September 2013 Minutes

MINUTES September 16, 2013 Public Hearing on proposed local law #1, 2013 “A Local Law Regulating the Height of Tall Grass and Weeds” The public hearing was opened at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Kevin J. Flint. In attendance were Trustee Edward A. Harvey, Trustee Louis A. Guido, Jr., Clerk-Treasurer Dorothy E. Johnson, Interim Department of Public Works Superintendent David R. Hajczewski, Maintenance Worker Todd Hull, Philip Moore, Pamela Ryan, Barbara Hall, Gary Lozier, Jeff Wait, Albert Wait, and James Wait. Mr. Moore had several questions and suggestions regarding the proposed law. Mayor Flint explained that the law was proposed a year ago and was not passed due to several residents attending the meeting against the passing. The board has been monitoring the situation for the past year and the problem is getting worse. More and more lawns, especially on those properties owned by banks are not being cared for. Mr. Moore felt some of the wording of the law should be changed Trustee Harvey said the law was modeled after the Village of Fonda’s local law. With no further public input, the hearing was closed at 7:15pm Board members reserved voting on the proposed law until further discussion and conferring with Attorney Laughlin. MINUTES The next 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 Guido, seconded by Trustee Harvey, and unanimously carried, RESOLVED, to dispense with the reading of the minutes and approve as written. TREASURER’S REPORT Checking Account 9/1/13 Balance General $147,367.35 Water 40,615.93 Total Fund $187,983.28 Trust & Agency $ 568.05 Savings Accounts 9/1/13 Balance Water System Repair Reserve $ 2,889.67 Cemetery Capital Reserve 11,139.16 Unemployment Insurance Reserve 5,170.38 Water Debt Service Reserve 24,494.11 Parks & Recreation Reserve 8,872.74 Sidewalk Repair & Replacement Reserve 233.35 Unpaid Water Unpaid Taxes Unpaid 8/1/13 $13,395.72 $30,277.49 Paid in August - 3,747.69 - 4,339.82 Billed in August + 27.90 -0- Unpaid 9/1/13 $ 9,675.93 $25,937.67 After discussion, it was upon motion of Trustee Harvey seconded by Trustee Guido, unanimously carried, RESOLVED, to accept the report as given. Alden Field/Cemetery – NO Dogs Mrs. Ryan asked why dogs are no longer allowed in the park. She asked the board to re-approach the matter and possibly consider a designated area as she feels most dog owners are not irresponsible and do clean up after their dogs. She stated that others shouldn’t be punished for what a few are doing. Board members, understanding her stand on the issue, explained that children have gotten into the feces while playing ball on the fields, that some people just do not clean up after their pets. The matter will be discussed again by the board. EAGLE SCOUT PROJECTS Albert Wait said he would like to do his Eagle Scout project on creating/freshening up handicap parking areas in the village. Village officials encouraged Mr. Wait to pursue his project and help with contact numbers for state. He will also contact the churches and others involved. James Wait would like to finish creating the basketball court at Alden Field. Some suggestions were given to Mr. Wait as well as encouragement on his proposed project. COMPLAINTS – Upper Main Street Several complaints have been received from Main Street residents as well as other residents regarding the truck repair business on Main Street. Large trucks are often in the road blocking traffic, driveways and the fire hydrant, loud noise very late at night and early morning, loud profane language, loud fights, and ashes being dumped into the storm drain. The Sheriff’s Department has been called with no results. Mayor Flint said he will talk with the owner and hopefully resolved some of the issues. If this does not help, he will call the authorities to help. INSURANCE CLAIM – Water Pump One of the water pumps was struck by lightning in a recent storm. A quote from Moody and Associates for furnishing and installing a new submersible pump motor in Well # 2 is in the amount of $10,906.00. The Clerk reported that the insurance will pay all but the $1,000.00 deductible. Water System As the water tank level indicator was not working properly a representative from Aqua Logic went through the entire system. He repaired the radio system, chart recorder, corrected wiring, control panel and several other items to repair the system. ALDEN FIELD – Flood Damage Alden Field suffered damage again from flooding on June 13th and 28th. FEMA officials are working with the Mayor and Superintendent to help obtain funding to possibly build a new bridge where the culvert presently allows the water to run into the field. TIME WARNER CABLE – Franchise Renewal The Clerk invited representatives from Time Warner to a village meeting but has not heard back from them. FALL NOTICES/INFORMATION Leaf Pickup The Village of Cherry Valley Department of Public Works will begin picking up leaves at the beginning of October, until mid-November throughout the village. Leaves must be raked to the curb, not in the ditch and with no other brush included. Other brush, garden and lawn debris will be picked separately on Mondays. No All Night Parking Parking is prohibited on all streets within the Village of Cherry Valley from October 1st through May 1st, between the hours 2:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. Parking in the village parking lots - Main Street and Genesee Street - is available during the evening hours, though not for winter storage. Hydrant Flushing Hydrants will be flushed on Wednesday and Thursday, October 16th & 17th. Water may be discolored and pressure disrupted during this time. Halloween Trick or Treating will be held on Thursday, October 31st in the Village of Cherry Valley, hours 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Unpaid Taxes All village taxes remaining unpaid after November 1st will be sent to Otsego County for collection. Christmas Celebration Santa will be at the tree in the Village Park on Christmas Eve with gifts and goodies for all area children. Cherry Valley Softball Tournament Thank you to all who participated in the recent Softball Tournament. Proceeds were donated to the Cherry Valley Historical Association for help paying for their building repair. A special thank you to BJ & Debby Whiteman, Scott Flint, and Maureen Clapper for organizing the event. Folk Fest for Food Thanks again to all of our musicians, volunteers and community members who helped make the Folk Fest for Food a success this year. Funds from these events are donated to the Daily Bread Food Pantry, Cherry Valley. A special thank you to Phil Zenir for organizing the event and to Dee Mahalick for all of the work she does for the Community and food pantry. Village Board Meetings Upcoming board meetings beginning at 7 pm, held at the Clerk’s office, 2 Genesee Street: October 21st November 18th December 16th CAT PROBLEMS Complaints are being received from residents in the Maiden Lane area of 20 – 30 cats at two separate homes spraying and leaving feces throughout the neighborhood. Unfortunately the village has no control over the cats. ANNUAL AUDIT Board members reviewed/audited the Clerk’s books and annual report. SIDEWALK Rick Collins requested the sidewalk on Hamilton Avenue be replaced, where his children walk each morning to the bus stop. Board members will address the matter, though not before 2014. CEMETERY It was decided to hire someone part time to work in the cemetery for two hours a day, Monday through Thursday at $10 per hour, while Ryan Brazie is attending college, to the end of October. Mr. Brazie will continue to work on Fridays and weekends. AUDIT OF CLAIMS After review by the board, it was upon motion of Trustee Harvey, seconded Trustee Guido, unanimously carried, Resolved, to make payment on bills as follows: General Fund Ch #’s10333 - 10374 $15,325.94 Water Fund “ “6,899.93 Total Fund $22,225.87 Trust & Agency Fund Ch # 1792 $ 2,648.54 Including deductions – Social Security, Medicare, Federal, Retirement ADJOURNMENT It was upon motion of Trustee Guido, seconded by Trustee Harvey, unanimously carried to close the meeting at 8:45 pm. Respectfully Submitted, Dorothy E. Johnson, Clerk-Treasurer September 17, 2013