VILLAGE OF CANASTOTA

MINUTES

February 5, 2024

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 Lori Torrey and Bill Haddad; Mark Taylor, Dr. Kerry Brown, Sarah Murdie, Aaron LeClair, Peggy LeClair, Zach Zoxtater (7:22 p.m.), and Bruce Burke of PAC 99.

ABSENT:	Trustee Jeff Watkins; Village Administrator Jeremy Ryan

Motion by Trustee Torrey, seconded by Trustee Gustin, to approve the attached minutes of the January 17, 2024 and September 6, 2023 meetings. Passed 4 to 0.

Motion by Trustee Haddad, seconded by Trustee Gustin, approving a loan in the amount of $5,790.50 from the General Fund to the Capital Projects Fund for engineering expenses incurred in the LWRP I Project. Passed 4 to 0.

Motion by Trustee Haddad, seconded by Trustee Torrey, to approve the attached General Fund Abstract in the amount of $85,365.69. Passed 4 to 0.

Motion by Trustee Torrey, seconded by Trustee Haddad, to approve the attached Sewer Fund Abstract in the amount of $39,160.20. Passed 4 to 0.

Motion by Trustee Haddad, seconded by Trustee Gustin, to approve the attached Capital Fund Abstract in the amount of $5,790.50. Passed 4 to 0.

Public Comments.

Sarah Murdie and Dr. Kerry Brown approached the Board representing Wanderer's Rest Humane Association. They thanked the Board for coming to take the tour and thanked Trustees Haddad and Torrey for suggesting that they talk to the owner of the property at Knuckle Down Holdings. Mrs. Murdie advised that the building is not available as the owner has already started a new business. The lot behind the building is, however, for sale. Mrs. Murdie stated that his is the first lot in the Business Park and the perfect lot for them. She did note that there is a wet area at one corner of the property and advised that it will also require a use variance. There was a question about whether or not the lot was actually in the park - the Mayor confirmed that it is. Dr. Brown noted that he thinks that this is the perfect lot for them. The Mayor asked if a use variance would work. Clerk/Treasurer Williams stated that it would likely not because they could not meet the requirements for a use variance. Trustee Haddad asked if a purchase offer exists that is contingent on the zone change. The Board talked about the process to change the zoning to allow this use in the Business Park. The Board also talked about the other properties in the park that might benefit from a change in the zoning for community purposes. Trustee Torrey stated that she would be in favor of a zone change given the intended use of the property. The Board discussed the current use of the property, the assessment and tax information. The Board also discussed the language in the purchase offer regarding contingent approval. The Mayor advised Mrs. Murdie and Dr. Brown that we would need a letter of intent tomorrow and then explained the process of how a local law and use variance would work.

Motion by Trustee Haddad, seconded by Trustee Torrey, to approve payments totaling $1,874.27 from the General Fund to MBI for health insurance debit card transactions from January 1, 2024 - January 31, 2024. Passed 4 to 0.

Motion by Trustee Gustin, seconded by Trustee Haddad, approving a 10-week extension of the Senior Bowling Program at no cost to the Village. Discussion: The Mayor thanked Supervisor Pinard today for supporting the senior bowling program. Passed 4 to 0.

Motion by Trustee Haddad, seconded by Trustee Torrey, to declare the 2003 Dodge Durango (VIN 603122) as surplus and of no further use to the Village and authorize it to be sold as scrap. Passed 4 to 0.

Motion by Trustee Gustin, seconded by Trustee Haddad, to declare the 2004 Dodge Durango (VIN 219598) as surplus and of no further use to the Village and authorize it to be sold as scrap. Passed 4 to 0.

Motion by Trustee Haddad, seconded by Trustee Torrey, to accept the terms contained in the attached Engagement Letter and Agreement from Hancock Estabrook dated January 25, 2024, regarding the Canastota Police Benevolent Association, Inc. 2024 contract negotiations and to authorize the Mayor to execute same. Passed 4 to 0.

Motion by Trustee Gustin, seconded by Trustee Haddad, authorizing Recreation Leader Cherie Bealer to apply for a NYS Canal System Tourism Infrastructure & Event Grant to help support a first-time event called "Cana-I-stota" being planned by the Recreation Commission. Passed 4 to 0.

Motion by Trustee Haddad, seconded by Trustee Torrey, approving a wire transfer in the amount of $32,006.91 sent to M&T Bank from the Sewer Fund on February 1, 2024, as follows: $30,000 from 97106.02 (Debt Service) and $2,006.91 from 97107.02 (Interest on Debt Service) for principal and interest owed on the 2004 EFC Phase 3 and 4 Bonds. Passed 4 to 0.

Motion by Trustee Gustin, seconded by Trustee Haddad, to approve the winning bid for the 1979 Ford/Darley fire truck in the amount of $3,800.00 from JFB55. Passed 4 to 0.

Correspondence.

-	Letter of resignation from Douglas Scott Blanchard from his position as a Town representative to the Recreation Commission.

-	Letter from Newrez c/o PHH Mortgage Services regarding 142 Canal Street advising that they will not be moving forward with foreclosure.

Mayor's Comments.

The Mayor referenced Administrator Ryan's report. She advised that the draft of the LWRP has been received and is being renewed.

Mayor Warner let the Board know that Chief Barton went to a call and saved a child from choking. She would like us to do a commendation for Chief.

The Mayor talked about the $4.5 million for the New York Forward Grant that the Village won which was announced today. The Mayor talked about some of the projects that were included in the application, both public and private.

Mayor Warner noted that Supervisor Pinard spoke with the Oneida Indian Nation recently regarding a potential road from Peterboro Street to Main Street and the sign that the Village would like to put on the Nation property. The Mayor talked about what the Village will need to do as part of the requirements of the New York Forward Grant. The would like to see all of the projects completed within the next three (3) years.

Mayor Warner wished Officer Dailey good luck in her new role as PBA president.

Mayor Warner asked Aaron LeClair if he had an update on the pharmacy. Mr. LeClair stated that the pharmacy is supposed to open on April 1. He talked about the progress that the pharmacy has made toward opening.

Trustees Comments.

None

Motion by Trustee Gustin, seconded by Trustee Haddad, to adjourn at 7:33 p.m. Passed 4 to 0.

Respectfully submitted,

Catherine E. Williams

Clerk/Treasurer