Regular meeting of the Otselic Town Board on July 11, 2023, 7:00 p.m., Town Hall, South Otselic, New York
Present: Marjorie Davis, Supervisor; Sadie Allen, Charles Bishop, Jr., Darryl Fox and Jay Graham, Town Council; Louise Perry, Town Clerk
Also present: Christopher Freeman, Code Enforcement Officer; Michael Foor-Pessin; Calvin & Sarah Hite
Motion by C. Bishop, Jr. and seconded by S. Allen to approve the minutes of the June 13, 2023 meeting with the correction that the next South Otselic Water District Advisory Committee will be held on July 12, 2023, not July 21. CARRIED
D. Fox questioned the wording of the Bond Resolution regarding the Town’s ultimate responsibility for the principal and interest of the bonds. Supv. Davis will discuss this with the attorney handling the legal matters related to the project.
S. Allen had a conversation with a councilman from Homer who stressed the importance of planning and zoning.
M. Foor-Pessin gave thanks to the board for their support of the historical marker event held on July 8, 2023, to D. Fox for his assistance with the marker placement and to Historian Michael Sheridan. He stated that Assemblyman Joseph Angelino was very interested in the history of the area and helped picking up after the ceremony. M. Foor-Pessin still thinks a planning board and development plan are necessary for the Town’s future.
Supv. Davis also expressed thanks to Historian Michael Sheridan, D. Fox, the Fishing Heritage group and anyone else involved in the program for the historical marker placement. She enjoyed the Smyrna Citizens Band concert.
J. Graham also commented about how well the historical marker dedication event turned out.
D. Fox questioned Supv. Davis about her progress with the AUD reports.
Code Enforcement Officer C. Freeman reported that he issued a stop-work order on County Road 16 that has been resolved, is working on 3 septic applications and addressing people living in camping trailers. He met with Acting Justice Henry Moore who will review our Town laws and give his opinion regarding enforcement.
Motion by C. Bishop, Jr. and seconded by S. Allen to sign a contract with Country Acres Animal Shelter of Homer, NY for dog services until the Town finds someone to fill the Dog Control position. The Town will pay $125. for each adult dog that is sheltered and $60/hour for any services provided that result in traveling or substitute dog control work. S. Allen will be the contact person for urgent dog issues to contact the shelter when necessary. CARRIED
S. Allen spoke about an issue with dogs that are an issue for children on the playground at school.
The Town Board made a few changes to the EDU (Equivalent Dwelling Unit) list prepared by the SOWD Advisory Committee. Charges were established for the Town of Otselic properties, vacant houses were changed from 1 EDU to .5 and utilities from .5 EDU to 1 EDU. Motion by D. Fox and seconded by C. Bishop, Jr. to approve the EDU assignments as modified. Future adjustments are possible due to property changes. CARRIED
Motion by D. Fox and seconded by S. Allen to determine that a full EDU will be charged $80/quarter beginning with the January 2024 billing. CARRIED
Jack Dodson suggested that the process applying for a short term note of $650,000. be started. The water project money will be held in a separate town account and it was decided that Supv. Davis and Councilman D. Fox would be the two signatures on checks. Expenses for a road to the water tower and the purchase of land for the second well were not included in the project plans.
The equalization rate for the Town of Otselic has dropped again. It is now 34.34. The Board plans on re-visiting the re-valuation discussion next month.
The Board discussed the excavator and trailer requested by the Highway Superintendent. They tabled a decision until Hwy. Supt. S. Forrest could be present.
J. Graham would like to re-visit the Right-to-Farm Law.
C. Hite stated that charging the fire department for the upcoming water project could increase the fire department taxes. He asked if the expenses related to dog control could be charged on the taxes of dog owners. He is also concerned about the safety of ATVs on public highways.
Supv. Davis presented her financial reports. She reported that she submitted the 2016 AUD to the NYS Comptroller’s Office but there was a problem with the transmission so it was submitted again.
Bills read for approval:
General Fund Abstract #062-073 $3,354.42
Highway Fund Abstract #053-#059 $22,242.02
SOWD Fund Abstract #030-034 $1,842.37
Total $27,438.81
Motion by C. Bishop, Jr. and seconded by J. Graham to approve payment of these bills. CARRIED
Motion by J. Graham and seconded by C. Bishop, Jr. to adjourn the meeting. CARRIED 9:27 p.m.
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