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Final 6/11/09
TOWN OF NEW SCOTLAND
Regular Town Board Meeting
05/13/2009
The following Town Officials were in attendance:
Supervisor: Thomas Dolin
Councilperson: Deborah Baron
Douglas LaGrange
Margaret Neri
Richard Reilly
Engineer: R. Mark Dempf
Highway Superintendent: Darrell Duncan
Town Attorney: L. Michael Mackey
Town Clerk: Diane Deschenes
1. Call to Order
Supervisor Dolin called the meeting to order at 7 P.M.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Invitation to the General Public to Comment on Agenda Items
Cheryl Domanico, Richard and Annick Belleville
Ms. Domanico along with Richard and Annick Belleville are here to discuss a motorcycle and ATV
ordinance in the hamlets with residential areas. At the suggestion of the town they have a video to
explain their situation. Ms. Domanico said this problem has been going on for 1 year 22 days. Ms.
Domanico played a video which consisted of 3 weeks worth of taping and approximately 6 separate
days. Ms. Domanico pleaded for an ATV ordinance. Mrs. Belleville added that she’d like to see an
ordinance in other areas of the town also because a situation like this could arise in someone else’s
back yard. Mrs. Belleville discussed a problem that happened years ago with Mr. Crammer. Mrs.
Belleville said that problem stopped but nothing was done in terms of an ordinance. Mrs. Belleville
felt at that time it should have been pursued. Attorney Mackey asked if this property is all in the
residential hamlet. Mr. Belleville said it is.
Susan Kidder
Ms. Kidder asked if they were riding motorcycles this afternoon. Mr. Belleville said they were. Ms.
Kidder overheard someone in town hall talking about it and this afternoon she heard them from her
home on New Salem South Road. Ms. Kidder said it sounded like someone was using a chainsaw
but then she realized it wasn’t. Mrs. Kidder said that’s the direction the noise came from.
John Dearstyne
Mr. Dearstyne said the purpose of him being here tonight deals with the same subject. The
Tennessee gas transmission line runs right behind his home. This line is used for ATV, dirt bikes and
snowmobile purposes. They go straight though but also use the property directly behind him which is
owned by someone who lives in Delmar. They’ve turned it into a track. The majority of the traffic is
on weekends. Mr. Dearstyne realized that enforcement is difficult but something needs to be done.
Supervisor Dolin advised that we do have a noise ordinance and we’ve taken steps to purchase a
decibel meter. The town has also hired an attorney specifically to be available for this enforcement.
Richard Belleville
Mr. Belleville said that the bikes run sporadically and to get a reading you would almost have to be
there 24 hours a day. Mr. Belleville felt it would require more than a noise ordinance.
Councilperson Reilly asked if Mr. Dearstyne lives in the RA zone. Mr. Dearstyne said he does but felt
it didn’t matter what the district is zoned because the noise is so irritating. Mr. Dearstyne said the
noise far exceeds a lawnmower or a vehicle that goes by on the road. Mr. Dearstyne said in his
situation he has these vehicles running up Clipp Road during the day. Mr. Dearstyne added when
they drive slowly it’s tolerable.
David Moreau
Mr. Moreau felt the problem is the machines have two stroke motors which put off a higher pitch.
Supervisor Dolin said perhaps the Board was being naive but they hoped the noise ordinance would
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be the best method of enforcement. Supervisor Dolin thanked everyone for their input.
Cheryl Domanico
Ms. Domanico asked if there is anything else they need to do.
Herman Stapf
Mr. Stapf said he lives next door to the Belleville’s and he hears the bikes every once in a while. He
didn’t feel there was anything wrong with it. Mr. Stapf felt it was an old people thing. Mr. Stapf asked
what you’re going to do if someone is using their lawn mower or a chain saw. Mr. Belleville said he’s
not objecting to chain saws. Mr. Stapf said he doesn’t complain about Mr. Belleville’s loud speakers
blaring. Mr. Belleville said he does that when the bikes are running to drown out the noise. Mr. Stapf
said it annoys him but he didn’t say anything because Mr. Belleville’s his neighbor. Mr. Belleville
asked Mr. Stapf if the noise from the bikes is tolerable 24 hours a day. Mr. Stapf said it doesn’t
happen 24 hours a day. Mr. Stapf reiterated that he doesn’t believe they’re doing anything wrong.
These are young children and their father is with them. Mr. Stapf said he can live with it.
Councilperson Reilly asked if Mr. Pine indicated when he would have the meter. Supervisor Dolin
said it is at the laboratory being calibrated and we should have it in a week or two.
Thomas Smith
Mr. Smith rides snowmobiles and understands the landowner issues. One thing they use for
enforcement up north is any exhaust that’s modified from the manufacturer is ticketed. Supervisor
Dolin said that the sheriff looked at these vehicles and determined that they had original equipment.
Supervisor Dolin felt that the two stoke off road bikes are basically unregulated. Supervisor Dolin
said he can tell this is a serious problem and we’re going to have to investigate if the public is in favor
of regulating of these types of vehicles.
Richard Belleville
Mr. Belleville said his land boarders on wetlands. He received a letter some time ago from DEC
describing the wetlands as being adjacent to their property. The letter said it also applies to 100’ into
the property which would mean 1/3 of their lower lawn. Mr. Belleville told the sheriff that the bikes are
riding on wetlands and the sheriff advised him to contact ENCON. Mr. Belleville did and they’ll be out
to investigate that aspect. Mr. Belleville said the property owner lives in Catskill and they’ve done
everything to try to get her to do something about it. Mr. Belleville said she just turns her back on
them. Mr. Belleville said he’s going to send her a copy of the video.
Darlene Stanton
Mrs. Stanton asked about Route 32 and LaGrange Lane. Mrs. Stanton said at the end of Route 32
and LaGrange Lane there is a yield sign. Mrs. Stanton said there have been many accidents there
and she’s concerned that someone’s going to get killed. She felt a stop sign was needed. Mrs.
Stanton has talked to several people about it but no one does anything. Supervisor Dolin said
they’ve talked about repaving and they probably says they’ll fix everything at once. Supervisor Dolin
added that this summer they’re going to replace the culvert on Route 32. Councilperson LaGrange
said he was going to bring this problem up tonight also. Councilperson LaGrange discussed a recent
miss with the milk truck driver. Mrs. Hendrickson said from being on the rescue squad this is one of
the bad spots. Councilperson LaGrange said it’s always been a problem. Approximately ten years
ago they talked about making this a “T” intersection. Councilperson LaGrange said in the interim
there have been many accidents or near misses. Engineer Dempf though we should discuss the
situation and with the impending closure to see if there is some type of mediation that we can request
to be part of the project. Engineer Dempf didn’t know if the contract had been awarded but now
might be the time to talk with planning. Engineer Dempf offered to check with Mr. Hansen at DOT
but couldn’t guarantee anything.
Thomas Smith, Captain Voorheesville Area Ambulance (VAA)
Mr. Smith is here to present a check to the Town for revenue recovery. April 30 th marked twelve
months of revenue recovery for VAA. As of that date, they recovered $87, 378.05. Mr. Smith said
that there is always a little bit of a lag time and the VAA is in the midst of finalizing all of the electronic
deposits. VAA officially received $86,000 and the rest of it they should have shortly. Ten percent of
that is fees for a net total of $77, 400. A payment was made to the Town in November 2008 for
$8,136. The remaining portion $39, 077.03 was present to the Clerk. Mr. Smith said in addition to
that VAA put $15,000 in the 2008 budget to cover start up cost. The town paid their entire portion.
VAA did not incur the entire $15,000 in start up cost. There are a couple of reasons for that which
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Regular Town Board Meeting
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Mr. Smith discussed. Of the $15,000 start up cost, the Town’s portion was $9,150. VAA only spent
about $5,000. The VAA will reconcile with the Village in two weeks. Then there will be another
check forth coming in the amount of $3,913.93. Mr. Smith said things have been going fairly well.
Occasionally they have residents who don’t want to sign the paperwork. VAA explains the procedure
but if they don’t want to sign it’s not worth the trouble. Councilperson LaGrange asked how many
people don’t want to sign. Mr. Smith said for the entire year they had 244 transports and 30 did not
want to sign because they were underinsured or uninsured. That equates to approximately 10%.
The Board congratulated and thanked the VAA for all their efforts
4. Approval of the Minutes of the Following:
April 6, 2009 Town Board Workshop
April 8, 2009 Town Board Workshop
April 15, 2009 Public Hearing Proposed Local Law A-Wind Energy
April 15, 2009 Regular Town Board Meeting
April 22, 2009 Town Board Workshop
April 29, 2009 Town Board Workshop
May 4, 2009 Bid Opening
RESOLUTION 09-133
Supervisor Dolin offered the following resolution and moved its adoption:
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of New Scotland does hereby approve the
minutes as presented by the Clerk.
Councilperson Reilly seconded the motion. All present and voting, the motion carried (5 Ayes)
Announcements:
- The 2008 Annual Financial Document has been filed with the Clerk and is available
for public inspection. A copy is also available on the Town web site.
- The American Legion Voorheesville Post 1493 announces the Memorial Day parade
to honor war veterans will be held Saturday May 23 starting at 10:00am at the corner
of Rt. 85A & Circle Dr. in the Village of Voorheesville. The Town officials have been
extended an invitation to march in the parade.
- The Town is seeking to fill two part-time positions, Asst. Building Inspector, and
Building Dept. Office Clerk.
- The town is looking for volunteers to drive the Senior Van. No CDL License required.
- There will be a Town Board Workshop Meeting May 20th at 6:30pm
- Request for membership in the Onesquethaw Volunteer Fire Company
Town Clerk Deschenes received a request from the Onesquethaw Volunteer Fire Company that the
Board appoint Mr. Ronald Von Ronnie to active status in the fire company.
RESOLUTION 09-134
Supervisor Dolin offered the following resolution and moved its adoption:
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of New Scotland does hereby appoint Mr.
Ronald Von Ronnie to active status in the Onesquethaw Volunteer Fire Company.
Councilperson Neri seconded the motion. All present and voting, the motion carried (5 Ayes).
- Resignation of Todd Britton as member of the ZBA effective June 30th.
Supervisor Dolin advised that Mr. Britton submitted his resignation from the ZBA. Anyone that would
like to be considered should submit a resume. Councilperson Baron asked that an ad be placed in
the Altamont Enterprise.
Proclamation in honor of Mary Ann Hendrickson 2009 County Executive’s Volunteer
award recipient, and a New York State Senior citizen Volunteer Award recipient.
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Supervisor Dolin recognized Mrs. Hendrickson and read the following proclamation:
WHEREAS, MARY ANN IS A GOOD NEIGHBOR TO ALL IN NEW SCOTLAND AND HAS
DISTINGUISHED HERSELF AS A MOST DEDICATED AND SELFLESS VOLUNTEER, AND
WHEREAS, THE CITIZENS OF THE TOWN OF NEW SCOTLAND OF ALL AGES HAVE
BENEFITED FROM THE ABUNDANT ACTS OF COMMUNITY SERVICE MARY ANN HAS
PERFORMED, AND
WHEREAS, MARY ANN HAS GENEROUSLY GIVEN HER TIME, KIND SPIRIT AND TALENT
TO NEW SCOTLAND, THROUGH DIVERSE ACTIVITIES, SUCH AS:
OVER 25 YEARS WITH ONESQUETHAW RESCUE SQUAD
SENIOR OUTREACH BUS DRIVER
BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC COORDINATOR AT FEURA BUSH SR. APARTMENTS
PLANTING AND TENDING THE GARDENS AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER
DELIVERING MEALS TO SHUT INS
RESPONDING TO THE NEEDS OF OUR SENIOR CITIZENS IN NEED, AND
WHEREAS, MARY ANN HENDRICKSON REMINDS US ALL, THROUGH HER WORDS AND
ACTIONS, OF THE BEST OF THE HUMAN SPIRIT. HER SPIRIT OF SELFLESS GIVING AND
CARING IS A GIFT TO THE TOWN OF NEW SCOTLAND AND ALL ITS CITIZENS,
NOW, THEREFORE, ON THIS THIRTEENTH DAY OF MAY IN THE YEAR TWO
THOUSAND NINE, THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF NEW SCOTLAND ON BEHALF OF ITS
RESIDENTS, HEREBY ISSUES THIS PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING AND HONORING MARY
ANN HENDRICKSON FOR HER OUTSTANDING AND SUBSTANTIAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE
NEW SCOTLAND COMMUNITY.
5. Discuss purchasing two “pay-as-you-go” cell phones for use by the Senior Outreach
Program.
Supervisor Dolin said that there has been discussion amongst the Board and we are going to explore
getting an additional phone on the service that the Highway Department uses. If that doesn’t work,
we’ll explore other options. Supervisor Dolin asked if Ms. Kidder needed one or two. Ms. Kidder said
if something happened she didn’t want to rely on someone on the bus having a cell phone and that
went for the car also. Ms. Kidder said some drivers have their own phones but some don’t. Ms.
Kidder said sometimes both vehicles are out so she felt we needed two. Ms. Kidder added that
maybe we don’t need two immediately but our numbers have increased with the tracker dramatically.
In the first 3 months we had 15 seniors use it and last month we had 66. Ms. Kidder was concerned
about a possible breakdown or a senior becoming ill. Ms. Kidder said we could start with one phone
and then add another one later. Councilperson Baron said this is the first she’s heard of it.
Councilperson Baron asked how many drivers don’t have a cell phone. She felt that would give the
Board a better picture. Ms. Kidder said there are four main drivers with the Tracker and three have
phones they’re willing to use. The bus has four main drivers and she’s the only one without a cell
phone. Ms. Kidder said that will change because some of the drivers will be changing for various
reasons. Ms. Kidder said there are drivers she hasn’t used so she doesn’t know if they have phones.
Councilperson Baron said it sounds like we could have one phone stationed at Town Hall and let it
only leave the building when a driver doesn’t have a phone. Councilperson Baron suggested tying
into the plan that the Highway uses. Councilperson Baron added that with any kind of program we
would need to know how many minutes we’d use. Ms. Kidder said when she spoke with Supervisor
Dolin they discussed a tracker phone with a certain number of minutes. Supervisor Dolin suggested
investigating both concepts and then report back to the Board.
Ms. Kidder announced that the Yellow Bus will be in the Memorial Day Parade. There’re still seats
available for any seniors interested in riding.
6. Schedule Town Board Workshop for joint meeting of Planning Board and Town Board
re: SEQR issues for proposed Kensington Woods Development
Supervisor Dolin suggested withdrawing this item from the agenda unless anyone objected. There
were no objections.
7. Discussion/Action on proposal from Atty. Todd Mathes of Whiteman, Osterman & Hanna
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to provide legal services in developing a Wind Energy Law
This item was moved to the May 20th workshop meeting.
8. Resolution authorizing the Supervisor to execute an Intermunicipal Agreement
regarding a Planning Unit Recycling Coordinator and agreeing comply with the Solid
Waste Management Plan Modifications.
Supervisor Dolin said that the solid waste disposal consortium that we participate in with several
municipalities was forced to hire an individual by DEC to work on improving recycling. Supervisor
Dolin met the individual. We are one of the municipalities that have not adopted the revised solid
waste plan. A resolution was presented for our consideration.
RESOLUTION 09-135
Supervisor Dolin offered the following resolution and moved its adoption:
WHEREAS, in order to promote the public health, safety and welfare and further the purposes
of the New York State policy on solid waste management articulated in New
York Environmental Conservation Law § 27-0106, the Town of New Scotland is
a member of the Capital Region Solid Waste Management Partnership Planning
Unit (“Planning Unit”), formerly the Albany New York Solid Waste Energy
Recovery Systems (ANSWERS) Solid Waste Management Planning Unit; and
WHEREAS, on behalf of the Planning Unit, the City of Albany has prepared a Solid Waste
Management Plan (SWMP) which has been accepted by the New York
Department of Environmental Conservation; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of New Scotland has reviewed a Draft
Modification to the SWMP dated August 2008 and prepared for the City of
Albany by Clough Harbour & Associates LLP; and
WHEREAS, as part of the SWMP Modification, the Town and other members of the
Planning Unit must: enter into an Intermunicipal Agreement for the services of
a Planning Unit Recycling Coordinator, and agree to implement the terms of the
SWMP Modification once it is finalized; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of New Scotland has reviewed the terms of the
Intermunicipal Agreement for the services of a Planning Unit Recycling
Coordinator; and
WHEREAS, by Resolution dated November 17, 2008, the Common Council of the City of
Albany, on behalf of the City, accepted and adopted the SWMP Modification and
agreed to comply with the SWMP Modification;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS BY THE TOWN BOARD:
1. The Town Board accepts and adopts the modifications to the Solid Waste Management
Plan for the Planning Unit.
2. The town of New Scotland agrees to comply with the Solid Waste Management Plan
modifications.
3. The Supervisor of the Town of New Scotland is hereby authorized to enter into and
execute the Intermunicipal Agreement with the members of the Planning Unit.
4. This Resolution shall take effect immediately.
Councilperson Reilly seconded the motion. All present and voting, the motion carried (5 Ayes)
9. Building/Zoning:
Update regarding Noise Ordinance enforcement
This was covered under item #3.
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10. Highway/Water/Recreation:
Bid results for Solid Waste Collection
Highway Superintendent Duncan advised that we have the results of the bid. It was sent out as a
duel package, the collection as it is today and with waste wheelers. Highway Superintendent Duncan
suggested discussing this when the Board can devote an hour or more. Highway Superintendent
Duncan also contacted the low bidder for the waste wheelers and he is willing to bring a vehicle here
and talk to the Board. He is also willing to give three sizes of bins. A couple of Board members said
they’d like to see that. Councilperson Reilly suggested this be discussed at the May 20 th meeting
since the contract expires July 1. Highway Superintendent advised that there will be a lot of work if
the Board chooses to go with the waste wheelers. Supervisor Dolin will add this topic to the May 20th
agenda. Highway Superintendent Duncan will have the contractor come a little earlier.
Councilperson Baron asked if the Board is looking at Robert Wright. Highway Superintendent
Duncan said County Waste was the low bidder for waste wheelers and Pollard was low for the way
we collect today. Councilperson LaGrange asked if there was a hybrid of the two. Highway
Superintendent Duncan said there was a letter written from Pollard offering that but that’s not how we
bid it. Councilperson LaGrange asked if we would have to rebid it if we wanted to do a combination.
Highway Superintendent said we would. Councilperson Reilly said he’d like to do it both ways.
Councilperson Reilly felt the Board had to discuss whether to make the transition now or January 1
and if so what’s the interim plan. Highway Superintendent Duncan said he would have County
Waste arrive a 6:00 on May 20th.
Sharon Boehlke
Mrs. Boehlke asked if the town ever used County Waste. Highway Superintendent Duncan said we
haven’t. Mrs. Boehlke said her daughter lives in an area that uses them and if you think Pollard is
bad wait until you have County Waste. Mrs. Boehlke added when her daughter first moved there
they were picking up recyclable and trash every week and then it went to recyclables every other
week and trash every week. Now you can only put your recyclable out once a month and they pick
up the trash every week. Supervisor Dolin said our contract would take care of that. Mrs. Boehlke
said Guilderland had a contract but County Waste said this is the way it’s going to be and that’s what
they do. Supervisor Dolin said fortunately these are one year contracts renewable at our option. Mrs.
Boehlke added they may be low bidder but we’re paying for what you gave us the last time now. Mrs.
Boehlke then discussed how bad the service is with Pollard.
John Dearstyne
Mr. Dearstyne asked if County Waste is proposing to use automated containers. Councilperson
Reilly said they are. Mr. Dearstyne said that’s a problem for people who have to put their trash in the
car and take it to the road. Mr. Dearstyne said you can not physically put one of those containers in
the car. Councilperson LaGrange said that’s been his concern for that area specifically and that’s
why he asked if we could do a hybrid. Councilperson LaGrange added that Pollard did speak of that
in their letter. Highway Superintendent Duncan said there are a lot of topics to discuss that’s why he
recommended another meeting. Mr. Dearstyne said his daughter had County Waste and they did
change their pickup plan as the year went along but the homeowners had to pay for it. Mr. Dearstyne
felt in this situation the town would have more control.
Permission to order approximately 20 radio remote meter heads for Swift Rd Water District
not to exceed $3,000.00
Highway Superintendent Duncan advised that the town has completed installing radio read meters in
Clarksville, Font Grove, and Heldervale Water District from the grant money. We are about $3,000
short to complete Swift Road. The town plans to do the Feura Bush District someday along with the
tank rehabilitation program. Northeast Water District wouldn’t be done until we resolve the iron
problem. Highway Superintendent Duncan asked permission to purchase the remainder of the
meters for Swift Road Water District.
RESOLUTION 09-136
Councilperson Baron offered the following resolution and moved its adoption:
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of New Scotland does hereby authorize
Highway Superintendent Duncan to order approximately 20 radio remote meter heads for the Swift
Road Water District not to exceed $3,000.
Councilperson Neri seconded the motion.
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Highway Superintendent Duncan advised that a budget adjustment might be needed at the end of
the year but it won’t exceed $3,000. Supervisor Dolin thought this was investigated. Councilperson
Reilly said it’s a special district so it has to be funded from there or we need to arrange for a loan.
Town Clerk Deschenes discussed the meters with Mrs. Boehlke this week. The majority of the grant
we received paid for the computer and its software along with a number of meters. Town Clerk
Deschenes asked Mrs. Boehlke to check into distributing the grant amongst all the people in the
various districts.
RESOLUTION 09-136 Vote
All present and voting, the motion carried (5 Ayes).
Update on FEMA December 2008 Ice Storm Disaster application.
Highway Superintendent Duncan said that all of the paperwork is in and we should know the
remaining balance in 2-3 weeks. Highway Superintendent Duncan will keep the Board informed.
11. Fire/Ambulance:
Resolution authorizing Onesquethaw Volunteer Fire Company to participate in the
Voorheesville Memorial Day Parade Saturday May 23rd.
RESOLUTION 09-137
Supervisor Dolin offered the following resolution and moved its adoption:
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of New Scotland does hereby authorize the
Onesquethaw Volunteer Fire Company to participated in the Memorial Day Parade on May 23 rd.
Councilperson Neri seconded the motion. All present and voting, the motion carried (5 Ayes)
12. Engineering:
Draft Technical Planning Report for Feura Bush tank recoating project.
Stantec prepared a draft planning report for the Feura Bush tank recoating project. Councilperson
Reilly asked how it compares to the cost of Clarksville. Engineer Dempf said it more money for a
couple of reasons. The layout of the system is different. In order to maintain safe pressure we either
have to supply houses or buy small pumps for each house. Engineer Dempf said another item
presented in the report was the installation of a new tank altogether. Engineer Dempf said there is a
physical hydraulic issue that causes this to be more costly. Councilperson Reilly noted that this tank
has had a longer life than the one in Clarksville. Councilperson Neri thought the tank was 26 years
old and asked what the typical life is. Engineer Dempf said that depends on the water but it should
be 25-30 years. Engineer Dempf said one of the reason this tank had an extended life is because
the water is treated from Bethlehem and less abrasive. Councilperson Neri felt considering the tanks
age and the cost the Board might want to seek input from the residents. Supervisor Dolin thought
$528,000 seemed high and asked for an explanation. Engineer Dempf said if you look at the
estimate presented there is a line by line description. Councilperson Baron said in Clarksville we had
a neighborhood meeting for educational purposes and thought that’s what the Board needs to do.
Engineer Dempf said we’re not looking for the least cost alternative. We are taking on two pieces,
the pumps as well as the tank. Changing the pump system out for a marginal difference gives us a
new pump and the additional life. Engineer Dempf felt at a meeting that should be factored into the
analysis since at some stage the pumps will have to be replaced. Councilperson Baron asked about
time frame. Engineer Dempf thought now was a good time to prepare for next year. Councilperson
Reilly asked if the estimates reflect next years prices. Engineer Dempf thought if not it was close.
Councilperson LaGrange said because of the room it would take a land acquisition is needed to put
up a new tank. Councilperson LaGrange asked if that’s been explored. Engineer Dempf said the
town would have to revisit the piece of land that was offered to the town about ten years ago at no
cost. Engineer Dempf asked about a date and time for a meeting. Councilperson Baron suggested
a meeting in the fall. Supervisor Dolin added that it can be designed and bid over the winter.
Councilperson Baron suggested Engineer Dempf discuss the different options at the June meeting.
Councilperson Neri felt that the Feura Bush Neighborhood Association would appreciate being
brought in and she offered to contact Mrs. Wing.
Krumkill Rd. Slope Stabilization
Engineer Dempf and Highway Superintendent Duncan met with the soils engineer at the site last
week. They submitted a note with his recommendations. Engineer Dempf talked with NYS DOT and
yesterday Congressmen Tonko’s office contacted him. They were finalizing the language to go in the
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bill for the legislature to vote on for stimulus funding for both this and the three bridges. Engineer
Dempf said there’s movement and to summarize the Krumkill Road visit, we are not in an imminent
danger of a catastrophic failure weather permitting. Engineer Dempf advised the Board that again
this year the Highway Department is going to have to spend money to alleviate the rideabilty issue.
Engineer Dempf felt the road condition was more annoying then anything else. Engineer Dempf
suggested trying to mill it back a little further and try to smooth it out. Engineer Dempf said until we
come up with a permanent fix we’ll have to do this every year. Each time we do it the cost increases.
Engineer Dempf said he is in constant contact with DOT and they understand it is an issue. They are
also pushing this package even though it isn’t in the CDTC’s hands. Engineer Dempf reiterated that
this year the Highway will have to do more work there. Councilperson LaGrange asked for an
approximate cost. Engineer Dempf guessed $15,000. Councilperson Reilly asked if the road would
be closed a few days. Engineer Dempf said the work would be done on off hours and it might take a
couple of days.
Approve Phase 2 Contract – Northeast Water
A presentation was given on April 29th and the Board approved the plan. A submission need to be
made to the Health Department. Engineer Dempf asked the Board to approve the next step for
phase 2 of the contract to get the approval of the Health Department and the design drawing.
RESOLUTION 09-138
Councilperson Reilly offered the following resolution and moved its adoption:
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of New Scotland does hereby approve phase 2
of the Northeast Water District contract.
Councilperson Neri seconded the motion. All present and voting, the motion carried (5 Ayes)
Approve contract for Youmans Rd. Rail Crossing Elimination
Engineer Dempf talked with DOT today and the administrative law judge’s decision is on the desk of
the acting DOT Commissioner for signature.
Various project updates
Engineer Dempf asked if there are any other questions. Councilperson LaGrange asked if they’ve
zeroed in on a closer date than May for the culvert replacement on Route 32. Engineer Dempf said
he hadn’t heard.
13. Liaison Reports
Finance Committee Update
Councilperson Reilly said there has been some back and forth on the audit of LOSAP.
Councilperson Reilly spoke with Attorney Mackay about the necessity of performing those audits.
Attorney Mackey thought it was something we had to do. Councilperson Reilly reached out to
another accounting firm to get another proposal to see if the numbers come down. Councilperson
Reilly felt when he got that number he would need to meet with Councilperson LaGrange, Mr. Puritan
and the Fire Chiefs to discuss moving forward.
Governance Committee Update
Councilperson Baron asked if there is one particular project Mr. Puritan is working on right now.
Supervisor Dolin said he’s been working on trying to describe the organizational chart. Most people
perform two or three different functions. The employee manual is another project. Supervisor Dolin
said he talked to Peter Henner about making a proposal. They both agreed it would be productive if
he met with Mr. Puritan, Mrs. Kavanaugh, Councilperson Baron and Councilperson Neri.
Councilperson Baron said she doesn’t want to redo the whole manual but there are certain areas.
Supervisor Dolin felt Mr. Henner needed to know the scope of the project. Councilperson Baron said
she thought Mr. Puritan was going to help us find a labor law attorney. Supervisor Dolin said Mr.
Henner does it and he’s local. Supervisor Dolin asked if anyone knew of anyone else. Councilperson
Neri suggested comparing that option and see what the price maybe compared to the proposal that
Mr. Conway made as far as using the County. Councilperson Neri thanked Mrs. Geurtze for all the
work she did on the workplace training.
Clarksville Historical Society
Councilperson Neri announced she had information for the Clerk to put on the website regarding
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Final 6/11/09
TOWN OF NEW SCOTLAND
Regular Town Board Meeting
05/13/2009
Clarksville Heritage Day, which is August 1st. The Clarksville Historical is also having a raffle.
Tickets are available from Town Clerk Deschenes or Councilperson Neri.
New Scotland Historical Association
The new exhibit opened, which is the Early General Store. Councilperson Neri said they did a
beautiful job. Many of the artifacts in the museum display were donated from local families who
previously had stores in the area.
14. Pay the Bills
RESOLUTION 09-139
Supervisor Dolin offered the following resolution and moved its adoption:
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of New Scotland does hereby approve the
following bills and prepays:
Pay the Bills 2009
Vouchers 20090325-20090413 $ 173,787.89
Pay the Prepays 2009
Vouchers 20090317-20090320 $ 30,422.42
Vouchers 20090322-20090324 $ 6,993.05
Councilperson LaGrange seconded the motion. All present and voting, the motion carried (5 Ayes)
Invitation to the General Public to Comment
Saul Abrams
Mr. Abrams advised that Nationalgrid has an energy conservation rebate program that expires May
31st. If someone is doing weatherization or changing out to a gas boiler there are significant rebates
available. Councilperson Baron said that Ms. Kidder had mentioned that to our seniors.
Oil Tank
Supervisor Dolin said in connection with the moisture problem in the vault it seems like a good idea
to move the oil tank, which feeds the boiler in the back of Town Hall. Supervisor Dolin thought we
should replace the current boiler with a gas fired hot water boiler. Supervisor Dolin offered to get
bids for the Board. Supervisor Dolin asked when Engineer Dempf anticipated the work to begin in
the Clerk’s office. Engineer Dempf though work would begin in July or August. Councilperson
LaGrange asked if that would include changing over to natural gas and moving this furnace up to the
Community Center. Supervisor Dolin said it would. This furnace is in better shape than the one at
the Community Center.
15. Adjourn
Councilperson Reilly made a motion to adjourn and seconded by Councilperson LaGrange. The
meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM.
__________________________
Diane R. Deschenes, Town Clerk
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