MINUTES FOR A REGULAR MEETING OF THE GLOVERSVILLE COMMON COUNCIL TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2015 6:00PM; COUNCIL CHAMBERS CITY OFFICIALS Mayor Dayton J. King Presiding Councilman-At-Large - James H. Robinson - present Ward 1 - Robin Wentworth - present Ward 2 - Arthur Simonds - present Ward 3 - Stephen Mahoney - present Ward 4 - Ellen L. Anadio - present Ward 5 - Jay Zarrelli - present Ward 6 - Wrandy Siarkowski - present Department Heads Present: City Assessor Joni Dennie, City Attorney Anthony Casale, City Clerk Susan Semione, Commissioner of Finance Bruce Van Genderen, DPW Director Kevin Jones, Fire Chief Thomas Groff, Police Chief Donald Van Deusen, Transit Mobility Manager William Walrath Department Heads Not Present: Mayor King called the meeting to order at 6:03PM COUNCIL ROLL CALL via the Clerk 7 Present PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE FOLLOWED BY A MOMENT OF SILENCE SPEAKER 6:05PM-6:23PM Mayor King introduced Dr. Irina Gelman, Fulton County Public Health Director. He noted that he along with Building Inspector Brandon Meyers recently attended a seminar regarding lead safety. Dr. Gelman noted October 25-31 is National Lead Prevention Week and stated Fulton County has one of the highest number of cases for elevated lead levels in NYS (15-20 annually). She noted that pediatricians/physicians monitor blood levels for lead in children generally up to age six; however, noted adults can be affected in a high-risk profession. Dr. Gelman stated that elevated lead levels in children correlates with decreased IQ levels. She gave sources of lead, listing antique glazed pottery and mechanical shops that deal with batteries and noted that lead is no longer found in paint products sold today. She explained that limited housing stock for families was a reason for elevated lead levels in Fulton County and recommended a mandate on the state and municipal levels which would require Certificate of Occupancy Inspections for multi-unit dwellings to assist in combatting this situation. Literature was provided for distribution to the Council. Mayor King opened the first Public Hearing at 6:23PM regarding the proposed Local Law changing the zoning from R-1 to Commercial for the recently annexed property from the Town of Johnstown known as State Highway 30A north side/sbl 149.11-14-25. No one chose to speak and Mayor King closed the first Public Hearing at 6:24PM. Mayor King opened the second Public Hearing at 6:24PM regarding the proposed Ordinance modifying Gloversville City Code to include a chapter pertaining to cat rescue sanctuaries. 1
Michelle Lautman stated that she read an article in the Leader-Herald that noted the Council addressed changing the definition of kennel in 2011, adding that the months that she has been facing uncertainty about her cat sanctuary should not have even been an issue. She stated that she is not blaming anyone and would not sue the City for the tickets she has received. She thanked Councilwomen Wentworth and Anadio for their assistance in helping to put together the Ordinances that would allow her to continue her passion and labor of love she provides to help cats in need. Tracy Diener stated that the City of Gloversville has a long-standing problem with stray cats. She noted that although Michelle Lautman s financial situation is limited, she fills a need to assist cats and others with spaying/neutering their cats. She stated that although they meow, animals do not have a voice; however, they have Michelle to help them. Aaron Goldman stated that he volunteers to assist Michelle Lautman with her cat sanctuary. He noted that Michelle has endless compassion for cats without asking the City for any financial assistance for their care. He stated that it would be a travesty if Michelle was not allowed to do what she is doing and advised that the cat sanctuary helps the City in many ways. No one else chose to speak and Mayor King closed the second Public Hearing at 6:32PM. Mayor King opened the third Public Hearing at 6:32PM regarding the proposed Ordinance modifying Gloversville City Code Section 300-3 to add a definition for cat rescue sanctuary and modifying the definition of kennel. No one chose to speak and Mayor King closed the Public Hearing at 6:33PM. PUBLIC SESSION Mayor King advised: Members of the public wishing to address Council regarding any agenda item or other city business will be permitted to speak for a maximum of three (3) minutes. Please do not direct remarks or questions directly to any specific Council member, city official, or presiding officer, as there is no exchange of dialogue during this portion of the meeting. Personally offensive, abusive, slanderous, or boisterous remarks will not be allowed. Mayor King opened the Public Session at 6:33PM. Ross Trippodo of North Judson Street stated that he has taken countless pictures/videos of alleged drug sales which occur in his neighborhood and forwarded them to the police department. He stated that the profanity at all hours is an everyday occurrence. He stated that he has received threats on social media for his comments related to drug sales and has had his tires slashed. He stated that his quality of life is not enjoyable. Jean Chain, Recreation Commission Member, advised the Council that a request was made to purchase a $1,600 popcorn machine with funds in their account, noting it would be utilized at their various functions throughout the year. Councilman Siarkowski made a Motion to allow the Recreation Commission to purchase the $1,600 popcorn machine; seconded by Councilwoman Wentworth. No one else chose to speak and Mayor King closed the Public Session at 6:37PM. 2
AUDIT ELLEN ANADIO Councilman-at-Large Robinson and Councilwoman Anadio performed the October 22, 2015 Audit covering the period of September 17, 2015 to October 22, 2015. The following was reported: A-General Fund $1,104,727.86 G-Sewer Fund $ 339,747.11 H-Capital Projects Fund $1,653,742.40 T&A Fund $ 533,607.10 TOTAL $3,631,824.47 Councilman Siarkowski made a Motion to approve the audit; seconded by Councilman Zarrelli. Carried 7 Ayes - 0 Nays COMMUNICATION FROM MAYOR & OTHER CITY OFFICIALS COUNCILMAN-AT-LARGE JAMES H. ROBINSON -Scheduling dates for Departmental Budget Reviews Councilman-at-Large Robinson asked Council Members to check availability to schedule departmental budget reviews. All were in agreement to schedule the first budget meeting for November 4 th at 6PM. -Scheduling Public Hearing to Review the Mayor s 2016 Preliminary Budget Councilman-at-Large Robinson asked for a Motion to schedule a Public Hearing for Tuesday, November 10 th at 6PM to review the Mayor s 2016 Preliminary Budget. Councilman Simonds made a Motion to schedule a Public Hearing on November 10 th to review the Mayor s 2016 Preliminary Budget; seconded by Councilman Zarrelli. CITY ASSESSOR JONI DENNIE -Appointment to Board of Assessment Review City Assessor Joni Dennie stated that there was a vacancy on the Board of Assessment Review. She advised Mayor King that Kathy Mussi has volunteered to fill the vacancy with a term expiring 09/30/20. Mayor King asked for a Motion to appoint Kathy Mussi to the Board of Assessment Review. Councilman-at-Large Robinson made a Motion to accept the Mayor s appointment of Kathy Mussi to the Board of Assessment Review; seconded by Councilman Simonds. -Paper Street on McKinley Place City Assessor Dennie stated that she had received a request from someone interested in purchasing the paper street on McKinley Place, noting it was located just past the former school starting half way on the block between McLaren and William Streets. She advised that she still needed to confirm with the DPW Director if there was any infrastructure under the paper street and asked the Council to consider selling the paper street for the assessed value of $1,000. Assessor Dennie noted she would provide information at the next meeting. Several Council Members expressed that they were in favor of selling the paper street if there was not a concern related to infrastructure. 3
DPW DIRECTOR KEVIN JONES -Demolition of Building at 211 North Main Street DPW Director Jones explained that no bids were received at the scheduled October 7 th Bid Opening for the demolition of the building at 211 North Main Street. He explained that many sets of the bid specs were picked up; however, timing of other projects for this year did not allow contractors to submit bids. He suggested putting the demolition project out to bid in the spring. -Millings Mayor King asked the DPW Director if the City ever sold millings from street paving projects. DPW Director Jones advised that the City utilizes the millings throughout the year to fill potholes. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 09/22/15 Regular Meeting 09/28/15 Special Meeting 10/13/15 Work Session Meeting Councilman Siarkowski made a Motion to approve the Council meeting minutes as a whole; seconded by Councilman-at-Large Robinson. LEGISLATION Intro LL-1 LOCAL LAW RE-ZONING REAL PROPERTY RECENTLY ANNEXED INTO THE CITY OF GLOVERSVILLE KNOWN AS STATE HIGHWAY 30A, NORTH SIDE, SBL 149.11-14-25 AND AMENDING THE ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF GLOVERSVILLE PURSUANT TO GLOVERSVILLE CITY CODE SECTIONS 300-5 AND 300-68 Motion made by Councilman Simonds; seconded by Councilwoman Anadio. Intro O-1 ORDINANCE MODIFYING GLOVERSVILLE CITY CODE TO INCLUDE A CHAPTER PERTAINING TO CAT RESCUE SANCTUARIES Discussion: Councilwoman Wentworth stated that she wanted to address a comment made regarding concern for the necessity of addressing the definition of kennel which was changed several years back. She stated that the Ordinances tonight address the situation of hoarding and the necessity of educating a person on how proper protocol concerning animal spay/neuter could protect a person from getting into an overwhelming situation. Councilwoman Wentworth made a Motion to set the rules aside to allow Michelle Lautman to speak; seconded by Councilwoman Anadio. Michelle Lautman asked if there was no limit to the number of animals a person could have what would make them get a permit and how it would prevent a person from hoarding. Councilwoman Wentworth explained that if someone was in possession of a large number of animals and were operating outside of the parameter of the legislation there would be the recourse to issue tickets. She noted the Ordinance states that a fee would be collected for the permit and suggested $10 in each of the three spaces. Councilwoman Wentworth made a Motion to set the rules back in place; seconded by Councilman Siarkowski. Councilwoman Wentworth made a Motion to amend the Resolution as written to add the fees of $10; seconded by Councilwoman Anadio. Motion made by Councilwoman Wentworth to vote on Ordinance as amended; seconded by Councilwoman Anadio. 4
Intro O-2 ORDINANCE MODIFYING GLOVERSVILLE CITY CODE SECTION 300-3 TO ADD A DEFINITION FOR CAT RESCUE SANCTUARY & MODIFYING THE DEFINITION OF KENNEL Motion made by Councilwoman Wentworth; seconded by Councilwoman Anadio. Intro R-1 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH THE REGIONAL ANIMAL SHELTER, INC. Motion made by Councilwoman Anadio; seconded by Councilwoman Wentworth. Intro R-2 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE COMMISSIONER OF FINANCE TO EXECUTE BUDGET MODIFICATIONS RELATED TO DPW ACCOUNTS Motion made by Councilman Siarkowski; seconded by Councilman Simonds. Intro R-3 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE COMMISSIONER OF FINANCE TO EXECUTE A BUDGET MODIFICATION RELATED TO AN INSURANCE CHECK FOR A DAMAGED LAMP POST Motion made by Councilman-at-Large Robinson; seconded by Councilwoman Anadio. Intro R-4 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH THE GLOVERSVILLE ENLARGED SCHOOL DISTRICT REGARDING POLICE PERSONNEL ATTENDANCE AT SCHOOL FUNCTIONS Motion made by Councilwoman Anadio; seconded by Councilman Simonds. Intro R-5 RESOLUTION TO SOLICIT SEALED BIDS TO HIRE AN INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR TO PERFORM SIDEWALK SNOW REMOVAL ON COUNTY OWNED PROPERTIES AND SNOW REMOVAL ABATEMENTS ON PROPERTIES CITED FOR VIOLATIONS Motion made by Councilwoman Anadio; seconded by Councilwoman Wentworth. MISCELLANEOUS Councilwoman Anadio thanked Fire Chief Groff and his entire department for addressing the fire on her street that occurred last night. ADJOURNMENT 6:51PM Councilman Siarkowski made a Motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:51PM; seconded by Councilman Zarrelli. Carried 7 Ayes - 0 Nays Susan Semione, City Clerk 5