Meeting Date:
Town of Olive
County of Ulster
State of New York
Tuesday, October 12, 2021
Minutes of the monthly meeting of the Town of Olive Town Board, held Tuesday, October 12, 2021 7 pm via ZOOM link: https://bit.ly/olivetownboard
Members Present: Jim Sofranko, Supervisor
Drew Boggess, Board Member
Scott Kelder, Board Member
David Edinger, Board Member
Victoria Read, Board Member
Recording Secretary: Dawn Giuditta, Town Clerk
Others Present: Brian Burns, Highway Superintendent; Timothy Peck, Planning Board; Gene Sorbellini, Buildings & Recreation Director; Timothy Cox, Town Justice; Paul Wright, Planning Board; Tom Planz, Treasurer Olive Fire Dept.
Town Supervisor Jim Sofranko called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
On a Sofranko/Edinger motion, the Town Board approved the September minutes except the September 29th Public Hearing minutes due to receiving them late.
Aye: Boggess, Kelder, Edinger, Read and Sofranko Nay: Absent:
Correspondence: #86-21
The Molloy family thanked the Town Clerk for the Olive Day Calendar and the Town Board for the card.
#87-21
Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan expressed his gratitude for the 9/11 memorial ceremony at Olive Day.
#88-21
Sherret Chase- Opposes the proposed Local Law #4 of 2021 Short Term Rental Law.
#89-21
Ulster County Electrical Licensing Board- posting of the effective date of January 2, 2022 for the UC Electrical Law
#90-21
Sylvia Rozzelle- Concerned about COVID complaint in the Town Clerks Office, she requests mandatory vaccination.
Budget Modifications: On a Sofranko/ Boggess motion, the Town Board approved the following Budget Modifications for the Highway.
Aye: Boggess, Kelder, Edinger, Read, and Sofranko Nay: Absent:
Highway:
Increase D3501 Chips Revenue by $165,496
Increase D5112.2 Chips Imp. Exp. by $165,496
Transfer $207,363. From D5112.2 Chips Improvements to D5110.4 General Repair (cont.) by Highway Superintendents request.
On a Sofranko/Edinger motion, the Town Board approved the following Budget Modifications for the General Fund.
Aye: Boggess, Kelder, Edinger, Read, and Sofranko Nay: Absent:
General Fund:
Increase A2680 Insurance Recoveries by $7400
Increase A7140.2 Playground and Rec. Fac. By $7400
Transfer $750 from A1990.4 Contingency to A1460.2 Records Management (Equip.)
Transfer $4000 from 1990.4 Contingency to A8020.1 Planning (PS)
Transfer $5000 from 1990.4 Contingency to 9050.8 unemployment insurance.
Approve Payment of Audited Bills: On a Boggess/Edinger motion, the Town Board approved the payment of the following audited bills:
Aye: Boggess, Kelder, Edinger, Read, and Sofranko Nay: Absent:
General Fund Vouchers #408 #451 $41,925.90
Highway Fund Vouchers #197-#221 $71,262.76
Cash Received August 2021 $162,628.54
Interest Received August 2021 $589.20
Additional Business:
Town of Olive
Resolution #23 of 2021
Premium Pay for Workers under the American Rescue Plan Act
WHEREAS, on March 11, 2021 the American Rescue Plan Act was signed into law to establish the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund and Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF); and
WHEREAS, the SLFRF program is intended to provide support to local governments in responding to the economic and public health impacts of COVID-19 and their efforts to contain impacts on their communities, residents, and businesses; and
WHEREAS, the SLFRF program funding can be used to provide premium pay to eligible workers performing essential work in recognition of the increase risk they face during COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Olive recognizes the employees below as meeting the SLFRF qualifications of essential and eligible workers to protect the health and well-being of the residents of the Town of Olive; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board of the Town of Olive authorizes the Supervisor to pay the following premium pay stipend on the November 8, 2021 payroll for the following town workers employed during the time period between March 11, 2020 and March 3, 2021:
Transfer Station
Bruce Proper – Supervisor 1000 Subtotal
Jesse Romano – Attendant 1000
Dennis McKay- Attendant 1000
Joseph Schwall – Attendant 1000
Bradley Clinton – Attendant 200
Richard Fisher – Attendant 20 4220
Building Department
John Ingram – Zoning Enforcement Officer 1000
Dominic Covello – Building Inspector 1000
Brenda Van Leuvan – Building Department Clerk 350
Janelle Perry – Planning/Zoning Secretary 250 6820
Supervisor
Rebecca DeGondea – Clerk to the Supervisor 250
Janice Lanzoratta – Bookkeeper 250
Town Clerk
Amanda Winnie – Deputy Town Clerk 350
Assessor
Diana Carchiddi – Assessor 250
Carla – Clerk to the Assessor 250 8170
Recreation
Gene Sorbellini – Director 350
Rayla Hart – Pool Attendant 314
Veronica Kivlehan – Pool Attendant 83
Darrah Allison – Lifeguard 43
Noah Burlacu – Lifeguard 244
Nicoh Burlacu – Lifeguard 234
Luica Burlacu – Lifeguard 253
Paige Matteson – Lifeguard 36
Alanna Wood – Lifeguard 386
Ryan Wright – Head Lifeguard 518
Jessica Zygmunt – Lifeguard 134
Black Overton – Lifeguard 350
Shane Callahan – Lifeguard 115 Subtotal
Betty Lorenz – Pool Attendant 6 11236
Facilities
Ruth Williams 365.26 hrs. @ 1.50 548
Debra Scheringer 382.87 hrs. @ 1.50 574
Blaise Sava 319.60 hrs. @ 1.50 479
Carl Swenson 150
Highway
Highway Secretary – Sierra Smith 250 13237
Court Clerk
Virginia Wiswall 250
Lucy Van Luevan 100 13587
AND MOVES ITS ADOPTION
Motion made by: Supervisor Sofranko
Seconded by: Board Member Boggess
Aye Nay Absent
Jim Sofranko, Supervisor _X__ _____ ______
Drew Boggess, Board Member _X__ _____ ______
Scott Kelder, Board Member _X__ _____ ______
David Edinger, Board Member _X__ _____ ______
Victoria Read, Board Member _X__ _____ ______
Dated this 12th day of October, 2021
______________________________
Dawn Giuditta, Town Clerk
Town of Olive
Resolution #24 of 2021
Resolution to Amend the 2019 Compensation and Benefits Manual
WHEREAS, the Town of Olive Town Board adopted Town of Olive Compensation and Benefits Manual in December 10th 2019; and
WHEREAS, Section 5.1 of the Compensation and Benefits Manual makes Medical Insurance available for full-time employees and eligible family members; and
WHEREAS, Section 5.1.5 Premium Payment (hired after 7-1-2001) states: “For an employee hired into a full-time position on or after July 1, 2001, the Town pays one-hundred percent (100%) of the monthly premium for individual coverage. In the event the employee enrolls in a two-person or a family plan, the Town pays fifty percent (50%) of the difference of the premium between individual coverage and dependent coverage”; and
WHEREAS, the contract for the union-represented employees of the town caps the maximum employee contribution at $500 per month; and
WHEREAS, Section 5.1.6 of the Compensation and Benefits Manual allows the Town Board, at its sole discretion to change the amount of insurance premium an employee or elected official is required to contribute.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, The Town of Olive Town Board adds the following language to the Compensation and Benefits Manual Section 5.1.5 Premium Payment “Notwithstanding the above, the maximum employee contribution is capped at $500 per month.”
AND MOVES ITS ADOPTION
Motion made by: Board Member Victoria Read
Seconded by: board Member David Edinger
AYE NAY ABSENT
Jim Sofranko, Supervisor _X__ _____ ______
Andrew Boggess, Board Member _X__ _____ ______
Scott Kelder, Board Member _X__ _____ ______
David Edinger, Board Member _X__ _____ ______
Victoria Read, Board Member _X__ _____ ______
Dated this 12th day of October, 2021
_________________________________
Dawn Giuditta, Town of Olive Town Clerk
On a Boggess/Kelder motion, the Town Board reappointed Stewart Grant to the Board of Assessment Review with a term expiring on 9/30/2026
Aye: Boggess, Kelder, Edinger, Read, and Sofranko Nay: Absent:
On an Edinger/Read motion, the Town Board amended the Building Clerk rate of pay to be $21.50.
Aye: Boggess, Kelder, Edinger, Read, and Sofranko Nay: Absent:
On a Boggess/Sofranko motion the Town Board awarded the RFP for cleaning to Into the Catskills Cleaning for $300 a week based on best value.
Aye: Boggess, Kelder, Edinger, Read, and Sofranko Nay: Absent:
All RFPs received on 9/24/21 at 2 pm
#1 Summit Services- $1039.20 a month
#2 Into the Catskills Cleaning- $300 a week
#3 Scrub Masters Plus Corp. – $2275 a month
On a Sofranko/Kelder motion, the Town Board approved the OCS Boosters to hold raffles and 50/50’s in the Town of Olive for the following school years: 2021-June 30, 2024
Aye: Boggess, Kelder, Edinger, Read, and Sofranko Nay: Absent:
On a Sofranko/Read motion, the Town Board hired a new bookkeeper at a rate of $30.00 per hour starting October 25, 2021.
Aye: Boggess, Kelder, Edinger, Read, and Sofranko Nay: Absent:
On a Sofranko/Read motion, the Town Board awarded the RFP for the Town Hall Projection System at $3,877.50.
Aye: Boggess, Kelder, Edinger, Read, and Sofranko Nay: Absent:
All RFPs received for projection system 🙁 #91-21)
- Hudson River Technologies (HRT)- $3470.00 without LED TV’s
- Hudson River Technologies (HRT)- $3877.50 with LED TV’s
- Darryl Scraggs- $4070.00
- Darryl Scraggs- $5320.00
On a Sofranko/Kelder motion, the Town Board after some discussion approved the contract with Simon Gruber for consulting services in the amount of $1900.00. (#92-21)
Aye: Boggess, Kelder, Edinger, Read, and Sofranko Nay: Absent:
The Town Board discussed with the Superintendent of Highways the purchase of a New Holland C337 Compact Track Loader. The Highway Superintendent requested the matter be tabled until next month so he can do some more research into a different milling head.
Supervisors Report:
Unifirst Contract– Supervisor Sofranko commented on the outcome of the Unifirst Contract arbitration. In 2019 they terminated the contract and went to arbitration, the claimant was asking for $9829.65 in unpaid fees for the remainder of the contract. The Town agreed to pay $2227.36 for uniforms that had names and logos put on them and couldn’t be reused plus interest and a small amount of $104.43. The determination of the arbitrator was that we did not have to pay the full amount. Then the discussion came around to attorney fees and who would pay for whose. The Town felt the claimant should pay all attorney fees so it went back to the arbitrator and they ruled in our favor. The claimant was ordered to pay our attorney fees and arbitration fees.
Supervisor Sofranko commended the Highway Superintendent, Chris Winne and especially Sierra for keeping great records. He believed that was what swayed the arbitrator.
Bushkill Project – The project is almost complete and the Ulster County Department of Public Works extended the Intermunicipal agreement for the Watson Hollow Bridge to 12/31/2022.
The Town Board discussed the highway office internet connection, which is not working. It was suggested to put in a wireless bridge for $1420.
On a Sofranko/Read motion the Town Board adjourned into executive session to discuss employment history of an employee at 8:20 pm.
Aye: Boggess, Kelder, Edinger, Read, and Sofranko Nay: Absent:
On a Sofranko/Boggess motion, the Town Board adjourned from executive session at 9:04 pm
Aye: Boggess, Kelder, Edinger, Read, and Sofranko Nay: Absent:
On a Boggess/Read motion, the Town Board approved engaging Michael Richardson to modify the Plan for Operation for Communicable Diseases.
Aye: Boggess, Kelder, Edinger, Read, and Sofranko Nay: Absent:
Committees, Commission, Department Reports:
Cable Franchise Negotiations Committee—Jim Sofranko, Chair
Supervisor Sofranko spoke with Spectrum and asked them to look into the cost of buildout in parts of town that do not have cable.
Parks & Recreation Committee—Scott Kelder, Liaison
Did not meet but they will be reviewing park fees and recreation fees for 2022 to present to the Town Board.
Highway Superintendent—Brian Burns
The Highway Department is doing culvert pipes on Bostock road and closing out road work for the year. They are doing a little bit of patch work. The design phase for Red Maple and Bostock crossings is moving forward.
Town Clerk- Dawn Giuditta (#93-21)
September 2021- $63,605.57
Olive Fire Department- Christopher Winne, Fire Chief (#94-21)
September Calls-26
Auto Accidents- 4 Structure Fire- 1 Mutual Aid- 4 Automatic Alarm-3
Wires Down-8 EMS Assist/Rescue- 3 Carbon Monoxide- 1 Hazardous Materials- 1
Landing Zone-1
Olive First Aid- Chief Yvonne Fuller (#95-21)
Total # of Calls 42
Shokan- 18 Olivebridge- 9 Boiceville-11 West Shokan- 3 Shandaken- 2 Stoneridge- 1
Scenic Byway- David Edinger, Liaison
There was no meeting.
Conservation Advisory Council-Vicky Read, Liaison
The council wanted to do a presentation to the Town board on the Climate Smart Community Certification but they put that off due to it being budget time. They are planning a workshop meeting to be held at the Olive Library.
Zoning Committee-Drew Boggess, Chairman
The Committee canceled the meeting to attend the public hearing on the Local Law #4 of 2021 Short Term Rental Law. Their next meeting will be Thursday, October 21, 2021 and they will be discussing the comments from the public hearing.
Buildings and Grounds Committee- Scott Kelder, Liaison
The Committee did not meet.
All pertinent business having been conducted, the Town Board on a Sofranko/Boggess motion, adjourned the meeting at 9:27 pm in memory of Wyatt Baker, Donald McDonald & George Koury.
Aye: Boggess, Kelder, Edinger, Read and Sofranko Nay: Absent
___________________________
Dawn Giuditta, Town Clerk