendent hire a temporary laborer at a rate of $10 per hour to fill in until Mr. Hajczewski can begin work. All Board members also offered their help.

COMMUNITY GRANT – Walmart

As it doesn’t appear we are going to get any funding from the Community Grant, it was upon motion of Trustee Harvey, seconded by Trustee Flint, unanimously carried,
RESOLVED to transfer $1,171.30 from the Parks and Recreation Savings to the General Fund to cover expenses made from improvements to the Little League field.

AUDIT OF CLAIMS

After review by the board, it was upon motion of Trustee Flint, seconded Trustee Harvey, unanimously carried,
Resolved, to make payment on bills and amend the budget as follows:

General Fund Ch #’s 7402 - 7466 $34,840.22
Water Fund “ “ 5,615.72
Total Fund $40,455.94
Trust & Agency Fund Ch #’s 1414 - 1419 $ 1,953.00

Budget Amendments

From To To
Little League $ 285.00 A7111.4 $285.00 A2705 $285.00
Concessions 207.25 A7111.4 207.25 A2705 207.25
Concessions 40.00 A7111.4 40.00 A2705 40.00
Parks & Rec. Savings 1,171.30 A7111.4 1,1781.30 A2705 1,171.30




ADJOURNMENT
It was upon motion of Trustee Harvey, seconded by Trustee Flint, unanimously carried to close the meeting at 8:45 pm.

Respectfully Submitted,


Dorothy E. Johnson
Clerk-Treasurer
November 5, 2008