December 27, 2023
The year end meeting was called to order by Supervisor Robert Hayssen at 10:00 a.m. Present at this meeting were Councilman Richard McCulloch, Eric Riegel and Councilman-Elect James Velie, Bookkeeper, Angela Testa and Town Clerk, Donna Karlsen. Also, present was Town of Varick resident, Susan Ottenweller.
A motion by Richard McCulloch, seconded by Eric Riegel and so carried unanimously to approve Abstract 13, Vouchers 788 to 810 in the amount of $90,535.07.
Mrs. Karlsen presented a bill proportioned according to Varick Water District 1 split from the Town of Romulus for Romulus’ 2024 annual single membership dues for 251-500 customers to New York Rural Water Association, Inc. The board recognized this membership is only for the Town of Romulus and the number of customers listed in this membership exceeds the customers in the joint district. Based on this information, the board determined the full 2024 membership cost should be paid by the Town of Romulus. The board will consider joining the New York Rural Water Association, Inc. on behalf of the Town of Varick once they can assess the benefits this association can offer to the town’s water districts.
Water Districts:
Varick Water District No. 1 and Varick Water District No. 3: The county recently verbally notified Supervisor Hayssen that they would be increasing their water rate 38 cents to Varick Water District No. 1 and Water District No. 3. This increase reflects the same amount that was initially raised by the Village of Waterloo to Seneca Lake Water District who in turn raised it 38 cents to Seneca County Water District No. 1. After reviewing the account balance in both these water districts and the anticipated increase in expenses in 2024, the board recommended the water rate be increased by $1.38/1,000 gallons with a new rate of 9.38/1,000 gallons in both districts effective with the 2023 4th quarter water billing. It was noted that since the county did not provide the town advance notice of the water increase, they provided the town no opportunity for advance notice to both districts’ consumers. A message will be put on the 4th quarter bills notifying the consumers of this increase.
Varick Water District No. 1: A motion by Richard McCulloch,seconded by Eric Riegel and so carried unanimously to increase the water rate in Varick Water District No. 1 to $9.38/1,000 gallons with a minimum fee of $46.90 (based on 5,000 gallons), effective with the 2023 fourth quarter water billing with notification of this increase printed on the fourth quarter bills.
Varick Water District No. 3: There is no minimum water charge assessed in Water District No. 3 at this time.
A motion by Richard McCulloch,seconded by Eric Riegel and so carried unanimously to increase the water rates in Varick Water District No.3 to $9.38/1,000 gallons effective with the 2023 fourth quarter water billing with notification of this increase printed on the fourth quarter bills.
Councilman Richard McCulloch reported that he and Supervisor Hayssen met with the Town of Fayette Supervisor Jeff Trout and one of their town council representatives to discuss Fayette’s water district that is currently under construction and connects to Varick Water District No. 3. Mr. McCulloch reported the town of Fayette will obtain information in response to questions raised at this meeting and will hold another meeting tentatively scheduled for January 9th.
At this joint meeting, it was proposed that the Town of Varick read Fayette District No. 5 water meters as this district is jointly constructed with Varick Water District No. 3 and share, by percentage, expenses related to both districts. Fayette recognized there were errors in reporting of water consumed by Fayette 5 to Seneca County which directly affected the water loss as calculated by Seneca County and reflected in the water billing from Seneca County sent to Varick Water District No. 3 and Fayette Water District No. 5. Mr. McCulloch reported he discussed with Varick’s Water Operator, Ben Karlsen, if it would be feasible for their department to read Fayette 5 meters at the same time they do Varick Water District 3. He further reported that Mr. Karlsen indicated the water department could do this and felt it would be in the best interest of both water districts. The board agreed to support this proposal and will develop a contract for services for the Town of Fayette board to consider.
Varick Water District No. 4: The bookkeeper and town clerk reviewed the 2023 revenue and expense figures for this district and noted that it is anticipated that the expenses will amount to approximately $16,000 more then what was generated in water sales revenue for 2023. It was noted that water sales alone, without operation and maintenance fees, only generated $200 over the cost of water purchased from the Town of Fayette for the first three quarters. Based on this information, it was suggested that the water rate be increased by $3.50/1,000 gallons effective with the 2024 first quarter billing. The new rate would be $8.00/1,000 gallons, which is in line with both Varick Water 1 and Varick 3 water rates.
A motion by Richard McCulloch, seconded by Eric Riegel and so carried unanimously to increase the water rate in Varick Water District No. 4 to $8.00/1,000 gallons with a minimum fee of $40 (based on 5,000 gallons) effective with the 2024 first quarter water billing with notification of this increase by a separate insert and printed on the 2023 fourth quarter bills.
The board recognized the increase in expenses to operate the water districts and that the districts cannot be run at a deficit which leaves them no choice but to raise water rates.
New Business, Old Business, Correspondence:
Oaths of office were given to the newly elected officials, Supervisor, Town Clerk and Councilman.
Mrs. Karlsen reported that Cindy Lont is interested in putting a library box up on property owned by the Town of Varick. It was explained to the board that this is a box where people can donate/share books they no longer want to keep or take books out that they wish to read. It was noted that other communities have these in place, and it was thought this would be an asset to the Town of Varick residents. Mrs. Karlsen also reported according to Cindy Lont, Ann Kaminski will donate this box and Mrs. Karlsen recommended that due to the foot traffic along East Lake Road that this box, if approved, could be placed at the Seneca Lake Water Department’s building.
A motion by Eric Riegel, seconded by Richard McCulloch and so carried unanimously to approve placement of a Library Box at the Seneca Lake Water Department building to be supervised by Cindy Lont.
Mrs. Testa, town bookkeeper, informed the board that Seneca County Personnel office requires an additional clerk position be developed and approved through a motion by this board for the recent hiring of the clerk to the Planning and Zoning Boards. Once this is completed, she will forward a copy of this motion and the proper paperwork to the Seneca County Personnel office for processing.
A motion by Eric Riegel, seconded by Richard McCulloch and so carried unanimously to approve the creation of an additional clerk position in the Town of Varick as required by Seneca County Personnel office.
Susan Ottenweller presented to the board in writing her comments regarding Resolution 23-011 “Resolution to Support Business in Seneca County” passed at the October 2, 2023 board meeting as follows:
“Comments Regarding Varick Town Board resolution in support of Seneca Meadows Inc landfill expansion. 12/27/23
I believe the Oct 2,2023 resolution in support of SMI Landfill expansion was improper, unwarranted, and was entered into without regard to the views of most Varick residents for the following reasons:
- The Oct resolution was drafted by Mark Benjamin, the public relations person at SMI. As far as I know the Varick Town Board does not act on resolutions that are drafted by the business or persons who are beneficiaries of the Board’s action.
- Tom Fox has a serious conflict of interest in this issue as he and/or his security business have had a long-standing, well-known, contract with SMI. Yet this Board relied on him to sponsor and advocate for passage of the resolution. I have filed a complaint with the NYS Attorney General’s Public Integrity Bureau to investigate this conflict of interest.
- This is NOT a Varick issue. Mr. Fox justified this Board’s action based on other communities getting involved in Varick issues (such as migrant housing or clean air and water) and YET this resolution is doing exactly the same thing…taking a position on an issue that is Seneca Falls and Waterloo and Junius and Tyre and Fayette’s. His position is duplicitous and self-serving.
- I do not know or have ever encountered a Varick resident who is supportive of SMI expansion. There is no evidence that this resolution reflects the opinions of Varick residents.
- Mr. Fox justifies the support based on supporting a local business. Where was this support when our many wineries depend on seasonal migrant labor and yet we fail to support housing that they need for their workforce?
Susan Ottenweller, Varick Resident”
The board discussed with Ms. Ottenweller each bulleted item submitted. Supervisor Hayssen concluded the discussion recognizing the fact that New York State Department of Conservation will have the final determination as to whether the Valley Infill Project put forth by Seneca Meadow, Inc to continue to operate a waste management and recycling facility through the year 2040 is permitted or not.
A motion by Eric Riegel, seconded by Richard McCulloch and so carried unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 11:00 a.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Donna Karlsen