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| Notes on the Feb. 7th Village Board Meeting MAYOR - opened one of the fasted meetings I've been at (19 minutes) with Trustees Caputo (DPW) and Leighton (Water/Wastewater) absent due to illness. That meant he had 3 Commissioner's Reports to deliver. After the Minutes and Abstracts were accepted, (Trustee Moore assures me he will check on the payback of the bonds) the Mayor started right in: WATER/WASTEWATER -- Rural New York Water Works, the organization that rated our water facility the best in the state last year, and is currently helping with a water source study in the Town and Village, invited the Village to Washington DC to meet with state Senators and Congressmen, and participate in funding meetings for Rural Water programs. Joe Bisignano is representing the Village at these meetings. There was no mention of the water main break on Partition Street last week that had, according to the Police Chief, 2000+ gals a minute pumping into the Main/Partition Street intersection that subzero morning. As usual, cooperation among the departments led to a speedy repair, with no accidents reported on that icy glare. POLICE DEPARTMENT -- business as usual DPW -- ditto FIRE DEPARTMENT -- the application of Victor MacGregor for volunteer fireman in the R A Snyder Hose Company was approved pending successful completion of background checks and a physical. Welcome Aboard Victor! It is good to see the volunteer spirit alive and well in our community. Fire Chief Bell researched costs and plans for reinstating the siren at the Lynch Fire House. It looks as if the work can be done "in house" for about $3000, and the siren mounted on a tower, instead of the problematic roof mounting of the past. BUILDING INSPECTOR -- the big news here is that last meeting's announced replacement for Alex Wade cannot resolve scheduling conflicts initially thought to be manageable. He is being replaced by a Mr. Cullen, who will begin training for the position soon. Alex Wade completed a one day training session on the use of foam concrete forms for above ground applications. It is timely, as a similar construction method is proposed for the Senior Housing project behind Town Hall. Work on the Dragon Inn continues, with an upcoming Planing Board review for the B&B rooms above the restaurants on the second and third floors. Ten single family homes are planned on the 2 ? acre site of the old factory on Teetsel Street, and two apartment buildings of 4 units each are planned behind an existing building on Partition Street. Boys & Girls Club construction is expected to start in early Spring. PARKS & RECREATION -- boiler in Village office complex is repaired and running well, and the new alarm system is fully functional. SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS - Trustee Campbell presented Resolution #4 to join with other members of the Upper Hudson River Alliance to seek a $100,000 grant to study tourism and related economic activities in the Mid-Hudson area - Passed. The first hurdle in the successful application for a $150,000 grant to study the Traffic Corridor of Saugerties is behind us. On March 1st a final decision will be made. The Village Traffic Committee will be active participants in the 2 year study, with members volunteering to gather and help assess the data, and with chairperson Judith Spector as manager. I'm on this committee. It sounds as if we are going to do the same things we did in last year's study all over again. The major differences are: it will be longer, more in-depth, and someone(s), other than the members of our committee, will make $150,000! An additional $25,000 intersection study is tentatively approved, but may not be necessary to complete before the DOT fixes the already well-documented problems. MAYOR -- Resolution #3 about election inspectors for the upcoming Village elections - Passed. The Mayor said we started this January with a budget deficit. Budget time approaches, and all departments should submit as low a budget as possible for review, very soon. LAST WORD -- Village elections fast approach. Anyone interested in running for Village Trustee or Mayor should see the Village Clerk for rules and petition forms. Traditionally, only incumbents run, the turnout on election day is low, and the board appoints replacements as Trustees and Mayors resign. That means the board is made up of people hand-picked for his or her position, who get along well and seem to enjoy what they are doing. While that may make for a wonderful social organization, it might be time to examine whether it is the best way to run a multi-million dollar, tax-levying, government. MEETING Adjourned in memory of Jack Keeley, and with condolences to his family. -- END
VICTOR CORNELIUS - the Village grant writer, first covered some old news. The final HUD funding for the Streetscape project was transferred into Village accounts, and the DOT funds are expected soon. That should mean that next month's abstracts should see a big payout as the money borrowed in anticipation of receiving those funds is paid back. We'll see. In his "seeking new grants business" Victor went on about several grants, including one for a Study of the Consolidation of the Town and Village Police Departments. The Mayor was quick to point out that he does not want to do away with the Police Department, and that he believes that a study will prove it is cheaper for the Village to maintain its own police force. I think that could very well be true, but it is sidestepping the real issue. It would seem to me that a better use of the anticipated money would be to sit down with the Town and go over all the costs jointly, for ALL the departments, to see what is the most advantageous for the taxpayers in both the town and the village. That is the kind of leadership we expect from the Mayor and the Supervisor. After all, Village residents are Town residents too. A public intergovernmental study proving the financial benefits of keeping two distinct departments, be it Police, or Highway, or Water, or Parks - whatever, would go a long way towards vindicating what many taxpayers perceive as a costly duplication of services. Lastly, this is not a grant - $3000 to fund the LIBRARY study was discussed and passed. Specifically, it is a study to show the huge financial benefits (read that - lower cost to the taxpayers) of keeping the library where it is. Turns out there are State, Federal, and possibly, Private, grants available to restore and expand the historic Carnegie library building. Now, we not only have studies to show how it would be detrimental to the economy and our quality of life if the library moves, but we will be able to prove how much cheaper it would be to leave it where it is. The Mayor is gung-ho on this, and his considerable clout is not to be underestimated. At some point the Library Board has to accept the overwhelming evidence and vote to expand the existing building. Now, if they could just get their Director to go along with it . . . MAYOR - in his final statements, announced that it was budget time (sharpen your pencils) and that there was a new Building Inspector, Michael Tetro, who will take over the heavy work while taking six courses on various aspects of his profession. Meanwhile, Alex Wade will stay on as a consultant, using his considerable intelligence and knowledge to assist the mayor. With 100+ village housing units in the works, the DOT repaving of 9W through the village, and the growth we will see over the next few years - there will be plenty for him to do
Notes on the 12/6 Village Board Meeting After his absence from the 11/15 meeting, the Mayor seemed surprisingly fit and healthy when he called last night's meeting to order. Apparently the persistent rumors of his resignation due to ill health are just that - rumors. The Mayor would call them "street-talk", but, whatever their origins, I'm just glad they are wrong. His able and dedicated service to the Village should not have to end on a negative note. PUBLIC HEARING - Before the meeting there was a public hearing on the revisions to the zoning law that removes the loading dock requirement for smaller commercial buildings in the Village. This law was effectively written to allow the Boys & Girls Club to build on the old Lee Publications site, and as effectively shepherded through the system in an effort to avoid anymore lawsuits from them. Given the round of applause when the Board voted unanimously for it, everyone was happy this acrimonious business has come to an end. Now, if there could just be some concern shown for the safety of the children, we could all rest a little easier. The room emptied after that, and the Mayor got down to business. ABSTRACTS & MINUTES - Passed, with an explanation again about the board voting to pay some bills that had already been paid, and a request for avoiding this after-the-fact voting as much as possible in the future. EXECUTIVE SESSION - called on a personnel matter. The 2 reporters, the building inspector and the Village Clerk were left to gossip amongst ourselves as the ice built up on the roadways outside. The Mayor and trustees returned speedily and voted on Resolution #14/2004 to adopt a retirement incentive plan. It Passed, and left us speculating who would be retiring. Then the Commissioners (each Trustee is a Commissioner of their respective departments) gave their reports. BUILDINGS & PARKS - Nothing new to report. Christmas decorations are going up at Seamon Park with the help of the Key Club. As usual, George does a yoeman's job! Be sure to see the park all lit up. BUILDING INSPECTOR - presented a Resolution (#13/2004) required by the new derelict property law for the removal and/or repair of 50 East Bridge St. - said property being empty and in bad repair for at least 12 years. ~~ The Mayor added that the Village is working aggressively to get the approximately 25 to 30 derelict properties cleaned up and repaired using that new law, and that there will be money in next year's budget to legally insure that all properties are in compliance. You folks know who you are. This sounds like a "fair warning" to me. SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS - Trustee Campbell will be pursuing several new projects. He will attend his first Ulster County Transportation Council meeting on Tuesday 12/7. This is one of those good news/bad news things. The good news is that the Village will now have a vote on the council. (Council members have to hold elected positions - I know he was appointed, but that doesn't matter - in order to vote.) The bad news is that the person who was diligently going to the meetings as a Village representative was never put in the position of having a vote at the council meetings, and wasn't told he was being replaced. This is another example of willing volunteers being used and abused by the board. I've said this before, but it needs to be said again - I don't know how the board can expect folks to volunteer when they treat the volunteers they have so shabbily. WASTE WATER & WATER - Business as usual - except one of the storm sewers "ate" 300 ft of hose recently. The drain is clearer than when they began, but the hose is stuck in it - for now. It was old hose anyway, and a new 500 ft roll replaces it. ~~ The consultant's contract was renewed for a lower annual cost and a shorter period, resulting in a savings all around. Apparently he is so good he is working his way out of a job. Nice to have things going the way they are supposed to - good work.
POLICE - Nothing unusual. ADDENDUM - there will be a public hearing Jan 3rd for the new property maintenance law. ~~ The Building Inspector and the Mayor are both participating in the Library's quest for a new location. Various sites were identified and groups formed to explore them. They are both on the "Keep the library where it is" committee - and the Mayor said he would do everything within his power to see that the library stays there. With that kind of PUBLIC support I think the other committees should just give up now. It's a done deal if the Mayor brings his considerable persuasive powers and clout into the search. He and the board can, after all, give the library the building and the land it sits on. He can wheel and deal to make adjoining properties available. He can make it happen. And, since every study, every article, and all the research available supports keeping the library where it is - in the center of the community - a referendum to locate it anywhere else will surely fail. Let's get with the program folks! DON'T
FORGET - The village-wide SVBA HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE is Sunday, Dec. 11 from
1-4 PM, with over 25 free craft and food events planned for the kid in all of
us. If you don't have children - RENT ONE - and show up for the Holiday fun. ~~
Also - Dec. 19th is the Historic Society's Candle Light Tour of Homes from 4 to
7 PM. Tickets are $15 per person, and all the homes on the tour are new this year.
Get you tickets now before they sell out. Notes on 11/15 Village Board Meeting Mayor Yerick is on Vacation, Trustee Leighton absent. There was a fire alarm around 6:30 PM that had all the vehicles out, and firemen's trucks and cars were parked everywhere. Access to the Villages offices for the meeting was difficult due to the returning fire trucks. Traffic was stopped on Partition when they returned so everything could be put back (shoehorned?) into the fire house. It is amazing how they make it all fit! Imagine that congestion multiplied if the Boys and Girls Club builds next door and everyone is trying to pick up their children during one of those emergencies. PUBLIC INPUT - With Nov. 15th as the first nig! ht cars could not park on Village Streets (to facilitate snow removal) a Partition Street resident complained that where he usually parks on Dock Street was just posted as No Trespassing. He asked the board to clarify where Village property ended and private property began. He has no place to park the 5 vehicles his property generates, and wants the Village to do something. While he was the only one to speak out, his is not an unusual predicament. Parking is a real problem in the Village, with not enough off-street parking to accommodate the two or three vehicles each family can generate. It is not just a daytime business district problem anymore, and one the Village has to address. Now, with the threatened closing of the PC Smith parking lot if the Boys & Girls Club builds next to the firehouse, things will only get worse. VILLAGE ATTORNEY - Richard Reisley described the proposed changes in the Village law to accommodate t! he Boys and Girls Club building. In the revised law, proposed buildings of 10,000 sq. ft. and under will not require a loading dock. It will also incorporate a provision giving the Planning Commission the power to waive requirements of the zoning law when conditions are appropriate. As explained here in an earlier report, the board proceeded with the necessary steps to accomplish their goal of avoiding further litigation with the Boys & Girls Club. The prepared Negative Declaration for SEQR was approved, a public hearing was set for 6:30 PM Monday December 6th, after which, at the regular Village Board meeting beginning at 7 PM that same evening, the new law will be passed and there will be no more lawsuit. That is, until some child is injured on that dangerous stretch of the street. ABSTRACTS & MINUTES - accepted FIRE - There were 14 alarms involving 187 personnel for a total of 161+ man-hours, and 90 alarms and 5 events involving 50 personnel. This is a good time to note that these are all volunteers, and the considerable time spent training to be prepared for these alarms is not included in the hours mentioned above. Be sure to give them a "brake" when you see them on the road. BUILDING & PARKS - The same chores we all have at home this time of year the Village has on all its many properties. So, beside the routine janitorial and maintenance duties on all the buildings - winterizing, securing, painting, leak fixing, etc. - the leaf cleanup is extensive. Holiday chores, in addition to all that, include getting decorations ready and installing them throughout the Village. The security work continues with additional construction needed to limit access to various offices and semipublic areas. Soon 167 badges will be issued to various personnel, and everyone's comings and goings will be monitored by computer. The question of authorized! and unauthorized access will soon be a thing of the past. Hopefully, this will stop the inappropriate-use violations which precipitated this action. BUILDING INSPECTOR - We now have an enforceable property maintenance law, and a public hearing will be scheduled soon before it can be adopted. There are 3 new businesses opening on Partition Street, with two buildings - one being the old London's Dept. Store building - being repainted in historic colors for the occasion. The work on the Dragon Inn, which was delayed until drawings were approved by an architect, can now continue. Montgomery Street retaining wall construction temporarily cost one resident his off-street parking for yet another complication in the ongoing parking problem in the Village. Something really does need to be done about parking. WATER & WASTEWATER - continuing problems with electricity at the reservoir again caused computer problems which cost the Vi! llage several hundred dollars in repairs. Central Hudson reiterates that the electric service is not the culprit. I suggested they replace their old UPC power back-up, because even with brownouts, (whoever is at fault) no data will be lost. Reverend Rockwood's recent letter to the editor about the high quality of the Village water and one local eatery's disparaging sign about it was discussed. It is too bad that in their quest for increased profit from bottled water sales, our award-winning water department, and the hard work of all the employees, has to be denigrated. Shame on you. POLICE - the department answered 158 calls in October, including 14 accidents - 2 with personal injury - and forty-two 911 calls. 126 traffic tickets were issued, (57 for speeding in the Village! SLOW DOWN folks) and there were 21 criminal arrests. 113 parking meter tickets were issued, plus 12 for other parking violations. Three larcenies and no burglaries reported. Lt. Rea issued a supplemental report on the effectiveness of the new unmarked police car in the stepped-up radar enforcement of our speed limits. Need I repeat - Really SLOW DOWN! DPW - Leaf cleanup and ongoing construction projects fill the schedule. You are urged to get your leaves out to the curb so they can all be removed before a serious snowfall. SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS - Great news here. For the first time in I-don't-know-how-long, a trustee filling this position actually attended meetings and issued a report. There was never any question about Trustee Campbell's capabilities, but now we know he also has the time to actually use them to the Village's benefit. He was referee at a Public Access Channel meeting last week. He reports that there will be a run-off election for the top position there on November 22nd, and, in what I presume is an unrelated matter, the Village has agreed to pay half of th! e $1500 damages. He also attended the Upper Hudson Alliance meeting. The Village is one of four members, each contributing $3000, to help create joint tourism and economic development among Hudson River communities. It is important to have such energy devoted to these special assignments - Good Work! ADDENDUM - There are three issues that the Mayor wants to discuss with the DOT. They are traffic light timing in front of Price Chopper, the CSX (railroad) crossing, and the scheduled repairs to Rt. 9W through the Village. Another note about parking - the meters will be covered during the Holiday Season. Notes
on the October 18th Village Board Meeting MAYOR - opened the meeting with Trustee Caputo absent. Judging by the Mayor's determination to not fill trustee vacancies, one can only wonder if Trustees Leighton, Moore, Karashay and Murphy are up to shouldering the load long-term. So far, so good. Could a smaller government be in the future? First up, newly hired Superintendent of Saugerties Central School, (and new Saugerties resident) Richard Rhau, graciously introduced himself and made himself available to work with the Village in any capacity to insure good relations between them. He seems to be a keeper. After that auspicious beginning, attention focused on the Boys and Girls Club in the center ring. With everyone seated around the inches thick law suit they filed against the Village, the Mayor gave a brief, but rosy overview of the history of the Boys and Girls Club's attempt to locate a facility on Partition Stre! et. In other words - the ineptitude of both sides was not mentioned. To bring you up to speed on this issue - the case now revolves around the requirement of a loading dock in the new building, and not on the safety of the children on that dangerous block. Then Planning Board attorney Dick Risely (I hope I spelled that correctly) explained the changes, both short term and long term, needed in the zoning law (and others) to keep the Village from having to spend Tens of Thousands of dollars in legal fees defending what is generally presented as an indefensible position. The fact that the club was willing to spend as much from the money donated to them for the welfare of the children shows you how divisive this issue has become. The result? A resolution changing the zoning law was passed unanimously. It removes the need for a loading dock, but first it must be approved by the Ulster County Planning Board, then the Village Planning Board, then pass environmental review, and go before a public hearing - all before it becomes law. With luck, that will come to pass by the first week in December. Meanwhile, the Village must borrow money from another account (the money budgeted for legal fees this year is already spent) to pay an attorney to answer the suit. And you wonder why your taxes are going up! SPORTS BREAK - 7:30 Yankees leading 4-2. PUBLIC
INPUT - Jeff Helsmith, (ditto on the spelling) a professional engineer who
works for the NYC Board of Water Supply and is experienced with traffic, intersections
and lights, is concerned about the traffic light in front of Price Chopper. He
knows all the technical terms and is in good standing with the DOT. He offered
to write a letter asking for a review and an adjustment in the light sequence.
He also offered his traffic expertise on a volunteer basis if the village needed
it. It is hoped he will meet with the tra! ffic committee to lend his talents
to the cause. ABSTRACTS - approved, as were the minutes, and just as we were getting down to business, an Executive session was called to review personnel matters. Since there were no chairs left in the meeting room (it was standing-room only in the Village hall) and no radio to catch the ball game scores on (I checked) the session only lasted 10 minutes, and the Reports began. POLICE - Chief Kimball cited the use of the new unmarked cruiser's effectiveness with a total of 143 traffic tickets issued. In addition, there were 106 meter tickets and 9 others issued for parking violations. It was a busy month, but the good news is only 2 larcenies and no burglaries were reported, and graffiti vandals were caught red (or whatever color paint they were using) handed by Sgt. Laquidara, who was off-duty, but ever vigilant. THANKS! DPW - With thanks to the Town of Saugerties Highway Dept. for loaning extra trucks, North Street paving is completed. Leaf - not lawn debris - cleanup is scheduled to start after Halloween. Street cleaning and storm cleanup continue, with business as usual taking up all their energies. FIRE - The Chief thanked the board for getting the firehouse in shape for the 150th anniversary earlier this month. He's had a bunch of firemen and equipment at the elementary schools for Fire Prevention Month, and reports they are a big hit with the kids. Nice going! Annual Halloween Parade is at 6 PM ! the Friday before Halloween, with refreshments and costume judging after. It is a sweet, small-town event that is always fun to see. I don't know who has more fun - the children or the adults! Try not to miss it this year. BUILDING & PARKS - Lions Club pool holds water - we know that thanks to all this rain - so it was pumped and cleaned and is ready to be winterized. The Village Beach rest rooms were closed and winterized after the Irma Sagazie Canoe Race. Leaks in the Donlon Auditorium and the Library (NEWS FLASH - the Village owns the library building!) were repaired, and the ongoing problem (10 years and counting) of the library basement flooding is being reassessed. New BBQ installed at Chorvas Park near the Mill, and residents send their appreciation. SafeCo's planned construction to improve security is delayed by previous commitments, but anticipated any day now. MAYOR - 95% of Streetscape is done, but delays in c! ertain aspects leave us looking foolish - lamp posts will be operational and fully functional by Dec. 12th (Village Open House) and the telephone poles and wires will be removed . . . whenever. Soon, it is hoped. BUILDING INSPECTOR - business as usual, no new starts, but plenty continuing. Work on the Dragon Inn progresses. WATER/WASTEWATER - heavy rains cause high turbidity and use of a new chemical is being considered for those times that precipitates the sediment more quickly. 12 feet of sewer line replaced on North Street before DPW repaving! The purchase of a new Bobcat was mentioned and quickly shelved, with $2800 thought to complete the needed repairs. Use and cost of this vital piece of equipment is shared throughout departments. Constant maintenance and repairs fill the available time. IN GENERAL - it was evident that all the departments work together to complete the daunting task of keeping this Village running - a! nd they do it with good humor. Kudos, Ladies and Gentlemen! Notes on the October 4th Village Board Meeting Some
meetings are defined by the agenda, and some by what remains unsaid. Last night's
meeting was the latter. You'll remember that at the Sept 20th meeting the Mayor
asked the Village Board to vote on hiring an attorney to look over the zoning
laws and recommend changes, even though he said we'd already spent more money
on legal fees than we'd budgeted for the whole year. Specifically, the lawyer
was to suggest changes in the area of loading docks, so the Boys & Girls Club
could finesse their new construction in that dangerous location on Partition Street
next to the police & fire departments. MAYOR'S OPENING REMARKS - Busy weekend and previous weeks since the last meeting. The Garlic Festival was a banner success with 50,000 in attendance, which made it the largest ever. The Washington Hook & Ladder Company, the oldest fire company under the same name in the county, celebrated their 150th anniversary on Saturday. There was a nice turnout, with speeches and good food. Then on Sunday, the Mum Festival was also a big success. PUBLIC INPUT - Eleanor Redder asked the Village to purchase the corner lot on Mynders Street & Lighthouse Drive, primarily as a buffer to the new subdivision proposed next door, and asked that they put up a marker designating it as the site of the last operating dairy farm in the Village. MINUTES - accepted, although they weren't read, and only the elected officials get to see a copy. Some time it would be interesting to compare them to my notes and the published reports of the meetings. WATER/WASTE WATER - Everything filtering properly - business as usual. Fire hydrants are being flushed this week as part of fire prevention month, and routine maintenance to clear sediment and check the valves. POLICE - Busy. The Mayor also noted that if Kiwanis wants to donate back the additional costs incurred because of the hugely profitable garlic festival, he is ready with the figures. No total cost was mentioned. DPW - Trustee Caputo caught us up on the work completed in the recent past. (Valley & North Streets) and continued that it is business as usual. They are very busy an! d getting a lot accomplished. FIRE - DPW praised for their excavation work that seems to have stopped the flooding in the firehouse. The remnants of Hurricane Jean stayed outside. Chief Martin is out of service for a few weeks with a brief hospital stay and recuperation time at home. We wish him a speedy recovery. Fire Prevention Month means firemen will be visiting the schools to increase awareness of fire safety. BUILDINGS & PARKS - Seamon Park looks great, and the Mum Festival was a success. George Terpening deserves the praise piled on him for all his efforts improving and beautifying the park. The Ulster County Traffic Council rep and the head of the Ulster County Planning Board met with Trustee Murphy and the Village Traffic Committee to discuss the recently completed Traffic Report, and the grants available to implement some of the recommendations in it. SafeCo will begin implementing the new safety and security plans f! or the Village Hall, Police Department, Fire House and Justice Court. All employees will be issued ID badges, with keypads and swipe pads installed at all entrances. So not only will the firehouse be dry, but it should be free from vandalism. BUILDING INSPECTION - in a written report (he made me say that) brought us up to date on all the latest activity - and reminded us all - as part of Fire Prevention Month - to change the batteries in our smoke detectors. MAYOR'S CLOSING REMARKS - He attended a meeting of the Upper Hudson River Alliance in Hudson last week. There were many bigwigs there, including the Lt. Governor, and representatives of the three other members - Tivoli, Athens and Hudson. The purpose is to develop, market and reconnect the river-front communities, and to promote tourism & economic development among them. The Hudson River Regional Festival, in which we participate every August, is a product of this coalition! . All is in preparation for the Hudson/Fulton Celebration in 2009. The irony of the evening was a Proclamation, which went unread, promoting teen reading. It will be publicized by the library at a future date.
Notes
on Village Board meeting 9/20 2004
Where to begin? With the pre-meeting information exchanged as we all gather together?
With the explanations and apologies? (Last meeting the police chief arrived late
because of a conflicting meeting, not to "blow-off" the Traffic Report. I apologized
for presenting that in a bad light. Neither of us mentioned why he missed the
meeting before.) Or, the heartfelt pleasantries expressed to the nice folks who
were present to promote positions I feel are clearly not in the best interests
of the general community? (The Boys & Girls club were there in force to ask for
a rewrite of our zoning laws, while Lynch's Marina and prominent members of the
historic community, who are at loggerheads over a boat storage barn in terrible
repair, had words as they argued the pros and cons of its removal.) Instead, I
think I'll just give you the general overview of the PUBLIC INPUT section of!
the meeting. And that is -- that the Village Board is embarking on the unfortunate
path of ignoring the decisions and rulings of the various Historic Review Boards,
Zoning Boards, and Planning Boards they appointed to help them govern, and has
already, and will again soon, overrule their advice and recommendations to appease
a vocal minority. And that's true whichever way they rule! Being on a committee
appointed by the Mayor, I know how much work is involved in the decision making
that goes on in the background. When the efforts of capable and well-intentioned
volunteers are overturned, I have to wonder how long they will continue to step
up to the plate and perform arduous hours of public service. This is a dangerous
precedent we are seeing. Notes on September 7th Village Board Meeting The Mayor called the meeting to order in the Village courtroom to accommodate the crowd expected for the scheduled Traffic Report. Before it was presented, 2 citizens spoke out on other local issues.
PUBLIC - First up, Neil Cox, representing Lynch's Marina, asked for permission
to tear down a collapsing barn on their property. He said last year's storm damage
caused the insurance company to cancel coverage, and the condition deteriorated
until Central Hudson asked to remove the electric service. In its present condition
it cannot be used for boat storage anymore, and with renovation costs estimated
at $50,000, anything but removal is unrealistic. With so much attention being
paid to property maintenance (see MAYOR) Lynch's may just get permission to tear
down the barn before it falls into the street. Then, a representative of the Mill
asked for a canopy and grill on the upper Chorvas Park adjoining them so those
unable to walk down to the water's edge could still enjoy the park. It was referred
to Parks and Recreation for consideration. BUILDING AND PARKS - Trustee Murphy - first shipment of mums have been received for Seamon Park, the fountains are re-plumbed and will be ready (along with the mums) for the October Festival, and the beach is closed for the season. BUILDING
INSPECTOR - Alex Wade - the previously reported, nearly done, almost done,
and everything but done Streetscape project will soon be complete. The new (and
very handsome) street signs were kindly painted for us by the City of Kingston,
and installed in the district by our own DPW. Central Hudson still has to install
2 "mongoose" lights to brighten the dark spots the new lamp posts miss. Motion
made and resolution passed to authorize the work. A final DOT report is imminent.
One thing it calls for is removal of the mid-block handicap parking spaces to
the end of the block. Three years ago I asked, in writing to the Mayor, and last
year and the year before in appearances before the Village Board, that those mid-block
spaces be converted to 15 min parking and/or loading zone spaces so that the injured
and infirm could still easily get to the drug store, and shipments to all the
local businesses could be facilitated. Perhaps now that idea will be explored.
Notes on August 2nd Village Board Meeting The Monday, August 2nd
Village Board Meeting was one of the fastest on record, with a total of 20 minutes
spent handling the affairs of our community. Trustees Cornelieson and Leighton
were absent. Mayor Yerrick declared SundayÕs annual employee picnic a success,
with spirits undampened after a brief, but torrential rain caused the cancellation
of most of the planned activities. Some general information: the Finance Officer
(Trustee Moore) reads the abstracts at the beginning of each meeting. Abstracts
are basically the bills due, and must be approved so that payment can be made.
Only the amounts of the bills and the department they are to be charged against
are read aloud, so there is little sense to be made from his report. But we are
confident of his abilities and must accept them as given.
The Lighthouse Conservancy BETWEEN THE TIDES Festival is scheduled for
Sunday afternoon, followed by a West Point Band concert on the lawn of the Historic
Society. Contrary to rampant rumors (as if there is nothing else to occupy our
minds these days) work on DunkinÕ Donuts proceeds smoothly, and it is expected
to open soon. About the Streetscape Project Ð the Mayor said the $850,000 beautification
was an estimated $25,000 to $30,000 over budget, at most. He congratulated Alex
Wade on a job well done. Note to our County Legislators Ð maybe you should talk
to our Building Inspector to find out how to bring in major construction projects
on, or near, budget. This last bit of business will impact all Village residents. Since the town increased the per bag fee for garbage to $3, the VillageÕs $2 fee has attracted more users than previously, causing the RRA to increase the charges to the Village for this service. It was either that or begin to turn people away. Instead, the Village will institute a PERMIT ONLY use of the garbage and recycling facility. There is no cost for the permit, and each Village household is encouraged to apply. Those without a permit will not be allowed to use this service. The additional costs of $2500 to continue this community service will be born by the Village. In general, the Mayor noted that recent statistics show that senior citizens make up 26% of the Village population. We know that keeping services, such as garbage & recycling, available to them is important, and the Village is to be applauded for continuing to recognize the need. According a recent article in the AARP magazine, a national study said that 25% of those over 65 do not drive, and sidewalks, grocery stores, and libraries are necessary Òquality of lifeÓ factors which allow seniors to remain independent longer. The Village thoughtfully adds affordable garbage and recycling facilities to that list. The meeting adjourned at 7:22 PM. ThatÕs it. Notes on the Village Board Meeting July 19th With Trustees Cornelieson and
Caputo absent, the Mayor opened the meeting with praise for the Sawyer Motors
Car Show last Sunday. Similar praise for, and comments about that very successful
event were also included in the various department reports given. POLICE - Things progressing smoothly with several big events behind us (July 4th/5th, & Car Show) and they are gearing up for the Fireman's Convention and Parade on the 31st. Statistics - here were 158 calls for service, including 18 motor vehicle accidents, and 41 911 calls, 109 tickets issued, and 41 criminal arrests. Also in June were 3 larcenies and 3 burglaries reported. The department and the detention area received a notice of "Full Compliance" from the state, and an overall "Satisfactory" rating. (in bureaucrat speak, satisfactory is good) FIRE DEPARTMENT - 34 alarms involving 333 person hours, and 20 non-alarms with 133 person hours involved for the month, with 12 fire-related calls. The security system for the fire house, rather, the time it is taking to get one set up, is a major concern for the volunteers. You may remember that after the vandalism reported to fire equipment, and the unauthoriz! ed use of the firehouse facilities last year, a curfew was placed at 10 PM for all fire personnel to be out of the firehouse. The longer this situation continues, the greater the hardship for the diligent volunteers who are on-call 24 hrs a day. The fire chief was assured that everything is being done, and a little more patience is needed before the appropriate security system can be decided upon and installed. BUILDING & PARKS - Contrary to what is printed in other papers, the Village Beach is now open with a full staff of lifeguards. Concrete was poured at the Lion's Club Pool, and it is expected to open before it has to close for the season. The mundane, but very important mowing and weed whacking, continues throughout the Village properties. The sometimes hanging (2 have fallen already, with no injuries as yet reported) beautiful baskets of flowers on the new light posts are watered daily and garner many compliments. B UILDING INSPECTOR - Work resumes on Dunkin' Donuts after a short hiatus. After landscaping and cleanup, an end-of-the-month opening is anticipated. 68 units of senior housing on North Street, and a 5 lot subdivision on Mynderse Street are in the works. The Fulton Steamboat Project moves ahead with the purchase of a building for a museum, in readiness for the 2009 centenary of the Hudson/Fulton Celebration of 1909. A second new dress shop is nearing completion, and Stella's Station (ice cream parlor) opened last week. Long-standing scofflaws with derelict buildings will soon face a new proposal to rid our town of such dangerous eyesores. WATER DEPARTMENT - Power outages due to several recent storms proved that the new generator works smoothly. Nice to be prepared, guys. Repairs were made to 2 broken fire hydrants. Heavy rainfall and flushing the hydrants caused some water turbidity. WASTE WATER - Smoke testing is 80% complete wit! h only the business district left to do. Expect some disruption and delays as this has to be done during the daytime. DEPART OF PUBLIC WORKS - Business as usual, with cleanup after the events cited as the major task for the month. Also - and finally - the Municipal parking lot was cleared of the contractors debris after the Streetscape Project. That frees up some much needed parking space just in time for another 3 week run of HITS events. RESOLUTION
#10 -- That the Village take part in the creation and development of an Upper
Hudson River riverfront communities organization to develop tourism and related
economic activities. An amount not to exceed $3000 is suggested as membership
fee. It is anticipated that all the communities of Hudson's shore will eventually
participate. Passed Anyone attending these meetings must wonder where I get all
the information to print in this space. Most nights the meetings last for 30 !
to 45 minutes. They consist of various numbers of people standing up and saying
to the Village Board: "You have my report in front of you. Are there any questions?"
The rare questions and/or comments give an insight into the dry reports that I
now ask for copies of. The occasional background information I offer here comes
for my attending more meetings than many of those who are elected to the office.
I'm glad you are enjoying these "notes"
Village Board meeting Notes on the June 21st Village Board meeting With barely a quorum present (Trustees: Moore, Murphy and Cornelieson, and the Mayor), and not all the department heads on hand to issue their monthly report, the meeting was short and uneventful except for an unremarked upon wildlife problem. WASTEWATER REPORT - For the second time The Mill called the Village to clear their blocked 8" waste drain pipe. No local plumbers have the equipment to handle the job, so when 3 inches of waste are on the ground floor the Village crew has willingly stepped in. After removing the mops, rags and whatever else was blocking the pipe, they cleaned up and left. In addition, South Partition and Burt Streets were jetted and cleared of blockages. The Smoke testing of Village waste lines is about ! 25% done. While it may be alarming to have smoke billowing through your house, it only happens if there is a non code or illegal plumbing and/or venting problem with your house. Better nontoxic smoke than dangerous sewer gas leaking in, so bear with the work and minor inconvenience. So far, the Village Hall is the worst violator with all the downspouts running into the waste stream (that's illegal) and 3 catch basins not yet disconnected. WATER SUPERINTENDENT REPORT - Due to heavy storms in May, there were high raw water turbidities (silted water) in the reservoir, and the plant had to be monitored closely. Copper Sulfate is being applied to the Reservoir to keep down aquatic plant growth. And, aside from routine maintenance and small nuisances, it was an uneventful month of higher water usage attributed to HITS. Speaking of small nuisances, beavers are industriously building dams to block the 20 inch culvert pipe near the Water! Tank as quickly as the crew destroys them (twelve times so far.) The Water Dept. claims victory, but the beavers are still in residence. We haven't heard the last of this. PUBLIC WORKS REPORT - Routine maintenance (tree trimming, etc.) and cleaning were the norm for this department also, with street patching after the Wastewater repairs, and also being coordinated with the streetscape contractor to keep up with repaving his excavations. By handling the repaving in-house, there is a significant cost savings within the beautification project's budget. FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT - Again, routine and unremarkable month in the fire department. That's a "good thing". The new chief filled in with his reports, and questions about repairs to the Lynch firehouse. Prefab stairs are being priced to replace the removed rear ramp there, and the front ramp is deteriorating. He was also concerned about the siren being removed from the roof 2 years ! ago and never replaced. He was told his questions should be addressed to the committee within the department, and not the board. BUILDING INSPECTOR REPORT - Alex showed up in time to assure us that all the new street lights were installed. The needed switches are "in transit" and expected soon. Look for an official announcement of a lighting ceremony around July 19th, but they will be operating sooner. There are still 3 private services to be switched (no time period given) before Central Hudson can remove the telephone poles, which will take 7-10 days, and then this phase of streetscape should be complete. We have 3 new foundations being build upon in the Village, and BIG NEWS - the Cantine Mill property (including the dam) was sold to John Mullens. No mention of what he intends to do with it, but they are clearing it today. $55,000 in back taxes have already been paid. POLICE REPORT - There were 15 accidents (one involving per! sonal injury), thirty-five 911 calls, 50 traffic tickets, 31 criminal arrests, 97 tickets for meter and parking violations. Three larcenies, and one burglary were also reported. The good news is that the police apparently stepped up coverage of the Mountain View Cemetery and were able to apprehend several juveniles and charge them with trespass. One was additionally charged with Cemetery Desecration in the First Degree, stemming from an incident in December. Hopefully the damage will be repaired and it won't be a hangout in the future. Good work, men! MISCELLANEOUS REPORTS - The Zoning Board of Appeals will meet Tuesday evening to vote on whether to revisit the matter of the variance they denied (last meeting) for the Boys & Girls Club. If they vote yes, it will be on the agenda of their next meeting. That means more public hearings, and the whole can of worms all over again. Unless the B&G club amends their plans, we! can expect an acrimonious summer. Speaking of Summer - after several years of delays, the pool at the Lions Club Playground is expected to open before the end of July. Sooner than that, the Village Beach should open sometime between June 30th and July 4th. Again this year we face a shortage of lifeguards - only four have been hired so far, but we need seven or eight to fill out the schedule. That leaves us with the perennial problem of staffing towards the end of the season, and the possible early closure of the beach because of it. So, if you know of qualified life guards, the Village is advertising for them. RESOLUTION - #9/2004 - Authorizing the Mayor to apply to the NYS Office of Parks for up to $350,000 to enhance Seamon Park, and, if appropriate, a conversion easement/preservation covenant to the deed. Passed - with no explanation of what the "enhancements" are. That's all. It took longer to write than the entire meeting! Notes
on June 7th Village Board meeting APPOINTMENTS - John Dragun to the Ulster County Transportation Council (replacing the Mayor) Two temporary police officers upped to Permanent (Chrisjohn & Toome replacing Mills and Roosa [spelling?]) That's it. There was a short executive session to discuss union matters, with no comment afterward, and the meeting adjourned. Village Board notes 5/3/04 This was a very quiet meeting, with perhaps the most significant event being the moving of the flag. For those of you who don't attend regularly, lately the American flag is in a different spot each meeting, and it is fun watching folks trying to find it for the opening salute. Anyway . . . After some late arrivals, everyone but Cornelison (sp) was there. There was no mention of last meeting's lack of quorum for all the voting and appointing that was done, so it must have been legal. Reports given around the table included potholes filled, clean-up finished, small fires extinguished, nothing serious. Although the Jane Street fire could have been, without the prompt and expert attention of the volunteers. Securing the Village offices and the firehouse got mentioned again. Estimates are coming in, (SafeCo was named) and ideas considered. They will be concrete news soon. The streetscape plans progress, with DOT approving the next step. The last light poles shipped from the factory, so construction can't be far behind. Dunkin Donuts/Baskin Robbins Ice Cream construction is on schedule, and a weirder combination - a raw bar (with liquor license) / ice cream parlor is going to open in the old garage at the top of Partition Street hill - next to the florists. May 19th is the awards dinner for our water dept "best of" recognition. That is a big deal we won, but it was last meeting's news all over again. Really same old, same old - all night long. Most interesting was a vote to pay annual Empire Zone fees. We belong so we can offer incentives to businesses moving into the Village, but at $2000+ a ye ar, I wonder how much bang we get for that buck. No one questioned it and it passed.
Finally - a mention of the 4th of July festivities - scaled down - with only a
Carnival at the Field before the fireworks on Sunday, with the parade on Monday!
(legal holiday - and a Sunday parade would interfere with church) watch the papers
for definite times, etc. Whole thing took 25 minutes. That's that. PUBLIC HEARING ON THE VILLAGE BUDGETS April 6, 2004
Questions raised: ?-In 2002/3 budget, the income from
mortgage tax was budgeted at $45,000 yet $133,343 was actually received. In the
2003/4 and 2004/5 budget the mortgage tax is still budgeted at $45,000. WHY?
?-A line in the Waste Water Department
Budget (separate from Village Budget and Water Budget) under Treatment Plant -
Contractual, has the Miscellaneous Expenses at $42,000, or 20% of that section.
Why is 20% of that section liste! d as miscellaneous?
?-A line in the Preliminary Water Budget lists an unmetered water sales income
line as $1000. What is unmetered water? (and can mine be unmetered also?) VILLAGE BOARD MEETING Traffic concerns predominated at the regular meeting. Jim Fowler and Mary Lehy re: truck traffic; Jim Fowler noting that the recent article in the paper (Post Star) suggested routing truck traffic up Glasco Turnpike from 9w over the Esopus Creek and up PVI hill. He said he's been trying to get the weight limit reduced on that bridge because of the poor condition it is in, and he didn't think trucks should be using it. Mary was particularly vocal about the lack of speed reduction signs in the Seamon Park area of Route 32, saying that along with the turn into the Village at Diaz Ambulance it's "an accident waiting to happen." Both times the mayor mentioned the new steering committee for traffic/truck traffic, saying the committee's evaluation of the situation is pending, and suggesting concerns be brought to the committee's attention. The committee is headed up by Judith Spector. March Gallagher spoke on behalf of the Boys and Girls Club in regards to creating a "No parking" zone in front of the club's future Partition St. site, for the purpose of droping-off and picking-up of children. Historically there have been two parking spots there, including a spot reserved for the mayor (so actually one spot). Even the disappearance of one spot! is a sensitive issue, since parking is at a premium. The Village Business Association is concerned; in fact, Richard Frisbie, as a representative of the SVBA, voiced concerns about lack of parking and traffic as a result of the future Boys and Girls Club. He said that at the recent SVBA meeting there was great concern about the loss of parking by the businesses on that block and most of the other members in the Village. Dan Shuster is currently doing a traffic impact study. March Gallagher said that there would be a big difference on the study if it could include those spaces as no parking spaces. The Mayor said, for the sake of the study, to tell Mr. Shuster to assume that those parking spaces will be no parking. Any changes in parking would have to go through municipal and legal proceedings to make it official. Richard Frisbie reminded the Board that his request last year for a uniform Historic Business District parking law and his recent requests for loading and/or 15 minute parking areas where the soon-to-be-moved handicap parking spaces are were never addressed. He further stressed that when the Cross Street parking question came up last year, there had to be a police review of the area, neighbors were queried, and a report was made before the law was rewritten and the public hearing scheduled for the proposed changes. Then the board voted to change the parking. He asked that previous requests not be pushed aside and forgotten while attentions are focused on current controversies. Additional news: Alex Wade reported Dunkin' Donuts construction will b! egin today with a poured footing, the streetscape project is chugging along - power lines to Main St. businesses will be transferred back to Jane St. soon, plans have been filed for a new house to be constructed on Myer's Lane, and finally, back to the Boys and Girls Club, the Historic Review Board has given their nod of approval to the proposed plans, and the Village Planning Board will have lead agency status. Village Board 3/15 meeting Richard Frisbee passed out information pertaining to signage for pedestrian traffic in the interests of safety, with an eye towards what other communities are using . *** The sewer rate is set to increase 18%. They figure this will come out to about $11 more per quarterly tax bill. This will create more equity between residential and commercial rates. Other reasons given were cost containment in the face of inflation; it was stated that there hasn't been an increase in the rate in 12-15 years. This is not related to the 1.7 million dollars bonded to revamp the the water treatment plant. A public hearing will be set for the issue. - Other water/sewer news: Willow Lane is being fixed and should be completed in another week. A global positioning system (GPS) is going to be used to identify oldest and most heavily burdened infrastructure such as underground pipes for future upgrades. - Preparations are underway for the Old Car/Old Timer's Day Festival on July 11, wherein streets will be closed off similar to the JAS Festival. There will be about 150 cars, plus entertainment. - Spring clean-up (read: street sweeper) will take place from the 19th to the 23rd. They don't want anything like yard waste out on the streets until after April 12th. - Yay, another July parade: the Ulster County Firemen's convention will be here at the end of July, with a parade on the 31st. And by the way, the Washington Hook and Ladder Company will have their own parade too, to celebrate their 150th anniversary, but that won't be until October. - Local businesses and organizations can now sponsor flower beds at Seamon Park. You pay for plants and plant 'em, and in return you get a marker touting your sponsorship. Contact Mary or George Terpening if interested. - Alex reported the Saugerties Packaging Company is bringing in thousands and thousands of dollars' worth of equipment for their venture, and that they've received Empire Zone status. - The old auction building on Livingston Street is being reopened "in time for HITS." - Donuts: after the Planning Board took umbrage at the purple and orange color scheme of Dunkin' Donuts, the company came back with a beige, tan and grey color scheme. You'll be seeing those colors soon, as Dunkin' is set to begin construction next month. - The mayor reiterated a meeting must be held with the Cable Access Committee's town liason Leeanne Thornton, Village Trustee Jim Cornelison, and himself, to discuss the Village's financial involvement. - Mayor also mentioned the steering committee currently being formed up by Judith Spektor to address truck traffic and streetscape issues.Concerned citizens are encouraged to contact the mayor if interested in joining the committee. - Alex & Mayor have identified 11 sites for crosswalks, but they won't be, umm, installed until next year - they're going to wait until next year, when the DOT re-does part of the streets along the 9W corridor, for which they're responsible (didn't they just do the streets a couple of years ago?) - The board voted on, and approved, the change in parking designations for Cross Street. - Proposed Village budget is going up 8%. The increase, according to the mayor, is largely due to 9-11 and corporate scandals affecting the pension fund, so the Village has to shoulder more of the financial burden. A public hearing for the budget is scheduled April 5th at 6:00 p.m., in front of the next Village Board meeting.
Village Board, March 2 The meeting opened with two announcements: the bike route is nearing completion; you'll start to see signs for it going up in and around the Village, and they laid off the part-time treasurer for services no longer needed. Public input mostly consisted of Richard Frisbee, as a member of the Village Business Association, voicing concerns that not enough is being done fast enough regarding the pedestrian safety and traffic, specifically truck traffic. The mayor disagreed, saying that a steering committee is in formation to look into the situation. Richard mentioned that last he asked, no tickets to truck drivers had been issued despite a training course recently taken by local law on regulating commercial truck traffic. Furthermore, he felt big $$ is being spent on grand projects such as the streetscape project, and not enough on smaller, quality of life issues su ch as traffic and pedestrian safety. He invited everyone on the board to attend the next VBA meeting to get their perspective as a group. The various department reports were given next. The mayor mentioned all departments would eventually be on the "Two and Five Year Plan", which is a method of anticipating fiscal expenditures. Alex Wade reported six new houses are being planned, one fully passive solar house at the end of Main St., and five new houses at Latham Circle ~ The Knolls ~. Board member Murphy announced several complaints about conditions at the railroad crossing on Ulster Avenue. Conrail did an emergency patch job about a year ago when a rail split, and never came back to permanently repair the crossing, hence its bumpy condition. DOT will be contacted about it. There will be a public hearing about the Cross St. parking situation on March 15th; contact Mary if you want the time. Also, Mary mentioned the Village election will be noon to nine o'clock - double check on that too. Village
Planning Board Notes, posted Feb.12, 2004 Second, the Boys & Girls Club plans, which took the gist of the time. B & G club director Joe Faye said they were "...willing to do what we can" to mitigate parking and traffic concerns. Many on the board appeared worried about the potential tie-ups, and ultimately decided to require a traffic study before construction proceeds. The traffic study will then be submitted to the county for review. Faye expressed concerns this would be another in a string of delays. A parcel behind Frank's Hunting Lodge was mentioned as a possible alternative site, if the current effort is derailed. Howev!er, that scenario seems unlikely, according to Faye, because the cost (half a mil) of the alternative site would be in addition to the pledges the community has already raised, and he doubts people would be willing to commit more $$$. So this is how the B & G Club issue stands. Not discussed were plans for development at the North St. ridge, which is is still a ways off. Fifty to eighty houses, according to the situation with the amount of existing rock. They would go up some at a time, not all at once. Surveying will begin in earnest when the snow melts. Notes on Village Board meeting, Feb. 2, 2004 Motions that were noteworthy included a 5.00/hr raise for the Village attorneys renewing their contract for the next 4 years at 190.00/hr. According to Mayor Yerick they are of the same law firm that the Town is contracted with. A motion approving election inspectors for the Village elections in March. All the incumbents are slated to run for re-election. The Post Star on Nov 6th ran an ad stating that three (3) trustee positions are up for election. Reminder to budding politicians: There are only a few more days for petitions to be submitted.
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