Town of Red Hook Town Board
Workshop
January 26, 2005
A regular monthly meeting of the Red Hook Town Board was held Wednesday
January 26, 2005 with the following in attendance:
Supervisor - Marirose Blum Bump
Councilwoman - Jean Bordewich
Councilman - Harold Ramsey
Town Clerk - Margaret E. Doty
Deputy Supervisor - William O'Neill
Absent: Councilman James Ross and Councilwoman Sue Crane
Supervisor Blum Bump opened the meeting at 7:30 p.m. with the Pledge
Allegiance to the Flag.
Supervisor Blum Bump than opened the meeting with a 15 minute comment period.
"Save Our Town" spokesperson Rosemarie Zengen scheduled for number nine on the
agenda thanked Supervisor Blum Bump and Councilwoman Bordewich for allowing
her to go first.
The first question asked was:
1. What is the truth about having to reappoint Bob Fennell because he is a
civil servant, as I hear he is being reappointed.
My committee of 1800 people feel that being at the helm he is ultimately
responsible for zoning enforcement in Red Hook and we feel he has failed. He
allows a business to exist on a 1.5 residential zoning. He allows 4 to 8
unregistered cars to congregate in one place, allows apartment to be built or
put in without proper permits. He uses recycling and doesn't even live in the
Town of Red Hook. He wasn't aware the Town issued burning permits. If he
doesn't know about building permits and etc. how is he going to know about
larger issues.
My question Supervisor Blum Bump is do you feel you have to reappoint Robert
Fennell because he is a civil servant?
Supervisor Blum Bump read a copy of the response to the question from Deborah
Marks personnel; Bob Fennell's position is not contingent upon reappointment
by the Town Board. Mr. Fennell is a permanent competitive class status
employee, originally appointed from civil service eligible list #6402, so we
are not reappointing Mr. Fennell that's his job.
Mrs. Zengen asked if that means she can't challenge him, he can do what he
wants violating zoning laws.
Councilwoman Bordewich reply was that it was her understanding that if they
are a civil service employee they are not subject to annual appointment by the
Town and they can only be removed from office following civil service
procedure. You would have to file a complaint following civil procedure if he
is not performing his duties.
Attorney Trezza explained that it is under civil service control, he has to be
confronted and is entitled to a public hearing and it has to be on the grounds
for probable cause.
1. The Town Board would receive your complaint.
2. enter the complaint
3. make a decision whether they want to act on it or not.
Councilwoman Bordewich said you can issue the complaint to us in writing and
we have the right to initiate a proceeding.
Mrs. Zengen said a letter will be forth coming from the "Save Our Town"
committee shortly.
2. Will the Agenda for all Town Board Business and Workshop Meetings be posted
at the front of Town Hall at least five (5) days prior to the meetings?
If you notice you are not getting a lot of people here at your meetings so if
you posted your agenda it would definitely help and I would even give a board
to display it.
Supervisor Blum Bump said thank you, the Town Board usually reviews the draft
agenda the Friday before the business meeting. The final agenda is the day
before the business meeting. You are free to call my office or the Town
Clerk's office.
Mrs. Zengen said we need to know in advance not two days before, that's open
government. The town code says we need to have a five day notice.
Resident Linda Keeling said it states in the town code that the agendas should
be posted five days prior to the meetings.
Attorney Trezza researched the town code and said it has to be five days
before a meeting.
Supervisor Blum Bump said she would look into this.
3. Mrs. Zengen's third question was, is it true that Chris Gilbert has not
adhered to Town Planning and Zoning Laws and may be reappointed as Chairperson
to the Hamlet Review Committee.
The reason for asking is that I heard Mr. Gilbert was in violation with houses
or apartments he put up and did not get the necessary permits. Now he is going
to sit as Chairman on the Hamlet Review Committee and this is not acceptable
to us as how can someone sit on a board when they are not in compliance.
Mrs. Zengen than asked Supervisor Blum Bump if she was in compliance with the
Hamlet Review application as when I checked about 3 months ago they said he
had cleared all his permits and you had not complied with the Hamlet Review
Application and permits.
Supervisor Blum Bump said Chris Gilbert before the last election cleared up
any problems with the building department.
Supervisor Blum Bump said for herself she has all the building permits and
CO's that she is supposed to have.
Rosemarie Zengen said the "Save Our Town Committee" has a problem with Chris
Gilbert sitting as a chairperson on a committee.
Councilwoman Bordewich said we haven't made appointments this year to that
committee, Chris Gilbert has been Chair for several years prior to our
Supervisor taking office and we will take your comments into consideration
before making the appointments.
4. Mrs. Zengen's 4th question was about conspiracy in the town. I spoke to
Supervisor Blum Bump several months ago on the telephone and at that time she
complained her taxes went up 112%. I went to Assessor Richard Trotti and asked
why Supervisor Blum Bump was targeted as her taxes went up 112% since she has
been in office. Mr. Trotti told me that you were increased prior to your
becoming Supervisor. He explained and showed me pictures and that you appealed
this and got your taxes lowered; where is the conspiracy?
You Supervisor Blum Bump also complained to me and others that your new Volvo
has been keyed to the cost of thousands of dollars. Save Our Town would like
to know of any conspiracy existing in this town and if anyone is doing this to
you we would like to know.
Supervisor Blum Bump said that during the campaign her car was keyed and it
cost over $2000 to have it repaired. It was reported to the police, I have no
idea who did it.
Supervisor Blum Bump said that she and her husband did restore their house but
did not make it any larger and their taxes were raised 112%. That happened
before I ran as a candidate and I don't feel there is a conspiracy.
Supervisor Blum Bump felt the meeting should move on and recognized our County
Legislator Marc Molinaro.
Legislator Molinaro explained he had numerous calls about the way the county
reflects its property tax charge on the tax bill. Two years ago the County
separated out the portion of the property taxes that goes toward the State
mandate Medicaid. In doing that it went to a two line charge, it looks like
75% increase but if you look you will see a decrease in Medicaid charge and
the county tax has gone up 10%. Hopefully this explains it better for the tax
payers.
Supervisor Blum Bump introduced Laurie Husted a member of our CAC who
explained that there would be a one day event for government, business owners,
school and facility/energy managers, architects, engineers, developers and
other interested in energy efficient technologies at Bard College on February
1, 2005.
Technology experts will provide information and discussion on: High
Performance Design, energy efficient lighting and controls, mechanical
systems, geothermal, roofing, photovoltaics and technical and financial
support options.
Sponsors: Town of Red Hook, New York
State Energy Research and Development Authority
Councilman Ramsey said he thought it was great having this in our town.
Councilwoman Bordewich thanked Laurie for her incredible job and was glad the
town was able to sponsor as we certainly want our construction to be of high
performance, and our own Planning and Zoning Boards to know about all of these
technologies. Bringing this here and the amount of interest shown is great.
Supervisor Blum Bump thanked Laurie for doing all the work and putting this
together.
Motion by Councilman Ramsey, seconded by Councilwoman Bordewich and carried on
the recommendation of the committee Ted Eglit is appointed as the CPA for the
Town of Red Hook.
Supervisor Blum Bump - Yes
Councilwoman Bordewich - Yes
Councilman Ramsey - Yes
Supervisor Blum Bump read her Supervisor's Report for December.
Motion by Councilwoman Bordewich, seconded by Councilman Ramsey and carried
approving the Supervisor's Report as read.
RESOLUTION 2005 #3
RE - Budget Adjustments and Transfers
Resolution offered by Councilwoman Jean Bordewich, seconded by Councilman
Harold Ramsey and carried authorizing the Supervisor to make the necessary
Budget Adjustments and Transfers.
Copy Attached
Supervisor Blum Bump - Yes
Councilwoman Bordewich - Yes
Councilman Ramsey - Yes
Motion by Supervisor Blum Bump, seconded by Councilwoman Bordewich and carried
approving and dispensing with the reading of the December minutes.
Motion by Supervisor Blum Bump, seconded by Councilman Ramsey and carried
approving the 16 Resolutions that had been submitted by the Association of
Towns Resolution Committee to be acted upon at the annual meeting.
Supervisor Blum Bump - Yes
Councilwoman Bordewich - Yes
Councilman Ramsey - Yes
Motion by Councilwoman Bordewich, seconded by Supervisor Blum Bump approving
the Annual Town Association Membership Dues for the year beginning January 1,
2005 as authorized by Article 8 of the Town Law in the amount of $1099.00.
Supervisor Blum Bump - Yes
Councilwoman Bordewich - Yes
Councilman Ramsey - Yes
Motion by Supervisor Blum Bump, seconded by Councilman Ramsey and carried that
we hold a public hearing February 8, 2005 at 7:30 p.m. amending the 1976
Ethics Local Law Section 13-7 increasing the membership from 3 to 5 members.
Supervisor Blum Bump - Yes
Councilwoman Bordewich - Yes
Councilman Ramsey - Yes
On the proposal of Development Rights for the John Feller Farm there is a
Memorandum of Understanding on agreement between the Town of Red Hook and the
Scenic Hudson Land Trust, Inc.
Attorney Albert Trezza felt that we are ready to go forward with the Feller
Farm.
Motion by Councilwoman Bordewich, seconded by Supervisor Blum Bump that we
sign the Memorandum of Understanding with the added amendment, the Town's
liability not to exceed $10,000.
Supervisor Blum Bump - Yes
Councilwoman Bordewich - Yes
Councilman Ramsey - Yes
Supervisor Blum Bump announced that Andrew Dreskin from Field Day will be here
on February 8, 2005 to update and answer questions from residents. The
producers have said they would be here every month to give a report to the
board and answer any questions the people had on the progress they are making.
Supervisor Blum Bump said any mass gathering was subject to County laws as
well as the Town's.
The State Environmental Quality Review Act requirements were discussed by
Attorney Trezza. He said the two day music festival is temporary and is a type
2 action, it does not need SEQRA, but if the Town Board wants to do one that's
up to them.
Some of the residents felt we should do a SEQRA.
Resident Rosemarie Zengen said why not have them do a SEQRA, who are we
protecting Mr. Dreskin or the people of Red Hook.
Councilwoman Bordewich said I think our Attorney has given us a lot of
research and thought and I would like us as a board to determine what kind of
action this 2 day event is.
Councilman Ramsey said he agreed we should go forward and determine the type
of action.
Motion by Councilwoman Bordewich, seconded by Councilman Ramsey that the Town
Board move forward and determine what type of action this 2 day music and art
festival would be.
Supervisor Blum Bump - Yes
Councilwoman Bordewich - Yes
Councilman Ramsey - Yes
Supervisor Blum Bump thanked Al and will take his opinion under consideration.
After much discussion concerning our next business meeting it was determined
that it would be held on February 8, 2005 which is our regularly scheduled
business meeting the second Tuesday of the month.
Chairman of the Agricultural Advisory Committee Robert McKeon explained that
the Governor in his latest budget has included a bill referred to the
Community Preservation Act which allows townships to impose a real estate
transfer fee up to 2%. The committee is neither for or against such tax,
merely recommending that the tool be available and within home rule authority
should it be desired by the public.
Therefore, the committee is requesting that we be permitted to write to our
Assemblyman and State Senator to encourage them to support the Governor's
effort to see this through fruition.
Councilwoman Bordewich said she would have no problem your informing the
people, but from your committee not the Town Board.
Councilman Ramsey said he agreed it should be the Committee contacting our
Assemblyman and Senator not the Town Board.
Supervisor Blum Bump at this time we will make the appointments to the Trail
Committee. Chairperson - Ruth Oja Donald Kent
Kim Barkie Tom Mansfield
Meg Aldrich Mickey Strawinski
John Kuhn
Motion by Supervisor Blum Bump, seconded by Councilwoman Bordewich approving
the members of the Trails Committee.
Supervisor Blum Bump - Yes
Councilwoman Bordewich - Yes
Councilman Ramsey - Yes
Appointments to the Recreation Committee.
Chairperson - Douglas Strawinski
Hollis Cochran
Barbara Fiori
Tom Gilbert
Motion by Councilman Ramsey, seconded by Councilwoman Bordewich reappointing
the above members to the Recreation Committee.
Supervisor Blum Bump - Yes
Councilwoman Bordewich - Yes
Councilman Ramsey - Yes
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Agricultural Advisory Committee:
Robert McKeon reported Scenic Hudson will be meeting with them and they will
be reviewing all the farms that maybe eligible for PDR funding
Purchasing:
Councilwoman Bordewich reported on Purchasing Dec. 7th to January 11th. GIS
seminar was held January 11th at Pleasant Valley which was well attended.
New computer was purchased for the Purchasing Agent.
Water Department:
Councilman Ramsey reported on the Water Department. The water level remains
stable. Pump house construction was reviewed for cost, will review with Hank
VanParys; it will be undertaken at another time.
They will repair the electric and heater connection, Terry Weaver will be
contacted to do the work at the pump house.
Building and Zoning:
Councilwoman Bordewich reported for Building and Zoning for the month of
December. 10 Building Permits, 51 Inspections
Planning Board:
Supervisor Blum Bump reported that the Planning Board fees collected for 2004
were- Lot Line Fees $1,050.00
Application Fee $6,980.00
Site Plan $5,958.65
Special Permit $1,750.00
Rec. Park Fees $19,800.00
Escrow Fee $43,143.21
Disaster Preparedness:
Councilman Ramsey said he had received a draft copy of their 37 page Disaster
Plan for review. Copies will be given to the Board.
Recycling Center:
Councilwoman Bordewich said a letter had been received from Dyal Carting, Inc.
who specializes in commercial trash removal roll off containers and managing
transfer stations. She said she'll have them meet with T.J.Hackett and get his
opinion.
The Annual Financial Reports for 2004 were received and read from Justice
Roland Page, Justice Richard Griffiths and Town Clerk/Tax Collector Margaret
E. Doty.
Councilwoman Bordewich said a number of applications have been submitted for
the dog control position.
Supervisor Blum Bump opened the meeting for public comment period.
Rosemarie Zengen said that the Town code does say we have to have the agenda 5
days before a meeting.
Motion by Councilman Ramsey, seconded by Councilwoman Bordewich auditing and
approving bills for the General Fund and the Highway Fund bill nos.
to in the amount of $
Motion by Supervisor Blum Bump, seconded by Councilman Ramsey and carried the
meeting adjourned 9:35 p.m.
Town Clerk
Margaret E. Doty