VILLAGE OF CHAMPLAIN
BOARD MEETING MINUTES
JULY 12, 2010

A regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Champlain was held on Monday, July 12, 2010, at the Village Office, 1104 Route 9, Champlain, New York.  Present were Mayor Moore, Trustees Gehrig (arrived at 6:50 p.m. and left at 7:20 p.m.), Martin, Kim Trombley, and Thomas Trombley, Clerk/Treasurer Munoz, Deputy Clerk Barcomb, Superintendent Sorrell, Codes Officer Tetreault, Legislator Harry McManus, Rudy Johnson, Sr., Rudy Johnson II, William Duryea, Dr. John Southwick, Trevor Gamache, and Anita Bailey.

Mayor Moore called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.  A motion was made by Trustee Martin, seconded by Trustee Kim Trombley and carried, to approve the minutes of the June 14, 2010, meeting as presented. 

Public Comment

Rudy Johnson Sr. introduced himself as the Democratic candidate for the 114th Assembly District.  He thanked the Board for allowing him to make comments at tonight’s meeting.  He said he has lived in Malone for over 20 years, stating he worked for Cornell as an energy analyst for small businesses and dairy farms.  Through that work, he learned a lot about the local people, which prompted him to run for office, as many people are frustrated with Albany.  He said he will visit as many villages and towns as possible through July, August, and September.  Many Boards are frustrated as they have no idea how much money to expect from Albany.  He stated Albany needs to get the budget passed on time, and there has been some discussion about establishing a three year budget.  He said his objective is to meet as many people as possible, so he will know what the small communities need.  He asked if any one had any questions.  Mayor Moore and the Board thanked him for coming tonight, and that it was good to see someone take an interest in the small communities.  Mr. Johnson’s assistant proceeded to pass out flyers.

Dr. John Southwick was here this evening representing the Champlain Fire District.  He said he had three issues to discuss as follows:

1.  He said the caps on two fire hydrants were very hard to open; however, he talked to Superintendent Sorrell about this, and this will be corrected as a coordinated effort between the Village and the Fire District.

2.  The next issue was the rumor that the Village wants to install a water meter at the fire department.  He wanted to know the reason for this and if the Village intends to charge for water used in fighting fires.

3.  He also asked that the Board consider appointing a liaison to the Fire District, and said they meet on the third Tuesday of the month.

Mayor Moore said the Village needs to determine where the water it produces is going.  There are several possibilities for the difference in what is produced and what is billed.  The Clinton County Health Department is also asking for better accountability of water usage.  Dr. Southwick said one of the perks of being a volunteer firefighter is to be able to wash your own vehicles.  Mayor Moore explained the purpose of installing a water meter is not to bill the Fire District, but to have better accountability of where the water is going.  As he mentioned, it is not just one place but several places that need better monitoring, such as GSA and the Town.  Superintendent Sorrell said the Village can supply food-safe grease for the hydrants, and the firemen can put it on the hydrants during one of their work nights.  Trustee Thomas Trombley asked when their meetings were, and Dr. Southwick said the third Tuesday of each month.

Legislator McManus was here this evening and reported on the following:

1.  He said recruitment and retention of firefighters is very important.  He informed the Board the 10% tax break for firefighters has passed the legislature; however, Governor Patterson is handling this as an unfunded mandate.  This bill seems to be getting lumped into the Governor’s vetoes; however, legislators have been asked to inform the Governor about this.  The Village would have to pass a separate resolution to allow this tax break. 

2.  A resolution was passed congratulating Todd Jarvis on his many years of service.

3.  Sales tax is back on track, and should not be lower than projected.

4.  The retirement incentive was reviewed by the County, and it was determined that 240 people could retire; however, none of them met the criteria.  Clerk/Treasurer Munoz said no Village employees qualify.

5.  He said the aid per capita was down by 5% with the County losing an amount in the seven figures.  He said they will have to somehow make up this incredible shortfall, and it will be just as bad next year, with the trickle-down effect being felt by everyone.

6.  He said the new airline service has started and the feedback has been good.  It is anticipated the number of passengers will triple, with the County receiving $4.50 for every passenger, which could mean $210,000 in revenue.

7.  He said the County is going out to bid for the parking at the airport.  There are companies that build and maintain the facilities and pay the County.  Some discussion followed regarding the parking situation at the airport.

The Board thanked Legislator McManus for attending tonight’s meeting.

 

Trevor Gamache from 39 Moore Street was here this evening to discuss a few issues.

1.  The property across from his home is where the trailer issue exists.  He said he called Glen Cutter at the Clinton County Planning Board who told him the only way a trailer could be put back on this lot is if the original trailer had burned.  He said no permits have been issued for what is being done, and the work has not been stopped.  He is tired of looking at all the garbage.  He also said he took pictures last Sunday of the property owner draining a fuel tank on the ground.  Mr. Gamache said he is concerned this will contaminate the area.  Mr. Tetreault responded by saying if he saw the tank being drained on the ground, he should have called the DEC.  He also said proper permits have been issued for what he is doing and no where in the Village Code can he find that a trailer cannot be put back on the property if it is done within a year.  There was some discussion whether or not the Village owned property next to the lot in question.  Mr. Tetreault said the tax maps do not show the Village owning any property there.

2.  Mr. Gamache asked who is responsible for repairing the road, as it was paved last year and is now damaged.  Mayor Moore could not comment as this is a litigation issue.  He then asked if this was a 2-way street, as there is a problem with people parking in the road and blocking the street.  Discussion followed regarding this issue.

3.  Mr. Gamache said he took pictures of a bonfire at the end of the Moore Street, and Mr. Tetreault said that property is located in the Town; therefore, he can have a campfire, but it sounds like it is larger than a campfire.  Some discussion followed.

Mayor Moore and the Board thanked Mr. Gamache for bringing his concerns to the Board this evening.

Report From Codes Officer Tetreault

1.  He said the grass issues have been narrowed down to vacant properties and properties in foreclosure.  He felt that the Village hiring someone to cut the grass on these properties and putting the cost on the property owner’s taxes was the best option.  He said there have been three cases in court, and these are costly and time consuming.  Trustee Martin asked why the realtors can’t cut the grass.  Some discussion followed.  Mr. Tetreault said when these properties are sold, any violation notices will be in their file.

2.  He addressed the issue of trash on 13 Moore Street.  The garage fell down two months ago, but is in the process of being taken care of.

Report From Mayor Moore

Mayor Moore had nothing to report this evening.

Report From Trustee Kim Trombley

1.  She said the Zoning Board of Appeals held a Public Hearing on July 14, 2010, for Ron Trombly’s property on Main Street, with his application being approved.

2.  She thanked Superintendent Sorrell and the crew for the great work keeping things clean around the Village.

3.  Codes Officer Tetreault said the Zoning Board asked about training again at their last meeting, and he mentioned there is Fall Training School in Lake Placid.  Some discussion followed.

Report From Trustee Martin

1.  Trustee Martin reminded residents they must call the Village Office before they fill their pools so that the proper amount of water can be credited on the sewer portion of their bill.  He proceeded to read the notice that was in the Press Republican as a News Item.

2.  He thanked Terry Lincourt and Jim Ondras for their detailed work on the sander, stating they used scrap metal from the old draimad system at the sewer plant to do the fabrications.

3.  NYSERDA came on June 24th and did an energy audit at the garage, water treatment plant, and the wastewater plant, and their report will be received in the near future.  He mentioned Barton & Lougidice was also involved in this inspection to help with gas and electric savings.

Report From Trustee Thomas Trombley

1.  He commended and thanked Terry Lincourt and Jim Ondras for their work on the sander, which saved the Village a substantial amount of money.

2.  He proceeded to read the Shared Services Public Meeting Notice for the Asset Management Plan to be held on July 14, 2010.

Report From Trustee Gehrig

1.  She said the St. Mary’s Bazaar was a great success, with the streets looking great for the large crowds that attended.

2.  She said the sander looks great, and thanked Terry Lincourt and Jim Ondras for using parts we already had.

Report From Clerk/Treasurer Munoz

1.  Purchase requisitions as follows:
            A.  Ten (10) DI culvert boxes (Elm St.)—A5110.4--$4270.00
            B.  1540’ culvert pipe (Elm St.)—A8540.4--$6868.40

A motion was made by Trustee Martin and seconded by Trustee Thomas Trombley to approve the requisitions as presented.  Some discussion followed.  Roll call vote as follows:
                                    Trustee Kim Trombley            Aye
                                    Trustee Martin                                  Aye
                                    Trustee Thomas Trombley            Aye
                                    Trustee Gehrig                       Aye
                                    Mayor Moore                         Aye
Motion carried.

 

2.  Clerk/Treasurer Munoz informed the Board the July 1, 2010, water/sewer bill had been completed, with water in the amount of $53,345.58, and sewer in the amount of $88,637.35.

3.  A motion was made by Trustee Gehrig, seconded by Trustee Kim Trombley and carried, giving permission for Superintendent Sorrell to attend training sponsored by New York Rural Water Association on July 27, 2010, to be held in Plattsburgh at a cost of $75.

Presentation Of Warrant And Payment

Clerk/Treasurer Munoz said there was one additional invoice to add to the warrant.  This was to New York Rural Water Association from Code F9089.8 in the amount of $75.00, which is for training for Larry Sorrell on July 27, 2010.

A motion was made by Trustee Gehrig and seconded by Trustee Kim Trombley to approve Warrant #2 for Voucher #32 through #58 from the General, Water, and Sewer accounts in the amount of $15,190.36, including the additional invoice to New York Rural Water Association.  Roll call vote as follows:

                                    Trustee Kim Trombley            Aye
                                    Trustee Martin                                  Aye
                                    Trustee Thomas Trombley            Aye
                                    Trustee Gehrig                       Aye
                                    Mayor Moore                         Aye
Motion carried.

Report From Superintendent Sorrell

1.  He said the Board had been copied with his report.

2.  He said he ordered the DI’s for Elm Street, and it will be three weeks before we receive them.

3.  He said the culvert in the old railroad bed on Oak Street had been replaced.

4.  Prep work for the Elm Street paving has begun.

5.  Community service workers have been cleaning the Village sidewalks.  Trustee Thomas Trombley thanked him for that, and he asked if all new DI’s would be put in.  Superintendent Sorrell said yes, they will all be new from the corner of the Kimpex building to the fire station.

Correspondence

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Old Business

1.  GSA meter—Mayor Moore said Superintendent Sorrell is still investigating this to determine the correct size, etc.

New Business

1.  A motion was made by Trustee Thomas Trombley and seconded by Trustee Kim Trombley to approve the adjustment to Allen Poquette’s July 1, 2010, water/sewer bill from $199.20 to $136.34 for a difference of $62.86, due to a clerical error.  Roll call vote as follows:
                                    Trustee Kim Trombley            Aye
                                    Trustee Martin                                  Aye
                                    Trustee Thomas Trombley            Aye
                                    Mayor Moore                         Aye
Motion carried.

2.  A motion was made by Trustee Thomas Trombley and seconded by Trustee Martin to approve the following resolution:

RESOLUTION
REAL PROPERTY TAX CORRECTION
BEVERLY E. KENNEDY

WHEREAS, the property located at 18 Moore Street, Champlain, New York, with Tax Map No. 18.15-3-30, is owned by Beverly E. Kennedy, and

WHEREAS, the Village of Champlain has been notified by Clinton County Real Property Office that Section 550: Subd 2; Paragraph b of Real Property Tax Law states an entry which is a mathematical error present in the computation of a partial exemption is classified as a clerical error; and

WHEREAS, in this particular case, Parcel 18.15-3-30, the aged exemption was incorrectly calculated on the 2010 Village tax roll; now therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Village of Champlain Board of Trustees, at their regular meeting held on Monday, July 12, 2010, hereby approves this correction for Parcel 18.15-3-30, Beverly E. Kennedy, located at 18 Moore Street, Champlain, New York.

Roll call vote as follows:

                                    Trustee Kim Trombley            Aye
                                    Trustee Martin                                  Aye
                                    Trustee Thomas Trombley            Aye
                                    Mayor Moore                         Aye
Motion carried.

3.  A motion was made by Trustee Kim Trombley and seconded by Trustee Thomas Trombley to approve the reclamation of the rest of Elm Street at the quoted price by Gorman Group.  Some discussion followed.  All said aye.  Motion carried.

4.  The Board then discussed Don Wayne Patterson’s letter (Correspondence #12) regarding the relevied water/sewer charges for his property on Main Street.  The Board agreed there was nothing to vote on as the service fees are charged for developed properties whether or not the water is used.

5.  A motion was made by Trustee Martin and seconded by Trustee Thomas Trombley allowing Superintendent Sorrell to hire a private contractor to cut delinquent lawns and to add the amount billed to the tax roll.  Mayor Moore commented that we need to hire someone who charges commercial rates and has their own insurance and equipment, so there will be no question about the Village being involved with the grass cutting.  All said aye.  Motion carried.

Executive Session

A motion was made by Trustee Martin, seconded by Trustee Thomas Trombley and carried, to enter into Executive Session at 7:32 p.m. to discuss the union contract.  The Board came out of Executive Session at 7:45 p.m.

A motion was made by Trustee Kim Trombley and seconded by Trustee Martin                                to accept the Teamsters 687 Union Contract as presented, for the period June 1, 2010, to May 31, 2013.  Trustee Martin said he was brought up in a union household; however, he was extremely dissatisfied with one union member being treated differently than the rest of the local union membership.  Roll call vote as follows:

                                    Trustee Kim Trombley            Aye
                                    Trustee Martin                                  Aye (with reservations)
                                    Trustee Thomas Trombley            Aye
                                    Mayor Moore                         Aye
Motion carried.

Trustee Kim Trombley thanked Dan McKillup and Mayor Moore for all their help, and said it was a pleasure to work with them again.  Mayor Moore said it would be a difficult process without the help of Dan McKillup.  He then stated that the new contract is approved.

Clerk/Treasurer Munoz mentioned that Codes Officer Tetreault feels violation fees should be more uniform, and some discussion followed.

Adjournment

There being no further business to come before the Board this evening, a motion was made by Trustee Kim Trombley, seconded by Trustee Martin and carried, to adjourn the meeting at 7:48 p.m.

 

                                                                        Donna Barcomb
                                                                        Deputy Clerk