Essex, New York Town Government

Minutes, News and Notes from the January 12th, 2006 Town Board Meeting:

you may also get full, approved copies of the minutes by visiting the Town Hall

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The regular monthly meeting of the Town Board was held on January 12th 2006 in the Town Hall and was called to order by Supervisor Jackson.

The assembly was led in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The following members were present on roll call:
Councilman Wrisley and Councilman Sayward
Councilwoman LaPine, Councilman LaForest, Supervisor Jackson

Also in attendance were Bruce Klink, Jim Morgan, Lois Sayward, Veronica Hollingsworth, Rose Fine, Carolyn Walker, David A. and Christine Morrow, Dorothy Bliss, Barbara Kunzi, Suzanne Perley, Lauren Murphy, Grace Drummond, Colleen and Jim VanHoven, Liz Wilson, Linda Carson, Myrna Mandeville, Carole Anne Slatkin and Town Clerk. Kate List.

Supervisor greeted the visitors and offered the courtesy of the floor.

Approval of Minutes
The December 8th 2005 Regular Town Board Meeting minutes were approved after the following changes were made by Councilman LaForest: under new business the first sentence was revised to read: “After the furnace explosion at the fire hall in Whallonsburg;” in the third paragraph under new business “because they are reducing the number of tenants”.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Wrisley, seconded by Councilman Sayward and passed on roll call
Ayes 5 - Jackson, Wrisley, LaForest, Sayward, LaPine

The January 2nd Organizational Town Board Meeting minutes were approved on motion by Councilman LaForest, seconded by Councilwoman Lapine and passed upon roll call:
Ayes - 4, LaForest, LaPine, Wrisley, Jackson.
Due to his absence from that meeting, Councilman Sayward abstained.

Planning Board Report
Bruce Klink, Chairman of the Planning Board said the new member, Suzanne Perley, was welcomed. Charlie Cammack, who had resigned his post due to family matters, asked that the Board consider him in an Alternates position. Mr. Klink said the only new project applications were for the San Grias Café, situated where the Deli/Breakfast Diner used to be and for the Dockhouse, which seeks similar permits.

Zoning Report read by the Supervisor
From December 7, 2005 to January 10, 005
I have issued the following permits:

12/12/05 to Olive Alexander (Bessboro Builders) for major renovations, addition and a garage
12/21/05 to Jerry and Mark LaPine (J-Mar Construction) for septic system
12/27/05 to Wade Weathers for studio addition and barn renovations
12/27/05 to Wade Weathers for 3 fireplaces and renovations to main house
12/28/05 to George Hearn (Jerry Spooner) for garage and addition
01/03/06 to Steve Bridge for woodstove and chimney

I have also processed two (2) special permits:
Old Dock and Marina
The Deli at Shipyard Properties
I continue to make inspections of on-going projects.
Respectfully,
David Lansing, Code Enforcement Officer

Councilwoman LaPine requested the permits include cost and is numbered by the Code Enforcement Officer.

Supervisor’s Report
Supervisor Jackson said that we seem to off to a good start. With regards to Public Health Nurses, there is still a concern about the shortage of nurses. The ten we have on staff make it difficult to take care of every contingency throughout the year.

Correspondence
Reports received from J.H. Consulting, who tested the Town’s water, were within allowable limits. The lead and acid reports had not been received.

Supervisor Jackson said he had received a letter from Lauren Murphy pertaining to the Kupperman Building permit. Supervisor Jackson remarked that the letter stated Ms. Murphy’s disapproval of the ongoing project. He had responded to her by letter. The Supervisor’s impression of the letter was that Ms. Murphy was not fully aware of the history of the structure in question and consequently had made errors in some statements contained within her letter.
Ms. Murphy asked if she would be allowed the courtesy of the floor, whereupon she spoke of a conversation with Mr. Lansing, the Code Enforcement Officer wherein, she states, he admitted making a mistake in judgment by allowing the project to continue. The project does not reflect the standards and limitations,
on which the first permit was issued and, in her opinion, the Town should require that Mr. Kupperman be asked stop construction and reapply for a permit under the new zoning ordinance. The Supervisor stated that it would be inappropriate to ask that a project, complying with its existing permit, be asked to re-apply under the new ordinance.

Colleen VanHoven asked that it be clarified that it was not Ms. Murphy’s letter but one that reflected the opinion of the ECHO Board, of which Ms. Murphy is Chair.

Supervisor Jackson stated that the structure was wrongfully identified as a “boathouse”. Initially built by Clayton Alexander, it was completely rebuilt as a “bunkhouse in 1950, and had been relocated several times due to eroding waterlines. This accounted for deterioration of the wood within the foundation, calling for replacement of part of the base structure.

Jim VanHoven asked that errors, referred to by Supervisor Jackson in the text of Ms. Murphy’s letter, be explained to the assembly present. Supervisor Jackson, with Councilman Sayward in agreement, responded that such interchange would serve no purpose at this time.
Both the letter in question and Supervisor Jackson’s response would be copied and be made available to the public in the Town Hall during regular hours.

Rose Fine asked that a Public Forum be held to discuss the matter, with no objection from the Supervisor. No date was set at this time.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Whallonsburg Grange Hall - The Grange has asked the Town to take over the property. An agent from Earth Science Engineering visited the Grange Hall and performed a cursory evaluation of the general condition of the structure finding it predominately sound. Work that needs to be done includes:
Foundation repair - $3,000.00, Sill repair - $7,500.00
Roof repair - $5,500.00; all rain gutters need be replaced.

The Association of Towns suggested that we conduct a study, whereby Supervisor Jackson suggested that we hold a Public Hearing allowing residents of Essex and Whallonsburg to voice objections and suggestions. Issues to address are possible funding, sewer and heat.
Can the Senior Center, now cramped in the Old Stone Church, utilize the space; or Headstart, now in Bouquet, make use of the building.

A Public Hearing was scheduled held before the next Town Board Meeting on the 9th of February at 6:30 P.M.

Stone Church has received promise of a $50,000 matching grant for repairs from the Environmental Protection Fund. Architect Janet Null has advised the town in a proposal of services, that in order to meet code, the building needs lead levels tested, be handicap accessible, with wiring and heating improvements implemented. Mrs. Hollingsworth inquired where the funding would come from. Mrs. Perley said she would get donations through fund-raising efforts.

Whallonsburg Bridge has been completed, but waits for the county to give its final approval. The bridge will be open for traffic within the week. The Bicentennial Committee will arrange for a grand opening at a later date.

The tower in Whallonsburg has been of concern to local residents. It stands 150 ft and is permitted by a Federal ruling, which has the final authority. The APA restricts tower heights to 60 ft within Essex and 30 feet within the hamlet, while outside the park it halts at 90 ft. As a compromise, the Whallonsburg tower will be reduced to 75 feet. Supervisor Jackson suggested that CP Rail, who intends to use the top half of the tower, use the bottom half as it is a sturdier structure.

Bicentennial Committee
Councilman LaForest reported that, of the estimated 18,000 people who attended the 24 events many were Essex residents. Next year Keene will be celebrating its bicentennial.
In two weeks, a public television show called “Hometown” will be video-taping at the Town Hall. Shirley LaForest, Town Historian, will be present to introduce the audience to the town’s history and representative displays.
Rose Fine complimented the Bicentennial Committee on its excellent job and led the assembly in applause.

On a motion by Councilman LaForest, seconded by Councilman Wrisley, it is approved that a three-year contract be entered into with Corner Stone.
Roll call was taken:
Ayes - 5, Jackson, LaForest, Wrisley, LaPine, Sayward

The Land Subdivision Law was tabled. Councilman LaForest stated there were necessary changes to be made, and recommended a Public Hearing before bringing it again to the Board.

Supervisor Jackson received two bids for the Fire Alarm Systems for the Town Hall and Town Shed RFP’s. The Supervisor and Town Clerk opened the bids at 3:30 PM that day.
The alarm companies RFP comparison was

Incident Control                 Town Hall Complete              7,848.00
Dan Benoit                     Town Shed Complete              5,870.00
                                                          Total                   $13,718.00
Security Concepts               Break room                                 1,371.64
Davis Morrow                 Town Shed                                 4,229.91
                                       Town Hall                                   5,635.04
                                       First year monitor                                946.86
                                       First year test                               375.00
                                                          Total                    $12,558.45

Councilman Sayward asked that a Buildings and Grounds Committee Meeting be held to discuss the matter.

NEW BUSINESS
A motion by Councilman LaForest was made and seconded by Councilwoman LaPine that:
Public Meeting shall be held at 6:15 PM on February 9th 2006 to discuss Local Law #1, the appointment of Alternate Planning Board members.
Passed on roll call:
Ayes - 5, Wrisley, Sayward, LaForest, Jackson, LaPine

Janice Moran has stated an interest in the vacant position, which exists on the Board of Assessment Review.

Councilman LaForest has completed his term with BRASS. A new appointment is necessary and will be advertised in the Valley News.

A motion was made by Councilman LaForest and seconded by Councilman Wrisley that
Lois Sayward will attend a training session for QuickBooks at the cost of $120.00 at Clinton Community College.
Passed on roll call
Ayes - 5, Sayward, Wrisley, Jackson, LaForest, LaPine

Motion made by Councilman Wrisley, seconded by Councilman Sayward and passed on roll call
Ayes - 5, Sayward, Wrisley, Jackson, LaForest, LaPine
That 2006 Transfer of Funds be made in the following way:
Wright’s Inn $5,000.00; General Capital Reserve $5,000.00; Highway Equipment $15,000.00; Vehicular Reserve (senior van) $1,000.00

A motion was made by Councilwoman LaPine and seconded by Councilman LaForest that
Marika Fine-Lease is appointed to the Essex County Youth Commission.
Passed on roll call
Ayes - 5, Sayward, Wrisley, Jackson, LaForest, LaPine

On a motion by Councilman LaForest and seconded by Councilman Sayward
Jason Demar shall be hired as the Wingman for the Highway Department.
Passed on roll call
Ayes - 5, Sayward, Wrisley, Jackson, LaForest, LaPine

Be it noted that Councilwoman LaPine stressed a need to verify that Mr. Demar resides in the town of Essex.

Supervisor Jackson stated that the last Personnel Policy review was March 11th of 2004 and should be discussed at the next meeting.

Contracts for approval:
Councilman Wrisley presented to the Board a motion for approval of two contracts.
Life Flight - $500.00
S.P.C.A. - $713.00 ($1.00 @ person)
The motion was seconded by Councilman Sayward and approved
on roll call - Ayes 5, Sayward, Wrisley, Jackson, LaForest, LaPine

Committee Meetings:
Buildings and Grounds Committee will meet Tuesday, 24th of January 2006

Bills:
The Town Clerk presented Abstract #1 with the following totals: General, vouchers 1-16, total $5,991.06; Planning Board Grants, total $1,200.00; Highway, vouchers 1-9, total $24,863.76; Water, vouchers 1-3 total $953.00; Transfer Station, voucher 1, total $1,003.25.

The bills were approved for payment on motion by Councilman LaForest and seconded by Councilman Sayward.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 PM.

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Minutes, News and Notes from the January 12th, 2006 Town Board Meeting: you may also get full, approved copies of the minutes by visiting the Town Hall - - - - - - - - - The regular monthly meeting of the Town Board was held on January 12th 2006 in the Town Hall and was called to order by Supervisor Jackson. The assembly was led in the Pledge of Allegiance. The following members were present on roll call: Councilman Wrisley and Councilman Sayward Councilwoman LaPine, Councilman LaForest, Supervisor Jackson Also in attendance were Bruce Klink, Jim Morgan, Lois Sayward, Veronica Hollingsworth, Rose Fine, Carolyn Walker, David A. and Christine Morrow, Dorothy Bliss, Barbara Kunzi, Suzanne Perley, Lauren Murphy, Grace Drummond, Colleen and Jim VanHoven, Liz Wilson, Linda Carson, Myrna Mandeville, Carole Anne Slatkin and Town Clerk. Kate List. Supervisor greeted the visitors and offered the courtesy of the floor. Approval of Minutes The December 8th 2005 Regular Town Board Meeting minutes were approved after the following changes were made by Councilman LaForest: under new business the first sentence was revised to read: “After the furnace explosion at the fire hall in Whallonsburg;” in the third paragraph under new business “because they are reducing the number of tenants”. Motion to approve was made by Councilman Wrisley, seconded by Councilman Sayward and passed on roll call Ayes 5 - Jackson, Wrisley, LaForest, Sayward, LaPine The January 2nd Organizational Town Board Meeting minutes were approved on motion by Councilman LaForest, seconded by Councilwoman Lapine and passed upon roll call: Ayes - 4, LaForest, LaPine, Wrisley, Jackson. Due to his absence from that meeting, Councilman Sayward abstained. Planning Board Report Bruce Klink, Chairman of the Planning Board said the new member, Suzanne Perley, was welcomed. Charlie Cammack, who had resigned his post due to family matters, asked that the Board consider him in an Alternates position. Mr. Klink said the only new project applications were for the San Grias Café, situated where the Deli/Breakfast Diner used to be and for the Dockhouse, which seeks similar permits. Zoning Report read by the Supervisor From December 7, 2005 to January 10, 005 I have issued the following permits: 12/12/05 to Olive Alexander (Bessboro Builders) for major renovations, addition and a garage 12/21/05 to Jerry and Mark LaPine (J-Mar Construction) for septic system 12/27/05 to Wade Weathers for studio addition and barn renovations 12/27/05 to Wade Weathers for 3 fireplaces and renovations to main house 12/28/05 to George Hearn (Jerry Spooner) for garage and addition 01/03/06 to Steve Bridge for woodstove and chimney I have also processed two (2) special permits: Old Dock and Marina The Deli at Shipyard Properties I continue to make inspections of on-going projects. Respectfully, David Lansing, Code Enforcement Officer Councilwoman LaPine requested the permits include cost and is numbered by the Code Enforcement Officer. Supervisor’s Report Supervisor Jackson said that we seem to off to a good start. With regards to Public Health Nurses, there is still a concern about the shortage of nurses. The ten we have on staff make it difficult to take care of every contingency throughout the year. Correspondence Reports received from J.H. Consulting, who tested the Town’s water, were within allowable limits. The lead and acid reports had not been received. Supervisor Jackson said he had received a letter from Lauren Murphy pertaining to the Kupperman Building permit. Supervisor Jackson remarked that the letter stated Ms. Murphy’s disapproval of the ongoing project. He had responded to her by letter. The Supervisor’s impression of the letter was that Ms. Murphy was not fully aware of the history of the structure in question and consequently had made errors in some statements contained within her letter. Ms. Murphy asked if she would be allowed the courtesy of the floor, whereupon she spoke of a conversation with Mr. Lansing, the Code Enforcement Officer wherein, she states, he admitted making a mistake in judgment by allowing the project to continue. The project does not reflect the standards and limitations, on which the first permit was issued and, in her opinion, the Town should require that Mr. Kupperman be asked stop construction and reapply for a permit under the new zoning ordinance. The Supervisor stated that it would be inappropriate to ask that a project, complying with its existing permit, be asked to re-apply under the new ordinance. Colleen VanHoven asked that it be clarified that it was not Ms. Murphy’s letter but one that reflected the opinion of the ECHO Board, of which Ms. Murphy is Chair. Supervisor Jackson stated that the structure was wrongfully identified as a “boathouse”. Initially built by Clayton Alexander, it was completely rebuilt as a “bunkhouse in 1950, and had been relocated several times due to eroding waterlines. This accounted for deterioration of the wood within the foundation, calling for replacement of part of the base structure. Jim VanHoven asked that errors, referred to by Supervisor Jackson in the text of Ms. Murphy’s letter, be explained to the assembly present. Supervisor Jackson, with Councilman Sayward in agreement, responded that such interchange would serve no purpose at this time. Both the letter in question and Supervisor Jackson’s response would be copied and be made available to the public in the Town Hall during regular hours. Rose Fine asked that a Public Forum be held to discuss the matter, with no objection from the Supervisor. No date was set at this time. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Whallonsburg Grange Hall - The Grange has asked the Town to take over the property. An agent from Earth Science Engineering visited the Grange Hall and performed a cursory evaluation of the general condition of the structure finding it predominately sound. Work that needs to be done includes: Foundation repair - $3,000.00, Sill repair - $7,500.00 Roof repair - $5,500.00; all rain gutters need be replaced. The Association of Towns suggested that we conduct a study, whereby Supervisor Jackson suggested that we hold a Public Hearing allowing residents of Essex and Whallonsburg to voice objections and suggestions. Issues to address are possible funding, sewer and heat. Can the Senior Center, now cramped in the Old Stone Church, utilize the space; or Headstart, now in Bouquet, make use of the building. A Public Hearing was scheduled held before the next Town Board Meeting on the 9th of February at 6:30 P.M. Stone Church has received promise of a $50,000 matching grant for repairs from the Environmental Protection Fund. Architect Janet Null has advised the town in a proposal of services, that in order to meet code, the building needs lead levels tested, be handicap accessible, with wiring and heating improvements implemented. Mrs. Hollingsworth inquired where the funding would come from. Mrs. Perley said she would get donations through fund-raising efforts. Whallonsburg Bridge has been completed, but waits for the county to give its final approval. The bridge will be open for traffic within the week. The Bicentennial Committee will arrange for a grand opening at a later date. The tower in Whallonsburg has been of concern to local residents. It stands 150 ft and is permitted by a Federal ruling, which has the final authority. The APA restricts tower heights to 60 ft within Essex and 30 feet within the hamlet, while outside the park it halts at 90 ft. As a compromise, the Whallonsburg tower will be reduced to 75 feet. Supervisor Jackson suggested that CP Rail, who intends to use the top half of the tower, use the bottom half as it is a sturdier structure. Bicentennial Committee Councilman LaForest reported that, of the estimated 18,000 people who attended the 24 events many were Essex residents. Next year Keene will be celebrating its bicentennial. In two weeks, a public television show called “Hometown” will be video-taping at the Town Hall. Shirley LaForest, Town Historian, will be present to introduce the audience to the town’s history and representative displays. Rose Fine complimented the Bicentennial Committee on its excellent job and led the assembly in applause. On a motion by Councilman LaForest, seconded by Councilman Wrisley, it is approved that a three-year contract be entered into with Corner Stone. Roll call was taken: Ayes - 5, Jackson, LaForest, Wrisley, LaPine, Sayward The Land Subdivision Law was tabled. Councilman LaForest stated there were necessary changes to be made, and recommended a Public Hearing before bringing it again to the Board. Supervisor Jackson received two bids for the Fire Alarm Systems for the Town Hall and Town Shed RFP’s. The Supervisor and Town Clerk opened the bids at 3:30 PM that day. The alarm companies RFP comparison was Incident Control Town Hall Complete 7,848.00 Dan Benoit Town Shed Complete 5,870.00 Total $13,718.00 Security Concepts Break room 1,371.64 Davis Morrow Town Shed 4,229.91 Town Hall 5,635.04 First year monitor 946.86 First year test 375.00 Total $12,558.45 Councilman Sayward asked that a Buildings and Grounds Committee Meeting be held to discuss the matter. NEW BUSINESS A motion by Councilman LaForest was made and seconded by Councilwoman LaPine that: Public Meeting shall be held at 6:15 PM on February 9th 2006 to discuss Local Law #1, the appointment of Alternate Planning Board members. Passed on roll call: Ayes - 5, Wrisley, Sayward, LaForest, Jackson, LaPine Janice Moran has stated an interest in the vacant position, which exists on the Board of Assessment Review. Councilman LaForest has completed his term with BRASS. A new appointment is necessary and will be advertised in the Valley News. A motion was made by Councilman LaForest and seconded by Councilman Wrisley that Lois Sayward will attend a training session for QuickBooks at the cost of $120.00 at Clinton Community College. Passed on roll call Ayes - 5, Sayward, Wrisley, Jackson, LaForest, LaPine Motion made by Councilman Wrisley, seconded by Councilman Sayward and passed on roll call Ayes - 5, Sayward, Wrisley, Jackson, LaForest, LaPine That 2006 Transfer of Funds be made in the following way: Wright’s Inn $5,000.00; General Capital Reserve $5,000.00; Highway Equipment $15,000.00; Vehicular Reserve (senior van) $1,000.00 A motion was made by Councilwoman LaPine and seconded by Councilman LaForest that Marika Fine-Lease is appointed to the Essex County Youth Commission. Passed on roll call Ayes - 5, Sayward, Wrisley, Jackson, LaForest, LaPine On a motion by Councilman LaForest and seconded by Councilman Sayward Jason Demar shall be hired as the Wingman for the Highway Department. Passed on roll call Ayes - 5, Sayward, Wrisley, Jackson, LaForest, LaPine Be it noted that Councilwoman LaPine stressed a need to verify that Mr. Demar resides in the town of Essex. Supervisor Jackson stated that the last Personnel Policy review was March 11th of 2004 and should be discussed at the next meeting. Contracts for approval: Councilman Wrisley presented to the Board a motion for approval of two contracts. Life Flight - $500.00 S.P.C.A. - $713.00 ($1.00 @ person) The motion was seconded by Councilman Sayward and approved on roll call - Ayes 5, Sayward, Wrisley, Jackson, LaForest, LaPine Committee Meetings: Buildings and Grounds Committee will meet Tuesday, 24th of January 2006 Bills: The Town Clerk presented Abstract #1 with the following totals: General, vouchers 1-16, total $5,991.06; Planning Board Grants, total $1,200.00; Highway, vouchers 1-9, total $24,863.76; Water, vouchers 1-3 total $953.00; Transfer Station, voucher 1, total $1,003.25. The bills were approved for payment on motion by Councilman LaForest and seconded by Councilman Sayward. With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 PM. - - - - - - - - Archive Back

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