August 15, 2006
A work session meeting of the Trenton Town Board was held on August 15. 2006 at the Trenton Municipal Center, 8520 Old Poland Road, Barneveld. Supervisor Mark Scheidelman called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m. Present: Councilmen Shirley Poland, Betsy Mack, Joseph Smith and Bruce Kellogg. Also present seven members of the Trenton Assembly Park Association.
Trenton Assembly Park Zoning: The discussion regarding the possible institution of zoning regulations for Trenton Assembly Park began with a review of the recommendations of the Planning Board dated July 28 and Ken Cutler’s comments. Proposed adding under Schedule A in the RR Zoning District in Section 86-26 C4 or 86-26-1 C under Other Regulations with the title “Seasonal Resort”, it was noted that Seasonal Resort must be clearly defined and that minimum set back requirements thoroughly researched before final zoning changes would be made. It was explained that once in effect, the present 43 cottages would be permitted but designated as non-conforming. As non-conforming structures only changes which would not encroach on the established setbacks would be permitted. New construction would require full compliance with the established set backs. All permits will require the approval of the Assembly Park Board of Directors as owners of the land and the permit signed by designee of the Board. It was reiterated that the Trenton Town Board was not interested in dealing with the architectural, esthetic control or the internal disputes among the members of the Assembly Park. The Board is interested in use of the land and minimum set backs as required by the State code. Scheidelman then explained the legislative process: Draft of the points discussed will be drawn up. Review and comments by the Board Members. Final draft is distributed to the Town Board and Town Attorney and sent back to the Planning Board for comment Final form also goes to the County Planning Board and a public hearing scheduled . The Town Board then makes its decision. Drafts will be available to the public throughout the process.
The members of the Trenton Assembly Park Association left the meeting at this point.
June 29th work session meeting minutes at South Trenton Community Center: Motion by Poland seconded by Mack to approve the June 29th minutes as written. Roll call: Kellogg, aye; Smith, aye; Poland, aye, Mack, aye; Scheidelman, aye. Motion carried.
South Trenton Community Association requests help and sponsorship for their Northern Community Softball program. The Board unanimously agreed that it is not possible to help due to the number of requests from youth sports programs in the community. The Town does allow the Highway Department to help with special field projects if manpower is available upon request.
Update on contamination report: Dale Braue, our consultant for the Environmental Technologies has left the company and started a new one called Geomatrix. Because of his leaving, the Town has not received a quarterly report and information is needed regarding the St. Luke’s contamination question. Scheidelman will follow up.
County Comptroller’s Review and Recommendations dated 5/16/06:
Recommendation | Board Review |
Use of Purchase Orders and oversight | While a good idea, impracticable with part-time clerical staff. |
Vouchers signed by department heads before processing. | Agreed with recommendation, however, seasonal employees are a problem when vendors need to be paid. |
Emergency checks prepared by Deputy Supr. or Bookkeeper. | Recommendation in progress. |
Bank reconciliations reviewed monthly by Supr. or Town Board. | Poland will present. |
Procurement policy amended to reduce maximum discretionary purchases. | Procurement policy will remain unchanged but Board will review abstracts closely to insure that quotes are received for purchases over $2,500. |
Time clock for Highway Dept. employees. | Discussed but no decision. |
Employee time banks computerized | Time banks maintained by Scheidelman; computerization not a necessity. |
Asst. Deputy Supervisor keep list of checks prior to deposit. | All checks are being photo copied and reconciled. |
Community Hall renovations: Building exterior painting completed. Foundation needs work in the future. There is a need for a long-range plan for use of the building.
New York Rivers United: Scheidelman met with Bruce Carpenter of New York Rivers United, an organization which promotes the accessibility to the rivers to the general public. It is involved in over 400 hydro projects in New York State. Carpenter advised that Brookfield is coming up for re-licensing in 2012 which requires a 5-year notice but the process can be accelerated if problems exist. The levels of West Canada Creek going up and down; the fluctuations which are occurring, have caused problems. New regulations require hydro plants to do a lot of community projects such as opening trail more, water over the falls on a more regular basis, handicap ramp. The Town is encouraged to begin documenting a wish list of projects which would benefit our community. New York Rivers United does not get involved with community assessment negotiations. They are, however, willing to meet with the Board to present a display or presentation on what re-licensing is and the possible benefits for the community.
Cincinnati Creek: Kellogg advised that a petition has been signed by 100% of the property owners along lower West Canada Creek from the Cincinnati Creek to the Comstock Bridge to make the area “catch and release” for fishing. It is hoped this will attract fishermen to the area and preserve the fish in the creek. There have been problems with littering, trespassing and people setting lines with 12 to 15 hooks, baited with bacon who set the lines overnight and come back the next day to take the fish.
The meeting adjourned at 9:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeanette Conte
Deputy Town Clerk
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Work Session Meeting
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