Village Board of Trustees

Village of Massena BOARD OF TRUSTEES Meeting Minutes DATE/TIME: July 18, 2023 (5:30 p.m.) PLACE: Town Hall Building, 60 Main Street, Massena, New York PRESENT : Board of Trustees: Mayor Greg Paquin Trustee Christine Winston Trustee Shelyn Peets Trustee Chad Simpson Trustee Ken McGowan Staff: Monique N. Chatland (Village Administrator/Clerk) Kevin Felt (Treasurer) Marty Miller (DPW Supt.) Aaron Hardy (Fire Foreman/Code Enforcement Officer) Press: Bob Beckstead (Daily Courier Observer, John Michaud III (WNTS Television) Residents/Other s: Brenton LaGrow (MVEU), Eowyn Doud, Walt Bean (Firefighter) Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Mayor Paquin asked that all electronic devices be silenced, proceeded to call the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. and conducted a roll call of Board members present. PUBLIC HEARING: AMENDING CHAPTER 240 (SOLID WASTE) &3 (RESTRICTIONS) Trustee Peets offered a motion, seconded by Trustee Simpson and carried to open the public hearing at 5:30 p.m. to hear comments concerning amending Chapter 240 Solid Waste restrictions to require all grass cutting and leaves to be placed in paper bags, removing “closed, clear bags”. Motion Carried 5:0(AYE=Paquin/Winston/Peets/Simpson/McGowan). Mayor Paquin explained the change will require residents to use paper bags to dispose of leaves & grass clippings if they want curbside pick-up. Residents are still able to use the “old “Department of Works site on South Main St. if they choose but will reiterate if they fill debris with plastic bag’s they will be required to tear open bags and dispose on their own. Residents voiced their concerns will paper bags being twice the cost of plastic and what happens when rain and paper bags get wet? Mayor agreed but hopes that with switching to paper the Garbage crew will not have to rip open plastic bags which should allow them to be more efficient and cover more ground frequently. Trustee Simpson thinks it will be efficient but will also gain employee time, which could allow the Garbage crew to be moved onto other things. There have been times when Garbage crew has been brought in on Wednesday and paid overtime to pick up brush/ leaves. Code enforcement Officer Aaron Hardy questioned how this will impact code penalties and fees but is supportive of the environmental impact. Mayor Paquin does not want the Village of Massena to turn into a out of control homeowner Association. Trustee Winston expressed that change is hard, she encouraged everyone to give it a try even though it may have a cost associated with it the end result is environmentally friendly. After hearing no further public comment, Trustee Simpson offered a motion, seconded by Trustee McGowan and carried, to close the public hearing at 5:49 p.m.Motion Carried 5:0(AYE=Paquin/Winston/Peets/Simpson/McGowan) (Clerks Note: See page xxxx for Notice of Public Hearing.) RESOLUTION #36-2023: AMEND CHAPTER 240-3 (SOLID WASTE) GRASS CUTTING/LEAVES DISPOSE IN PAPER BAGS A motion was offered by Trustee Peets, seconded by Trustee Simpson, and carried, to adopt the following resolution to wit: Mayor Paquin interjected to ask if we can make the Local Law effective next year? He feels it’s too close to Fall pick up and would like time to educate the Village residents beforehand on the changes. Good compromise to pass now but enforce in Spring (effective date of 3/1/24). 2104  Village of Massena Board of Trustees Meeting July 18, 2023 A motion was offered by Trustee Simpson, seconded by Trustee Winston, and carried, to adopt the following resolution to wit: RESOLUTION #36-2023 ADOPT LOCAL LAW #06-2023 CHAPTER 240 – Solid Waste ARTICLE I – Storage, Collection & Disposal § Section 240-3: Restrictions D. (1) All grass cutting and leaves shall be placed in closed paper bags Section xx : Effective Date This local law shall take effect March 1, 2024 Question of the adoption of the foregoing resolution resulted as follows: AYE: Mayor Paquin, Trustee Winston, Trustee Peets, Trustee Simpson, Trustee McGowan NAY: None Mayor Paquin declared Resolution #36-2023 duly adopted (5:0). TREASURER ’S REPORT: Village Treasurer Felt presented the following: Village of Massena Treasurer’s Report July 18, 2023 INFORMATION 1. You have been provided with an updated preliminary Revenue/Expense Actual to Budget comparison reports for May and the May summary follows: Net Favorable 2022/2023 Revenue % Collected Expense % Spent (Unfavorable) General Fund 10,833,746 96.68% 10,764,148 92.18% 69,598 Refuse Fund 1,045,604 80.94% 1,123,594 70.72% (77,990) Water fund 1,650,032 79.58% 1,923,238 80.50% (273,206) Sewer Fund 1,330,935 74.77% 1,649,948 83.05% (319,013) Joint Rec 1,222,912 105.73% 1,284,720 100.78% (61,808) 16,083,229 16,745,648 Rescue Squad Activity Summary YTD Resource Recovery Revenue 892,944.54 Equipment Expenses 42,210.39 Contractual Expense 525,188.13 Recruitment & Retention - Village Debt Payments - Debt Paid to Town 82,380.52 Net Profit (Loss) 243,165.50 2. The revenue amount for the General Fund above does not include the sales tax accrual we receive in August. Once I know the amount, I will accrue it back to May 31, 3023. 3. You have been provided with the Revenue/Expense Actual to Budget comparison reports for June and the summary is as follows: 2105  Village of Massena Board of Trustees Meeting July 18, 2023 Net Favorable 2023/2024 Revenue % Collected Expense % Spent (Unfavorable) General Fund 6,247,027 55.81% 999,350 8.78% 5,247,677 Refuse Fund 1,738 0.13% 80,020 6.07% (78,281) Water fund 29,553 1.44% 127,060 5.67% (97,507) Sewer Fund 639 0.04% 172,877 8.64% (172,238) Joint Rec 219,448 21.59% 106,762 909461.80% 112,686 6,498,406 1,486,069 Rescue Squad Activity Summary YTD Resource Recovery Revenue 81,727.06 Equipment Expenses - Contractual Expense 63,875.74 Recruitment & Retention 138.32 Village Debt Payments - Debt Paid to Town - Net Profit (Loss) 17,713.00 4. I have begun making year-end entries to close out the fiscal year and I hope to have the Joint Recreation AUD submitted to the State by the July 31 deadline. 5. Through the close of business on July 14, we have collected $5,449,037, approximately 80% of the total adjusted warrant of $6,846,178. We were at approximately 83% through the same timeframe last year. 6. Mortgage tax was received on June 23rd for $14,131, down from $18,834 the same period last year. 7. Reporting on the current status of the General Banking and Payroll bank accounts. The Payroll account is reconciled through February 2023 and the General Checking account is reconciled through February 2023, with March almost complete. 8. A bond payment was made on June 1st for the Center St/Parker Ave sewer lines bond in the amount of $35,000 principal and $8,675.01 interest. 9. Twinstate has issued the Village a $21,633.32 quote to relocate the village servers from the room that the town occupies for their servers, to the back room in the Water Department office. The Town of Massena had requested that the Village clean up our section of the server rack that is also combined with the Town equipment. Rather than cleaning it up, the wiser option was to get our servers away from their servers to alleviate computer issues that have occurred in the past. Budget modification below to be approved. ACTION 10. Adoption of Independent Accountants’ Report on Village Justice Court Records: Accept the report for FYE 5/31/2022, performed by Seyfarth & Seyfarth CPAs. The Village is required to file this report with the Uniform Court System, per Section 2019-a of the Uniform Justice Court Act. (See separate agenda item) 11. Budget Amendments: The Fire Foreman is requesting to utilize excess rescue squad funds left over from fiscal year 22-23, to purchase a new ambulance in fiscal year 23-24 for $281,096. To do this, we will need to appropriate fund balance and increase the Rescue Squad equipment account (100-4540-200-000-00) in the amount of $243,165. The remaining owed will be covered by the use of the 23-24 budgeted Rescue Squad ARPA funds (100-4540-200-ARP-00). McGowan/Winston/Carried 12. Budget Amendments: The Treasurer is requesting to increase the IT contractual accounts for a project with Twinstate to relocate the village servers. as follows: 100-1680-400-000-00 $9,770 175-1680-400-000-00 $1,955 300-1680-400-000-00 $3,910 400-1680-400-000-00 $3,910 2106  Village of Massena Board of Trustees Meeting July 18, 2023 500-1680-400-000-00 $1,955 I will be lowering the contingency accounts in each of these funds: 100-1990-400-000-00 $9,770 175-1990-400-000-00 $1,955 300-1990-400-000-00 $3,910 400-1990-400-000-00 $3,910 500-1990-400-000-00 $1,955 Peets/Simpson/Carried 13. Budget Amendments/Transfers 22/23: (Per attached schedules – Need motion to adopt, one at a time or altogether). ***TO CAPTURE THE PREVIOUS FISCAL YEAR’S EXPENSES PAID IN THIS JUNE WARRANT, I WILL BEGIN DOING THIS PROCESS AT THE JULY MEETING, INSTEAD OF JUNE*** Peets/Simpson/Carried COMMITTEE REPORTS: Committee reports were presented for informational purposes only, the following was notable: CODE: Trustee McGowan feels need to address the apartment registry. State only requires inspection every three years. Challenge locating “out of town” landlords. Committee should iron out details. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: Eowyn Doud (Chamber rep) talked about consolidation to align with three municipalities, 74 members enrolled, trying for a presence in Massena. Mayor Paquin has yet to receive a proposal yet to date. Trustee Peets & McGowan event planned for 10/14 Fall Fest. FIRE: New Fire Truck scheduled to arrive in August but has been pushed back. JOINT REC: Summer Rec enrollment 140 kids, 514 participants so far. RESCUE SQUAD : New Ambulance, working on E5 contract. STREETS : Center Street culvert ongoing start May 2024. WATER: South Main St. / Raquette River bridge crossing want meeting with town to discuss cost. INITIAL PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: Eowyn Doud plant manager ARCONIC wanted to thank everyone for participation in active shooter drill which took place at the community center in July. Very informative. RESOLUTION#37-2023 : ACCEPT INDEPENDENT REPORT FOR VILLAGE JUSTICE COURT RECORDS FOR FYE MAY 31, 2022 A motion was offered by Trustee Winston, seconded by Trustee Peets, and carried, to adopt the following resolution to wit: RESOLUTION#37-2023 Accept Independent Accountants ’ Report from Seyfarth and Seyfarth for the Village Justice Court Records for Fiscal Year Ending May 31, 2022 WHEREAS, Section 2019-a of the Uniform Justice Court Act requires Village Justices provide their court records and dockets to the Village Board of Trustees annually, and that such records then be examined, and that fact be entered into the minutes of the board’s proceedings, and WHEREAS, the Village of Massena has hired Seyfarth and Seyfarth CPA’s, P.C. to complete the annual report for fiscal year ending May 31, 2022; and 2107  Village of Massena Board of Trustees Meeting July 18, 2023 NOW, THERFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Village of Massena, hereby accepts the report from Seyfarth and Seyfarth CPS’s. Question of the adoption of the foregoing resolution resulted as follows: AYE: Mayor Paquin, Trustee Winston, Trustee Peets, Trustee Simpson, Trustee McGowan NAY: None Mayor Paquin declared Resolution #37-2023 duly adopted (5:0). APPOINTMENT: JORDAN DISHAW- MEO A motion was offered by Trustee Simpson, seconded by Trustee Winston to appoint Jordan Dishaw to the position of Motor Equipment Operator. (eff.08/02/23). Motion Carried 5:0 (AYE= Paquin/Winston/Peets/Simpson/McGowan). APPOINTMENT: DANIEL WARE- MEO A motion was offered by Trustee Peets, seconded by Trustee Winston to appoint Daniel Ware to the position of Motor Equipment Operator. (eff.08/02/23). Motion Carried 5:0 (AYE= Paquin/Winston/Peets/Simpson/McGowan). APPOINTMENT: KELLY ZAKARAUSKAS- SENIOR ACCOUNT CLERK A motion was offered by Trustee Simpson, seconded by Trustee Peets to appoint Kelly Zakarauskas to the position of Senior Account Clerk (eff.09/05/23). Motion Carried 5:0 (AYE= Paquin/Winston/Peets/Simpson/McGowan). RESOLUTION#38-2023: AUTHORIZE MOA WITH SLCIDA FOR REDEVELOPMENT OF 22,24 MAIN ST. A motion was made by Trustee Simpson, seconded by Trustee Peets, and carried, to adopt the following resolution to wit: Resolution#38-2023 Authorizing Memorandum of Agreement with the St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency ( “SLCIDA ”) for the Redevelopment of 22, 24 Main Street Downtown Revitalization Initiative Project WHEREAS New York State provides funding for the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and gave the Department of State and Empire State Development the responsibility of implementing this program for the purpose of revitalizing communities and stabilizing neighborhoods; and WHEREAS the Village of Massena was successful in applying for, and receiving, a Round 5 DRI designation in December 2021. WHEREAS, as part of the DRI award, the Village and the SLCIDA worked together to propose a project for the redevelopment of 22, 24 Main Steet (formerly the Massena School of Business) site; and WHEREAS the proposed project was approved for funding by Empire State Development through a “Downtown Revitalization Initiative Incentive Proposal” provided to the SLCIDA by Empire State Development dated February 21, 2023; and BE IT RESOLVED that the purpose of the aforementioned MOA is to clearly identify the roles and responsibilities of each party as they relate to the redevelopment of 22, 24 Main Street, tax map parcel 9.059-9-28; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this MOA is intended to support the implementation of a Downtown Revitalization Initiative (“DRI”) grant application where the SLCIDA will act as the “developer” in so for as it is the authorized recipient of the DRI grant to be used for the benefit of the Village at the former Massena School of Business site; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Mayor Gregory M. Paquin is hereby authorized and directed to execute the above referenced Memorandum of Agreement with the St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency. Question of the adoption of the foregoing resolution resulted as follows: AYE: Mayor Paquin, Trustee Winston, Trustee Peets, Trustee Simpson, Trustee McGowan NAY: None 2108  Village of Massena Board of Trustees Meeting July 18, 2023 Mayor Paquin declared Resolution #38-2023 duly adopted (5:0). RESIGNATION: EDWARD JOHN RODER- ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS A motion was offered by Trustee Peets, seconded by Trustee Simpson to accept the resignation of Edward John Roder from the Zoning Board of Appeals. (eff.07/14/2023). Motion Carried 5:0 (AYE= Paquin/Winston/Peets/Simpson/McGowan). APPOINTMENT: NATHAN LASHOMB – ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS A motion was offered by Trustee Peets, seconded by Trustee Winston to appoint Nathan Lashomb to Zoning Board of Appeals (eff. immediately) due to resignation of John Roder on July 14, 2023. Motion Carried 5:0 (AYE= Paquin/Winston/Peets/Simpson/McGowan). RESOLUTION#3 9-2023: EMERGENCY REPAIR/SECURE OF UNSAFE BUILDING 59/61 SYCAMORE & 98 WOODLAWN A motion was made by Trustee Simpson, seconded by Trustee Peets, and carried, to adopt the following resolution to wit: Resolution#39-2023 Authorize Emergency Repair and/or Securing of Unsafe Building 56, 58 Sycamore St / 98 Woodlawn Ave. [Tax Map No. 9.051-3-25] [Property Owner: Khalil and Sons Inc.] WHEREAS, the Village of Massena Code Enforcement Officer has inspected a property located at 56, 58 Sycamore St./98 Woodlawn Ave and identified defects that present a clear and imminent danger to the life, safety, health, morals and/or general welfare of others and the surrounding area; and WHEREAS, the Code Enforcement Officer recommends emergency repair and/or securing of all open windows and doors located at 56, 58 Sycamore St./98 Woodlawn Ave. as soon as possible; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Village of Massena Board of Trustees hereby authorizes the Code Enforcement Officer to immediately cause the repair and/or securing of the structure in accordance with Chapter 120 (Unsafe Buildings) of the Code of the Village of Massena, Section 120-12 (Emergencies). Question of the adoption of the foregoing resolution resulted as follows: AYE: Mayor Paquin, Trustee Winston, Trustee Peets, Trustee Simpson, Trustee McGowan NAY: None Mayor Paquin declared Resolution #39-2023 duly adopted (5:0). RESOLUTION#40-2023 : EMERGENCY REPAIR/SECURE OF UNSAFE BUILDING 63,65,67 SYCAMORE ST. A motion was made by Trustee Simpson, seconded by Trustee Winston, and carried, to adopt the following resolution to wit: Resolution #40-2023 Authorize Emergency Repair and/or Securing of Unsafe Building 63,65,67 Sycamore St. [Tax Map No. 9.051-3-7] 2109  Village of Massena Board of Trustees Meeting July 18, 2023 [Property Owner: Khalil and Sons Inc.] WHEREAS, the Village of Massena Code Enforcement Officer has inspected a property located at 63,65,67 Sycamore St. and identified defects that present a clear and imminent danger to the life, safety, health, morals and/or general welfare of others and the surrounding area; and WHEREAS, the Code Enforcement Officer recommends emergency repair and/or securing of all open windows and doors located at 63,65,67 Sycamore St. as soon as possible; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Village of Massena Board of Trustees hereby authorizes the Code Enforcement Officer to immediately cause the repair and/or securing of the structure in accordance with Chapter 120 (Unsafe Buildings) of the Code of the Village of Massena, Section 120-12 (Emergencies). Question of the adoption of the foregoing resolution resulted as follows: AYE: Mayor Paquin, Trustee Winston, Trustee Peets, Trustee Simpson, Trustee McGowan NAY: None Mayor Paquin declared Resolution #40-2023 duly adopted (5:0) RESOLUTION #41-2023 : EMERGENCY REPAIR/SECURE OF UNSAFE BUILDING 69,71 SYCAMORE ST. A motion was made by Trustee Simpson, seconded by Trustee Peets, and carried, to adopt the following resolution to wit: Resolution#41-2023 Authorize Emergency Repair and/or Securing of Unsafe Building 69, 71 Sycamore St. [Tax Map No. 9.051-3-8] [Property Owner: Khalil and Sons Inc.] WHEREAS, the Village of Massena Code Enforcement Officer has inspected a property located at 69, 71 Sycamore St. and identified defects that present a clear and imminent danger to the life, safety, health, morals and/or general welfare of others and the surrounding area; and WHEREAS, the Code Enforcement Officer recommends emergency repair and/or securing of all open windows and doors located at 69, 71 Sycamore St. as soon as possible; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Village of Massena Board of Trustees hereby authorizes the Code Enforcement Officer to immediately cause the repair and/or securing of the structure in accordance with Chapter 120 (Unsafe Buildings) of the Code of the Village of Massena, Section 120-12 (Emergencies). Question of the adoption of the foregoing resolution resulted as follows: AYE: Mayor Paquin, Trustee Winston, Trustee Peets, Trustee Simpson, Trustee McGowan NAY: None Mayor Paquin declared Resolution #41-2023 duly adopted (5:0) VOUCHER WARRANT: A motion was made by Trustee Winston and seconded by Trustee Simpson to approve Voucher Warrant #477. Motion Carried 5:0 (AYE= Paquin/Winston/Peets/Simpson/McGowan). WARRANT#477 (Board Meeting 07/18/23) 232590-232594 06/22/23 43,961.33 Pre-Paid Payroll 232595-232674 06/22/23 39,790.10 Medicare Reimbursement Warrant#569 232675 06/23/23 22,865.30 CSEA Employee Benefit Fund 232676 06/23/23 362.57 GreatAmerica Financial Svcs. 2110  Village of Massena Board of Trustees Meeting July 18, 2023 232677 06/23/23 75.07 North Country This Week 232678 06/23/23 342.88 Verizon Wireless 232679 06/23/23 603.08 Verizon Wireless 232680 06/23/23 343.01 Verizon Wireless 262681 06/27/23 303.37 GreatAmerica Financial Svcs. 262682 06/28/23 18,384.21 J. Riley Plumbing & Heating, Inc. Bank Draft 006170 06/28/23 10,567.35 Enterprise FM Trust (Fleet Management) 232683-232687 06/29/23 42,786.24 Prepaid Payroll 232688-232692 07/05/23 48,609.53 Prepaid Payroll 232693 07/07/23 439.82 Charter Communications Holdings 232694 07/07/23 318.42 Massena Electric Dept. 232695 07/07/23 20,637.30 Massena Electric Dept. 232696 07/07/23 50.35 Verizon 232697 07/07/23 174.89 Verizon 232698-232704 07/12/23 45,469.44 Prepaid Payroll 232705 07/13/23 1,467.41 U.S. Postal Service 297,551.67 Total Prepaid 232706-232710 07/18/23 0.00 Voided “Printer Errors” 232711-232830 07/18/23 490,260.49 Total Unpaid -(494.70) Void Check#232615 (Medicare Warrant #569) 787,317.46TotalWarrant#477 Including Prepaid Payroll & Medicare Reimbursement #569 MONTHLY REPORTS : The following monthly reports were presented and reviewed: Massena Rescue Squad (June 2023) Massena Perm. Firefighters / Village of Massena Code Enforcement Office (June 2023) Explore Massena Monthly Progress Report (June 2023) COMMUNICATIONS/CORRESPONDENCE Local Waterfront Revitalization Program Public Information Meeting (July 24th 6:00 p.m.) CLOSING PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: Nothing at this time. ADJOURNMENT: With no further business, a motion to adjourn the Village Board meeting was made by Trustee McGowan at 6:41 p.m. and seconded by Trustee Simpson. Motion Carried 5:0 (AYE= Paquin/Winston/Peets/Simpson/McGowan). MINUTES PREPARED BY: Monique N. Chatland, Village Clerk 2111  Village of Massena Board of Trustees Meeting July 18, 2023 LEGAL NOTICE: PUBLIC HEARING AMEND CHAPTER 240-3 (SOLID WASTE) (RESTRICTIONS) 2112