VILLAGE OF CANASTOTA

MINUTES

September 19, 2022

Mayor Warner called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

PRESENT:	Mayor Rosanne Warner, Deputy Mayor Doug Gustin and Trustees Jeffrey Watkins and Bill Haddad; Village Administrator Ryan; Code Enforcement Officer Adsit; DPW Foreman Doug Holdridge; Fire Chief Lyle Chafee; Asst. Fire Chief Mike Barker; Village Historian David Sadler; Police Chief Sean Barton; Officers William Preuss, Kevin Forney and Zachary Bitz; Police Clerk Patti Lyman; Victoria Preuss, Bernadette White, William J. Preuss, II, Nancy Hanly, Marilyn Preuss, Keri Barton, Sylas Barton, Nick Hluska, Gracie Durant, Irelynn Barton; Residents Gerald and Susan Halloran; and Bruce Burke Code Enforcement Officer PAC 99.

ABSENT:	Trustee Lori Torrey

Swearing in of Chief Sean Barton. Clerk/Treasurer Williams administered the Oath of Office to Police Chief Sean Barton. Mayor Warner thanked Chief's family and the police officers for coming to show their support tonight.

Motion by Trustee Watkins, seconded by Trustee Haddad, to approve the following budget modifications: Decrease 34104.01.73 by $300.00 (Note: this is to accommodate an encumbrance carryover that has been canceled.) Passed 4 to 0.

Motion by Trustee Gustin, seconded by Trustee Watkins, to approve the attached General Fund Abstract in the amount of $91,630.46. Passed 4 to 0.

Motion by Trustee Haddad, seconded by Trustee Watkins, to approve the attached Sewer Fund Abstract in the amount of $25,965.17. Passed 4 to 0.

Discussion regarding Industrial/Business Park zoning.

Administrator Ryan advised the Board that he has been having conversations with the Village Attorney regarding a business that is interested in purchasing a parcel in the Business Park. They want to purchase a parcel from a third company and two (2) from the Village. The assessed value is approximately $15,600.00. The company is offering a flat $100,000.00. The discussion on the sale of the lots will continue in Executive Session. Administrator Ryan noted that there needs to be some changes in zoning so that the purchaser can store some of their equipment outdoors which is not allowed currently. We will need to decide if we want to allow it with a Special Use Permit or change the zoning for the whole park. The Mayor noted that we received a letter of support from CNC in favor of making a change in zoning in the Business Park to accommodate Clark Equipment. The Mayor read the letter out loud. She advised that there was a conversation with the Village Attorney last week. He is still recommending that we go with a site plan and a Special Use Permit and take it up more in detail when we do a comprehensive plan. Trustee Haddad asked if we did the survey. Administrator Ryan advised that we did not yet. Trustee Gustin suggested that we move forward if we get the survey results before the next meeting adding that we can look at it and move on it sooner than later. Trustee Gustin recognizes that progress has been made over the years. Trustee Watkins believes that it should be a change to the zoning not a Special Use Permit. The Mayor noted that with a Special Use Permit we will have more control and the site plan and Special Use Permit would both go to the Planning Board. She advised that the attorney is recommending site plan. Trustee Haddad asked if any of the violations on CEO Adsit's list are in the Park. CEO Adsit stated that there are not. Trustee Haddad asked if there are violations today that we have not addressed and we are not allowing the new use but not violating current owners. CEO Adsit advised that they have addressed the outside storage violations with Prime Materials and he has also contacted other businesses about their storage and is working with them. Trustee Haddad would rather see an all-encompassing plan so everyone knows what it is. He does not think retail sales is the right move, but will leave it up to the survey. Mayor Warner noted that no matter which way we go, it will all require a change to the zoning which is a local law and we will have to go through the process. The Mayor also noted that by using a special use permit, we can control what is in there. If we just allow it, anything will be able to be stored outside. The Village Attorney will write it however we ask him to write it. The Board talked about how the special use permit process would work. CEO Adsit noted that the trailer place bought a parcel on Route 5 from the County auction after he was not allowed retail in his location. The Board discussed retail sales in the Park and Special Uses in the Park. Clerk/Treasurer Williams talked about some of the advantages of Special Use Permits. Trustee Gustin would like Special Use Permits now and review this after the Comprehensive Plan change. Trustee Haddad suggested doing the zone change now and then look at it further after the Comprehensive Plan change. The Mayor will ask the attorney to change it based on zoning.

Public Comments.

Gerald Halloran spoke to the board about the problems with Queensboro Farm Products for the last six (6) months. Mr. Halloran stated that when he went out this morning at 8:00 a.m. he immediately got a headache. He asked what the DEC and Health Department have said. Mayor Warner advised that the DEC and health Department reached out to us and we reached out to our operators and Queensboro Farm Products. They are trying to find the source and they have tried different chemicals. Sometimes it is worse than others. The Mayor stated that they cannot figure it out. Mr. Halloran stated that nine (9) times out of (10), he can smell it on his morning walk. Mrs. Halloran stated that it has been a bad summer for them. Mr. Halloran asked if it is the treatment plant that is the problem. The Mayor believes that it is the pit at Queensboro. Mr. Halloran asked if it is an airborne issue or water issue. The Mayor noted that when we got heavy rain it flooded the pipe out and that found solids at the headworks. The Mayor believes that because we have had a dry season, there is nothing flushing the waste water. Mr. Halloran asked if Queensboro pre-treats. The Mayor does not believe that they do. CEO Adsit spoke to what he has observed. He noted that our plant operator does not believe that the chemicals are working. Mr. Halloran asked what the chemicals are and if they are safe. Mayor Warner stated that there is no pre-treatment by Queensboro and they pay a lot of money to put the waste in the system. She further advised that they carry most of the cost of operating the plant. Mr. Halloran thought that the pit that was build 30 years ago was pre-
treatment. CEO Adsit stated that Queensboro has to help break down the pit. Mr. Halloran does not understand what was different this year. The Mayor stated again that the dry summer with no raid has not helped flush everything through the pipes. She also noted how much solids were in the pump stations after the rain. The Mayor talked about what has been done to try to figure out where it is coming from. Mr. Halloran asked if Queensboro Farm Products needs to try to flush the lines more often. Mayor Warner talked about her conversation with Timothy O'Hara who explained based on a picture that these are fat balls that get caught in the pipes. Mayor Warner, CEO Adsit and the Board talked with Mr. and Mrs. Halloran the problems that they have had with the overflows in the Hallorans' yard where the manhole would pop open during heavy rain. The Mayor advised that the DPW will take a look at their property after the work on the catch basins to get ready for paving. Mrs. Halloran expressed concern about her neighbors barking dogs and explained the problems that they have been having with the dogs barking and what happened when they called the dog warden and the 911 center. Chief Barton spoke with the Hallorans about what to do if it happens again. Trustee Haddad asked if we have put Queensboro on notice because of the smell. Mayor Warner advised that we have done that. The Board talked about what was done so far and what we can do. Trustee Watkins wants us to cite Queensboro if it is a code violation then we should fine them and follow up on it until we figure it out. Trustee Haddad asked if this is a DEC thing because of the SPEDES permit, or not. Mr. Halloran noted that he has spoken with someone at the DEC about this. He discussed with the Board the conversations that he had with DEC and will get back to the Mayor with the contact information. The Mayor will call her after Mr. Halloran provides the information and the Mayor will also follow up with our engineer and pre-treatment specialist. Trustee Watkins stated that if it is a codes violation, we need to hit them on the codes.

Nancy Hanly asked who to speak to about a speed limit sign on Chapel Street. She noted that there has never been one there and she is concerned about the speeding and the safety of the children at the pool and playground and the crossing guard. Administrator Ryan noted that we are taking a look at it. The Mayor asked the Chief about children at play signs and speed limit signs. Chief Barton will move the electronic sign after he is done with it.

Department Heads.

Chief Barton noted that they are trying to catch up without Officer Preuss and trying to catch up on his cases. The Mayor noted that they need more officers and that we are working on it. The Mayor received the PD monthly report.

Fire Chief Chafee noted that they have been extremely busy. The guys are holding up pretty well and doing the best that they can do. He noted that they have been working on the pole barn and will be ready for the upcoming festival. The Mayor asked if they needed help with anything for the festival. Chief Chafee noted that the guys have been working hard to get ready - working at the pole barn and answering the calls. He believes that we are the busiest fire department in the county and noted that they cover the Thruway from Oneida County to Onondaga County. Mayor Warner asked 1st Assistant Chief Barker for an update on the truck. Chief Barker gave an update on the status of the new truck. The Mayor asked if they have put anything on the chassis yet. Chief Barker advised that they have not. Chief Chafee noted that this have been a very difficult build. The Mayor reminded them of the late clause in the contract and asked for updated information from Darley that can be submitted to FEMA. Chief Barker asked the Mayor if we have received anything form FEMA regarding the air packs. The Mayor has not received anything yet - no rejection letter yet so we are still in the running.

Village Historian David Sadler advised the Board that the Old Phoebe historical marker will be here in early 2023. David noted that the next marker will be applied for in November and is on the great fire of 1873. He talked about the location of the fire and talked about other historical sites in the Village that could be eligible for a marker. The Board thanked David for all he is doing.

DPW Foreman Doug Holdridge noted that they have been working on structures and trying to prioritize everything. They have 28 structures to finish by the time paving begins - only 9 structures are left to do. They have prepared the sidewalks for the stump grinding and he talked about some of the problems that they had. They started closing the pool. They have cold patch and will begin fixing pot holds soon. Doug stated that only the dump truck is left to be picked up from the auction. The DPW will be doing a sewer tie-in on Friday - it was moved back because the building is not ready. The DPW will then work on the sidewalks and try to get them done before winter. They have 4-5 more signs to put up on Center Street before the change over. Mayor Warner advised that she met with DPW Foreman Holdridge last week and she talked about the things that they talked about. Foreman Holdridge talked to the board about some of the changes that he is making to the fueling system. CEO Adsit noted that every department has their own assigned numbers. The Mayor noted that they need some signs and are working with the County to help us with some signs. The County does not print their own signs. The Mayor noted that the City of Oneida may still have a sign department. She will reach out to the City and see if we can do an Agreement with them. Mayor Warner asked DPW Foreman Holdridge about the ADA bathroom at the Rec Field. Foreman Holdridge advised that they looked into what was needed and took an inventory of what we had. They believe that it can be done within the next week. Jack Niles is working on this as he has a background in these kinds of repairs. Administrator Ryan asked if Foreman Holdridge talked with Little League about the supplies from Northern Nurseries. Foreman Holdridge spoke with Todd Znuj and they will get to it as soon as they can. The Board discussed with Foreman Holdridge the dump trailers that we have and the condition of the trailer that was used to remove the concrete from the sidewalks. The Mayor advised that we had some quote on the SCADA system at the headworks. They believed that it would be about $50,000 - $60,000 to replace the system. Mark Maxwell found something that might work for about $5,600.00. Administrator Ryan explained what the SCADA system is. He talked about the system that Mark Maxwell found that is lower tech that sends a message when the pumps don't respond - we won't know what the problem is but we will know that there is a problem. The Board talked about whether this was budgeted. Administrator Ryan advised that we have a similar system at the pump station but not at the headworks. Administrator Ryan will get some more quotes before the next meeting and will come back to the Board.

The Mayor advised that former DPW Foreman Tornatore had a list of all of the catch basins in the Village that they found. The Mayor advised that the City of Sherrill would be willing to bring their truck down to help us clean out our catch basins. Chief Chafee noted that the County sweeper will do the same thing.

The Mayor talked with MEO Morency about the sewer camera that we have and explained the problem with it in a full pipe. It works well in a small pipe. The Mayor talked about her conversation with engineer Timothy O'Hara about the need to have a company come in and camera our pipes to find leaks. The cost could be similar to have the work done as it would be to purchase a camera ourselves. The Mayor believes that we could find the problems better ourselves because we know the area. Trustee Gustin talked about the cost structure of having the work done. The Mayor talked about what the company would do when they put their camera in the pipe and found a problem in the pipe. Village Historian Sadler noted that the no name creek is Crystal Creek.

CEO Adsit noted that he has sited many properties for junk and they came in to court last week - they are from State Street and they are due back in court next month. The problems are on Mechanic Street now and the property owners in the area are calling complaining. The Board spoke with CEO Adsit about what is being done on Mechanic Street and spoke with Chief Barton about what is happening with the landlord on the two (2) properties affected.

Motion by Trustee Haddad, seconded by Trustee Watkins, to accept the resignation of Nichole Boston as Recreation Leader effective December 31, 2022. Discussion: Trustee Haddad commented that this is a shame and the Board agreed. Passed 4 to 0.

Motion by Trustee Watkins, seconded by Trustee Haddad, approving the attached modified Use, General Release and Indemnification Agreement between the Village of Canastota and Event Catering, Inc., and authorizing the Mayor to execute the same. Discussion: Trustee Haddad is still opposed to the new Agreement - not the event but the business deal that we are entering into with a for-profit business on Village property. He believes that we have all of the risks and is afraid that we will not be made whole on the cost of the event. Trustee Haddad is not against the event, he just believes that e need more protection on the event. Passed 3 - 1. Trustee Haddad opposed.

Discussion regarding elevator repair.

Administrator Ryan has been in constant discussions with companies regarding elevator repairs and the cost thereof. He received an updated quote from the TK Elevator and they came in at $34,900 - it was the lowest quote that we had. TK is asking for 50% up front and 50% upon beginning the work. Clerk/Treasurer Williams has reached out to them about this problem and we are hoping that we can work it out. The Board discussed authorizing the Mayor to sign the contract at $34,999 to get the elevator repaired.

Motion by Trustee Haddad, seconded by Trustee Watkins, to authorize the Mayor to execute a contract with the elevator repair company that is properly quoted up to $34,999.99, as long as it follows the procurement laws of the State of New York and the Village of Canastota. Passed 4 to 0.

Motion by Trustee Watkins, seconded by Trustee Gustin, approving the attached request of Anthony Palamara to confirm the membership of Michael Labarbera into the Canastota Volunteer Fire Company. (Note: a copy of his driver's license has been received.) Passed 4 to 0.

Motion by Trustee Watkins, seconded by Trustee Haddad, to appoint Jacob J. LaBarre, as a part-time police officer effective September 19, 2022. (Note: Jacob is a Phase II Candidate enrolled in the Academy currently being held in Cicero, New York.) Passed 4 to 0.

Correspondence.

The Board discussed the request of the Rec Board for a group rate for Dye Dash.

Motion by Trustee Watkins, seconded by Trustee Gustin, to approve a group rate of $15 per person for Dye Dash. Passed 4 to 0.

The Board is in favor of the pumpkin decorating contest.

Motion by Trustee Haddad, seconded by Trustee Gustin, to allow the Fall in Love Boys' Night Out at Theodore's Restaurant on November 20, 2022, from 5 - 8 at a cost of $10 per person. Discussion: Trustee Gustin advised that Rec is talking about doing a Girls' Night Out in the spring. Passed 4 to 0.

Administrator's Comments.

Administrator Ryan reported that the cooling tower repairs are complete. The Police Department and Court do not have cool air, but a technician is coming on Wednesday to check on that. Administrator Ryan met with the County Director of Technology about IT support for the Village. He is meeting with other companies this week. We are losing our IT service and we are trying to be proactive. Administrator Ryan reported that Linda Mohorter, a crossing guard, has resigned. Administrator Ryan will get out an ad. He also reported that the Oneida Indian Nation is building a cannabis factory in Verona and he believes that it is reasonable to expect that we could see a dispensary here in Canastota.

Mayor's Comments.

The Mayor has nothing more this evening.

Trustees Comments.

No further Trustee comments this evening.

Motion by Trustee Gustin, seconded by Trustee Haddad, Executive session at 8:55 p.m. regarding contract negotiations, legal matters and personnel matters. Passed 4 to 0.

Motion by Trustee Gustin, seconded by Trustee Haddad, to exit executive session at 10:29 p.m. Passed 4 to 0.

Motion by Trustee Watkins, seconded by Trustee Gustin, to adjourn the meeting at 10:29 p.m. Passed 4 to 0.

Respectfully submitted,

Catherine E. Williams

Clerk/Treasurer