11/8/2023 Monthly Meeting

The Town of Remsen Public Hearing regarding 2023 Town Budget on Wednesday, November 8^th, 2023, and was called to order by the Town Supervisor Thomas McDonald at 6:00 PM at the Remsen Town Hall.

Board Members PRESENT:
Supervisor Thomas Mc Donald
Councilman Duane Jones
Councilman George Hurlbut
Councilman Alex Karis
Councilman Michael Spadaro

Supervisor McDonald provided a brief overview of the Town Budget.
A motion to close the hearing was made by Jones. Seconded by Karis. Motion passed. Ayes – McDonald, Jones, Karis, Hurlbut and Spadaro. Nays – none.
Public hearing closed at 6:27 PM.

The regularly scheduled monthly meeting of the Town of Remsen was held November 8^th, 2023 was called to order by the Town Supervisor Thomas McDonald at 6:30 PM.

Members PRESENT:
Supervisor Tom McDonald
Councilman Duane Jones
Councilman George Hurlbut
Councilman Mike Spadaro
Councilman Alex Karis

Minutes for the October 11^th 2023 meeting have been read and accepted.

Cancel Digital Towpath Website Contract- Spadaro offered resolution #40-23 to discontinue contract. Karis second. Ayes – McDonald, Jones, Karis, Hurlbut and Spadaro. Nays – none.

Safety Training Update/ Reinspection Update- Inspections have been completed and all previous issues have been resolved. All requirements have been met and no fines issued.

Jones offered resolution #41-23 to approve the town budget. Hurlbut seconded. Ayes – McDonald, Jones, Karis, Hurlbut and Spadaro. Nays – none.

Steven Boucher, Oneida County Legislator- was present to give an update on the county budget, it has passed with 0% tax increase.

 Ambulance Update- STAR Ambulance had a conversation with the Supervisor and proposed a 3 year contract to serve our community. Will discuss in further details at December’s meeting.

 Boilers- No updates on boilers. They failed inspection, replacement parts are no longer available. The supervisor and highway superintendent are looking into other options. Possibly a propane system. More information will be presented at the next meeting.

 Solar Update- 11 months behind schedule, they have had trouble building the project. The Supervisor reached out and they are hopeful to be completed and operational by the end of November. The town has been collecting income from the solar company to lease the property.

 Contract/Court Security- Village of Oriskany- The Village of Oriskany offers an Officer once a month on DA night for the Remsen Town Court. There is not change in cost for the Officer. Karis offered resolution #42-23 to renew the contact for two years. Spadaro Seconded. Ayes – McDonald, Jones, Karis, Hurlbut and Spadaro. Nays – none.

Soda Fountain/ Town Hall- Supervisor McDonald offered resolution #43-23 to purchase and renovate the Soda Fountain building , Jone seconded. Ayes- McDonald, Jones, Karis, Hurlbut and Spadaro. Nays- none. The Supervisor is continuing to work on grants and other programs through the county to assist with the purchase and interior work. With the purchase of the Soda Fountain building for the Town Hall the Town will be able to have voting, public meetings, public meetings for other community groups and possibly rent space to the Village for village government. The Town Engineer will be completing an environmental impact assessment. Karis offered resolution #44-23 to have the town be the lead for the SEQRA review. Ayes- McDonald, Jones, Karis, Hurlbut and Spadaro. Nays- none. Jones offered a motion to authorize the Town Supervisor to sign and documents that involve the purchase of the Soda Fountain Building. Spadaro seconded. Ayes- McDonald, Jones, Karis, Hurlbut and Spadaro. Nays- none.  

NOCCOG, Joe Rowlands- Reviewed Novembers Announcements, webinars and trainings.

Codes enforcement officer, Joe Rowlands- 3 permits have been issued this last month, Solar company permit renewed again at a $5,000.00 fee.

Thank you to Councilman Duane Jones, for 9 years of service.

Cash Flow and Bills- Jones offered resolution #45-23 to pay the General Fund Bills in the amount of $4,712.94 on the #11-23 abstract. Karis seconded. Ayes- McDonald, Jones, Karis, Hurlbut and Spadaro. Nays- none. Jones offered resolution $46-23 to pay the Highway Fund in the amount of $12,702.95 on the #11-23 abstract. Hurlbut seconded. Ayes- McDonald, Jones, Karis, Hurlbut and Spadaro. Nays- none.

Town Clerk, Meghan Spadaro- Submitted reports for October.

Highway Superintendent, Richard Roberts- They are ready for winter.

Meeting adjourned at 7:11pm