Document Type: Minutes

TOWN OF FORESTPORT
SPECIAL TOWN BOARD MEETING MINUTES
FORESTPORT TOWN HALL
10275 State Route 28, Forestport, NY 13338
May 7, 2024 @ 6:00PM
PRESENT: Supervisor Entwistle
Councilman Addison
Councilwoman Abrial
Councilwoman Verschneider
Councilman Scouten
ABSENT: No members of the Town Board were absent.
RECORDING SECRETARY: Tracy Terry, Town Clerk
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIENCE:
CALL TO ORDER:
LEGAL NOTICE:
“NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Town Board of the Town of Forestport will be holding a Special Meeting on May 7, 2024, at 6:00 PM at the Forestport Town Hall, 10275 State Route 28, Forestport, NY. The Special Meeting is being held to call the Public Hearing for the Sewer District improvement project. Voting will take place.
Tracy M. Terry – Forestport Town Clerk
DATED: May 1, 2024
RADIO DATE: May 2, 2024
BOARD COMMENTS:
Supervisor Entwistle started the meeting off by saying the town has received a grant of one million dollars. The estimated maximum cost of the project is $1.75 million dollars. In order for the town to receive another grant, they have to show they have been approved for a bond of $750,000, the remainder of the expense. Supervisor Entwistle stated it is not the goal to raise the rates again. NYS DOS states the median household of Forestport income is around $68,000. The median income of the sewer district is far less. The Planning Consultant that is hired to do the Comprehensive Plan has access to people that can help do an income study done for the sewer district customers.
Supervisor Entwistle read the following order calling for a public hearing. A motion was made by Councilman Scouten and seconded by Councilman Addison.
Roll Call Vote:
Supervisor Entwistle-yes
Councilman Scouten-yes
Councilwoman Abrial-yes
Councilman Addison-yes
Councilwoman Verschneider-yes
5- ayes/ 0 nays/ o absent

PUBLIC COMMENT:
• Someone from the gallery stated they can smell the sewage on their street. It was
asked if it would still be like that with the new system. It was answered it would
be looked into.
ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made by Councilman Addison 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 6:25 pm by Supervisor
Entwistle.
Respectfully submitted,
Tracy M. Terry
Forestport Town Clerk

TOWN OF FORESTPORT
PUBLIC HEARINGS/REGULAR
TOWN BOARD MEETING MINUTES
FORESTPORT TOWN HALL
10275 State Rte. 28, Forestport, N.Y. 13338
April 17, 2024 @6:10PM

PRESENT: Supervisor Entwistle
Councilman Addison
Councilwoman Abrial
Councilwoman Verschneider
ABSENT: Councilman Scouten

RECORDING SECRETARY: Tracy Terry, Town Clerk

CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 6:10PM by Supervisor Entwistle. The pledge was recited.

PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. “Old Forestport Days”
Legal Notice: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Town Board of the Town of Forestport will be holding a Public Hearing on April 17, 2024, at 6:10PM at the Forestport Town Hall, 10275 State Rt. 28, Forestport, NY. The Public Hearing is being held to review and accept public comments regarding the closure of River Street on August 24, 2024, from 9am-8pm, for “Old Forestport Days”.
Dated: March 21, 2024
Run: WEEK of April 3, 2024
Public Comments:
Closing of Public Hearing: A motion was made by Councilwoman Abrial and seconded by Councilwoman Verschneider to close the Public Hearing
4 ayes/ 0 nays/ 1 absent MOTION CARRIED

2. “Lightning at White Lake Inn Block Party”
Legal Notice: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Town Board of the Town of Forestport will be holding a Public Hearing on April 17, 2024, at 6:20PM at the Forestport Town Hall, 10275 State Rt. 28, Forestport, NY. The Public Hearing is being held to review and accept public comments regarding the closure of Maple Road from Route 28 to the end of White Lake Inn property from 9AM June 1, 2024- 2AM June 2, 2024, for “Lightning at White Lake Block Party”.
Dated: March 21, 2024
Run: WEEK of April 3, 2024
Public Comments:
Closing of Public Hearing: A motion was made by Councilman Addison and seconded by Councilwoman Abrial to adjourn the meeting.
4 ayes/ 0 nays/ 1 absent MOTION CARRIED

ABSTRACTS:
GENERAL:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Verschneider and seconded by Councilwoman Abrial to pay Abstract #4, Vouchers #164- #231 in the amount of $38,964.21.
4 ayes/ 0 nays/ 1 absent MOTION CARRIED
HIGHWAY:
A motion was made by Councilman Addison and seconded by Councilwoman Abrial to pay Abstract #4, Vouchers #84- #113 in the amount of $11,328.19
4 ayes/ 0 nays/1 absent MOTION CARRIED
WATER DISTRICT #1:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Abrial and seconded by Councilwoman Verschneider to pay Abstract #4, Vouchers #43- #53 in the amount of $1,268.58.
4 ayes/ 0 nays/ 1 absent MOTION CARRIED
BUCKHORN WATER DISTRICT #2:
A motion was made by Councilman Addison and seconded by Councilwoman Abrial to pay Abstract #4, Vouchers #16- #18 in the amount of $497.53.
4 ayes/ 0 nays/ 1 absent MOTION CARRIED
SEWER DISTRICT #1:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Abrial and seconded by Councilman Addison to pay Abstract #4, Vouchers #25- #32 in the amount of $1,327.47.
4 ayes/ 0 nays/ 1 absent MOTION CARRIED

TOWN CLERK MINUTES:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Abrial and seconded by Councilwoman Verschneider to accept the minutes from the:
March 20, 2024 – Regular Town Board Meeting
4 ayes/ 0 nays/ 1 absent MOTION CARRIED

REPORTS
WATER DISTRICT #1
WATER DISTRICT #2
SEWER
TOWN CLERK REPORTS
JUSTICE REPORT
DOG REPORT
PLANNING REPORT
SUPERVISOR REPORT
PLANNING BOARD OF APPEALS
A motion was made by Councilman Addison and seconded by Councilwoman Abrial to accept the monthly reports.
4 ayes/ 0 nays/ 1 absent MOTION CARRIED
NOCCOG: Joe Rowlands, of NOCCOG went over the monthly announcements.
WATER:
• WWIP: Jen Hartsig, the Grant writer is in the process of touching base with the engineer to see if they can get started.
OLD BUSINESS BOARD:
• Pickleball Court: Supervisor Entwistle received a quote of $19,500 for a 30 x 60 paved pickleball court. There is $5,000 set aside for this. The board is going to wait until next Spring to budget for this, asking for the same price. Supervisor Entwistle stated this is a transition year and there are a lot of unexpected expenses this year.
• Phones: Councilman Addison stated this is ready to go. They are waiting for the infrastructure to be completed with Total Solutions, the IT Company. Supervisor Entwistle gave a shout out to Councilman Addison for all his help with this as a lot of time went into it.
• Fuelmaster System: An updated database was sent to Syntec. They have gone through all the users and removed the ones who are no longer active and activated all the new members. Supervisor Entwistle thanked the Fire Departments for supplying the town with an updated list of active members.
• Comprehensive Plan Update: The Open House was held last night with the Committee and representatives from LaBella and Associates. Supervisor Entwistle thought everyone did an excellent job. Supervisor Entwistle asked people to complete the survey. There is a pizza party for seniors Tuesday at 11am to discuss senior trips and to have hard copies of the Comprehensive Plan.
• Summer Recreation: There are 15 kids signed up. It is going to be held Tuesday-Thursday 9am-12pm. Councilwoman Verschneider suggested having the Summer Recreation program in the Old Library as it is a bigger room and there is a bathroom across the hall.
• Camp Nazareth: This is closed with 25 kids signed up.
• Dog Park: Supervisor Entwistle is getting quotes for a fence, and he measured Old Forge’s dog park. Councilwoman Verschneider suggested having it at Scouten Field.
• Woodhull Vacant Lot: The Pocket Park has picnic tables, a couple garbage bins, and the grass will be planted next year. MaryBeth Reising, from the Gallery suggested the board ask the garden club to plant there. Councilwoman Verschneider stated the Genealogy group planted garlic today and they offered to plant flowers in the front of the Town Hall. Supervisor Entwistle stated there are planters near the trail, anyone from the community is welcome to plant. Laurie Fessler, from the Gallery stated it would be nice to bring back the community garden and instruct the children. Supervisor Entwistle stated there was talk of giving it another shot along with eventually having a farmer’s market out front. Councilwoman Verschneider asked if the town would charge and it was answered yes.
• White Lake Inn
A motion was made by Councilman Addison and seconded by Councilwoman Abrial to approve the closure for the “Lightning at White Lake Inn block party”
4 ayes/ 0 nays/ 1 absent MOTION CARRIED
• Old Forestport Days
A motion was made by Councilwoman Abrial and seconded by Councilman Addison to approve the closure for “Old Forestport Days”
4 ayes/ 0 nays/ 1 absent MOTION CARRIED
• Server Quote: Supervisor Entwistle stated he was under the impression they could have a cloud-based server, but a lot of the department’s programs are not compatible with it. The cost for a new server is going to be $17,500 and there is money in the budget for it.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Verschneider and seconded by Councilman Addison to approve the server quote.
4 ayes/ 0 nays/ 1 absent MOTION CARRIED
NEW BUSINESS BOARD:
• Charles Howard: Charles has resigned from the Highway Barn.
A motion was made by Councilman Addison and seconded by
Councilwoman Verschneider to approve his separation from the town, so it can be sent to the civil service department.
4 ayes/ 0 nays/ 1 absent MOTION CARRIED
• Highway Department- HEO Vacancy: A CDL is required and the individual needs to be able to pass a drug test. Anyone from Oneida County is eligible to apply.
• Boat Wash Station: This has been possible because of the grant. This helps with transferring of invasive species. Councilman Addison will be doing the staffing and the hiring. This grant was accepted in March, and it will be starting by the third week of May. It is going to be in the side parking lot. Pete Webster will supply signage.
 Hot water Installation: This has been hooked up in the kitchen.
 Stewards: it is a pay rate of $20/hour. They will need some non-college aged kids from May- Columbus Day. Councilwoman Verschneider asked when it will be open. Supervisor Entwistle stated Friday-Sunday- it will be open. Councilman Addison is working on the budget right now and is hoping to have it open daily. It will be open in the rain as well. Laurie Fessler, from the Gallery asked if this was all paid for by a grant. Supervisor Entwistle answered stating the initial set up is funded through the grant of $48,600. The hot water installation was almost $10,000 and $2,000-$3,000 for the pressure washer. Supervisor Entwistle suggested asking organizations such as the League Club to help fund this. If the Town can have the decontamination station run properly, the DEC can take it over in a couple of years. Jen Hartsig is looking for some supplementary grants as well. Councilman Addison stated there are a couple of applications from college students, but he is looking for more.
• Local Law- Uniform Code Update: The last time the Uniform Code was updated a year ago. After reviewing it with the NYS Codes Enforcement department there’s a handful of minor things that were not included that need to be included. The review should be ready for the main meeting.
• Dump Day: July 20th 8am-2pm. You just need to bring proof of property ownership. The town is attempting to coordinate with the Forestport Fire Department with their steel drive.
NEW BUSINESS PUBLIC:
• MaryBeth Reising, from the gallery asked about a cleanup day for Earth Day and there is an organization that will give free bags to the community. Supervisor Entwistle stated if someone wants to organize one they can. He stated anyone that picks up garbage on a stretch of road, can use the dumpsters. Someone did one in Woodgate last year.
 She said someone mentioned to her about the town becoming a Purple Heart Veteran. She said the only cost to the town would be the signage which is made by the prisoners. Supervisor Entwistle said that is a great idea and asked her to bring the information on Wednesday.
• Laurie Fessler, from the gallery asked why the town was paying Joe Rowlands to go to training instead of Tony. Supervisor Entwistle stated he is not available for training at the moment and Joe needs to go to keep his license current. Joe stated it was offered through NYSERDA and they offer grants. NYSERDA will not accept training through NYS. Joe said he also went through Remsen and Holland Patent.
 When did the town get a Deputy Supervisor and who ok’d paying them? Supervisor Entwistle said there has always been a Deputy Supervisor and they have always been paid. The difference is they get a small stipend if he cannot attend a meeting or go to the bank. Steve runs multiple programs for over 20 hours a week and he serves at the pleasure of the Supervisor. The board did approve it. Councilman Addison said he is supposed to be working 8 hours and is working 20-25 hours.
• Tyler Terry, from the Gallery asked if the pickleball court was going to have a fence around it like a tennis court. It was answered no.
• Carl Thomas, from the Gallery asked if the town was still sweeping the roads. Supervisor Entwistle said they are making their rounds, and they usually go until the end of May.
• Roy Johnson, from the gallery asked if they were going to get new flags for the Highway barn as they look a little ratty. Supervisor Entwistle stated he will purchase them.
ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Abrial and seconded by Councilwoman Verschneider to adjourn the meeting.
4 ayes/ 0 nays/ 1 absent MOTION CARRIED
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:16 pm by Supervisor Entwistle.
Respectfully submitted,

Tracy M. Terry

Forestport Town Clerk

TOWN OF FORESTPORT

REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING MINUTES

FORESTPORT TOWN HALL

10275 State Rte. 28, Forestport, N.Y. 13338

March 20, 2024 @6:30PM

PRESENT:          

Supervisor Entwistle                                                      

Councilman Addison                                                                         

Councilman Scouten

Councilwoman Abrial

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 6:30PM by Supervisor Entwistle. The pledge was recited.

ABSTRACTS:

GENERAL:

A motion was made by Councilman Scouten and seconded by Councilwoman Abrial to pay Abstract #3, Vouchers #116- #163 in the amount of $29,256.60.

              5 ayes/ 0 nays/ 0 absent MOTION CARRIED

  HIGHWAY:

A motion was made by Councilwoman Abrial and seconded by Councilman Scouten to pay Abstract #3, Vouchers #61- #84 in the amount of $24,679.69.

5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED

AMBULANCE:

      StaR: Abstract #3, Voucher #2 in the amount of $59,062.50

A motion was made by Councilman Addison and seconded by Councilwoman Verschneider to pay the Ambulance abstract.

5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED

WATER DISTRICT #1:

A motion was made by Councilwoman Abrial and seconded by Councilwoman Verschneider to pay Abstract #3, Vouchers #25- #42 in the amount of $4,287.81.

5 ayes/ 0 nays/ 0 absent MOTION CARRIED

     BUCKHORN WATER DISTRICT #2:

A motion was made by Councilwoman Verschneider and seconded by Councilwoman Abrial to pay Abstract #3, Vouchers #10- #15 in the amount of $391.71.

5 ayes/ 0 nays/ 0 absent MOTION CARRIED

SEWER DISTRICT #1:

A motion was made by Councilman Scouten and seconded by Councilwoman Abrial to pay Abstract #3, Vouchers #18- #24 in the amount of $1,069.47.

5 ayes/ 0 nays/ 0 absent MOTION CARRIED

PLANNING BOARD:

A motion was made by Councilwoman Abrial  and seconded by Councilman Addison to pay Abstract #3, Vouchers #8- #9 in the amount of $90.00.

5 ayes/ 0 nays/ 0 absent MOTION CARRIED

TOWN CLERK MINUTES:

A motion was made by Councilman Scouten and seconded by Councilwoman Verschneider to accept the minutes from the:

February 21, 2024- Regular Town Board Meeting

5 ayes/ 0 nays/ 0 absent MOTION CARRIED

REPORTS

WATER DISTRICT #1

WATER DISTRICT #2

SEWER

TOWN CLERK REPORTS

JUSTICE REPORT

DOG REPORT

PLANNING REPORT

SUPERVISOR REPORT                            

PLANNING BOARD OF APPEALS

          Supervisor Entwistle gave an update for the year for the Codes Office. There were 113 total permits and total fees were $19,325, which is a record.                

A motion was made by Councilwoman Abrial and seconded by Councilman Addison to approve the reports as a whole.

                              5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED

NOCCOG:

• Lisa Bellinger went over the monthly announcements. She mentioned an annual youth Sports Grant and Supervisor Entwistle stated they would look into it.

OLD BUSINESS BOARD:

• Truck bids- There were no bids. Supervisor Entwistle stated they will get it back on the road in the next week or so and Lucas can make his rounds with it and the summer helper can use it in the Summer.
• Phones: Councilman Addison updated that Northland Communications will be installing new phones in the next four weeks. There is an approximate 50% savings, including the Highway Barn. The Highway Barn is converting to Spectrum, since it is cloud-based it helps the internet system. Northland has already gone to the Highway Barn to do the wiring.
• Fuelmaster system: Nancy and Supervisor Entwistle have been working on this the last couple weeks. This will be cloud-based as well.
• Comprehensive Plan: The survey is finally out and has been distributed. It is available on the website.
• Camp Nazareth: Camp Nazareth is full. Five more applications will be allowed, with a lottery.
• Summer Recreation: There are 12 interested applicants, and one has applied already. If there are 15 or more kids, there should be an Assistant to help Ash.
• Pickleball Court: The board mentioned having this done last year. The company should be able to get the court done for $5,000-$6,000 without a fence.
• Art Program: Councilman Addison and Councilwoman Abrial met with Ashley. After reviewing, the board decided to run the art program until April 18^th and reassess next Fall. They will set the parameters for next year.

NEW BUSINESS BOARD:

• Server Replacement: The server at the Town Hall is 7-8 years old. Supervisor Entwistle will be getting a quote by next month’s meeting for a cloud-based server, so there is no equipment.
• Dog Park: Supervisor Entwistle has been approached about a Dog Park at the Town Hall. There is a Dog Park in Old Forge. Theirs cost around $175,000. Councilman Addison didn’t think it should be at the Town Hall. Supervisor Entwistle will get quotes on fencing. His concern is waste pickup. 
• Woodhull Vacant Lot: Supervisor Entwistle stated a couple years ago, they had intentions of making that lot into a pocket park. Since the lot is there, he was wondering if the board was interested in sprucing it up. The Board thought they should look into it. There is a little grant money for the pocket park in the amount of $2,000. Councilwoman Verschneider thought a couple picnic tables. Supervisor Entwistle said if the town buys the materials, he can build them, and the maintenance guys can paint them.
• Road Closures for White Lake Inn and Old Forestport Days

A motion was made by Councilman Addison and seconded by Councilwoman Abrial to schedule the Public Hearings for “Lightning at White Lake”  on April 17^th at 6:20PM and “Old Forestport Days” at 6:10PM.

                    5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED

• Workers Compensation: Supervisor Entwistle stated the town currently has a self-funded worker’s comp. If someone had a serious injury, it would be costly. He is going to check out prices for an actual insurance policy.
• Community EXPO: This will be held September 25^th from 10am-2pm. Councilman Addison asked if they could have a table for the Comprehensive Plan Survey. It was answered yes. Supervisor Entwistle mentioned the possibility of having hamburgers and hot dogs for the public.
• Eclipse: Supervisor Entwistle stated Forestport and Old Forge are in the path of totality. There could be 100,000-200,000 people in Old Forge for this event. There could be a lack of service in cell phones, no gas and an increase in traffic.

NEW BUSINESS PUBLIC:

• Ron Davies, from the Gallery had several questions/inquiries:
• He stated maybe there should be another person with the instructor for the Summer Recreation program for liability purposes.
• Ron asked what the codes breakdown for the fees were. Supervisor Entwistle stated $3,725 for the fines and the remainder for the fees.
• He asked if the Secretary Position at the Highway Barn is going to be posted. It was answered it wasn’t since it is a temporary position. A discussion took place regarding when Bill retires, the new Superintendent will do those duties instead of having a Highway Clerk.
• $7,600 to repair a truck. Supervisor Entwistle stated the Highway Department hit a truck. The town paid a licensed body shop for the repairs.
• The Comprehensive Master Plan Survey should have had the snowmobiles and 4-wheelers separate. Some support snowmobiles because it is legal vs. 4-wheelers that are not legal and stated it should be two separate questions. Supervisor Entwistle mentioned everyone interprets questions their own way. He felt the question was more about recreation in the Town of Forestport. Councilwoman Abrial suggested Ron could reach out to the Snowmobile club and let them know about the survey.
• Jeff LeBuis, from the Gallery suggested having Eagle Scouts help with the Pocket Park as they are usually looking for community projects.

ADJOURNMENT:

                    A motion was made by Councilman Addison 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 7:45 pm by Supervisor Entwistle.

Respectfully submitted,

Tracy M. Terry

Forestport Town Clerk

TOWN OF FORESTPORT
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING MINUTES
FORESTPORT TOWN HALL
10275 State Rte. 28, Forestport, N.Y. 13338
February 21, 2024 @6:30PM

PRESENT: Supervisor Entwistle
Councilman Addison
Councilman Scouten
Councilwoman Abrial
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 6:30PM by Supervisor Entwistle. The pledge was recited.

ABSTRACTS:
GENERAL:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Verschneider and seconded by Councilman Addison to pay Abstract #2, Vouchers #53- #115 in the amount of $40,294.05.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/ 0 absent MOTION CARRIED
HIGHWAY:
A motion was made by Councilman Addison and seconded by Councilwoman Abrial to pay Abstract #2, Vouchers #16- #59 in the amount of $75,841.39
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED

PLANNING:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Abrial and seconded by Councilwoman Verschneider to pay Abstract #2, Voucher #7 in the amount of $37.56
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED

FIRE:
Forestport: Abstract #2, Vouchers #1 in the amount of $95,759.50
Otter Lake: Abstract #2, Vouchers #2 in the amount of $79,434.00
Woodgate: Abstract #2, Vouchers #3 in the amount of $80,953.50
A motion was made by Councilman Scouten and seconded by Councilwoman Verschneider to pay Abstract #2, Vouchers #1- #3 in the amount of $256,147.00
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED

AMBULANCE:
Old Forge: Abstract #2, Voucher #1 in the amount of $28,500.00

A motion was made by Councilwoman Abrial and seconded by Councilman Scouten to pay Abstract #2, Voucher #1 in the amount of $28,500.00
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED

WATER DISTRICT #1:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Verschneider and seconded by Councilman Addison to pay Abstract #2, Vouchers #14- #24 in the amount of $1,508.36
5 ayes/ 0 nays/ 0 absent MOTION CARRIED
BUCKHORN WATER DISTRICT #2:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Abrial and seconded by Councilman Scouten to pay Abstract #2, Vouchers #5- #9 in the amount of $1,749.48.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/ 0 absent MOTION CARRIED
SEWER DISTRICT #1:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Verschneider and seconded by Councilwoman Abrial to pay Abstract #2, Vouchers #9- #17 in the amount of $1,326.04.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/ 0 absent MOTION CARRIED
TOWN CLERK MINUTES:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Abrial and seconded by Councilwoman Verschneider to accept the minutes from the:
January 17, 2024- Regular Town Board Meeting
5 ayes/ 0 nays/ 0 absent MOTION CARRIED
REPORTS
WATER DISTRICT #1
WATER DISTRICT #2
SEWER
TOWN CLERK REPORTS
JUSTICE REPORT
DOG REPORT
PLANNING REPORT
SUPERVISOR REPORT
PLANNING BOARD OF APPEALS
A motion was made by Councilman Scouten and seconded by Councilman Addison to approve the reports as a whole.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED
NOCCOG:
• Lisa Bellinger went over the monthly announcements. Supervisor Entwistle will be reaching out to get the traffic counters as it will be good data.
WATER:
• Lucas Kafka: Lucas has received his certification from Oneida County for both water districts and sewer.
OLD BUSINESS BOARD:
• Buildings and Grounds Truck: The truck is currently out to bid until March 19th. At this time, there have been no sealed bids.
• Phone System replacement: A suggestion was made to look into Northland Communications as the town has been experiencing issues with the current phone system. Councilman Addison has been in charge of handling the inquiry with Northland Communications. Northland Communications has agreed to do a one-time installation fee of $1,000 for both buildings. The monthly bill will be under $500. Frontier’s bill is about $900 a month. Northland Communication is also cloud-based.
A motion was made by Councilman Addison and seconded by Councilwoman Verschneider to move forward with Northland Communications.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED
Supervisor Entwistle stated he did get in touch with Spectrum, and they will be doing a site survey. That should be done by Friday afternoon unless they have to come out and do work.
• Hometown Heroes: There is a maximum of 55 applicants and there are currently 10-15. Supervisor Entwistle is accepting applications until March 20th.
• Comprehensive Plan: The Committee is making final tweaks. There is a public engagement meeting April 16th at 6PM. There will be a handful of them over the next 6 months to a year. There will be a zoom link for those who can’t attend. The survey should be out in the next month- month and a half. A paper copy will be available around Forestport. Paper copies can be left where they complete them or in the drop box. Once the survey is live, Supervisor Entwistle would like to have the seniors come eat lunch and fill out the survey to get their participation.

NEW BUSINESS BOARD:
• Camp Nazareth: Dave George is the new liaison. Camp Nazareth will be keeping the town’s rate at $300 a child. Last year parents were asked to contribute $50 a child and will do the same this year. It will be open to 20 children, first come, first serve.
• Summer Recreation: Councilwoman Verschneider thinks there should be a minimum number of kids to have it because there were just a few last year. Councilwoman Abrial stated it’s hard because people travel and make plans. Supervisor Entwistle said if they can get 15 kids to actually sign up they will have it. He would like to advertise it soon.
• Art Club: The Art Club will be ending the second week in March. Supervisor Entwistle would like to see what they spent last year and put an actual budget number on it. By the end of March, it would’ve cost $5500.
• Fuelmaster Quote: The Highway Clerk retired at the end of the year and former Board Member, Nancy Kardash along with Supervisor Entwistle have been helping Bill Gardner at the Highway Barn. One thing they utilize is a fill up system, Fuel Masters. The software is over 30 years old and is on a floppy disc. It’s come to Supervisor Entwistle’s attention that the fuel prices aren’t being changed frequently. He has reached out to several companies to replace the software and hardware. Most of the other companies supply fleet cards where each driver has a credit card that can go to a local gas station to fill up. They also require GPS tracking and dash cams. The Fuelmaster quote to upgrade what they do have, is $14,000. Councilman Scouten said the town hasn’t spent a lot of money this year with sand, salt and overtime. It’s a cellular enabled service and Fuelmaster enters all the vin numbers and user keys. Tony Sege asked about having each individual member of the Fire Department have their own unique ID. Right now, the entire Fire department has one ID.
A motion was made by Councilman Scouten and seconded by Councilman Addison to accept the FuelMaster quote for $14,000.00.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/ 0 absent MOTION CARRIED
Supervisor Entwistle stated the money will come out of the Highway contingency fund because it was not budgeted for.
• Summer Maintenance Help: The Board agreed to allow Dominic to return this summer at thirty hours a week.
• Planning Board: The Planning Board has been working on making an amendment to existing Wastewater treatment systems in the Site Review Law. One issue is a lot of smaller lots have been in the ground for a very long time and replacement systems are finding it difficult to meet the setbacks. A couple situations have gone to the Planning Board and the Planning Board of Appeals. Supervisor Entwistle stated he liked all of it except “a designed professional may not be required for an absorption field”. Supervisor Entwistle stated anyone who has a leach field, or an absorption field has to have an engineered plan because it takes the Code Enforcement Officer off the hook from becoming an engineer and mediator. Attached is a copy of the proposal. Supervisor Entwistle will be making changes and giving it back to the Planning Board for their review and they will let the Attorney look at it. There has been discussion that the Planning Board should be taken out of the equation. If they cannot meet the setbacks, it would go directly to the Planning Board of Appeals. They would not review design issues.

EXECUTIVE SESSION:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Abrial and seconded by Councilman Scouten to enter executive Session to discuss a Personnel matter.
The board returned from Executive Session at 7:24 with no action taken.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/ 0 absent MOTION CARRIED
NEW BUSINESS PUBLIC:
.
ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Abrial and seconded by Councilman Scouten to adjourn the meeting.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/ 0 absent MOTION CARRIED
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:25 pm by Supervisor Entwistle.
Respectfully submitted,

Tracy M. Terry

Forestport Town Clerk

TOWN OF FORESTPORT
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING MINUTES
FORESTPORT TOWN HALL
10275 State Rte. 28, Forestport, N.Y. 13338
January 17, 2024 @6:30

PRESENT: Supervisor Entwistle
Councilman Addison
Councilman Scouten
Councilwoman Abrial
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 6:30PM by Supervisor Entwistle. The pledge was recited.

ABSTRACTS:
WATER DISTRICT #1:
A motion was made by Councilman Scouten and seconded by Councilwoman Abrial to pay Abstract #1, Vouchers #1- #9 in the amount of $2,189.19.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/ 0 absent MOTION CARRIED
BUCKHORN WATER DISTRICT #2:
A motion was made by Councilman Addison and seconded by Councilwoman Verschneider to pay Abstract #1, Vouchers #1- #4 in the amount of $403.74.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/ 0 absent MOTION CARRIED
SEWER DISTRICT #1:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Abrial and seconded by Councilman Scouten to pay Abstract #1, Vouchers #1- #8 in the amount of $1,208.47.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/ 0 absent MOTION CARRIED
GENERAL:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Verschneider and seconded by Councilman Addison to pay Abstract #1, Vouchers #1- #52 in the amount of $26,324.32.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/ 0 absent MOTION CARRIED
HIGHWAY:
A motion was made by Councilman Addison and seconded by Councilwoman Abrial to pay Abstract #1, Vouchers #1- #15 in the amount of $9,183.08.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED

PLANNING:
A motion was made by Councilman Scouten and seconded by Councilwoman Abrial to pay Abstract #1, Vouchers #1- #6 in the amount of $600.00.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED
TOWN CLERK MINUTES:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Abrial and seconded by Councilman Addison to accept the minutes from the:
December 20,2023- Regular Town Board Meeting
December 28, 2023- Year -End Meeting
January 3, 2024-Organizational Meeting
5 ayes/ 0 nays/ 0 absent MOTION CARRIED
REPORTS
WATER DISTRICT #1
WATER DISTRICT #2
SEWER
TOWN CLERK REPORT
JUSTICE REPORT
PLANNING REPORT
SUPERVISOR REPORT
PLANNING BOARD OF APPEALS
A motion was made by Councilwoman Verschneider and seconded by Councilwoman Abrial to approve the reports as a whole.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED
NOCCOG:
• Lisa Bellinger went over the monthly announcements.

OLD BUSINESS BOARD:
• Comprehensive Plan Update: The next meeting is scheduled for February 6, 2024, at 6PM. Supervisor Entwistle would like to give the Planning Specialist the go ahead on the survey, while it is snowmobile season. Dave Ultsch, from Comprehensive Plan Committee stated he felt the survey was rushed through by the Planning Specialist. Discussion took place.
• Building/Grounds Truck: Supervisor Entwistle stated the Building and Grounds truck was put on Auctions International and they did not get the bid they were looking for. The Board decided to put the truck out to sealed bid with a minimum of $22,000 and if they do not get the bid, they can keep the truck. Dave Ultsch, from the gallery asked about the state bid. Supervisor Entwistle stated the Highway Superintendent usually gets the highway truck at state bid and the old truck usually goes to the Maintenance worker.

NEW BUSINESS BOARD:
• Cancer Insurance for Forestport Fire: The Forestport Fire Department is looking for reimbursement of half of the cancer insurance which is $632.00
A motion was made by Councilwoman Verschneider and seconded by Councilman Addison to reimburse for the cancer insurance.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/ 0 absent MOTION CARRIED
• Hometown Heroes Banners: Supervisor Entwistle stated several individuals have inquired on the Hometown Heroes Banners. They can be seen in Boonville and other local towns. There is no cost to the town, they just have to put the banners up. The sponsors pay for the banner. Supervisor Entwistle has looked into it and the cost is $130-$140 and there is no minimum order. He will have more information by February. Councilman Addison stated he knows someone who does vinyl, and he will look into seeing if this is something they can do and what the cost would be as well.
• Frontier: There have been lots of issues with the phone systems at the Town Hall and Highway Barn. Frontier is looking into replacing the phone systems with cloud-based phone systems. Councilman Addison asked if the town has looked into Northland Communications, and it was answered no. Councilman Addison will be reaching out to Northland Communications to see what they offer.

NEW BUSINESS PUBLIC:
• Laurie Fessler, from the gallery asked about putting a calendar on the website, so residents could see what is going on. Supervisor Entwistle asked the Town Clerk to reach out to Coughlin to see the options.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Abrial and seconded by Councilman Addison to enter into Executive Session to discuss Personnel Matters.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/ 0 absent MOTION CARRIED
The Board returned from Executive Session at 7:25 PM with no action taken.
ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Abrial and seconded by Councilman Scouten to adjourn the meeting.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/ 0 absent MOTION CARRIED
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:26 pm by Supervisor Entwistle.
Respectfully submitted,

Tracy M. Terry

Forestport Town Clerk