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HOME OF THE PAWLING COMMUNITY VOICE  |
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Town Board Meetings
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Town Of The
first issue of business was a public hearing concerning Local Law #1 which addresses
the Town Attorney Residency Requirement. Supervisor Coursen described
the purpose of the law as ‘casting a wider net’ for a candidate search. She said the law does not exclude members
from township from consideration. Gayle
Zelanzny, wife of local attorney Bob Marvin, read
her husband’s letter of complaint to the board and the newspapers. She proclaimed the proposed law unnecessary
and insisted it not be adopted. Many
claimed the law was aimed at appointing one person (Lewis Stadler). Ms. Zelanzny claimed
political reasons for hiring this specific person. After public comment Bill
Johnson was no longer prepared to read the resolution, and asked for a change
in it to deal with the ‘practicing’ issue.
A motion was approved to extend the public hearing. During the Town Board Meeting: On the need for a new computer network for the town, JoAnne Daley, planning board
secretary, introduced Jim & Kevin Jeffries of Northeast Computer Services.
They gave a talk and a slide show explaining their proposal for a
server installation, and answered some technical questions from citizens. A
number of technically bent citizens have offered to help review this
proposal, and any other proposals the township may receive. Ms. Daley will create a temporary committee to
review the needs, and recommend an appropriate proposal. David
Spagnolo of the Infrastructure Task Force presented
a draft financing analysis of the
garbage transfer station. In 2005,
there was a two hundred thousand dollar deficit. This year, sticker fees were doubled, and
the 2006 deficit is expected to be reduced to ninety five thousand dollars,
the remainder to be paid from the general fund. Spagnolo reports
we beat the national and regional average cost of $300/yr/household. Pawling’s annual expense/household is about
$230. Mr. Spagnolo
discussed other methods of financing: a municipal sharing proposal. Allan Rundall
recommended the establishment of a town garbage district – similar to that
done in the village so that only users of the system pay. Village Mayor Liffland
remarked the village is charged by unit: 900 units@$200/unit for $180,000/yr. A town district would be 3500 units, that
rate would be over $700,000. He also
recommended a garbage district. Supervisor
Coursen reiterated that the ultimate goal is to make the charges as fair to
all as is possible. Dr. Rugo said, the station needs much repair, what’s the cost
of bringing it up to spec? Tracy Durkin
commended David Spagnolo on a difficult job well
done and also recommended a district, saying the putting in a district will
stabilize the budget. Niki Colvin noticed more garbage at roadside due to
illegal tenants. Others mentioned the
need to curb transfer station use abuses. Town
board minutes of February 1st
and 7th, 2006 were unanimously approved. There
was a discussion about the replacement
of water meters for town properties.
Dave Whorf of the town will work with Allan Rundall
of Pawling Water District #1 on a solution. Next,
a discussion on a request for naming rights for the current Dodge Road Little League Field –
Discussions continue between the Little League and Hannaford’s for the
grocery’s name to be affixed to the field.
Hannaford’s is requesting a
4x8 foot sign at the entrance to the field, in exchange for a donation. The fine points have yet to be worked out,
including the size of the donation, and any restrictions on the use of that
donation. Hannaford’s was commended
for its commitment to the community. Also,
there was a discussion of Holmes-Whaley
Lake Civic Association Building Improvements. An elevator is required to make the Lastly,
there was a discussion of the
King’s Highway Request for Letter of Credit. The
New York State DMV LENS Program is
a free program of driver’s license event notification service for the use of
public agencies. A motion was approved
for the townships participation in this program. On
the Board Vacancy, Mr. Montemarano
nominated Gayle
Zelanzny
to fill the vacancy on the town board for the remainder of the term. The nomination was not approved. Mr. Montemarano and Mr. Benson voted in the
affirmative, Ms. Coursen in the negative, and Mr. Johnson abstained. There was no further discussion of the
vacancy. The
Rapport & Meyers billing – RE: Quaker Hills, LLC issue was tabled until the next
meeting. The
Lakeside Park Master Plan
discussion was tabled due to the temporary indisposal
of Mr. Benson. The
skate park bid received last fall
has expired. The project will have to
be put out for a new bid. A motion to do
so was approved. When the equipment
arrives, a team of volunteers should be recruited for final assembly. During
the public comment period, there was a mention of the wish to create a Pawling Arts Council Committee. Supervisor Coursen is hoping to form a task
force on saving the The
next Town Board Meetings:  Town Of Pawling Board Meeting -
February 7 2006 Approval of the minutes for January 11th,
18th, and 25th, 2006 was temporarily delayed. Since the
board vacancy has not been filled and is still unfinished business, Mr.
Montemarano proposed it be added to every agenda until the vacancy has been
filled. Once that motion passed all
minutes were approved. Adam and
Danny Miller were represented concerning the
recreation fees for Town Employees & the Fire Department. Upon subdivision, a mandatory
contribution must be made in the amount of $3000/lot unless a local law is
created. Town government has wanted to create affordable space for public
employees and firemen. This would
provide an opportunity to do so.
Supervisor Coursen made a motion to draft legislation to accommodate
the Miller’s request. The code would
prevent developer abuse, and could mandate minimum residency to prevent
further abuse. Mr. Montemarano feels
the request should be reviewed, but asked if a law was necessary. Mr. Benson also felt a legal draft was
premature. The board will research the
issue and report on March 1. Regarding the request for authorization
of the Authorization was given for the Special Counsel to attend Association
of Towns in NYC. February billing of Pawling Water District #1 in the
amount of $2,390.66 was approved. Authorization was given for the Town
Supervisor to sign the Poughkeepsie
Dutchess Empire Zone Agreement.
While it’s a renewal, the The setting of meal reimbursement rates for employees and officials who travel
on official town business was discussed.
It seems Patterson reimburses up to $120/day. Mr. Johnson mentioned many towns have no
written policy. It was decided to
trust the town employees and officials to act responsibly. The posting of Public Notice of Local
Law #1 was authorized. The code enforcement officer Kathy Monez reported on issues with Quaker Hills, LLC. Designated
Emergency Interim Successors for 2006 were proposed by Supervisor Coursen. Mr. Johnson, Tyler Maile, and Mr.
Montemarano were appointed. The refund of the escrow balance of Agriventures Retail, Inc. was authorized because the
property was sold, and the buyer (Pfister) has
posted another $50,000 bond on the property. On the town computer system needs JoAnne Dailey meeting with
consultants. Supervisor Coursen said the $2,000 for software, and another
$5,000 for computers and networking, wasn’t built into the Justice’s budget. Three departments have already purchased
software against this project.
Supervisor Coursen spoke to Bob Reilly and he doesn’t think a server
is necessary. Work continues. The issue of reimbursement of expenses
to a homeowner of Pawling Water District
#2 was resolved. Mr. Johnson feels
it’s a homeowner expense. The
homeowner’s screen clogged when the water main broke. One resident mentioned he has to back flush
his screens periodically, using a lot of water. A motion was adopted indicating that it’s a
homeowner expense and will not be reimbursed. The Vacancy on the Town Board was revisited in executive session. Melissa Smith, Recreation Director,
reported on the use of recreation facilities and projects. The McElroy Foundation is making plans for
their volleyball tournament and walk-a-thon.
These events would be held Saturday, May 20th. Supervisor Coursen asked about our
insurance coverage, crowd control, and admissions charge for this event. Insurance clearance would come from the
Salerno Agency. And what about a
fireworks display? Supervisor Coursen noted that Fire
Department representative Vinny Galvin has asked if this years Fire
Department carnival could be held at The Triathlon plans are going well. Teens
in business – 3 jobs have been found for teens at Thunder Ridge, one at
Dill’s Best. Zarecki
and Parrino’s will talk with teens interested in
becoming interns. The Easter Egg Hunt has been planned. Two indoor soccer and volleyball leagues have been formed – games are played
at the Middle School. Dr. Frank Rugo
from the Supervisor Coursen lauds the Salerno
Agency, even though they’re from Mr. Johnson – spoke to Al Thompson re:
Donaldson Bldg. we will buy air conditioner covers and caulk. Mr. Montemarano tackled the abandoned
vehicles in the park. It turns out
they’re owned by the YMCA, and are in the process of being removed. On March 1 the Methodist church will
hold their fish dinner. Town Board Meetings: Town Of Pawling Board
Meeting February 1, 2006 The Four Phases of Emergency
Management:
Deputy Hanlon described a hypothetical
incident in a local school, and how a crisis might be handled. The Pawling Emergency Management System
(PEMS) will coordinate with Dutchess and NYS governmental agencies. Local and
state agency representatives are already participating. Some of the participants in Pawling Stakeholders
are: A Joint resolution for recognition of
the Pawling Stakeholders, already approved by the Village, was adopted and
signed by Supervisor Coursen and Mayor Liffland.
During the discussion, Mr. Johnson
asked to explore the reason why we got into this fix – and plan so this
doesn’t happen again. It was agreed to retain the services of
a Special Counsel. Lewis Stadler will provide services
@$145/hr. The town wishes to appoint
him as a permanent town attorney, and enabling legislation will be drafted. A motion to refund an Escrow balance was tabled to next
week. Town
Justice David Daniels is requesting $1,900 for software and networking needs. The Judge’s bench should be linked to the
Court Clerk. A
second server was recommended for Code enforcement, and planning and
zoning. Bob Reilly has done IT work
for the town in the past, it was suggested he be consulted. The request was tabled until next week. A homeowner in Pawling Water District #2 is seeking $250 from the district for
damages incurred in conjunction with a water main break. Mr. Montemarano suggested that since the
water district has not been consulted in this matter, the district should be
contacted before this issue is resolved.
The issue was tabled to next week. No motions were made to fill the vacant
Town Board Member position. Appointment of Town Board Liaisons Three additional reservations were
authorized for training at the NYS Association of Towns, training to be
conducted in NYC. The persons to
attend will be named later. The new
total: 13. The Supervisor was authorized to sign
the Refuse Agreement with the A Town Hall Facilities Use Form has been created by
Supervisor Coursen for better utilization of the facility. Acknowledgements: Fire Dept. Installation Dinner this Sat. During the comment period, there was a discussion
that the school is renting space at Lathrop; because we are being taxed to
pay for the park, and we’re being taxed by the school board to pay the rent
on some of the same property, it appears to be a double taxation. Also, the lack of a proper school bus
garage was seen as sorely needed. There was serious discussion about the Transfer Station rate increase and
the inequities in the rate schedule, such as mandatory ownership of a car in
order to use the facility. Mayor Liffland objected to the lack of communication of the
rate increases. Contrary to the
village announcement, village residents must pay $100 to buy a sticker. Town
Board Meetings: TOWN OF Justice Denton stated the town court of
Pawling heard 1179 cases. 1079 were car related, 31
were felonies, and miscellaneous cases. I believe they said the court
collected $71,000 in fines (someone started talking to me so I may be off.) Also, they would like to have bailiffs at court instead of
constables. The constable certification issue is still not resolved.
According to Supervisor Coursen, all of their work has been suspended until
the town adopts an appropriate ‘plan’. Finally, the board wants to look
into contracting with the Sheriff’s Dept. for two months while they work out
the issues with the constables. The Supervisor wishes to contract with the Dutchess County Youth
Bureau so they can receive $7,712 towards the teen center. This would help
offset the $157,812 annual cost of running the center. Next, the Supervisor requested authorization for 9 people to
attend a conference to learn how to do their jobs, at a cost of $ 1,000 a
person. One of her choices to attend was the deputy
supervisor. A minor argument erupted. Mr. Johnson stated it
wasn’t a good choice for the deputy supervisor to attend, and Mr. Montemarano
said he felt it was a waste of money and he will not attend. He’ll just
read a book to receive the same information for free; he’s not wasting
taxpayers’ money. Brought up tax break for seniors…. They want to change the limit
of the current (think 19K a year) to 24K a year and
still be able to receive 50% off of their taxes. Board Liaisons were appointed: Mr. Benson to the transfer
station, Mr. Johnson to water district #2, and Mr. Montemarano was appointed
to the Joint Sewer Commission. John Dailey was appointed the new Chief
Constable. The question was asked how can you let Kirby Hill Road stay
closed for four days (impassable due to trees and wires down) when
that is the main route of travel to a hospital from that area of Quaker Hill
(New Milford Hospital) It was said that you can use Game Farm Road as an
alternative route around, but a person stated that’s not true because if you
don’t have 4WD you can’t make it across that road because its so muddy. Also,
how is an ambulance or fire truck supposed to cross that road? Supervisor
Coursen said she is working on it, but nothing will be done right away, Mr.
Montemarano found it unacceptable. It needs to be passable,
he said. They went back and forth a little, but nothing was
resolved. A member in attendance stated that there have been two deaths
attributed to poor road conditions on |
On This Page Town Of Pawling Public Hearing and Town Board Meeting - March 1st , 2006 Town Of Pawling
Board Meeting February 7, 2006 Town Of Pawling
Board Meeting February 1, 2006 Town Of Pawling Board Meeting January 18, 2006
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