ROTTERDAM - By this point in life you've probably seen people tapping away at their cell phone keyboards.
For many users texting is almost as common as talking.
It's usually silent or close to it. It didn't seem to be much of a problem, until...
The draft agenda for the Wednesday Rotterdam Town Board meeting. Turn off your cell phone and Blackberry. There will be no text messages during town board meetings.
Welcome to the nanny state. Assuming the rule is enforceable, which it probably is not.
"And the courts have, since 1979, said that anybody can record so long as the use of the device is not disruptive or obtrusive," said Robert Freeman of the Committee on Open Government. "My guess is that it would be no more distracting than what you're doing right now, taking notes."
Since 1974 lawyer Bob Freeman has been issuing advisory opinions on government access. He's part of the New York Secretary of State's office.
And as for the texting ban, Freeman says no way, it's not even close.
"The reality is that texting, for so many, has simply become part of life in 2011. I don't think that there's any way that we could prohibit it, even if we wanted to do so."
Rotterdam Town Supervisor Frank Del Gallo took it upon himself to make the no texting rule.
Board member Nicola DiLeva told NewsChannel 13 he did not clear it with the other elected board members and she certainly doesn't favor it.
After a large amount of negative reaction Del Gallo told NewsChannel 13 he had reconsidered and decided to withdraw the ban on texting.
I notice the "draft" meeting agenda is no longer posted for tonight's(2-9) town board meeting. Sooo...umm...what exactly is Darlene Mullaly doing?!? Better yet, what is the town board doing?!?
Oh...and another thing...anyone notice that the other boards seem to post their minutes...yet the town board doesn't? Hmm...Now that's good government.
I didn't attend tonight but heard that Tim Longo stuck up for his friend and business partner, FDG. If I got a $10k stipend I would probably kiss a little a$$ too!!!
Rumor has it that the young Miss Litz is being courted to be the town lawyer. I have heard that from several sources! Who is Creighton Manning? A quarterback in the English Football League? WTF?
"While Foreign Terrorists were plotting to murder and maim using homemade bombs in Boston, Democrap officials in Washington DC, Albany and here were busy watching ME and other law abiding American Citizens who are gun owners and taxpayers, in an effort to blame the nation's lack of security on US so that they could have a political scapegoat."
"While Foreign Terrorists were plotting to murder and maim using homemade bombs in Boston, Democrap officials in Washington DC, Albany and here were busy watching ME and other law abiding American Citizens who are gun owners and taxpayers, in an effort to blame the nation's lack of security on US so that they could have a political scapegoat."
a uniformed police officer was in the room at all times - protecting and serving
none of the resolution numbers make any sense due to adds and changes
any other input from attendees is welcome
PLEASE SHUT OFF YOUR CELL PHONE & BLACKBERRY THERE WILL BE NO TEXT MESSAGING DURING TOWN BOARD MEETINGS ROTTERDAM TOWN BOARD FEBRUARY 9, 2011 AGENDA
6:35 board members are out of their executive session – I hear it was about time warner contract
6:50. 0ver 50 present
6:55 – Nicki makes a motion to come out of executive session
FDG - nothing comes before GOD
Prayer
Motion to come out of executive session
FDG – confused on when to swear in the new police office
7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
SUPERVISOR’S REPORT
FDG - Swear in the police officer
JL – you need to pass the resolution first
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR FOR PERSONNEL AGENDA ITEMS
PERSONNEL: Res. No.
Nicki - motion to move resolutions 68.11 and 69.11 to the front of the agenda passes
67.11 Accept resignation of Dan Gaudio as a member of the Rotterdam Conservation Advisory Council, effective January 1, 2011
y Bob y Nicki y Matt y Wayne y Frank
68.11 Appoint William J. Male to the position of Investigator in the Detective Division with full employee benefits, salary $73,790.15, effective January 31, 2011
y Bob y Nicki y Matt y Wayne y Frank
69.11 Appoint Michael Randle to the position of police officer with full employee benefits, salary $43,480.15, effective February 9, 2011.
y Bob y Nicki y Matt y Wayne – this officer came to us from SchdyPD and will save us $$$ on training costs y Frank
This gentleman is sworn in
7:05 – all law enforcement leaves save one
67.11 Accept resignation of Dan Gaudio as a member of the Rotterdam Conservation Advisory Council, effective January 1, 2011
y Bob y Nicki y Matt y Wayne y Frank
Now there is confusion Papers are introduced by wayne
Motion to introduce resolution 63.11 to xfer Joe L town attorney to Deputy Town Attorney at $22,000 pluse retirement credit effective Feb 10,2011
Godlewski – Joe would you like to make a comment
Town Attorney – Starting jan 15th 2010 for a two year term lifting home rule me and Mike Godlewsski came on board. In Oct of 2010 Mike Godlewski left on short notice to work for the county, I was left with both the town court and the rest of town business. I have asked for help. I think a town of this size is more than enough for a town of this size. I see this resolution for the 1st time and I am now a “deputy”. I request a meeting with the three board members, one on one so as not to have an illegal meeting
I ask (1) – what is the displeasure I may have caused (2) That do you nicki, matt and wayne have in store for me Wayne – will you except this position if passed?
Town Attorney - yes but I request a meeting
FDG – I suggest we table this
Wayne – we will go forward
Vote on the add N – godlewski Y – nicki Y - matt Y – Wayne N - FDG
On the resolution N – Godlewski Y - Nicki – we appreciate what you have done – we discussed this yesterday Y – matt Y –Wayne – this in now way reflects the job you have done ,we understand you need help N – FDG – I think Joe did a good Job _ I think he should stay
64.11 – add Danials and Porko will be the town attorney as per a jan26th (date change)proposal for $138,500(pro rated(added)) until 12/31/2011
Mr – godlewski brought up date change and pro rate $$$
N - Mr Godlewski – we have budgets 203,000 in 2011 and you will use up almost 200,000 doing this. Litigation costs are not covered by the proposal. Attorneys fees out side of scope are not covered, time warner negotiation fees will be expensive. Total fees in 2010 were 102,000 and we are going to double that this year. With more litigation pending I have a concern where we will get the monies
My other point is in oct of 2010 we changed our purchasing - any contract over xxxx has to go out for bid Y – nicki – Y – Matt – the language in the comptrollers report referenced a contract involving a company hired by the town owned by a sitting town board member, we are contracting a law firm to help Mr Licarrdi Y – Wayne – Mr Licarrdi is in need of help, there is a lot going on and a lot coming up the town cannot function with a 20 hr/week attorney N – FDG – as for an attorney Joe does a great job, we need to bid this out, I have dealt with more lawyers that all of you together, Mr godlewski and I never met them
65.11 - Add Terminate the services ov Mr Goldberg
N - Bob Y - Nicki Y - Matt Y - Wayne N - Frank
Discussion – on 65.11 Nicki why do we keep as lawyer who will only talk to 2 board members not 5, “MOVE ROTTERDAM FORWARD” make Rotterdam run correctly and this nonsense will stop
Bob ask the board members if they have spoken with Mr Goldberg Matt sys the question is not relevant
Nicki I am not demanding - this t arrangement does not work for 5 board members Wayne – Catsup – where is the Catsup we haven’t had a labor meeting yet This in not about US or THEM it is about what is FAIR for the TOWN
Confusion by frank
FDG – I decide labor issues
66.11 Appoint Patrick Carroll as the Designated Employer Representative (DER) for the Town of Rotterdam under the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991.
Y - Bob Y - Nicki Y - Matt Y - Wayne Y - Frank
66.11 Amend Resolution No. 52.11 to expand the Parks and Recreation Commission to 10 Members and Appoint Lisa Dufek of Rotterdam, New York to a two (2) year term.
Y - Bob N - Nicki - the commission brought forth their design we just can change it - it is not our job to direct them N - Matt – the commission is set you cant come to a true resolution with an even number of votes N - Wayne – I stand behind the decisions of the dept/commission heads Y - Frank – whats the big deal you are lucky if 5 members show up
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Confusion on the public hearing – no one speaks
67.11 To amend §266-52, Schedule XII of the Code of the Town of Rotterdam entitled, “No Parking at Any Time” by amending as follows: In accordance with the provisions of §266-20, no person shall park a vehicle at any time upon the following streets or parts of streets: Name of Street Side Location___________ Hollywood Avenue East Hollywood Avenue between Fairlane and Continental
PRIVILEGE OF FLOOR FOR AGENDA ITEMS
No one speaks
Res. No
69.11 Call for Public Hearing to amend Local Law No.2, Reso. No. 19.11 passed on 1/1/2011 to include the Planning and Zoning fee schedule to include items omitted from the original Schedule of Fees.
All yes
71.11 Refer to Planning Commission for report and recommendation thereon a proposed Local Law of the Year 2011 for the following purpose: For a Change of Zone request on approximately +/- 1.22 acre parcel(s) from Retail Business (B-1) Multi-Family Residential (R-3), on Tax Map Number 59.9-619 located at 1952 Curry Road, Schenectady, New York, 12306. The applicant proposes to construct two (2) eight ( unit apartment buildings.
All yess
72.11 Authorize the Town of Rotterdam to revise the financing plan for Capital Project No. H092 established by resolution No. 240.09 authorizing the construction of a new Water Storage Tank in Water District No. 3 and 4.
All yess
73.11 Authorize the Comptroller to appropriate in the Water District No. 3 Fund, unrestricted fund balance (SW3-599) to be transferred to Capital Project H092 in order to pay expenses to the construction of the new water tank, in an amount not to exceed $51,677.00 in the 2010 budget.
All yes
74.11 Authorize the Comptroller to appropriate unrestricted fund balance in the Special Drainage District No.1 Fund (SD1), also known as Dianne Estates Drainage Fund to offset expenses to cover the costs of maintenance of the grounds within the district as of December 31, 2010.
All yes
75.11 Authorize the Comptroller appropriate Sewer District No.2, Extension No.7 Appropriations (SS27-960-9730.700021) by $2,962.81 to cover the cost of additional debt service principal paid in the 2010 budget.
All yes
77.11 Authorize Supervisor to execute contract with a Town Designated Attorney (TDA) to review and negotiate a sewer use contract with the City of Schenectady. Nicki – why do we need a TDA This resolution pulled
78.11 Authorize the Supervisor to enter into a contract with GraceCom Communications for telephone maintenance services for the Town of Rotterdam for the year 2011.
All yes
79.11 Authorize the Town of Rotterdam to contract with Creighton Manning and Associates to provide Town Designated Engineering (TDE) services on an as needed basis. CONSENT ITEMS: Res. No
Discussion of conflict of interest with a board member Godlewski’s son works for Creighton Manning and Associates Motion to reopen public comment
Lisa Gallo – this came up in a planning meeting and CM was the best choice because they worked on the HESS project Rich Malizanski – I can confirm this discussion my wife and I were at the meeting Delevilla – don’t work against developers by increasing costs Bob - recuse Nicki – y – at the agenda meeting I asked for any info on this Matt - y Wayne - y Frank - y
Nicki – get the Ghosts out of the closet at the agenda meeting so we don’t have to go thru the mud here
Resolution 81.11 authorize the supervisor to execute a permanent easement on be half of the town to the county of Schenectady for the purpose of providing a roadway access over town lands from west Campbell rd to the proposed Rotterdam Little League fields All pass
Consent items – all pass
80.11 Accept Town Clerk’s report for the month of January 2011. 81.11 Budget transfers by the Town Comptroller to various accounts.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Matt's Senior Moment- Any q’s on his moment call the senior center at 356-1561
Valentines luncheon at the brass rail 11:30am 2/11/2011 $10.00 ?person Day trip to hunt’s landing 3/22/2011 $50/person 55 alive mon,tues 2/14,15/2011 8:30 and 11:30
AARP tax prep call for appt
PUBLIC COMMENT PRIVILEGE OF FLOOR
Mr Malizenski – text supplied This past December the Mohonasen School District Bond vote and the Referendum to establish a Special Tax District for Ambulance Service were resoundly defeated by the electorate.
Schalmont Central Schools are looking into closing two elementary schools to consolidate and save money.
Town residents applauded the efforts involved for the revised budget crafted by councilwoman DiLeva with the assistance of councilmen Martin and Parisi.
These are very difficult fiscal times that are especially hard on residents with fixed incomes, and those that suffered job losses due to the recent collapse of the economy.
During the January 1, 2011 organizational meeting, a resident spoke of being appalled that the Town spent $6,500 dollars on a contract for a HR (Human Resources) company to address a Town labor issue. The Town Board was unanimous in their displeasure of this expense.
At this juncture in time, the Rotterdam Town Clerk has been absent for approximately 1 year. I assume that this continues to be at full salary of $50,350 dollars and an additional $3,000 dollar stipend for registrar of vital statistics, FOIL officer, etc.
This is money the Town can ill afford to give away. Additionally, there appears to be no apparent end in sight as the Town Clerk has 3 more elected years in office.
I am proposing that the Town Board adopt a Resolution that would be fair for all parties involved. I have prepared a Draft Resolution that I would like to submit to the Town Board. For those without a copy, the Resolution states . . . . . . .
Authorize the Town Board to adjust the Town Clerk’s annual salary to $1dollar/yr. until such time that the Town Clerk is present at the designated work station, Rotterdam Town Hall, and actively fulfilling the duties of the Town Clerk’s Office. At said time, the salary of the Town Clerk is to be restored at the 2011 budgeted rate and prorated for the time worked at the designated work station.
Supervisor Del Gallo indicated some time ago that the Town Clerk need only work one day a year because it is an elected position. The Resolution provides for fair compensation for fair fulfillment of the elected office.
The Rotterdam Town Board, as elected officials, have been entrusted to be the fiduciary stewards of the taxpayers money. I would implore you to take the lead and add a Resolution to the next agenda meeting to address this affront to the Rotterdam residents and put an end to this obvious impasse.
Bob Godlewski – Do you want us to answer this one = you are not going to like the answer FDG – we don’t have a right to take away her pay
Judy Diagastion – thank you passing 81.11
Edwsrd Dixon – when does resolution 60.11 take affect - I have a certified copy of it The town board sent you a directive what authority do you have to ignore it
You are a MORON – directed to FDG
Conard – missing text to FDG you took this upon your self There is discussion of a meeting tomorrow and connard says the meeting will not happen because the town passed 60.11 FDG - BECAUSE I CAN
Connard – that is why this town is in trouble
Jack Shielly - this is harassment to the employees , I would like to hear from each board member
Nicki - resolution 60.11 speaks for 3 board members, I am sorry you are going thru this, I will ask our new attorneys
Peter Cra???vich – Sat on Ethics Board speaks on the issues on the attorney picked against the ethics board recommendation - missing text
Tim Longo – to Ed and Connard - This is disrespectful, Every supervisor has moved people , as a supervisor has the right discussion about hiring people outside the town
Rich dunsmore – please follow the union contract rules you have to follow the “rules” I do not believe this was done
Clark Collins – I have worked with 3 supervisors and as the union rep all moves were discussed. All moves and changes were above board
(Per Resolution No. 444.06) G General Rules of Procedure for Public Hearings & Privilege of the Floor: Each speaker will state his/her name and address for the record. To ensure each attendee has an equal and reasonable opportunity to address their concerns, he/she is afforded a maximum of four (4) minutes to address the Town Board. MISCELLANEOUS
8:45 ADJOURNMENT
FRANCIS DEL GALLO, Supervisor
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
Talking to each other is better than talking about each other
"While Foreign Terrorists were plotting to murder and maim using homemade bombs in Boston, Democrap officials in Washington DC, Albany and here were busy watching ME and other law abiding American Citizens who are gun owners and taxpayers, in an effort to blame the nation's lack of security on US so that they could have a political scapegoat."
Ahoy mates. It appears the handwriting is on the wall with FDG and his first mate. The USS Rotterdam is rapidly sinking and the captain is going down with the ship. The long simmering unhappiness of the crew has resulted in a full blown mutiny. A call to arms! All hands on deck!
Logged
