Regular Meeting Minutes October 15, 2024
REGULAR MEETING – VILLAGE OF NORTHVILLE
Tuesday, October 15, 2024
The Village Board met Tuesday, October 15, 2024, 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
Public Attendance –Ken Adamczyk, Naomi Parker, Cliff Parker, Melody Burton, Liz Perrins, Jim Groff, Sue Owens, Chas Owens, Greg Hitchcock
Mayor Eckert called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Motion to approve the minutes of September 17, 2024, Regular Meeting was made by Trustee Terwilliger, seconded by Trustee Rudd and passed by voice vote as follows:
AYE: Trustee Markiewicz, Trustee Rudd, Trustee Sedon, Trustee Terwilliger
NAY: 0
ABSTAIN: 0
PRESENTATION:
Ken Adamczyk, representing the Ring of Fire 5K committee addressed the Board. On behalf of the committee, he wanted to thank the Village and the community for their assistance with the Ring of Fire 5K race. He noted that over the years the event has grown to 373 participants this year. Mr. Adamczyk stated that proceeds from the race are donated to not for profits and emergency support agencies around the community. This year, Mr. Adamczyk met with Chief Richardson to see what needs the police department had. It was determined that there was a need for body cameras and the low quote for the package was $ 10,000.00. On behalf of Ring of Fire 5K committee, Mr. Adamczyk and Melody Burton presented Chief Richardson with a check for $ 4,000.00 toward the purchase of body cameras for the department.
Naomi Parker, speaking on behalf of the Rotary members present, addressed the Board. She stated their Rotary chapter serves this end of the Sacandaga Lake and they are very appreciative of the coverage the Northville Police department provides. She presented a check in the amount of $ 6,000.00 for the remaining cost of body cameras to Chief Richardson. On behalf of the Village, Chief Richardson thanked both groups for their generous donations. Chief Richardson stated that not only will the body cameras protect the police officers, but they will protect the entire community.
OPEN PUBLIC HEARING LOCAL LAW #1 OF 2024 -To Amend Chapter 86 of the Code of the Village of Northville as it Pertains to Short Term Rentals
Mayor Eckert opened the Public Hearing at 7:15 p.m., on a motion by Trustee Terwilliger, seconded by Trustee Sedon and carried unanimously.
As there was no public present who wished to speak regarding the amendments to Chapter 86, she left the Public Hearing open.
REPORT OF COMMITTEES:
Police – The police report was filed with the Clerk and read at the meeting. Chief Richardson reported 72 calls were handled by the NPD during the month of September.
Chief Richardson gave a brief report on the school threat complaint that was received on September 25, 2024 and the response to it by NPD and Fulton County. It was reported that two juveniles were taken into custody by NYSP out of Ray Brook. It was determined that there wasn’t any credible threat for our district and that was communicated to all parents before the start of the school day.
Streets – The DPW report was read and is on file at the Clerk’s office.
Highway Superintendent Reidell reported that they will continue to pick up leaves until the first significant snow fall. Highway Superintendent Reidell informed the Board that the kayak launch is installed on the Little Lake and they are starting the stone work and path for the launch.
Water – It was reported that usage increased from 2,923,000 gallons in September 2023 to 3,006,000 this year. Water testing and operations were normal.
Code Enforcement- The Code Officer’s report was filed. It was reported that nine permits were issued in September.
Dog Control – No report.
Joint Youth – Trustee Sedon stated the Commission will be meeting October 24th for the end of season report.
Park Use Requests – There were no park use requests.
Marketing – The Clerk/Marketing Director gave a brief report on Fall Fest. It was reported to be a very well attended event.
The Clerk/Marketing Director gave an update on the Holiday Tree Lighting and Parade scheduled for December 7th. She indicated that due to the construction at the firehouse, and after discussion with PD and DPW, it was decided that the route for the parade would be changed. This year, the parade will stage on North Third Street, facing Reed, and proceed from Reed, to Main, to Washington. She stated that this will bring the parade through more of the Commercial district and provide more parking for participants of the parade in the Washington Street area.
Report of Village Projects – Mayor Eckert stated there was a joint meeting of Village and Town staff with engineers that are designing the Town bridge and Village walkway project at the spillway. It was reported that replacement of the bridge is anticipated to being in Spring of 2026.
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 $ 117,174.80, from the Water Fund in the amount of $ 14,066.58 and $ 273.39 from the Joint Youth Fund were presented for payment. Motion to approve payment was made by Trustee Markiewicz, seconded by Trustee Rudd, 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 previous month’s discussion regarding use of municipal property for ham radio demonstration. She reported that our insurance carrier, NBT Mang Insurance/NYMIR was contacted. Bill VanGorder, from NBT Mang Insurance, informed the Village that the requested use to operate a ham radio display on Village property would have to follow the established procedure of the Board for use of municipal property as his request was not a normal use of park/Village owned property. Mr. VanGorder stated that by bringing in equipment to set up the ham radio display, it creates liability exposure to other users of the park/Village owned property and thereby creates liability exposure for the Village.
NEW BUSINESS:
Mayor Eckert reported there has been concern voiced in the public about speeding in the Village. She noted that with more people utilizing street parking and the congestion in the commercial district, she asked if the Board wanted to consider reducing the speed in the Village to 25mph. She indicated we could look at doing it in districts, such as the commercial district or Village wide. Trustee Terwilliger stated she felt it should be Village wide rather than just in a certain district. After discussion, Trustee Terwilliger made a motion to reduce the speed limit in the Village to 25 mph. 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
Mayor Eckert presented proposed changes to Village Code #139-3 regarding Waste Collection Guidelines. She indicated that Highway Superintendent Reidell requested these changes as we are moving to providing cans for residents to use for garbage collection. After review, Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to approve the proposed changes to Village Code # 139-3 regarding Waste Collection Guidelines. 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 Clerk informed the Board that both proposed amendments would be put in final format for review at their next meeting. It was noted that once approved, they would be advanced to Public Hearing.
CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING LOCAL LAW #1 OF 2024 -To Amend Chapter 86 of the Code of the Village of Northville as it Pertains to Short Term Rentals
Mayor Eckert closed the Public Hearing on Local Law #1 of 2024 on a motion by Trustee Markiewicz, seconded by Trustee Sedon. The motion was passed unanimously, and the Public Hearing was closed at 7:40 p.m.
Trustee Markiewicz made a motion to adopt Local Law #1 of 2024. 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 – Letter from Katie Fitzgerald received.
PUBLIC ACCESS: No one addressed the Board.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business before the Board, motion was made to adjourn by Trustee Markiewicz seconded by Trustee Terwilliger and passed by voice vote with no one dissenting. The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Wendy L. Reu, Clerk
