The Special Meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Otsego was held on the 15th day of February 2006 at the Town Building, Fly Creek, and NY at 7:00 PM.


Those present were:

Thomas Breiten Chairman

Orlo Burch Councilman

Ann Geddes-Atwell Councilman

John Schallert Councilman

Meg Kiernan Councilman


Others Present:

Pamela Deane Town Clerk

Martin Tillapaugh Town Attorney


Chairman Breiten called the meeting to order.


The Town Board reviewed the amended Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Town of Otsego and Watershed Supervisory Committee. The Board raised two concerns. The first being the agreement had no sunset clause. The second concern was that people would be inclined to build a larger above-grade secondary septic treatment structure than they need to serve as a storage shed as well. After discussion language was added to satisfy the Boards concerns.


MOTION by Councilman Burch, seconded by Councilman Kiernan, to approve the MOA as modified and send to the County Planning for approval.


Chairman Breiten will make the agreed changes to the MOA and submit it to the County Planning Board.


Chairman Breiten reported that Planning Board members John Stucin and Paul Lord have agreed to help Planning Board applicants Thursday afternoons at 12:30. They will also answer any messages left on the Zoning Officer’s answering machine. They will not be responsible for zoning enforcement, inspections, ZBA applications or zoning permits.


Town Attorney Martin Tillapaugh reported that the State did not accept the Village of Cooperstown’s revaluation done by Ridgeway and Chase Valuation. Kathleen Chase owner of Chase Valuation has agreed to a mutual revaluation contract release agreement between the Town of Otsego and Chase Valuation. No consideration is being paid to one party or that other. Kathleen Chase has requested that the release agreement further states that she will be allowed the right to submit a proposal in the future if she wishes. Chairman Breiten thanked Councilman Kiernan for all her work concerning this situation.


The Board discussed their options. Councilman Schallert suggested any firm hired to do the revaluation should be bonded. Attorney Tillapaugh explained that the Town would have to pay for the bond cost being usually 10% of the project. In this case that would mean $7,000-$10,000.



After discussion it was agreed that Councilmen Burch, Kiernan, and Atwell and Assessor Ferd Thering would act as a committee to amend the previous revaluation request for proposal (RFP) and establish a list of firms the RFP should be mailed to.


Chairman Breiten stated that to date there has been only one letter of interest for the Highway Superintendent position, which was sent by Bryan Pernat. Chairman Breiten indicated that Highway Superintendent Louie (Spike) Boyd has spoken highly of Bryan and the highway employees intend to send a letter of support for Bryan as well.


MOTION by Councilman Atwell, seconded by Councilman Burch, to go into Executive Session to discuss personnel matters.


MOTION CARRIED: Chairman Breiten and all Councilmen voted aye.


Once coming out of Executive Session the Board discussed at great lengths the Highway Superintendent position, the possibility of appointing a deputy, and the time left or lack there of to train an individual to take over Spike’s position.


MOTION by Councilman Burch, seconded by Councilman Kiernan, to temporarily appoint Bryan Pernat interim Highway Superintendent effective 12:01 AM February 27th to serve at the pleasure of the Board at a yearly salary of $28,000.


MOTION CARRIED: Chairman Breiten, Councilman Kiernan, Councilman Burch voted yes.

Councilman Atwell and Councilman Schallert voted no.


Chairman Breiten discussed the Zoning Officer position. He reminded the Board that they would be interviewing those interested in the position Thursday February 23 starting at 7:00 PM. For the time being the Town needs a volunteer to handle ZBA applications and zoning permits.


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