Meeting Date: March 9, 2021 6:30 pm
Minutes of the Public Hearing of the Town of Olive Town Board, held Monday March 8, 2021 6:30 pm via ZOOM link.
Members Present: Jim Sofranko, Supervisor
Drew Boggess, Board Member
Scott Kelder, Board Member
David Edinger, Board Member
Victoria Read, Board Member arrived 6:59 pm
Recording Secretary: Dawn Giuditta, Town Clerk
Others Present: Brian Burns, Highway Superintendent; Simon Strauss, CAC; Daniel White, CAC; Matt Kovner, CAC
There were 17 residents in attendance.
Town Supervisor Jim Sofranko called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm, he advised that due to the advertisement not being in the paper that we would not be able to have a formal public hearing.
Supervisor Sofranko stated that the Olive Conservation Advisory Council has been looking into a Community Choice Aggregation Program. The program in which the town can join with other towns to purchase large purchases of renewable energy or a mix of renewable energy. There are several parameters that the town can use to construct this program. The Town Board has had some presentations in the past by the CAC and Jeff Domanski from Joule Energy. This program is part of the Climate Smart Program of New York State and by the town joining this it would default to this program as your energy provider on your utility bill.
What the Board would like to do is consider this for the town and the first step that needs to be done is pass a local law which is why we are here tonight. This law will establish the guidelines for the program.
Supervisor Sofranko proceeded with the reading of Local Law #1 of 2021 Community Choice Aggregation Program and opened the floor for public comments.
Jeff Domanski, Local Program Partner from Joule Energy, he has represented other CCA’s in the area. One has been operating since 2019 and is nearing the end of a 2 year contract, it started with 6 communities and 4 more joined later and in 2020 a CCA program started in Orange & Rockland with about 40,000 households just launched on January 1, 2021. Mr. Domanski stated that this law is a tool that can allow you to do a lot of things. It’s a tool you don’t have to use, but you have to pass a law to have that tool available to you. Including the establishment of a buying club on behalf of your members of your community to get a very competitive rate for 100% renewables with many consumer protection elements built into it. There are bad actors in the field but the beauty of the CCA Program is that they restrict the ability of the chosen companies to act within the confines of the requirements of the request for proposals and what is established in the contract. Mr. Domanski commented that there are a lot of good things happening in the energy market and this packages it in a nice simple way. It’s exciting to
pass this enabling law yet it does not commit you to have to do anything but you have to have it to do further exploration.
Supervisor Sofranko received several emails and phone calls from residents concerned over this law. They were not happy about government choosing the electric supplier for them. He informed them they could option to not join at any time, but they were not comfortable with the opting out process. He also received a letter written by Mitch Langbert to Central Hudson.
Mr. Domanski responded to these residents by saying, the government already has been picking your electricity supply. The State’s defaults that if you don’t take advantage of private supply companies that are out there then the utility company will choose for you on a month to month basis. What happens with the CCA Program if the community launches a program? A third option becomes available. It does become the new default as established by the local law but anyone can say no to it at any point without penalty. It was established to counter the bad actors in the energy market place where there have been manipulations of contracts that have been fixed for a period of time and suddenly there is an escalation and a variable rate applies or a huge increase. This program is structured to be transparent as a true public benefit with the consumer protections built in. It will be a fixed rate for the duration of the contract and it can’t be just continued. It is a fixed rate for supply, for a fixed period.
Supervisor Sofranko thanked Mr. Domanski for his comments and made a motion to hold a public hearing on the Community Choice Aggregation Law on March 24, 2021 at 6:30 pm via ZOOM link. Board Member Boggess seconded the motion.
Aye: Boggess, Kelder, Edinger, Read and Sofranko Nay: Absent:
Daniel White Co-Chairman of the Conservation Advisory Council add a few comments. Mr. White stated that he wanted to just summarize the benefits as the Council see them for this program. First and foremost, this is a way to move not just our but the whole country toward cleaner more sustainable, more renewable energy. The more towns that do this the cleaner the air the less CO2 is in the air and the less effect on climate change. It also is a buying club that has the potential to lower prices because we are buying with other people. Right now, Central Hudson makes all the choices for us, here we’re hiring essentially professionals to do market research every day to look for the best deals both in price and renewables and thinking about that then what this is doing is encouraging development of sustainable entrepreneurs to initiate community solar programs. It will incentivize hydro providers and wind providers and long term it will increase the availability of sustainable energy and help Olive’s reputation as a green environmental community.
At this point Supervisor Sofranko closed the informational meeting on Local Law # 1 of 2021 Community Choice Aggregation Program at 7:12 pm.
__________________________
Dawn Giuditta, Town Clerk
Town of Olive
County of Ulster
State of New York
Monday, March 8, 2021
Minutes of the monthly meeting of the Town of Olive Town Board, held Monday March 8, 2021 7 pm via ZOOM link.
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; Simon Strauss, CAC; Daniel White, CAC; Matt Kovner, CAC
Supervisor Sofranko opened the workshop meeting at 7:12 pm
The Town Board audited the bills in the office throughout the day.
Ashokan Pumped Storage Project-
On January 29th 2021 a company by the name of Premium Energy holdings limited liability corporation based in Walnut, California filed an application before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
Project #15056. It is an application for a preliminary permit for the Ashokan Pumped Storage Project. This is a project that has gotten a lot of attention, it was kind of sprung on us and blindsided us. There is a brief description of it on the town website and also on the website there is information on how to comment on it. It is a project of enormous scale and enormous consequence if it ever goes through.
Supervisor Sofranko stated the process is that you have a 60 day window in which to comment. You can also apply to be an intervenor. An Intervenor requires you to write a letter to the FERC application portal and make your claim. The Town of Olive claimed to become an Intervenor, so did Trout Unlimited, Town of Woodstock and NYCDEP. People can file their own comments. Supervisor Sofranko further stated that a preliminary permit is a permit to do a feasibility study and, in this case, they asked for 2 years to do the study.
Drew Boggess commented that people should read the application and if anyone has a technical background, they might be able to point out its weaknesses.
Supervisor Sofranko said that what he is doing is analyzing the application and he is combing through it for inaccuracies and he will plan a narrative of which one part will be just on the flaws of the application.
FERC may reject a deeply flawed application that would show a lack of depth, understanding and the ability to even proceed based on the application. He stated that the town is trying to stay measured in our response, in that we are looking at it with a very, very central point of view without making any rash judgements on it. So, if they do get a preliminary permit and they do start the process, that the town will be an Intervenor and by nature being an Intervenor, you’re not there to interrupt the meeting. As Intervenor it gets you a seat at the table. Supervisor Sofranko stated he is tending to be more conservative than if he weren’t representing the town. But this should not in any way dissuade people from going to the website and commenting.
On a Sofranko/Edinger motion, the Town Board approved an informational ZOOM meeting be held on the Ashokan Pumped Storage Project on March 18, 2021 at 6:30 pm via link.
Aye: Boggess, Kelder, Edinger, Read and Sofranko Nay: Absent:
Wendy Wolfenson from West Shokan addressed the Town Board against the Ashokan Pumped Storage Project and pointed out the many inefficiencies within the FERC application. She asks the Town Board to stand strongly against this project.
Matt Kovner member of the Conservation Advisory Council stated that anyone who can make a comment on any level, environmental, and building of roads to create the reservoir. The more stuff we can put up there so this company understands that they’re going to have a fight. The CAC will be preparing a letter to go out to FERC telling them our position and we are basing it mostly on our Natural Resource Inventory. Supervisor Sofranko clarify that whatever the CAC prepares will go with his package. He is also having the Superintendent of Highways, Brian Burns put together a survey of Moonhaw Road and Hillside Drive.
Board Member Boggess also stated that we cannot negate the other two options because no matter which option they go with the power plant will be in Olive.
Mary Ann Shepard from West Shokan, questioned whether the NYSDEC would be claiming as an Intervenor. The Supervisor stated that he has not heard anything definitive at this time.
Michelle Friedel also from West Shokan, stated a lot of her concerns have already been reiterated, but also suggested another layer to be discussed, an emotional side. She wants everyone to continue being active with the research, unbiased and scientific findings in order to poke holes in the application. She is imploring everyone to not let history repeat itself. Stated that we need to pull out all the stops and wants the Town of Olive to be known for organizing and stopping such a hideous proposal.
Susan Jaworski made comment about reaching out to elected officials. Supervisor Sofranko agreed that they probably should be contacted.
Larry Brown offered his support to everyone who spoke and made a couple of recommendations. He mentioned that there are probably people in town that are not fully aware of what’s actually taking place. He was wondering if the Town Board could compose a letter that went into every mail box and to unify that effort by working with the Town of Shandaken, who is in the same situation. Mr. Brown stated that the more we unify and join forces a stronger voice we will be.
On a Sofranko/Read motion the Board approved sending out an informational mailing on the Ashokan Pumped Storage Project.
Aye: Boggess, Kelder, Edinger, Read and Sofranko Nay: Absent:
With no further comments on this issue the Town Board proceeded to discuss other business pertaining to the following night’s meeting.
On a Sofranko/Edinger motion the Board approved letters going out to all the Police Task Force members thanking them for their participation.
Aye: Boggess, Kelder, Edinger, Read and Sofranko Nay: Absent:
On a Sofranko/Edinger motion , the Town Board adjourned into executive session to discuss the employment of a particular person or corporation at 8:50 pm.
Aye: Boggess, Kelder, Edinger, Read and Sofranko Nay: Absent:
On a Sofranko/ Edinger motion the Board adjourned from executive session at approximately 9:19 pm.
Aye: Boggess, Kelder, Edinger, Read and Sofranko Nay: Absent:
All pertinent business having been discussed the meeting adjourned on Boggess/Edinger motion at approximately 9:20 pm.
Aye: Boggess, Kelder, Edinger, Read and Sofranko Nay: Absent:
____________________________
Dawn Giuditta, Town Clerk
Town of Olive
County of Ulster
State of New York
Tuesday, March 9, 2021
Minutes of the monthly meeting of the Town of Olive Town Board, held Tuesday, March 9, 2021 7 pm via ZOOM link.
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; Cynthia Nitkin; Amanda Winne, Deputy Town Clerk; Sean Ryan, Police Chief; Josh Caliendo, Police Officer; Timothy Cox, Town Justice; Gene Sorbellini, Facilities & Recreation Director
Town Supervisor Jim Sofranko called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
On a Sofranko/Boggess motion, the Town Board approved the February minutes.
Aye: Boggess, Kelder, Edinger, Read, and Sofranko Nay: Absent:
Correspondence: #16-21
Tom Oliveri and Jane Kellar- Bushkill Stream Remediation
#17-21
Olive Fire Department – On a Sofranko/Edinger motion, the Town Board approved Samantha Citrin as a new member to the Olive Fire Department.
Aye: Boggess, Kelder, Edinger, Read, and Sofranko Nay: Absent:
Budget Modifications: On a Boggess/Read motion, the Town Board approved the following Budget Modifications:
Aye: Boggess, Kelder, Edinger, Read, and Sofranko Nay: Absent:
Transfer $1100.00 from Reserve K to 1410.2 Town Clerk (Equip)
Approve Payment of Audited Bills: On a Boggess/Read motion, the Town Board approved the payment of the following audited bills:
Aye: Boggess, Kelder, Edinger, Read, and Sofranko Nay: Absent:
General Fund Vouchers #55– #94 $ 29,365.94
Special Lighting Voucher #2 $ 199.80
Highway Fund Vouchers #29– #53 $ 39,501.07
Sewer Fund Vouchers #17024-#17042 $ 37,850.31
Cash Received January 2021 $2,075,421.93
Interest Received January 2021 $525.63
Additional Business:
Town of Olive
Resolution #6 of 2021
A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE PLAN FOR OPERATIONS IN THE EVENT OF A DECLARED PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGNECY INVOLVING A COMMUNICABLE DISEASE
WHEREAS, The Governor of New York State signed legislation S8617B/A10832 on September 7, 2020 requiring State and Local governments, and School Districts, to plan for future State disaster emergencies involving a communicable disease and,
WHEREAS, the Supervisor of the Town of Olive in collaboration with the town labor consultant developed the Town of Olive Plan for Operations in the Event of a Declared Public Health Emergency Involving a Communicable Disease (Plan for Operations) to adequately protect workers in the event of another state disaster emergency involving a communicable disease and,
WHEREAS, the Town of Olive submitted the Plan for Operations within 150 days to the union representatives of the Olive Police Department and the Olive Highway Department for comment as required by the NYS Legislation and,
WHEREAS, the Town of Olive received no comments on the Plan for Operations by the union representatives and,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board of the Town of Olive adopts the Plan for Operations in the Event of a Declared Public Health Emergency Involving a Communicable Disease dated March 4, 2021.
AND MOVES ITS ADOPTION
Motion made by: Board Member Edinger
Seconded by: Board Member Kelder
A Vote was Duly Taken:
AYE NAY ABSENT
Jim Sofranko, Supervisor _X__ _____ ______
Victoria Read, Board Member _X__ _____ ______
Andrew Boggess, Board Member _X__ _____ ______
Scott Kelder, Board Member _X__ _____ ______
David Edinger, Board Member _X__ _____ ______
Dated this 9th day of March, 2021
________________________________
Dawn Giuditta, Town Clerk
Town of Olive
Resolution # 7 of 2021
To Designate the Conservation Advisor Council as the Climate Smart Communities Task Force
WHEREAS, the Town of Olive passed the Climate Smart Community Pledge on July 12, 2016, resolving to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to be a Climate Smart Community; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Olive has established a Conservation Advisory Council to undertake a number of tasks involved in supporting the Climate Smart Community Pledge; and
WHEREAS, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has encouraged the creation of a local climate change Task Force to provide the Town Board with information about establishing and implementing climate smart initiatives, to provide new ideas to the Town Board, and to identify funding sources for these initiatives.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board of the Town of Olive hereby designates the Town of Olive Conservation Advisory Council to act as the Town of Olive Climate Smart Community Task Force, as appointed by the Town Board.
The Town of Olive Climate Smart Community Task Force appoints Matt Kovner to act as Coordinator.
This resolution will take place immediately.
AND MOVES ITS ADOPTION
Motion made by: Board Member Read
Seconded by: Board Member Edinger
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 9th day of March, 2021
_______________________________
Dawn Giuditta, Town Clerk
Town of Olive
Resolution #8 of 2021
SUPPORTING PARTICIPATION IN THE
NEW YORK CITY FUNDED FLOOD BUYOUT PROGRAM FOR
4072 NYS Route 28, Boiceville, NY
WHEREAS, the Town of Olive is subject to flooding that can damage property, close roads, disrupt traffic, and present a public health and safety hazard; and
WHEREAS, at the request of local communities, funding from the NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is being made available to help property owners who qualify for the NYC Funded Flood Buyout Program (NYCFFBO) based on eligibility criteria in five categories – 1) Hydraulic Study Properties (recommended by engineering analysis), 2) CWC Flood Hazard Mitigation Implementation Program, 3) Community-approved Stream Management Project, 4) Erosion Hazard, and 5) Inundation Hazard, and
WHEREAS, the Town of Olive has conducted a Local Flood Analysis (LFA) including a hydraulic analysis of flooding in the Town and the LFA recommends certain properties that are subject to repetitive flood damages should be considered for flood buyout, and
WHEREAS, the property at 4072 State Route 28 (SBL 36.11-1-27.111) has been recommended for consideration for buyout in the LFA and the Town has been approached by the equal partners of Old Stockade Development, LLC, Stefan Sanzi and Greg Berardi, the owners of the property, requesting to participate in the NYCFFBO program under the Hydraulic Study category, and
WHEREAS, the Town of Olive has the option to decline ownership of the property choosing instead to own this property for future flood mitigation activities, and
WHEREAS, the Town of Olive understands that this Town-owned property will be managed by the Town in conjunction with a Re-Use Plan prepared by the Town that identifies the community’s long-term plan for the management, use, and development of this parcel. All activities are to be subject to and consistent with the restrictions in Flood-Prone Areas identified in the Second Supplemental Agreement Among West of Hudson Watershed Stakeholders Concerning the New York City-funded Flood Buyout Program, Page 5 (1) a., i., ii., iii., iv., and v.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Town of Olive Town Board approves owners of 4072 NY State 28, Boiceville, NY 12412. Old Stockade Development, LLC, to apply for the NYCFFBO program to permanently remove this flood hazard risk allowing the DEP to begin assisting them in the real estate process.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Town of Olive Town Board opts to retain ownership of the parcel for future flood mitigation activities
AND MOVES ITS ADOPTION
Motion made by: Board Member Edinger
Seconded by: Board Member Boggess
A Vote was Duly Taken:
AYE NAY ABSENT
Jim Sofranko, Supervisor _X__ _____ ______
Victoria Read, Board Member _X__ _____ ______
Andrew Boggess, Board Member _X__ _____ ______
Scott Kelder, Board Member _X__ _____ ______
David Edinger, Board Member _X__ _____ ______
Dated this 9th day of March, 2021
_________________________________
Dawn Giuditta, Town Clerk
Town of Olive
Resolution #9 of 2021
A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE PLAN OF ACTION FOR THE OLIVE POLICE DEPARTMENT SUBMITTED BYTHE OLIVE COMMUNITY POLICING TASK FROCE
WHEREAS, The Governor of New York State issued Executive Order # 203 on June 12, 2020 establishing the NYS Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative and,
WHEREAS, the Supervisor of the Town of Olive, following the directives of Executive Order #203, appointed the Olive Community Policing Task Force (OCPTF) a committee made up of community stakeholders including residents, leadership of the Olive Police Department, a representative of the faith-based community and local elected officials, and,
WHEREAS, the OCPTF was tasked to collaboratively examine the policies, procedures, and practices of the Olive Police Department for the purpose of addressing the particular needs of our community with an emphasis on race bias and disproportionate policing and,
WHEREAS, the OCPTF held over 70 hours of meetings, including two online public meetings, in order to create a robust community dialogue, educate the public on the policies and procedures of the Olive Police Department, and to hear any experiences, concerns, and comments from the public and,
WHEREAS, these meetings resulted in the drafting of a Plan of Action in order to better foster trust, transparency, fairness, and public outreach while maintaining public safety in the Town of Olive and,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board of the Town of Olive adopts the Olive Community Policing Task Force Plan of Action, dated March 4, 2021.
AND MOVES ITS ADOPTION
Motion made by: Board Member Read
Seconded by: Board Member Boggess
A Vote was Duly Taken:
AYE NAY ABSENT
Jim Sofranko, Supervisor _X__ _____ ______
Victoria Read, Board Member _X__ _____ ______
Andrew Boggess, Board Member _X__ _____ ______
Scott Kelder, Board Member _X__ _____ ______
David Edinger, Board Member _X__ _____ ______
Dated this 9th day of March, 2021
______________________________
Dawn Giuditta, Town Clerk
On a Sofranko/Kelder motion, the Town Board empowered the Highway Superintendent to sign the contract with Cornell Cooperative Extension of UC for engineering designs of Red Maple and Bostock crossings.
Aye: Boggess, Kelder, Edinger, Read, and Sofranko Nay: Absent:
On a Sofranko/Edinger motion, the Town Board empowered the Highway Superintendent to purchase 2021 Western Star Truck for $229,232.00
Aye: Boggess, Kelder, Edinger, Read, and Sofranko Nay: Absent:
On a Boggess/Read motion, the hiring of Cynthia Nitkin as Planning Consultant to develop a USE Plan for the two Boiceville Properties.
Aye: Boggess, Kelder, Edinger, Read, and Sofranko Nay: Absent:
On a Sofranko/Edinger motion, the Town Board accepted Andrew Eberhardt proposal for the Town Office septic system in the amount of $24,895.00.
Aye: Boggess, Kelder, Edinger, Read, and Sofranko Nay: Absent:
The town received 2 requests for proposal:
1. Andrew Eberhardt- $24,895.00
2. Chad Davis Contracting LLC $34,590.00
On a Boggess/Kelder motion, the Town Board empowered the Supervisor to sign a contract with Miracle Recreation Equipment for replacement of playground equipment destroyed in a winter storm for $64,984.18.
Aye: Boggess, Kelder, Edinger, Read, and Sofranko Nay: Absent:
The town received four quotes:
1. Miracle Recreation Option 1 $64,984.18
2. Miracle Recreation Option 2 $59,910.83
3. Pro Playgrounds $36,999.00
4. MRC $44,820.05 plus labor $20,109.76
On a Sofranko/Read motion, the Town Board approved 4 hours of training be applied to all the Planning Board Members for 2021 in recognition of all their hard work.
Aye: Boggess, Kelder, Edinger, Read, and Sofranko Nay: Absent:
On a Boggess/Sofranko motion, approved an event permit for Aaron Smith for 1000 people with strict guidelines to follow all COVID protocols from the CDC and NYS at the time of the event.
Aye: Boggess, Kelder, Edinger, Read, and Sofranko Nay: Absent:
Committees, Commission, Department Reports:
Cable franchise Negotiations committee—Jim Sofranko, Chair
No Report at this time.
Parks & Recreation Committee—Scott Kelder, Liaison
The Committee is waiting on guidelines for Day Camps. The spring sports will be underway soon if possible.
Highway Superintendent—Brian Burns
Superintendent Burns commended the Highway Department employees for a fabulous job this winter clearing roads.
Police Commission—Drew Boggess, Liaison (#18-21)
Total Calls for February– 6473
Year to date – 137
Property checks- 394
Traffic Tickets-22
Arrests: 0
Court is back open in person.
Town Clerk- Dawn Giuditta (#19-21)
February 2021- $11,016.23
Taxes Collected – 1,640,997.16
Olive First Aid-(#20-21)
Total –28
Olivebridge- 7 Shokan- 6 Boiceville- 6 West Shokan- 4 Samsonville- 3 West Hurley- 2
Olive Fire Department-Chief Chris Winne (#21-21)
February Calls 2021—13
Structure Fire-1 Mutual Aid- 6 Automatic Alarm- 2 Wires Down- 1 Public Service- 1 Carbon Monoxide-2
Scenic Byway- Drew Boggess, Liaison
No report at this time.
Conservation Advisory Council-David Edinger, Liaison
CAC member Matt Kovner will file the documents to get points with Climate Smart. The Community Choice Aggregation Program will allow the town to apply for grants. The Council will be looking into a solar code.
Zoning Committee-Drew Boggess, Chairman
The Short Term Rental Code (STR) is 85-90% complete. The committee will be working on getting it more finalized and hope to get it to the Board in late spring early summer.
Technology Committee-David Edinger, Chairman
The website should be ready soon they are working on a color scheme. The Committee will look into the Policy procedure for Facebook and purchase a couple new domain names.
Planning Board- Victoria Read, Liaison
The Planning Board has continued working on the Lower Sahler Mill Subdivision. Bread Alone site plan has been approved and McMillian Road camping site plan has received some push back from people in the community.
The Town Board members were sent reports from Janice Lanzarotta, Bookkeeper Statement of Expenditures, Encumbrances & Appropriations (1/31/21) #22-21.
Barry Ruland, LVDV Operations Chief Operator sent the Town Board the Boiceville Sewer District Monthly Operating Report for December 2019. (#23-21)
On a Sofranko/Edinger motion, the Town Board approved a page in the minutes be made in honor of Vincent “Dutch” Barringer.
All pertinent business having been conducted, the Town Board on a Sofranko/Read motion, adjourned the meeting at 9:02 pm in memory of Claire Kassor and Arlos R Every.
Aye: Boggess, Kelder, Edinger, Read and Sofranko Nay: Absent:
___________________________
Dawn Giuditta, Town Clerk
This page is dedicated
In Memory of Vincent “Dutch” Barringer
Dutch lived in the Town of Olive most of his life only leaving in the last couple years to live in Kingston.
He loved the Town of Olive.
He was Town Justice from 1970-1973, he held court from his home in Samsonville.
As an employee of NYCDEP for 30 years he found time to continue working for the residents of the Town of Olive.
Vince was Town Supervisor from 1976-1981 and again
Became Town Justice from 1986-2010
He was a fair and respected Judge for the Town of Olive.
Vince served his community for 34 years and will always be remembered.
He was a loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother and Friend to the entire Town of Olive Community.
This Town Clerk will miss you!
Dawn Giuditta
Town of Olive
County of Ulster
State of New York
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
Minutes of the Public Hearing of the Town of Olive Town Board, held Wednesday March 24, 2021 6:30 pm via ZOOM link.
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: Simon Strauss, CAC; Matt Kovner, CAC; Chester Karwatowski, CAC; Jac Conaway, CAC; Amanda Winne, Deputy Town Clerk; Christopher Winne, Fire Chief
There were 25 residents in attendance.
Town Supervisor Jim Sofranko called the meeting to order at 6:33 pm, and had the Town Clerk, Dawn Giuditta read the legal ad for the Public Hearing which was in the March 15, 2021 issue of the Daily Freeman.
Supervisor Sofranko read the Local Law #1 of 2021 Community Choice Aggregation Program to the residents in attendance and then opened the meeting for comments.
Zach Hilty liked the new program he thought it was idiot proof and told the Board to sign the agreement.
Jac Conaway agreed with Mr. Hilty and stated it seems like a no lose for everyone in the Town of Olive.
Cynthia Nikitin stated it was an amazing opportunity and co-op ‘s saves everyone money. She wanted to know if we get to choose and will the Town be running it?
Supervisor Sofranko stated a third party administrator will be running it and introduced Glen Weinberg from Joule Energy.
Mr. Weinberg works for Joule Energy a third party administrative company and they administrative about 38 communities throughout NYS. They have 14 communities in Central Hudson territory. He also stated that the program will largely be looking at hydro, wind and maybe some locally site solar farms.
Matt Kovner agreed that this program is a great way to lower energy cost and use renewable energy.
Board Member David Edinger commented that there is no guarantee that it will always be lower than Central Hudson.
Board member Kelder expressed a concern that if they passed this now would it have any effect on the Ashokan Pumped Storage Project application. Supervisor Sofranko stated he didn’t think so because the Ashokan Pumped Storage Project uses a lot of energy and it is for storage.
Chester Karwatowski applauded the town for looking into this.
Christopher Winne expressed concern that not everyone knows about this Local Law and that some just found out after it was posted on Facebook. He was concerned about the Town choosing for everyone and the opting out policy. He felt residents should be able to choose to opt in instead of having to remember to opt out.
Chester Karwatowski agreed with Mr. Winne that reach out about the program should be well advertised and shared.
After all residents that wanted to comment had been heard the Town Board on Boggess/Read motion closed the public hearing at 7:38 pm.
Aye: Boggess, Kelder, Edinger, Read and Sofranko Nay: Absent:
________________________
Dawn Giuditta, Town Clerk