TOWN OF FORESTPORT AREA VARIANCE HEARING-MARK FULLER WOODGATE FIRE HALL 12445 State Rte. 28, Forestport, N.Y. 13338 October 19, 2022
PRESENT: Supervisor Entwistle Councilwoman Kardash Councilwoman Abrial Councilman Scouten Councilwoman Verschneider ABSENT: No members of the Town Board were absent.
RECORDING SECRETARY: Tracy Terry, Town Clerk
CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 6:15 pm by Supervisor Entwistle LEGAL NOTICE: Supervisor Entwistle read the legal notice aloud. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Town Board of the Town of Forestport will be holding an Area Variance Hearing on October 19, 2022, at 6:15 PM at the Woodgate Fire Hall, 12445 State Rt. 28, Woodgate, NY 13494. The Area Variance Hearing is being held to review and accept public comments on an application from Mark Fuller for a pavilion on a non-conforming lot. An approximate lot size of 176’ x 243’ +/- , tax map no. 85.002-1-60, 338 Buck Lane, Forestport, NY 13338. BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD
PUBLIC COMMMENTS: • Supervisor Entwistle stated Mark Fuller is 35 feet from the center of the road. The Highway Superintendent didn’t have issues with it. • No public comments were made. ADJOURNMENT: A motion was made by Councilman Scouten and seconded by Councilwoman Abrial to adjourn the meeting. 5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 6:30 pm by Supervisor Entwistle. Respectfully submitted,
The meeting was called to order at 6:33 pm by Supervisor Entwistle
TOWN CLERK MINUTES:
A motion was made by Councilman Scouten and seconded by Councilwoman Kardash to accept the minutes from the September 21, 2022, Special Sewer District #1 Meeting.
A motion was made by Councilman Scouten and seconded by Councilwoman Abrial to accept the monthly sewer report.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED
OLD BUSINESS:
WWIP Update: There is grant money. The original cost was $350,000 and the Town was going to get a loan. The engineering report was done at the end of 2020 and the updated construction cost is actually $750,000. Jen can get more grants and it’ll cost approximately $550,000. Dawn suggested borrowing money from the General fund, so they don’t have to pay interest. The Sewer District would borrow $20,000 from sewer savings and $120,000 from the General fund. It will be an increase of $20 per household over the next 5 years.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Kardash and seconded by Councilman Scouten to schedule a Public Hearing for the Sewer District, November 16,2022 at 6:15PM.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED
NEW BUSINESS:
NEW BUSINESS PUBLIC:
ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Kardash and seconded by Councilwoman Abrial to adjourn the meeting.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 6:38 pm by Supervisor Entwistle.
The meeting was called to order at 6:31 pm by Supervisor Entwistle.
TOWN CLERK MINUTES:
A motion was made by Councilman Scouten and seconded by Councilwoman Verschneider to accept the minutes from the September 21, 2022, Water District #1 Meeting.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Kardash and seconded by Councilwoman Verschneider to pay Abstract #10– Vouchers #121- # 132 in the amount of $1,657.77.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED
WATER REPORT:
A motion was made by Councilman Scouten and seconded by Councilwoman Abrial to accept the monthly water report.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED
OLD BUSINESS:
Buckhorn Water Update: The Town Attorney sent certified releases to property owners. Once the releases are signed and notarized, Supervisor Entwistle and Al Candido can sign the paperwork at the Attorney’s office and the Buckhorn Water District will become the towns. With the Town taking over the district, there isn’t any money in the account starting in January to run the district with chlorine and readings. Dawn is in the process of setting up the addresses in the checking and savings accounts. She is going to try getting the bills out the week before Thanksgiving. The first quarter bill will be due at the end of December. One coupon book will be sent. If people choose to pay at once, they can or pay quarterly.
Jim, Ted and Glenn will be going over the Buckhorn to check out the water District.
NEW BUSINESS:
NEW BUSINESS PUBLIC:
ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Verschneider and seconded by Councilwoman Kardash to adjourn the meeting.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 6:32 pm by Supervisor Entwistle.
TOWN OF FORESTPORT PLANNING BOARD MINUTES October 12, 2022
MEMBERS PRESENT: Gerry Ritter, Co-Chairwoman Dave Ultsch Tyler Terry Sandy Pascucci, Secretary
PUBLIC HEARING: Meeting called to order at 6:45 pm by Chairwoman Ritter • Subdivision: (A. Bailey) Treminio/Martinez (formerly Pierce) 8038 River Street, Parcel #50.000-1-22.6 There were no comments from the public – Meeting Closed at 7:00 pm on motion from Ultsch/Terry
MONTHLY MEETING: • Meeting called to order at 7:05 pm • September 14, 2022 Minutes approved on motion by Ultsch/Ritter • Requested subdivision at Parcel #50.000-1-22.6 was reviewed with Mr. Bailey, and approved on motion by Ultsch/Ritter.
There being no new business brought before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 7:15 pm on motion from Terry/Ultsch.
The workshop meeting was called to order at 6:30 PM by Supervisor Entwistle.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and Supervisor Entwistle read aloud the legal notice.
3. BUDGET DISCUSSIONS
Highway: Tax rate has decreased to 90 cents/1,000.
Highway Clerk: 3% raise
Wages: This is at 5% currently for the Highway workers until the contract is settled.
New Grader: $75,000 is in the budget for a new grader. Dawn said if Bill does not get the new sander this year, he cannot get it next year.
Health Insurance: The premiums for 2023 are lower this year. Contract wise, they will do the plan that was discussed. Discussion took place.
General:
Wages: 3% across the Board. Councilwoman Kardash stated she would like Supervisor Entwistle to get a larger raise than 3%. He thanked her but said maybe if he gets elected another term. Supervisor Entwistle increased the Deputy Supervisor pay to $400.00 because they do a lot for him.
Savings:There is quite a bit of money in savings. Grants were discussed. Everything is going up and some companies are charging surcharges. Dawn stated there should be extra money for increases. Councilwoman Abrial stated she agrees there should not be a lot of money in savings from the State’s perspective, but at the same time, what if things continue to climb.
Unexpended Balance: The Board agreed on$350,000 for unexpended balances.
Telephones:New phones are needed.
Youth Recreation:$13,000 is in the budget. $9,000 will not be spent on Camp Nazareth this year. Supervisor Entwistle suggested having parents spend money this year. Dawn suggested having money for Counselors for a Summer Recreation Program. They have to be CPR and First Aid certified and there will be no swimming.
Fireworks: There is $3,000 in the budget for fireworks. This price is locked in for the next 5 years.
Flowers: Supervisor Entwistle said he cannot water the flowers in Woodgate and Otter Lake any longer. Jim waters the flowers in the Town. Councilwoman Kardash suggested the flag memorials. She stated some people might be interested in donating money towards them. Councilwoman Abrial will be looking into the cost of the memorial flags. Supervisor Entwistle said he will be looking at the cost of regular flags.
Senior Recreation: There is one more trip planned for this year and there is $4,000 left. Councilwoman Verschneider wanted to look into the railroad trip to Tupper Lake.
Groomer:Councilwoman Kardash stated they should sell the groomer to Trackside Blazers. Supervisor Entwistle met with Dennis and Ron and they were open to the idea and were going to discuss it with their membership.
Cemetery:Neither Cemetery will be getting any money this year.
WATER:
Water District #1: No questions on the water.
Buckhorn District: The billing clerk and collector wages are prorated on 20% of the current water district. The billing will start in December so the bills can be mailed out for January.
SEWER:
Sewer District #1: Supervisor Entwistle stated Jack Dodson said the town needs to borrow $150,000. Dawn asked if they could borrow $150,000 from the General and pay it back. Supervisor Entwistle said they could because it will be interest free. Dawn said they will have to set it up and decide what the yearly pay out will be. Supervisor Entwistle said they will have to borrow more money in 2024. Their bill will go up $25 a month for debt service. Another Public Hearing will need to be held because the construction costs have doubled.
FIRE: The Fire tax is 84 cents/1,000.
The Fire Departments received an addition $5,000. Woodgate and Otter Lake are a 7% increase and Forestport is a 6% increase.
AMBULANCE:
There currently is not a contract with Old Forge Ambulance, other than the year-to-year contract. $18,750 of $75,000 was given to Old Forge Ambulance in 2020. It was based on the number of calls STaR and Old Forge ambulances ran. Bob with StaR ambulance ran the number of calls for 2021 and 2022 and Dan Rivett, with Old Forge Ambulance gave the numbers asking for a raise for the 2023 Budget. In 2021, Old Forge ambulance had 58 calls and STaR ambulance had 83. To date for 2022, Old Forge has 28 calls and STaR ambulance has 78 calls.
Discussion took place. Councilwoman Kardash suggested having them go to $28,500 with a 3-year contract. Supervisor Entwistle stated going one more year and signing the contract next year, so they are on the same schedule as STaR ambulance.
Dawn asked about the garage door getting fixed. Supervisor Entwistle has a local guy and JM door looking at it. The curb will also be done next year.
4. ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Kardash and seconded by Councilwoman Abrial to adjourn the meeting. Roll call vote:
4 ayes/ 0 nays/1 absent (Scouten) MOTION CARRIED
There being no further business, the workshop adjourned at 7:26 PM.
The meeting was called to order at 6:36 pm by Supervisor Entwistle
TOWN CLERK MINUTES:
A motion was made by Councilman Scouten and seconded by Councilwoman Kardash to accept the minutes from the August 17, 2022, Special Sewer District #1 Meeting.
4 ayes/ 0 nays/1 absent (Abrial) MOTION CARRIED
ABSTRACTS:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Kardash and seconded by Councilwoman Verschneider to pay Abstract #9– Vouchers #60- #65 in the amount of $432.30.
4 ayes/ 0 nays/1 absent (Abrial) MOTION CARRIED
SEWER REPORT:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Kardash and seconded by Councilman Scouten to accept the monthly sewer report.
4 ayes/ 0 nays/1 absent (Abrial) MOTION CARRIED
OLD BUSINESS:
WWIP: Supervisor Entwistle stated he received the updated construction budget from Jack Dodson, of Dodson Engineering. The construction costs the Town is on the hook for has doubled. Instead of $350,000 over the next 30 years for the construction budget, it has increased to $557,000 a year. At the Public Hearing, Supervisor Entwistle told the residents it would be an increase of $12-$15 a month and it will more likely be $25 a month. He would like to have another Public Hearing in November, so they are aware of the changes. Jen is looking for another grant.
Final Engineering Agreement:
A motion was made by Councilman Scouten and seconded by Councilwoman Verschneider to approve the Final Engineering Agreement.
4 ayes/ 0 nays/1 absent (Abrial) MOTION CARRIED
NEW BUSINESS:
NEW BUSINESS PUBLIC:
ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Kardash and seconded by Councilwoman Verschneider to adjourn the meeting.
4 ayes/ 0 nays/1 absent (Abrial) MOTION CARRIED
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 6:38 pm by Supervisor Entwistle.
CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 6:39 PM by Supervisor Entwistle.
ABSTRACTS: GENERAL: A motion was made by Councilwoman Kardash and seconded by Councilwoman Verschneider to pay Abstract #9, Vouchers #470- #521 in the amount of $50,597.96. 4 ayes/ 0 nays/1 absent (Abrial) MOTION CARRIED HIGHWAY: A motion was made by Councilman Scouten and seconded by Councilwoman Kardash to pay Abstract #9, Vouchers #328- #376 in the amount of $58,893.19. 4 ayes/ 0 nays/1 absent (Abrial) MOTION CARRIED PLANNING: A motion was made by Councilwoman Verschneider and seconded by Councilman Scouten to pay Abstract #9, Vouchers #9- #12 in the amount of $300.00. 4 ayes/ 0 nays/1 absent (Abrial) MOTION CARRIED
TOWN CLERK MINUTES: A motion was made by Councilwoman Kardash and seconded by Councilwoman Verschneider to accept the minutes from the: Town Board Regular Meeting- August 17, 2022 Special Meeting: Beechwood Cemetery- September 13, 2022 4 ayes/ 0 nays/1 absent (Abrial) MOTION CARRIED
REPORTS TOWN CLERK REPORT JUSTICE REPORT PLANNING REPORT DOG REPORT CODES REPORT SUPERVISOR REPORT A motion was made by Councilman Scouten and seconded by Councilwoman Kardash to approve the reports as a whole. 4 ayes/ 0 nays/1 absent (Abrial) MOTION CARRIED Tony is up to 95 permits for the year. There are 23 year-round homes for this year. Codes has $15,000 in fees, not including fines for the year.
NOCCOG: Lisa Bellinger, of NOCCOG went over the announcements.
OLD BUSINESS BOARD • Highway Truck Bond: The Highway truck is $200,383.52 and the Town is bonding for that at 3.5 %. A motion was made by Councilman Scouten and seconded by Councilwoman Kardash to approve the Bond Anticipation note for $200,383.52 for the 2022 Highway plow truck. 4 ayes/ 0 nays/1 absent (Abrial) MOTION CARRIED • Beechwood Cemetery: Supervisor Entwistle said the Town is helping the Board of Trustees for Beechwood Cemetery. The Beechwood Cemetery Trustees have served for a long time and as of a month ago, there is only one surviving member. Most financial paperwork is figured out, the checkbook balances and a letter has been sent to the NYS Comptroller’s Office for unclaimed funds. The trustees will be holding a Public Meeting asking for nominations for the new Board of Trustees. Anyone interested in serving on the Beechwood Cemetery Board, need to be a lot owner in the Cemetery. NEW BUSINESS BOARD: • 2023 Budget: Worksheets have been handed out. A Preliminary draft is being worked on now. If the Town stays under the tax cap, it will be $621,000. It’s $15,000 more than last year if the Town stays under the tax cap.
• Mark Fuller- Variance Request: The property is located on Buck Lane. He is within 35 feet of the center of the road. He has already spoke with Bill Gardner and he does not have an issue with it. A Public Hearing will be scheduled and immediately following the Public Hearing, the Town Board will vote on it. Supervisor Entwistle let Mr. Fuller know he needs two checks: one for the Variance Fee $50.00 and one for the escrow fee $100.00. A motion was made by Councilwoman Kardash and seconded by Councilwoman Verschneider to schedule a Public Hearing for a Variance for Mark Fuller on October 19, 2022, at 6:15PM. 4 ayes/ 0 nays/1 absent (Abrial) MOTION CARRIED • Ash Fletcher: Supervisor Entwistle stated he had a note from Ash with Wholesome Living. Ash applied for a small grant from Alder Creek Solar. The intent for the grant was to collaborate with the Town for a community wellness space. The $2,000.00 grant was received but was made out to the Town of Forestport. Supervisor Entwistle said he is going to have Dawn write a check to Ash because it is Wholesome Living’s money. • Girl scouts: Councilwoman Verschneider stated the Girl scouts wanted to use the building some days. Councilwoman Kardash brought up there will be no sleepovers, parties, just meetings, like they did last year. Councilwoman Verschneider stated she is putting them in the library. • Old Forge Ambulance: Dan Rivett, Paramedic with Old Forge Ambulance started off by saying they have serviced Forestport since 1949. Two out of four Paramedics reside in the Town of Forestport. He read a letter aloud that was sent to the Town Board requesting an increase for the 2023 Budget. 12% of their calls last year were to the Town of Forestport. The Budget is $560,000 to operate. He said there is a rumor the Old Forge Ambulance has threatened to discontinue services. He stated that is not true. They had 58 calls to the Town of Forestport in 2021. There have been 28 calls this year to date. The contract says their service area ends at the blinking light, but they have gone to Kayuta Lake. They have paid paramedics and two ambulances. One ambulance is manned 24/7. Supervisor Entwistle thanked Dan for coming to the Board now instead of waiting. He figures the rate would be one cent per thousand. Supervisor Entwistle stated he would like to rewrite the contracts for Old Forge Ambulance and StaR Ambulance. EXECUTIVE SESSION: A motion was made by Councilwoman Kardash and seconded by Councilwoman Verschneider to enter into Executive Session to discuss Personnel Matters. 4 ayes/ 0 nays/1 absent (Abrial) MOTION CARRIED The Board returned from Executive Session at 7:30PM with no action taken.
NEW BUSINESS PUBLIC:
ADJOURNMENT: A motion was made by Councilman Scouten and seconded by Councilwoman Kardash to adjourn the meeting. 4 ayes/ 0 nays/1 absent (Abrial) MOTION CARRIED
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:31 pm by Supervisor Entwistle.
CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm by Supervisor Entwistle. TOWN CLERK MINUTES: A motion was made by Councilman Scouten and seconded by Councilwoman Kardash to accept the minutes from the August 17, 2022, Water District #1 Meeting. 4 ayes/ 0 nays/1 absent (Abrial) MOTION CARRIED ABSTRACTS: A motion was made by Councilwoman Kardash and seconded by Councilwoman Verschneider to pay Abstract #9– Vouchers #110- # 120 in the amount of $1,650.17. 4 ayes/ 0 nays/1 absent (Abrial) MOTION CARRIED
WATER REPORT: A motion was made by Councilwoman Kardash and seconded by Councilwoman Verschneider to accept the monthly water report. 4 ayes/ 0 nays/1 absent (Abrial) MOTION CARRIED OLD BUSINESS: • Buckhorn District Agreements: Supervisor Entwistle stated at the last Town Board meeting, the Town Board approved the Buckhorn Water District. Jessica, the Attorney created releases for the landowners for access to the curb box, for the property owners to sign. There is an easement agreement with a 30-foot easement that Buckhorn will maintain ownership of. LaFave, White & McGivern are surveying it. The Buckhorn Association is deeding a 100 by 100 square wellhouse to the Town. • Resolution # 11 of 2022: Supervisor Entwistle read aloud resolution #11 of 2022:
A motion was made by Councilman Kardash and seconded by Councilwoman Verschneider to accept Resolution #11 of 2022. 4 ayes/ 0 nays/1 absent (Abrial) MOTION CARRIED • Supervisor Entwistle read Resolution #12 of 2022 aloud:
A motion was made by Councilman Scouten and seconded by Councilwoman Verschneider to pass Resolution #12 of 2022. 4 ayes/ 0 nays/1 absent (Abrial) MOTION CARRIED NEW BUSINESS: NEW BUSINESS PUBLIC: ADJOURNMENT: A motion was made by Councilwoman Kardash and seconded by Councilwoman Verschneider to adjourn the meeting. 4 ayes/ 0 nays/1 absent (Abrial)
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 6:35 pm by Supervisor Entwistle.
Respectfully submitted, Tracy M. Terry Forestport Town Clerk
STATUTORY BOND ANTICIPATION NOTE-2022 HIGHWAY TRUCK
WOODGATE FIRE HALL
12445 State Rt. 28, Woodgate, NY 13494
September 21, 2022 @ 6:15 P.M.
PRESENT: Supervisor Entwistle
Councilwoman Kardash
Councilwoman Verschneider
Councilman Scouten
ABSENT: Councilwoman Abrial
RECORDING SECRETARY: Tracy Terry, Town Clerk
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 6:15 pm by Supervisor Entwistle. Supervisor Entwistle read the legal notice aloud.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Town Board of the Town of Forestport will be holding a Public Hearing on September 21, 2022, at 6:15 PM at the Woodgate Fire Hall, 12445 Route 28, Woodgate, NY. The Public Hearing is being held to review and accept public comments on a Statutory Bond Anticipation Note for a 2022 Highway Truck.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Supervisor Entwistle stated the 5 -year bond is for $200,383.52 at $40,000 a year and 3.5% interest rate. The interest will be $7,013.00 for the first year. This is the first loan in a couple years.
ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Kardash and seconded by Councilwoman Verschneider to adjourn the meeting. 4 ayes /0 nays /1 absent (Abrial)
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:30 pm by Supervisor Entwistle.
TOWN OF FORESTPORT SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES BEECHWOOD CEMETERY FORESTPORT TOWN HALL 10275 State Rt. 28, Forestport, NY 13338 September 13, 2022 @ 3:00P.M.
CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 3:00 pm by Supervisor Entwistle. Supervisor Entwistle read the legal notice aloud.
“Notice is hereby given that the Town Board of the Town of Forestport will be holding a Special Meeting at 3:00 pm on September 13, 2022, at the Forestport Town Hall, 10275 Route 28, Forestport NY 13338. The purpose of the hearing is to review and accept comments from any and all persons having interest or business concerning Beechwood Cemetery, located at 1090 Cemetery Road, Forestport, NY 13338”.
• Supervisor Entwistle started the meeting by stating the Beechwood Cemetery Board has been passing on. Before Pete Scouten passed away, he asked Supervisor Entwistle to help the Beechwood Cemetery Association out. Joe Hebert is currently the only member on the Beechwood Cemetery Board. If something happened to him, the Town would have to take it over. • Supervisor Entwistle stated he reached out to Joan Ingersoll, to see if she would be interested in being on the Temporary Board and help with the financial records. Supervisor Entwistle said he opened the box that was brought into the town office, from Betty Winters house and there was a letter from Adirondack Bank dated August of 2021 stating their account was inactive and the funds would be turned over to the State Comptroller’s Office as unclaimed funds. The Cemetery’s M&T account has also been turned over to the State Comptroller’s office as unclaimed funds, Supervisor Entwistle called the Boonville Adirondack Bank and the Branch Manager will be looking into it. He also asked John Jones to bring all the records from Betty Winter’s house to the Town Hall. PUBLIC COMMENT: • Joan Ingersoll stated she has contacts at Community Bank and will be reaching out to them. • Supervisor Entwistle asked Joe Hebert to stay on the Board temporarily until a Permanent Board is set up. • Supervisor Entwistle asked people from the gallery who was interested in being on the Temporary Board. Joe Hebert, Joan Ingersoll, Art Gleasman, Kaitlyn Hebert and Kim Scouten volunteered. He stated the goal would be 6 months to straighten it out. • Supervisor Entwistle stated he is going to get a copy of Betty Winter’s death certificate for Joe Hebert as he is the last surviving member of the Board, to bring it to the bank. • Art Gleasman is the new contact person for the Beechwood Cemetery. • Supervisor Entwistle thanked John and Pete for doing all the work at the Cemetery for free and the Town Maintenance workers will continue to empty the garbage, clean up branches and trees. • The next Cemetery meeting is scheduled for November 10th at 3 pm for the Cemetery Board, not the Town Board.
ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made by Councilman Scouten and seconded by Councilwoman Kardash to adjourn the meeting. Roll call vote: Councilwoman Kardash -yes Councilman Scouten- yes Councilwoman Abrial – absent Councilwoman Verschneider-yes Supervisor Entwistle-yes
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 3:23 pm by Supervisor Entwistle.