1971-01-11 RGMAGENDA - TOWN BOARD
JANUARY 11, 1971
1. '.Supervisor Call Meeting to Order
2. Roll Call
3. REPORTS OF OFFICERS
Building Inspector -- Town Justices -- Supervisor
Monthly & Annual Annual Report, Mrs'. Alsdorf
Bills:
General Fund 1970
Highway L l O9 ( 79
Oakwood WD
Oakwood SD IS
8i
II�?
The Regular Meeting of the Town Boarciof the Town of Wappinger was
held on Monday, January 11, 1971, at the Town Hall, Mill Street,
Wappingers Falls, New York.
Supervisor Diehl called the meeting to order at 8:08 P.M.
Present:
Louis Diehl, Supervisor
Louis Clausen, Councilman
G. Donald Finnan, Councilman
Harry Holt, Councilman
James Mills, Councilman
Elaine H. Snowden, Town Clerk
Others Present:
Allan Rappleyea, Attorney to the Town
William Horton, Superintendent of Highways
Rudolph Lapar, Engineer to the Town
Reports for the month of December were received from the Building
Inspector, Town Justices and the Supervisor.
MR. CLAUTSEN moved the reports be received and placed on file.
Seconded by Mr. Mills.
Motion Unanimously Carried
Mrs. Alsdorf, Town Historian, gave the following Annual Report:
Your 'down Historian submits the .following report for the= year
1970:
Attendance at the following greetings `for historians:
Association of Towns and Villages in February.
Two meetings in Kingston for local appointed historians.
Four meetings of the Dutchess County Historians' Association.
New York State Historical Society meeting in Cooperstown, N.Y.
Various lecture meeting and one tour meeting of Dutchess County
Historical Society.
Each of the above provided important information bearing upon
local history, its recording and preservation.
Although the meeting I attended in Albany in October was in
another capacity than Hisorian for Town"of Wappinger, I found the
import of that meeting extremely relevant to my office of Town
Historian in, that information regarding Al -centennial Celebration
was given to those present.
In April I was chosen representative of the Dutchess County
Historians'and when they organized in May I Was elected president
of that Society.
I was highly instrumental in the formation of a second organiza-
tion of historians. This organization is known as the Hudson Valley
Historians Association.
You may justly ask "What bearing does this have upon the office
of Historian for the Town of •Wappinger'at
The answer is easy, through these two organizations a network
for exchange of historical information has been set up enabling
historians to have close communication, thus facilitating an easy
flow and exchange of information and ideas regarding being a local
historian.
The first meeting of Dutchess County Historians was held in
Wappingers -Falls. As one of the results,historians from Dutchess
County were introduced to our highly valuable Clapp paintings and
our delightful library.
In March your historian requested loca legislation for pro-
tection of old and abandoned cemeteries. As of now nothing definite
has come of that request but hopefully the way will soon be cleared,
as it is being worked upon.
Through requests to your historian from far away -states and
Canada your historian has uncovered information on the families
of Diehl, Sutherland, Townsend and Hughson. Some requests are so
vague in back ground that although I am working on them nothing
has been revealed.
In October I assisted as hostess at the receiption held in
Grinnell Library, at which time Mrs. IrvingClapp was honored for
her generosity in making the Clapp pictures available to the Grinnell
Library.
COntinue as Chairman of group from Wappinger's Historical
Society, which is cleaning, restoring and redecorating the upper
rooms in Brewer-Mesier house. This is taking -a long-time due to
lack df workers and the cold weather. A food sale in the Spring
of '70 netted funds to purchase paint and other materials for one
room.
Assisted several students, Elementary through College levels
to find materials on local history.
Communicated with Mr. Petrovits, County Highway Supervisor
regarding safety of the old watering trough on Creek Road in the
Town of Wappinger. Received written assurance that before any
work is begun on -that road we will be notified so that the trough
may be moved to safety.
Continued file record of old historical facts.
Continued scrapbook of current history.
Working on index of old record books.
Attempted to interest local teachers of history in forming
Yorker Clubs in the schools. This was unsuccessful.
Found 4n artist, Mr. Q. Groenwegen, who was willing to do an
oil photograph of Mr. Clinton Clapp using a black and white print
as guides.
Had copies made from original photographs of interior of
Brewer-Mesier House. Photographs loaned by Mr. Willis L. M. Reese,
Photography done by Mr. William Aursewald.
Currently working on restoring to a readable state an old
newspaper printed in Dutch, we believe in late 1600's. A translator
has been found and we hope to soon know more about this find.
Several photographs have been taken of old houses and other
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buildings in this township.
Respectfully submitted
s/ Dorothy B. Alsdorf
Bills were presented for payment as follows:
General Fund 1970:$11,344.81 General Fund 1971: $ 3,178.71
Highway Fund$4,081.99 OKWD $ 116.88
OKSD 15 9.7 9
RFSD 269.76
F1tWD 118.70
F1tSD 255.77
MR. FINNAN moved the bills be paid, subject to audit, seconded by
Mr. Clausen.
Motion Unanimously Carried
Supervisor Diehl requested permission to make a trip to Ohio, January
25th to 27th, 1971, to review and inspect the operations of a land-
fill site using the roto -shredding process (that was originated
by Refuse Processing Industries). The trip is in connection with
the Board of Governors for the Poughkeepsie Wappinger Landfill
Project.
MR. MILLS moved that Mr. Diehl be granted permission to make the
trip to Ohio, and that his legitimate expenses be a Town charge.
Seconded by Mr. Finnan.
Motion Unanimously Carried
Two letters were received from companies that had done work for
Vincent Dangler (YOAO) in connection with the Rockingham Farms
Sewer District sewer main inspection. Robinson Pipe Cleaning
Company indicated that there was an outstanding bill of $823.15
due them; and Video Pipe Grouting, Inc., indicated that there was
an outstanding bill of $1,329.65 due them.
MR. CLAUSEN moved the letters from Robinson Pipe Cleaning Company
and Video Pipe Grouting, Inc., be received and placed. on file, and
further, a letter, be directed to both companies indicating that the
Board is aware of the situation and will keep the matter in mind to
check the status of these debts prior to taking any action; and thee
letters also be referred to Mr. Quinn, attorney for the district,
Mr. Horton, Mr. Lapar, and Milton Chazen Associates, engineers for
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the district. Seconded by Mr. Finnan.
Motion Unanimously Carried
A letter was received from the Town Planning Board with regard to
Town Board action taken at the, December Meeting concerning investi-
gation of Eugene Schuele and the possibility of a conflict of interest
with him as a member, of the Planning Board. The Planning Board request
ed that all Planning Board members be investigated, that the member
should not be singled out. They further expressed the opinion that
the Board of Ethics should also investigate each elected or appointed
official to be assured that each is in no way in conflict with the
standards of the Code of Ethics.
MR.. DIEHL moved that the-lettei from the Planning Board regarding
conflicts of interest be placed on file. Seconded by Mr. Clausen.
Motion Unanimously Carried
The following memo was received from the Attorney to the Town:
January 7, 1971
MEMORANDUM TO TOWN BOARD MEMBER
Re: Code of Ethics
Enclosed is a copy of a memorandum to members of the Board of Ethics.
The local law does not provide for a "confidential" member. It
does provide for one member being a Town official or employee.
The Board of Ethics has a function which is to:
1. Render confidential, advisory opinions to Town Employees
concerning their own past or future conduct. For example:
the employee may wish to know if he can engage in plumbing
in the Town of Wappinger. The Board of Ethics should give
him an advising opinion at his request.
2. Render advice to the Town Board with respect to amendments
to the Code of Ethics.
The Board of Ethics is not an agency which has any power to investi-
gate activities of the Town officials or employees, It is designed
solely to assist Town officers or employees and guide them along
ethical lines.
s/ Allan E. Rappleyea, Esq.
Attorney to the Town of
Wappinger
MEMORANDUM TO BOARD OF ETHICS
1. The Code of Ethics sets forth a Code of Conduct for
Town employees.
2. The Board of Ethics should acquaint themselves with the
Local Law adopted by the Town Board.
3. The Ethics Board's function to render confidential,
advisory opinions to Town employees or officials upon their
request.
4. The identity of the person shall not be disclosed
except as set forth in the Code of Ethics.
5. The Board shall adopt its own rules, which should be
in writing and organize itself with a charman and a recording
secretary. Appropriate records should be kept as to its pro-
ceedings and opinions all of which shall be confidential. These
records should be kept in a confidential file at the Town Clerk's
Office.
6. The function of the Board of Ethics is not to act as
an investigating agency but solely to render advisory opinions
to Town officers or employees on their request. -
Allan E. Rappleyea, Esq.
Attorney to the Town of
Wappinger
Mr. Rappleyea commented that the memo to the Board of Ethics was
sent in response to the request of Mr. Landolfi (one of the Ethics
Board members) as to what the function of the Ethics Board was and
how they should organize themselves. He went on to explain that
the Code of Ethics, adopted by the Town Board, is, in addition to
the provisions of the General Municiple Law and other statutes set
up in conformity with what was recommended by the Association of
Towns for other Towns. He felt, the function of the Board of Ethics,
as set up in the Towns' Code, has been misinterpreted and needed to
be cleared up. This Board is designed to assist Town Employees and
Town Officials from avoiding conflicts of interests. If any conflict
were to exist, this becomes the function of the courts, or the Town
Board, to remove any such person who has violated the code. (The
Code gives the Town Board this obligation and/or right.) A better
name should probably be Advisory Board because it does not have a
broad investigatory power, does not have the power of subpoena, or
summons, or things of that nature, and further, to clear up a
misconstrued interpretation, there is no allowance for a secret
member.
MR. MILLS moved that William J. Bulger (Town Justice) be appointed
as the fifth member of the Board of Ethics, seconded by Mr. Holt.
Motion Unanimously Carried
MR. MILLS moved that the motion made and carried at the December
14, 1970 Regular Meeting, calling for an investigation of Eugene
Schuele, by the Board of Ethics, be rescinded. Seconded by Mr. Holt.
Roll Call Vote:
Supervisor Diehl Nay
Councilman Clausen Nay
Councilman Finnan Aye
Councilman Holt_ Aye
Councilman Mills Aye
Motion Carried
The Association of Towns' Meeting will be held February 8th through
10th, 1971 in New York City.
MR. FINNAN moved that permission be granted for any Town Officer,
Official, or employee to attend and their legitimate expenses be a
Town Charge. Seconded by Mr. Mills.
Motion Unanimously Carried
The Regular Meeting of the Town Board would normally fall on February
8th, 1971, which would necessitate a change in the date, since most of
the Officers and Officials would be attending the Association Meeting.
MR. FINNAN moved the Regular February Meeting be held on the 16th
instead of February 8th. Seconded by Mr. Mills.
Roll Call Vote: 4 Ayes Mr. Clausen: Nay
(Mr. Clausen stated he would be unable to attend the Regular Meeting
On February 16th).
The term of Joseph Incoronato, as a member of the Town of Wappinger
Zoning Board of Appeals expires February 1, 1971.
MR. MILLS moved that Carol Waddle be appointed as a member of the
Zoning Board of Appeals. The term of office to expire February 1,
1976. Seconded by Mr. Finnan
Roll Call T,Vote:
Supervi6or Diehl Nay
Councilman Clausen Nay
Councilman Finnan Aye
Councilman Holt Aye
Councilman Mills Ave
Motion Carried
A request was received from the Wappingers Central School District
to use 7 of the Town's voting machines for the election of a Trustee
(to replace Mr. Kerr, who had resigned) on January 20, 1971.
MR. FINNAN moved that Wappingers Central District be granted per-
mission to use seven of the Town's Voting Machines on January 20,
1971. Seconded by Mr. Mills.
Motion Unanimously Carried
The following letter was received:
December 30, 1970
Hon. Louis Diehl, Supervisor,
and Members of the Town Board
Town of. Wappinger
Town Hall
Mill Street
Wappingers Falls, New York
Re: Dutchess Heights, Inc.
Gentlemen:
On behalf of my client, Dutchess Heights, Inc., formal request
is being made herein for an eighty (80%) per cent reduction in
the road bonds for Section One.
May I respectfully further request that this letter be referred
to the Planning Board for such action as may be required to
implement the above.
Very truly yours,
s/ Joseph Worona
MR. CLAUSEN moved the letter be referred to the Town Planning Board,
William Horton, Highway Superintendent and Rudolph Lapar, Engineer
to the Town, and Allan Rappleyea, Attorney to the Town. Seconded
by Mr. Finnan.
Motion Unanimously Carried .
Mr. Holt, under Committee reports, asked the Clerk to read a draft
of a letter addressed to Mr. Walter Cronin, Chairman of the Town of
Wappinger Conservation Advisory Council regarding action taken by
14.
the Council (letters sent to a select group of property ownersin
the Town, soliciting donations of land to the Town for open space
areas.)
Mr. Holt explained that there had been the interpretation, by some
recipients of the Council's request, that the Town Board was doing
this,,and he personally had difficulty answering questions without
having had the benefit of knowledge of Council's thought. If the
Council would keep the Town Board advised as to what's going on,
it would be appreciated. In this way none of the Board would be
surprised by questions from interested persons in Town.
Mr. Diehl directed that Mr. Cronin receive a copy of the drafted
letter, and place the letter on file.
Mr. Holt, with regard to the Village (he had just attended a meeting
with Village Officials,) they would like to know if the Town Board
would express an intent to look into the use of the Sweet -Orr
Building, for if they can see their way clear they will purchase
the Building (for Village Offices.) They would like a statement
of intent from the Town that the Board would be willing to go along
with them. It would necessitate further discussion on the part of
the Board to ascertain what, in the way of office space, would be
necessary and/or available for the Town's use and more information
would be needed.
Mr. Clausen agreed that just the intent to be interested could be
expressed, but would want to know, first, what the cost, if a study
was being proposed, would be before showing intent.
MR. HOLT moved that the Town Board express to the Village that
they are interested in making some kind of arrangement for the use
of space in the Sweet -Orr Building, if and when the Village acquires
it. Seconded by Mr. Finnan.
Motion Unanimously Carried
Mr. Finnan recommended that the Code of Ethics be placed back into
Committee for further study.
Messrs. Holt and Mills, on the Ordinance Committee, agreed to accept
this recommendation.
MR. HOLT moved for a recess, seconded by Mr. Finnan, and carried.
Recess called at 8:56 P.M.
Supervisor Diehl called themeeting back to order at 9:12 P.M.
All Board members were present.
At this time Supervisor Diehl called for a minute of silence in
respect for the recent passing of Charles Sutton, who had been a
Town Highway employee for thirty years; Joseph Egan, a past Post-
master in the Village and Charles LeRoy, a Village Trustee for many
years. A minute of silence was observed for all three men.
A Local Law amending Local Law #1 of 1967 was placed before the
Board.
TOWN OF WAPPINGER
DUTCHESS COUNTY, NEW YORK
A Local Law amending Local Law No. 1 of 1967
Be it Enacted by the Town Board of the Town of Wappinger,
Dutchess County, New York, as follows:
Section 1. Section 2 of Local Law #1 of 1967 is hereby
amended to read as follows:
Section 2. Real property owned by one or more persons, each
of whom is sixty-five (65) years of age or over, or real property
owned by husband and wife, one of whom is sixty-five (65) years of
age or over, shall be exempt from town taxes to the extent of fifty
(50%) Percentum of. the assessed valuation thereof, subject to the
following conditions:
(a) The owner or all of the owners of such real property must
file an;application annually in the assessors' office at least
ninety (90) days before the date for filing the final assessment
roll or such other time or date as may be hereafter fixed by law.
(b) The incomeof the owner or the combined income of the
owners of the property shall not and may not exceed the sum of
Five Thousand ($5,000.00) Dollars for the income tax year immediately
preceding the date of making the application for exemption. The
income tax year shall mean the twelve months period for which the
owner or owners file a federal personal income tax return, or if
no such return is filed, the calendar year. Where title is vested
in either the husband or the wife, their combined income may not
exceed. such income. Such income shall include social security and
retirement benefits, interest, dividends, net rental income, salary
or earnings, and net income from self-employment, but shall not
include gifts or inheritances.
(c) The title to such real property shall have been vested
in the owner or all of the owners of such real property for at least
sixty (60) consecutive months prior to the date of making applica-
tion for exemption.
(d) The real property shall be used exclusively for residential
purposes.
(e) The real property shall be the legal residence of and shall
be occupied in whole or in part by the owner or by all of the
owners of the same.
(f) Applications for such exemption shall be made by the
owner, oar all of the owners, of the property, upon forms prescribed
by the state board to be furnished by the assessing authority, and
applicants shall furnish such informa-tion and shall execute the
application in the manner prescribed in such forms.
Section 2. Section 3 of Local Law #1 of 1967 is hereby
amended to read as follows:
Section 3. 'At least sixty,(60) days prior to the appropriate
taxable status date, the assessing authority shall mail to each
person who was granted exe mption pursuant to this section on the
latest completed assessment roll an application form and a notice
that such application must be filed on or before taxable status
date and be approved in order for the exemption to be granted.
Failure to mail any such application form and notice or the
failure of such person to receive the same shall not prevent the
levy, collection and enforcement of the payment of the taxes on
property owned by such person.
Section 4. This local law shall take effect on the first
day of January, 1971.
Section 3. This amendment shall take effect immediately.
Introduced by COUNCILMAN HOLT
Seconded by Councilman Clausen
Mr. Clausen asked Mr. Rappleyea if the 60 consecutive months
is deemed by State Law or was it an arbitrary figure, (before
setting the Public Hearing, Mr. Rappleyea would check on Mr.
Clausen's question.)
The next order of business would be the appointment of a Single
Assessor.
Supervisor Diehl said that at this time he would like to open the
floor to discussion.
Mr. Clausen suggested that each Board member, if he has a name,
to submit to the Board, to do so for discussion purposes.
Mr. Holt stated that the Board has heard names presented before
the Board, those of Michael Turco, Albert Epstein, Martin Leskow,
Edward Husted, and one that he had become aware of today, Thomas
Logan, who would be available for the position.
MR. HOLT moved the rules be suspended, seconded by Mr. Mills and
carried.
Mr. Louis Eck, Hopewell Road, opposed the nomination of Mr. Leskow
because, he charged, that Mr. Leskow reduced an assessment after
Grievance Day, and after a letter of denial had been sent to the sr
aggrieved party, had done this, he charged, without the knowledge
or consent of the other two assessors. He further contended that
the Supervisor should investigate the charge. He wouldn't mention
the aggrieved persons' name, he simply -gave the account number of
100875, Map 15, Lot 1, Bbck 4.1.
Mr. Leskow 'stated that the gentleman Mry Eck referred to came
before the Grievance Board, pled his case and the Board reviewed
it. Thereafter, the aggrieved -got in touch with Mr. Leskow to
fulfil a promise to look at the property. An appointment was made.
One assessor, Mr. Myers, was on vacation in'Nova Scotia, and Mr.
Turco, the other assessor, wasn't home when he called to -ask him to
go along. Mr. Leskow looked at the property, saw what the man was
trying to tell him, and being unable to diseuss his findings with
the other 2 assesors, took it up6n himself to rectify the situation,
this, he believes, is the job of the assessor. This was after
grievance day, but prior to the completion of the Assessment Rolls.
Mr. H. J: Farver, 65 Edgehill Drive, commented that it was after
grievance day that all adjustments were made on the grievances
filed on that day, and he reasoned that the charge made about the
individual (by Mr. Eck) was, in the -realm of reasonable assumption,
the normal result of receipt of notice of change after grievance
day. He happens to feel the incumbent is an intelligent gentleman
who is conscientiously attempting to do his job.
Dr. Daniel Hannigan, Myers Corners Road, felt the basis for the
whole problem are bad laws. Any man put in as assessor, a year from
now will be put in the same postion as Mr. Leskow is in today. It
would seem to him the easiest thing to do would be to follow the tax
laws right to the letter, but there are inequities in using the laws,
and these are what need changing. He feels Mr. Leskow is competent
and had taken the trouble to educate himself in this field, has the,
experience and can see no reason why this man should be dropped as
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assessor. He suggested Martin Leskow be maintained as the assessor,
and the Board consider Vincent Brancato as the assistant to the
assessor.
Ernest Hensler, Osborne Hill Road spoke in favor of Mr. Leskow.
He felt he was the man the Town should keep.
Arthur Bisom, Myers Corners Road, asked that politics be kept out
of the assessors' office. Mr. Leskow was a good man --keep him.
Mr. Henry Blecker, 6 Gilmore Bouldvard North, was against the
Board reappointing Mr. Leskow as assessor, He didn't think Mr.
Leskow had even seen the properties before assessing them.
Mr. Leskow answered saying he and Mr. Myers had looked at all the
houses. It was discovered, however, that the mortgages had included
personal property, and the assessments were adjusted to reflect these
deductions.
Alice Johnson,.2 Gilmore Boulevard, said there were 385 inequities
in the Village. These houses are small and in comparison to other
Village homes, they feel they're paying more than their fair share.
Mr. Clausen took exception to Mr. Leskow's comments about not
bringing politics in. He didn't think it was the opinion of the
Board that they should raise or lower taxes, that's the assessors'
office, the Board has nothing to do with that. Mr. Leskow said he
would like to have the Board go on record, as of today, what they
would like to do in the Village. Mr. Clausen replied that that is
not up to -the Board, it's up the assessors' office. Mr. Leskow's
comment was his hands were tied.
Joseph Fulton, 18 Park Street, wondered if the Board had missed the
point here tonight. He felt there was a very serious illegal of
malfeasance of office that occurred in the assessor's office, this
one instance in that one man, of a three man Board, has taken the
unilateral action of creating a five hundred dollar a year differ-
ence of a man's assessment, and also, as he understands the case,
the 3 man Board of Assessors met and denied a grievance. The other
2 assessors knew nothing about this change in this assessment. One
man took it upon himself to change it, and he charged that there's
a serious illegality and violation of 1aipi here that should be taken
to the. District Attorney and Grand Jury. He thought the Board should
move on this. When the Assessment Rolls" were signed the other two
assessors were deceived and there's still a case.
Mr. Knud Clausen, Clapp Avenue, said he wasn't present to speak for
anyone, but against Mr. Leskow. He suggested the Board take- a recess,
take the names -that have been presented, talk over these names, take
the one that most qualified, be it Democrat or Republican, keep poli-
tics out, then vote for the most qualified man that the Board agrees
about. -
Howard Walker, 7 Brookside Drive, stated that, by working with Mr.
Leskow for four" years had found him to be very fair, and didn't
think anyone in the area knew as much about assessing.
Michael Turco, Chelsea, wished to clarify one point, as Mr. Leskow
had implied that on the basis of one phone call he wasn't available
to consult on a decrease in assessment. He was available to consult
with Mr. Leskow (but had happenedto have been out at the particular
time Mr. Leskow had called). He also asked if Mr. Leskow would
_clarify his statement implying that his hands were tied in the
Village. Mr. Leskow said that that had all been thrashed out, Mr-.
Turco asked when? Mr. Leskow said'he was referring to the meeting
when Mr. Diehl came up to the office. -Mr. Turco also denied a
statement that had been made by Mr. Leskow that he wished to
correct the inequities in the Village but was opposed by the two
other assessors. He c]ims this was not true, his only objection
was that Mr. Leskow's method was unorthodox, changing assessments
without viewing the properties.
Mr. Charles Cortellino, Russ Place, asked why the Board didn't look
for a retired person, who had no commitments, to be assessor.
Armand,:Fuimarello,:" Wheeler Hill Road, said it appeared -to him that
the Board was looking for a man who has integrity, is honest, has
technical qualifications, experience, tact and diplomacy. He felt
Mr. Leskow`came pretty close to filling these requirements.
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Mr. Bisom commented that he, Mr. Leskow and Mr. Walker had planned
to correct about 600 inequities in the Village but the circumstances,
of neither he or Mr. Walker being reappointed, prevented this.
Mr. Eck, Mr. Hensler, Mrs. Johnson and Mr. Farver spoke a second
time, reiterating what had been previously said.
MR. MILLS moved the rules be resumed, seconded by Mr. Holt and
carried.
Mr. Mills called for a recess.
Supervisor Diehl called for recess at 10:22 P.M.
Supervisor Diehl called the meeting back to order at 10:37 P.M.
All Board members were present.
The following letter was received:
January 11, 1971
Dear Members of the Town Board,
We, .the members of the Dutchess County Asses'sor's Association
highly recommend that you consider Mr. Martin Leskow for reappoint-
ment as Chairman of the Board of Assessors for the Town of Wappinger.
He is presently serving a second term as our treasurer and
has been actively concerned with the tax mazpping and reappraisal
program which is going on in our county today.
.Respectfully yours,
s/ Gerard G. deMartine, Secr.
Mr_. Diehl prefaced the presentation of the following resolution by
stating that if it did not pass, he personally would seek investiga-
tion by the District Attorney. ..
The following resolution was offered by SUPERVISOR DIEHL who moved
its adoption:
WHEREAS, serious charges have been levied against Mr. Martin
Leskow tonight by two taxpayers present, and
WHEREAS, Mr. Leskow has the perfect right to clear his name,
and,
WHEREAS, the taxpayers of the Town have a right to know if
the charges are true or false,
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT
RESOLVED, that this Town Board present this matter to the
District Attorney for investigation.
Seconded by: Mr. Clausen
Roll Call Vote: Louis Diehl Aye G. Donald Finnan Nay
Louis Clausen Aye Harry Holt Nay
James Mills Abstain
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Resolution Failed
Mr. Diehl then stated that, under the conditions, he will bring .
to the attention of the District Attorney the matter so discussed.
Supervisor Diehl called for motions for Sole Assessor.
MR. CLAUSEN moved that Michael Turco be appointed to the Office of
Assessor, for the term expiring September 30, 1971. Seconded by
Mr. Diehl.
Roll Call Vote:
Supervisor Diehl Aye
Councilman Clausen Aye
Councilman Finnan Nay
Councilman Holt Nay
Councilman Mills Nay
Motion Defeated
MR. CLAUSEN moved that Edward Husted be appointed to the Office of
Assessor for the term expiring September 30, 1971. Seconded by Mr.
Diehl.
Roll Call Vote:
Supervisor Diehl Aye
Councilman Clausen Aye
Councilman Finnan Nay
Councilman Holt Nay
Councilman Mills Nay
Motion Defeated
The following resolution was offered by MR. FINNAN who moved its
adoption:
TOWN BOARD, TOWN OF WAPPINGER
DUTCHESS COUNTY,.NEW YORK
• APPOINTING A SINGLE ASSESSOR
FOR TERM. ENDING SEPTEMBER 3.0, 1971
The following resolution was offered by MR. FINNAN who moved
its adoption:
BE IT RESOLVED, that Thomas E. Logan Jr. is hereby appointed
to the Office of Assessor and the term shall commence on the date
of this resolution and expire on September 30,. 1971,
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the annual salary for the
Assessor of the Town of Wappinger be 'and the same hereby is fixed
at the rate of $8,500 per year, 'to. be paid. every other Friday
throughout the term of office.
Seconded by: Mr. Holt
Roll Call Vote:
S_iipervisor Diehl Nay Councilman Holt : Ayetrr c..
Councilman Clausen Nay Councilman Mills Aye
Councilman Finnan Aye
Motion Carried
Mr. Logan made a short statement, accepting the appointment," and.
stating that the first order of business is that every elected and
appointed official in this Town is going to have their property
reviewed first, secondly, his idea of assessing is equality and if
the assessments are not equal the p it's not fair. If political
pressures are put on by certain groups that this or that area
shouldn't be touched, it will be brought out irub1ic to get straight-
ened out. He feels, basically, assessments are fair but if anyone
feels otherwise, address the Asssessor, in writing, stating what
they think the inequality iS and an appointment will be set up.
Mr. Mills recommended that the Deputy Assessor be tabled until the
Board can converse with Mr. Logan. The two people in this office
should be able to work well together, and he hoped that Mr. Logan
might have some recommendation as to whom he might be interested in
as an assistant.
Mr. Diehl said he believes thBre should be a Deputy in the Assessor's
office, and asked the Board to consider Mrs. Gladys Timbo for this
position, without additional compensation. She has served the Town
well in that office for many years, and would be most qualified; and
then go forward to appoint an assistant to the Assessor with the
salary as allocated in the budget.
TOWN BOARD, TOWN OF WAPPINGER
DUTCHESS COUNTY, NEW. YORK
APPOINTING MEMBER TO BOARD OF
ASSESSMENT REVIEW FOR'THE
TOWN OF WAPPINGER
The following resolution was offered by MR. FINNAN who moved
its adoption:
BE IT RESOLVED, that Louis Clausen is hereby appointed to the
Board of Assessment Review for the term commencing with this
resolution and expiring September 30, 1971.
That said Louis Clausen will serve with the Supervisor and
the Assessor so as to comprise the Board of Assessment Review.
Seconded by: Mr. Mills
Roll Call Vote:
Supervisor Diehl Aye Councilman Holt Ave
•Councilman Clausen Abstain Councilman Mills Aye
COuncilman Finnan Aye Carried: Jan. 11, 1971
3$
A LOCAL LAW ESTABLISHING THE OFFICE OF
SUPERVISOR OF THE TOWN OF WAPPINGER AS
A FULL-TIME POSITION
BE IT ENACTED by the Town Board of the Town of Wappinger
as follows:
Section 1: The Supervisor of the Town of Wappinger shall
devote full time to the duties of the office of Supervisor and
shall hold no other employment or public office.
Section 2: This local law shall take effect January 1, 1972.
Introduced by:
Seconded by:
Councilman Finnan
Councilman Mills
MR. FINNAN moved a public hearing be set on a Local Law establish-
ing the office of Supervisor of the Town of Wappinger as a full time
position on January 25, 1971, at 7:30 P.M. at the Town Hall, Mill
Street, Wappingers Falls, New York. Seconded by Mr. Mills
Motion Unanimously Carried
MR. MILLS moved that a public hearing be held on a Local Law amending
Local Law #1, 1967, on January 25, 1971, at 8:00 P.M. at the Town Hall,
Mill Street, Wappingers Falls, New York. Seconded by Mr. Holt.
Motion Unanimously Carried
RESOLUTION APPOINTING BARGER & RUSS AS
ENGINEER TO INSPECT AND CERTIFY TO INSTALLATION
AND COSTS OF ADDITIONS TO SYSTEM OF L&A FILTRATION
CORPORATION FACILITIES.
The following resolution was introduced by SUPERVISOR DIEHL
who moved its adoption:
WHEREAS the Town of Wappinger in 1964 consented the formation
of L&A Filtration Corporation pursuant to Article 10 of the
Transportation Corporation Law, and
WHEREAS certain additions have been made to said plant and
pipes system since the initial construction,
NOW, -THEREFORE be it
RESOLVED that Barger & Russ is hereby appointed as Engineer
to inspect and report to the Town Board the following:
1. The exact nature of the additions to the L&A
Filtration Plant and facilities over and above the original
facilities as described in the letter to the Town Board
dated April 6, 1964.
2. The dates of the installation of any such additions
and the original cost of such additions.
Seconded by: Councilman Mills
Roll Call Vote:
Supervisor Diehl Aye
Councilman Clausen Aye
Councilman Finnan Aye
Councilman Holt Aye
Councilman Mills. Aye
Carried: January 11, 1971
The request from the Wappingers' Mens' Basketball League for
additional funds tabled from the December meeting was placed before
the Board. Mr. Diehl said he would be in favor of bailing them
out if it was the desire of the Board. Mr. Mills' suggestion would
be that this league wouldn't need the whole $1,400 when they start
the season. He thinks this should be deferred until the Board can
take a look and see if the Town has some extra money maybe, that
can be applied when the season gets toward the end. When the league
gets to the last 10% of the season, the Board can start making the
decision.
Mr. Diehl commented that he had spoken to Mr. B$tterlech suggesting
a plan whereby the league could raise funds and be of service to
the Town at the same time. He pointed out that the group could
help with the cleanup'of junk cars. There were funds available in
the budget for this and it was his thought that the Town pay $5 per
car that the league can get signed statements from the owner that
the car can be removed from their property. If the Board would
agree, Mr. Bitterlich felt the men in the league would undertake
this project. Mr. Diehl added that several months ago Mr. Reich
said he'd pay $2 per car. Mr. Holt commented that possibly the
Town pay $3 and with Mr. Reich's $2, the amount could be established
at $5 per car, as Mr. Reich's offer of the $2 might be withdrawn
sometime, and the Town could then still uphold a $5 total.
The Board agreed that the total figure of $5 was satisfactory,
either $3 from the Town and $2 from Mr. Reich, or, if Mr. Teich
withdraws, $5 from the Town.
MR. CLAUSEN moved that Jack Peace, Patti Place, be appointed as a
member to the Southern Dutchess 1990 Planning Council. Seconded
by Mr. Finnan.
Motion Unanimously Carried
11
L
Mr. asked if there was any one who wished to bring anything
before the Board under new business.
Mr. Eck spoke about the County Appraisers that were doing the
Village of Wappingers Falls now. He thought it would be a good
idea if the Town Board could recommend that the County Planning
Board set a meeting up to explain how they were going to go about
re-evaluating property, and allow the residents to ask questions,
so they will know what is happening.
Mr. Mills_ suggested sending a letter to Mr. Ken Toole, Dutchess
County Department of Planning, recommending a public informational
hearing in Wappinger.
Charles Cortellino commented that back in September he had inquired
about the pipes in Wildwood. He had been told then that if the job
wasn't completed by the end of October, a new contractor would come
in. He said he can only go by inference, there is no new contrac-
tor, therefore, the job must be done --why are there pipes. If the
pipes are for the ditch, how come' he is still the contractor.
(Alexander). There certainly won't be any work done now, he doesn't
know what the pipes are for, but they are unsightly and are on resi-
dential property and have no business to be there. Mr. Mills answer-
ed that he had been in daily touch with Mr. Alexander, but the one
problem was the pipe was on private property. Mr. Cortellino asked
another question in regard to the Code_of Ethics, was the code that
came from the Association of Towns a legislative thing or a recommend-
ation? Mr. Holt said Code of Ethics was mandated by law. He suggest-
ed the Town didn't need an Ethics Board, it has no investigative
powers, therefore, they can't even ask someone's intent. Mr. Holt
commented the world ethics was significant, two or three people were
looking for punative measures within the Code of Ethics and it doesn't
exist there, but does refer to other laws and statutes to take that
matter up. Mr. Cortellino's question was, the Board of Ethics cannot
review this case, the only Board that has the investigative power
is the Town Board. Now, there is no question that a violation of
Local Law #2 is not a civil misdemeanor, there's no such 4ing, it
is a criminal misdemeanor. We have a criminal, however small you
want to look at it, on our Planning Board. He requested the Town
Board to investigate this, it's public record, Justice Francese
found the party guilty. Will the Town Board investigate this?
Mr. Diehl said -he had a motion on the floor and the Board has
rescinded it. Mr. Mills clarified this stating that the Board
rescinded the motion to have the Board of Ethics investigate this
matter. Mr. Cortellino said what he was now asking was that the -
Town Board itself undertake to investigate, as Mr. Rappleyea
indicated earlier, the Town Board has the investigative power
although the Board of Ethics doesn't. Mr. Diehl maintained the
Town Board had the authority to direct the Board of Ethics to
undertake this investigation.
MR. MILLS moved the rules be resumed, seconded by Mr. Holt and
carried. -
MR. MILLS moved .that a letter be directed to Mr. Ludewig, the
Zoning Administrator to have the pipe removed out of Wildwood
Drive by January 30, 1971. Seconded by Mr. Diehl.
Motion Unanimously Carried
MR. MILLS moved the meeting be adjourned, seconded by Mr. Holt
and unanimously carried.
Meeting adjourned at 11:30 P.M.
Elaine H. Snowden
Town Clerk
Reg. Mtg. 1-11-71
WARRANT
To Wan D, DSL , Supervisor
Town of WA PXJ it , County of Dwx...ouir$ , New York.
The following claims, having been presented to the Town Board of the Town of
MAPPINGS& , and duly audited and allowed at a meeting thereof held on the
....11.tbday of January , 19..21_, in the amounts hereinafter respectively specified, and
a certificate thereof having been duly filed in my office as Town Clerk, you are hereby authorized
and directed to pay to each of the following claimants the amount allowed upon his claim as
hereinafter stated:
CLAIM NAME OF CLAIMANT AMOUNT FUND OR
No. ALLOWED ACCOUNT
OTHER INFORMATION
1970 Bills audited 1/11[71-Hosolu=ion of i"ransfer from Surplus to pay March 8, 1971
969 BPC'=Atinn f`nnSultAntg,Ine* 10,00& .
970 David Re11ev 48.120 • tofu,
Q71 Want Puhl i sh i ng Cr - AS.DA /1A
972 Martin LeskaM 35x5 848
anarnavaidistkaziudbaucc
973 Herbert Muller, Jr. 62.00 ' 111.f19
1n Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and the Seal of the Town of Wappinger
this 9th day of March , 19__1.1.
Town Clerk
[SEAL]
WARRANT
To Lewis Diehl , Supervisor
Town of
wappinpsr
., County of Drtshsss , New York.
The following claims, having been presented to the Town Board of the Town of
waP►ia$rr, and duly audited and allowed at a meeting thereof held on the
l ltbday of January , 19..5., in the amounts hereinafter respectively specified, and
a certificate thereof having been duly filed in my office as Town Clerk, you are hereby authorized
and directed to pay to each of the following claimants the amount allowed upon his claim as
hereinafter stated:
CLAIM
No.
NAME OF CLAIMANT
1AMOUNT FUND OR
ALLOWED ACCOUNT
1 Owls iisswn, PestNastsr 2.000. 1620.4.
2 Chester sass CO.. 4. 1410.4
3 The Pendell Press 11. 1110.4
4 The Penieell' P'rsss 51.65 1620.4
5 New Yesk !latero= Pod. 75.00 1520.3
6 James T. Gearinir 123.43 3310.1
7 JCapttot 1Lgaray Materials 910.60 3310.4
6 JAirtk*ir N. waddle x.00 1110.4
Drop Hardware Co. 2.23 7110.4
10 The Pendell Press 6.13 7110.4
11 Central Eidson
12 Central Madsen
13 JCentraI godson
130.13 1620.4
6.10 3310.4
227.60
OTHER INFORMATION
301 Y. A110 St.,
41baay, N. Y. 12206
Rts.#6. Putnam County
Baldwin Place, N. Y. 10505
Chelsea Light District
Tn Witnys Vhereof, I havehereuntoset my hand and the Seal of
e Town of
71
this day of , 19
Town Clerk
[SEAL]
SPVCIAL DISTITCT%
WARRANT
To Louis Viotti
Supervisor
Town of WaPPissr , County of Dutcttess , New York.
The following claims, having been presented to the Town Board of the Town of
Wappin=sr , and duly audited and allowed at a meeting thereof held on the
l lttt day of Jafua ► , 19 71 , in the amounts hereinafter respectively specified, and
a certificate thereof having been duly filed in my office as Town Clerk, you are hereby authorized
and directed to pay to each of the following claimants the amount allowed upon his claim as
hereinafter stated:
CLAIM
No.
NAME OF CLAIMANT
IAMOUNT FUND OR
ALLOWED ACCOUNT
1 Central:Indws 151.79 381-8130.1
2 Central 8rtdsssl 116.88 SW14310-1
3 Central Videos 110.20 SW.2-8310.1
SWZ•e310.1
4 win Pendell Press 17.00 SS 4130.1
S Central Rodeos 116.27 882.8130.1
6 Astos•Cross Co. 121.60 882.8130.1
7 'Central Hudson 266.36 888130.1
8 1Wallace 6 Tiernan Melees 30.40 883.8130.1
OTHER INFORMATION
PSssoait Corporation
Dont 730. Msvark, N.J. 07101
in Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and the Seal of the Town of Wappinysr
this 31st day of Jaat+at7... , 19 71
Town Clerk
[SEAL]