Regular meeting of the Otselic Town Board on August 8, 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: Acting Justice Henry Moore; Michael & Terry Foor-Pessin; Sarah Hite; Joshua Buell; Allison Miller
Minutes from the July 11, 2023 regular meeting were distributed. Motion by C. Bishop, Jr. and seconded by D. Fox to approve the minutes. CARRIED
J. Buell asked about the abandoned mobile home that has been on West Benson Road for almost two weeks.
Supv. Davis reported that she received a request from Chenango County Emergency Services for a letter of support for a certificate of need for county-wide emergency services. The current certificate was expiring and they are working towards a permanent certificate. Supv. Davis provided that letter. A hanging flower basket was donated to the Town by Milan Mahaney. Joshua Brown has begun building the handicapped ramp at the Town Hall. Since March 17, the interest earned on the CD has been $3,187.74.
A letter was received from Michael Foor-Pessin, Vice-Chair of the Otselic Valley Fishing & Heritage Association reviewing the history of the organization, their 14 years of Fishing Heritage Day and their additional programs for this year. M. Foor-Pessin will be on the agenda next month to discuss the invasive plant Japanese Knotweed and efforts to control it.
Councilwoman S. Allen reported that a dog found on Valley View Road was taken to Country Acres Animal Shelter.
Councilman J. Graham spoke about a recent post on social media implying that the Town Board could have prevented the South Otselic Store from closing. He felt that the Town could not have prevented this loss.
Councilman D. Fox also stated he was sorry for the loss of the local store but the Board could not prevent the closing of a local business.
Justice Henry Moore is the acting justice appointed to fill the vacancy created by Justice Kelly Moyer’s resignation. He would like to see the internet connection hard-wired to the court computer. The wi-fi is not secure and doesn’t work well. He also spoke in favor of the board budgeting for a court clerk. He stated that the amount of paperwork required has increased and a court clerk can be a bridge between the changes in justices. The clerk would be hired by the justice.
The South Otselic Water Advisory Committee will meet on August 16. They will be working on developing a new water district policy document. Quotes have been requested for a road to the water tower. Supv. Davis spoke with NBT Bank regarding the Bond Anticipation Note (BAN).
Councilman D. Fox reported that the Town of Georgetown collects scrap metal from its residents which pays for the costs involved in their yearly clean-up day.
The abandoned 12’ x 48’ mobile home on West Benson Road was originally left on County Road 16 and moved during the night. The home was moved from Beaver Meadow with no permits. Options for its removal were discussed. County Attorney Zachary Wentworth stated that the Town can remove and dispose of this mobile home any way they choose.
J. Buell was concerned about possible asbestos in the mobile home, dismantling in the road causing a mess, and asked if Chenango County would assist in moving it.
Motion by C. Bishop, Jr. and seconded by S. Allen to clean-up the abandoned mobile home on West Benson Road, at a reasonable cost, as soon as possible, either by the Town Highway Department, the County Highway Department or a private individual. CARRIED
Resolution #11-2023 Temporary Transfer of funds
Offered by J. Graham
WHEREAS, the anticipated funds from NYS (i.e. CHIPS and other highway funds) have not yet been received,
AND WHEREAS, NYS funds are not expected to arrive until late September or early October,
AND WHEREAS, the town highway operating fund does not have enough money to pay audited bills and payroll without a temporary boost from reserve funds,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that $80,000 from the CD maturing on August 17 be transferred to the operating account of the highway department. The balance of the CD shall remain in the highway reserve savings account.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that $80,000 be transferred back into the reserve account when state funds are received, not later than 12/31/2023.
Seconded by C. Bishop, Jr. and duly adopted.
Aye votes: 4, No vote 1 (D. Fox)
In the future, Councilman D. Fox would like to see a separate line in the budget for anticipated highway projects so these transfers are not necessary.
Councilwoman S. Allen would like to establish a Town Planning Board. Clerk Perry will post a request for interested individuals on the Clerk Facebook page.
M. Foor-Pessin stated that he was not saying the Town Board was directly responsible for the South Otselic Store closing. He would like to see the Board more pro-active in planning and bringing more businesses and residents to Town. He suggested the Town could initiate a group of citizens, including business owners, to meet regularly to work on ways to help them all to succeed.
Supv. Davis distributed her financial reports and a request for input on the 2024 budget as budget preparations will begin next month.
Bills read for approval
General Fund Abstract #074-088 $7,641.41
Highway Fund Abstract #069-073 $50,354.42
SOWD Fund Abstract #035-038 $221.74
Total $58,217.57
Motion by C. Bishop, Jr. and seconded by J. Graham to approve payment of these bills. CARRIED
Motion by J. Graham and seconded by S. Allen to adjourn the meeting. CARRIED 9:32 p.m.
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