January 2, 2024
The regular meeting of the Varick Town Board was called to order by Supervisor Robert Hayssen at 7:00 p.m. Present at this meeting were Councilmen Richard McCulloch, Eric Riegel, and James Velie, Town Clerk, Donna Karlsen, Bookkeeper, Angela Testa, Water Operator, Ben Karlsen, Highway Superintendent, Ben Freier, and Attorney for the Town, Joe Midiri. Also present as listed on the sign in sheet: David Walshvelo, Nancy Walshvelo, Sheila Roxstrom, Cindy Lont, M. J. Persing, Jr., Ann Kaminski, Bill Kaminski, Thomas Bjorkman, Susan Ottenweller, Cindy Drexler, Jeff Childs, and Robin Blair. Absent: Councilman Thomas Fox.
Privilege of the Floor: The following attendees addressed the board regarding resolution number 23-011 entitled “Resolution to Support Business in Seneca County” which resolved to support the Valley Infill project put forth by Seneca Meadows, Inc. to continue to operate a waste management and recycling facility through the year 2040 as follows:
Nancy Walshvelo and Robin Blair read written statements, copies which will be attached to the official meeting minutes, opposing the board’s resolution supporting Seneca Meadows continuing operation of a waste management and recycling facility through the year 2040. Ms. Walshvelo expressed her concerns regarding health, safety, and welfare of the residents. Robin Blair expressed her primary reason, in her way of thinking “is to say, from SMI responses to the public meetings in 4th quarter 2023, published in November 2023, the admission that the toxins and harm to the Earth are real.” Ms. Walshvelo in closing, asked that the board rescind their vote of approval and solicit input from the people they represent.
Susan Ottenweller and Cindy Lont spoke to the process and transparency of the action taken by the town board to address this resolution when it was presented. Ms. Lont referred to The Association of Towns of the State of New York Town Law Manual, ARTICLE III, Resolutions §6-17 which states “Of the three types of formal action taken by a town board in its legislative and administrative capacities, resolutions involve the least amount of formality and routine. For instance, resolutions can normally be introduced and passed at the same meeting.” She stated that in her opinion, Resolution 23-011 was not a resolution regarding day-to-day operations and, therefore, needed to have an announcement of its impeding discussion and vote with a public hearing to follow. She did note, however, that the board did not need to hold a public hearing by law. Ms. Lont and Ms. Ottenweller expressed their opinion that the town of Varick does not want other towns telling them what to do in their town and, therefore, we should not be telling other towns what to do either. Ms. Ottenweller didn’t feel the board followed the proper procedure correctly and asked that the resolution be rescinded.
Ann Kaminski would like the board to consider a larger conversation regarding this topic.
Bill Kaminski questioned if the submitted SMI permit application to DEC is approved would the community have to accept their determination or would there be further opportunity to comment. Supervisor Hayssen indicated that the DEC will have the final determination. It was suggested that those who aren’t happy with the DEC determination should contact their state representatives. Mr. Kaminski stated that he appreciated the dialog with the board regarding this matter.
Abstract: A motion by Richard McCulloch, seconded by Jim Velie and so carried unanimously to approve 2024 Abstract 1, Vouchers 1 to 9 in the amount of $29,948.44 and 2023 Abstract No. 14, Vouchers 811 to 817 in the amount of $126,014.01.
Highway: Highway Superintendent Ben Freier reported that the department received delivery of the 2023 F550 Ford dump truck and the Western Star was throwing a code which has been currently fixed. He has compiled a list of surplus machine inventory that he would like to put through Auction International. Supervisor Hayssen asked that the list be presented at the next meeting for review. Mr. Freier further reported that he hasn’t been able to get a quote on the storage barn roof project due to the holidays and the shop roof had multiple leaks this past rainstorm which will need to be repaired as well.
Highway Superintendent Ben Freier appointed Kris Karlsen as the Deputy Highway Superintendent for a term to expire December 31, 2027
Judge: Councilman Riegel will set an appointment with the judge and court clerk to audit their books.
Code Enforcement: Nothing to report.
Water/Sewer Operator Report: December 2023
· Marked Out Dig Tickets as requested
· Called in Dig tickets for upcoming jobs
· Changed out meters
· Read each master meter and did calculations of daily usage
· Answered customers question in each sewer and water district
· Did final reads as needed
· Changed out grinder pumps as needed
· Took Bac T samples in each water district
· Filled out and submitted monthly report to health department
· Ordered parts for upcoming projects
· Guard valve to hydrant sprung a leak due to broken bolts (277gpm)
· Exercised generator for sewer district #2
· Repaired bolts to stainless steel on mainline and guard valve
· Did water shut offs as needed
· Switched over tools from old work truck to new truck
· Read meters in all 4 water districts
· Looked into potential customer water leaks
· Put stone down where a mainline valve was replaced in Varick 1
· Cleaned up yard where valve bolts where changed (Seneca lake)
· Looked into having Brewers come pump out sewer pump station on East Lake Road
· New 2023 F-350 was delivered on December 4, 2023
Varick Water District No. 1: Nothing further to report.
Seneca Lake Water District: Water Operator Ben Karlsen reported that there was a water line break in December as the result of deteriorated bolts. The department anticipates beginning bolt replacement in the spring. He reported that meters were just read and there a couple meters that need to be replaced, but he is still having difficulty accessing the homes to complete the replacement. He will be sending out a final notice for access, indicating that based on the district’s regulations, the water can be shut off if access continues to be denied.
Varick Water District No. 3: Water Operator Ben Karlsen discussed reading meters for Fayette Water District No. 5 with Councilman Richard McCulloch. He reported his department would be available to complete this and felt it was in the best interest of Varick Water District No. 3 to do so. This would assist in making sure the meters are operational, being read accurately and issues addressed in a timely manner. Fayette 5 and Varick 3 water main are jointly shared along with the expenses incurred and accurate water billing will result in accurate reporting of water consumption to Seneca County.
Varick Water District No. 4: The department will continue to monitor the water consumption and search for water leaks. Mr. Karlsen reported the leak detection system that was ordered has not been received as of this date.
Varick Sewer District No. 1.: Nothing further to report.
Varick Sewer District No. 2: It was reported that five grinder pumps were picked up in December, but the department used 2 of them for replacement. Now that the 2024 budget is in place, Mr. Karlsen will be ordering 10 more pumps as budgeted. He will be contacting Bill Kolbeck to look at five of the used pumps to see if they can be rebuilt. It was also reported that the Sewer Department will be contacting Brewers to pump out the lift station while the level and usage is low, prior to spring when all the “snowbirds” return and STR rentals start up.
Supervisor’s Report: Supervisor Hayssen appointed Angela Testa as bookkeeper for the Town of Varick and Councilman Richard McCulloch as Deputy Supervisor for terms to expire December 31, 2027.
Mrs. Testa presented a resolution to amend the Town of Varick 2023 budget to meet obligations of the funds for 2023.
RESOLUTION NO 24-001
| AMENDMENT TO THE | ||||
| TOWN OF VARICK | ||||
| 2023 BUDGET TRANSFERS | ||||
| WHEREAS there are not sufficient budget appropriations in the District Fund Budget to meet obligations of the Fund for the year 2023, and | ||||
| WHEREAS, in conformity with Town Law and good bookkeeping practices, amounts should not be over appropriated, be it | ||||
| RESOLVED, that the Financial Officer is hereby authorized and directed to make amendments to the 2023 budget to correct over budget line items as follows: | ||||
$ 817.45 from Contingency A1990.400 to Building Ins A1620.430
$ 254.68 from Contingency A1990.400 to Building Payroll A1620.100
$ 115.71 from Contingency A1990.400 to Building Contractual A1620.400
$ 1992.80 from Contingency A1990.400 to Planning Stipend A8020.430
$ 290.00 from Contingency A1990.400 to Registrar Expense A4020.400
$ 250.00 from Contingency A1990.400 to Street Lighting A5182.400
$ 180.00 from Contingency A1990.400 to Zoning Secretary A8010.102
$ 2633.91 from Machinery Per DA5310.100 to Roads Personnel DA5110.100
$ 1297.03 from Repairs SS1-8120.400 to Equipment SS1-8120.200
$ 6.98 from Contingency SS2-8189.400 to Principal SS2-9789.600
$ 84.24 from Fund Balance SW1-599 to Badger SW1-8310.410
$ 3589.85 from Fund Balance SW1-599 to Laborer Sal SW1-8320.101
$ 250.00 from Fund Balance SW1-599 to Transportation SW1-8340.400
$ 308.35 from Fund Balance SW1-599 to Social Security SW1-9030.800
$ 500.00 from Repairs SW2-430 to Transportation SW2-8340.400
$ 3888.78 from Fund Balance SW3-599 to Laborer SW3-8320.101
$ 3000.00 from Fund Balance SW3-599 to Repairs SW3-8320.430
$ 70.00 from Fund Balance SW3-599 to Transportation SW3-8340.400
$ 361.45 from Fund Balance SW3-599 to Social Security SW3-9030.800
$ 200.00 from Repairs SW4-8320.430 to Transportation SW4-8340.400
$ 57.49 from Repairs SW4-8320.430 to Social Security SW4-9030.800
$ 2.00 from Repairs SW4-8320.430 to Interest SW4-9710.700
| MOVED: Richard McCulloch SECONDED: Eric Riegel So Carried Unanimous |
The Standard Workday Resolution was tabled for further development.
Town Clerk’s Report: A motion by Richard McCulloch, seconded by Jim Velie and so carried unanimously to approve December 2023 Town Clerk’s Report: Supervisor: $92.50, NYS Ag & Markets: $7, State Health Dept: $22.50, Total Disbursements: $122.
Town Clerk, Donna Karlsen, appointed Donna Brandow as Deputy Town Clerk for a term to expire December 31, 2027.
Minutes: A motion by Richard McCulloch, seconded by Eric Riegel and so carried unanimously to approve the minutes of December 2, 2023, and December 27, 2023.
Appointments 1 Year Term:
Mr. Hayssen appointed Richard L. McCulloch and Eric Riegel to the Auditing committee and Tom Fox and Jim Velie as the alternate auditing committee for a term of 1 year.
Appointments 2 Year Term:
A motion by Robert Hayssen, seconded by Richard McCulloch and so carried unanimously to appoint Tim Dorn as Code Enforcement Officer for a term to expire December 31, 2025.
A motion by Richard L McCulloch, seconded by Eric Riegel and so carried unanimously to appoint Bryan McCann as Dog Control officer for a term to expire December 31, 2025.
A motion by Eric Riegel, seconded by Richard McCulloch and so carried unanimously to appoint Donna Karlsen as Records Manager for a term to expire December 31, 2025.
A motion by Richard McCulloch, seconded by Jim Velie and so carried unanimously to appoint Donna Karlsen as Tax Collector for a term to expire December 31, 2025.
A motion by Richard McCulloch, seconded by Eric Riegel and so carried unanimously to appoint Donna Karlsen as Registrar for a term to expire December 31, 2025.
A motion by Jim Velie, seconded by Eric Riegel and so carried unanimously to appoint Donna Brandow as deputy Registrar and deputy Tax Collector for a term to expire December 31, 2025.
A motion by Richard McCulloch, seconded by Eric Riegel and so carried unanimously to appoint Dolores Dinsmore as Town Historian for a term to expire December 31, 2025.
Appointments: 5 Year
A motion by Richard McCulloch, seconded by Jim Velie and so carried unanimously to appoint Eileen M. Percevault to the Assessment Board of Review for a term to expire September 30, 2028.
A motion by Richard McCulloch, seconded by Richard L. McCulloch and so carried unanimously to designate Community Bank, NA, Lyons National Bank and Five Star Bank as the official banks for the Town of Varick.
Old Business, New Business, Correspondence:
Emails were received from Steve Bromka, Carol Sutherland, and Joanne Swetman on December 20th and forwarded to the Supervisor and Town Councilmen addressing the Town Board’s Resolution 23-011 entitled “Resolution to Support Business in Seneca County”.
Ms. Walshvelo requested the board to rescind the resolution to support the Valley Infill project put forth by Seneca Meadows, Inc. to continue to operate a waste management and recycling facility through the year 2040 and to include comments.
A motion by Eric Riegel, seconded by Jim Velie and so carried unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 7:35 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted:
Donna Karlsen
Varick Town Clerk