Special Meeting - March 24, 2004
7:30pm
Red Hook Special Town Board Meeting
A special meeting of the Red Hook Town Board was held March 24, 2004 with the following in attendance:
Supervisor – Marirose Blum Bump
Councilman – James Ross
Councilwoman – Sue Crane
Councilwoman – Jean Bordewich
Councilman – Harold Ramsey
Town Clerk – Margaret E. Doty
Absent: Highway Superintendent Wayne Hildenbrand
Supervisor Blum Bump opened the meeting at 7:30 p.m. with the Pledge
Allegiance to the Flag.
Supervisor Blum Bump took this opportunity to welcome everyone and said there
would be a 15 minute public comment period.
Councilwoman Bordewich said she would like to thank the 80 people who attended
and gave their input to the Land Use Work Group committee on Saturday March
20th at the Linden Avenue School. The committee will take this public input
and make a report at the next meeting April 17th. She would also urge the
public to attend and give their input at the second and third meetings.
Three members of the Town of Red Hook Recreation Commission Robert Bowman,
John Kuhn and Douglas Strawinski were present to explain the 2004 Capital
Improvement Projects for the Red Hook Recreation Park.
John Kuhn explained that there are six projects that they would like funded by
the Parklands.
John said they had ordered new playground equipment which is waiting to be
installed. One of the things that has to be done is to purchase 120 cubic
yards of certified Wood Fiber Playground Safety Surface, 10 – 3’ x 4’
Playground Wear Mats at a cost of $2,684.00. These mats are a safety feature
required by our insurance NYMIR and OSHA, all of these will be installed by
our own crew and hoping to have it done by April 1st.
Douglas Strawinski spoke on the tennis court repairs. The tennis courts have
slowly deteriorated over the past 30 years. No resurfacing has ever been done,
and he had pictures which Brian Moore had taken showing cracks, low spots,
dangerous curling, and damaged fences which are in serious need of repair. The
Red Hook High School tennis teams use these courts for practice and matches in
both the fall and spring, our tennis program uses them for five weeks, and
community members play on them until 10:00 p.m. every night of the week.
The resurfacing cost proposal is approximately $45,000, as there are four
courts. This cost would cover resurfacing the strip painting and the fence.
Doug said a lot of research went into this before coming up with this cost.
Councilwoman Bordewich questioned if the school had been contacted to see if
they would share the cost, as we have a lot of shared facilities.
Doug said he would contact the school concerning this.
Doug explained that is project would go into late June as you have to get the
bids out and than a couple of weeks to get them back. Than everything has to
be scheduled when they can fit us in.
Supervisor Blum Bump questioned when it would be finished.
Rec. Director John Kuhn said we would have to have it completed by the end of
June, as our summer programs start the 1st week of July.
Doug said there is an old barn near the pool. The barn is a 20’ X 40’ area.
John called and talked pool committee. We would house our equipment and there
would be enough room for pool to use for storage. The structure is sound and
the siding is good.
Councilwoman Crane questioned if the roof was sound?
Doug said no, that would have to be replaced and two rafters replaced. Like to
put in overhead door so we can lock it and paint the whole structure. This
would be strictly for storage.
John said they don’t have the money to do the repairs on the barn so they were
happy to have us do it. Have talked with our attorney Al Trezza and he will
draw up a contract for us with the pool concerning this project.
John said we need to purchase a filed mower, which will mow the fields at the
proper heights.
The three ball fields at the Rec. Park are in constant use by Little League
Girls Softball, Minor League, Women’s Softball, Over 40 Men’s Softball, Red
Hook High School girls JV and varsity baseball for both practice and
interscholastic competition. At present the ball fields and the park are mowed
by tractor with mower decks. This is time consuming process that could be done
more frequently and efficiently with the proper equipment.
Have done the research and came up with the 777 and 797 Max Z-Trak mowers
offer the highest power and performance in the John Deere Z-Trak. The total is
$8,754.00.
John Kuhn explained that the Recreation Park along with Ruth Oja has filed an
application for a Five Star Development Grant.
The development of a trail through the north end of the Recreation Park would
not only provide walking opportunities but also provide safer access to the
park for children.
The grant is for $20,000 and we can also use in kind service. We should be
notified in May 2004.
Doug Strawinski said the sixth project would be installation of three yard
hydrants at a cost of $6,000. One at each ball field tapping into the Town
water main- on tap with meter. Without the means to wet down the fields they
become like concrete. This makes them impossible to groom and dangerous to
play on for all users. Proper field maintenance requires being able to water
the grass baseball fields daily. The skinned softball infields require
sprinkling to keep down the dust and prevent them from becoming hard. This is
a request of every organization that uses the ball fields.
Councilwoman Bordewich said last year when some of the students came before
the board, their request was upgrading the ball fields.
Doug said we are now upgrading the fields with a special soil mix, the infield
and outfield- fertilizing, seeding and aerating. Special soil 25 tons is also
coming in and will be spread by a machine on Friday.
Motion by Councilman Ross, seconded by Supervisor Blum Bump and carried
approving 120 cubic yards Wood Fiber Playground Safety Surface, Refurbish
existing barn structure sited on Linden Avenue north of the pool pending legal
contract with pool board, purchase 72” John Deere mower for $8,754.00,
installation of three yard hydrants at a cost of $6,000 and go out to bid for
Tennis Court repairs. The Trail Construction, we will wait to hear from Ruth
the status of that grant.
Vote- Supervisor Blum Bump- Yes
Councilman Ross- Yes
Councilwoman Crane- Yes
Councilwoman Bordewich- Yes
Councilman Ramsey- Yes
Paul Telesca resident of Kalina Drive came before the board to petition for
the installation of signage at the intersection of Kalina Drive and Edgewood
Drive.
The residents of Forest Park recognize that the intersection of Kalina Drive
and Edgewood Drive continues to come more and more dangerous. It is now a
daily occurrence for large commercial trucks of many different kinds to
perform three point turns in this intersection anywhere from 5:00 a.m. to
11:00 p.m. There is also a steady stream of passenger, government vehicles
local highway departments that perform U-turns here. The number of vehicles
that turn around in this intersection has increased dramatically.
The residents of Forest park feel this unnecessary commercial traffic
endangers their safety and their children’s safety. Some of these children
wait for a school bus at this intersection. This traffic poses a real safety
hazard to this community. As you can see by the pictures presented to you they
turn around on my neighbor’s lawn.
Paul explained that they were looking to the town to do something, no
commercial traffic unless delivery and no U-turns as it isn’t only commercial
traffic.
Supervisor Blum Bump questions if these trucks were from one company.
Paul replied no they go from small trucks to 18 wheelers. 18 wheelers
shouldn’t be coming into a residential area where you have children playing.
Councilman Ramsey questioned if they were there just in the morning.
Paul said no this was an on going thing all day long and there is a residence
speed limit.
Councilwoman Bordewich said your request is that we put out a sign and see if
that has any effect.
Councilman Ross said than we would have to be in touch with Rhinebeck because
that entrance to Forest park is in Town of Rhinebeck.
Councilwoman Crane suggested that we contact Rhinebeck Highway Superintendent
and our Highway Superintendent go down to the intersection and determine what
kind of signage should be there and get on with it.
Motion by Councilwoman Crane, seconded by Supervisor Blum Bump that we direct
the highway department to erect a sign with the approval of the Town of
Rhinebeck, no U-turns and no commercial thru traffic.
Vote- Supervisor Blum Bump- Yes
Councilman Ross- Yes
Councilwoman Crane- Yes
Councilwoman Bordewich- Yes
Councilman Ramsey- Yes
At this time Supervisor Blum Bump recognized Patrice Courtney coordinator Mid
Hudson Energy Smart Communities.
Patrice explained Mid Hudson Energy Smart Communities, an outreach program of
the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, helps both
individuals and groups access energy-efficiency and renewable energy loans,
grants and technical assistance to make energy improvements to their homes,
businesses, school, municipalities and institutions.
Eight communities have passed resolutions to become Energy Smart Communities,
meaning they are committed to informing their community about the benefit of
energy efficiency, how it is produced and how it is consumed has an enormous
impact on all of us. Whether we are interested in saving money, the
environment or both improving energy efficiency can have a profound effect on
our lives.
On your new project, your highway garage, the town has the opportunity to
bring it in setting up in advance saving more money on electric and heating
and cooling cost. New York Energy Smart has a program called New Construction.
They work with what you are interested in doing with the building. A reason to
go along with the state effort.
Go Thermal Energy, Bard has 15 buildings now, as people are looking at the
projected cost of building today.
Councilwoman Bordewich asked what would the Town Board have to do if we wanted
to hold one of these TECK 101 meeting.
Patrice said all we would do would be to have you help us make it worth while.
Contact your friends and neighbors to attend. We should know about four months
in advance as experts in the field like to fly in and attend.
Councilwoman Bordewich said we do intend to do the garage so how do we get in
touch with your people to meet with our engineer.
Patrice Courtney said she would recommend you fill out the forms and we’ll get
them to Albany for you. Yes, there is a charge.
Councilman Ramsey asked if they would come in and do and audit of the Town
Building and if there was a charge.
Patrice Courtney replied yes they would come in and the cost is a sliding
scale depended upon your electric usage.
Supervisor Blum Bump thanked Patrice and Associate for coming.
Co-chairman of the Land Use Development William O’Neill and Karen Schnelling
who were present said they were reviewing all the notes from comments from
last Saturday and will consolidate them.
Councilwoman Bordewich on the response from the Land Use Planner were opened
and read. Two people had responded.
Greenplan- Environmental Planner from Rhinebeck, N.Y.
180 hours
$15,000 budget
Planner East-Postenkill, N.Y.
104 hours
$10,900 budget
Supervisor Blum Bump said that Councilwoman Bordewich and Councilwoman Crane
will do analysis of the two planners that submitted and report back to the
board.
Robert McKeon requested that copies of the corrected farm law be made up and
distributed.
Supervisor Blum Bump gave permission to make up copies of the corrected copy
for distribution.
Ruth Oja Chairman Conservation Advisory Council said the change was instead of
(5) overlay maps there are (8) overlay, which she and Robert McKeon have been
working on.
Water Resources
Wellhead-Watershed
Significant Historic & Natural Features
National Landmarks
Gateway Scenic Road, Open Space
Important Farmlands 2003
Soil Resource
Agricultural District
The maps are intended to be used as the official reference for all Town
actions concerning sites subject to specific regulations set forth in this
section of the Zoning Law.
Supervisor Blum Bump said Keane & Beane are aware we want a public hearing on
the District Maps and they are going to inform us about the status of the maps
and how to proceed so that not only our Planning Board and Zoning Board use
them but the Land Use Work Group for our Master Plan and Zoning Code and the
Open Space Plan. So we are all looking for the next step from Keane & Beane.
Councilman Ross… if these are the maps we are considering adopting 1- we need
the verbiage, 2- the maps should be available so the public has a chance to
see them before the public hearing.
Supervisor Blum Bump said if the maps are to be adopted than the county has to
have 45 days and our Planning Board needs a number of days. There is a whole
process that we will find out from our Environmental Attorney. We are not
going to set the public hearing as it is too far away. Our intent is to look
at these maps.
Ruth Oja said she and members from the CAC became members of the Trail
Committee and when the Town became Greenway members that was where money came
from, the Greenway Grants.
Councilwoman Bordewich said Impact was working to get the land worked out,
where does this stand.
Ruth replied this trail went from the Village of Red Hook to the Village of
Tivoli and had it all worked out except for the wetlands at the Rec. Park so
that’s what we will be doing with the next grant. Impacts job is completed.
Supervisor Blum Bump said the next committee they would like to set up is the
Road and Traffic Committee and the number of members.
Councilman Ramsey said he thought it would be 5 or 7 members to help us follow
up.
The rest of the board agreed for a seven member board.
Councilwoman Bordewich suggested that they discuss this at a workshop and come
up with the names for the Roads and Traffic Committee as well as the Economic
Development Committee.
Councilwoman Bordewich said there are quite a few outstanding road issues,
Kerley Corners, Kelly and 9 G so I’m sure there will be quite a few issues for
this committee.
Motion by Councilman Ramsey, seconded by Councilman Ross and carried
establishing the Road and Traffic Committee with a seven (7) member board.
Vote- Supervisor Blum Bump- Yes
Councilman Ross- Yes
Councilwoman Crane- Yes
Councilwoman Bordewich- Yes
Councilman Ramsey- Yes
Supervisor Blum Bump said Jean and Harold are liaisons to the Economic
Development Committee.
Councilman Ramsey said we are looking to 11 to 13 members.
Councilwoman Bordewich said she was looking for maybe 9 members.
Councilman Ross said why don’t we say 7 to 13 and we can see as we go along
just how many members we want.
Motion by Councilman Ramsey, seconded by Supervisor Blum Bump that we
establish the Economic Development Committee with 7 to 13 members.
Vote- Supervisor Blum Bump- Yes
Councilman Ross- Yes
Councilwoman Crane- Yes
Councilwoman Bordewich- Yes
Councilman Ramsey- Yes
Motion by Supervisor Blum Bump, seconded by Councilman Ross that the
Architectural Design and Hamlet Review Committee consist of 7 members Tiffany
Nogales, Jeffrey Anagnos, Henry Fournier, George (Hopi) Michael, Geoff Carter,
Christopher Gilbert and one to be decided upon. Their appointment is for 2
years. Michael and Gilbert term will expire in 2004.
Supervisor Blum Bump read a letter from Betty Mae Van Parys proposing that a
pamphlet showing various architectural designs of the community. It would be a
guide when various projects are proposed for the Town. When someone proposes a
project the pamphlet could be given to the applicant and told this is what we
want for our community.
Supervisor Blum Bump said she would give this letter to Chris Gilbert of the
Architectural Design and Hamlet Review Committee.
Supervisor Blum Bump said she was talking to Highway Superintendent
Hildenbrand who is still head of Disaster Preparedness. He explained what the
committee was about and did not want it to be just himself. He described the
duties of this committee and wanted new members appointed as he has all the
paper from the original plan.
Councilman Ramsey said the county has their own Disaster Plan and every town
or community should have their own Disaster Emergency Plan.
Councilwoman Crane suggested this Plan and members be discussed at a workshop
and be on the April Agenda.
Councilwoman Bordewich said they had advertised for a Recycle Supervisor to
replace Laurie DeCiutiis who resigned and also a Solid Waste attendant, with
increase of work at the Recycle Center.
Motion by Councilwoman Bordewich, seconded by Councilwoman Crane appointing
William Szigelhy as Solid Waste attendant with one month trial review period
effective immediately.
Vote- Supervisor Blum Bump- Yes
Councilman Ross- Yes
Councilwoman Crane- Yes
Councilwoman Bordewich- Yes
Councilman Ramsey- Yes
Motion by Councilwoman Bordewich, seconded by Councilwoman Crane appointing
Thomas J. Hackett as Recycle Supervisor with one month trial review period
effective immediately.
Vote- Supervisor Blum Bump- Yes
Councilman Ross- Yes
Councilwoman Crane- Yes
Councilwoman Bordewich- Yes
Councilman Ramsey- Yes
Councilwoman Bordewich said the second issue of the Recycle Center was
after some discussions with our attorney Al Trezza he came up with a
combination of policy decisions to be made by the Town Board, job descriptions
for the employees and volunteers and regulations which would apply to the
general public.
Motion by Councilwoman Bordewich, seconded by Councilman Ross and carried,
adopting Policy Decisions, Job Descriptions and Regulations that were set
forth by our Town Attorney regarding the Recycle Center.
Copy Attached
Vote- Supervisor Blum Bump- Yes
Councilman Ross- Yes
Councilwoman Crane- Yes
Councilwoman Bordewich- Yes
Councilman Ramsey- Yes
Resident Rosemarie Zengen expressed some concern on the safety measures at the
recycle center, perhaps signs could be posted.
Ruth Oja pointed out that someone should be on the gate at all times to check
if they have a sticker.
Councilwoman Bordewich replied with the additional person they may be able to
do that on Saturdays. It is the goal to do this, more a managing issue.
Councilwoman Crane said the 3 page letter you sent to the Board will be given
to the new manager, so I’m sure he will want to meet with you.
RESOLUTION 2004 #11
RE – Site Plan Approval
Resolution offered by Supervisor Marirose Blum Bump, seconded by Councilman
James Ross and carried.
Copy Attached
Vote- Supervisor Blum Bump- Yes
Councilman Ross- Yes
Councilwoman Crane- Yes
Councilwoman Bordewich- Yes
Councilman Ramsey- Yes
Supervisor Blum Bump said she had spoken with Highway Superintendent Wayne
Hildenbrand and Purchasing Agent Ted Kudzy concerning the highway garage. The
two items they discussed was that they both agreed we have a completed set of
plans before we proceed. The second point was that the bids come in under
budget so that we are not going to exceed the 125 million.
RESOLUTION 2004 #12
RE- Dial- A-Ride Transportation Service
Resolution was offered by Supervisor Marirose Blum Bump, seconded by
Councilman James Ross and carried.
Copy Attached
Vote- Supervisor Blum Bump- Yes
Councilman Ross- Yes
Councilwoman Crane- Yes
Councilwoman Bordewich- Yes
Councilman Ramsey- Yes
Supervisor Blum Bump said now that we have adopted this we will do some
advertising to make our Seniors and Handicapped aware of the service and use
it.
Councilwoman Crane said she would call and get some pamphlets to distribute to our Seniors.
Supervisor Blum Bump said she had a report that Attorney Trezza would be meeting with Cingular Wireless on March 26th and would be reporting back to the board on the out come.
CORRESPONDENCE:
- Supervisor Blum Bump said she received notice of 2004 Firefighter Grant
Program which she will forward to the two fire companies. April 2, 2004 is the
dead line. 750 million dollars is available.
- Hudson River Valley Greenway Grant informing us of $15,000 matching grant
for the Town of Red Hook with Village of Red Hook and Village of Tivoli.
- A letter of thanks was sent from Supervisor Blum Bump for our Greenway
Grant.
- Letter from Keane & Beane regarding Local Law #3 2002. No substance or
changes took place prior so no further action is needed from the town at this
time.
Motion by Councilman Ross, seconded by Councilwoman Crane and carried meeting
adjourned at 10:15 p.m.
Town Clerk
Margaret E. Doty