Village Board

Village Board Meeting Minutes February 8, 2022 Present: Mayor Lee, Trustees Zabelny, Fowler, Speer, Farrell Village Manager/Clerk Shari Wilson Pearce DPW Superintendent Jeff Pearce Asst DPW Superintendent Chad McManus Code Enforcement Officer Mark Mazzucco Deputy Clerk Amy Harter Absent: Treasurer Maryalice Edwards Guests: Cody Kelly Mayor Lee called the Village Board meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a moment of silence. The meeting was held in the Board Room and on Zoom. Public Hearing Mayor Lee opened the public hearing: opened at 6 p.m. The public hearing is to consider adopting a new section of the Real Property Tax Law, Section 466-k, which will provide a tax exemption on real property owned by members of volunteer fire companies or voluntary ambulance services. Trustee Speer explained about there are about 80 members, two-thirds of department are life members including fire police. Public comments: No comments were made from the public. Mayor Lee closed the public hearing at 6:07 p.m. Resolution to approve the Real Property Tax Law, Section 466-k, which will provide a tax exemption on real property owned by members of volunteer fire companies or voluntary ambulance services. Motion made by Mayor Lee, seconded by Trustee Fowler. Carried unanimously, 5-0. 1  Discussion Vending machine proposal: At the February 1st Board Meeting, the location of the machine was in the main hallway on the north wall. However, it was agreed the machine will be placed on the east wall next to the water fountain. The Wi-fi guest connection will work there, the machine can produce its own Wi-fi signal if needed. A lease and proof of liability insurance coverage will be required. The Village Office will have a key to the machine. Cody Kelly explained an automatic refund is given in the event of a problem with a product. He will begin to operate at the end of February. The machine will not operate during fundraisers inside the community center, such as Apple Fest and the Flea Market. The flat rent is $50 per month. Mayor Lee does not agree with the rent as it is too high, he recommends $25 per month. Resolution to enter into a contract through May 31st with Monroe Patio and Landscape at the agreed upon location at the Community Center at $50/month. Seconded by Trustee Zabelny. 4-1, Mayor Lee opposed, due to the cost. He stated he would prefer lower monthly fee. Bucket truck: It has been determined that a purchase of a truck is necessary, the DPW has borrowed Hamlin’s truck several times for tree trimming, etc. There was a truck available for purchase, after closer inspection, Nick Mucci determined it had mechanical issues. Shari explained the DPW equipment reserve fund is $450,000. She recommends spending up to $40,000 for a used vehicle. Resolution to authorize the DPW Superintendent to expend up to $40,000 DPW to be taken from the DPW equipment reserve fund to purchase a used bucket truck at the Superintendents discretion. This is to allow the Superintendent to purchase a vehicle from auction or as the opportunity arises; vehicles are difficult to find at this time. Motion made by Trustee Fowler, seconded by Trustee Farrell. Carried unanimously, 5-0. Cedar Terrace Pipe: There was an emergency repair of a sewer pipe on February 4th. Jeff Pearce hired Fineline Construction. This was the same pipe that failed eight years ago. Resolution to expend $9100 to Fineline Construction for an emergency repair at Cedar Terrace on February 4, 2022. Motion to approved made by Trustee Zabelny, seconded by Trustee Speer. Carried unanimously, 5-0. Lodge: Jeff reported there was a water leak in roof the of the Jennejahn Lodge, it is not an active leak. MRB Group designed the building addition, Jeff will work with them to determine the necessary repairs. Flags: Jeff will be replacing flags and poles at the Veterans Memorial; this will be placed in the upcoming budget. Donations from the Rotary Club and Lion’s Club will be sought. 2  Adjournment There being no further business, Trustee Speer made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:45 p.m. seconded by Trustee Zabelny. Carried unanimously, 5-0. Respectfully Submitted, Amy Harter, Deputy Clerk 3 Real Property Tax § 466-k. Volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance workers; certain county. 1. Real property owned by an enrolled member of an incorporated volunteer fire company, fire department or incorporated voluntary ambulance service or such enrolled member and spouse residing in any count y having a population of more than seven hundred thirty-five thousand and less than seven hundred fifty thousand inhabitants, based upon and recorded by the two thousand ten federal census, shall be exempt from taxation to the extent of ten percent of the assessed value of such property for city, village, town, part town, special district, school district, fire district or county purposes, exclusive of special assessments, provided that the governing body of a city, village, town, school district, fire district or county, after a public hearing, adopts a local law, ordinance or resolution providing therefor. 2. Such exemption shall not be granted to an enrolled member of an incorporated volunteer fire company, fire department or incorporated voluntary ambulance service residing in such county unless: (a) the applicant resides in the city, town or village which is served by such incorporated volunteer fire company or fire department or incorporated voluntary ambulance service; (b) the property is the primary residence of the applicant; (c) the property is used exclusively for residential purposes; provided however, that in the event any portion of such property is not used exclusively for the applicant' s residence but is used for other purposes, such portion shall be subject to taxation and the remaining portion only shall be entitled to the exemption provided by this section; and (d) the applicant has been certified by the authority having jurisdiction for the incorporated volunteer fire company or fire department as an enrolled member of such incorporated volunteer fire company or fire department for at least two years or the applicant has been certified by the authority having jurisdiction for the incorporated voluntary ambulance service as an enrolled member of such incorporated voluntary ambulance service for at least two years. It shall be the duty and responsibility of the municipality, school district and/or fire district which adopts a local law, ordinance or resolution pursuant to this section to determine the procedure for certification. 3. Any enrolled member of an incorporated volunteer fire company, fire department or incorporated voluntary ambulance service who accrues more than twenty years of active service and is so certified by the authority having jurisdiction for the incorporated volunteer fire company, fire department or incorporated voluntary ambulance service, shall be granted the ten percent exemption as authorized by this section for the remainder of his or her life as long as his or her primary residence is located within such county provided that the governing body of a city, village, town, school district, fire district or county, after a public hearing, adopts a local law, ordinance or resolution providing therefor. 4. Application for such exemption shall be filed with the assessor or other agency, department or office designated by the municipality, school district and/or fire district 4 offering such exemption on or before the taxable status date on a form as prescribed by the commissioner. 5. No applicant who is a volunteer firefighter or volunteer ambulance worker who by reason of such status is receiving any benefit under the provisions of this article on the effective date of this section shall suffer any diminution of such benefit because of the provisions of this section. 5