TOWN OF ASHLAND

12094 State Route 23

Ashland, New York 12407

February 13, 2023

Town Board Meeting

Attendance

Supervisor Richard E Tompkins

Councilperson James Lawrence

Councilperson Jeff Gonzalez 

Councilperson Cathi Aplin

Councilperson Scott Tuttle

Superintendent of Highways Larry Tompkins

 

3] Supervisor Tompkins opened the meeting with the pledge to the flag at 7:30PM 

1] Supervisor Tompkins asked for a motion to open the Public Hearing for the Amendment to the 1988 Setback Law # 2 of 2023.

A motion made by Councilperson Cathi Aplin seconded by Councilperson Jeff Gonzalez, to open the Public Hearing at 7:31PM, with all in favor.  

TOWN OF ASHLAND NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO ENACT A LOCAL LAW AMENDING THE TOWN STRUCTURE ORDINANCE OF 1988   NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Town Board of the Town of Ashland, Greene County, New York shall hold a Public Hearing at a Regular Meeting, thereof held on the 13th day of February 2023 at 7:30 pm, for the purpose of accepting public comment on the enactment of a local law which amends the Town Structure Law relating to setbacks of structures.  Copies of the proposed law is available at the Town Clerk’s Office.

Dawn Thorp, Town Clerk 

Town of Ashland

Dated: January 30, 2023

The Supervisor explained we needed to change some of the wording to clarify the amendment to the 1988 Setback. The Board reviewed the changes to the Setback. The people in attendance asked a few questions. 

2]Supervisor Tompkins asked for a motion to close the Public Hearing. 

A motion to close the Public Hearing was made by Councilperson James Lawrence, seconded by Councilperson Jeff Gonzalez at 7:36PM, with all in favor. 

5] Comments from the Floor: Barbara Cooke asked what the guidelines were for the use of the building. Supervisor told her we are addressing that tonight, Item # 14 on the agenda. Clerk gave her a copy of agenda. 

Councilperson Tuttle arrived at 7:37PM. 

Travis Castle gave the board his report, copies of the report and answered questions. 

7] Residency Affidavit for Jessica Krom: the board reviewed the forms; Dawn had a copy of her previous Affidavit from the same residence. 

A motion to approve Jessica Krom Residency was made by Councilperson James Lawrence, seconded by Councilperson Cathi Aplin, motion; Adopted:  Aye 5 Gonzalez, Lawrence, Tompkins, Aplin, Tuttle, Lawrence- Nay 0

6] Residency Affidavit Leiha Gaschel, no one knew this person, A motion made by Councilperson James Lawrence, seconded By Councilperson Cathi Aplin pending Dawn research this person, make sure of her residency- before confirming the resident, motion; Adopted:  Aye 5 Gonzalez, Lawrence, Tompkins, Aplin, Tuttle, Lawrence- Nay 0 

Setback Law #2- of 2023: 

A motion made by Councilperson James Lawrence, to adopt the changes to the wording of Section 3. of the setback, seconded by Councilperson Cathi Aplin, motion; Adopted:  Aye 5 Gonzalez, Lawrence, Tompkins, Aplin, Tuttle, Lawrence- Nay 0

8] Garzone- Updated and revision for Air Conditioning:

The Supervisor met with Garone, the amount has increased approximately $6800.from last year’s estimate, he advised the board, this will go out to bid.  After questions and discussion, 

A motion made By Councilperson James Lawrence, seconded by Councilperson Cathi Aplin to go out to bid for A/C 

9] Lamont Engineers- Proposal- Ashland Ambulance District- they are working on a physical definition and formation of Ambulance District. Each Town will need to do this, Windham has done this, Prattsville and Lexington will need to do this, they need a legal definition of the Ambulance district-The hold up is finding each town, the corporate districts definition to satisfy the Department of Health. 

A motion to go ahead with this made by Councilperson James Lawrence, seconded by Cathi Aplin, motion was; Adopted: 5 Aplin, Tuttle, Lawrence, Tompkins Gonzalez- Nay 0

10] Update on Water District extension:

11] Property Inventory by Nancy Bower: Looking at properties with additions and out buildings added with no building permits – The Supervisor has spoken with Nancy regarding the property check, she felt it was important as it will generate the proper assessments, it could run in the million-dollar figure.  The board members asked a few questions and the cost- Nancy had thought Heather could her with the data entry for her, if she is available. The Supervisor said he will speak to Nancy again and get more details and figures. For this project. 

12] Solar Moratorium Discussion:  The board is looking at the solar options of other town solar laws. They discussed residential solar vs solar fields. We need to finish our Solar law in place as the 6 months is up March 13th. We may have to have a special meeting before the deadline. Councilman Tuttle asked if there can be a notice for the responders that solar on the houses, for safety be included, the board agreed, the supervisor stated we may have to have a special meeting to adopt this. 

A motion to move forward with changes made by Councilperson James Lawrence, seconded by Councilperson Aplin, motion, 

Adopted: 5 Tompkins, Gonzalez, Aplin Lawrence, Tuttle, Nay 0  

13] Seasonal Help: Board discussed 2-3 days a week- will work on getting help.

14] Building and Park Fees- The Supervisor discussed the option of use of the Town hall, the amounts have been set up anyone wishing to use the Town Hall. A refundable fee of $200.00 will be collected, a refund will be returned if they clean and it inspected upon use of the building. To rent the facility, and kitchen additional amount of $100.00 the application is available at the town hall. The Park rental will be the same-applications for use of the Pavilion are at the town hall. 

The Park rental of Pavilion carry in and out what you bring. The reservation price will be $50.00. for the Pavilion. 

A motion made by Councilperson Jeff Gonzalez, seconded by Councilperson Cathi Aplin to set the fees for the town hall and park,

Adopted: 5 Tompkins, Gonzalez, Aplin Lawrence, Tuttle, Nay 0 

21]Bob Myers building Inspection services: The Supervisor asked the board to consider approval of the voucher he has done a great job updating building permits – records that need to be completed and building code violations. A motion made By Councilperson Jeff Gonzalez, seconded by Councilperson James Lawrence to approve the voucher, motion; Adopted: 5 Tompkins, Gonzalez, Aplin Lawrence, Tuttle, Nay 0 

15] Town Board Resolution # 10: Senior Citizen & Disability Exemptions Nancy Bower gave then her information, on this, the Board reviewed it. 

A Motion made by Councilperson Cathi Aplin, seconded by Councilman Scott Tuttle to approve the resolution - motion was;

Adopted: 5 Aplin, Tuttle, Lawrence, Tompkins Gonzalez- Nay 0

16] Outdated PCR files:  Dawn checked with Tal, he suggested 10 years- even though, LGS-1 states 6 years. Dawn suggested to the board, keep them all at this time- until we have the records room and can sort and removed items, for destruction with the form.

A motion to keep the files at this time, made by, Councilperson Cathi Aplin, seconded by Councilman James Lawrence, Adopted: 5 Tompkins, Gonzalez, Aplin Lawrence, Tuttle, Nay 0  

17] Gravel Bank Road Bridge: Brendon of Lamont he said there is zero funding available at this time. Owner ship of the bridge is a factor. With Carver there it is a good thing.  We need to consider options sooner rather than later, maybe we should meet with Brendon. 

18] Ambulance Fees Collected: Each board Member reviewed and signed.

19] Town Clerk’s January 2023 Report:  A motion made by Councilperson Cathi Aplin, seconded by Councilperson Jeff Gonzalez to authorize the Supervisor to sign the report.   Adopted: 5 Tompkins, Gonzalez, Aplin Lawrence, Tuttle, Nay 0  

20]  Catskill Watershed Corp.- Board of Directors Election Ballet: Read for Information

22] Summer Help:  The board discussed 2-3 days a week with the they will look for people willing to work. 

 

Payment of Bills:

A motion made by Councilperson James Lawrence, seconded By Councilperson Cathi Aplin to pay the bills as written, motion; Adopted:  Aye 5 Gonzalez, Lawrence, Tompkins, Aplin, Tuttle, Lawrence- Nay 0

General Fund Warrant #2 35 Claims $15,920.46

Highway Fund Warrant #2 10 Claims $ 4,320.00

Water District Warrant #2 2 Claim      $ 1,015.15

Street Lights Warrant #2 2 Claims        $ 280.07

WWTP Warrant # 2 17 Claims $19,692.30 

CBDG Account Warrant #2 1 Claim   $69,194.57    

 

A Motion to close made By Councilperson Cathi Aplin, seconded by Councilperson Jeff Gonzalez, to close at 8:48PM Motion carried.

____________________________

Dawn Thorp, Town Clerk

Dated: February 13, 2022