« August 2007 | Main | October 2007 »
September 26, 2007
Rush Town Board Minutes - 2007/09/26
Rush Town Board
September 26, 2007
A regular meeting of the Rush Town Board was held on September 26, 2007 at the Rush Town Offices, 5977 East Henrietta Road and was called to order at 7:00 p.m.
Present: Councilman Donald Knab
Councilman Thomas Doupe – excused late arrival
Councilwoman Lisa Sluberski
Supervisor William Udicious
Absent: Councilman Richard Anderson – excused
Others: Frank Pavia, Attorney for the Town of Rush
Rufus Falk, Assessor
Gerald Kusse, Code Enforcement
Jack Mould, Library Board of Trustees
Rick Spencer, Rush Mendon Road
I Open Forum
Jack Mould, President, Library Board of Trustees, thanked the Town Board for their support during the budget process. The Board stated that the library was well prepared to discuss their budget and that was appreciated.
II Minutes, September 12, 2007
RESOLUTION #144
Councilman Knab moved that the minutes of the regular meeting of September 12, 2007 be approved as presented.
Councilwoman Sluberski seconded the motion.
Roll: Councilman Knab aye
Councilwoman Sluberski aye
Supervisor Udicious aye carried.
III Approval of Abstract
RESOLUTION #145
Councilman Knab moved BE IT RESOLVED, that having audited all the claims against the funds listed on the abstract, I moved that all claims in the amount of $48,242.12 be allowed for vouchers #935 through #992. Councilwoman Sluberski seconded the motion.
Roll: Councilman Knab aye
Councilwoman Sluberski aye
Supervisor Udicious aye carried.
IV Correspondence
1.NYS Office of Children and Family Services re: termination of services
Supervisor Udicious stated that he had just received this letter inviting the town and others to a meeting on October 2, 2007 to discuss the cut off of services to a number of adjacent properties on November 3, 2007.
2.The first report from the Fire Marshal and his request for the board to let him know if they wish any additional information.
V Reports of Officers and Committees
1.Town Board – Councilman Knab stated that the parking lot lights have all been fixed and that spare parts will be on hand for any future needed repairs. Also the gutter proposal will be ready next week along with a recommendation on the heat tapes along the roof.
Councilwoman Sluberski reported that the fall festival was a success and that the battle of the bands will be rescheduled for some time in the spring and be run as a separate event. An email from Recreation Supervisor Stephens concerning the splitting of profits from the face painting was mentioned. The matter will be referred to the attorney for the town for its legality and the matter will be discussed at the next town board meeting.
Councilwoman Sluberski also reported that the Zoning Board has discussed the matter of whether a wind turbine was a structure or not. They also were still waiting for a determination on the reading of books and magazines as meeting the education requirements for the board. Attorney Pavia will resubmit his written opinion on the subject to the ZBA.
The ZBA feels that they are not a legislative board and that the request for an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance on PODs and similar containers should come from the Town Board.
2. Assessor – Assessor Falk stated that the town had received again an award from NYS Real Property for maintaining fair assessments on property within the town.
IV Old Business
1.Status of Projects –
a-Rezoning Application for James Volpe – referred onto the Planning Board for their review and comment
b-Drainage petition for Rush View Heights – forwarded to Planning Board for comment
c-Rental of 1911 Rush Scottsville Road – Marsh Properties has cleaned up the property by painting and cleaning carpets. One apartment has been rented for October occupancy.
d-Sale of Hart’s Field – no buyers yet but there are two parties very interested but still trying to obtain financing.
e-Audit of Departments - Court and Finance Departments have been finished and Library is underway. No reports issued yet.
f-Parking Lot lights – repairs are completed.
VII New Business
1.Tentative Budget for 2008 – The Tentative Budget for 2008 has been given to the Town Clerk and copies have been placed in the Board member’s boxes. A legal notice for the public hearing on the Preliminary Budget on October 10, 2007 has been placed in the legal papers and copies of the Preliminary Budget for 2008 are available to review in the Town Clerk’s office and the Library.
2. Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of the Rush Fire Department – Attorney Pavia explained that since the original Certificate of Incorporation for the Rush Fire Department had been approved by a Town Board resolution in the 1930’s that any amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation would also require a Town Board Resolution. Furthermore, Attorney Pavia explained that the original incorporation papers did not specify the additional information needed to qualify the organization as a 501 (c) (3) exempt organization under the federal tax code.
The United Way has contacted the Rush Fire Department to explain they are in jeopardy of losing tax deductible funds if they do not meet the criteria of 501(c)(3) status of the Internal Revenue Code as a charitable not for profit organization. The necessary amendment to the Fire Department’s Incorporation would provide a clearer explanation of the department’s purpose and indicate that they were a not for profit corporation, consistent with the 501 (c)(3) requirements.
Attorney Pavia stated that it may also be necessary for a state judge to rule on this action but that possibility was not immediately clear.
RESOLUTION #146
Councilman Doupe moved that the following certificate of amendment be made to the Certificate of Incorporation of the Rush Fire Department, Inc.:
Under Section 803 of the Not for Profit Corp. Law
First: The name of the corporation is: Rush Fire Department.
Second: The date of filing of the certificate of incorporation with the Department of State is: May 9, l930.
Third: The law the corporation was formed under is: Membership Corporation Law.
Fourth: The Corporation is a corporation as defined in Section 102(a)(5) of the Not for Profit Corporation Law. The corporation is a Type B Corporation. If the corporate purposes are being enlarged, limited or otherwise changed, the corporation shall be a Type B Corporation.
Fifth: The amendment effected by this certificate of amendment is as follows: Paragraph Second of the Certificate of Incorporation relating to the purpose of the corporation is hereby amended to read in its entirety as follows:
SECOND: The particular objects for which the corporation is to be formed are: the prevention and extinguishment of fires, the preservation and protection of property from fire, the purchase and maintenance of all suitable apparatus and equipment and the sale of such thereof as is not useable; the acquisition, maintenance and sale of real and personal property and to provide proper quarters for such fire apparatus and equipment and for the headquarters of the members of this corporation.
Said organization is organized exclusively for charitable, religious, educational, and scientific purposes, including for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under section 501(3)(c) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code.
No part of the net earnings of the organization shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the organization shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in the purpose clause thereof. No substantial part of the activities of the organization shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the organization shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this document, the organization shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by an organization exempt from federal income tax under section 501(3)(c) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or (b) by an organization , contributing to which are deductible under section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code.
Upon the dissolution of the organization, assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or shall be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local government, for a public purpose. Any such assets not disposed of shall be disposed of by the Court of Common Pleas of the county in which the principal office of the organization is then located, exclusively for such purposes or to such organization or organizations, as said Court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.
Sixth: The Secretary of State is designated as agent of the corporation upon whom process against it may be served. The address to which the Secretary of State shall forward copies of process accepted on behalf of the corporation is : Robert J. Faugh, 1971 Rush Mendon Road, Rush, NY 14543-9705.
Seventh: The certificate of amendment was authorized by a vote of a majority of the members at a meeting.
Councilwoman Sluberski seconded the motion.
Roll: Councilman Knab aye
Councilman Doupe aye
Councilwoman Sluberski aye
Supervisor Udicious aye carried.
3. Town Court upgrade - Supervisor Udicious stated that a quote for $12,125.00 has been received from Keith Eggleston, who made the latest modifications to the court room, to construct a new judge’s bench. The new bench will blend with the woodwork that already exists in the room. There is money in the court budget to cover this cost.
RESOLUTION #147
Councilman Knab moved that the Supervisor be authorized to sign a contract with Keith Eggleston to build a new court judge’s bench and install two electrical outlets behind the bench for an amount not to exceed $13,000.00. Councilman Doupe seconded the motion.
Roll: Councilman Knab aye
Councilman Doupe aye
Councilwoman Sluberski aye
Supervisor Udicious aye carried.
4. Increase exemption qualification amounts – Supervisor Udicious explained that he had been given some information suggesting that medical bills not covered by insurance could be used against income to increase a senior’s exemption from property tax liability. This matter will be discussed at a later day when the assessor has been able to supply some additional information on the effect of this increased exemption.
Executive Session
Councilman made a motion to move into Executive Session to discuss two personnel matters and pending litigation. Councilman Doupe seconded the motion and the board was all in agreement.
Time: 7:40 p.m.
The Board returned to regular session and adjourned by common consent of the Board members.
Time: 8:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda G. Henry
Town Clerk
Posted by gmadore at 3:18 PM
September 12, 2007
Rush Town Board Minutes - 2007/09/12
Rush Town Board
September 12, 2007
A regular meeting of the Rush Town Board was held on September 12, 2007 at the Rush Town Offices, 5977 East Henrietta Road and was called to order at 7:00 p.m.
Present: Councilman Donald Knab
Councilman Richard Anderson
Councilman Thomas Doupe
Councilwoman Lisa Sluberski
Supervisor William Udicious
Others: Frank Pavia, Attorney for the Town of Rush
Gerald Kusse, Code Enforcement
Pamela Bucci, West Henrietta Road
Erica Bucci, “
Zachary Bucci, “
James Bucci, “
Michael Terzo, Aprille Lane
Michael Terzo Jr., “
Diane Pfersick, Rush Lima Road
Bob Faugh, Farmcrest Drive
Jim McNeil, East River Road
Rick Spencer, Rush Mendon Road
James Rumsey, Rush West Rush Road
Dan Wright, Works Road
Robert Anderson, Rush Mendon Road
I Open Forum
Richard Spencer, Rush Mendon Road, expressed his concern about the agenda item concerning a rezoning request and the lack of information available about the property. He also asked for an update on the sale of Hart’s Field.
Mr. Spencer was told that Hart’s Field has not yet been sold.
Attorney Pavia explained that the resolution that was being suggested to be made at this meeting was the acknowledgement of the receipt of a petition requesting that property in Rush be rezoned. The application would then be passed on to the Planning Board for their review and consideration prior to their making a recommendation to the Town Board. The process that must be followed is dictated by Town Law and this acknowledgement is only the first step in a process that will include public hearings and a SEQRA determination made by the Town Board.
II Minutes
Regular Meeting of August 8, 2007
RESOLUTION #138
Councilman Doupe moved that the minutes of the regular Town Board meeting of August 8, 2007 be approved as presented. Councilman Knab seconded the motion.
Roll: Councilman Knab aye
Councilman Anderson aye
Councilman Doupe aye
Councilwoman Sluberski aye
Supervisor Udicious aye carried.
Workshop meeting of August 22, 2007
RESOLUTION #139
Councilman Doupe moved that the minutes of the Workshop meeting of August 22, 2007 be approved as presented. Councilman Knab seconded the motion.
Roll: Councilman Knab aye
Councilman Anderson aye
Councilman Doupe aye
Councilwoman Sluberski abstained
Supervisor Udicious aye carried.
III Transfer of Funds and Approval of Abstract
RESOLUTION #140
Councilwoman Sluberski moved that the following transfers of funds be made:
Appropriation of unreserved fund balance or unanticipated revenue –
$25,000.00 from A-3097, State Aid Construction to A-1620.2, Building Capital Outlay – grant for ADA Restrooms
$13,200.00 from A-1990.4 Contingency, Contractual to A-1440.4 Engineering, Contractual – part of Town Park Phase I
$1,650.00 from A-1355.4 Assessor, Contractual to A-1355.2 Assessor, Capital Outlay – computer purchase
$#47.00 from A-9010.8 Fringe Benefits, Retirement to A-9040.8 Fringe Benefits, Works Comp – overage
$2,500.00 from A3410.4 Fire Marshal, Contractual to A-3410.1 Fire Marshal, Personal Services – return to employed Fire Marshal
$500.00 from A1910.4 Unallocated Insurance to A-1310.4 Finance, Contractual – ADP increase & printing manual
$1,500.00 from Unallocated Insurance to A-1620.4 Building, Contractual – corner property costs unbudgeted
$2,000.00 from A1990.4 Supervisor, Contingency to A-1420.4 Law Contractual – services beyond retainer
$2,700.00 Parks Contractual to A-8160.4 Landfill, Contractual – cost of tub grinding
$15,000.00 from DA-5112.1 Road Construction, Per. Serv. to DA-5110.1 Maint. of Roads, Per. Serv. – payroll deficiency
$2,500.00 from DA-5112.4 Road Const. Contractual to DA-5142.1 Snow Removal, Per. Serv. – payroll deficiency
$9,000.00 from DA-5112.4 Road Const. Contractual to DA-5148.1 Serv. to Other Govt., Pers. Serv. – payroll deficiency
$2,300.00 from DA-5110.4 Maint of Road, Contractual to DA-5148.1 Serv. To Other Govt., Per Serv. – payroll deficiency.
$7,500.00 from DA-5110002.1 Road Const. Per Serv. to DA-5148.1 Serv. To Other Govt. Per Serv. – payroll deficiency
$1,100.00 from DA-9010.8 Fringe Benefits, State Retire. To DA-9030.8 Fringe Benefits, Social Security
Councilman Knab seconded the motion.
Roll: Councilman Knab aye
Councilman Anderson aye
Councilman Doupe aye
Councilwoman Sluberski aye
Supervisor Udicious aye carried.
RESOLUTION #141
Councilman Anderson moved BE IT RESOLVED, that having audited all the claims against the funds listed on the abstract, I move that all claims in the amount of $32,928.38 be allowed for vouchers #872 through #934. Councilman Doupe seconded the motion.
Roll: Councilman Knab aye
Councilman Anderson aye
Councilman Doupe aye
Councilwoman Sluberski aye
Supervisor Udicious aye carried.
IV Correspondence
1. Judy Hawk, Farmcrest Drive – re: signs being erected around town in right of way and other properties
Supervisor Udicious explained that the opinion signs that were in place around town were permissible under freedom of speech provisions. The placement of signs was an issue that the Town Board must review as many other types of signs were also placed in or near the right of way of roads and the town might not want to prohibit those signs as they often reflected church, scouting or other charitable organizations events. The sign ordinance was under review at this time he stated.
V Reports of Officers and Committees
Town Board - Councilman Knab stated that three parking lot lights have been repaired and the rest will be done when the parts, which are on order, are received. Two contractors are bidding for the roof repair contract.
Councilman Anderson reported on the Quality Communities Grant program status. Underwater photos of the dam backside are being taken to use as background for the engineering study on the dam repair.
Councilman Doupe stated that the Rush Henrietta Rotary is developing an estimate on the construction of the gazebo for the Rush Library. A draft of the sign ordinance has been placed in each Town Board member’ s box. It will also be given to other town departments for their feedback.
Councilwoman Sluberski gave a report on the Recreation Departments preparations for the Fall Festival.
2. Supervisor Udicious stated that he had been contacted by Martha Mack and the Town Board was invited to participate in the Homecoming Parade on September 28th.
VI Presentation
RESOLUTION #142
Supervisor Udicious moved WHEREAS, James J. Bucci Jr. has faithfully and diligently served as a fireman with the Rush Fire Department servicing the needs of the Town of Rush and its residents; and
WHEREAS, James J. Bucci, Jr. has received notice from the American Legion, Department of New York (the “American Legion”), that he is the recipient of the Fireman of the Year Award for 2006 and 2007; and
WHEREAS, the American Legion has also submitted Mr. Bucci’s name to the National Organization for consideration of a national award for his services as a Fireman; and
WHEREAS, the town Board wishes now to acknowledge Mr. Bucci’s services and the prestigious award that he had received by resolution hereto.
NOW, BE IT RESOLVED, that fireman James J. Bucci, Jr. has been named the Fireman of the Year for the 2006 and 2007 years from the American Legion; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the town of Rush adopts this Resolution to honor and congratulate Mr. Bucci on the award he ahs received from the American Legion; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Supervisor be, and hereby is authorized to direct to record and publish this Resolution honoring Mr. Bucci in a manner duly warranted.
Councilman Anderson seconded the motion.
Roll: Councilman Knab aye
Councilman Anderson aye
Councilman Doupe aye
Councilwoman Sluberski aye
Supervisor Udicious aye carried.
VII Old Business
Update on Audit of Town Departments - Supervisor Udicious stated that the audit work has begun with the Court Offices due to the Office of Court Administration’s request for a current audit. Once completed the auditors will move on to the Finance Office, Town Clerk and Library.
Rezoning Application - Attorney Pavia explained the process the town must follow when given a petition for rezoning of property as outlined in Town Law. At this meeting the Town Board must acknowledge the receipt of that petition and declare themselves as lead agency for the purposes of a SEQRA review. The petition could then be passed on to the Planning Board for their review and comments. If they wish an informational meeting may be held by that Board. The Town Board must then hold a public hearing and make a SEQRA determine on the impact of the proposal.
RESOLUTION #143
Councilman Knab moved WHEREAS, on August 22, 2007, the Town Board of the Town of Rush received a petition from Gorsline Real estate, Inc. on behalf of James Volpe to re-zone properties located at 6115 and 6123 Rush Lima road in the Town of Rush, a letter of intent regarding the petition and a map depicting the potential rezoning; and
WHEREAS, the properties located at 6115 and 6123 Rush Lima Road which petition seeks to rezone are located within an R-30 zoning district; and
WHEREAS, the petition seeks to rezone the property from R-30 to a RB zoning district; and
WHEREAS, on September 7, 2007 Mr. Volpe submitted to the Town a Short Environmental Assessment form (EAF) for the petition in accordance with the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act; and
WHEREAS, the town Board has reviewed the petition, the EAF, the site map and the other materials prepared and submitted by Mr. Volpe with respect to the petition.
NOW, THEREFORE, upon consideration by the Town Board of the petition and the other materials submitted by Mr. Volpe, including the short EAF, and the Town Board having given the submitted documentation matter due consideration; it is
RESOLVED, that the Town Board declare itself Lead Agency for purposes of conducting an uncoordinated review of the petition, and making any necessary determinations of environmental significance under SERQA; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the Town Board classifies the petition as an “unlisted action” subject to an uncoordinated review under 6 N.Y.C.R.R. Sect. 617.6; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the Town Board refers the petition to the Planning Baird for review, and requests that the Planning Board investigate the rezoning request identified in the petition; hold a public hearing, if necessary, on the petition; and ultimately report to the Town Board with the Planning Board’s conclusions and/or recommendations regarding the petition and its potential impacts on the zoning and planning interest of the Town; and it is further
RESOLVED, that notice of this resolution shall be filed and circulated to the extent required by any applicable provisions of the Code of the Town of Rush and/or any relevant statue or regulation.
Councilman Doupe seconded the motion.
Roll: Councilman Knab aye
Councilman Anderson aye
Councilman Doupe aye
Councilwoman Sluberski aye
Supervisor Udicious aye carried.
VIII New Business
1.Petition from residents of Rush View Heights –
Supervisor Udicious stated that the Town has received a petition from some of the residents of the Rush View Heights Subdivision (Farmcrest Drive/Harvest Lane area) for the town to assist in correcting some drainage problems in their area.
RESOLUTION #143
Councilman Knab moved that the Town Board acknowledges the receipt of a petition from some of the residents of the Rush View Heights Subdivision for assistance in correcting a drainage problem in their area. The request will be referred to the Highway Superintendent for his input. Councilman Doupe seconded the motion.
Roll: Councilman Knab aye
Councilman Anderson aye
Councilman Doupe aye
Councilwoman Sluberski aye
Supervisor Udicious abstained carried.
The petition will be also be passed on to the town attorney and town engineer.
2. Purchasing of Development Rights – Supervisor Udicious stated that he had requested the town assessor to give the board a map of all lands within the Town of Rush receiving an agricultural exemption. He hoped to have the information shortly.
Supervisor Udicious also noted that Genesee Valley Conservancy will be purchasing the development rights for about 320 acres of the Chase and Mulligan properties in the southern part of the Town. The Rush Town Board supported both these property owners in their applications with the Conservancy.
3. Link to Town Website by Organizations –
Supervisor Udicious explained that he has received requests from two different organizations for permission to link their websites to the Town Website. He explained that he had contacted the Association of Towns attorney on this matter and they provided information on what was allowed or not allowed. It was also advised it was not a wise decision to allow any links since the Town would not be able to choose which links it would prefer when the precedent was set. The requests were also referred to the Town Attorney for his opinion.
Attorney Pavia stated that in reviewing the legality of these links he reviewed case law and the Constitution of New York State. Mr. Pavia informed the Board that Article 8 of the Constitution of the State of New York states that a municipality’s funds and resources are for the public trust. Case law from the New York State Court of Appeals states that municipal funds can not be used for political purposes. The Town Website was created and is maintained with municipal funds.
He further stated that although there were no cases that dealt directly with websites, there were cases that dealt with town newsletters and articles describing town events that are a-political in nature. But he felt the website was a natural extension of the rulings on newsletter, etc.
On the other hand organizations that are a-political and support the interests of the community could be allowed,
because they are not politically partisan in nature.
Councilman Knab stated that the board needed to develop a policy on what would be allowable in terms of web links and until that policy was created, no links should be allowed.
He felt that school districts and other municipality’s policies might be reviewed for more insight on this matter.
IX Open Forum
Rick Spencer asked if the use of the town seal on something was the use of a town resource. It was felt that it depended on how it was used.
Executive Session
Supervisor Udicious made a motion that the Board move into Executive Session for the discussion of litigation and personnel matters. Councilman Knab seconded the motion and the Board was all in agreement.
Time: 7:50 p.m.
The Board returned to regular session and adjourned by common consent.
Time: 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda G. Henry
Town Clerk
Posted by gmadore at 3:16 PM
