Town of Red Hook Town Board
Workshop Meeting
August 24, 2005

A workshop of the Red Hook Town Board was held
August 24, 2005 at 7:30 p.m. with the following in attendance:

Supervisor – Marirose Blum Bump
Councilman – James Ross
Councilwoman – Sue Crane
Councilman – Harold Ramsey

Absent: Councilwoman Jean Bordewich

Supervisor Blum Bump opened the meeting and explained that Ted Kudzy Purchasing Agent had received on August 19, 2005 4 bids for the tennis court repair.

VTC Enterprise - $36,000
Quintal Corporation - $26,750
Bill Smith Enterprise- $29,000
Copeland Coating Co.-$22,900

The low bidder Copeland had previously done work at the Rec. Park and met all specifications on this job. The Recreation Commission and Mr. Kudzy requested the Boards approval to go ahead and issue a PO so the work can be done on the tennis courts.

The Town Board was in agreement that Purchasing Agent Ted Kudzy issue the PO for the work to commence on the tennis courts.

Supervisor Blum Bump said she had received a memorandum from Attorney Albert Trezza concerning the acceptance of Glen Ridge Road in Innishannon Estates. Highway Superintendent Hildenbrand said the road is in compliance with the exception of some seeding and mulching that has to be done. He will be rechecking with the Town Engineer to ensure that the road is completed to his satisfaction.

Attorney Trezza also discussed with Steve Cole, Code Enforcement Officer the issue of detention ponds. Mr. Cole feels that detention ponds should be fenced. This matter is something which should be considered in light of the fact we are requiring all pool owners to fence in their pools to ensure safety of their pools.

Councilwoman Crane said there are too many detention pools in the Town to require they are fenced.

Supervisor Blum Bump said we need more information so she will contact Highway Superintendent Hildenbrand to see if we can get a count on the number of detention pools in the Town before we proceed further with this.

On the $25,000 Trails grant from Senator Saland we need to do a SEQR declaring a negative declaration. The Town Board also needs to declare itself as Lead Agency.

Motion by Councilman Ross seconded by Councilwoman Crane declaring the Town Board to act as Lead Agency for Trails Grant of $25,000.

Supervisor Blum Bump - Yes
Councilman Ross - Yes
Councilwoman Crane - Yes
Councilman Ramsey - Yes

Ruth Oja Chairperson of the Conservation Advisory Council consented to do the SEQR form declaring a Negative Declaration.

Deputy Supervisor William O’Neill was not present to give his report on the Task Force who under his supervision was mapping out a proposed trail easement on the Central Hudson lands.

Councilman Ramsey questioned if any of the potential buyers of Central Hudson land have been contacted regarding a trail easement on their property.

Supervisor Blum Bump said Deputy Supervisor O’Neill had the list of potential buyers and he would be sending a letter of request for a trail easement.

Councilwoman Crane gave a brief report on the Rec. Park Task Force which met Monday August 22nd. They believe there are lands available and are looking for realtors to assist them. Tom Vondell is checking into lands by approaching the owners.

We are committed to looking at alternatives out there as we need 30 acres and road access so we are trying to identify possible sites.

Councilman Ramsey said there’s a number of little issues and there are a number of big issues that need attention and it is just not getting it.

There’s the Ethics Law, spoke to Fred Cartier a committee member regarding the monetary gift changing from $25.00 to $75.00. He assured me no trouble to change it than we can hold our public hearing in September and adopt the law.

The contract with the Village Police has not been signed allowing the police patrols within the town limits. I would like to see this on the agenda for September 13th.

Councilman Ross said we have not sat down with our Planner and Planning Board members. Ted Fink has not lived up to his contract as he does not attend meetings but sends Michelle Greig when he promised to attend these meetings.

Councilwoman Crane said we still have not approved the Planning fee schedule and I would like to see that done as we are losing money.

Councilman Ramsey asked that we schedule the Disaster Preparedness Committee in October as we have been putting this off and John Douglas Committee Chairman is waiting to give his presentation.

Supervisor Blum Bump said we have not intentionally delayed on those items but have put them on the back burner while the Town deals with adopting a conservation easement law and the possible condemnation of Central Hudson lands and these two issues need to be brought to a conclusion.

Councilman Ross said a highway garage is very important which we have talked about for a long time and done nothing about it. We have to look at alternate sites if necessary as the longer we wait the higher the cost to build.

Councilman Ross said we have to deal with Panda our cable television so I suggest we get our representative Charlie Callejo on the agenda. The other issue is the resignation of the Zoning Board of Appeals member Jeanne Douglas from the Board and just be the secretary. I would like to discuss this when we have a full board.

Supervisor Blum Bump said we will try to schedule some of these issues for the agenda in September.

Motion by Supervisor Blum Bump seconded by Councilwoman Crane the meeting adjourned 8:45 p.m.

Town Clerk,  Margaret E. Doty