Regular Meeting Minutes June 16, 2025
REGULAR MEETING – VILLAGE OF NORTHVILLE
Monday, June 16, 2025
The Village Board met Monday, June 16, 2025, at 7:00 PM.
Present: Sue Eckert, Mayor
John Markiewicz, Trustee
Janet Rudd, Trustee
Sue Sedon, Trustee
Kathleen Terwilliger, Trustee
Wendy Reu, Clerk, Recording Secretary
Nathan Matthews, Treasurer
Dan Reidell, DPW/Code
Absent: Rick Richardson, Chief of Police
Mayor Eckert called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Motion to approve the minutes of May 22, 2025, Regular Meeting was made by Trustee Sedon seconded by Trustee Markiewicz, and passed by voice vote as follows:
AYE: Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Rudd, Trustee Sedon, Trustee Terwilliger
NAY: 0
ABSTAIN: 0
PUBLIC PRESENT:
Public present: Mike Warner, Blanche Drapun
REPORT OF COMMITTEES:
Police – The police report was filed with the Clerk and read at the meeting. It was reported there were 64 calls handled in May. It was reported that Officer John Bellamy has accepted the position of Montgomery County Emergency Management Coordinator and would not be working for the Village for the remainder of this year. It was indicated that he would reassess this position on January 1st and determine if he will be resigning from the department at that time.
Streets – The DPW report was read and is on file at the Clerk’s office. Highway Superintendent Reidell reported that the crew has been working at the sign area at the top of Gould Hill. He stated they had removed the old sign that was there and it will be replaced with the vintage Welcome to Northville sign that had been out on Route 30, south of the bridge.
Highway Superintendent Reidell gave an update on the recycling cans that the County will be providing residents with. He stated that they would be coming out in the fall. He indicated that the County would have a policy as to where the cans can be placed. He stated it was his understanding that they have to be up on the terrace, in open areas and that they can’t be near telephone poles or bushes.
Highway Superintendent Reidell stated he reviewed the approved budget and it was his understanding that the highway crew members were supposed to get a 3% raise but on the budget it was listed as a 2% raise. Mayor Eckert stated that it was her understanding as well that the raise was supposed to be 3% and it got missed at the time of budget adoption. After discussion, Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to approve the 3% raise for the highway crew effective June 1, 2025. The motion was seconded by Trustee Terwilliger and carried by voice vote as follows:
AYE: Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Rudd, Trustee Sedon, Trustee Terwilliger
NAY: 0
ABSTAIN: 0
Highway Superintendent Reidell asked the Board how they wanted him to proceed with the damaged sign area on Route 30. The Board indicated that they would like the same arrangement, with retaining block planter and signage. The Clerk reported she is waiting to hear from the owner of the vehicle regarding her insurance information. A new sign has been ordered from Barney’s and a detailed cost for repairs is being compiled.
Water – It was reported that usage increased from 2,550,000 gallons in May 2024 to 2,846,000 this year. Water testing and operations were normal.
Highway Superintendent Reidell reported that the HVAC system for the well house has been received and they would schedule installation in the near future. He also reported that the outsuer who was experiencing a leak on the private line has gotten a permit to drill a well and would be separating from Village water soon.
Code Enforcement- The Code Officer’s report was filed. It was reported that three permits were issued in May. Code Officer Reidell reported that the firehouse has a temporary Certificate of Occupancy.
Code Officer Reidell reported that he has received complaints about some lawns not being mowed. He stated that we have nothing in our Village code but the NYS property maintenance code says lawns cannot be higher than 10 inches. He indicated he is sending out letters to various property owners who do not meet the code.
Dog Control – A report was received from the Dog Control Officer indicating one dog bite in the Village.
Joint Youth – Trustee Sedon reported that dates have been set for camper registrations and that camp will begin on July 7th.
Park Use Requests – None
Marketing – The Farmers Market would begin on Saturday, June 28th and will run through September 6th. The market times are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m, rain or shine.
The Clerk gave an update on the DOINS. The event will be July 4th and 5th. The parade and fireworks will be on Saturday, July 5th. There will be entertainment, vendors, and rides on both days.
Report of Village Projects – Mayor Eckert reported that in 2021, the Village was awarded an $ 82,500.00 EPF LWRP grant for a Dredging Feasibility Study. She reported that the Village sent out RFPs in August of 2022 and again in February 2024 and received no proposals back. Mayor Eckert stated that this Board previously decided to not continue to pursue obtaining RFPs based on two failed rounds. She stated that DOS needed written notification from the Village that we would not be proceeding with the contract. Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to draft the letter to DOS regarding DOS Contract C1002030 and indicate that we would not be proceeding with the contract. The motion was seconded by Trustee Sedon and carried by voice vote as follows:
AYE: Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Rudd, Trustee Sedon, Trustee Terwilliger
NAY: 0
ABSTAIN: 0
Mayor Eckert reported that the plan set design for the Hunter Creek Pedestrian Walkway and project estimates for the 90% completion review has been received and provided copies for public review at this meeting. She stated the Village continues to work with EDR and GPI, along with DOS to advance this much needed project.
Tree Commission – No report
PAYMENT OF BILLS
The monthly financial report was reviewed and bills to be paid from the General Fund in the amount of $ 124,948.21, from the Water Fund in the amount of $ 9,455.97, and from the Joint Youth Fund in the amount of $ 1,538.26 were presented for payment. Motion to approve payment was made by Trustee Markiewicz, seconded by Trustee Sedon, and carried by voice vote as follows:
AYE: Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Rudd, Trustee Sedon, Trustee Terwilliger
NAY: 0
ABSTAIN: 0
OLD BUSINESS:
Mayor Eckert gave an update on the request from the Sean Craig Memorial Fund to put a life jacket loaner station in the Village by the Little Lake. She reported that we talked with our insurance company, and they were concerned about the amount of the liability for the Village. She stated, per Mang Insurance, life jackets are considered personal lifesaving devices and for the Village to maintain a loaner station of that magnitude and not have the jackets inspected, monitored, and properly fit to individuals creates a tremendous amount of liability on the Village. Mayor Eckert stated that after her discussion with the insurance company, she informed the Sean Craig Memorial Fund that we said thank you, but no.
NEW BUSINESS:
Mayor Eckert presented Resolution #8 of 2025 – Permissive Referendum re Use of Reserve Funds for a Pickup Truck for the Board’s consideration. After review, Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to approve Resolution #8 of 2025 as presented. The motion was seconded by Trustee Terwilliger and carried by voice vote as follows:
AYE: Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Rudd, Trustee Sedon, Trustee Terwilliger
NAY: 0
ABSTAIN: 0
Mayor Eckert provided the Board with information about becoming a Pro-Housing community. She reported that it was an initiative started by the State to increase housing stock in communities. It was reported that when Pro-Housing was initially presented by NYS, it was noted that there would be a special pot of grant money available for pro housing communities but if you were not a pro housing community, you could still apply for grant funding. Mayor Eckert reported that at the recent NYCOM conference, participants were told that the policy has changed and that in order for a municipality to apply for any grant funding from NYS, you must be a pro housing community. She stated that as we are in the process of applying for construction funding to build our walkway at the spillway, participation in pro housing is imperative. She drafted a letter of intent which will be sufficient to secure our ability to apply for construction funding. She reported that communities are required to submit documentation that shows that they increased their housing stock by .33% over the past year, or 1% over the past three years. Code Officer Reidell indicated that we have met that criteria and with the new construction that is planned on a few vacant areas in the Village, we could meet the plan moving forward. Several Board members expressed with displeasure with the State and the requirement to be a pro housing community in order to get grant funding. After discussion, Trustee Sedon made a motion to submit the letter of intent to the State to become a Pro Housing community. The motion was seconded by Trustee Markiewicz and carried by voice vote as follows:
AYE: Mayor Eckert, Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Sedon
NAY: Trustee Rudd, Trustee Terwilliger
ABSTAIN: 0
Mayor Eckert presented a reimbursement request from the American Legion in the amount of $ 646.50 for Memorial Day flags at the cemeteries. Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to reimburse the American Legion $ 646.50 for cemetery flags. The motion was seconded by Trustee Sedon and carried by voice vote as follows:
AYE: Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Rudd, Trustee Sedon, Trustee Terwilliger
NAY: 0
ABSTAIN: 0
Mayor Eckert reported to the Board that a member of the public has requested that the Village change the garage sale weekend date from May to July. She indicated we had previously discussed this, and the Board wanted to keep it in July. The Board members felt that anyone could have a garage sale at any time and did not see the need to move the organized one from May to July. The Clerk also pointed out to the Board that garage sale weekend is an economic driver for the Village. She stated that in July, there are many reasons for people to come to the Village and shop in our community, yet in May, garage sale weekend provides a boost when tourism is not yet at peak. After discussion, the Board kept garage sale weekend as the first full weekend in May.
NCS Elementary Principal, Tammy Reidell is interested in stating a Hometown Heroes Banner Program, through the Northville Education Foundation and was looking for approval from the Village. Highway Superintendent Reidell stated that paperwork would need to be completed with National Grid as they still own the poles. After discussion, Trustee Sedon made a motion to approve the Northville Education Foundation moving forward with a Hometown Heroes Banner Program in the Village. The motion was seconded by Trustee Rudd and carried by voice vote as follows:
AYE: Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Rudd, Trustee Sedon, Trustee Terwilliger
NAY: 0
ABSTAIN: 0
CORRESPONDENCE – A letter from Paulette Lewek was received.
PUBLIC COMMENT: Blanche Drapun asked for clarification on pro housing and whether we would be able to meet the criteria moving forward. Mayor Eckert answered that we can meet the criteria to start and for the near foreseeable future. The Clerk also stated that the State realizes that small villages might not have a significant amount of buildable space and once they are at their limit, there would be a special designation for communities that are at capacity. She stated that we, as a municipality, are not obligated to make people build houses on vacant property they own. She also stated that pro housing does not me just Section 8 housing, it means any type of dwelling, be it a tiny home, a ranch, a duplex, or a lake house.
Mrs. Drapun commented on the walkway design and stated she hopes that the project will move forward as it is a project that is very much needed. She voiced concern about the safety of the area as it is now without any safe passage way for people.
Mike Warner asked about golf carts in the Village and if they are legal. Mayor Eckert stated that certain golf carts meet the criteria to be licensed by DMV, citing they have seat belts, headlights, and brake lights. She stated she recently asked that question to Chief Richardson after seeing one in the Village with license plates and that was the answer he gave her.
At 7:48 p.m., Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to adjourn to Executive session to discuss a Personnel matter. The motion was seconded by Trustee Sedon and carried by voice vote as follows:
AYE: Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Rudd, Trustee Sedon, Trustee Terwilliger
NAY: 0
ABSTAIN: 0
At 8:06 p.m. Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to close Executive session and resume Regular session. The motion was seconded by Trustee Sedon and carried by voice vote as follows:
AYE: Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Rudd, Trustee Sedon, Trustee Terwilliger
NAY: 0
ABSTAIN: 0
Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to raise the pay rate of the labor position to $ 25.13/hour effective with the first payroll of the 2025/2026 fiscal year. The motion was seconded by Trustee Sedon and carried by voice vote as follows:
AYE: Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Rudd, Trustee Sedon, Trustee Terwilliger
NAY: 0
ABSTAIN: 0
The next meeting of the Village Board will be on July 15, 2025 at 7 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business before the Board, motion was made to adjourn by Trustee Markiewicz, seconded by Trustee Rudd and passed by voice vote with no one dissenting. The meeting was adjourned at 8:09 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Wendy L. Reu, Clerk
