July 20, 2009

The meeting of the Cherry Valley Village Board opened at 7:00 p.m. with Mayor Jeffrey S. Stiles presiding. In attendance were Trustee Kevin J. Flint, Trustee Edward A. Harvey, Clerk-Treasurer Dorothy E. Johnson, DPW Superintendent Kelly J. Wright, Marty Field, Michael Fox, Jane Sapinsky, Patti Engel, and Peter Freehafer.

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 $145,242.25
Water Fund 8,618.81
Total Fund $153,861.06
Trust & Agency Fund $ -0-


Fund Savings Account
Water System Repair Reserve $ 1,264.10
Cemetery Capital Reserve 12,731.74
Unemployment Insurance Reserve 6,940.07
Equipment Reserve 2,876.76
Capital Water Debt Service Reserve 44,349.60
Parks & Recreation Reserve 3,091.37
Sidewalk Repair/Replacement 531.17

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

CEMETERY
Lots Sold, Deeds signed:

Neil & Joann Bowen James Johnson/Armitstead Thomas & Debra Bowen
Two Cremation lots One Grave Lot Four Cremation lots
Sect B2, Lots 82a, d,e,f,g Sect. D, Lot 51d Sect. B2, Lots 82a, a&b
(Lot relocated)

Rules

Mike Fox spoke in regards to the removal of dirt at the grave site when performing burials. He had previously been asked for his opinion as there have been complaints about the ruts created by the dump truck going in and out of the cemetery while heavily loaded. Mr. Fox stated that it is his opinion that the dirt should be removed from the site and that 85 – 90% of the cemeteries he works with, remove the dirt from the area. He feels it is safer and much better on the family. He also noted that when he has a burial in the Cherry Valley Cemetery, the Department of Public Works always has the gravesite looking nice and clean and they work well with the vault people and himself.
The Cemetery Caretaker felt it would be better to cut down on the trips in and out. Board members agreed that fewer trips in and out of the cemetery would be better, while it does look better and is probably safer with the dirt removed. Mayor Stiles stated that he has a lot of respect for Bud Perry (caretaker) and his opinion. Several compliments were heard on Mr. Perry’s work in the cemetery and the pride he takes in his work. The Mayor also said he would also like to keep costs to a minimum. Board members talked about different options and ways to keep from getting such deep ruts.

WALL STREET PAVING

Peter Freehafer inquired about Wall Street being paved this summer. Board members said they do plan to pave this street and to create a swale in the street to help with drainage by the Bell residence.

ARTWORKS

Artworks has given the Clerk a copy of their liability insurance with the village being named additionally insured, to be added. It was noted by board members that they also need to insure their own contents when the time comes, that the village only insures the building.
The Clerk gave Mrs. Sapinsky a copy of the last National Grid bill so they can make arrangements to have the electricity changed over to their name.
Mrs. Sapinsky asked if it is agreeable to the village to have George Cade do an appraisal of the building. Board members agreed to this, the cost being split between the two entities.

FIRE DEPARTMENT – Celebrations

Fire Chief Martin Field spoke with board members in regards to including all organizations, as well as the village and town to work together to create a larger (possibly Memorial Day weekend) celebration. He stated that this fall, the Fire Department, village, and town will all be getting new trucks. In showing the public what their tax dollars are being used for perhaps some kind of “open house” could be held. Mayor Stiles is interested in getting the “traveling wall” to come to Cherry Valley for a Memorial Day celebration. It was decided to appoint a committee to this project. Mayor Stiles and Mr. Field have offered to be part of the committee.

LAND ACQUISITION – Adjacent to Quonset

Attorney Green has completed the paperwork for the purchase of land adjacent to the Department of Public Works building, 56 Main Street from Sandra Bridger. Ms. Bridger and the Mayor are to sign papers. The Clerk was authorized to send a payment of $289 to Green & Green to cover the closing costs.

NY POWER AUTHORITY – Grant

The Clerk applied for the funds to complete the work on the pumps in the amount of $8,200.00 but was notified that a letter acknowledging the changes that will be made to the project upon suggestion of SHPO is needed. The Authority now states that the grant cannot be turned over to another organization as the village still owns the (Village Hall) building.

LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVE

Rebekah Lodge – An extension was given to July 31, 2010 for these projects.

FLOWER DONATIONS

A donation was received from:

Cherry Valley Memorials ……………… $25

COMPLAINTS

Wheelock, Main Street – Septic

A letter was received from the New York State Department of Health regarding a complaint made by Loretta Herr that a possible health nuisance exists at 37 Church Street. The alleged condition is a failed sewage system located on 71 Main Street. Mayor Stiles asked the Clerk to notify the Health Department that the matter is being taken care of and is now in the court’s hands with the county code enforcement.

Noonan- Main Street Stream

Mr. Noonan is working to alleviate the problem with the stream behind his property.

Miller – Sidewalk Hazard

Everett Miller emailed a complaint regarding a section of sidewalk between “the northside of Main street, extending from m(i)dway of the Wolfgang Welter property westward to the Crain building “ having an extreme irregular surface. Superintendent Wright checked on the sidewalk and Mayor Stiles said he had recently walked in that area. Both felt it was uneven, though not a visible severe defect.

DPW

Superintendent Wright gave his equipment update report. There continues to be problems with the dump truck. It was discussed to possibly borrow (rent) a truck from someone until our new truck arrives. Work orders were reviewed. Board members noted an improvement in the work and attitude of the Superintendent since the last meeting.

CHIPS

Montgomery Street Sidewalk

Work has begun on the replacement of part of the sidewalk on Montgomery Street, using Consolidated Highway Improvement funds. The concrete is scheduled to be poured tomorrow. It was approved by board members to hire Mathias VanDerwerker to help with this project.

THANK YOU LETTERS

Letters of appreciation were received from the Silver and Gold Seniors and the Roseboom Area Seniors for donations given to them by the village and from the CV-S Galaxy Boys Travel Soccer for providing a safe, positive facility for the kids to play, along with a donation of $180.00.

ALDEN FIELD

Vandalism has again been reported at the field. Toilet paper was burned as well as other items broken. The Sheriff’s Department is investigating the matter. The Deputy told Mayor Stiles to put signs up saying the park closes at dusk and one that says violators will be prosecuted. The police will be patrolling the park more, also.

Path – Lou Guido is refurbishing the path that surrounds Alden Field, clearing all of the grass from the gravel. The men were asked to now mow the grass away from the path to help maintain its condition.

WATER BILL

A (one time) adjustment was made to the water bill of Annette Plows due to unforeseen circumstances, per board resolution.

MAIN STREET – Parking/Sidewalk Use

It was noted that included in the next newsletter, it should be mentioned that merchants and employees of downtown businesses be asked to use one of the parking lots instead of parking in front of their business as a courtesy to others. Also, sidewalks may be used as long as enough room is left for people to walk. At least 40 inches should remain unused by tables, signs, etc. to give pedestrians enough room to pass by.

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:

To June 15, 2009
General Fund Ch #’s 7731 - 7852 $6,710.07
Water Fund “ “ 1,766.03
Total Fund $8,476.10
Trust & Agency Fund Ch # 1465 $ 120.00

To July 20, 2009
General Fund Ch #’s 7853 – 7868 $8,537.84
Water Fund “ “ 1,252.31
Total Fund $9,790.15
Trust & Agency Fund Ch #’s 1466 – 1472 $2,073.90

Budget Amendments

From To To

2008-09 Budget (Less $10,000 due to error on 2009-10 budget revenues)

General $3,912.68 A1990.4 $2,985.68 A2770 $3,912.68
A5110.4 317.00
A7110.4 100.00 A8810.4 263.00
A8510.4 247.00

Water $2,529.44 F1990.4 $2,529.44 F2770 $2,529.44





ADJOURNMENT

It was upon motion of Trustee Harvey, seconded by Trustee Flint, unanimously carried to close the meeting at 9:48 pm.

Respectfully Submitted,


Dorothy E. Johnson
Clerk-Treasurer
July 29, 2009