What's Happening in Town

2010 Fall Water Taxi Schedule
(Subject to change or cancellation due to weather)

FRIDAY
Kingston Rhinecliff
6pm 6:30 pm
7pm 7:30 pm
8pm 8:30 pm
9pm 9:30 pm

SATURDAY
Kingston Rhinecliff
12 noon 12:30 pm
1 pm 1:30 pm
2 pm 2:30 pm*
3 pm 3:30 pm
4 pm 4:30 pm
5 pm 5:30 pm
6 pm 6:30 pm
7 pm 7:30 pm
8 pm 8:30 pm

SUNDAY
Kingston Rhinecliff
12 noon 12:30 pm
1 pm 1:30 pm
2 pm 2:30 pm*
3 pm 3:30 pm
4 pm 4:30 pm
5 pm 5:30 pm
6 pm 6:30 pm
7 pm 7:30 pm

*Stop at lighthouse; extra fee for tour ($5)
ROUND TRIP FARE - $10.00

• Town Rhinecliff Waterfront Committee

Town of Rhinebeck Town August 13, 2010

Meeting Minutes

At 12 noon Supervisor Tom Traudt called this meeting to order with Dan Staley, Gina Fox and Joe Gelb present.

Business

On motion from Dan and second by Tom a public hearing was scheduled for August 23rd, 2010 at 7:00 for possible local law 3 of 2010 regarding the NYS retirement incentive program. All were in favor.

Please take notice that a Public Hearing will be held by the Town Board of the Town of Rhinebeck on Monday, August 23, 2010 at 7:00 pm at Town Hall, 80 E. Market Street, Rhinebeck regarding the proposed Local Law known as Local Law #3 of 2010 which would provide some of its eligible employees with a retirement incentive program authorized by Chapter 105, Laws of 2010.

Any resident of the Town of Rhinebeck shall be entitled to be heard. Copies of said proposal are available in the Town Clerk's Office.

By order of the Town of Rhinebeck Town Board

Barbara Cunningham

Town Clerk

Edmund V. Caplicki, Jr. Esq was unanimously approved as hearing officer for highway department on motion by Dan and second by Gina.
Pursuant to Section 75 of the Civil Service Law, you are hereby designated and directed to hold a hearing on the charges contained in the Notice and Statement of Charges dated August 12, 2010 addressed to Robert Flanagan and on any amendments or supplements to such charges as may hereafter be preferred against Mr. Flanagan. You shall cause a transcript to be made of such hearing and, following your analysis, you shall submit the record of such hearing to me, with your recommendations, for review and decision by the Town Board.

Signed

Thomas Traudt

Supervisor

Submittal of Farmer's Market agreement. Joe will present a draft to Farmer's Market business manager this afternoon. If any Board member has comments please advice Joe. Hopefully this can be finalized at the August 23rd meeting.
Joe asked about new Devereux Children's home on Lower Hook Road and the Supervisor replied a notice will appear on the August 23rd agenda.

Sedore 2009 audit - Joe asked if we have a date this report will be delivered to the Town and Tom will call Linda Hannigan to see if she can give us a completion date.

At 12:15 this meeting was unanimously adjourned on motion from Dan and second by Gina.

Respectfully submitted

Barbara Cunningham

Town Clerk

• Town Clerk

Town of Rhinebeck Town Board Meeting Minutes

August 9, 2010

Call to Order

At 6:53 Supervisor Traudt opened this meeting with Council members Dan Staley, Bruce Washburn, Gina Fox, Joe Gelb and Counsel Pam Richardson present. 26 residents were also in the audience.

Tom Traudt led us all in the Pledge of Allegiance.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Supervisor then thanked the Rhinebeck Village Police, Dutchess County Sheriff's, New York State Troopers and the Chamber of Commerce for all their hard work these past two weeks during the Chelsea Clinton wedding activities. Rhinebeck received a lot of national attention and the Dutchess County Tourism has awarded Rhinebeck the Excellence Award for all of our hard work and excellent security.

Bruce thanked Kurt Quackenbush and the Rhinebeck Swim Team parents for a job well done at the pool this past weekend. The Dutchess Ulster Swim Championships were held at our Town pool with over 1,000 swimmers participating.

Tom Traudt would also like to address the anti Semitic language on some Village signs. The Town is working with both the local, county and state police agencies to find the person or persons responsible for this terrible act. We need to protect our diverse population, this is unacceptable behavior.

August 26th - Clearwater Sail at Rhinecliff dock from 4-6 pm

September 11 - Waterfront Day at Rhinecliff Landing at 11:00

October 1st - Community Block Grants applications due to County Planning

PUBLIC HEARING

At 6:53 the public hearing for the Intermunicipal Agreement with Hyde Park for Vanderburgh Cove Sewer District was opened for public comments. Ms. Richardson reported that all comments have been received from Hyde Park and she recommends holding this hearing open so that their comments can be incorporated into the agreement. Gina questioned when this agreement was actually sent to Hyde Park and Pam replied last week. Joe requested the revised agreement be emailed to all Board members earlier than 4:00 the day of our Board meetings; we need time to read through the agreement. Gina then asked what are the changes and Pam said there are some procedural changes in billing, and we should have written agreement ready by this next week. Fred Nagel, VC resident, asked if the resident's would be able to see this document before the next meeting. The Town Clerk explained that the draft agreement has always been available in the Town Clerk's Office for the public to read.

At 7:00 on motion from Dan and second by Bruce this public hearing was continued to August 23rd at 6:50. All were in favor.

PRESENTATION

Community Garden- Jen thanked the Town Board for all their support for this project. Bruce Washburn and Bob Fitzpatrick have been a tremendous help. We now have expanded to 34 plot holders so the community involvement has been fantastic. We have monthly pot lucks at the TMP pavilion and want to extend an official invitation to all the Town Board members to come on August 22nd at 6:00. We even have a pantry plot which in 2009 donated to Dutchess County Outreach and this year to the Church of the Messiah. Patricia Hammer said this plot has donated 133 pounds of produce so far this season. We charge $25 for a 20X15 plot and $15 for a ½ plot. This money is used for garden expenses such as fencing.

ACTION ITEMS

Testing at VCSD per DEC request. Tom Traudt explained that metal testing will probably be required. The SPEDES permit application was submitted last week without the testing by Morris & Associates. Based on conversations with Cove residents the testing was not done per their request. Tom Mannix questioned why the Purestream systems were still there, he also wants to go on record as opposing the testing.
Joe Gelb asked if it would help if the Town scheduled the testing and Ray Jurkowski feels that may antagonize the DEC. Ray reported that the generator start up will probably be this week and hopefully the equipment start up will be next week. We anticipate this system to be fully operational within the next 30 days.

Joe wondered about not coating the inside of the tanks. He read Tom Mannix's email and wants to know if the contractor's were suppose to be paint them before installation. Ray explained the septic tanks are vented and he feels comfortable they do not need the full coating. Joe said that since interior coating was part of the contract, it should be done. Morris & Associates contacted DEC today and are awaiting their answer on this coating question.

Fred Nagel stated the community appreciates the Town allowing the residents for our input but questioned why the coating was not done if it was in the contract. On the DEC testing issue, it seems to him that the DEC is happy and it would surprise him if they fined the district. He reinforced his belief that it is not good practice for the engineer to do the actual inspections at this project.

2. WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Rhinebeck wishes to amend the budget to cover additional litigation expenses,

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of The Town of Rhinebeck authorize the following budget amendments,

01 599 Appropriate Fund Balance $56,608.78

01 960 Appropriations

Zoning Attorney 01 07 8010 452 $ 4,341.38

Planning Attorney 01 07 8020 452 $ 2,548.45

Comp Plan Litigation 01 07 8020 496 $49,718.95

Offered by Dan Staley

Seconded by Bruce Washburn

Roll Call Vote: Councilperson Fox aye

Councilperson Gelb aye

Councilperson Staley aye
Councilperson Washburn aye
Supervisor Traudt aye

Resolution:

Certified to this 9th day of August 2010 by ____________________

Barbara B. Cunningham, Town Clerk

-

On motion from Dan and second by Bruce the following budgets transfers were unanimously approved.

GENERAL FUND

ASSESSORS $ 200.00

Supplies 00 01 1355 410 + $ 200.00

Postage 00 01 1355 448 - 200.00

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Contingency 00 01 1990 400 - $ 692.71

Unemployment Insurance 00 08 9050 800 + $ 692.71

To cover unemployment bill for 2nd qtr 2010

PART-TOWN FUND

BUILDING DEPT

Engineer 01 02 3620454 - $ 187.50

Equipment 01 02 3620 200 + $ 187.50

To cover cost of copier that had been previously approved.

ZONING

Supplies 01 07 8010 410 - $ 168.00

Planners East Consultant 01 07 8010 408 + $ 168.00

To cover additional costs.

Dan motioned and Joe seconded to approve Abstract 8, vouchers 932-965 for $70,669.83. Motion carried 5-0.

Dan motioned with Gina seconding to approve Cap Project 78- Cemetery, Abs 2 voucher 3 payable to S & S Tress Service for $6,800.00

On motion from Dan and second by Bruce the June 28th, July 12th and July 26th, 2010 Town Board meeting minutes were unanimously approved.

Resolution to appoint members of Climate & Energy Task Force, term to expire 12/31/11.
WHEREAS, the Town of Rhinebeck (the "Town") has made the Climate Smart Communities Pledge, joining 73 other New York municipalities in a pledge to combat climate change by making their communities more energy efficient and working toward a sustainable future; and

WHEREAS, the Town has joined The Climate Registry, a non-profit organization that "sets consistent and transparent standards to calculate, verify and publicly report greenhouse gas emissions into a single registry"; and

WHEREAS, in order to determine how to best conserve energy and reduce emissions, the Town wishes to create a a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Task Force ("GHG Task Force") to establish an inventory of its greenhouse gas emissions and to take other steps to promote a more healthful environment; and

WHEREAS, The Climate Registry will provide expertise to the GHG Task Force in its efforts to determine the most accurate and complete data; and

WHEREAS, the Town has authorized the creation of the GHG Task Force to recommend goals to the Town Board; to advise the Town Board on strategies to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change; and to take other steps to promote a more healthy environment.

Now therefore, be it RESOLVED:

1. The Town hereby creates a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Task Force to achieve the purposes of this resolution.

2. The Town appoints the following members of the Town of Rhinebeck's Conservation Advisory Council, to the GHG Task Force:

Suzanne Kelly, CAC member

Raphael Notin, CAC member

3. The Town appoints the following members to the GHG Task Force:

David Andrick

Susannah Bradley

Gidon Eshel

Lisa McMillan

Marcus Mello

Catherine O'Reilly

4. The Town appoints the following liaison to the GHG Task Force:

Joe Gelb, Town liaison

MOTION BY Joe Gelb SECONDED BY Gina Fox

Town Board Member
AYE
NAY

Tom Traudt
Aye

Dan Staley
Aye

Bruce Washburn
Aye

Joe Gelb
Aye

Gina Fox
Aye

Resolution Certified:

Barbara Cunningham, Town Clerk Date

Dan motioned and Gina seconded to approve disposal of Old DiAlta Copy Machine and old CPU with keyboard from Zoning Office All were in favor.

Revision of Building, Zoning and Cemetery Department Fees. The Supervisor would like public comment before raising fees; his philosophy is that this is still raising taxes. Joe doesn't think we should keep waiting. He would like to see the fees in place before the Gardens starts getting permits. Dan supports holding this over for a public hearing. Bruce pointed out the Board needs to look at usage. Dan motioned and Bruce seconded to set public hearing for August 23rd at 6:55 for transfer station, building/zoning and cemetery fee increases. All were in favor.

Approve resolution of support and endorsement for Hudson River Heritage Grant Applications.

Town of Rhinebeck Hudson River Heritage Grant Program Resolution

WHEREAS, Hudson River Heritage is of applying for grants in order to obtain funding to assist with its work as a steward of the Hudson River National Historic Landmark District; and

WHEREAS, Hudson River Heritage is a not-for-profit organization, which is an important resource in preserving the beauty of the Hudson River National Historic District; and

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that the Town Board of the Town of Rhinebeck hereby does approve and endorse the work of the Hudson River Heritage organization and supports grant applications by it to obtain funding to assist with its work as a steward of the Hudson River National Historic Landmark District.

MOTIONED BY Joe Gelb SECONDED BY Gina Fox

Thomas Traudt aye

Daniel Staley_________________ aye

Bruce Washburn_______________aye

Joseph Gelb___________________aye

Gina Fox ___________________ aye

Resolution Certified to by: _________________________________ ____________

Barbara Cunningham, Town Clerk Date

On motion from Bruce and second from Dan a workshop session was set for August 25th at 6:00 for detailed walkthrough of Financial Trends Analysis and Budget Trends Analysis. Bruce thinks it is necessary to set aside a separate evening to go over all the charts. Steve Block would still like to see the big picture and where the Town is with the fund balances. Dod Crane stated the Town needs a methodology to establish fund balances. He feels the Board should understand the reserve fund balances on a month to month basis, with the current Comp Plan litigation lawsuits this balance could be depleted quickly. Tom will invite the Budget & Finance Control Committee to this meeting and will try to have this information available. All were in favor.

DISCUSSION

.

1. Winter Farmer's Market - Ray Torsey, manager of the Market, presented their Sunday schedule and a draft agreement. Denny Dempster, original Farmer's Market Committee member, pointed out that there was a lot of skepticism when this concept started 10 years ago and now we have a proven track record. This is a great opportunity and at least the Board should give it a one year trial period. Joe Gelb then suggested a test basis with a 10 day cancellation provision, cleaning of the room and sidewalks shoveled by Market committee. He would also like to establish a fee for use of the building. Denny thought these are valid point but remember this is a benefit to the whole community.

Dan Staley asked which vendors would be selected to participate and Ray stated that if granted approval the Farmer's Market Board will reach out to our vendors. Dan also suggested that the Town maintenance Department clean this room on Mondays instead of Fridays. The Supervisor feels the Village could certainly use the traffic on Sundays and is in favor of a 1 year trial period. Lila Pague, owner of Winter Sun-Summer Moon, submitted a list of Village merchants who endorse this request and would welcome the pedestrian traffic; Terrapin, Oblong Books, Old Mill Wine & Spirits, Haven Spa, Hammertown Barn, Gigi's, Samuel's, Montgomery Row, Rhinebeck Department Store, Phantom Gardener, Hideaway Suites and Upstate Film.. Agricultural tourism would also be an asset.

Joe Gelb will get with Ray Torsey or a representative of the Market and hammer out a satisfactory agreement to bring to our next Town Board meeting. On motion from Dan and second by Gina it was authorized for Joe to move forward with this agreement. All were in favor

2. Form a board committee to review vouchers that are not supported by Purchase Orders. Bruce would like to set up a 2 members of Town Board to look at vouchers to make sure the materials have actually been received. Joe feels the Board has to rely on the department sign off. Bruce wants to know who is requesting professional services. Ms. Richardson stated it is not practical to list who requested the information on our bill, there are issues which arise that turnaround means a quick response. Bruce feels if the Town had a retainer this would not happen. He would like to see more control. There is nothing proactive about our system. Tom thinks this is an auditing issue and to be proactive might slow down the payment process. Joe doesn't feels you will get control of costs by looking at bills; we need a fixed fee basis. Gina says she double checks with departments when she audits the bills. Joe says the Board must rely on people signing off and Bruce said that is the purchase order. He is concerned about bills without P.O.'s. If the Board required estimates we would come in closer to our budget, with no limits we are getting uncontrolled billing by professionals. In the Procurement Policy it states that when 90% has been reached, the Board needs to be involved. Pam said that the procurement policy is different for professional fees. The dialogue she is hearing from Bruce is that he wants estimates for professional fees and that is not always possible. Bruce said he just wants accountability and feels that professional service bills are a runaway train. Pam feels that estimations might not be the right way to go. At this point Bruce withdrew his request.

3. Rhinecliff Drainage - Dan would like to see Kathy Kinsella be the point person for this project. Kathy said the catch basins need to be looked at, depth testing needs to be done and a potential outflow study conducted. Joe would like a contact with Amtrak since this impacts their property. Kathy feels we need to research this issue before we start any railroad dialogue. Bruce pointed out we only allocated $5,000 for the start up process. Kathy said Dan is only suggesting that she have the authority to sign off. Bruce wants to make sure we follow procurement policy, we need quotes, this is a Capital Project and we need a plan. Kathy is hearing contradictions; everything in a capital project comes before the Town Board and there are threshold amounts in the procurement policy. Bruce feels we should be looking at the best price, he wants a bid. Kathy said the practical measure of this project makes that difficult, I can't competitively bid engineering (professional fees) with a question when I don't know the question until I start digging. Joe suggested allowing $2,000 and maybe then bid out for professional services. Tom pointed out that the Board has already allocated $5,000 to scope out the project plans. This isn't a project to bid out, we need the research first. Dan said the Town needs to start to correct the drainage in the hamlet. Tom would like to see a concept established. Dan asked about making this a line item in the highway budget and Shelly said if this becomes a Special District we need to set up a Capital Project to keep track of expenses.

On motion from Dan and second by Gina, the Highway Superintendent was unanimously approved as the point person for this project.

3. Quarterly investments performance reports - Bruce would like to know what kind of return the Town is getting on our money. We have an Investment Policy and he wants to see quarterly reports, we need to know what interest rates we are receiving. We need to be calling banks; it seems we are not paying attention to this issue. He questioned why the Cemetery perpetual fund is sitting in a CD? Shelly reported that it is not in a CD but in a Money Market which receives a higher interest rate than a CD. Tom agrees that the Board needs to pay more attention and look at more bank rates periodically. We need to force ourselves to review these investments. Joe suggested calling some banks and get a personal contact to automatically send us their rates. Kathy Kinsella suggested establishing a schedule and when term comes up the bookkeeper could look at rates online. Joe said that published rate may not be applicable to the Town since our deposits must be collateralized.

ADJOURNMENT

At 9:55 on motion from Dan and second from Gina this meeting was unanimously adjourned.

Respectfully submitted

Barbara Cunningham

Town Clerk

• Town Board

Town of Rhinebeck
Recreation Committee
June 23, 2010
Regular Meeting

Present: Rhonda Hammond (Secretary), Henry deVries, Tom Connelly, David Miller, Katie Clark, Gina Fox and Sarah Stoutenburgh
Absent: Bruce Washburn and Alice Cunningham

Meeting started at 7:00 at Town Hall.

NEW BUSINESS
Motion by David, seconded by Katie to approve May 25, 2010 - meeting minutes, all in favor. Rhonda will send to Joan to post.
Discussion on pavilion rates.
Pavilion 1 by pool. Rates are as follows:
Monday thru Thursday - $100 for 4 hours resident and $300 for 4 hours non -resident. Friday thru Sunday $150 for hours resident and $350 for 4 hours non-resident. In addition $3.00 per person will be charged for the pool fee regardless of whether swimming or not. Motion by David, seconded by Rhonda to approve pavilion one fees, all in favor. Motion carried.
Pavilion 2 and 3. Rates as follows: All times $25 resident and $75 non resident. Motion by Katie seconded by David to approve Pavilion 2 and 3 rates, all in favor. Motion carried.
Motion by Rhonda seconded by David to charge a $50 security deposit on all pavilion rentals. Security will be returned after inspection of pavilion. All in favor. Motion carried.
Gina and Henry will work on signage for the pavilions. Also Gina will work on the facility usage application.
Concession Stand - Red Hook Bagels are on board and will be taking care of the concession stand this season.
PA system was approved by town board and Henry will now purchase.
Camp - Alice is working diligently on getting everything ready. The new assistant camp director has quit so we will be running camp without an assistant director. This means that Alice MUST be present at all times at due to age and certification requirements from the board of health. Also, question was raised about the schedule of 4 ½ days - when do the counselors learn the days off. Will talk to Alice about this.
Need to look into recycling bins for the pool and pavilion areas. Rhonda will look into if anyone donates bins for this.
Fields - Tom advised fields are in order.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:30 pm

Next regular meeting: July 29th - 7:00 pm. Town Hall.

Respectfully submitted by:
Rhonda Hammond
Secretary
June 24, 2010

• Town Recreation Committee

• Town Board Member Bruce Washburn

• Town Board Member Bruce Washburn

The Town of Rhinebeck Town Board will hold a Special Meeting on August 30, 2010 at 6:30 pm at the Rhinebeck Town Hall, 80 East Market Street, to discuss Intermunicipal Agreement with Hyde Park for Vandenburgh Cove Sewer District.  

• Town Clerk

• Town Committee on Aging

• Town Clerk

• Town Clerk