TOWN OF STARK BOARD MEETING MINUTES FOR AUGUST 8 2023.

The Town of Stark Board Meeting was held on August 8, 2023 at the Town Justice Building.

Supervisor Bronner called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Councilman Smith led us in the pledge of allegiance. 

Answering Roll Call;  Supervisor Richard Bronner- present, Councilman Anthony Grescheck-present, Councilman Emil Ziaja-present, Councilman Richard Smith-present, Councilman John Voght-absent, Town Clerk Lynn Rogers-present, Highway Superintendent David Hajczewski-present.

Also in attendance Special council for the wind project Bernard Melewski. Also Sue Jordan, Nick Jordan, Neil Woodruff, Connie Young, Bob Cernia.

Town Clerk Rogers read the Minutes from the July 11, 2023 meeting.  Councilman Grescheck made a motion to approve the minutes. Councilman Smith seconded the motion.  All approved.

The public portion of the meeting was opened at 7:08 PM.

The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) has been received as per the State mandated process for reviewing.  The DEIS contained a potential change to the delivery route of the turbines to the Sickler Road site. This change has the potential to impact addition involved agencies, who need to be notified.  Therefore, these newly involved agencies have 30 days to respond to the DEIS.  In the meantime, the DEIS cannot be made available to the public until the new involved agencies have a chance to review and offer any comments.  Also discussed was a road use agreement regarding delivery of the turbines.

Connie Young asked about the status of the Town Website (townofstark.org). Supervisor Bronner said that it is up and running.

A fall newsletter will be out the end of September.

Fall Dumpster Day will be October 14, 2023.

Sue Jordan complimented the Highway Department on the nice job done on the Jordan Road culvert replacement.

The public portion of the meeting was closed at 7:26 PM.

The Town has received a letter from the Town of Warren stating that they are working on a local law for wind energy facilities.  Due to the Town of Stark project being close to the Town of Warren boundary line, there is concern about noise and setbacks for Warren residents.  The Town of Stark will receive a copy of the local law upon completion.

The Application for the Sand/Salt barn has pushed back to an August 11, 2023 deadline for submission.

The Town has received approximately $6,000.00 for the sale of used Highway Department equipment. 

The Herkimer County Sales Tax apportionment summary for the July 2023 has been received and reviewed by the Town Board.

Property owner Elliot Woolwich sent Supervisor Bronner a letter requesting a plan of mitigation to prevent future flooding in the hamlet of Van Hornesville.  Supervisor Bronner will send a copy of the Herkimer County Hazard Mitigation Plan pertaining to the Town of Stark and Van Hornesville.

Yocum Full Service, Inc. and Lou Tank Retailer, LLC submitted proposals for gasoline and diesel fuel tanks for the Town of Stark Highway Department Garage. After reviewing both quotes, Councilman Grescheck made a motion to accept the proposal from Lou Tank Retailer. Councilman Smith seconded the motion. All approved by roll call vote. 4-ayes-0-nays. Supervisor Bronner-aye, Councilman Ziaja-aye, Councilman Grescheck-aye, Councilman Smith-aye.

Board members reviewed a copy of Local Law #1-1998-Dog Control Law of the Town of Stark. After discussion, Councilman Grescheck made a motion to upgrade the Dog law for the Town of Stark. Councilman Smith seconded the motion. All approved.

The Authority (Oneida Herkimer Waste Authority) sent a memorandum to the Town detailing a regional demolition program that assists with the demolition of abandoned and dilapidated structures. Applications must be submitted no later than October 31, 2023.

The Board reviewed the Supervisors report. Councilman Grescheck made the motion to accept. Councilman Ziaja seconded. All Approved.

The Board reviewed the Clerks report. Councilman Smith made a motion to accept. Councilman Grescheck seconded the motion.  All approved.

The Board reviewed the Highway Fund Vouchers, the General fund vouchers and the Water District vouchers. Councilman Smith made a motion to pay the bills. Councilman Ziaja seconded the motion. All approved.

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday September 12, 2023.

Councilman Ziaja made a motion to adjourn. Motion was seconded by Councilman Grescheck. All approved.

Meeting adjourned at 8:33 PM.

TOWN OF STARK BOARD MEETING FOR JULY 11, 2023.  Approved August 8, 2023.

TOWN OF STARK BOARD MEETING FOR JUNE 13, 2023. APPROVED ON JULY 11, 2023.

THE TOWN OF STARK BOARD MEETING WAS HELD ON JUNE 13, 2023 AT THE TOWN  JUSTICE BUILDING. 

SUPERVISOR BRONNER CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AT 7:00 P.M.

COUNCILMAN ZIAJA LED US IN THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. 

ROLL CALL AS FOLLOWS:

SUPERVISOR RICHARD BRONNER-PRESENT   COUNCILMAN EMIL ZIAJA-PRESENT       COUNCILMAN TONY GRESCHECK-PRESENT

COUNCILMAN RICH SMITH-PRESENT               COUNCILMAN JOHN VOGHT-PRESENT     H’WAY SUP’T DAVID HSJCZEWSKI-PRESENT

TOWN CLERK ROGERS-ABSENT                          ELEANOR SMITH-PRESENT

ALSO-NEIL WOODRUFF, NICK JORDAN, SUE JORDAN

ELEANOR SMITH READ THE MINUTES FROM THE MAY 2023 MEETING. COUNCILMAN SMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE. SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN GRESCHECK. ALL APPROVED. 

THE PUBLIC PORTION OF THE MEETING OPENED AT 7:07 P.M.

NEW LEAF WAS NOT PRESENT AT THE MEETING. THEY ARE WAITING FOR THE 2 MONTH ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FORM. BERNARD MELEWSKI, TOWN ATTORNEY ON THE PROJECT, HAS SAID THAT WINDMILLS OR NOT, A PUBLIC MEETING HAS TO BE HELD ON THE PROJECT.  COUNCILMAN SMITH ASKED WHEN THIS WOULD HAPPEN. SUPRVISOR BRONNER ANSWERED THAT IT WOULD HAVE TO BE HELD WITHIN 30 – 45 DAYS. 

SUPERVISOR BRONNER REPORTED THERE IS APPROXIMATLEY $3,700 LEFT OF THE $20,000. (ESCROW FUND)

COUNCILMAN GRESCHECK ASKED IF THE JORDAN SOLAR PROJECT WAS DEAD. NICK STATED THAT IT WAS BASED ON THE LINE CAPACITY NOT BEING ABLE TO GO TO THE STATION. 

NICK ASKED WHAT STATION NEW LEAF WOULD BE USING. IT WAS EXPLAINED THAT IT WOULD BE THE BUILDING INVERTER ON THE ORTENZI PROPERTY. 

SHADOW FLICKER WAS DISCUSSED. 

CHUCK PARKER WENT TO A FIRE DEPARTMENT MEETING. ASKED ABOUT IOS NUMBERS. FIRE DEPARTMENT’S INSURANCE COMPANY WAS CONTACTED.

THE WILTSE HILL PROJECT WILL BE STARTING JUNE 22. 

SUE ASKED ABOUT A CULVERT. DAVE HAJCZEWSKI SAID THEY ARE WAITING FOR ANOTHER PIECE. 

THE PUBLIC PORTION OF THE MEETING CLOSED AT7:25 P.M.

COUNCILMAN VOGHT ASKED ABOUT THE WEBSITE.

SUPERVISOR BRONNER PROVIDED BOARD MEMBERS WITH THE FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT. 

JANE KLUMP ASKED ABOUT THE SIGN IN VAN HORNESVILLE. CHRISSY BEAUREGARD IS MAKING THE NEW SIGN.

EQUALIZATION RATE WAS DISCUSSED. 

FUEL BIDS ARE DUE AT THE JULY MEETING. ONE ESTIMATE WILL BE FOR A GAS TANK.

COUNCILMAN VOGHT SAID HE WAS APPROACHED BY A RESIDENT OF THE WATER DISTRICT AND ASKED WHETHER THE PERSON MOWING THE LAWN AT THE WATER TREATMENT PLANT WAS INSURED. 

CHIPS ALLOCATION MONIES WAS DISCUSSED. NO ACTION TAKEN AT THIS TIME.

COUNCILMAN VOGHT MADE A MOTON TO SELL SURPLUS EQUIPMENT. COUNCIMAN SMITH SECONDED THE MOTION. ALL APPROVED.

THE BOARD REVIEWED THE SUPERVISOR’S REPORT. COUNCILMAN SMITH MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT. COUNCILMAN VOGHT SECONDED THE MOTION. ALL APPROVED. 

THE BOARD REVIEWED THE CLERK’S REPORT. COUNCILMANGRESCHECK MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE. COUNCILMANZIAJA SECONDED THE MOTION. ALL APPROVED. 

THE BOARD REVIEWED THE GENRAL FUND VOUCHERS AND THE HIGHWAY FUND VOUCHERS. COUNCILMAN SMITH MADE A MOTION TO PAY THE BILLS. COUNCILMAN VOGHT SECONDED THE MOTION. ALL APPROVED. 

THE NEXT MEETING WILL BE HELD ON JULY 11, 2023.

COUCNILMAN GRESCHECK MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN. SECONDED BY COUNCILMSN ZIAJA. ALL APPROVED. 

THE MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:30 P.M.

Town of Stark Board Meeting Minutes For May 9, 2023. Approved on June 13, 2023.

The Town of Stark Board Meeting was held on May 9,2023. 

Supervisor Bronner called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM

Councilman Ziaja led us in the pledge of allegiance. 

Roll call as follows:

Supervisor Richard Bronner-present,   Councilman Emil Ziaja-present   Councilman Tony Grescheck-present    Councilman Rich Smith-present, Councilman John Voght-present, Highway Supt. David Hajczewski-present, Town Clerk Lynn Rogers-present

Also present: SUE JORDAN, NICK JORDAN, CONNIE YOUNG, JANE KLUMP, RON KLUMP, BOB CERNIA AND BERNARD MELEWSKI

TOWN CLERK ROGERS READ THE MINUTES FROM THE APRIL 11, 2023 MEETING. COUNCILMAN VOGHT MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT. COUNCILMAN GRESCHECK SECONDED THE MOTION. ALL APPROVED.

THE PUBLIC PORTION OF THE MEETING OPENED AT 7:08 P.M.

CONNIE YOUNG ASKED ABOUT THE CASH FLOW OF THE TURBINE PROJECT. BERNARD MELEWSKI STATED THAT ONCE THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (COMPLETED BY NEW LEAF) IS COMPLETE, THE TOWN WILL ENTER INTO MITIGATION FOR PAYMENT. MR. MELEWSKI EXPLAINED THE DECOMMISSIONING PROCESS.

RON KLUMP ASKED IF THE BOARD HAD HEARD ANYTHING ABOUT THE WILTSE HILL PROJECT. SUPERVISOR BRONNER REPLIED THAT THE BOARD HAS NOT.

THE PUBLIC PORTION OF THE MEETING CLOSED AT 7:17 P.M.

THE TOWN RECEIVED 1 SCOPING DOCUMENT. MR. MELEWSKI STATED THAT IT MEETS REQUIREMENTS. ISSUED INCLUDED WERE ROAD ISSUES-LIGHT FLICKER -SOUND, WINTER OPERATION-IMPACT ON WILDLIFW. IT WA SUGGESTED THAT THE DOT LETTER AND SPECIFIC ISSUED TO BE INCLUDED IN THE FINAL SCOPING DOCUMENTS BE PRESENTED TO NEW LEAF.

COUNCILMAN SMITH MADE A MOTION AUTHORIZING MR. MELEWSKI TO PROCEED WITH THE FINAL DRAFT STATEMENT. COUNCILMAN GRESCHECK SECONDED THE MOTION. ALL APPROVED. 

BOARD MEMBERS REVIEWED AN UPDATE STANDARD SCHEDULE OF FEES FOR THE TOWN OF STARK. COUNCILMAN GRESCHECK MADE A MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE UPDATED SCHEDULE. COUNCILMAN ZIAJA SECONDED THE MOTION. ALL APPROVED. ROLL CALL 5 AYES-0 NAYS. SUPERVISOR BRONNER-AYE-COUNCILMAN ZIAJA-AYE-COUNCILMAN GRESCHECK-AYE-COUNCILMAN SMITH-AYE- COUNCILMAN VOGHT-AYE

CONNIE YOUNG SUGGESTED COMPARING OUR FEE SCHEDULE WITHNEIGHBORING TOWNS. 

THE TOWN RECEIVED THE HERKIMER COUNTY SALES TAX APPORTIONMENT. SUPERINTENDENT DAVID HAJCZEWSKI SAID THAT THE TOWN’S WELDER IS BEYOND REPAIR. IT WAS SUGGESTED HE GET A NEW ONE.

THE BOARD REVIEWED THE SUPERVISOR’S REPORT. COUNCILMAN GRESCHECK MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT. COUNCILMAN ZIAJA SECONDED THE MOTION. ALL APPROVED. 

THE BOARD REVIEWED THE CLERK’S REPORT. COUNCILMAN SMITH MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT. COUNCILMAN VOGHT SECONDED THE MOTION. ALL APPROVED.

THE BOARD REVIEWED THE GENERAL FUND VOUCHERS AND THE HIGHWAY FUND VOUCHERS. COUNCILMA ZIAJA MADE A MOTION TO PAY THE BILLS. COUNCILMAN SMITH SECONDED THE MOTION. ALL APPROVED. 

THE NEXT MEETING WILL BE HELD ON JUNE 13, 2032. 

COUNCILMAN GRESCHECK MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN. SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN VOGHT. ALL APPROVED. 

THE MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:45 P.M.

Town Board Meeting minutes for April 11, 2023.   Approved May 9, 2023

The Town of Stark Town Board meeting was held on April 11, 2023 at the Town Justice Building. The meeting was  called to order by Supervisor Richard Bronner at 7:00 PM.

Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilman Richard Smith. Answering Roll Call were Supervisor Bronner, Councilman Grescheck, Councilman Ziaja, Councilman Smith, Councilman Voght, Highway Superintendent Hajczewski, and Town Clerk Rogers. 

Also in attendance were Town Wind attorney Bernard Melewski, Review Engineer Frances Kabat and Steven Calocerinos from LaBella Associates, Name unkmown from LaBella, Lydia Lake from New Leaf Energy, Tyler Garrity from New Leaf Energy. Public attending were Ken Richards, Ron Klump, Nick Jordan, Sue Jordan, Cheryl Eckler, Bonnie Nestle, Brendan Fahey and Glen Armstrong. 

Town Clerk Rogers read the minutes from the March 2023 meeting. Councilman Smith made a motion to approve the minutes. Councilman Voght seconded the motion. All approved. Board members discussed a fee schedule for the the New Leaf project. Councilman Grescheck made a motion to table it until a future date. Seconded by Councilman Voght. All approved the changes.

The public portion of the meeting opened at 7:09 PM.

Bonnie Nestle asked about the wind project web site. Brenard Melewski gave her the website address.

Nick Jordan asked about any new developments. Bernard Melewski said that New Leaf is doing an Environmental Impact Statement, which goes out to the public, followed by either accepting or rejecting the project.

Nick Jordan asked if there were any objections from Town of Springfield regarding roads in the Town of Springfield that will be used for the project. Supervisor Bronner said there have been none to date.

Ken Richards asked if there was an estimated schedule for the project steps. Bernard Melewski said that is dependent upon responses from all those involved.

Bonnie Nestle asked if the Town has been contacted by other wind companies. Supervisor Bronner answered that the Town Board has not been contacted by any other wind company. Glenn Armstrong added that the Town of Warren has no active project.

Ken Richards asked if the PILOT Agreement was part of the project. Mr. Melewski answered that is was.

Ken Richards inquired about the cash flow from the project and was told that it was not available at this time. 

Brennan Fahey, representing Owen D. Young Central School District, explained the need for speed radar signs in the school zone. A municipality is required to apply for the permit to work in the state right of way.Supervisor Bronner said the Town would need to be relieved of all liability. After discussion, Councilman Voght made a motion approving the Town apply for the permit, and authorizing the Supervisor to sign on behalf of the Town. Councilman Smith Seconded the motion. All approved. Roll Call vote. 5-Ayes, 0-Nays

Supervisor Bronner-aye, Councilman Ziaja-aye, Councilman Grescheck-aye, Councilman Voght-aye, Councilman Smith-aye.

Board members were given copies of the positive declaration, availability of Draft Scoping and Public Comment opportunity. Written Comments on the draft scoping will be accepted by the Lead Agency through close of business May 9. 

The Board received an Agricultural Data Statement. The Statement includes the description of the proposed project, the location and property owners within 500 ft. of the Ortensi property.

The open portion of the meeting closed.

The Town received a dog shelter agreement from Herkimer County Humane Society. Councilman Voght made a motion authorizing Supervisor Bronner to sign the agreement. Councilman Ziaja seconded the motion. All Approved.

Councilman Grescheck mentioned a property in the Town of Stark with a large number of unregistered vehicles parked on the property.

Highway Superintendent Hajczewski talked about an emergency fix for a culvert on Jordan Road. The permit is good for sixty days. Replacing  half of the culvert would be a temporary fix. 

Superintendent Hajczewski mentioned the Highway Department welder should be replaced. Councilman Grescheck suggested having someone look at the welder.

The Board reviewed the Supervisor’s report. Coucilman Smith made a motion to accept and Coucilman Voght seconded. All Approved.

The Board reviewed the Town Clerk’s report. Councilman Ziaja made a motion approve. Seconded by Councilman Grescheck. All approved.

The Board review the General Fund vouchers and the Highway Fund vouchers. Councilman Grescheck made a motion to pay the bills. Councilman Voght seconded. All approved.

The next meeting will be held on May 9, 2023.

Councilman Smith made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Councilman Voght. All approved. The meeting adjourned at 9:20 PM.

The Town Board reconvened its meeting from April 11 at 7:00 PM on April 18.

Supervisor Bronner let us in the pledge to the flag. Roll Call as follows: Supervisor Richard Bronner, present: Councilman Emil Ziaja, present: Councilman Richard Smith, present: Councilman Tony Grescheck, present: Councilman John Voght present: Town Clerk Lynn Rogers, present: Highway Superintendent David Hajczewski, present.

Board members discussed the permits for the windmills.  Board members differed on their opinion on the permit fee. Councilman Smith stated that a $20,000 figure would be more reasonable. Councilmen Voght and Grescheck proposed $25 per linear foot of height (from grade to overall height of the structure, including blades). If the height is determined to be 650 feet, the total would be $16,250 plus the $4,000 application fee, totaling $20,250.

Councilman Grescheck made a motion setting the fee as mentioned above. Councilman Voght seconded. All approved. Roll Call 5-ayes, 0-nays. Roll Call as follows: Supervisor Bronner, aye: Councilman Ziaja, aye: Councilman Grescheck, aye: Councilman Smith, aye: Councilman Voght, aye:

Proposals for ARPA funds totaling approximate $28,000 were discussed. Highway Supt. Hajczewski said the drainage in the highway garage needs to be addressed. A 3000 gal storage tank cost about $5000. Two 1500 gal tanks would cost about $1200 each. Councilman Grescheck has been in contact with Jason Preisner and suggested an oil/water sepertor as an alternative. It was mentioned that maintenance on this option could be a concern. High. Supt. Hajczewski will check with other Towns. The ARPA funds for the drainage system can use the Towns labor and equipment and be reimbursed from the ARPA funds.

Councillman Grescheck made a motion to adjourn. Councilman Ziaja seconded the motion. All approved.

The meeting adjourned at 8:05 PM.