Town of Red Hook Town Board
Workshop  Meeting
February 23 2005

A workshop of the Red Hook Town Board was held Wednesday February 23, 2005 with the following in attendance:

Deputy Supervisor - William O'Neill
Councilman - James Ross
Councilwoman - Sue Crane
Councilwoman - Jean Bordewich
Councilman - Harold Ramsey
Town Clerk - Margaret E. Doty
Absent- Supervisor Blum Bump

Deputy Supervisor opened the meeting at 7:30 p.m. and introduced John Watch from MJW Consulting Inc. did the reassessment for the Town of Red Hook.

Mr. Watch explained that for the past year the Town of Red Hook has been working to modernize and update the Town's real property assessment system and records by conducting a town wide reassessment. The last record update was done in 1987.

Mr. Watch asked that if anyone is the town offices had calls from residents please give them the toll free numbers which is 1-866-814-7114. All calls will be directed to his offices and either he or his staff will answer any questions the residents may have.

River property went up in value as well as vacant land. Also increased 2.1% over all change 72% remained the same, 53% increased.

79 properties received exemptions in the Town of Red Hook.

Market value is what you would sell your property for, not the assessed value. There has been a dynamic change in Northern Dutchess where they are buying property for $1 million, but they are only paying taxes on the assessed value.

The condos that we have in Tivoli and on Route 199 near the Golf Course, are not valued as individual, it is valued on the entire complex and that is New York State Law.

Again Mr. Watch pointed out that they are here to help the people so when they call the toll free number we will answer all questions and make appropriate corrections if any to the assessment records. If at the end of this conversation and they still feel they are over assessed they file a grievance and go before the Assessment Review Board May 24, 2005.

Mr. Watch gave the Assessment Disclosure-2005 Project Red Hook 1348

Copy Attached - click for disclosure statement

Councilwoman Bordewich explained that on the Quality Communities Grant she, Marc Molinaro and the grant consultant had met for the final time. It will be ready for the Deputy Supervisor to sign on Friday in the absence of the Supervisor. The grant has to be submitted by February 25, 2005.

Councilwoman Bordewich pointed out that it is not a match for funds we will receive.

Councilwoman Bordewich said that they will be interviewing 5 to 6 people for the Planning Board. If they can schedule it will be for this weekend.

Councilwoman Bordewich has spoken to Planning Board Chairman Paul Thomas who will be closing on his house March 10th. The next Planning Board meeting is March 7th although he does not have to stop after his closing it would be nice for a reasonable transition as he will stay as long as needed. Would like to get it in writing that Paul is allowed to Chair meeting.

Councilman Ross pointed out that the Planner attends the meetings and they don't have to turn to the Planner for every little thing.

Councilman Ramsey said I feel they send too much to the Planner for opinions and than the residents are charged.

Councilwoman Bordewich discussed the vacancies and appointments for the various committees with the final appointments to be made at the March 8th meeting of the Town Board.

Request from Marc Phelan, Red Hook Central School District to meet with the Town Board re-communication procedures in event of emergency.

An invitation will be extended to Mark to attend our workshop on March 15th.

Deputy Supervisor O'Neill explained that Central Hudson met with the Town Board on February 15th to discuss the sale of 353 acres which represents 29 parcels. Their alternative is to sell to the Town as an investment. This is a 400 foot wide strip that could wind up as a trail.

Central Hudson representatives said they will sell to the highest bidder.

Councilwoman Crane said she would call Carl Meyer and get his opinion for the Board.

Will be meeting again with Central Hudson March 4th 1:00 p.m. and will invite other agencies to participate with the discussion, Scenic Hudson, the DEC and Winnakee Land Trust.

Councilman Ross said there is a 200 ft. access to the river that is north of Annandale from Bard.

Deputy Supervisor O'Neill said on the Becht Farm update... Art Collins from Dutchess County Land Conservation came up with the new plans reducing the number of homes for the Becht property and the Wise family is very happy with the new plan.

Don Wise who is agreeable will be meeting Friday to go over this proposal.

Discussion on the proposed Ethics Amendments is scheduled for the Workshop on March 15th.

Councilman Ramsey said before the meeting he would like to see the format revised as some of the material is out of place.

Motion by Councilman Ramsey, seconded by Councilwoman Bordewich the meeting adjourned 9:20 p.m.

Town Clerk
Margaret E. Doty