Regular meeting of the Otselic Town Board on February 14, 2023, 7:00 p.m., Town Hall, South Otselic, New York
Present: Marjorie Davis, Supervisor; Sadie Allen, Charles Bishop, Jr., Jay Graham, Town Council; Louise Perry, Town Clerk
Absent: Darryl Fox, Town Council
Also present: Michael Sheridan, Town Historian; Calvin and Sarah Hite; Joshua Buell; Keegan Coughlin, Town Attorney
Minutes from the Regular and Organizational Meeting of January 10, 2023 were distributed. Motion by C. Bishop, Jr. and seconded by S. Allen to approve the minutes. CARRIED
Historian Michael Sheridan expects expenses of around $50. for advertising and refreshments for the July 8, 2023 Historical Celebration. The Smyrna Citizens’ Band will be performing with their cost covered by the Otselic Valley Fishing & Heritage Association.
The Public Hearing was opened at 7:10 p.m. to discuss Proposed Local Law #1-2023 Subdivision Regulations. Chenango County Department of Planning and Development sent an opinion that they recommend disapproval the adoption of this law with several comments. Attorney Coughlin received these comments that day and was not able to address them with the County Planning Department. Attorney Coughlin recommends that the Town have a licensed Code Enforcement Officer. There was also a discussion about the need for a comprehensive plan. C. Hite spoke in favor of the Town developing a comprehensive plan. A survey of residents would be the first step in developing the plan.
The following changes were made:
Section 301. Minor Subdivision Whenever the application for the subdivision of land, the Town Code Enforcement Officer may, upon review of such map and plan submitted by the subdivider, administratively approve the split of a parcel of land into two parcels, provided such parcels of land shall comply with the Lot Dimension Requirements contained herein.
Section 404. H. Step VIII Ordinance Administrator will be changed to Code Enforcement Officer
The hearing was closed at 7:45 p.m.
The SEQR review form was completed during this meeting. Motion by C. Bishop, Jr. and seconded by S. Allen to issue a negative declaration for the purposes of SEQR related to these subdivision regulations. CARRIED Aye votes: M. Davis, S. Allen, C. Bishop, Jr.; No vote: J. Graham; Absent: D. Fox
Because this Local Law was subject to comments from the County Planning Department, it requires a super majority of 4 Aye votes to be adopted. Motion by C. Bishop, Jr. and seconded by J. Graham to table any decision on this proposed law at this time. CARRIED
Supv. Davis presented the list of 12 Town of Otselic properties that are subject to a county tax sale for unpaid taxes. The 4th quarter sales tax was received for $34,329.46.
Clerk Perry announced that the Town website is now online: townofotselic.org. Heather Cristofaro and Terry Foor-Pessin have been involved in getting this project done. It is a work-in-progress with more information to be added.
Resolution #1-23 Standard Work Day and Reporting Resolution for Elected and Appointed Officials Offered by C. Bishop, Jr.-
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town of Otselic, 30811, hereby establishes the following standard work days for these titles and will report the officials to the New York State and Local Retirement based on their record of activities:
Name Title Current Term Standard Pay Frequency Work Day
Steven Forrest Hwy. Supt. 1/1/22-12/31/23 8 bi-weekly
Louise Perry Town Clerk 1/1/22-12/31/23 6 bi-weekly
Keith White SOWD Supt. 1/1/23-12/31/23 6 bi-weekly
Christopher Freeman Code 1/1/23-12/31/23 6 quarterly
Enforcement Officer
Joshua Kisner Dog Control 1/1/23-12/31/23 6 quarterly
Officer
Seconded by J. Graham and duly adopted.
Motion by S. Allen and seconded by J. Graham to approve the request from the Otselic Valley Fishing and Heritage Association to use the Town Hall and Town Park for Fishing Heritage Day on May 20, 2023. CARRIED
The Request for Qualifications from engineering firms for the SOWD project was advertised in the Evening Sun for 5 days last week. There has been no response yet. A meeting of the Town Board and SOWD Advisory Committee was scheduled for March 7, 2023, 7:00 p.m., to interview applicants.
The Town Clerk and SOWD Collector books were audited by the Board. Motion by J. Graham and seconded by S. Allen to approve the audit of these books. CARRIED
Motion by S. Allen and seconded by C. Bishop, Jr. to re-appoint Patricia Dutton to the Board of Assessment Review, term to expire Sept. 30, 2027. CARRIED
Requests for emailed documents instead of faxing are becoming more common but the Town Hall doesn’t have a scanning capability. Motion by C. Bishop, Jr. and seconded by J. Graham to purchase a black & white laser all-in-one printer at a cost of no more than $350.00 to be installed by Edward Lawton for $80.00. CARRIED
Motion by J. Graham and seconded by C. Bishop, Jr. to grant permission for Supv. Davis to pay the health insurance premium bill when it comes each month so there will be no gap in coverage for the highway employees. CARRIED
Motion by C. Bishop, Jr. and seconded by J. Graham to authorize Supr. Davis to transfer some savings account funds to short term CDs or Money Market Accounts, whichever she deems most beneficial. CARRIED
Supv. Davis distributed her financial reports.
Bills read for approval:
General Fund Abstract #010-021 $4,848.52
Highway Fund Abstract #003-009 $9,058.38
SOWD Fund Abstract #005-009 $547.68
Total $14,454.58
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 9:05 p.m.
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