MINUTES
Tuesday
July 15, 2025
Meeting opened at
6:32 PM by Mayor Stiles with the Pledge to the Flag. In attendance were Mayor
Jeffrey S. Stiles, Trustees Ian M. Feulner and K. Don Brigham, DPW
Superintendent Wayne B. Valentine, Village Attorney Jill A. Poulson, and Deputy
Clerk-Treasurer Eve Bouboulis. Guests in attendance were Rick DeAngelo,
Resident and Building/Safety Inspector, Angelica Palmer, Resident and CVCFC
Board Representative, Noelle Adamoschke, HCVB, and Anna Gaeta, League of Women Voters.
Approval of the June 17, 2025 minutes as
members received in final written form. It was upon motion of Trustee Brigham,
seconded by Trustee Feulner, unanimously carried, to accept the minutes as
written.
Treasurer’s Report
|
Checking Account |
|
6/30/25 Balance |
|
General |
|
$ 266,578.44 |
|
Water |
|
$ 15,397.89 |
|
Total
Fund |
|
$ 281,976.33 |
|
Trust
& Agency |
|
$ 2,508.96 |
|
Village
of Cherry Valley Baseball League |
|
$ 1,378.05 |
|
Savings Accounts |
|
6/30/25 Balance |
|
Water
System Repair Reserve |
|
$ 3,007.42 |
|
Cemetery
Capital Reserve |
|
$ 11,231.67 |
|
Unemployment
Insurance Reserve |
|
$ 2,720.02 |
|
Water
Debt Service Reserve |
|
$ 21,715.94 |
|
Parks
& Recreation Reserve |
|
$ 3,692.04 |
|
General
Fund Savings |
|
$ 26,028.61 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Water |
Taxes |
|
Taxes
and Water Unpaid 7/1/25 |
$
0.00 |
$ 228,638.58 |
|
Paid
in June |
$ 0.00 |
$ 120,279.43 |
|
Adjusted
in June |
$
0.00 |
$
0.00 |
|
Billed
in June |
$
0.00 |
$
0.00 |
|
Unpaid
7/1/25 |
$
0.00 |
$ 108,359.15 |
It was upon motion
of Trustee Feulner, seconded by Trustee Brigham, unanimously carried, to accept
the report as given.
Guests:
1. Rick DeAngelo was in attendance to provide employment paperwork as
needed for his position as Building Inspector.
2. Noelle Adamoschek, Historic Cherry Valley Businesses, presented
information to plan for a fall Village event on October 25, 2025 (the Saturday
before Halloween). Vendors, a ghost tour
by resident and historian Susan Miller, and hay rides are planned. Approval to for use of the parking lot was
provided by the Board and a discussion will be had as to the Village’s other
contributions to the event. Museum staff
will be contacted to seek their participation to enhance the event (as it is
usually closed by October 25). More event
planning will be shared and Mayor Stiles will participate. Additionally, an update on improving the
sidewalk on Main Street to allow for business establishment included that Wayne
Valentine, DPW has spoken to Gridley paving to provide the cement. DPW will have one week notice to remove the
old cement. The sidewalk will be
cordoned off for potentially one week for safety purposes while the repairs are
in process.
3. Angelica Palmer, Telegraph School, thanked the Board for approving use
of the gazebo in the park for the Drum Circle event. The event went well and will occur again each
month this summer. Also, the Telegraph
School will be making building repairs that will require the sidewalk to be
cordoned off. Professional contractors
will be doing the work and they do not anticipate that traffic will be
impacted. Regarding her role on the CVFC
Board, the possibility of applying for Soil and Water funds for trees/plants as
a buffer for the river was discussed.
This would likely increase shade, improve ease of lawn mowing,
potentially help with flooding among other benefits. Discussion of types of trees/plants, where to
plant, and the consistency with existing tree types was had. Further discussion will be had, and the
Spring of 2026 is likely the earliest that the project could begin. Angelica Palmer noted that as a Heat Smart
Community, it is possible to seek grants for heating and cooling centers for
the Village. Perhaps the gymnasium or
smaller rooms at 2 Genesee Street could be used. She offered her time and effort to look into
this possibility. The Board both thanked
her and expressed appreciation for all of her contributions. Jill Poulson, Esq. asked about the hours of
band practice and if the Senior Center is used.
An anonymous source was concerned about practice beginning as late as
10pm and continuing to midnight and potentially causing some noise
disturbance. Angelica Palmer had not
been informed of any concerns but agreed to look into the matter.
4. Anna Gaeta, in attendance on behalf of the League of Women Voters,
sought to observe the meeting.
Observance of public meetings to assess consistency with legal
expectations such as the Sunshine Laws is an example of the goals of the
organization. After meetings are
observed the organization reports out on findings in various ways such as
newspaper articles. She thanked the
Board and hoped to attend again. Mayor Stiles
welcomed her back in the future.
Old
Business:
DPW
Superintendent Valentine:
Progress
was made on the well repair today.
Calcium chunks were removed and capacity is 100% (was in the low
60s). Lab testing on the water is being
followed up on as well as continued repairs.
Further
discussion since last meeting regarding the harboring of animals ordinance and
safety/sanitation concerns was held due to continued problems with dead rats. A
letter written by Attorney Poulsen and signed by the DPW Superintendent was
hand delivered today to inform the residents of potential violations of
laws/regulations and to invite the residents to the meeting today to address
concerns and find solutions. Mayor Stiles received a phone call from the
residents who had questions about what is allowable versus prohibited regarding
harboring of animals and seemed open to follow up discussions to address the
problems. Safety of adults and children in the community as well as pets,
wildlife, river impacts, etc. were discussed as concerns. Attorney Poulsen added that she had a concerning
photo on her cell phone of a garbage bag with a paw sticking out of it on the
front yard. Mayor Stiles expects a
resolution by the end of next week with an extremely aggressive effort to find
solutions to this issue. The residents’
questions will be followed up on by Attorney Poulson as well as solutions to
protect the community (i.e. Dept of Health, Dept. Agriculture and Market, NYS
DEC, among others). In the future,
similar letters to residents will be signed by the mayor.
Reports
of additional stray cats has come to the attention of the DPW
Superintendent. Mayor Stiles was made
aware and contacted the Dog Control Officer to determine what role he might be
able to play in assisting with this issue.
Attorney Poulsen will contact the SPCA and set up a meeting to follow up
on the issue.
Attorney
Poulsen:
The lease
with the Legion for 15 years with the ability to extend it was presented. The lease includes language to ensure Cherry
Valley Artworks can continue their use of the building should the building ever
be sold. Some of the requirements were
noted, such as, the building can be inspected by the Village, the Village is
not required to repair it if it becomes uninhabitable, and $2.00 per year
lease. Resolution to approve the lease with the American Legion: motioned by
Trustee Brigham, seconded by Trustee Feulner, unanimously approved by the
Board.
The landscaping
contract with AA Property Care has been worked on and Attorney Poulsen will
follow up with Clerk-Treasurer Gregory on its finalization for Board review.
Attorney
Poulsen sent a letter to a resident, Barry Ellis Jr., regarding potential
violation of local regulation regarding numerous vehicles on property, and with
a possible solution to help remove the vehicles. Discussion was had regarding the lack of
response and ways the Village may follow up.
Attorney Poulsen will send the letter by certified mail and research
options for the Village to position itself if there is again no response.
Deputy
Clerk-Treasurer Bouboulis:
Thank you
to Clerk-Treasurer Gregory for preparing reports and the agenda before leaving
for training this week.
NYCLASS Equipment Repair Fund follow up: The Board unanimously decided to table the
establishment of a “Equipment Repair Fund” until the next meeting at which time
the well repair bill will likely have been received.
Payment for prior vehicle accident follow
up: Clerk-Treasurer Greogry looked back
at meeting minutes and the budget but was unable to find anything noting where
(budget code) we would pay her from.
Attorney Poulsen recalled this issue and an email sent to the
Clerk-Treasurer to review regarding the payment. Resolution to approve payment to Marilyn
Mollen’s $1,000.00 from the general fund motioned by Trsutee Feulner and
seconded by Trustee Brigham was unanimously approved.
Well #1 Repair follow up: How would the board prefer to pay for the well
repairs? The Board agreed they will
table this discussion until the final bill is received.
Cemetery entrance check has been received
(7/8/25) for full amount of $8,827.97.
Funds should be deposited in the Cemetery Reserve Fund.
Water bills were sent out on Monday June
30, 2025 with the updated water information sheet, as well as the newsletter
(graciously put together by Mrs. Helen Stiles). There have been a handful of
complaints on the new pricing.
Youth Sports additional accident insurance follow-up:
Attorney Poulsen looked at the Village’s
policy and recommended the Village be added to the programs’ insurance as
“additionally insured” if possible. The
Clerk-Treasurer should ask programs that use the facilities if this is
possible.
Casella follow-up: Toters continue to be exchanged per resident
requests. Office staff met via phone call with Adam Critti and Destiny Felter
on Monday 7/7/25 about these exchanges and other various questions. Clerk-Treasurer Gregory inquired about a
Village Refuse Day(s) as offered by Casella and information provided includes:
● One week’s
notice is required
● Casella would
drop off a 30- or 40-yard dumpster on the Friday and pick up on Monday (at no
extra charge besides the charge for tonnage that is incurred when they bring it
to the transfer station).
● No hazardous
waste would be allowed and Adam Critti will send over a list
● Someone would
have to be present to collect monies for dumping of items that have costs
(mattresses, couches, etc.) - like would be usually collected for refuse permit
stickers with Thursday pick-ups. Adam Critti
will be putting together an updated list, and collectors of monies could be
anyone that is willing, even volunteers from within the Village
● Clerk-Treasurer
Gregory would like to inquire as to where the money would come from to pay for
the cost of the tonnage at the transfer station.
The Board discussed the above and would
like information as to how other villages/towns plan their refuse days and pay
for the tonnage fees. Unanimous decision
by the Board to consider having a refuse day next year.
Office computer software systems follow-up:
Regarding water
system software billing, Clerk-Treasurer Gregory spoke with Dianna Andrews
(Client Relation Manager) from QuikWater/Tak Technology, Inc and found the
following information:
Initial costs
were: $495.00 for “Ultra” on 3/5/2021 and $995.00 for “Rural” (what we
currently use) on 6/2/2022. The next (and final) step up is “Net5” which is
currently priced at $4,195.00. Dianna
noted, “Our support rate is $125.00 per hour, with a one-hour minimum. We also
offer a support contract for $125.00 per month, billed quarterly, which
includes unlimited calls and email support.”
Regarding billing/budget
software, Clerk-Treasurer Gregory is looking into pricing for QuickBooks
online (not ideal, but may be what needs to be done in the meantime), as we are
starting to get more error messages from the desktop version - there is the
potential too with the online version, to include payroll and utility (which
was done at one point on our desktop version). An update will be provided at the next meeting.
The Board agreed that that would like to
wait for an update at the next meeting after Clerk-Treasurer Gregory’s training. The Water billing system does not appear to
meet the needs of our rural village, and Trustee Brigham noted QuickBooks has
not been recommended at the village level as per training attended earlier this
year. Angelic Palmer noted that in her
experience a short-term upgrade in QuickBooks would not be a cost-effective or timely
solution due to up front preparation requirements and implementation time. The
Board would like to consider what the Clerk-Treasurer may have learned as
alternatives while at training this week.
Trustee Brigham may have a vendor to provide solutions. He will gather information from the potential
vendor and bring it to the next meeting.
New Business:
DPW
Superintendent Valentine:
DPW staff will notify residents of
high-water usage more often. They were
able to inform several residents of high usage last month in preparation for
water bills being sent out.
Attorney
Poulsen:
Nothing to report
Deputy
Clerk-Treasurer Bouboulis:
·
Resident, Martha Sherwood, has
requested that the board review and consider a reduction to her water bill (per
her talk with Mayor Stiles) - she is aware she has a leak and has stated to
Clerk-Treasurer Gregory, on 7/10/25, that she is working to get it fixed.
o The Board discussed and would like information including when did the
leak start, when was she notified by DPW of high usage, and how high is the
water bill. This information should be
provided at the next meeting.
·
Clerk-Treasurer Gregory is
requesting the ability to increase/approve Deputy Clerk-Treasurer Bouboulis’
hours as necessary. Certain times of
year require more time to complete projects within deadlines such as Jan.-taxes;
Feb. & Mar.-budget; May-end of fiscal year & taxes; June-water bills;
July-AFR; Dec.-water bills part 2. Right
now, for example, how to seek an extension on the AFR is being sought.
o Discussion was had by the Board and more time to consider this request
is needed. Information that the
Clerk-Treasurer obtained at training this week is needed. However, Trustee Brigham noted that the AFR
needs to be done and additional hours for that purpose should be approved. The Board unanimously agreed.
·
Clerk-Treasurer Gregory’s current
working hours are proving to be not enough to get all the work done (well and
on time); she has been putting in many extra hours just to attempt to keep up
on tasks. Both Clerk and Deputy Clerk-Treasurers are still doing some catch-up
still from the prior year(s) and continually working to get things corrected
and organized in the systems
o Many of the time-related complications arise from having to manually
enter information which often takes a large amount of time (some being just
tedious work, like preparing the many new pages for each of the four accounts
and bill tracking books) simply because there are various day-to-day tasks that
pop up and need dealing with in the moment (phone calls, emails, in-person
visits, etc.) and at times can lead to much longer than anticipated tasks
within themselves.
o As discussed above, the Board unanimously agreed that the AFR needs to
be completed and additional hours are approved for that purpose, otherwise the
request is tabled until the next Board meeting.
Other Business:
Mayor Stiles had a conversation with Pat
Wingate who may be interested in selling her property known as the park/gazebo
on Main Street to the Village. Potential
cost to purchase would be $30,000.00. Discussion
was had including should there be a potential offer and questions such as size
of parcel, what are the costs of taxes, can the Village have first refusal,
assessed value, what the land may be used for were reviewed. The Board ultimately agreed that Mayor Stiles
will invite her to attend the next Board meeting for a follow up discussion.
Mayor Stiles reminded everyone that the 3rd
Thursdays in August are planned for Folkfest for Food.
Finances:
Audit of Claims:
After review by the board, it was upon
motion of Trustee Brigham, seconded by Trustee Feulner, unanimously carried, to
make payment on paid bills as follows:
|
General
Fund |
Ch.
#s 16607-16641 |
$
19,031.84 |
|
Water
Fund |
Ch.
#s 16607-16641 |
$
5,143.12 |
|
Total
Fund |
Ch.
#s 16607-16641 |
$
24,174.96 |
|
Trust
and Agency |
Ch.
#s 2073 & Auto Deductions (including SS & Med Correction) |
$ 3,465.33 |
|
Agency
Fund (Youth Baseball) |
Ch. #s ACHs |
$ 205.20 |
Adjournment:
The meeting adjourned at 8:41 p.m. upon
motion of Trustee Feulner, seconded by Trustee Brigham, unanimously carried.
Respectfully Submitted,
Eve Bouboulis, Deputy Clerk-Treasurer
August 19, 2025
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