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VILLAGE OF CHAMPLAIN
BOARD MEETING MINUTES
JULY 13, 2009
A regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Champlain was held on Monday, July 13, 2009, at the Village Office, 1104 Route 9, Champlain, New York. Present were Mayor Moore, Trustees Martin, Kim Trombley, and Thomas Trombley, Clerk/Treasurer Munoz, Deputy Clerk Barcomb, Larry Sorrell, Codes Officer Tetreault, and Orville Gload. Trustee Gehrig was excused this evening.
Mayor Moore called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. A motion was made by Trustee Martin, seconded by Trustee Thomas Trombley and carried, to approve the minutes of the regular Board Meeting held on June 8, 2009, as presented.
Mayor Moore asked if there was anyone here this evening who would like to address the Board. Orville Gload had concerns about several issues, and Codes Officer Tetreault said many of these concerns would be addressed in his report.
Report From Codes Officer Tetreault
1. He said a letter has been sent to the property owners of the yellow apartment building downtown. He spoke with Ron Trombly who said he is waiting for the property to be transferred back into his name before he does any maintenance. Trustee Martin asked if there was anyway to close up this building, and Codes Officer Tetreault said Attorney Marshall will have to be contacted. He was not sure what we could do at this time.
2. He said a letter has been sent to the owner of the lot where the Champlain Hotel was located regarding cutting the grass.
3. He said the owner of the burned house on Oak Street was sent a letter in May, and he responded that he was in the process of hiring a contractor to demolish it. Codes Officer Tetreault stated we need a firm date when this will happen.
4. He said the owner of the property next to the bridge on Route 9, as well as the owner of 23 Spruce Street, have been sent appearance tickets for court.
5. He said letters have been sent to the property owners of Horizon Heights and the former elementary school regarding cutting the grass.
6. He said the owners of Titanium Era (old fire station on Main Street) had been contacted last year about grass and brush around the property, and that he would have to send them another letter.
7. He said the owner of the burned building on Main Street was waiting for the asbestos report, and that there may be some insurance issues.
8. He reported the new Chinese restaurant is opened, and he has heard that the food was excellent.
9. He said there are two zoning applications coming before the Zoning Board shortly. One is for the Main Knitting building, and the other is for the Anchor Motor Freight building. This indicates that commercial business and commercial jobs, not warehouse jobs, may be increasing.
10. He said the engineer for the shared services grant did an initial inspection of the water and sewer facilities. They will send a list of requested information and will want to meet with the Shared Services Committee soon to review this.
11. He informed the Board the Town of Champlain received a notice regarding available grants for wastewater projects, and he thought this may be a way for the Village to get items it may need without much cost.
12. Mr. Gload asked why there are fewer fire hydrants in the Village, and Mr. Tetreault said there is a specific code for how many are required. Larry Sorrell also said some were removed when the main line was put on the other side of the road. Trustee Thomas Trombley suggested Mr. Gload speak to Fire Chief Chris Trombley, who may be able to answer his questions regarding fire hydrants. Mr. Gload also asked if the Village has accurate infrastructure maps, and Mr. Sorrell said we do.
Report From Mayor Moore
1. He said interviews for the Superintendent of Public Works position will begin in two weeks.
2. He mentioned there are several events related to the Quad Celebration coming up, including a family fest at the Oval in Plattsburgh on August 1st; religious day and statue re-dedication in the Village of Champlain on August 2nd; and a Community Day at the River Park in the Village on August 8th. He encouraged everyone to attend the celebrations.
3. He commended Larry Sorrell and the DPW crew for the great job they have been doing, and stated they have been holding things together very well despite the lack of manpower.
Report From Trustee Kim Trombley
1. She said paving will be done on July 20th and July 21st with South Street being completed, and Elm Street from Modern Mechanical in the Kimpex Building east to the Village line being done. She said Larry Sorrell has given her an estimate for paving the rest of Elm Street next year, and that this may be the only street the Village can pave next year because of the cost.
2. She said the Zoning Board met on July 8th but she was not able to attend that evening.
3. She echoed the Mayor’s comments and thanked Larry Sorrell and the crew for the good job they have been doing.
Report From Trustee Martin
1. He stated there have been many wastewater treatment plant issues that the crew has been dealing with recently. He thanked Terry Lincourt and Jim Ondras for running the belt filter press, and said that 144 tons of sludge had been removed last month. He also said various repairs, maintenance, and cleaning had been done during the last five weeks.
2. He especially thanked Bob Jewell from the Town of Plattsburgh for doing the required testing at the wastewater plant. Also for getting the plant running productively, and for explaining how the plant should work and the importance of maintenance. He also thanked Larry Sorrell for working with Mr. Jewell. He invited the Board and residents to visit the plant and see it in operation.
3. He asked that residents dispose of cooking oils and grease properly, and to not dump it into the wastewater system, as these are very hard on the system. Also, waste oil removal must be documented properly.
4. He said volunteers are needed to help with cooking and other jobs at the Community Day to be held on August 8th at the River Park. Everyone is welcomed to join in.
Report From Trustee Thomas Trombley
1. He thanked Larry Sorrell and the crew for the good job they have been doing while working short handed. He thanked them for the help with the flags, weed trimming, and mowing. He commented that the park looks good.
2. He thanked everyone involved for the help at the wastewater treatment plant, and commented that it has been quite a task.
3. He thanked Steve Southwick and the crew at the Champlain Telephone Company for putting up all the flags and for going back to reinforce many of them.
4. He reported on the events that will be happening in the Village for the Quad Celebration:
August 2, 2009
a. Mass at St. Mary’s Church in French and English by Father Terry Lavalley and a priest from St. Michael’s in Burlington
b. Re-dedication of the Samuel de Champlain statue
c. Laying of wreaths on Father Chagnon’s grave and Camille Lafontaine’s grave
d. Free reception and meal at the Knights of Columbus hall
August 8, 2009
a. Free food to be cooked at the River Park
b. Pony rides/jumping cage/petting zoo
c. Antique cars show
d. Live band
e. Storytelling
f. Antique car rides by Dr. John Southwick
5. He said a tree planting ceremony is being planned at 10:30 a.m. to open the festivities.
6. He thanked Bruce West for an excellent job coordinating the celebration.
Report From Trustee Gehrig
Trustee Gehrig was excused this evening.
Report From Clerk/Treasurer Munoz
1. She said the Board had been copied with the Revenues/Expenditures Report for June.
2. She said the July 1, 2009, water/sewer billing had been completed, with water totaling $53,634.19, and sewer totaling $76,547.11.
3. She stated the yearly audit has been completed for 2008-09.
Presentation Of Warrant And Payment
Clerk/Treasurer Munoz said there were two additional invoices to add to the warrant as follows:
1. Tom Proulx/yearly audit--A1320.1--$200.00
2. Robert Jewell—G8130.4--$345.50
A motion was made by Trustee Kim Trombley and seconded by Trustee Thomas Trombley, to approve Warrant #2 for Voucher #31 through #68 from the General, Water, and Sewer accounts, including the additional invoices, in the amount of $40,906.84. Roll call vote as follows:
Trustee Kim Trombley Aye
Trustee Martin Aye
Trustee Thomas Trombley Aye
Mayor Moore Aye
Motion carried.
Public Hearing
A motion was made by Trustee Thomas Trombley, seconded by Trustee Martin and carried, to close the regular meeting at 7 p.m. and open the Public Hearing for
Local Law #1 of 2009. Clerk/Treasurer Munoz read the law as follows:
Local Law No. 1 for the year 2009 for the Village of Champlain
A LOCAL LAW TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT CHAPTER 60 “FIRE PREVENTION AND BUILDING CONSTRUCTION” OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF CHAMPLAIN BY THE ADDITION THERETO OF A NEW
SECTION 60-18 “SOLID-FUEL-BURNING APPLIANCES. This Local Law amends and supplements Chapter 60 “Fire Prevention and Building Construction” by adding a new 60-18 entitled “Solid-fuel-burning appliances”. This local law prohibits the installation, construction or placement of outdoor furnaces in the Village of Champlain. This local law also requires a permit to construct, install or renovate a solid-fuel-burning appliance in the Village. The use of a charcoal grill is exempt from these provisions. The above is a summary of the Local Law being considered.
Mr. Gload asked if a gas grill was permitted, and Mr. Tetreault said that would not be considered a solid fuel appliance.
A motion was made by Trustee Kim Trombley, seconded by Trustee Thomas Trombley and carried, to close the Public Hearing at 7:03 p.m.
A motion was made by Trustee Martin, seconded by Trustee Thomas Trombley and carried, to reopen the regular meeting at 7:04 p.m.
A motion was made by Trustee Martin and seconded by Trustee Thomas Trombley, to approve Local Law No. 1 of 2009 as read. Some discussion followed. Mayor Moore mentioned that any appliances of this type that are already installed would be grandfathered in. Roll call vote as follows:
Trustee Kim Trombley Aye
Trustee Martin Aye
Trustee Thomas Trombley Aye
Mayor Moore Aye
Motion carried.
Report From The Superintendent
Larry Sorrell gave his report, as a new superintendent has not been hired yet.
1. Village lawns have been mowed regularly.
2. The fence at the WWTP was hit by a falling tree and is in the process of being repaired.
3. Leon Menard pulled the last well pump and it was replaced. The first water sampling came back positive, but the second sample was negative. This well will be kept off line until all the scheduled sampling from all the wells is done. This will be a cost-savings to the Village.
4. The electrical boxes for the Quad Celebration are completed, and we are waiting to hear from the electrical inspector and NYSEG.
5. The rebates in the roads have been cut, as we are getting prepared for paving on South and Elm Streets. He thanked the Town of Plattsburgh for their help. He said that he was also checking on manhole risers for these streets.
Mayor Moore commented that we have the new water distribution pump, and it will be installed as soon as possible.
Correspondence
- Correspondence from State Dept. of Health and Janet Duprey regarding water project submitted to the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund.
- Correspondence regarding Youth Commission bus mileage increase from NCCS.
- Notice from T.A.P. Enterprises regarding their tool sale on Sunday, July 19, 2009, at the American Legion.
- Correspondence from John Favreau regarding sidewalk in front of his residence at 739 Prospect Street.
- Letter to Town of Plattsburgh and copy of Memorandum of Understanding regarding WWTP.
- Correspondence from Clinton County Youth Bureau regarding reduction in youth program funding.
- Correspondence from Town of Mooers regarding the Northern Corridor Highway and a copy of their adopted resolution in support of the proposed Northern Corridor Highway.
- Letter to Ian Fasking regarding his final paycheck.
- Correspondence from Clinton County Health Department regarding re-development of emergency well and placement on line—Well #1.
- Correspondence from Clinton County Highway Department regarding contract to supply and deliver diesel fuel, unleaded gasoline and heating oil.
- Letter to Woody Kissel regarding one year leave of absence.
Old Business
1. GSA meter—REPLACING GSA METER
2. Town of Chazy shared services request (water)
3. Review of Village policies
4. Zoning law changes
New Business
1. Mayor Moore asked for an Executive Session regarding an employee issue.
2. He asked that the Personnel Policy be updated with the following changes/additions: a. The Insurance Buyout is $2700
b. The maximum allowed for boots is $150
c. Delete the wording that states back braces must be worn
d. In the Smoking Policy, substitute “use of tobacco” where “smoking” is mentioned
A motion was made by Trustee Martin and seconded by Trustee Kim Trombley to approve these changes in the Personnel Policy. Roll call vote as follows:
Trustee Kim Trombley Aye
Trustee Martin Aye
Trustee Thomas Trombley Aye
Mayor Moore Aye
Motion carried.
3. The Board agreed they would act on the remaining Village policies at the next Board Meeting.
Executive Session
A motion was made by Trustee Thomas Trombley, seconded by Trustee Kim Trombley and carried, to enter into Executive Session at 7:10 p.m. The Board came out of Executive Session at 7:25 p.m. The following motion was done during Executive Session:
A motion was made by Trustee Kim Trombley, seconded by Trustee Thomas Trombley and carried, to not allow Woodrow Kissel back to work until he is released from his doctor for 100% full duty.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Board this evening, a motion was made by Trustee Martin, seconded by Trustee Thomas Trombley and carried, to adjourn the meeting at 7:28 p.m.
Donna Barcomb
Deputy Clerk
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