Town of Amenia

Town Board Meeting

April 15, 2004

 

 

 

THE MEETING BEGAN AT 7PM

 

THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE WAS RECITED

 

EMERGENCY EXITS WERE POINTED OUT BY THE SUPERVISOR

 

ROLL CALL

SUPERVISOR HUNDT                      PRESENT

COUNCILMAN CARROLL              PRESENT

COUNCILWOMAN DOYLE            PRESENT

COUNCILMAN RUSSELL                PRESENT

COUNCILMAN DEVINE                  PRESENT

 

David Burns- Environmental Management Council

Mr. Burns said that he is employed by the Dutchess County Environmental Council which is part of the legislative branch that employs 4 people and is research based.  He said that he specifically deals with stream ecology and groundwater ordinances throughout the County.  He added that a few water sources that affect Eastern Dutchess County are the Housatonic and Ten Mile river as well as the Amenia brook and the Wassaic creek.  He said that the water cycle is fed by rain and depends on the ability to absorb; he said that sand and gravel aquifers function as wells because water moves quickly through them.  He said that many towns have enacted groundwater protection ordinances such as the Town of Dover.  He said the first step would be to identify the aquifer locations and to control growth in those areas.  Mr. Burns said that two factors that affect the health of surface water is

A.  Impervious Surfaces- including water quality, habitat, hydrology, and stream stability

B. Stream Buffers- there are no outside protections outside of local ordinance protections.

He said that ineffective stream corridor lose cold water species, increase erosion, and threaten property values.  He added that effective stream corridors remove pollutants and add essential organic matter and habitat.  Mr. Burns said that he felt it was important for the Town to provide flood protection for erosion and sediment controls.  He said the Towns of Pawling, Fishkill, and Pleasant Valley currently have buffer zones of up to 100 feet.  He said the toughest part of the ordinances are enforcement.

Moira Kelly

Ms. Kelly asked if there were significant development if existing wells would dry up.

Mr. Burns responded that it could be a possibility.

Councilwoman Doyle

Councilwoman Doyle said that they are doing a complete wetlands inventory and that they may be able to research information on wells.

 

April 15, 2004

Page 2

 

David Burns- EMC ( wetland and water sources) con’t

Tonia Shumatoff

Ms. Shumatoff asked what the impacts on an aquifer would be when sand and gravel are removed.  She also asked about what would be needed to support a substantial townhouse project.

Mr. Burns responded that sometimes surface sand and gravel act as a filter; he said that it would be a matter of one’s own perspective

Peter Riva                              

Mr. Riva said that Cornell Cooperative has a program that works to protect wetlands through the NRCS and for more information one can contact(845)677-8011.

Tonia Shumatoff

Ms. Shumatoff asked why the Town should be interested in preserving smaller water bodies.

Mr. Burns responded that the D.E.C has no jurisdiction over water bodies smaller than 10-12.4 acres.  He said that the Federal Army Corp of Engineers has jurisdiction.

Peter Riva

Mr. Riva asked whether the Town could obtain a copy of the wetland rules.

Mr. Burns responded that Town ordinances do not supersede Federal laws.

 

SiloRidge

Town Attorney Arabella Teal said that she spoke to Scott Volkman the attorney representing Silo Ridge and they had questions regarding the proposed Wastewater facility regarding the technology and location near to the Golf course. She said that they are not prepared to make any type of commitment because of the type of system involved; she added that they are prepared to move forward with the proposed zoning text amendment and will forward as part of the application process.

Amenia Fire Company Lease

Town Attorney Arabella Teal said that she reviewed the lease and she found the terms to be fine.  She added that she could write a letter to deal with the mold issue in the building.

A MOTION WAS MADE TO AUTHORIZE THE SUPERVISOR TO SIGN THE LEASE WITH THE AMENIA FIRE COMPANY BY COUNCILMAN DEVINE

SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN CARROLL

ALL AYES                             MOTION CARRIED

 

Inter-municipal Recreation Agreement

Councilwoman Doyle said that she has been in contact with Attorney Replansky representing the Town of Northeast and they are working on obtaining a final copy to draft a local law.

 

O’Handley Drive

Town Attorney Arabella Teal said she did receive correspondence from Ms. Hoanzl attorney and revised a copy for both Ms. Hoanzl and the Greys.

Councilwoman Doyle said that she spoke to Mrs. Grey and Mrs. Grey conveyed to her that the language was not very different than the original document.

April 15, 2004

Page 3

 

Ms. Hoanzl said that the Highway Superintendent is currently working with Mr. Biase to correct the pipe situation.  She said he is checking to see if he has the money in his budget to work on this project this year.

Councilman Carroll said that Mr.Biase did purchase his property “As Is”.

Mr. Biase responded that health issues have arisen that were not present when the acquisition of the property took place.  He said that the situation has been looked into by the Board of Health and it also affects the neighbors. 

Highway Superintendent Stan Whitehead said that the engineers report recommends it be piped or trap rocked swail.  He said that he does not have the funds this year but will plan this project for next year.

Planning Board Resolution

A MOTION WAS MADE TO ACCEPT THE RESOLUTION REGARDING GASLAND PETROLEUM REFERRED TO THE TOWN BOARD BY THE PLANNING BOARD BY COUNCILWOMAN DOYLE

SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN RUSSELL

ALL AYES                                                                 MOTION CARRIED

 

COURT GRANT

Charlotte Murphy and Larry Moore approached the Town Board regarding a grant that they are applying for.  Mrs. Murphy said that it will cover the cost of a computer, the programs, and furniture.  She said it will replace the dockets, mailings and communication with the DMV .  She said if they get the grant the equipment will stay in the Justice room.  She added that they will need to budget $600. Every year for maintenance.

A MOTION WAS MADE TO SUPPORT THE GRANT APPLICATION SUBMITTED BY THE JUSTICE COURT BY COUNCILWOMAN DOYLE

SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN CARROLL

ALL AYES                                                                 MOTION CARRIED

 

Bob Cooke

Mr. Cooke addressed the Town Board to consider a proposal to have a band at the Amenia Elementary School.  He said the Town Board would need to approve of the proposal in order to proceed and obtain an insurance rider for the event.  He said the cost would be approximately $2,000 and could be funded by local businesses or organizations.  Mr. Cooke said that he has also spoken to the Recreation Committee and is working with a few individuals to come up with a firm budget.  He said that the event could take place on August 15th or August 22nd .  Mr. Cooke suggested a band that plays march music.

Peter Riva

Mr. Riva suggested that Mr. Cooke come to a chamber of commerce meeting.  He said that the chamber could get involved in a project like this.

 

 

 

April 15, 2004

Page 4

 

LAWN MOW BIDS

Supervisor Hundt said that they had received two bids, one from Northwest Lawn and Landscape and the second from Voorhees Landscape.

Councilman Devine said that he felt it made sense to accept the lowest bid because the town is spending tax payers dollars and there is a significant difference in the two bids.

A MOTION WAS MADE TO ACCEPT THE BID FOR LAWN MOWING FROM VOORHEES LANDSCAPE IN THE AMOUNT OF $8,500 BY SUPERVISOR HUNDT

SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN CARROLL

ALL AYES                                                     MOTION CARRIED

 

Ballpark Land Acquisition

Councilwoman Doyle said that they will be meeting with DEC habitat specialist on Thursday, May 13th at 1pm to do a walk of the ballpark. 

Councilman Carroll said that he would like to join them on this walk because the park is made up of 47 acres and there is a possibility that the Town can have two small ponds like Stanfordville or Mabbettsville.

 

SALT SHED SITE

Councilwoman Doyle said that she has spoken to Pete Setaro and relayed the information to Ray Budnick.  She said two things will still be needed; one would be to meet with the Highway Superintendent to find out what the needs are whether they will need more than 3 acres.  She said the second thing will be to contact Harlem Valley Materials to obtain a purchase price for the land.

Minutes

A MOTION WAS MADE TO APPROVE THE MINUTES DATED 3/5/04, 3/10/04, 3/11/04, AND 3/18/04 BY COUNCILWOMAN DOYLE

SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN RUSSELL

AYES----4                   ABSTAIN—1                                     MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Carroll

 

Supervisors Report

Supervisor Hundt said that Cellular One has cleaned up the cell tower site and the permanent tower is now in place.

 

Supervisor Hundt said that there are hazardous waste dates set by Dutchess County and the posting will be on the bulletin board.

 

Supervisor Hundt said there is a press release from Webutuck School regarding the formation of a focus group to replace the school superintendent.

 

 

 

April 15, 2004

Page 5                                     

HIGHWAY

Highway Superintendent Stan Whitehead said that all the equipment sold .  He said that the total minimum bids were set at $2,275. And they obtained $3,135. from the auction.  He added that they are a little behind on sweeping the roads because the grater is being repaired.  Mr. Whitehead said that they are accepting applications for highway personnel because Martin Peterson has retired recently.

Councilman Carroll asked Mr. Whitehead if employees undergo random drug/alcohol testing

Mr. Whitehead responded that all employees can be randomly selected to go to Sharon Hospital to provide a urine sample that tests for drugs and alcohol.

Highway Superintendent Whitehead said that the Highway crew removed the bleachers at the Wassaic ballpark today.

Councilwoman Doyle said that she spoke to Mr. Whitehead regarding the electricity situation at the green in Wassaic and he will contact the proper person to have a safer method to connect the Christmas lights for next season.

 

BUILDING/ZONING

Zoning Administrator Nancie Brusie said that she has not been able to resume her position full duty because of recent surgery but will be able to follow up on violations shortly.

She added that Building Inspector James Modaferri is working out his hours and will be available evenings and Saturdays.

 

RECREATION

Councilman Russell said that baseball season is underway.  He said that there will be a clean up scheduled this Saturday at the Wassaic ballpark at 10 am.

Summer Camp

Jennifer Parks introduced herself to the Board and stated that she will be the Summer Recreation Camp Director for this summer.  She said that information will be sent through the schools after May 15th.  She said that sign up dates will be held in Amenia as well as Millerton.  She said she intends on contacting former counselors and hiring staff from both Towns.  Ms. Parks said that the fees have increased for half day campers from $15 per week to $30.  She said there will still be Friday field trips and camp will start Mon., July 5th through Friday, August 15th.  She said there will also be a 10% discount for any that pre-pay the full six weeks.

 

Conservation Advisory Council

Tonia Shumatoff said that she is requesting $30. For part two of the map for the resources inventory.  Ms. Shumatoff submitted her resignation for Conservation Advisory Chairperson and said that Dave Reagon is willing to fill in as interim chairman.  She said that the Town of Amenia has one of the most active CAC ‘s in Dutchess County.

 

CPIC Committee (Comprehensive Plan Implementation Committee)

Councilwoman Doyle said the CPIC committee met with George Rodenhausen and had a good interview.  She said that they will be meeting with Joel Russell on April 29th.  She said that George Rodenhausen conveyed that the process could take up to one more year including


April 15, 2004

Page 6

 

meetings every Monday night. She said that they will need to plan to allocate ten thousand dollars for the implementation and ten thousand dollars for the SEQR process.

Councilwoman Doyle said that the April 19th several meetings are scheduled;

11:00 AM- Emergency Response Committee

5:00 PM- Wastewater Committee with Rich Rennia

7:00 PM - CPIC committee meeting

 

Enhancement Committee

Councilman Devine said that the committee meets every 1st Wednesday with about 9-12 members that are broken into subcommittees to tackle certain tasks.  Councilwoman Doyle said that the streetscape subcommittee will be meeting with the New York State D.O. T and that all committees are working hard to incorporate the grant and work toward specific projects.

Councilwoman Doyle said that the owners of Foodtown are working with Mr. Morrison to coordinate a similar style of the Plaza to the Town including landscaping plans.  She said that the owners of Foodtown will be moving the fence at the plaza when the weather is better and they are planning  access from the plaza to the downtown.

 

Maxon Mills

Councilman Carroll said he had received phone call regarding sheet metal from the top of Maxon Mills blowing in the wind and a potentially unsafe situation.  He said that the buildings safety and the community’s safety need to be considered.

Town Attorney Arabella Teal said that Councilman Carroll should refer this to the building inspector.

Sharon Kroeger addressed the Town Board as president of the Wassaic Agricultural Crossroads Society regarding Maxon Mills.  She said that the debris was aluminum and was taken down.  She said that they will be hiring a steeple jack with a bucket to repair the south roofs because they are in need of asphalt.  She said that the building will soon be 50 years old and there will be more resources available after this happens.  She said there are currently consultants working on write-ups.

 

O’HANDLEY DRIVE

Myrnie Hoanzl

Ms. Hoanzl addressed the Town Board regarding the easement agreement between the Town and Ms. Hoanzl and Mr. and Mrs. Grey.  She said that she had her attorney review the document and send correspondence to the Town attorney.  She said that document contains language  of conveyance which transfers ownership and she is not willing to do this.  She said that she is willing to provide an easement to the Town which would allow them to enter onto the property to remove, replace, or maintain drainage.

Town Attorney Arabella Teal said that she did receive correspondence from Ms. Hoanzl’s attorney and did write a revised easement agreement to both Ms. Hoanzl and Mr. and Mrs. Grey.  She said that she will need to speak with the Town Board because the language in the agreement had not been requested to be changed.

April 15, 2004

Page 7

 

 

Public Comments(con’t)

Don Rosendale

 Mr. Rosendale said that he wrote a letter to the Town Clerk informing her that the zoning schedule printed in the Town Zoning code stated that the minimum acreage was listed as 200,00.in a residential agricultural zone and could be interpreted as 20 thousand rather than 200 thousand feet.  He said that Silo Ridge may have misinterpreted the schedule when they were planning their project.

 

Pat Nelligan

Mr. Nelligan said that residents rely on the DEC or the EPA to protect the wetlands and waterways when this is not always possible because these agencies are either understaffed or overworked.  He said that the Town should take steps to protect the water within it.

 

9:35PM A MOTION WAS MADE TO PAY CLAIMS AND ADJOURN THE MEETING BY COUNCILWOMAN DOYLE

SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN CARROLL

ALL AYES                                                                             MOTION CARRIED

 

 

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

  Julia A. Bouffard

            Amenia Town Clerk