Town Board meeting minutes- November 20, 2024

TOWN OF FORESTPORT
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING MINUTES
FORESTPORT TOWN HALL
10275 State Route 28, Forestport, N.Y.
November 20, 2024 @6:30PM

PRESENT: Supervisor Entwistle
Councilwoman Abrial
Councilwoman Verschneider

ABSENT: Councilman Scouten
Councilman Addison

RECORDING SECRETARY: Tracy Terry, Town Clerk

CALL TO ORDER:

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

BUDGET AMENDMENTS:

A motion was made by Councilwoman Abrial and seconded by Councilwoman Verschneider to accept the above Highway amendments.
3 ayes/ 0 nays/2 absent MOTION CARRIED

A motion was made by Councilwoman Verschneider and seconded by Councilwoman Abrial to accept the above Buckhorn Water amendments.
3 ayes/ 0 nays/2 absent MOTION CARRIED

A motion was made by Councilwoman Abrial and seconded by Councilwoman Verschneider to accept the above Highway amendments.
3 ayes/ 0 nays/2 absent MOTION CARRIED

ABSTRACTS:
GENERAL:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Verschneider and seconded by Councilwoman Abrial to pay Abstract # 11, Vouchers #681- #746 in the amount of $69,144.85.
3 ayes/ 0 nays/2 absent MOTION CARRIED
HIGHWAY:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Abrial and seconded by Councilwoman Verschneider to pay Abstract #11, Vouchers #291- #329 in the amount of $48,851.89.
3 ayes/ 0 nays/2 absent MOTION CARRIED
WATER DISTRICT #1:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Verschneider and seconded by Councilwoman Abrial to pay Abstract #11, Vouchers #106- #120 in the amount of $2,742.27.
3 ayes/ 0 nays/2 absent MOTION CARRIED
SEWER DISTRICT #1:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Abrial and seconded by Councilwoman Verschneider to pay Abstract #11, Vouchers #68- #72 in the amount of $483.64.
3 ayes/ 0 nays/2 absent MOTION CARRIED
BUCKHORN WATER DISTRICT:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Abrial and seconded by Councilwoman Verschneider to pay Abstract #11, Voucher #30 in the amount of $41.78.
3 ayes/ 0 nays/2 absent MOTION CARRIED
PLANNING BOARD ESCROW:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Abrial and seconded by Councilwoman Verschneider to pay Abstract #11, Voucher #21-#25 in the amount of $500.00
3 ayes/ 0 nays/2 absent MOTION CARRIED
Supervisor Entwistle mentioned this month’s vouchers include the final payment of $40,000 for the Town Hall. The Town Hall is paid in full.

TOWN CLERK MINUTES:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Abrial and seconded by Councilwoman Verschneider to accept the minutes from the:
October 16, 2024: Regular Town Board Meeting
3 ayes/ 0 nays/2 absent MOTION CARRIED

REPORTS
WATER DISTRICT #1
BUCKHORN WATER DISTRICT
SEWER
TOWN CLERK REPORTS
JUSTICE REPORT
DOG REPORT
PLANNING REPORT
PLANNING BOARD OF APPEALS
SUPERVISOR REPORT
DOG REPORT
A motion was made by Councilwoman Verschneider and seconded by Councilwoman Abrial to accept the monthly reports.
3 ayes/ 0 nays/2 absent MOTION CARRIED
NOCCOG: Lisa Bellinger went over the monthly announcements.

WATER:
BUCKHORN WATER:
• Curb Valve Issues: Buckhorn has been experiencing curb valve issues. It will most likely be a recurring problem over the years.
SEWER:
• DMR Issues: There were paperwork issues with the DEC, caused by Jim’s retirement and Lucas starting. Lucas has taken care of it.
OLD BUSINESS BOARD:
• Comprehensive Plan Updates: The Comprehensive Plan Committee meeting was well attended. There were great questions and great comments. Those with questions or comments can still email Supervisor Entwistle and the surveys are available with the Town Clerk and in the foyer. They have had a 28% response rate as of now.
• Budget Adoption: Supervisor Entwistle stated there will be no tax increase for the General Fund, Highway tax is going to be .98 cents/1,000, Fire is 89 cents/1,000 and ambulance is a five percent increase.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Abrial and seconded by Councilwoman Verschneider to accept the 2025 budget as presented.
3 ayes/ 0 nays/2 absent MOTION CARRIED
The budget is attached to the minutes.

NEW BUSINESS BOARD:
• Ski program: The town is sponsoring the ski program this year, ages 7-17 for children and grandchildren. There will be two beginner days at McCauley that include lessons, lift tickets and rentals. There will be a trip to Gore Mountain for intermediate skiers.
• Hometown Hero Banners: This year there was a problem with the printing company, so the town wasn’t able to do the Hometown hero banner program. Those individuals who paid had the option of getting a refund or keeping it in the next years Program. As of right now there are 30-31 people signed up. If interested, you have until January first to sign up with Supervisor Entwistle. The town will be having O’Connor Printing in Boonville make the banners next year.
• Speed Limit Enforcement Equipment: Supervisor Entwistle mentioned Kim Lambert suggested radar signs on Dustin Road. She has looked into pricing and found mounted ones on a post for $3200. Highway Superintendent, Bill Gardner thought others may want them as well. Supervisor Entwistle is looking for a quote from a couple different models that collect data and speed.
• Year -End Meeting: The meeting will be held December 29th at 8AM.
• Organizational Meeting: The meeting will be held on January 6th at 6:30PM.
• Health Insurance: The retirees are responsible for 10% of the cost of the health insurance. The board would like to eliminate the retirees contribution to health insurance. This will put $600 a year back to the retirees.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Abrial and seconded by Councilwoman Verschneider to eliminate the retirees contribution to the health insurance.
3 ayes/ 0 nays/2 absent MOTION CARRIED
• Health Insurance for current Employees
A motion was made by Councilwoman Verschneider and seconded by Councilwoman Abrial to increase the towns contribution for health insurance from $650.00 a month to $750.00 a month.
3 ayes/ 0 nays/2 absent MOTION CARRIED
 Roy Johnson, from the Gallery asked how many employees and retirees there are. It was answered 6 employees and 5-6 retirees.
NEW BUSINESS PUBLIC:
• Ron Davies, from the Gallery asked why there was a voucher for $1,000 for a dog. It was answered because the dog had to go to the shelter and get neutered or spayed along with shots. Discussion took place.
ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Abrial and seconded by Councilwoman Verschneider to adjourn the meeting.
3 ayes/ 0 nays/2 absent MOTION CARRIED
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:11 pm by Supervisor Entwistle.
Respectfully submitted,

Tracy M. Terry

Forestport Town Clerk