DRAFT ONLY TB MEETING MARCH 13, 2025

 
DRAFT ONLY TB MEETING MARCH 13, 2025

The regular meeting of the Town Board of Cherry Valley was held on Thursday March 13, 2025 with meeting called to order at 7.00PM by Supervisor Garretson

Pledge to the Flag was said

Roll call of Officers was taken:
Tom Garretson-Supervisor P
Jim Johnson-Councilperson P
Ed VanDerwerker-Councilperson p    
Mark Cornwell-Councilperson P
Holly Waterfield-P
Highway Superintendent Marty Field-P
Mary Beth Flint-P

Reading of last month’s minutes will be dispensed of and minutes accepted as presented and or corrected.    

Presentation of invoices and payments:
HEALTH CENTER FUND
11 Ricoh USA Inc $72.86pd
12 Spectrotel $432.57pd
13 Public Goods Pool $442.00pd
14 Rentokil Pest Control $55.00pd
15 National Grid $401.22pd
16 Bassett Healthcare $48,835.25pd
17 Bassett Healthcare $73,346.97pd

GENERAL FUND
27 Elan Financial Services $445.54pd
28 Jeff Stiles Contractor $1,199.02pd
29 Village Photography $629.75pd
30 American Wholesalers $2.61pd
31 Grant and Lyons LLP $550.00pd
32 American Legion Post 1360 $560.00pd
33 Cherry Valley Historical Association $10,300.00pd
34 Cherry Valley Fireman’s Auxiliary $150.00pd
35 Cherry Valley Fish and Game Club $300.00pd
36 Cherry Valley Fire District Co 1 $300.00pd
37 Cherry Valley Facilities Corp $3,600.00pd
38 Artworks $2,050.00pd
39 Lyman and James Johnson $3,000.00pd
40 Miller’s Cleaning Service $842.00pd
41 Bruce Hall Corp $28.77pd
42 RL Parsons Inc $785.65pd
43 Charter Communications $279.98pd
44 Charter Communications $84.95pd
45 Spectrotel $252.35pd
46 Constellation Newenergy Inc $13.38pd
47 Excellus BC/BS $329.09pd
48 US Postal Service $188.00pd
49 Hometown Hauling $43.25pd
50 US Postal Service $905.20pd
51 National Grid $507.60pd
52 Cintas Corporation #121 $415.60pd
53 Shelter Point Life Ins Company $696.60pd
54 JB Supply $96.18
55 United Healthcare $17.65pd

Highway Vouchers:
Item 1 (337-338)
Item 3 (830-842)
Item 4 (229-232)

Councilperson Johnson made a motion to accept the invoices and payments as presented, Councilperson VanDerwerker seconded the motion.  The invoices and payments have been presented and accepted.   All in favor 5 ayes 0 nay

Presentation of Invoices and Payments:
•    Budget reviewed as well as NBT Account balances

Misc. information to the Town Clerk:
•    tsego County Sales Tax for the month of JAN $9,001.34 Payment is for old invoices as well as current invoices. Supervisor Garretson is not paying the back invoices all in one shot he wants the payments to be applied to the past due invoices for each month.  He sends a check and Bassett sends a statement showing what is left to be paid.  Councilperson Waterfield asked about the Miller’s cleaning Service payment being applied to the general fund instead of the Health Center fund?  Supervisor Garretson said that should be moved over to the Health Center line.
•    Received a thank you from the Cherry Valley Ladies Auxiliary for the donation.

Community Center Alden Field and Park:
•    Biddy basketball season has come to an end and was a success.
•    Rentals are up for March, April and May

Health Center:
•    February Expense $82,613/Revenue $58,094

Village:
•    Town and Village Board Minutes and info- www.cherryvalleyny.us

Highway Department
•    HWS Field reported we changed where we are getting sand from because of the overall price.
•    Two trucks have to go out for repairs and new floor on July 11.
•    Need a new stick welder.  The old welder back feeds and shocks you.  Approximately $1,300.

Public Questions, Comments and concerns…………..2 minute limit per request

SG=Supervisor Garretson
HSF-Highway Superintendent Field
Statement/questions with no name-unidentified person(s)
HC=health center

Question what kind of measures are we taking to stop the bleeding at the Health Center? Answer SG-Citizens committee is reviewing different avenues;  privatization, maybe being a satellite for a hospital other than Bassett is another idea.  Statement:  This is going to be a long process and we lost another $50,000 this month?  SG-no with the two months we ran at a deficit of $5,319.00 for January and February.

Question why is it so encouraging because it is not accurate to make these assumptions when we have a historical record of being behind?  And also 40% of the budget is devoted to helping subsidize the Health Center projection for next year is even larger?  Answer SG-because it is still carry over from the catch up with what was left behind in terms of the invoices.  Statement is this a realistic assumption from item 6 on the agenda?  SG-not yet will have to wait until April by that time invoices will be caught up and revenue coming in will be current.  And at the same time the $152,000 Bassett promised they would start charging us has not been billed yet to us in addition to the back invoices.

Question have we been able to put Athena to use yet? Answer SG-we have not.  Question what is the delay?  SG-he has been asking Bassett when this will up and running and he not getting answers from Bassett.

Question in looking over the budget for 2024-2025 we bought two trucks last year are both of those bonds hitting big payments causing increase in the taxes?  Answer SG-we haven’t received the trucks yet.  There are two bond payments being made for current trucks.  One is 3 years old and the other truck is 5 years old  2020 Volvo last payment will be Jan 2026, 2022 Western Star last payment will be April 2027 typically the way it works you get one bond payment out of the way with the rotation of the trucks.  The trucks were ordered 2 years ago expected delivery might be September 2025 for one of the trucks.  Trucks are built in sections.  The chassis gets built and then the next company fits out the truck with the plows and hydraulic equipment. The price of trucks is expected to increase by $20,000 or $50,000.  The price of a fully outfitted truck is between $350,000 and $400,000 per truck.

Question are we getting a new Fire Truck?  Answer SG-that would not be in our budget that would be in the Fire Department budget.

Question given this budget how are you preparing to accommodate for these larger fees that are forth coming are they now factored in?  Answer SG-the rotations of the bonds will basically take care of itself.  You take care of one bond before the other bond starts.  This is already factored in to the budget so it is like a wash.

SG-the health center is still an unknow of what will be happening there.

Question what is the warranty on the new trucks coming in? Answer HSF-5 years  Question how long is the bond for? Answer HSF-5 years  We try to rotate the trucks out every 8-10 years.  Repairs are very costly.  Councilperson Cornwell stated he feels the Town employee take excellent care of the equipment.

Statement regarding the CHIPS program. The Town has to put the money up first and submit receipts to the State to get the CHIPS money.  Is $200,000 a guarantee of what the Town would get? Answer SG and HSF it is a little more than $200,000 it is like $251,000 and the Town spent around $213,000 last year.  Any left over money is carried over to the next year.  CHIPS is based on miles of Town roads.

Question the $152,000 reported what is that?  Answer SG-that total is for the software package.

Question Tom are you negotiating with Bassett regarding the $152,000?  Answer SG-they want us to go away.

Margaret stated we should go away.  Everything at Bassett Hospital has been outsourced they’ve taken their hands off the wheel of the car.  I live up the street and I cannot get into the health center.  I am paying for it and I cannot get in.  I am retired from Bassett.

Question Is there anything specific you can say about the Committee that has met?  Answer SG-nothing new has been done still working on the possibility of privatizing.  Privatization is quite a hurdle.  Dealing with Medicare and Medicaid is overwhelming and for someone to take over and start their own practice.  They looked into Albany Med using it as a satellite clinic but this is to far for Albany Med.  They were also looking into St. Mary’s in Amsterdam as an alternative as well.

Question what does Bassett do operationally beyond permitting this health center to operate?  Answer SG-those contracts are negotiated through Bassett.  The expense is 6 employees, the pharmaceuticals are purchased through Bassett.  Question Are the employees at the HC taking care of the contracts? Answer SG-no the contracts are negotiated by Bassett.

Question is there someone at Bassett that negotiates for the HC?  Answer SG-there is a person at Bassett who does do negotiating contracts for the HC.

Statement we do not have any leverage with Bassett despite what is said here.  Bassett does not want to assume more debt.
Motion made by Councilperson Cornwell to go into Executive session at 7:33PM 2nd by Councilperson VanDerwerker.  All in favor 5-aye 0-nay

Motion to come out of executive session made by Councilperson Cornwell at 8:00PM 2nd by Supervisor Garretson.  All in favor 5-aye 0-nay

Motion made by Councilperson Cornwell to adjourn the meeting 2nd by Councilperson Waterfield

There being no further business meeting adjourned at 8:01PM.

Next Town Board meeting will be Thursday, April 10, 2025 7:00PM

Respectfully submitted,
Mary Beth Flint, Town Clerk
Town Board meeting was recorded



                                        

 

DRAFT ONLY TB MEETING FEBRUARY 13, 2025

 
DRAFT ONLY TB MEETING FEBRUARY 13, 2025

The regular meeting of the Town Board of Cherry Valley was held on Thursday February 13, 2025 with meeting called to order at 6:57PM by Supervisor Garretson

Pledge to the Flag was said

Roll call of Officers was taken:
Tom Garretson-Supervisor P
Jim Johnson-Councilperson P
Ed VanDerwerker-Councilperson p    
Mark Cornwell-Councilperson P
Holly Waterfield-P
Highway Superintendent Marty Field-P
Mary Beth Flint-P

Reading of last month’s minutes will be dispensed of and minutes accepted as presented and or corrected.    

Presentation of invoices and payments:
HEALTH CENTER FUND
1    Stericycle, Inc $77.09pd
2    Ricoh USA Inc $72.86
3    Mosert, Manzanero & Scott LLP $4,750.00pd
4    Public Goods Pool $277.00pd
5    Medicare Part A $9,730.00pd
6    Bassett Healthcare $61,589.99pd
7    Ricoh USA Inc $21.75pd
8    Quill Corporation $949.08pd
9    Quill Corporation $51.99pd
10    Leona Johnson $140.00pd


GENERAL FUND
1    Town Tax Collector $122.50pd
2    Elan Financial Services $26.20pd
3    Millers Cleaning Service $842.40pd
4    Bruce Hall Corp $94.52pd
5    RL Parsons Inc $3,286.66pd
6    The Daily Star $175.09pd
7    Hometown Hauling $43.25pd
8    Spectrotel $704.16pd
9    State Comptroller $9,292.00pd
10    Otsego Telephone System Inc $650.00pd
11    Tolls by Mail $2.49pd
12    Emerson Testing LLC $350.00pd
13    Charter Communications $279.98pd
14    Charter Communications $84.95pd
15    National Grid $739.06pd
16    Excellus BC/BS $329.09pd
17    American Wholesalers $139.89pd
18    Mary Beth Flint $25.10pd
19    Rentolkil Pest Control $55.00pd
20    Constellation Newenergy Inc $8.22pd
21    Cintas Corporation #121 $378.06pd
22    United Healthcare $17.65pd
23    National Grid $27.03pd
24    Williamson Law Book Company $995.00pd
25    Gates Cole Associates $46,395.06pd
26    NYS Retirement System $18,074.00pd


Highway Vouchers:
Item 1 None
Item 3 (814-829)
Item 4 (225-228)

Councilperson Cornwell made a motion to accept the invoices and payments as presented, Councilperson Waterfield seconded the motion.  The invoices and payments have been presented and accepted.   All in favor 5 ayes 0 nay

Presentation of Invoices and Payments:
•    Budget reviewed as well as NBT Account balances

Misc. information to the Town Clerk:
•    tsego County Sales Tax for the month of DEC $11,768.85
•    Motion to re-appoint Kassie Cade as Town Assessor is made by Councilperson VanDerwerker 2nd by Councilperson Johnson all in favor 5 ayes 0 nays

Community Center Alden Field and Park:
•    Biddy basketball practices and games continue
•    Reservations are up for February and March

Health Center:
•    January Expense $87,224/Revenue $92,542
•    Annual audit will be on file at the Town Clerk’s office

Village:
•    Town and Village Board Minutes and info- www.cherryvalleyny.us
•    Letter from the Village was received and the Village has decided to dissolve their affiliation with the Town Planning Board.
Highway Department
•    Highway Superintendent Field reports we are doing ok with Salt
•    New Hire, Scott is doing great.
•    One truck is still in Watertown no idea when it will be back in Cherry Valley

Resolution 2025-3 NYSDOT Snow and Ice Contract-Revised 2024-10

Proposed Action:  Snow and Ice Contract Extension 2019/2020-between NYSDOT and the Town of Cherry Valley

Whereas, the NYSDOT and the Town of Cherry Valley have entered into agreement #D014845 entitled :Indexed Lump Sum Snow and Ice Agreement between the New York State Department of Transportation and the Town of Cherry valley dated July 1st 2019, and

Whereas, the present term of the agreement as previously extended, expires June 30th 2024, and

Whereas, the said agreement provides for an annual update of the estimated expenditure to be determined by NYSDOT, and

Now, therefore be it resolved:  The aforementioned agreement between the NYSDOT and the Town of Cherry Valley is hereby extended for a period of five years; now to expire on June 30th 2029, and

Further be it resolved:  To execute the NYSDOT Municipal 24/25 Supplemental Agreement for 12.6 lane miles for each year of this 5-year extension period and for the remainder of the term of the agreement, unless changed by a future update.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2025-3 is made by Councilperson Cornwell 2nd by Councilperson VanDerwerker  

Roll call vote is taken:  Supervisor Garretson-yes, Councilperson Johnson-yes, Councilperson VanDerwerker-yes, Councilperson Cornwell-yes and Councilperson Waterfield-yes  5-ayes 0-nays  Resolution 2025-3 is duly carried.

Resolution 2025-4 Carson Power Escrow Account-Request for Funds
Summery:  If Carson Power decides to proceed with the project they are going to have to send the Town of Cherry Valley more money for a required escrow account.  This resolution was drawn up by John Lyons, Attorney for the Solar project.

Resolution on file at the Town Clerk’s office for review

Motion to adopt Resolution 2025-4 is made by Councilperson Cornwell 2nd by Councilperson Waterfield  

Councilperson Cornwell gave a brief overview of the Solar Project and the current Resolution voted on at tonight’s board meeting.

Roll call vote is taken:  Supervisor Garretson-yes, Councilperson Johnson-yes, Councilperson VanDerwerker-yes, Councilperson Cornwell-yes and Councilperson Waterfield-yes  5-ayes 0-nays  Resolution 2025-4 is duly carried

The Town Board will act as the zoning board of appeals for review of the project.  This will be a separate open meeting to be determined at a later date.

Public Questions, Comments and concerns…………..2 minute limit per request

SG=Supervisor Garretson
Statement/questions with no name-unidentified persons

Question from Lynn Marsh stated she was at the County agriculture committee meeting and they do not support the solar project.  How much weight does that carry for the Town Board? Answer Frank McGrath-planning board; stated the town received a letter from the State Ag&Markets which was nice to have, however the planning board review goes through a very structured process and everything has to comply with our Solar Law.  That is our go to document.  

Question from Phil Durkin when will we see actual monthly revenue?  Answer SG probably by March or April.  There is an option as a tax payer of the public petition seeking a permissive referendum; town law chapter 62 article 7 permissive referendum section 92 proposition for the submission for acts or resolutions, if we have a public petition requesting that the town put this  on the November ballot whether to keep or close the health center.  This would need to be done by August 4 to get on the November Ballot.  The County will only accept the petition if it comes from the town board.  The petition itself will not be accepted if submitted any other way.

Question from David VanDerwerker stated he spoke to the Town Supervisor last month after the TB meeting and you thought that taxes would go down at least by 20% with the bond that was taken out by the Town to help cover health center expenses?   Answer SG the bond was not for the health center expenses.  Will the taxes go down if revenue continues to come like this it won’t be a problem.  We will have to decide how much is enough.  It is too early to tell if revenue will meet expenses at this point.  DV-Where did that money go that didn’t get paid to Bassett that the bond was taken out for?  SG-it went to support the health center in 2021 and 2022.  In hind sight the money should have been set aside as Bassett would have caught up to us eventually.  SG to answer your question if the health center were to close taxes would go down.

Statement from Eric Adamoschek there is a couple of different ways people are looking at this, people want the health center to remain open no matter what, others want the health center to continue but be completely separate form the town if it is privatized and then there are people who want to ax it because they don’t trust the process entirely.  In my opinion is that the health center remains and has nothing to do with the town anymore.  Unless something radically changes it may be time to let go.  At some time, it is time to let go, 25 years to me seems like plenty of time to pull yourself together and get it done.  So, if there is a referendum that says we close the health center and or the third option is to have the town to divest from the health center.

Statement from Pam Noonan following up on what Eric said it seems to me there should be parallel tracks right now rather than wait until the end of the year and then have done nothing to anticipate what our next steps would be in the concept to keep the health center open and not putting it on the tax payers back. I understand there is a committee could you speak to what the committee is doing?  Answer SG-to my knowledge the committee is doing just that looking at they are looking at three different directions as stated by Eric.  PN-When you determine the taxes what month is that?  We need to be ready to launch one of those three ways.  SG even if it went private which it would have to if the town is out of it completely, the health center would still close as the new clinic would need that time to reopen.  It could be up to a year.  PN-I don’t think we can handle another tax increase. It is our hope that the increase was for built on 2023 and not again for 2024.  It was implied that this is a one and done tax hit.  At what point are you going to build the next tax revenue I am not clear on when that is?  SG we put the budget together at the end of August.

Question when do you get the audit from the Health Center?  SG-the audit for 2024 comes in December 2024.

Question is there an internal financial statement for 2024 for revenue and expenses we could look at now?  SG-I can give you that.  Statement-because the patient revenues in 2023 were so significantly less in 2023 than 2022 and 2021, perhaps the money being collected now is a rebound from bad collections in 2023.  SG from what I understand if you don’t file claims within 90 days you can’t file the claim with the insurance company.  Caryn McGovern-health center employee stated Sue has been negotiating with some of the insurance companies to allow some of the back billing to be recognized. SG-is being put in contact with legal counsel at Bassett as some information is not shareable due to patient confidentiality.  We will do the best we can.  Expenses for the health center in 2024 were $807,728 revenue $231,943 obviously that has to change.

Statement Expenses for 2020 $736,510 revenue $479,899 for a loss of $256,611 For 2021 Expenses $578,000 revenue $486,000 for a loss of $92,000  For 2022 expenses $727,000 revenue $385,000 for a loss of $342,000 2023 and 2024 is where it gets bad, 2023 expenses $719,000 revenue $146,000 for a loss of $572,000.  2024 expenses $807,728 revenue $231943 for a loss of 575,000.

Tammy Saba has two questions;  If the budget that you mention for January where there looks to be a bit of a net gain, does this include $150,000 annual fee for tech assistant for the new DRAFT ONLY TB MEETING FEBRUARY 13, 2025

billing?  SG-no they have not started with the new billing system yet.  That bill included in January was for December.  I have not received the January bill yet. TS so in fact that $150,000 might kick in will that be prorated over 12 months’ time?  SG-yes  TS so that has to be factored in to our way of thinking for the next year.  Second question TS who are the members on the committee and how was that formed?  SG has been foiled by a few people Lisa Heinrich is on the committee.  Lisa stated it is a solid committee that everyone’s interest here is being well represented.  Lisa stated she doesn’t feel comfortable naming names as they are not here to identify themselves.  There are people on the committee that have medical billing experiences, business experiences, people of long term community experience.  This committee is not a legitimate town committee. This committee has no power.  All they do is recommend to the health center board what could be done.  The committee is working on the three tracks mention previously.

Statement someone formed that committee it didn’t just pop up out of nowhere.

Statement-The committee formed organically and they do not have any power.  You are welcomed to join the committee.

Question-Is the health center board going to seriously consider some of the ideas that this committee presents?  LH-yes they will consider the suggestions.  

Statement from Frank McGrath next HC board meeting isn’t until April.  This may be to late to implement the suggestion.  Time is critical.  Next meeting for the HC is not set in stone and emergency meeting can be scheduled before April.  Lisa Heinrich stated she wants everyone to know everyone on the committee is working very hard.

Question-Pam Noonan what is the status of EMS service in Cherry Valley?  What should we be doing?  SG and Councilperson Waterfield stated there are two county operated ambulances that are circulating throughout the County 24/7 and you should be contacting the County 911.  PN stated so the wait could be life threatening. Should we be funding an EMS person?

Question from Andy Minnig would some compensations be viable for an EMS service?  Statement from public present you are talking about the town taking on a liability. You are talking about a paid service at that point. A paid service would be costly.  A discussion continued among several people in the room.

Statement I wanted to go back to the short falls of the health center we were losing 6 figures in the past 5 years and suddenly in January we made $5,000 on the health center and revenue is $5,000 higher than the expense so what changed?  Lisa Heinrich answered this question these are artificial numbers because your expenses are the same in January but now that we can bill back 90 days so the numbers are going to be artificial.  What could be billed in each month.  The accounting is done on a cash basis.  A small discussion continued with the public present in the room.

Motion made by Councilperson Waterfield to adjourn the meeting 2nd by Councilperson Cornwell

There being no further business meeting adjourned at 8:57PM.

Next Town Board meeting will be Thursday, March 13, 2025 7:00PM

Respectfully submitted,
Mary Beth Flint, Town Clerk
Town Board meeting was recorded



                                        

 

TB/ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING JANUARY 09, 2025

 

TB/ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING JANUARY 09, 2025

The regular meeting of the Town Board of Cherry Valley was held on Thursday January 09, 2025 with meeting called to order at 6:49PM by Supervisor Garretson

Pledge to the Flag was said

Roll call of Officers was taken:
Tom Garretson-Supervisor P
Jim Johnson-Councilperson P
Ed VanDerwerker-Councilperson p    
Mark Cornwell-Councilperson P
Holly Waterfield-P
Highway Superintendent Marty Field-P
Mary Beth Flint-P

Reading of last month’s minutes will be dispensed of and minutes accepted as presented and or corrected.    

Presentation of invoices and payments:
HEALTH CENTER FUND
115 Ricoh USA Inc $77.86pd
116 Quill Corporation $84.58pd
117 Spectrotel $389.15pd
118 Leona Johnson $110.00pd
119 National Grid $385.71pd
120 Ricoh USA Inc $21.75pd
121 Bassett Healthcare $60,918.36pd
122 Quill Corporation $139.98pd
123 National Association of Rural Hlth Centers $450.00pd
124 Public Goods Pool $12.00pd
125 Quill Corporation $140.99pd
126 Leona Johnson $155.00pd

GENERAL FUND
253 State Comptroller $313.00pd
254 Elan Financial Services $21.59pd
255 Miller’s Cleaning Service $777.60pd
256 Hummels Office Plus $79.26pd
257 Hometown Hauling $43.25pd
258 Bruce Hall Corp. $16.69pd
259 RL Parsons Inc $1,241.91pd
260 The Daily Star $957.70pd
261 Spectrotel $388.09pd
262 Charter Communications $279.98pd
263 Charter Communications $84.95pd
264 National Grid $538.22pd
265 Cintas Corporation #121 $373.36pd
266 Tri-County Communications Inc $179.10pd
267 Fargo Overland Protection Services $120.00pd
268 Constellation Newenergy Inc $5.32pd
269 Excellus Health Plan Group $329.09pd
270 NYS Association of Towns $85.00pd
271 United Healthcare $17.65pd
272 Otsego Computer Experts $570.00pd
273 Allen Tunnel Tax Service $1,100.00pd
274 American Wholesalers $35.88pd
275 Philadelphia Insurance Company $862.00pd
276 Hummels Office Plus $132.32pd
277 Amy Garretson $498.00pd

Highway Vouchers:
Item 1 (336)
Item 3 (807-813)
Item 4 (221-224)

Councilperson VanDerwerker made a motion to accept the invoices and payments as presented, Councilperson Johnson seconded the motion.  The invoices and payments have been presented and accepted.   All in favor 5 ayes 0 nay

Presentation of Invoices and Payments:
•    Budget reviewed as well as NBT Account balances

Misc. information to the Town Clerk:
•    tsego County Sales Tax for the month of NOV $9,208.91

Community Center Alden Field and Park:
•    Biddy basketball practices and games continue
•    Annual revenue for the Community Center is $7236.00

Resolution 2025-1 Presentation of the Annual Organizational meeting of Cherry Valley

Annual Organizational Meeting of the Cherry Valley Town Board
January 2025
The Cherry Valley Town Board Meetings will be held on the 2nd Thursday of the month and will be called to order at 7 pm.
If the Town Board is unable to meet on the 2nd Thursday of the month, they will meet on the 3rd Thursday of the month.
Town Board members will begin review of the invoices and payments no later then 6:30 pm on the night of the town board meeting.
96 hours prior notice will be allowed to the Supervisor for consideration of a topic or presentation to appear on the monthly Town Board meeting agenda.
The Rules of Procedure for the monthly Town Board meeting are as follows:
Call to Order
Pledge to the Flag — (all are requested to stand)
Roll Call of Officers
1    . Minutes of the last Monthly Meeting - on file with the Town Clerk
2    Presentation of Monthly Invoices and Payments
3    Monthly Budget Review and NBT Account Balance Review
4    Misc. Information to the Town Clerk
5    Community Center / Alden Fields and Park
6    Misc. Information and Updates
7    Health Center
8    Town Facilities
9    Community Facilities Corp / Old School
10    Village
11    Town Planning
12    Highway Department
13    Federal / State / County
Public Questions, Comments, and Concerns    2 minute limit per request
Adjourn
Contact information for the Town Supervisor is as follows:
Tom Garretson Supervisor - Town of Cherry Valley 356 Mill Road - Cherry valley - NY - 13320 cvsupervisorgarretson@yahoo.com
Phone: 607-349-3518
The Town Supervisor will serve as the Town Budget Officer.
The Budget Officer is authorized to pay employees, insurance, utility, communication and any other due invoices prior to the review and approval of the town board.
The Budget Officer will provide all paid invoices with attached check stubs for monthly town board audit review and approval.
The Budget Officer will provide proof of any voided, damaged or destroyed check.
The Town Clerk will stamp all Resolutions, Local Laws, and Payment Acceptance Agreements with the Official Town of Cherry Valley Stamp
One copy of each stamped document will be provided to the Town Supervisor.
Appointed and elected paid positions that are vacant will be advertised in the official town newspaper with a request of letters of interest sent to:
Thomas Garretson - Town Supervisor - 356 Mill Road - Cherry Valley — 13320
The following positions have been appointed, reappointed and [or reemployed for 2025
Town Health Officer    Elletta Horth    $200
Registrar of Vital Statistics    Mary Beth Flint    
Deputy Town Clerk    Kevin Flint    
Youth Program Coordinator    Deb Whiteman    
Deputy Supervisor    Amy Garretson    
Youth / Swim Program Director    Deb Whiteman    $1,000
Town Attorney    Will Green    $6,500
Town Assessor    Kassandra Cade Laymon    $10,000
Dog Control Officer    Jarid Johnson    $3,500
Town Historian    Susan Miller    $370
Town Tax Collector    Mary Beth Flint    $2,600
Community Center Director    Mary Beth Flint    $4,200
Community Center Custodian    Kevin Flint    $4,200
Court Clerk    Nicole Vanderwerker    $5,000
Town Highway Employees    per hour    $26.00
Town Highway Overtime    per hour    $39.00
Part Time Employees    per hour    $25.00
Swim Instructors    per day    $45.00
The following are elected paid positions for 2025    
Town Supervisor / Budget Officer    Tom Garretson    $16,000
Town Clerk    Mary Beth Flint    $14,000
Town Councilperson    Jim Johnson    $3,000
Town Councilperson    Mark Cornwell    $3,000
Town Councilperson    Ed Vanderwerker    $3,000
Town Councilperson    Holly Waterfield    $3,000
Town Superintendent of Highway    Martin Field    $56,000
Town Justice    Chris Barown    $15,000

The following institutions and organizations will receive monetary contributions in 2025
Cherry Valley American Legion    $560
Cherry Valley Library    $0
Cherry Valley Museum    $10,300
Cherry Valley Firemen's Auxiliary    $150
Cherry Valley Fish and Game Club    $300
Cherry Valley Fire Department — Company No. 1    $300
Cherry Valley Facilities Corporation — Town Clerk Office Rent    $3,600
Cherry Valley Artworks    $2,050
Salt and Sand Shed / Recyclables Transfer Station land lease    $3,000
The Official Town Newspaper will be The Daily Star.
The Official Town Bank will be the Cherry Valley branch of NBT
Town business travel reimbursement will be $0.75 per mile
A Petty Cash fund in the amount of $200 is granted to the Town Clerk.
A Petty Cash fund in the amount of $200 is granted to the Superintendent of Highways
The Superintendent of Highways is authorized to purchase equipment and replacement parts prior to the review and approval of the town board, not to exceed $5,000
The Superintendent of Highways will provide the Supervisor with overtime hours per highway employee no later then 4pm on Wednesday of the payroll week.
The Town Supervisor will provide the Community Center Director with an annual budget and provide monthly updates of revenue and expense.
The Cherry Valley Community Center Director will be responsible for organizing and conducting an annual meeting with all parties involved with the use and maintenance of the Community Center and Alden Fields.
The Town Supervisor will serve as Chairman of the Cherry Valley Health Center Board.
The Town Supervisor will provide the Cherry Valley Health Center Board with an annual budget and provide monthly updates of revenue and expense.
The Board of Assessment Review will consist of the following paid individuals
Brian Haig    $250
Edward Harvey    $250
Kim Thompson    $250

The Town Planning Board will consist of the following non paid individuals
Frank McGrath
William Compton
Ellen LaSalle
Dave Cornelia
Marissa Jordan
The 2025 fringe benefit package for full time town employees is as follows
2    weeks vacation for 1 to 10 years of service
3    weeks vacation for 10 to 20 years of service
4    weeks vacation for 20 or more years of service
12 holidays - can be used on a floating basis — no carry over
120 hours of paid time off — these hours can be used for sickness, personal, and bereavement — carry over is limited to 1440 hours
Town paid medical, dental and vision insurance coverage is available to full time employees — town paid medical, dental and vision insurance is not available to employees that chose the op-out program. (details below)
An op-out insurance program is available to full time employees - proof of other health insurance coverage is required — the annual op-out payment is $12,000.
Cintas work clothes provided daily to the highway department employees
Sick days that have been carried over, will not be paid to the employee when the employee retires. However, the employee can contact NYS Retirement and will be able to use those accumulated sick days toward their retirement plan.

Motion to accept Resolution 2025-1 is made by Councilperson Cornwell and 2nd by Councilperson VanDerwerker.  Roll call vote is taken:  Supervisor Garretson-yes, Councilperson Johnson-yes, Councilperson VanDerwerker-yes, Councilperson Cornwell-yes and Councilperson Waterfield-yes 5-ayes 0-nays  Resolution 2025-1 is duly carried.

Resolution 2025-2 Planning Board to five member board.

Proposed Action:  A seven member to five member planning board

Whereas, The Town and Village of Cherry Valley currently have a joint planning board of seven members, and

Whereas, In recent years it has been difficult to maintain a seven member planning board

Now, therefore be it resolved, The Town and Village of Cherry Valley will have a joint planning board of five members.

Motion to accept Resolution 2025-2 is made by Councilperson Johnson 2nd by Councilperson Waterfield
Roll call vote is taken:  Supervisor Garretson-yes, Councilperson Johnson-yes, Councilperson VanDerwerker-yes, Councilperson Cornwell-yes and Councilperson Waterfield-yes 5-ayes 0-nays  Resolution 2025-2 is duly carried.

Health Center:  
•    Supervisor Garretson explained to the public present how we got to this point with the Health Center.  Supervisor Garretson approached the Health Center board in the middle of last year and basically stated the funds are not there to keep the health center open.  The HC board encouraged the Town Board to put enough funding into the budget to keep the doors open until the end of 2025.  So, the Board agreed.  The HC revenue will be monitored this coming year to see if the revenue is there to keep the HC doors opened and if the revenue is not there at the end of 2025 the HC will have to close.  The history we have had with the HC spans 5 generations and this board feels they made the right decision to provide the funding to give the HC a chance.

Village:
•    Town and Village Board Minutes and info- www.cherryvalleyny.us

Public Questions, Comments and concerns…………..2 minute limit per request

Questions/Comments=Public present
Answer SG=Supervisor Garretson
HC=Health Center
TB=Town Board

Public comments are as follows:

Question: Has the HC ever made money?  Answer SG: It has been about 25 years since revenue equals expense.  The HC is not going to make money but the hope is the revenue coming in will be greater to offset the taxes.  

Question:  Does this mean the taxes will not be an additional huge amount next year?  Answer SG: This board will not raise taxes next year.  This was basically a hail Mary pass and we are going to see if this works to save the HC.
Question:  Will the taxes go down?  Answer SG:  If the HC closes taxes will go down.

Question:  Will the taxes go down 40%?  Answer SG:  Taxes went up by 26%.  The billing system at the HC is an old DOS system and the billing cannot be sent electronically.  All the places we have to send for reimbursement are doing this electronically.  Last year we have been working on putting a new billing system in place.

Question:  Has an audit been done?  Answer SG:  Every year.

Question:  How much money does it cost to run the HC.  Answer SG:  The expense for the HC is roughly $800,000.

Statement:  I think why everyone is upset and me as well is that kind of tax increase was shocking, I didn’t feel like we were invited to be part of the process for a decision that huge.  Letting go of a HC that is near and dear to many of us.  This is something we would have wanted to be included in to see the numbers to see if to make sure there was an outside audit not just an internal audit.  Internal audits can be sketchy.  We need an outside audit done on the HC.  Answer SG:  An outside audit is done every year.  It is a company the HC uses every year.  SG apologizes that we need to do a better job of getting information out to the public.  The Town Board meetings are open to the public and they have been on the 2nd Thursday of each month for the past 50 years.  Going forward SG will make sure the agenda is out there before the meeting and copies of resolutions online, at the post office, the Town Clerk office, etc.  

Question:  Is the total budget for the Town $2.2 million dollars a year?  Is that accurate?  Answer SG:  Yes that is correct.  Is $800,000 pretty accurate for the HC alone?  SG-yes So 1/3 is going for the HC alone?  SG-yes  This increase this year is that going to include the $350,000 bond the Town took out to cover the deficit is that included in the $800,000 or is $350,000 separate?  Answer SG:  The bond payment is separate.  So, in addition to $800,000 there is an additional payment of $350,000?  Answer SG:  No, the $350,000 is for back invoices that Bassett Hospital finally sent over for payment.  $800,000 is a regular year operating expense.  The $350,000 is for the back invoices.  Question:  Is that why we got the increase of X amount % to cover that $350,000?  Answer SG:  No, it is a combination of expenses.  It is to cover the implementation of the new billing system and to basically make a bond payment.  Question:  How many years are we going to make a bond payment?  Answer SG:  5 years.  Question:  So, we can assume this increase is going to happen every year?  Answer SG:  No  Question:  How long are we absorbing that $350,000 tab?  Answer SG:  Basically, invoices that should have been paid 2-3 years ago.  Statement:  So, this is basically a back payment and that’s it?  Answer SG:  Exactly  There are 2 bonds payment budgeted for the coming year that will be finished up next year so basically the bond payment of the HC will take its place.  It is budgeted in.  We do not need extra money for the bond payment.  The increase in taxes was to get the new billing system up and running for this year.

Question:  If you are being audited by an outside auditor how is it that we have been in arears?  How is it that this debt exists at all if we have been audited every year?  Where did this money come from that you are just finding out that you owe this debt?  Or have you known for some time that this is owed?  Answer SG:  It was around COVID SG asked Bassett if the Town could get a break?  About that time the invoices stopped coming.  SG thought Bassett is giving us a break.  SG stated what he should have done was set that money aside, the $65,000 a month, and saved it.  

Question:  Revenue for the clinic versus expenditures you come up with $447,185 short for 2024.  So how does that $447,185 will that be covered with part of that $350.000.  Answer SG:  The HC asked how much revenue is needed to keep the doors open and SG came up with the number $500,000 dollars.  Statement so revenue for 2024 from the HC was approximately $208,000 for 2024.

Question how can the HC take in more money if they deny taking new patients?  Answer SG addressed this with the HC.  There is a list at the HC of patients to reestablish.  A letter went out to patients to reestablish.  The HC went back 5 years to compile the letter list.  It is possible some patients slipped through the cracks.

Question when the HC was started wasn’t it supposed to be self-sufficient and no tax money was going to be put into expenditures?  When did this change?  Answer SG:  25 years ago, revenue stopped meeting expense.  Previous Supervisor had to bond in his last 2 terms.  Statement:  How many other towns are being taxed for the HC?  Just Cherry Valley.  All the patients that come to the HC from outside of the Town and they don’t get billed nothing.  Answer SG:  When the HC started back in the late ‘70’s there were 4 towns involved with the HC each town contributed to expenses until the auditors found out.  Each town got audited they were told by the auditors they cannot do this as it is co-mingling of funds the lawyers got involved, previous Supervisor, Bob Loucks stated “the hell with ya” he would take over the HC himself.  So, he did so that is what happened.  The other 3 towns went away.

Statement the patients are still coming.  My taxes went up $1,000 and I didn’t budget for that and that is astronomical.  You’re taxing us right out of our homes.  Not just you but the whole government.  We don’t have the income here to afford that 40% increase.  I just think we could have worked together a little more to help.  We can’t absorb an increase for other townships to come in.  Answer SG:  I went to our attorney and asked why can’t we charge more for out of town patients?  You can’t deny service and you can’t bill differently.  The attorneys stated the law suit will cost more than what you are going to gain in revenue.  Donations would be different.

Statement I was here tonight to listen and I don’t have time to come to every board meeting otherwise I would run for the Board, I do read the minutes online routinely.  There is nothing in the minutes from August forward stating the increase, then I noticed in the October minutes there was hearing with no comments from the public.  The September minutes did not state there would be a Public Hearing in October.  It’s talked a little bit in the November minutes and the December minutes.  Then it was in my tax bill and that surprise was what I was concerned with.  
Answer SG:  We will be more transparent with the HC revenue and billing moving forward.  Question you are talking about implementing a new billing system, we are already into January and have not signed a contract, how much faith do you have getting this up and running properly going to recognize enough revenue to support this making a legitimate decision prior to the end of the year?  Answer SG:  I think with the right training and I think it will be up and running in a month we are that close.  The HC is a Town owned and operated system.  The 2 Nurse Practioners, 2 nurses and 2 medical office assistants get paid by Bassett.  Bassett sends an invoice once a month and we pay the invoice.  There is one Town employee the Town pays.  Bassett has an EPIC system that is 3 parts; med records, registration and its billing.  The med record part and the registration part are used by the HC at no additional cost.  The billing part of the system is not used by the HC.  So, the Town is going to a third party billing system called Athena,  Athena has to be able to read the EPIC system.  This is called a scoping process so the two systems can talk to each other.

Question:  Did we leave money on the table in the past?  Answer SG:  It is possible. I have to believe with the DOS system we weren’t capturing everything.  Question:  So, the auditors did not catch that we weren’t getting the money that was owed to us?  Answer SG:  I don’t think they were looking for that part.

Question:  Did you push back on Bassett on the bills they stopped sending us and get a lawyer and fight that?  Answer SG:  I did not.  Statement:  They got COVID money to subsidize their operations.  So why weren’t they sending the bills?  Answer SG:  Bassett changes hands so frequently one person didn’t know what the other is doing.  Not an excuse but an explanation.

Question:  Have you tried to negotiate pennies on the dollar like giving them 50%?  Have we given them the money?  Answer SG:  No  Statement why don’t you investigate that possibility.  If they don’t have their billing system correct and they did not bill us there is a 90% chance the numbers are wrong.  Push back on it don’t just pay it.

Comment the 2016 audit questioned the wisdom of the Town being in the health care business.  The center itself has never made a dime, each year the debt grows by $100,000 and you are offering the opportunity to lose another $800,000.  When do you make the decision that is inevitable.  People will still have options; they can use the Sharon Springs HC.  I had to go over there because after living here for 27 years in this Town the HC here refused to take me.  But the Town takes my money.  That is unjust if not illegal.  It is certainly morally and ethically wrong.  Sharon Springs incurs no liability having that HC in the middle of their Town.   Why do we have a HC here in Cherry Valley?  Why throw away another $800,000 Answer SG:  Because the Town Board felt it was the right thing to do.

Question:  The surrounding HC are owned by Bassett is this something that can be considered for the Cherry Valley HC?  Answer SG:  We can’t be owned by Bassett.  When I was elected in 2005 I asked for a meeting in 2006 with Bassett.  I talked with some very important people and told them I will have a hard enough time running a Town let alone a HC will you(Bassett) take it over?  They said no.  They want us to survive because it is guaranteed income for Bassett.  Statement:  we are the only clinic owned and operated by the Town.  Technically speaking we cost Bassett nothing because the Town if paying for us and they are getting all of our business.  It feels like extortion.  I have been an employee there for over 20 years, I have lived in Cherry Valley for over 50 years.  As far as being on the electronic medical records, now they want to charge us for it.  Basically, we cannot turn away patients that are not from Cherry Valley that is against the law.  We accept Medicare and Medicaid.  There are only 2 providers and they can only see so many patients.  There is a limit to how many they can see.  We cannot charge a surcharge.

Comment:  I think we as a Town we have a position of strength when it comes to going to Bassett.  You said 20 years ago they said no you have to run it.  They have changed hands 3 times and their billing has been askew.  When you said in COVID we would like a break.  They got PPE money what did they do with it.  They want to make money off of us and if we go to them and say, there is a lot of screwy stuff going on who do we talk to and make this happen?  Is Bassett going to shut down this clinic in this adorable Town?  I think we have grounds to fight this.  Even implementing the new billing system is a sign we are trying to do the right thing, but we cannot come up with that kind of money.  This is taking over the whole Town budget and we need to take care of other Town needs such as our plow guys and our highways to be taken care of.

Question:  Have you reached out to the other Township and asked them to contribute and put this in their budgets each year?  Answer SG:  Who do you start with the original 3?  The problem is we have people coming from several different towns.  Yes we could send something out to these Towns to see if they would contribute, however we had the legal issue already in the past.  Donations to the HC are the only legal way to get around this.

Question:  Is there a correlation between more patients and more debt?  Answer by public present:  Not necessarily, depends on how they are reimbursed by the insurance companies.  Answer SG:  No basically the expense part is the monthly invoice by Bassett for the 6 employees.  It doesn’t go by the number of patients.  Residents are getting turned away because they cannot fit them in.  There is only so many patients the providers can see.  SG spoke with Eletta and stated this is the biggest concern is that our own residents cannot get in to be seen.  There is a list at the HC to try and make an effort to see town residents.  Please stop by the HC and get on that list.

Question:  What can we do as a community to get money to keep this HC open?  Because it is such a vital part of this community.  Answer SG:  I have reached out to Senator Oberacker and he is working on his end to see if there is funding for rural HC.  I have reached out to the Scriven Foundation.  This is part of the Clark foundation.  Meeting with them at the end of February.  Can we reach out to people who would want to donate to us to keep this rural HC going?

Al Konchar stated he would be willing to go to Albany to speak with the Governor and see if she is willing to throw some money our way.  How about postponing our tax date for the end of January to the end of March so we have a chance to resolve this.  Answer SG:  The HC has a chance to prove itself in the next year.  Comment:  this business hasn’t been viable for 25 years.  Giving it another year, what are they going to do to fix it?  I have been in business for companies for 50 years and if you have a facility that isn’t making money in 2 or 3 years and there isn’t a plan to fix it, it doesn’t happen.  You have to have a plan to fix it.  Answer SG:  this is a last resort for the HC.  Once that door closes it will probably never open again.  This Board felt we at least needed to try.

Question:  The providers can barely meet the needs of the patients they are currently seeing now how are they going to be able to take on more patients?  Answer SG:  the 2 providers are working as hard as they can and we are hoping with the new electronic billing system things will turn around.

Question:  Besides the increase on taxes for the HC what else is in the budget that has caused this increase?  Answer SG:  Insurance went up 15% to cover the buildings and equipment.  

TB Councilmember Cornwell stated the question is what percentage of the HC increased the budget? Answer CP Cornwell is 70-75% by my calculations.

Question:  As regular attendees we will find out in the course of the year how much you will be paying to Bassett.  Answer SG:  you will here it every month.  Question:  How much debt are you willing to incur before it is time to pull the band aid off?  Answer SG:  We already have this is it.  Comment:  If it were more than 5 years for the bond there would have to be a public referendum.  The pubic could decide to keep the HC open.  Comment SG:  If the HC is trending towards that $500,000 goal and we get a vote from the public to shut the HC down that isn’t fair either.  The thing about referendums is be careful what you wish for it could go the other way.

Question:  What if the HC were abandoned.  What would Bassett do?  Comment from public present:  They don’t want us that is why SG has leverage.  They don’t want anymore patients.  He has so much leverage over Bassett right now.  Bassett doesn’t want Cherry Valley to come there, they just fired over 100 people they have now bandwidth.  They got COVID money, they didn’t bill us, they didn’t even know how much to bill us.  You could go in there and push back so hard on Bassett and say we don’t want to pay.  We are doing them a favor and we are acting like we are subservient to them.  We need to push on them.  Figure out how much Bassett spends on the satellite clinic in Sharon Springs and its probably 10X what they are spending on Cherry Valley.  We are doing them a favor.  They didn’t have to build a building they don’t have to hire janitors; you are the customer.  Answer SG:  The reason I don’t want to push back to much with Bassett because we need to work with them to get this billing system working.

Comment:  No, we don’t you can privatize it and not work with Bassett.  There is a private practice in Richfield Springs right now that doesn’t work through Bassett.  They hired a billing company and they run it themselves.  It’s a successful new business.  They take insurance and are taking new patients.  There are all kinds of competitive products out there.  Get it off your plate and privatize the HC.  You need a software company a payroll company.  You can send your blood work to Bassett they will be happy to get that business.  You could do this within 60 days.

SG is interested in this proposal and will look into this option.

Comment:  Get Bassett to back off.  It is not our problem that Bassett forgot to send the invoices.  You can bankrupt the HC and then you won’t have to pay the invoices.  The fact that they did not bill in a timely manner is not our problem.

We have spent a good part of the evening speculating how to get money, it begs the question if our tax dollars are due at the end of the month to take care of Bassett what happens if our highway department has a truck that needs to be repaired do we have emergency funding to fix it?  We have a law suit going on with the Town with the solar situation how are we paying attorneys?  We know nothing about the state of HC in America and here we are in the business of HC in our little town, how are we going to be solvent for 2025?  How do we stop the bleed.  I feel we are rather maxed.  Was the attorney present to float this bond?  Answer SG:  the attorney has to float the estoppel.  Since we owe them money for the invoices Bassett can stop the process for the billing system.  

Comment:  There is a company called TEBRA that will do all three things.

Question:  What would be the process be if the public wanted a voting referendum to diverse from the Health Care system and privatize it?  How does the public approach the Board about setting up a vote for the public?  Answer SG:  Right now, we are going to see if the HC can generate extra revenue.  Comment:  Didn’t you say that this increase in taxes won’t be in place next year if they don’t make it next year?  Answer SG:  We want to keep the HC up and running until we privatize it.  Question: Should the public decide with a vote to keep HC open or close it a good idea?  Comment:  having the public vote on something without knowing all the facts can be detrimental as well.

SG will approach Eletta and Rachel and see if they are interested in going private.  Comment:  sell them the entire contents of the building.  Make it as easy as possible to buy it.  The tax increase you just got you could pay off the bond with that if we privatize.

Comment:  If Rachel and Eletta decide to stay it would make keeping the HC more palatable.

Eletta was interested last year about purchasing the building when the subject of closing the HC was brought up.

SG asked Lisa Hershey if getting two businesses working against each other would be beneficial?  Absolutely.

Question:  If someone were to take over the HC and privatize with our diverse age group how would the insurance billing work?  Comment:  the program spoke about before tries to capture as much money as possible from the insurance company and a collection department to go after the bad debt.  You can sell your bad debt.A





Motion made by Councilperson Cornwell to adjourn the meeting 2nd by Councilperson Waterfield

There being no further business meeting adjourned at 8:08PM.

Next Town Board meeting will be Thursday, February 13, 2025 7:00PM

Respectfully submitted,
Mary Beth Flint, Town Clerk
Town Board meeting was recorded



                                        

 

TB MEETING DEC 12, 2024

 TB MEETING DEC 12, 2024

The regular meeting of the Town Board of Cherry Valley was held on Thursday December 12, 2024 with meeting called to order at 6:54PM by Supervisor Garretson

Pledge to the Flag was said

Roll call of Officers was taken:
Tom Garretson-Supervisor P
Jim Johnson-Councilperson P
Ed VanDerwerker-Councilperson p    
Mark Cornwell-Councilperson P
Holly Waterfield-Excused
Highway Superintendent Marty Field-P
Mary Beth Flint-P

Reading of last month’s minutes will be dispensed of and minutes accepted as presented and or corrected.    

Presentation of invoices and payments:
HEALTH CENTER FUND
105 Quill Corporation $95.86pd
106 Spectrotel $431.26pd
107 Ricoh USA Inc $77.86pd
108 Smile Makers $34.96pd
109 National Grid $327.33pd
110 Stericycle Inc $70.65pd
111 Bassett Healthcare $65,344.56pd
112 Ricoh USA Inc $23.08pd
113 Public Goods Pool $527.00pd
114 Quill Corporation $108.20pd

GENERAL FUND
230 Elan Financial Services $21.59pd
231 Ellen Lasalle $206.58pd
232 Bruce Hall Corp $87.83pd
233 Hometown Hauling $43.25pd
234 RL Parsons Inc $2,183.46pd
235 Millers Cleaning Service $907.20pd
236 A Rose is a Rose $60.00pd
237 Grant and Lyons LLP $4,720.00pd
238 The Daily Star $143.10pd
239 Spectrotel $399.97pd
240 Charter Communications $84.95pd
241 Charter Communications $279.98pd
242 National Grid $468.92pd
243 Constellation Newenergy Inc $4.37pd
244 Cintas Corporation #121 $462.79pd
245 Excellus BCBS $329.09pd
246 Rentolkil Pest Control $55.00pd
247 Village Photography $1,736.12pd
248 Otsego Computer Experts $1,050.00pd
249 United Healthcare $17.65pd
250 Hummels Office Plus $28.70pd
251 Otsego Computer Experts $50.00pd
252 Jeff Stiles Contractor $1,272.00pd

Highway Vouchers:
Item 1 (335)
Item 3 (799-806)
Item 4 (219-220)

Councilperson Cornwell made a motion to accept the invoices and payments as presented, Councilperson Johnson seconded the motion.  The invoices and payments have been presented and accepted.   All in favor 4 ayes 0 nay

Presentation of Invoices and Payments:
•    Budget reviewed as well as NBT Account balances

Misc. information to the Town Clerk:
•    Otsego County Sales Tax for the month of OCT $8,213.27
•    Otsego County Mortgage Tax distribution $3,722.21

Community Center Alden Field and Park:
•    Biddy basketball practices continue
•    Modified basketball practices continue
•    Rentals are up

Health Center:
•    Switching to the Athena billing system which will be linked to the Bassett billing system.
•    Frank McGrath inquired about the $350,000 owed to Bassett does the Town have to pay the past due invoices.  Answer is yes.
Phil Durkin inquired about the 2016 Health Center audit found on the Comptroller’s website regarding $200,000 deficit. The Health Center is audited yearly, the 2016 audit was most likely part of the Town being audited that year.  Mr. Durkin quoted a paragraph from the August 26 2016 comptroller’s audit which stated;  The Board and Supervisor have not effectively assessed the impact of the health center on the Town’s financial condition. As a result, the health center has required over $200,000 of Town resources over the last three completed fiscal years to sustain operations. Our audit results are based on financial information obtained from source documents and the restatement of the Town’s financial records because the Town’s reported annual financial information was not accurate.  The Supervisor is not maintaining separate accounting records for the health center’s activity and some costs are not allocated to the health center accordingly. The health center’s activity is recorded in the general fund using a single line item for all revenues and a single line item for all expenditures. For the past three years, the health center and Town have had the following results of operations. Furthermore, while the results show deficits for the health center for the last three years, additional expenditures have not been correctly recorded or allocated to the health center. For example, for 2015, we found the following expenditures were either not allocated to the health center or not recorded properly.  It is imperative that Town officials continue to monitor the health center’s operations using accurate financial information to minimize the impact on the Town’s financial condition.  Is this what is happening now?

Councilperson Cornwell explained that at the time of that audit the Health Center was not separated out of the general fund.  Now the accounting of the Health Center is separated out so the board can see where the money goes.  Now the board can see where the HC loses the money.  

Who is on the Board for the Health Center; Stan King, PJ Johnson, Janet McCarty, Tom Garretson and Elletta Horth.

•    Andy Minnig asked how much does it cost to run the Health Center yearly.  Answer $500,000.  Mr. Minnig wanted clarification on why the Town failed to receive the invoices from Bassett.  Answer Supervisor Garretson never received them.  Unfortunately, the insurance companies are not reimbursing the full amount for services therefore the Town makes up the deficit.  Supervisor Garretson is hopeful the new billing system will help correct the deficit to cover 2/3rd of the expense.  Tax payers would cover 1/3rd of the expense.

Village:
•    Town and Village Board Minutes and info- www.cherryvalleyny.us

Town Planning:
•     Frank McGrath reported Mr. Hollister attended the Joint Planning Boad meeting to bring his concerns forward regarding Swarty’s Campground expansion.  The Joint Planning Board never received anything from Swarty’s..  A letter will be sent to Swarty’s from the Joint Planning Board asking what the plan is for their expansion to the campground.  Mr. Hollister inquired about an enforcement officer for the Town.
•    The lawyer for the Carson project stated the JPB should do nothing until Article 78 is resolved.  Article 78 is on hold per the lawyer hired by the board for the Carson project.  The reason for this is because Carson is seeking a variance.
•    Lorraine Bosma resigned from the board due to personal reasons
DRAFT ONLY TB MEETING DEC 12, 2024

•    Cierra Utter will also be resigning pending her move out of the Town of Cherry Valley
•    The Joint Planning Board membership may need to be revisited from 7-5 in the future.

Highway Department:
•    New hire will start January 1, 2025, Scott Flint

Resolution 2024-10 NYSDOT of the Town of Cherry Valley

Proposed Action:  Snow and Ice Contract Extension 2019/2020-between NYSDOT and the Town of Cherry Valley

WHEREAS, the NYSDOT and the Town of Cherry Valley have entered into agreement #D014845 entitled “Indexed Lump Sum Snow and Ice Agreement between the New York State Department of Transportation and the Town of Cherry valley dated July 1st 2019, and

WHEREAS, the present term of the agreement as previously extended, expires June 30th 2024, and

Whereas, the said agreement provides for an annual update of the estimated expenditure to be determined by NYSDOT, and

Now, therefore be it resolved:  The aforementioned agreement between the NYSDOT and the Town of Cherry Valley is hereby extended for a period of five years; now to expires on June 30th 2029, and

Further be it resolved:  The estimated expenditure of the agreement shall be $147,283.99 for 12.6 lane miles for each year of this 5 year extension period and for the remainder of the term of the agreement, unless changed by a future update.

On a motion to accept Resolution 2024-10 NYSDOT by Councilperson, Cornwell, 2nd by Councilperson VanDerwerker, the forgoing resolution was adopted a vote of 4Ayes, 0 Nays

Roll Call Vote is taken:  Supervisor Garretson-yes, Councilperson Johnson-yes, Councilperson VanDerwerker-yes, Councilperson Cornwell-yes and Councilperson Waterfield-absent.  4-Ayes   0- Nays Resolution 2024-10 is duly carried.

Resolution 2024-11 of the Town of Cherry Valley

Proposed Resolution:  Authorizing the implementation and funding for the costs of a transportation project, which may be eligible for federal-aid and /or state-aid, or reimbursement from Bridge NY funds

Resolved:  Please see attached.  (Copy is available in the Town Clerks Office)

Motion to adopt Resolution 2024-11 made by Councilperson Johnson, seconded by Councilperson VanDerwerker all in favor 4-Ayes 0-Nays.

Roll Call Vote is taken:  Supervisor Garretson-yes, Councilperson Johnson-yes, Councilperson VanDerwerker-yes, Councilperson Cornwell-yes and Councilperson Waterfield-absent.  4-Ayes   0- Nays Resolution 2024-11 is duly carried.  

Supervisor Garretson reported per the Lawyer representing the Town Board in the Carson project, the Town Board will have to act as the zoning law of appeals for the future variance on the Carson project.

Public Questions, Comments and concerns…………..2 minute limit per request

Andy Minnig asked the question what is the rite of way on the highway?  Answer 24.6 feet from the center of the road for the highway department.  Rite of way is not the same as property line.  Property line starts at the center of the road.  Highway department cannot go beyond 24.6 feet from the center of the road.

Motion made by Councilperson Cornwell to adjourn the meeting 2nd by Councilperson Vanderwerker

There being no further business meeting adjourned at 7:50PM.

Next Town Board Annual Organizational meeting will be Thursday, January 09, 2025 7:00PM

Respectfully submitted,
Mary Beth Flint, Town Clerk
Town Board meeting was recorded



                                        

 

TB MEETING NOV 14, 2024 PUBLIC HEARING FOR 2025 PRELIMINARY BUDGET

Motion to open the Public Hearing for the Tax Cap Override is made by Councilperson Johnson 2nd by Councilperson Cornwell.  Public Hearing opened at 6:36PM

Question asked by Phil Durkin regarding the Health Center revenue how is that found?  Supervisor Garretson replied the billing system is antiquated and is being replaced as well as hiring a medical biller to try to retrieve revenue.  Does the Health Center have a board and do they have minutes that are posted online?  Supervisor Garretson didn’t think they are posted online but the minutes can be foiled if desired.

Andy Minnig stated historically the Health Care Center is supposed to break even. Supervisor Garretson stated it hasn’t in about 25 years.  Mr. Minnig went on to say the health center accepts patients outside the Cherry Valley area.  To a degree the health care center denies residents services because they are oversubscribed.  The health center is asking the residents to subsidize for non-residents.  Supervisor Garretson is going to give it a year with the new billing system and biller to see if the health center will break even otherwise it is not fair to the taxpayers to keep the health center afloat.

Motion made by Councilperson VanDerwerker to close the public hearing for the Tax Cap Override 2nd by Councilperson Waterfield All in favor 5-ayes 0-nays

Public hearing closed at 7:00PM

TB MEETING NOV 14, 2024

The regular meeting of the Town Board of Cherry Valley was held on Thursday November 14, 2024 with meeting called to order at 7:00PM by Supervisor Garretson

Pledge to the Flag was said

Roll call of Officers was taken:
Tom Garretson-Supervisor P
Jim Johnson-Councilperson P
Ed VanDerwerker-Councilperson p    
Mark Cornwell-Councilperson P
Holly Waterfield-p
Highway Superintendent Marty Field-P
Mary Beth Flint-P

Reading of last month’s minutes will be dispensed of and minutes accepted as presented and or corrected.    

Presentation of invoices and payments:
HEALTH CENTER FUND
95 Ricoh USA Inc $20.33pd
96 Public Goods Pool $1,522.00pd
97 Ricoh USA Inc $72.86pd
DRAFT ONLY TB MEETING NOV 14, 2024

98 Spectrotel $413.08pd
99 National Grid $392.72pd
100 Quill Corporation $87.98pd
101 Ricoh USA Inc $20.33pd
102 Bassett Healthcare $66,878.81pd
103 US Postal Service $1,345.60pd
104 Leona Johnson $110.00pd

GENERAL FUND
208 American Wholesalers $69.85pd
209 Millers Cleaning Service $777.60pd
210 Elan Financial Services $21.59pd
211 Bruce Hall Corp. $857.03pd
212 Hometown Hauling $43.25pd
213 Spectrotel $389.64pd
214 Frank McGrath $90.00pd
215 Hummel’s Office Plus $78.25pd
216 Hummel’s Office Plus $139.05pd
217 Grant and Lyons LLP $490.00pd
218 See Hwy Abstract
219 Charter Communications $84.95pd
220 Charter Communications $279.98pd
221 National Grid $464.42pd
222 Cintas Corporation #121 $365.08pd
223 Constellation Newenergy Inc $2.21pd
224 Excellus BC/BS $329.09pd
225 Frank McGrath $120.21pd
226 United Healthcare $17.65pd
227 Lamont Engineers $300.00pd
228 National Grid $27.18pd
229 US Postal Service $455.30pd

Highway Vouchers:
Item 1 (334)
Item 3 (792-798)
Item 4 None

Councilperson Cornwell made a motion to accept the invoices and payments as presented, Councilperson Johnson seconded the motion.  The invoices and payments have been presented and accepted.   All in favor 5 ayes 0 nay

Presentation of Invoices and Payments:
•    Budget reviewed as well as NBT Account balances

Misc. information to the Town Clerk:
•    tsego County Sales Tax for the month of SEP $13,912.77
•    Board of Assessment Review needs a new member.  Laura Kim Thompson will be appointed at the January Organizational meeting.

Community Center Alden Field and Park:
•    Biddy basketball will be starting in December for practices and games will begin in January and run through first week of March
•    CVSC modified teams will be renting the gym for practices form November-February
•    Rentals are up

Health Center:
•     The town will be hiring a new billing person to work with the new billing system.  Supervisor Garretson will be meeting with the new billing person in the very near future.

Village:
•    Town and Village Board Minutes and info- www.cherryvalleyny.us

Town Planning:
•    Supervisor Garretson and Councilperson Cornwell reported they spoke with John Lyons and Kim Garrison of Grant and Lyons and will be preparing a defense for the Carson Solar Suit.
•    Councilperson Waterfield when is the hearing?  The hearing will be December 14, 2024.  The attorneys suspect this hearing will be done on paper without the appearance of any Town Board or Joint Planning Board members.
•    At the organizational meeting the Town Board will discuss decreasing the joint planning members from 7 to 5 if possible. Discussion tabled until January meeting.  

Highway Department:
•    There is a new opening for a position on the highway.
•    Spoke with TCBR representative, Vinny, the Dietsche project will be first on their list for spring.
•    State has all the Town’s paperwork for CHIPS.
•    Supervisor Garretson and Highway Supervisor Fields are redoing the State contract for plowing.

Resolution 2024-6 of the Cherry Valley Town Board

Proposed Action:  Designation of the responsible local official for the 975589 Mill Road Bridge Project.

WHEREAS, NYSDOT requires the Town Board to adopt a resolution designating Supervisor Garretson as the Responsible Local Official for project administration, including the use of the Equitable Business Opportunities (EBO) system, for the 975589 Mill Road Bridge Project.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Supervisor Garretson is designated as the Responsible Local Official for purposes of project administration, including use of the EBO system, for the975589 Mill Road Bridge Project.

On a motion by Councilperson, Waterfield, seconded by Councilperson VanDerwerker, the forgoing resolution was adopted a vote of 5Ayes, 0 Nays

Roll Call Vote is taken:  Supervisor Garretson-yes, Councilperson Johnson-yes, Councilperson VanDerwerker-yes, Councilperson Cornwell-yes and Councilperson Waterfield-yes.  5-Ayes   0- Nays Resolution 2024-6 is duly carried.

Resolution 2024-7 of the Cherry Valley Town Board

Proposed Action:  Introducing a resolution to adopt the 2024 preliminary budget which will then become the 2025 adopted budget of the Town of Cherry Valley

NOW, THEREFORE;  Please see the attached document. (Budget will be at the Town Clerk Office for review)

Motion to adopt Resolution 2024-7 made by Councilperson Johnson, seconded by Councilperson Cornwell all in favor 5-Ayes 0-Nays.

Roll Call Vote is taken:  Supervisor Garretson-yes, Councilperson Johnson-yes, Councilperson VanDerwerker-yes, Councilperson Cornwell-yes and Councilperson Waterfield-yes.  5-Ayes   0- Nays Resolution 2024-7 is duly carried.  2025 Preliminary Budget is adopted.

Resolution 2024-8 of the Cherry Valley Town Board

WHEREAS:  The Town of Cherry Valley owes Bassett Healthcare for unpaid/overdue invoices dating back to June of 2022, and

WHEREAS:  The amount owed exceeds our current town budget

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:  The Town will need a Bond Anticipation Note in the amount of $350,000 to pay the unpaid overdue invoices.  (this is a one year bond that can be renewed every year for 4 years if needed:

Discussion held by the Town Board members regarding the overdue invoices.  By no fault of the Town the overdue invoices were found by an Audit done by Bassett Healthcare.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2024-8 made by Councilperson Waterfield, seconded by Councilperson Cornwell all in favor 5-Ayes 0-Nays.

Roll Call Vote is taken:  Supervisor Garretson-yes, Councilperson Johnson-yes, Councilperson VanDerwerker-yes, Councilperson Cornwell-yes and Councilperson Waterfield-yes.  5-Ayes   0- Nays Resolution 2024-8 is duly carried.
DRAFT ONLY TB MEETING NOV 14, 2024

Resolution 2024-9 of the Cherry Valley Town Board

WHEREAS:  The Town of Cherry Valley has been awarded by Bridge NY and approved by the NYSDOT for bridge replacement on Mill Road ( PIN 975589), AND

WHEREAS:  The first phase requires the town to pass a resolution to set aside the design (360,000) and right-of-way incidentals ($27,00) fund totaling $387,000

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:  The Town will need a Revenue Anticipation Note in the amount of $387,000

Motion to accept Resolution 2024-9 made by Councilperson Cornwell, seconded by Councilperson VanDerwerker all in favor 5-Ayes 0-Nays.

Roll Call Vote is taken:  Supervisor Garretson-yes, Councilperson Johnson-yes, Councilperson VanDerwerker-yes, Councilperson Cornwell-yes and Councilperson Waterfield-yes.  5-Ayes   0- Nays Resolution 2024-9 is duly carried

Town Clerk will put a notice in the paper for the seasonal roads to be closed from December 01, 2024-March 31, 2025.

Public Questions, Comments and concerns…………..2 minute limit per request

Anna Gaeta lives on Hoose Road and is a member of the League of Woman voters and they have an observer committee and they assign members to attend different public meetings.  She will be attending Town Board meetings when she is available.

Jeff Hollister reports he called the Otsego County Planning Board regarding what is happening at the Swarty’s Campground and they have no knowledge of what is happening at Swarty’s Campground.  Mr. Hollister is directed to attend the Joint Planning Board next Wednesday at 7:00PM to ask if Swarty’s Campground has come before the board regarding the expansion of the campground.  

Andy Minnig asked if the Town Attorney was consulted about the outstanding invoices for Bassett?  Supervisor Garretson did consult the Town Attorney.

Motion made by Councilperson Cornwell to adjourn the meeting 2nd by Councilperson Waterfield.

There being no further business meeting adjourned at 7:43PM.

Next Town Board meeting will be Thursday, December12, 2024 7:00PM

Respectfully submitted,
Mary Beth Flint, Town Clerk
Town Board meeting was recorded



                                        

 

Public Hearing for the Tax Cap Override and DRAFT ONLY TB MEETING OCTOBER 10, 2024

 

Motion to open the Public Hearing for the Tax Cap Override is made by Councilperson VanDerwerker 2^nd by Councilperson Cornwell.  Public Hearing opened at 6:40PM

 

No public comment

 

Motion made by Councilperson Cornwell to close the public hearing for the Tax Cap Override 2^nd by Councilperson Johnson.

 

Public hearing closed at 7:00PM

 

DRAFT ONLY TB MEETING OCTOBER 10, 2024

 

The regular meeting of the Town Board of Cherry Valley was held on Thursday October 10, 2024 with meeting called to order at 7:00PM by Supervisor Garretson

 

Pledge to the Flag was said

 

Roll call of Officers was taken:

Tom Garretson-Supervisor P

Jim Johnson-Councilperson P

Ed VanDerwerker-Councilperson p  

Mark Cornwell-Councilperson P

Holly Waterfield-p

Highway Superintendent Marty Field-Excused

Mary Beth Flint-P

 

Reading of last month’s minutes will be dispensed of and minutes accepted as presented and or corrected.   

 

Presentation of invoices and payments:

HEALTH CENTER FUND

83 Bassett Healthcare $57,593.08pd

84 Ricoh USA Inc $77.86pd

85 Optimizer Systems Inc $283.52pd

86 National Grid $485.15pd

87 Spectrotel $378.03pd

88 Quill Corporation $43.99pd

89 American Wholesalers $425.24pd

90 Leona Johnson $120.00pd

91 Leona Johnson $65.00pd

92 Quill Corporation $497.90pd

93 Bassett Healthcare $83,926.24pd

94 Quill Corporation $41.99pd

 

GENERAL FUND

191 Elan Financial Services $21.59pd

DRAFT ONLY TB MEETING OCTOBER 10, 2024

 

192 State Comptroller $6,992.00pd

193 Nan Stolzenburg $466.77pd

194 Millers Cleaning Services $842.40pd

195 Hometown Hauling $43.25pd

196 Charter Communications $279.98pd

197 Charter Communications $84.95pd

198 National Grid $462.39pd

199 Spectrotel $385.74pd

200 Tri-County Communications Inc $179.10pd

201 Cintas Corporation #121 $365.08pd

202 Excellus BC/BS $329.09pd

203 National Grid $16.63pd

204 American Wholesalers $102.89pd

205 Jeff Stiles Construction $1,699.18pd

206 United Healthcare $17.65pd

207 Hummels Office Plus $41.17pd

 

Highway Vouchers:

Item 1 (327-333)

Item 3 (787-791)

Item 4 None

 

Councilperson Waterfield made a motion to accept the invoices and payments as presented, Councilperson VanDerwerker seconded the motion.  The invoices and payments have been presented and accepted.   All in favor 5 yes 0 no

 

Presentation of Invoices and Payments:

•         Budget reviewed as well as NBT Account balances

 

Misc. information to the Town Clerk:

•         Otsego County Sales Tax for the month of SEP $10,650.90

•         The Cherry Valley Fire Department Emergency Squad Closure Plan is distributed to the Town Board.  After January 01, 2025 all calls will be handled by Otsego County Ambulance service.

 

Community Center Alden Field and Park:

• No new business.  Rentals are starting to come in for the fall and winter months.

 

Health Center:

• Supervisor Garretson is working with Senator Oberacker and Elise Stefanik to see if we can get some rural health center money.

 

Village:

•         Town and Village Board Minutes and info- www.cherryvalleyny.us

DRAFT ONLY TB MEETING OCTOBER 10, 2024

 

Highway Department:

• Working on getting CHIPS paperwork completed to get reimbursement from the State for snow and ice.

 

Supervisor Garretson distributed the Preliminary 2025 Budget to the Board members for their review.

 

Local Law 2024-1 Tax Levy Override is introduced by Supervisor Garretson:

 

Local Law to Override Tax Levy Limit

 

Section 1.  Legislative Intent

 

It is the intent of this local law to override the limit on the amount of real property taxes that may be levied by the Town of Cherry Valley pursuant to General Municipal Law 3-c.,and to allow the Town of Cherry Valley to adopt a budget for the fiscal year 2025 that requires  real property tax levy in excess of the “tax levy limit” as defined by General Municipal Law 3-c.

 

Section 2.  Authority

 

This local law is adopted pursuant to subdivision 5 of the General Municipal Law 3-c, which expressly authorizes the town board to override the tax levy limit by the adoption of a local law approved by vote of sixty percent (60%) of the town board.

 

Section 3.  Tax Levy Limit Override

 

The Town Board of the Town of Cherry Valley, County of Otsego is hereby authorized to adopt a budget for the fiscal year 2025 that requires a real property tax levy in excess of the amount otherwise proscribed in General Municipal Law, 3-c.

 

Section 4.  Severability

 

If any clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivision, or part of this Local Law or the application thereof to any person, firm or corporation, or circumstance, shall be adjusted by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or unconstitutional, such order or judgment shall not affect, impair, or invalidate the remainder thereof, but shall be confined in its operation to the clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivision, or part of this Local Law or in its application to the person, individual, firm or corporation or circumstance, directly involved in the controversy in which such judgment or order shall be rendered.

 

Section 5.  Effective Date

 

This local law shall take effect immediately upon filing with the Secretary of State.

 

DRAFT ONLY TB MEETING OCTOBER 10, 2024

 

Motion made by Councilperson Cornwell to adopt Local Law 2024-1 Tax Levy Override 2^nd by Councilperson Johnson.  All in favor 5- yes 0-neh motion carried.

Roll Call Vote is taken:  Supervisor Garretson-yes, Councilperson Johnson-yes, Councilperson VanDerwerker-yes, Councilperson Cornwell-yes and Councilperson Waterfield-yes.  5-yes   0- Neh.  Local Law 2024-1 Tax Levy Override is passed.

 

Resolution 2024-5 Support of America250 is introduced by Supervisor Garretson from Otsego County Historian.  Motion made by Councilperson VanDerwerker to approve Resolution 2024-5 Support of America250 as presented, 2^nd by Councilperson Johnson. All in favor 5-yes 0-neh.  Roll Call Vote is taken:  Supervisor Garretson-yes, Councilperson Johnson-yes, Councilperson VanDerwerker-yes, Councilperson Cornwell-yes and Councilperson Waterfield-yes.  5-yes   0- Neh. Resolution 2024-5 Support of America250 is duly carried.

 

Public Questions, Comments and concerns…………..2 minute limit per request

 

Tax Levy Override is explained to public present.

 

Motion made by Councilperson Cornwell to adjourn the meeting 2^nd by Councilperson Waterfield.

 

There being no further business meeting adjourned at 7:28PM.

 

Next Town Board meeting will be Thursday, November 14, 2024 7:00PM

 

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Beth Flint, Town Clerk

Town Board meeting was recorded