PRESENT:
Alex Betke, Supervisor
Donald Daoust, Councilman
Mark Evans, Councilman
Aaron Flach, Councilman
Thomas Hobart, Councilman
Bambi Hotaling, Town Clerk

PRESS: Greg Draiss, Courier, Sean Springer, Greenville Press

GUESTS: Joe Maurer, Ruth Maurer, Frank Gerrian, Bill White Jr., Rene’ VanSchaack, Clark Pell, Rocco A. Cole, B Irwin, Ernie O’Dell, Jackie Manganero, Leon Rice

At 7:25 pm, Supervisor Betke opened the continuation of the public hearing (from the meeting of May 28) with the pledge to the Flag.

Joe Maurer addressed the board stating that he was speaking for himself and his wife, 5 children and 4 grandchildren.  They are not opposed to zoning but they are opposed to the zoning changes.

Neil Irwin addressed the board speaking on behalf of the little guy.  Feels that the changes are self serving and requested that the board leave well enough alone.

At 7:32 pm a motion to close the public hearing and open the Board Meeting was made by Mark Evans, seconded by Thomas Hobart and duly carried.

Supervisor Betke asked for a motion to accept the minutes as presented from the May 13 Board Meeting and the May 28 public hearing.  A motion was made by Donald Daoust, seconded by Mark Evans and duly carried. 
Ayes:  5 – Betke, Daoust, Evans, Flach, Hobart     Noes:  0       

Supervisor Betke opened the meeting to the public for comments and questions. 

Hal Beaumont questioned if the Town had an official newspaper for notices.  He was unaware of the last public hearing.  Supervisor Betke replied that the Town’s official papers are the Daily Mail and the Greenville Press.  Town Clerk reported that Public Notices are always in the Daily Mail and posted on the bulletin board.

Highway Superintendent Michael Tighe reported that the guys have been doing a good job – they are patching roads and mowing.  Mike requested permission to advertise for a commercial wheeled excavator to replace the gradall.  After some general discussion, Councilman Daoust made a motion which was seconded by Aaron Flach and duly carried for Mike to advertise for bids for a new excavator.
Ayes:  5 – Betke, Daoust, Evans, Flach, Hobart    Noes:  0

Mike also presented the board with the 284 Agreement for Expenditure of Highway Money in the amount of $160,000 for road repairs.  General discussion on road repairs. Mike plans  to do the worst first and work on maintaining and preserving the roads. A motion to accept and sign the agreement was made by Alex Betke, seconded by Donald Daoust and duly carried.
    Ayes:  5 – Betke, Daoust, Evans, Flach, Hobart    Noes:  0

Leon Rice distributed his report stating that they are at 95% coverage.  9% increase in calls – cardiac and trauma due to the weather.  Discussion on billing forms.
There are two fulltime positions and one part time position need to be filled. 
 
Leon would like to move Laura Mastrantuono and Beverly Proudman up to fulltime status and to hire Paul Howard  part time to fill the vacancy when Anthony Hatch left.  Mark Evans made a motion which was seconded by Thomas Hobart and duly carried accepting the personnel changes as presented by EMS Chief, Leon Rice.
    Ayes:  5 – Betke, Daoust, Evans, Flach, Hobart    Noes:  0   

Bill White reported that there are currently 6  projects before the Planning Board in various review stages.  There will be three public hearings at the next meeting on July 2, beginning at 7:00 pm (meeting night was changed from July 3). 

Discussion on the various correspondence received.

Alex stated that he met with attorney Tailleur and Hogan Trucking.  Joan sent a follow up letter confirming that they would complete their landscaping.

Aaron Flach gave an update on Town Hall renovations.
 
Mark Evans gave an update on the highway garage, stating that we need to move forward with the Bailey Street property.  In an effort to do the same, Mark presented a proposal from Feinberg Environmental Services who would identify, delineate and survey wetlands on the property.  The fee for said services not to exceed $4,000 and the cost would be split between the Town and the Village equally.  Town attorney, Joan Tailleur will be asked to draw up an inter-municipal contract between the Village and Town of Coxsackie to retain an engineer to determine the feasibility of construction of a joint highway garage.    A motion was made by Mark Evans, seconded by Donald Daoust and duly carried for Supervisor Betke to sign the agreement with Feinberg Environmental Services.
    Ayes:  5 – Betke, Daoust, Evans, Flach, Hobart    Noes:  0

Mark also reported that he, Mike Tighe, Don Daoust, Ward Collesides, Steve Hanse, and Greg Backus would be visiting a couple of highway garages.  Hal Beaumont suggested they take a look at Athens. 

Donald Daoust reported on the County mitigation plan and the hazard plan.  Working on identifying “natural” hazards.  Rene’ VanSchaack is helping out on both committees.

Alex Betke reported that we received a $6,000 grant for movie nights in July and August.  He is working on finalizing those plans and picking dates.  If anyone has suggestions for movies, let him know.

Thomas Hobart reported that they are waiting to hear back from the union regarding the highway negotiations.

The following resolutions were brought before the board:

SEQR Findings.  A motion to accept the findings was made by Donald Daoust, seconded by Aaron Flach and duly carried.
    Ayes:  5 – Betke, Daoust, Evans, Flach, Hobart    Noes:  0

Comprehensive Plan.  A motion to accept the plan was made by Aaron Flach, seconded by Mark Evans and duly carried.
    Ayes:  5 – Betke, Daoust, Evans, Flach, Hobart    Noes:  0

Local Law #4-2008, zoning. A motion to accept was made by Donald Daoust, seconded by Aaron Flach and duly carried.
    Ayes:  4 – Betke, Daoust, Evans, Flach    Noes:  1 - Hobart

Thomas Hobart stated that he has tremendous respect for the job that the committee did.  However, after meeting with several folks out in Earlton and listening to their concerns, he cannot with a clear conscious vote to adopt the new zoning.
 

Mark Evans commended the committee and appreciates the comments received from the public.  The plan is not perfect and there are specific things he wanted in the plan that were not included.  This was a difficult project, one that can continue to be worked on. We need proper planning to protect our community.

Donald Daoust also met with a lot of people West of the Thruway and thanks them for their input.  He thanked the committee for their efforts.  Feels we are at a good starting point and can be adjusted in the future.

Aaron Flach agreed that the document is not perfect, but it is a huge step forward in evolving the community .  Public opinions were considered and weighed into discussions.

Alex Betke also thanked the committed for the 3-1/2 years they have spent working on the plan.  He also thanked the community for their proactive approach.  This was not an easy decision, tough balance trying to please everyone and while he understands and sympathizes with Earlton’s concerns, we need to insure that the entire community is protected.

Alex read the WWII Monument Proclamation stating that the dedication would take place on July 4 at 10:30 am.  A motion was made by Mark Evans, seconded by Donald Daoust and duly carried accepting the proclamation.
    Ayes:  5 – Betke, Daoust, Evans, Flach, Hobart    Noes:  0

Barbara Beaumont reminded the Board that the Youth Fair requested a $300 donation for fireworks.  Aaron Flach made a motion to donate the money which was seconded by Mark Evans and duly carried.
    Ayes:  5 – Betke, Daoust, Evans, Flach, Hobart    Noes:  0
 
Alex Betke stated that he spoke with DEC regarding the Grande Quarry. 

Leon Rice stated that reflective 911 signs are available through the Benevolence Association.

Neil Irwin questioned what the Town’s position was on DEC’s proposed open burning ban.  After discussion the board decided to send a comment letter stating the Town’s concerns regarding the ban.

The Supervisor’s monthly report is on file in the Town Clerk’s Office.

General Fund and Highway bills in the amount of $37,381.80 were audited on warrant #6 from #368-427.

A motion was made by  Aaron Flach, seconded by Donald Daoust and duly carried, to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 pm. 
 


                            ______________________________
                            Bambi Hotaling, Town Clerk