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Philipstown Town Board Interviews Second Planning and Engineering Firm
Police and Fire Department contracts still debated
by Mike Turton
The Philipstown Board meeting on December was a combination of getting ready for 2008 while dealing with a number of lingering issues from 2007.
The meeting began with a lengthy presentation by Graham Trelstad of AKRF, a White Plains-based firm that specializes in planning, environmental and engineering consulting. The Town plans to hire a planner-engineer to work in the Town offices on a regular but part-time basis to assist with a number of issues. Storm water management, review of development plans and applications, site monitoring and code enforcement have been mentioned as primary roles for the position. Improved communications among Philipstown's planning board, zoning boards and building department has also been stated as an expected benefit. While it remains to be seen what impact the hiring of a part-time planner will have on the Town's relationship with Tim Miller, the current Town Planner, Town Board member and deputy supervisor Richard Shea left no doubt as to his preference. "We (the Town Board) still have to have the discussion but I'm looking for a new Town Planner - I want to make that eminently clear" Shea said. The Board had previously heard a presentation by the Chazen Company, another consulting firm. Last week's discussion included numerous comments and questions regarding conflict of interest. Trelstad was very clear in explaining AKRF's policy is to not work for private interests in Philipstown if employed by the Town. He also indicated that if a developer with whom AKRF had worked in the past began a new project in Philipstown he would discuss the matter fully with the Town Board and recuse AKRF from the project if necessary. Philipstown resident Mike Gibbons was in the audience and asked the Board to also consider other companies before making a decision, indicating that "word was out" and that other companies were expressing interest. Supervisor Bill Mazzuca has stated previously that he hopes to have the planner in place at least by year-end if not sooner.
In other business, the Board passed a resolution establishing a new polling site for District 11, requesting that the Putnam County Board of Elections approve the new venue, moving it from the Nelsonville Fire House to the Justice Court in the Village of Nelsonville Village Hall.
A Public Hearing was held prior to the board meeting to review a proposed law to amend the definition of a subdivision. During the regular board meeting the matter was tabled for consideration at a later date. In addition to larger projects, the revised definition would affect adjoining residential property owners who want to make minor revisions to lot lines. Philipstown resident Glenn Watson pointed out that under the revised law even minor variations would require a Planning Board hearing and that the process could cost residents up to five thousand dollars. As a result of comments received, the language of the proposed law will be reworked.
After discussing the matter briefly, the Board scheduled a workshop for January 2, 2008 at 7:30pm at the Town Hall to discuss a proposed Soil Mining Law and Proposed Overlay District.
The Board authorized supervisor Bill Mazzuca to sign an agreement for the discontinuation of a portion of Lake Surprise Road as a Town road. The portion of the road as it enters the camp remains a Town road, including a "tear drop" turn around area.
The Town has hired architect Donald McDonald to oversee the proposed Philipstown Town Hall expansion project.
Supervisor Bill Mazzuca reported that he had received a copy of the contract between the Town of Southeast and the Putnam County Sheriff. The contract will be used as a model for hiring a part-time deputy sheriff assigned specifically to patrol Philipstown roads in 2008. As has at previous meetings, resident Russel Dushin again questioned how the deputy would be funded and indicated that if the service was not paid for as part of the town-wide "A" budget, the Town may not be able to legally sign a contract with the County Sheriff. Mazzuca indicated that the deputy will not patrol in either of the villages and as a result must be paid for out of the "B" budget which includes only services provided outside Cold Spring and Nelsonville. Mazzuca also clarified that with the exception of the two villages, the deputy would patrol roads throughout Philipstown.
The Town board authorized supervisor Mazucca to sign new contracts for emergency services with the Philipstown Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Cold Spring Fire Company, Continental Village Fire Company and Garrison Volunteer Fire Department (GVFD). The GVFD contract, which is for three years, evoked considerable debate just as it did during the budget process. Garrison resident Joe Regele again raised the issue of reserve funding and year-end surplus of funds, stating, "It's bad policy to hand out large sums of money without detailed plans" adding, "I don't question the need for equipment - it's strictly an accounting issue." GVFD firefighter Chris Simone, also in attendance, took exception to Regele's comments. "I'm tired of you banging your drum and impugning our reputation. We've been here since 1929 and have a very good record.' Simone added that he felt fewer people might volunteer because of Regele's comments. Mr. Regele responded stating "I have never questioned the integrity of the fire department. I'm suggesting there are smarter ways for the Town to manage its money. The size of the surplus is mind boggling." The three-year contract is for $663,733 in 2008; 692,053 in 2009; and $713,533 in 2010. GVFD operates a reserve fund, out of which it pays for replacement of fire fighting vehicles as part of a ten-year plan. New vehicles can cost in excess of $400,000. Cost of refurbishing existing vehicles can surpass $250,000. Councilor Richard Shea commented, "This wasn't the first discussion. Some suggestions raised will be included in the contract." Shea also pointed out that either side is free to opt out of the contract in August.
Upcoming meetings at the Philipstown Town Hall include:
Public Hearing Wednesday, December 12, 7:30 regarding Storm Water Management and Illicit Discharge; Year-End Town Board Meeting December 27 at 7:30; Soil Mining Overlay District Workshop, January 2 at 7:30; Reorganization Meeting Jan 3 at 7:30 followed by a Town Board Meeting at 8pm.
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