A meeting of the Village Board of Trustees was held on February 19, 2014 at the American Legion, Tivoli Commons, NY. Mayor Cranna called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
Present: Mayor Cranna, Deputy Mayor Griffith, Trustee Ezrati, Trustee Bruno, Trustee Schneider, Attorney Christine Chale and Steven Roberts of PANDA.
Public: Peter Walsh, Leslie Hill, David Cleaveland.
The Mayor asked all present to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
On a motion by Deputy Mayor Griffith, seconded by Trustee Bruno, the rules were suspended so that the public could address the Board on agenda items only. A discussion of the possibility of overriding the tax cap took place and the increase in expenses for the village to operate. On a motion by Trustee Bruno and seconded by Deputy Mayor Griffith, the Board returned to regular business.
The Clerk’s report included:
- Sale of 498 trash tags
- Two payrolls
Mayor Cranna presented the minutes of the special meeting for January 15, 2014. On a motion by Deputy Mayor Griffith, seconded by Trustee Bruno, the minutes were approved, all in favor.
Trustee Bruno announced that the American Legion will host a roast beef dinner this Saturday. Commander Mabie may be contacted for more information. April 5 is the Easter Egg Hunt with a rain date of April 12 at Memorial Park if weather permits. Games, refreshments, and a visit from the Easter Bunny.
On a motion by Deputy Mayor Griffith, seconded by Trustee Schneider, the Treasurer’s Report for Abstract 9, dated February 19, 2014, in the amount of $55,668.61 was approved. Trustee Schneider moved that the bills be paid as presented and Trustee Ezrati seconded the motion, all in favor. The Treasurer’s Report is posted on the Village’s website each month.
Zoning Report – Trustee Ezrati
- A couple of building permits were issued
- A sign permit also for a total of $100
- There are open permits for the renovation of a kitchen and one for insulation
- Two inspections for electric
- Total fees of $100 collected
Trustee Ezrati and Deputy Mayor Griffith met with ZEO Bob Fennell and Building Inspector Steve Cole and Town Supervisor Sue Crane.
They spoke about the conditions of the scope of the shared services agreement:
- Paid $15,000 per year
- Review of how they are doing
- Make Supervisor Crane aware of any issues
- Improve communication
- SCA software is used for monthly reporting and events that were attended to
- Ensure that village code is being followed
- Targeting specific violations seems to be more effective
- Discussion of zoning laws that are currently being reviewed
- Review by the officers for enforcement is recommended
- Discussed codes that will be enforced in the future including unlicensed vehicles on properties
- Will meet twice a year
- Zoning complaint form will be developed
- Intermunicipal agreement in place since 2009
- Better communication by meeting more often
On a motion by Trustee Ezrati and seconded by Trustee Schneider, Resolution 1-2014, dated February 19, 2014, ESTABLISIHING A DATE FOR A PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING THE ADOPTION BY THE VILLAGE BOARD OF THE VILLAGE OF TIVOLI LOCaL LAW NO. 1 (PROPOSED) OF 2014, A LOCAL LAW TO OVERRIDE THE TAX LEVY LIMIT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2014-2015 was approved. Roll call: Griffith: aye, Ezrati: aye, Bruno: aye, Schneider: aye.
Village Election Day is Tuesday, March 18 from 12:00pm to 9:00 pm at the Tivoli Firehouse. Trustee Griffith and Trustee Schneider are running unopposed as trustees for a two year term.
Mayor Cranna added a reminder that there is no parking on village streets from 1:00 am to 6:00am from November 15 to April 1. Cars parked during that time will be given tickets by the Dutchess County Sheriff. Parking permits to park in the Village’s municipal parking lots are available at the Clerk’s Office for $25.00. Deputy Mayor Griffith added that even if a permit is obtained, cars still need to be moved for snow removal in lots. Additional information is available on the Village’s web page.
Mayor Cranna disclosed there were three water main breaks in the past month. The water tower drained due to one severe break. The village was without water for a few hours which is a concern for potential fires. The water tower draining is a rare situation. The Board is looking at the Dutchess County Water/ Wastewater Authority or a private firm to take over the aging water/ sewer system. Funding is available and will not interfere with the Village’s ability to obtain CDBG grant funds.
The Mayor encouraged residents to send their email address to mayor@tivoliny.org with “update” in the subject line to be added to the email alert system to be notified for things such as water main breaks.
Mayor Cranna and Deputy Mayor Griffith attended a meeting at Bard College with county and state officials as well as Bard personnel to discussion the recent accident at Route 9G and Broadway and the issues regarding safety after the recent deaths of two Bard students walking along the corridor of 9G near the intersection. Deputy Mayor Griffith emphasized that demographics have changed and the college has grown, there are vehicles traveling at high speeds and no shoulders on the road. Local people are aware of this – students may not be. He urged all to be careful. All entities will continue to meet to improve safety and awareness.
The next regular meeting will take place on March 19, 2014 at 7:00pm at the Historic Watts dePeyster Hall. The workshop will be held at 6:00pm before the meeting. There will be a workshop on March 12, 2014 at the American Legion at 6:00pm.
Trustee Reports:
Deputy Mayor Griffith
- Three Water Main Breaks
- 1/3 – near monument
- 1/6 – Feroe and Broadway
- 1/7 – 87 Broadway
- Well Report
- New motor installed at 2PW well
- Community Garden
- Aging water system doesn’t like cold weather
- Eight plots left
- February 1, 2014 is the deadline to submit your name for a plot
- Email tivolicommunitygarden@gmail to express interest in a plot or ask questions
- $30 fee for fencing and maintenance
- Raised beds for this year
- Consider sharing a plot
- Must be a Tivoli resident, but not necessarily a property owner
Trustee Ezrati
- LOSAP
- Time to receive the number of points for members of the Fire Dept for Service Award
- Royal Bank of Canada had a good December with an overall return of 11% for last year
- Thanked fire department for their work with the recent calls they have attended
Trustee Bruno
- Thanked fire department also
- Breakfast at the Mason’s – the first Sunday of each month
- Easter Egg Hunt – April 5
- Summer Camp at Rec Park will be held again this year
- Library has lots of programs that are ideal for indoors in the cold weather
Trustee Schneider
- Attended a Shared Services Study Committee Meeting with Mayor Cranna and other committee members and met with the consultant to:
- Reviewed contract paperwork
- Clarified the scope of the work and expectations for both sides
- Meeting in March to review purposes and sign contracts
- Work on study will then begin – are there services that can be shared?
- Webpage will be available for public to follow along with the project
- Completed study will be done is in 2015
- Small hometown feeling will be maintained
- $79, 000 grant total
- Boards will have final approval
- Court Report – no activity this month due to bad weather
Public comments centered on the Loop bus, sidewalk shoveling, overnight street parking, tickets issued, zoning officer hours, trash, and skateboard ramp in the park.
The Mayor asked the meeting be adjourned in memory of Evelina Brown and Sarah McClausland, the Bard students who lost their lives on February 1.
On a motion by Deputy Mayor Griffith, and seconded by Trustee Schneider, the meeting was adjourned at 7:51 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Gonnella
Village Clerk & Treasurer