Massena Town Council

Town Board Minutes December 20, 2023 MINUTES Massena Town Board Meeting & Public Hearing Date/Time: Wednesday, December 20, 2023 @ 3:30 PM Location: Massena Town Hall This meeting was Live Streamed on Zoom. ATTENDANCE: MEMBERS PRESENT ABSENT Supervisor Susan Bellor X Council Member Francis Carvel X Council Member Patrick Facteau X Council Member Adrian Taraska X Council Member Debra Willer X ALSO PRESENT: Jeannine B. Miller Town Clerk, Brenda Mossow Secretary/Bookkeeper, Dylan Casselman Airport and Highway Supervisor, Eric Gustafson Town Attorney, Sean Lynch Deputy Town Clerk Austyn Allen IT, Members of the Press, Members of the Public, Don Meissner, Fishing, Linda McQuinn, Grant Writer, Jason Hendricks, H3 Designs, Krista Briggs, Library, Brittany Rushlow, Jason Rushlow, and Ray Lancto. The meeting was called to order at 3:30 PM. The Supervisor led the Pledge of Allegiance. Public Hearing: At 3:30 PM, Council Member Facteau made a motion seconded by Council Member Willer to open the Public Hearing to pass a Local Law to extend the Moratorium on Cryptocurrency Mining in the Town of Massena. This will go from December 31, 2023, through April 30, 2024. There were no comments from the public, and a motion was made by Council Member Facteau and seconded by Council Member Willer to close the Public Hearing at 3:31 PM. Announcements/Notifications: The supervisor accepted the resignation of Lori Ralston, Library Aide, for the Massena Public Library, and thanked her for her time and service. The supervisor accepted the resignation of Karen Johnston, Part-Time Deputy Town Clerk, and thanked her for her time and service. Supervisor Bellor stated that the Town is looking for volunteers on other boards serving the Massena town community. Presentations/Discussions: Supervisor Bellor recognized Vern Brand, the retiring Town Assessor for his continued services to the community of the Town of Massena, Town Council Members, Francis Carvel, and Deb Willer for their contributions made to the community by serving the Town of Massena as Town Council Members. Bruce Green gave an overview of the services offered by the County Real Property Service Agency. He described what makes up the chargebacks that are seen on the tax bills. Bruce encouraged everyone to explore the Real Property section of the St. Lawrence County government website. P a g e 1 | 10 Town Board Minutes December 20, 2023 Resolution 211 - 2023 Approving the minutes from November 15, 2023 Motion by: Taraska Vote: Second by: Facteau Aye Nay Abstain Absent Susan Bellor X Francis Carvel X Patrick Facteau X Adrian Taraska X Debra Willer X Motion is Carried. Resolution 212 - 2023 Approval from the Town Board to pass a Local law to Extend the Moratorium on Cryptocurrency Mining in the Town of Massena from December 31st, 2023 – April 30th, 2024 Motion by: Willer Vote: Second by: Facteau Aye Nay Abstain Absent Susan Bellor X Francis Carvel X Patrick Facteau X Adrian Taraska X Debra Willer X Motion is Carried. Resolution 213 - 2023 Approval of the Town Board to set the January 2024 Organizational Meeting for January 3rd, 2024 Motion by: Facteau Vote: Second by: Taraska Aye Nay Abstain Absent Susan Bellor X Francis Carvel X Patrick Facteau X Adrian Taraska X Debra Willer X Motion is Carried. Resolution 214 - 2023 Approval from the Town Board to approve the Grant Disbursement Agreement with the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) for the construction of a Storage Facility in the amount of $50,000. Motion by: Francis Vote: Second by: Willer Aye Nay Abstain Absent Susan Bellor X Francis Carvel X Patrick Facteau X Adrian Taraska X Debra Willer X Motion is Carried. P a g e 2 | 10 Town Board Minutes December 20, 2023 Resolution 215 - 2023 Approval from the Town Board to advertise for a Part-time Library Aide Motion by: Willer Vote: Second by: Francis Aye Nay Abstain Absent Susan Bellor X Francis Carvel X Patrick Facteau X Adrian Taraska X Debra Willer X Motion is Carried. Resolution 216 - 2023 Approval from the Town Board for the Supervisor to sign the Host Agreement between MLFLW, LLC for the Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Tournament to be held on July 07th, 2024 Motion by: Taraska Vote: Second by: Willer Aye Nay Abstain Absent Susan Bellor X Francis Carvel X Patrick Facteau X Adrian Taraska X Debra Willer X Motion is Carried. Resolution 217 - 2023 Approval from the Town Board for the Supervisor to sign the Host Agreement with MLFLW, LLC a Delaware limited liability company, hereinafter referred to as “Company” for the Toyota series qualifying Event held August 22nd-24th, 2024, and the Abu Garcia College Fishing Qualifying Event held on August 25th, 2024. Motion by: Facteau Vote: Second by: Taraska Aye Nay Abstain Absent Susan Bellor X Francis Carvel X Patrick Facteau X Adrian Taraska X Debra Willer X Motion is Carried. Resolution 218 - 2023 Approval from the Town Board for the Supervisor to sign the Host Agreement with MLFLW, LLC with the “Company” for certain advertising rights in connection with Bass Pro Tour Stage #7 of (the “Tournament”) taking place August 6th-11th, 2024. Motion by: Willer Vote: Second by: Taraska Aye Nay Abstain Absent Susan Bellor X Francis Carvel X Patrick Facteau X Adrian Taraska X Debra Willer X Motion is Carried. P a g e 3 | 10 Town Board Minutes December 20, 2023 Resolution 219 - 2023 Approval from the Town Board for the Supervisor to sign the Cashion Rods Tour (CRT) of Cashion Customs Lures & Rods agreement6. This agreement is applied to the 2024 CRT Northern Opens, September 7th, 2024. The duration of this agreement is from January 1st, 2023, through December 31st, 2024. Motion by: Taraska Vote: Second by: Facteau Aye Nay Abstain Absent Susan Bellor X Francis Carvel X Patrick Facteau X Adrian Taraska X Debra Willer X Motion is Carried. Resolution# 220 - 2023 Approval of the Town Board to approve the Blanket Resolution for the reappointment of the following committees and boards: Gary Gushlaw – Joint Recreation; Patty Ryan – Library; Rene Hart – Massena Electric; Randy Peets – Museum; Roger Bennett – Zoning; and James Shaw – Massena Electric Board Chair. Motion by: Facteau Vote: Second by: Carvel Aye Nay Abstain Absent Susan Bellor X Francis Carvel X Patrick Facteau X Adrian Taraska X Debra Willer X Motion is Carried. Resolution 221 - 2023 Approval from the Town Board to modify the following line items on USDA-RD Form E Budget/Cost Certification as follows: Move $390.10 from Line A. 8 to Line A.2; Move $3,405.00 from Line A.1 to Line A.2; and to Move $4,241.25 from Line A/3 to Line A/2. Motion by: Taraska Vote: Second by: Willer Aye Nay Abstain Absent Susan Bellor X Francis Carvel X Patrick Facteau X Adrian Taraska X Debra Willer X Motion is Carried. Resolution 222 - 2023 Approval from the Town Board for the authorization of the County Treasurer to Re-levy Unpaid Water and Sewer Bills to the 2024 Tax Bills. Motion by: Carvel Vote: Second by: Facteau Aye Nay Abstain Absent Susan Bellor X Francis Carvel X Patrick Facteau X Adrian Taraska X Debra Willer X Motion is Carried. P a g e 4 | 10 Town Board Minutes December 20, 2023 Resolution 223 - 2023 Approval from the Town Board to approve the 2024 Salary Schedule for the Town of Massena Employees. Motion by: Facteau Vote: Second by: Willer Aye Nay Abstain Absent Susan Bellor X Francis Carvel X Patrick Facteau X Adrian Taraska X Debra Willer X Motion is Carried. Resolution 224 - 2023 Approval from the Town Board to approve the Kenyon Pipeline Inspection, LLC Proposal for a total of $300,000.00 which includes an estimated Engineering cost of $3,000.00 and a $45,300.00 contingency for the Town of Massena Highland Road Sanitary Sewer Inspection. Motion by: Facteau Vote: Second by: Carvel Aye Nay Abstain Absent Susan Bellor X Francis Carvel X Patrick Facteau X Adrian Taraska X Debra Willer X Motion is Carried. Resolution 225 - 2023 Approval from the Town Board to Hire Brittany Rushlow of Massena, as Acting Assessor on a 6-month probationary period to begin January 4th, 2024, with a starting salary of $59,000.00 and is to be in compliant with the Town of Massena’s Alcohol and Drug Policy. Motion by: Willer Vote: Second by: Facteau Aye Nay Abstain Absent Susan Bellor X Francis Carvel X Patrick Facteau X Adrian Taraska X Debra Willer X Motion is Carried. Resolution 226 - 2023 Approval from the Town Board to approve the proposal submitted by Trane using OMNIA cooperative pricing for the replacement of the RTU, VAV boxes, and building control system in the passenger terminal building with a budget of $103,702.00. Motion by: Facteau Vote: Second by: Willer Aye Nay Abstain Absent Susan Bellor X Francis Carvel X Patrick Facteau X Adrian Taraska X Debra Willer X Motion is Carried. P a g e 5 | 10 Town Board Minutes December 20, 2023 Resolution 227 - 2023 Approval from the town Board to approve the Sportfishing Promotional Service Contract with Don Meissner, to allow Town Supervisor Susan J Bellor and Don Meissner to sign. Motion by: Willer Vote: Second by: Taraska Aye Nay Abstain Absent Susan Bellor X Francis Carvel X Patrick Facteau X Adrian Taraska X Debra Willer X Motion is Carried. Resolution 228 - 2023 Approval from the Town Board to send Don Meissner to the New England Fishing Expo from February 2nd- 4th, 2024, with a budget not to exceed $1345.00 Motion by: Taraska Vote: Second by: Willer Aye Nay Abstain Absent Susan Bellor X Francis Carvel X Patrick Facteau X Adrian Taraska X Debra Willer X Motion is Carried. Resolution 229 - 2023 Approval from the Town Board to send Don Meissner to the Springfield Sportsmen’s Show from February 23rd-25th, 2024 with a budget not to exceed $1690.00. Motion by: Taraska Vote: Second by: Facteau Aye Nay Abstain Absent Susan Bellor X Francis Carvel X Patrick Facteau X Adrian Taraska X Debra Willer X Motion is Carried. Resolution 230 - 2023 Approval from the Town Board to send Don Meissner to the 2024 New Hampshire Outdoor Expo from March 8th-10th, 2024 with a budget not to exceed $1345.00 Motion by: Willer Vote: Second by: Taraska Aye Nay Abstain Absent Susan Bellor X Francis Carvel X Patrick Facteau X Adrian Taraska X Debra Willer X Motion is Carried. P a g e 6 | 10 Town Board Minutes December 20, 2023 Resolution 231 - 2023 Approval from the Town Board to send Don Meissner to the Big East Camping & Outdoor Sports Show from March 22nd-24th, 2024 with a budget not to exceed $665.00. Motion by: Taraska Vote: Second by: Willer Aye Nay Abstain Absent Susan Bellor X Francis Carvel X Patrick Facteau X Adrian Taraska X Debra Willer X Motion is Carried. Resolution 232 - 2023 Approval from the Town Board to adopt and allow the Town Supervisor to sign into policy the Minority and Women-Owned Businesses, Enterprises-Service Disabled Veteran Owned Businesses-Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement. Motion by: Facteau Vote: Second by: Carvel Aye Nay Abstain Absent Susan Bellor X Francis Carvel X Patrick Facteau X Adrian Taraska X Debra Willer X Motion is Carried. Resolution 233 - 2023 BUDGET & CASH TRANSFERS AND AMENDMENTS CASH TRANSFERS: TRANSFER: $500.00 from NBT Bank A/C#****8489 Town of Massena – General Fund to NBT Bank A/C#****8599 – Pamela Catanzarite (This transfer will allow for a portion of the Town’s share of insurance deductibles to be deposited as needed.) TRANSFER: $500.00 from NBT Bank A/C#****8489 Town of Massena – General Fund to NBT Bank A/C#****9869 – Brian Chase (This transfer will allow for a portion of the Town’s share of insurance deductibles to be deposited as needed.) TRANSFER: $500.00 from NBT Bank A/C#****8489 Town of Massena – General Fund to NBT Bank A/C#****2081 – Richard LaChance (This transfer will allow for a portion of the Town’s share of insurance deductibles to be deposited as needed.) TRANSFER $81,907.77 from Town of Massena A/C#****1100 to Town of Massena General Fund A/C#****8489 at NBT Bank (This transfer covers the interest payment for the BAN redemption for the East Massena North Racquette water main replacement.) TRANSFER $4,877.28 from NBT A/C#****9438 Town of Massena – MMH Retirees to Town of Massena General Fund to NBT A/C#****8489 Town of Massena General Fund. (This transfer will reimburse the Town of Massena for the employee portion of the retiree health insurance – Mark Brouillette (MMH) Jan – Dec 2023) TRANSFER $46,000 from NBT A/C#****1100 Town of Massena to Town of Massena General Fund to NBT A/C#****8489 Town of Massena General Fund. (This transfer will cover the shortage in the General Fund checking account.) TRANSFER $22,000 from NBT A/C#****9438 Town of Massena – MMH retirees to NBT A/C#****8489 General Fund Account. (This transfer will cover a shortage in the General Fund checking account.) TRANFER $46,000 from NBT A/C#****8489 Town of Massena General Fund Account to NBT A/C#****1100 Town of Massena. (This transfer will pay back money borrowed from the account to cover the shortage.) TRANSFER $22,000 from NBT A/C#****8489 Town of Massena General Fund Account to NBT A/C#****9438 Town of Massena. (This transfer will pay back money borrowed from the account to cover shortage.) BUDGET TRANSFERS: TRANSFER $953.15 from A/C#A.1220.400 Supervisor Contractual to the following: A.1330.400 Tax Collection Contractual $459.91 A.1355.400 Assessor Contractual $226.00 A.3510.400 Dog Control $267.24 (This transfer will cover the over-run in these general ledger accounts.) TRANSFER $1,978.58 from A/C#A.8810.400 Cemeteries. Contractual to the following: A.7450.400.0401 Museum Contractual Comm & P a g e 7 | 10 Town Board Minutes December 20, 2023 Utilities $772.41 A.7450.400.0407 Museum Contractual Repairs & Maint. $901.38 A.7450.400.0424 Museum Contractual Office Supplies $304.79 (This transfer will cover the over-run in these general ledger accounts.) TRANSFER $1,810.44 from A/C#A.9060.800.999 Hospital and Medical Insurance Fringe Benefits Retirees to A/C#A.9060.800.9998 Hospital and Medical Insurance Retirees (MMH) (This transfer will cover the over-run in this general ledger account.) TRANSFER $27,430.14 from A/C# DA.5142.400 Snow Removal Contractual to the following: DA.5130.400 Machinery Contractual $5,752.23 DA.9785.600 Installment Purchase Principal $13,856.32 DA.9785.700 Installment Purchase Interest $7,821.59 (This transfer will cover the over-run in these general ledger accounts.) TRANSFER: $2,316.06 from A/C#DB.5112.400 NYS CHIPS Contractual to the following: DB.5110.400 General Repairs Contractual $2,050.23 DB.9060.800 Hospital & Medical Insurance $265.83 (This transfer will cover the over-run in these general ledger accounts.) TRANSFER $39,832.91 from Town of Massena Supervisor Office A/C#****0120 to Town of Massena ARPA A/C#****9540 at Community Bank (HPA Fund) (This transfer is for FAA Two & Final) TRANSFER $330,451.80 from Town of Massena Supervisor Office A/C#****0120 to Town of Massena Runway 5-23 Rehabilitation (Const) A/C#****7999 at Community Bank (HDB Fund) (This transfer is for FAA#13) REQUEST PERMISSION TO: OPEN A NEW CHECKING ACCOUNT at NBT Bank Town of Massena South Racquette River Road Water District (This account is for the new South Racquette River Road Water District.) CREATE A DUE TO/DUE FROM REQUEST PERMISSION to create Due to/Due from entry as follows: From the General A Fund $21,531.47 to HDB Fund – Runway 5-23 Rehabilitation (Const) To cover the cost of an invoice due to be paid back when State funds are received. Motion by: Taraska Vote: Second by: Carvel Aye Nay Abstain Absent Susan Bellor X Francis Carvel X Patrick Facteau X Adrian Taraska X Debra Willer X Motion is Carried. Resolution 234 - 2023 WARRANT #12 2023 INVOICES FUND DESCRIPTION AMOUNT A GENERAL $211,047.06 B GENERAL OUTSIDE 1,746.69 DA HIGHWAY 46,055.42 DB HIGHWAY OUTSIDE 39,586.74 HAC TERMINAL APRON REHAB (CONST) 4,792.69 HAP AIRPORT PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM 5,000.00 HDB RUNWAY 5-23 REHABILITATION 430,629.40 HNO E MASSENA WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT 15,000.00 HPW WATER DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT 4,977.50 L LIBRARY 22,806.07 SSM SOUTH MAIN STREET SEWER 816.05 SWA E. MASSENA CONSOLIDATED WATER DISTRICT 19,750.70 TOTAL $802,208.32 WARRANT #12 CHECK #S 51894 - 51971 $343,878.13 DIRECT PAY (ACH) 13,722.62 MANUAL CHECKS $444,607.57 TOTAL $802,208.32 Motion by: Carvel Vote: P a g e 8 | 10 Town Board Minutes December 20, 2023 Second by: Taraska Aye Nay Abstain Absent Susan Bellor X Francis Carvel X Patrick Facteau X Adrian Taraska X Debra Willer X Motion is Carried. Report Submitted by Dylan Casselman. Highway Department Continue working with NYPA on issues with modernization project that involves town roads. Plowed 7 times. Equipment Repairs Highway: #6 Replaced breaks and rotors; #49 Replaced rear springs; #51 Fixed drivers’ side rear brakes Massena Airport Boutique Air numbers for October 2023 468 Enplaned, 487 Deplaned, 955 Total, 184 landings. 2 Cancelled flights for October 2023. Taxiway A east end lights are still out. Servicing plow equipment. Cleaned and put all mowing equipment away for winter. Massena Library No new issues. Massena Museum No new issues. Massena Town Hall No new issues Report Submitted by Deb Willer: Updates from Library Board of Trustees Meeting The library board met on December 14, 2023. The November programs, report, and circulation numbers were reviewed. The number of library visits was down, but staff reported that the automated “counter” had been malfunctioning so the numbers reported were no doubt inaccurate; unit will be repaired. The library will be hosting a “HoHoHoHoliday Celebration” on December 16th with several activities planned as well as entertainment. The trustees reviewed the 2024 budget and staff salaries/wages as adopted by the Town; trustees approved both. There was lengthy discussion regarding the board’s actions thus far on the proposed changeover to a School District Library. They have several upcoming meetings regarding the legal aspects of this change, what their responsibilities will be and how all of this information will be presented to the school district residents for their consideration. The public is encouraged to check the library’s website and Facebook page to see the December programs being offered. Next Scheduled Meeting: Organizational Meeting Scheduled January 3rd, 2024, at 4:30 PM. Regular Town Board Meeting scheduled for January 17th, 2024, at 4:30 PM. Executive Session: Motion made at 4:05 by Taraska and seconded by Facteau. Executive Session Paused: Motion made by Willer and seconded by Facteau with all in favor to pause the executive session at 4:10 PM to allow Bruce Green with the County Real Property Service Agency to give a presentation on the services the agency offers. He described what chargebacks are derived from, which are seen on tax bills, and encouraged everyone to explore the Real Property section of the St. Lawrence County Government website. Executive Session: The executive session resumed at 4:55 PM, with a motion made by Willer and Seconded by Facteau, with all in favor. The executive session concluded at 5:45 PM with a motion made by Facteau and Seconded by Carvel to adjourn the executive session and return to public session, with all in favor. Return to Public Session: Public Session reopened at 5:47 PM. Resolution 235 -2023 Approval by the Town Board in executive session, to approve a motion made by Willer to approve payment of the invoice for the Philadelphia Fishing Show and seconded by Carvel. Roll call vote was taken: Motion by: Willer Vote: Second by: Carvel Aye Nay Abstain Absent Susan Bellor X Francis Carvel X Patrick Facteau X Adrian Taraska X Debra Willer X Motion is Carried. P a g e 9 | 10 Town Board Minutes December 20, 2023 With no additional business, a motion made by Taraska to adjourn the meeting, and seconded by Facteau passed with all in favor at 5:50 PM. Respectfully submitted by Sean P Lynch, Deputy Town Clerk P a g e 10 | 10