TOWN OF ASHLAND

12094 State Route 23

Ashland, New York 12407

June 12, 2023

Town Board Meeting

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Attendance

Supervisor Richard E Tompkins

Councilperson Cathi Aplin

Councilperson James Lawrence

Councilperson Scott Tuttle

Councilperson Jeff Gonzalez

Highway Superintendent Larry Tompkins

Town Clerk: Dawn Thorp

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In attendance: Bob Myers Code Enforcement, Darren Elsom Kaaterskill Assoc., Emily & Robert Wagner, Christian Denniston Kaaterskill Associates, Eddie Warren of Magda Lane.

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6]Supervisor Tompkins opened the meeting with the pledge to the flag at 7:30 pm.

Mr.& Mrs. Wagner were asking questions of Darren from Kaaterskill Associates prior to the Public Hearing, they reviewed the plans and location of water and septic.

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1]Public Hearing: MDA Properties, LLC Variance for proposed Septic and Well:

Supervisor Tompkins asked for a Motion to open the Public Hearing;

A motion was made by Councilperson Cathi Aplin, seconded by Councilperson James Lawrence to open the public hearing at 7:45pm, all in favor.

The board discussed the blue prints and property lines with Darren the Engineer, the elevation and footage of the property, distance of leaching and ledges above, after a discussion with all parties;

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2]A motion to Close the Public Hearing on MDA Properties at 7:52PM made by Councilperson James Lawrence, seconded by Councilperson Cathi Aplin, all in favor.

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3] Public Hearing on Solar Energy Systems Proposed Law: The Supervisor asked for a motion to open the public hearing on Solar.

A motion to open the Public Hearing on Solar at 7:53 PM was made by Councilperson James Lawrence, seconded by Councilperson Jeff Gonzales, all in favor.

Supervisor Tompkins asked if anyone had questions or needed to know anything regarding the proposed Solar Law. The Code Enforcement Officer Bob Myers had a few questions concerning refurbishing property, if the panels are shut down, and a Reclamation Bond. There was a discussion on the need of this Law, the fact that the state is pushing for solar which may not be a bad thing, and taxpayers could have fields of solar next to their property line, this is something we are trying to help keep in line with this law.

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4]A motion to close the public hearing at 8:10pm made by Councilperson Jeff Gonzalez, seconded by Councilperson James Lawrence all in favor

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5]Supervisor Tompkins asked for a motion to open the regular meeting:

A motion made at 08:11PM by Councilperson James Lawrence, seconded By Councilperson Scott Tuttle to open the regular meeting.

A motion to approve the variance of MDA Properties made by Councilperson James Lawrence, seconded by Councilperson Cathi Aplin motion;

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

A motion to approve the Solar Law - made by Jeff Gonzalez, seconded by Councilperson James Lawrence, motion; Adopted: Aye 5 Tompkins-Lawrence- Aplin-Tuttle- Gonzalez Nay 0

 

8]Ryan Bulle Proposed Variance for a subdivision:

Christian Denniston of Kaaterskill Associates had the engineering plans for a proposed subdivision, of Ryan Landscapes. There is a little over 40 feet between the storage units and office building, which they want to separate, and it leaves 20 feet with the division of the property. They would like the board to consider the variance of 20 feet. The two parcels would have separate entrances, Ryan would like to add an easement so both properties can use either entrance. The board asked for a location of the septic and well to be included on the plans. The supervisor asked the board to set a public Hearing.

A motion to set a Public Hearing on July 10th, 2023 at 7:30pm before the regular meeting was made by Councilperson James Lawrence, seconded by Councilman Jeff Gonzalez, motion was;

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

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7] Comments from the floor:

Eddie Warren representing Mr. Brimbery came to bring the forms from 50% of the 13 taxpayers on Magda Lane. He gave the documents to the Town Clerk. He and the board discussed the issues of access in case of emergency to the houses on the road. The Supervisor explained how the special district will work.

9] Insurance: The Supervisor wanted the Board to know with the change of Insurance companies which saves us a sizable amount, we may have to consider putting the people getting 1099-misc. to payroll, and W/2’s. We are still working on this with the CPA’s office and the Town Attorney

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10] 3,000-gallon tank in a tub: RTE has a tank at what was Wes’s Garage, there are people interested in purchasing it. If the board is interested, RTE will give the Town first refusal. The Highway garage needs a tank, this tank is set up, wired with a pump, ready to go

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11] CBDG Grant: May meeting they had asked to increase the $50,000. limit with grant proposals. For a project that will be higher. We did not receive information on the project – Councilperson Cathi Aplin suggested we ask for more information regarding their request before a decision is made. Dawn contacted Antonia and asked for information on the amount and details of the proposal. After discussion:

A motion to approve the increase was made by Councilperson James Lawrence, seconded by Councilperson Jeff Gonzalez.

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

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12] Nancy Bower- Property Inventory Proposal. Board has it to review, will set up a meeting with Nancy to discuss this further.

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13]Ordinance regarding Specification for Town Roads and Streets in the Town of Ashland:

The ordinance needs updating with the base going from bank run to item 4 and the pitch. The board reviewed.

A motion to set a Public Hearing for specification of town roads on July 10, 2023 at 7:30PM after the variance, made By Councilperson Jeff Gonzalez, seconded by Councilperson James Lawrence.

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

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14] General Fund Resolution # 5 Balance Accounts: A motion made by Cathi Aplin, Seconded by Councilperson Scott Tuttle to authorize this resolution motion;

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

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15] Town Board Resolution # 19: Unappropriated fund to balance accounts in General Fund, increase revenues in Appropriated fund Balance, increase appropriation account.

A motion made by Councilperson James Lawrence, seconded by Councilperson Jeff Gonzalez, to authorize this resolution, motion Adopted: Aye 5 Tompkins-Lawrence- Aplin-Tuttle- Gonzalez Nay 0

 

 

The supervisor asked the board to correct by a motion on payroll for Tom Mattice, he was quoted $17.00 an hour for pay, but it was set paid $16.00 an hour.

A motion made By Councilperson James Lawrence, seconded by Councilperson Scott Tuttle to retroactively pay Tom Mattice $17.00 motion;

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

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16]Greene County Highway: Speed limit on county route 63. The County sent a letter to investigation of County Route 63 between State Route 23 and County Route 10 if we agree, by resolution.

A motion to investigate the speed limit and do the resolution made By Councilperson James Lawrence, seconded by Councilperson Cathi Aplin, motion.

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

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17]ARPA Fund Expenditure Attestation: Read by the board for information.

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18] WWTP- Change Order for Jet Ports: A motion to approve change order of Jet Ports made by Councilperson Scott Tuttle, seconded By Councilperson Cathi Aplin motion,

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

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19] Application for Ambulance: Melissa Krom has applied for the Ambulance she is an EMT. Application was reviewed.

A motion to hire Melissa Krom was made by Councilperson James Lawrence, seconded by Councilperson Scott Tuttle, motion; Adopted: Aye 5 Tompkins-Lawrence- Aplin-Tuttle- Gonzalez Nay 0

20] Town Clerk’s May Report: After review, A motion made by Councilperson James Lawrence, seconded by Councilperson Cathi Aplin to authorize the Supervisor to sign the report, motion

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

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21]Ambulance Fees Collected: The board reviewed and signed the report.

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22]Records Room Update: No one has gotten back to the Supervisor for the project.

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23]Tax Collection Report was given to each Board member for review.

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24]Municipal Shelter Inspection Report: Mr. Feml’s inspection was Satisfactory -Read & reviewed by the board.

Water Inspections: The Supervisor talked with Henry, with the Board’s agreement Henry will cover the Water inspections.

A motion to approve was made by Councilperson Scott Tuttle, seconded by Jeff Gonzalez, motion

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

Bills: A motion to pay bills as written was made by Councilperson James Lawrence, seconded By Councilperson Cathi Aplin motion

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

General Fun Warrant #6 62 Claims: $76,921.22

Highway Fund Warrant# 6 13 Claims: $4,344.01

Streetlight Warrant #6 1 Claim: $123.39

Water District Warrant # 6 6 Claims: $1407.32

WWTP Warrant # 6 16Claims: $25,969.26

A motion to go into Executive session regarding personnel at 9:05PM made by Councilperson Cathi Aplin, seconded by Councilperson Scott Tuttle, all in favor.

A motion to return to the board meeting and close at 9:38PM made by Councilperson Cathi Aplin, seconded by Councilperson Scott Tuttle, all in favor.

 

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Dawn Thorp, Town Clerk

Dated June 12, 2023