VILLAGE OF CANASTOTA

MINUTES

August 7, 2023

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, Lori Torrey and Bill Haddad; Administrator Jeremy Ryan; Lenox Supervisor John Pinard; 2nd Assistant Fire Chief Markus Labarbera; Fireman Stephen Perry; Brian Karst; Eric Tucci, Greg Wright, Mike Bischoff and Alex Brown from GLAS; Joel Arsenault (7:11 p.m.); and Bruce Burke of PAC 99.

ABSENT:	None

Motion by Trustee Watkins, seconded by Trustee Torrey, approving the following budget amendments to accommodate the 2022-2023 Encumbrance Carryovers into the 2023-2024 budget: Increase 16204.01 (Village Hall) by $2,572.56; increase 31204.01 (Police Capital) by $1,247.00; increase 34102.01 (Fire Department Capital) by $11,207.46; increase 34104.01 (Fire Department Contractual) by $5,788.87; increase 51104.01 (Streets) by $58,037.02; increase 73104.01 (Recreation) by $181.68 for a total of $69,034.59 in the General Fund Budget; increase 81204.02 (Sewer Contractual) by $660.00; increase 81304.02 (WWTP Contractual) by $5,187.71 for a total of $5,847.71 in the Sewer fund Budget. Passed 5 to 0.

Motion by Trustee Gustin, seconded by Trustee Haddad, to approve the attached General Fund Abstract in the amount of $52,027.78. Passed 5 to 0.

Motion by Trustee Torrey, seconded by Trustee Haddad, to approve the attached Sewer Fund Abstract in the amount of $86,362.71. Passed 5 to 0.

Motion by Trustee Watkins, seconded by Trustee Gustin, to approve the attached Capital Projects Abstract in the amount of $325,165.21. Passed 5 to 0.

Public Comments.

None

Discussion regarding a request to put a time limit on parking on Center Street.

The Mayor advised the Board that Joel Arsenault is recommending 15 minute to 2 hour parking near the new pharmacy to help with parking for the public. Administrator Ryan noted that he believes that Mr. Arsenault is trying to keep the traffic moving in the area and prevent people from taking up too much time in the downtown area. Trustee Watkins asked how we would enforce this. The Board discussed how other communities enforce this and the difficulties that we could have. Trustee Watkins thinks that this is a good idea but how do we enforce this. The Board talked about where the proposed changes would apply and reaching out to other municipalities to see how they handle it. This discussion was postponed at 7:10 p.m.

Motion Trustee Haddad, seconded by Trustee Torrey, appointing Anthony Rapasadi to the position of Motor Equipment Operator with the Department of Public Works effective August 9, 2023, at a pay rate of $22.42 per hour (Step 3). Passed 5 to 0.

Motion by Trustee Gustin, seconded by Trustee Haddad, to authorize FirstLight Fiber, Inc. to remove unused fire department alarm box wire from utility poles in the Village to make room for Madison County's broadband internet project. (Note: FirstLight will return all copper wire to the Village for recycling.) Passed 5 to 0.

Motion by Trustee Watkins, seconded by Trustee Gustin, authorizing the Mayor to execute the attached Memorandum of Understanding between the Village of Canastota, Lincoln Fire District and Village of Wampsville regarding a joint application for a 2022 Assistance to Fire Fighters Grant for the purchase of SCBA equipment. Passed 5 to 0.

Motion by Trustee Gustin, seconded by Trustee Torrey, approving the attached Application for Refund or Credit of Real Property Taxes removing the $225,760.50 Unpaid Sewer Relevy from the 2023-2024 Village taxes levied against property located at 4 Rasbach Street bearing tax map no. 36.77-1-53. Passed 5 to 0.

Motion by Trustee Watkins, seconded by Trustee Haddad, to approve payments totaling $1,485.18 from the General Fund to MBI for health insurance debit card transactions from July 1, 2023 - July 31, 2023. Passed 5 to 0.

Motion by Trustee Watkins, seconded by Trustee Haddad, approving the following recreation events: Kickball Tourney 8/26/2023 Recreation Field (no cost to participate); Trunk-n-Treat 10/28/2023 Recreation Field (no cost to participate). (Note: other events are being planned and will be presented for approval when all details have been determined..) Passed 5 to 0.

Motion by Trustee Haddad, seconded by Trustee Torrey, accepting the attached Categorical Exclusion and Extraordinary Circumstances Review form regarding the proposed sewer separation project involving Commerce, South Canal, Center and State Streets and authorizing the Mayor to execute and submit the form to the EPA for approval. Discussion: The Mayor asked if everyone had the chance to read it and let her know if they have any information that will help the application. Passed 5 to 0.

Motion by Trustee Haddad, seconded by Trustee Torrey, approving a wire transfer sent to M&T Bank on August 1, 2023, in the amount of $3,727.42 from Sewer Fund Account No. 97107.02 (Interest on Debt Service) for interest owed on the EFC Phase 3 and 4 bonds. Passed 5 to 0.

7:15 Bid Opening - Tree Removal Bid 2023

-	Great Lakes Tree Service - $500 bid deposit $29,500 bid

-	Brian Karst Crane & Tree Service - $500 bid deposit, insurance, $20,225 bid

-	Walker Tree Care - $500 bid deposit, insurance, $26,520 bid

The bids will be reviewed and an award will be due at the next meeting.

Resume discussion regarding regarding a request to put a time limit on parking on Center Street 7:18 p.m.

Joel Arsenault addressed the Board regarding the condition of the street parking on Center Street and noted that the Health Center is having a problem with spaces for their patients. He also noted that there are businesses are taking 3-4 spaces each from 9 - 5. The pharmacy expects to have their license within the 4th quarter this year. They are looking for 15 minute parking near the intersection of Center Street and Peterboro Street. This will help the pharmacy and other businesses in the area. Trustee Haddad asked about the pharmacy hours. Joel Arsenault advised that they will be 9 - 6 Monday - Friday, 9 - 3 on Saturday and closed on Sunday. The Mayor advised Mr. Arsenault that we have had a discussion about how the parking limitations would be enforced. The Mayor discussed with Mr. Arsenault what the Board is concerned about with enforcement of the time limit for parking. Trustee Watkins explained the difficulty that police officers face when issuing a ticket for the 15 minute and 2 hour parking. Mr. Arsenault believes that if is in print, most people will abide by it. The Mayor asked Mr. Arsenault if he would distribute copies of the law to his tenants He acknowledged that his tenants are parking there and he has asked them not to do that, but believes that with the law in place, he will have better success with asking his tenants to move their vehicles. Mr. Arsenault's proposal is for Center Street. He asked for one more spot near 102-107 Center Street and he believes that moving the No Parking sign would not be a problem how because there is only one-way traffic. He stated that anything the Board could do to help the downtown businesses would be good for their businesses. The Mayor appreciates Mr. Arsenault's efforts to help bring a pharmacy in town. Trustee Haddad asked if we were to do it on a time basis during the day only would that be okay. Mr. Arsenault thinks that is fine and it might have good compliance. The businesses just need it from 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Motion by Trustee Haddad, seconded by Trustee Torrey, approving the attached Resolution consenting to the formation of an Ambulance District by the Town of Lenox within the corporate limits of the Village of Canastota. Discussion: Trustee Watkins asked Supervisor Pinard if the County is looking to fund ambulance services in the County and how much it is. Supervisor Pinard stated that the County assigned $147,700 coming from the County and the Finance Department was told to put it in the budget for 2024. GLAS requested $.16 per thousand for Town Outside. Trustee Watkins asked if in 2024 the money goes into the budget, would it affect the tax bill. Supervisor Pinard stated that the County will use the sales tax that it already has. Trustee Watkins asked if the County ask the Towns to repeal the tax if the County gives the money to the ambulance services. Trustee Watkins is concerned that GLAS will receive a 290% increase with all monies coming from the County and Town. Trustee Watkins asked if the law will be repealed in 2024. Supervisor Pinard noted that it will not even start until 2024. Trustee Watkins asked how private ambulance companies stay in business without tax money. Supervisor Pinard noted that AMR receives $200,000 a year from the Town of Sullivan and he noted that GLAS is one of only two (2) companies that gave a complete disclosure of its financial documents as part of the process. He noted that our community cannot survive without an ambulance. The Mayor asked Trustee Watkins if he attended any of the County meetings when they were establishing a County-run ambulance. The Mayor noted that the County took many providers/employees from the private agencies. Supervisor Pinard explained the County intention is to help support ambulance services in the County. Manpower is a problem and they are not getting volunteers and donations. Trustee Watkins noted that donations are actually up this year. Mike Bischoff noted that when the County started their ambulance service, they paid the providers/employees more money and the County was able to give State Retirement benefits to those providers/employees. That hurt the local ambulances and rates had to be raised in order to pay people more. They are working on collections and have hired a new collection attorney. Part of the problem is when people keep the insurance check instead of paying the bill to the ambulance company. Trustee Watkins and why we are proposing a district instead of just asking for the small increase. Mike Bischoff advised that it is for transparency so the taxpayer can see what the money is being used for. Trustee Haddad noted that the County has ambulances in Sullivan and in the southern part of the County. He asked what the County plan is to continue to add ambulances. Supervisor Pinard stated that they are treading lightly, but understand that there is a chance for ambulance failure not just in our area but throughout the country. Trustee Watkins asked about the two (2) ambulances in Sullivan. Trustee Haddad stated that his problem is that we are piling on - the County is piling on and might be putting small agencies out of business. The Town will not give the money back if the County gives more money. Supervisor Pinard noted that the tax district will provide a steady flow of money to the ambulance company. Trustee Watkins stated that his recommendation is that we deny this and continue to give our money through our budget. Mike Bischoff stated that they have worked very hard on the numbers that were presented to make sure they are accurate. Mr. Bischoff talked about all the time that he has put into the tax district. Trustee Haddad asked what happens if the Village denies this. Supervisor Pinard stated that the District would be the town outside and the Village of Wampsville. The Board talked about the Bill in front of the Governor now that will require insurance checks to be sent to the ambulance companies. The Mayor talked about the problems that ambulance companies have because Medicaid is the biggest insurance provider for their patients. She explained that what Medicaid pays is cents on the dollar from what was billed. Trustee Watkins is concerned about giving up control to the Town if we agree to the formation of the District. Supervisor Pinard noted that the Town works well with the Village. Erin Tucci introduced herself and noted that the rate will fluctuate based on what they need and they intend to calculate that need based on their need. She talked about their efforts for fundraising and getting volunteers. Mrs. Tucci also noted that they will not be doing fund drives in the future if their needs are being met. Trustee Haddad asked if the District is subject to its own tax cap.

1.

2.	Motion approving the attached Contract with the International Boxing Hall of Fame for publicity during fiscal year 2023-2024 and authorizing the Mayor to execute the same.

3.	Motion authorizing the Village Code Enforcement Officer to perform HUD Inspections on behalf of the Canastota Housing Authority pursuant to the attached request from the Code Enforcement Officer and to set the fee for said inspections at $35.00 each.

4.	Discussion regarding lighting project at the Spencer Street Park.

5.	Correspondence.

6.	Mayor's Comments.

7.	Administrator's Comments.

8.	Trustees Comments.

9.	Executive session regarding personnel.

Motion by Trustee Gustin, seconded by Trustee Watkins, to adjourn at 7:47 p.m. Passed 5 to 0.

Respectfully submitted,

Catherine E. Williams

Clerk/Treasurer