Regular Town Board Meeting Minutes Halcott Grange
April 23, 2018, 7:15 pm

Present: Town Supervisor Alan White, Council members Yukari Day, Alan Reynolds, Judy DiBenedetto, Highway Superintendent Russell Bouton, Town Clerk Patricia Warfield, Planning Board Chair Nancy Reynolds Public: David Grossman Absent: Councilwoman Innes Kasanof

Opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Before the public hearing was called to order, Supervisor White asked for a moment of silence to pay respect to Anton Kasanof, a long time resident, past Town Supervisor and Town Justice, who made many contributions to our community.

Public Hearing on Subdivision Revisions: Supervisor White called the hearing to order at 7:15pm, and opened the hearing for comment and /or discussionof the subdivision revisions. Supervisor White asked Board members if they had any comments or additional thoughts; having none he then asked Planning Board Chair Nancy Reynolds if she had any other comments, and her comment was that the changes looked good as is. Supervisor White discussed that the changes were relatively minor, the only one of a more substantial impact is the change back to the way it used to read, only one principal residence per parcel. With no further comment , from the Board, SupervisorWhite then opened the floor for public comment. David Grossman commented that he thought the subdivision changes were consistant with resposible developement practices, even though it put some more restrictions on large landowners. Supervisor White closed the Public Hearing at 7:22pm.

The Regular Town Board Meeting opened at 7:32 with Approval of the minutes of the March 26, 2018 meeting: Motion to approve by Councilwoman Judy DiBenedetto, 2nd by Councilwoman Yukari Day, Councilman Alan Reynolds: aye, Supervisor Alan White: aye.

Emergency Planning (A) Fire Truck Building. Bob VanValkenburgh is now the Fleischmanns Fire Chief. Supervisor White feels this may create an opportunity to get a focus on an issue of concern for Halcott. In the case of a major flood or major storm emergency, emergency services cannot get to our Town. One of our long range goals as a Town should be to find a way to have a satellite building for the Fleischmanns fire department to house at least one piece of equipment here. This would also ensure a favorable ISO rating should the Fleischmanns fire department choose to relocate in the future to a new location more than 5 miles from Halcott. When the Crosby farm was being transfered to the city, the Town was gifted a site that could be used to put that kind of a building on. When Bob VanValkenburgh became chief, Supervisor White discussed priorities for Halcott and that it is time to think about moving forward with this project. The first step in this process will be to invite Senator George Amadore to come to Town to look at the site and look at the issue of maintaining some connection to the Fleischmanns Fire Department in the case of a major storm, so Supervisor White has invited the Senator to come to Town on May 4th. The Senate has access to discretionary funds, if you let your Senator know your needs, they may be able to help with funding if the opportunity comes around. In addition, the Senator’s office has a grant writer who can work with us on this project. Bob VanValkenburgh is working on a cost estimate which is in the vicinity of $150-$200,000.00 for a bare bones structure. There are many question to still be answered such as who owns the structure, who will operate it, how to cover operating costs. Supervisor White feels that it should not be the intent of the Town to create a fire department, but rather create a funding opportunity to put up a satellite structure for the Fleischmanns Fire Department in our Town. This is the first step in starting a conversation, with no commitments being made in the short term. (A) County Mitigation Plan. Greene County has been working on an All Hazards Mitigation Plan. They are finished and are looking for Towns to do an adoption. Supervisor White has invited Dan King from the emergency office to come to the next Town Board meeting to discuss the Mitigation Plan with the Board. (C ) 911 Communications. A Halcott resident tried making an emergency call which was misdirected. There was a flaw found in the system, which was fixed. Supervisor White asked Councilman Alan Reynolds to invite Emergency Services Director John Ferrell to the May Town Board Meeting.

Highway Superintendent’s Report: (A) Chips Funding. Halcott will receive $38,942.95 in CHIPS money, $8,888.63 under the Pave-NY program, as well as $7,787.31 under the Extreme Winter Recovery program. Highway Superintendent Bouton reported to the Board that Elk Creek Road, and the bottom of Johnson Hollow are up for topping, and there are 2 spots on DiNicola Rd. and Townsend Hollow Rd. that are so soft they are almost impassable. Supervisor White asked if Superintendent Bouton could come up with a more formal plan for road repair and maintenance for the next meeting with the intent to get an early start on the road work for an early reimbursement.(B) The Highway Department has been trying to broom the sand from the roads, as weather allows. Superintendent Bouton has a watertank to use in an emergency, and is still looking to purchase a 1,000 gallon tank and pump for the Highway Department.

Voucher vote: General Abstract #G0408 – vouchers #057 – 066 = $41,007.99. Highway Abstract #H0408 – vouchers #067 – 070 = $3,238.52. Motion to pay bills by Councilwoman Yukari Day, 2nd by Councilman Alan Reynolds, Councilwoman Judy DiBenedetto: aye, Supervisor Alan White: aye.

Clerk’s Report: 1 Certificate of Occupancy Search: $25.00, Billy Haynes (dumpster fee) (Feb. & March): $200.00, Garbage Tickets (5) @ $9.00 each: $45.00. The Town collected and disbursed $270.00 for the month of March.

Public Comment: David Grossman asked the Board to consider for future public hearings, that a red line version of the matter to be discussed be posted for 30 days, making it easier for residents who do not live in Halcott full time, to be part of the process. He also stated that he felt the community in terms of the long term planning has been very reasonable in realizing that there has to be a balance between maintaining our beauty as we have it with economic viability. He and his father have owned their property for 17 years and he has started thinking about how to utilize that process.

Next Meeting: Regular Meeting Monday, May 21, 2018, 7:15 p.m.

Motion to Adjourn at 7:45 p.m. by Councilwoman Judy DiBenedetto, 2nd by Councilman Alan Reynolds, Councilwoman Yukari Day: aye, Supervisor Alan White: aye.

Regular Town Board Meeting Minutes Halcott Grange
March 26, 2018, 7:15 pm

Present: Town Supervisor Alan White, Council members Yukari Day, Alan Reynolds, Innes Kasanof, Judy DiBenedetto, Highway Superintendent Russell Bouton, Town Clerk Patricia Warfield. Webmaster Greg Beechler.

Opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Webmaster Greg Beechler presented his annual report. (A)Greg spoke to the Board about making changes to the Town website, to make it simpler and easier for the public to use. (B) Greg explained to the Board a problem he ran into while out of the country during the snowstorm in March. Greg received an e-mail with emergency information but was unable to post it on the Town webpage. He would like to look into the possibility of setting up an emergency information webpage to show emergency posts. The Town official who would be receiving the emergency information could then post that information (and any updates received)by e-mail to a secret address and it would automatically be posted on the emergency website. The Board felt that it would be worthwhile to further pursue this idea. (C )Councilwoman Judy DiBenedetto asked Greg if there was a way for the Animal Control Officer to post lost or found pets on the website, as there were a number of lost dogs last year who were returned to their owners because of social media or it was known who the owners were. Greg informed Councilwoman DiBenedetto that the Animal Control Officer could e-mail the lost or found pet information to Greg, and he would post the information on the website. (D)The Board felt that perhaps it could be made easier for the public to find pertinent contact information for Town Officials, and could be worked on when Greg started to rework the Town webpage. A suggestion was made to compile a list of Town Officials and their contact information to add as an insert to the next Times of Halcott, and Greg said he could include the list on the Town webpage as a printable PDF.

Approval of the minutes of the February 26, 2018 meeting: Motion to adopt minutes with the following corrections: The Town was able to add $10,230.00 to the General Reserve Fund, and add $20,498.00 to the Highway Reserve Fund. Motion to adopt the minutes as corrected by Councilwoman Innes Kasanof, 2nd by Councilwoman Judy DiBendetto, Councilwoman Yukari Day: aye, Councilman Alan Reynolds: aye, Supervisor Alan White: aye.

Highway Superintendent’s Report: (A) The Highway Department experienced a number of breakdowns during the recent snow storms. The sander broke, but was quickly repaired by Hammerhydrolics. Supervisor White asked Highway Superintendent Bouton to let them know the Board was pleased with their service. The Greene County truck had a transmission bearing go, and the County brought our Highway Department another truck to use. (B)Some back roads saw a little plow damage which Highway Superintendent Bouton said will be touched up with the grader when better weather arrives. (C ) Oshkosh repair: When the weather breaks, the Highway Department will look to remove the old body from the truck, have it replaced, and while the body is off, have the frame repaired.

Voucher vote: General Abstract #G0318 – vouchers 042 – 051 = $21,749.87. Highway Abstract #H0318 – vouchers 052 – 056 = $2956.25. Motion to pay bills by Councilwoman Yukari Day, 2nd by Councilman Alan Reynolds, Councilwoman Innes Kasanof: aye, Councilwoman Judy DiBendetto: aye, Supervisor Alan White: aye.
Finance Chair Report: (A) Finance Chair Innes Kasanof presented the monthly finance report. (B) Finance Chair Kasanof asked Supervisor White if the Town had received the contract invoice from the Fire Department. Supervisor White had just received it, needed to have it notorized and then he would return it to the Fire Department. (C ) The year end process has been completed and the AUD has been accepted.

Clerk’s Report: Grange Rental: $50.00, Certificate of Occupancy Search: $25.00, Subdivision: $50.00, Billy Haynes: $100.00, Garbage Tickets (8) @ $9.00 each: $72.00. The Town collected and disbursed $297.00 for the month of February.

Other Business: (A) Subdivision Law Update: The next step in the process to amend the Subdivision Law is for a public hearing to be held on the proposed updates. There will be a public hearing on the proposed updates to the Subdivision Law on April 23, 2018 at 7:15 pm. (1) Let the minutes reflect that a Resolution of the Town of Halcott Town Board: Intent to be Lead Agency and Identification as a Type 1 Action: Amend Subdivision Regulations for the Town of Halcott was adopted at the March 26, 2018 Regular Town Board Meeting. Motion to adopt by Councilwoman Innes Kasanof, 2nd by Councilwoman Judy DiBenedetto, Councilman Alan Reynolds: aye, Councilwoman Yukari Day: aye, Supervisor Alan White: aye. (2) Let the minutes reflect that a Resolution of the Town of Halcott Town Board: Negative Declaration-Type 1 Action: Adoption of Amended Subdivision Regulations for the Town of Halcott was adopted at the March 26, 2018 Regular Town Board Meeting. Motion to adopt by Councilwoman Judy DiBenedetto, 2nd by Councilwoman Yukari Day, Councilman Alan Reynolds: aye, Councilwoman Innes Kasanof: aye, Supervisor Alan White: aye.

Next Meeting: April 23, 2018, 7:15 pm: Public Hearing on the proposed Subdivision Updates, Regular Town Board Meeting to follow.

Motion to Adjourn at 8:08 pm by Councilwoman Yukari Day, 2nd by Councilwoman Innes Kasanof, Councilman Alan Reynolds: aye, Councilwoman Judy DiBendetto: aye, Supervisor Alan White: aye.

Regular Town Board Meeting Minutes Halcott Grange
February 26, 2018, 7:15 pm

Present: Town Supervisor Alan White, Council members Yukari Day, Alan Reynolds, Innes Kasanof, Judy DiBenedetto, Highway Superintendent Russell Bouton, Town Clerk Patricia Warfield, Code Enforcement Officer John Matheisen, Town Assessor Mark Neves, Planning Board Secretary Nancy Reynolds.

7:15 pm, Opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Annual Reports: CEO John Matheisen presented his annual report. (A) For 2018 there were 14 Building Permits issued, 7 BP renewals, 1 Demo Permit, 12 Certificate of Occupancy Searches, 9 C/O’s issued, 9 Certificate of Compliance issued and 7 Violations issued. (B)Councilwoman Innes Kasanof asked CEO Matheisen if he could could briefly speak to the Board about an LFA, and what it means for local Towns. CEO Matheisen explained that a Local Flood Analysis (which is funded by the DEP) is performed for a Town by a hired consulant to evaluate and identify troubled areas and then make proactive recommendations for improvements. Once problem areas are identified, Halcott could then apply for any available funding for viable projects. Motion to begin the process to have a Local Flood Analysis performed in Halcott by Councilwoman Innes Kasanof, 2nd by Councilwoman Judy DiBenedetto, Councilwoman Yukari Day: aye, Councilman Alan Reynolds: aye, Supervisor Alan White: aye.

Town Assessor Mark Neves presented his report. Not much change in Halcott, no new houses built in 2017. The equalization rate is still 108%.

Planning Board Secretary Nancy Reynolds presented the Planning Board report. The Planning Board had 2 boundry line changes and 1 minor subdivision for 2017.

Approval of the minutes of the January 22, 2018 meeting: Motion to approve by Councilman Alan Reynolds, 2nd by Councilwoman Yukari Day, Councilwoman Innes Kasanof: aye, Councilwoman Judy DiBenedetto: aye, Supervisor Alan White: aye.

Highway Superintendent’s Report: (A) Highway Superintendent Russell Bouton discussed having work done on the Oshkosh. He could like to purchase a dump body for the truck if a suitable one can be found, and while the truck is apart have the frame and air tanks worked on as they are quite rusted. The Board encouraged him to move forward and get prices for the work he wants done.

Voucher vote: General Abstract #G0218 – vouchers 022 –034 = $4,220.67. Highway Abstract #H0208 – vouchers 035 – 041= $2,794.77. Motion to pay bills by Councilwoman Yukari Day, 2nd by Councilman Alan Reynolds, Councilwoman Innes Kasanof: aye, Councilwoman Judy DiBenedetto: aye, Supervisor Alan White: aye.

Finance Chair Report: (A) Finance Chair Innes Kasanof presented the monthly finance report. (B) The 2017 AUD is done and submitted. The Town was able to add $10,000.00 to the General Reseve Fund, and $20,000.00 to the Highway Reserve Fund. (C ) The Town has received its share of property tax dollars.

Clerk’s Report: Building Permit: $140.00, C/O Search (3) @ $25.00: $75.00, BP Renewal: $87.50, Subdivision: $50.00. The Town collected and disbursed $352.50 for the month of January.

Other Business: (A)Subdivision Law Review. Nancy Reynolds presented the following proposed amendments to the Subdivision Law for the Board to review. (1) Public Hearing Section: Include the wording: The applicant shall send notice of the Public Hearing to abutting property owners by certified mail, return receipt requested at least seven (7) days prior to the public hearing. The Planning Board shall also send notice of the Public Hearing to any adjacent municipality located within 500 feet of the proposed development. (2) The Planning Board is further authorized to require addition of any modification or plat note associated with approval of the subdivision on the plat. (3) The wording discussed in # 1, will be the same for minor and major subdivisions. (4) Roads shall be constructed according to “ Standards for the Adoption of New Roads in the Town of Halcott”as may exist. (5) No more than one (1) principal residential building may be placed on a lot. (as per the Town of Halcott Land Use Code). After discussing the proposed changes, Motion to accept the proposed changes and proceed with the process to update the Subdivision Law by Councilwoman Judy DiBenedetto, 2nd by Councilman Alan Reynolds, Councilwoman Yukari Day: aye, Councilwoman Innes Kasanof: aye, Supervisor Alan White: aye.

Next Meeting: Regular Meeting, March 26, 2018, 7:15pm.

Motion to Adjourn at 8:35 pm by Councilwoman Innes Kasanof, 2nd by Councilwoman Judy DiBenedetto, Councilman Alan Reynolds: aye, Councilwoman Yukari Day: aye, Supervisor Alan White: aye.

You can download minutes and other government documents from 2001 here.
For documents created prior to 2001 please contact the town clerk.