VILLAGE OF RED HOOK
WORKSHOP MEETEING
JULY 15, 2021
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Present: Mayor Smythe, Deputy Mayor Kovalchik, Trustee Laing, Trustee Noonan, Trustee Kjarval
Deputy Mayor Kovalchik made a motion to enter into Executive Session to discuss personnel matters with Sergeant Hildenbrand and for an update on the contract negotiations. Motion seconded by Trustee Kjarval. Deputy Mayor Kovalchik made a motion to end Executive Session. Motion seconded by Trustee Laing.
Trustee Noonan made a motion to hire Kyle Kolodziejski, who was present, as a Part-Time Police Officer. Motion seconded by Deputy Mayor Kovalchik. All in favor. Motion approved.
Sgt. Hildenbrand presented a case for adding an additional Full-Time Police Officer to the Red Hook Police Department. The Sgt reviewed the training process for a new hire includes not just the State mandated 160 hours, but he requires additional training specific to the Red Hook Police Department. Because we usually hire people early in their career and because of the excellent hiring and training program that we have, our Part Time officers tend not to stay longer than a few years as they are looking to become career Police Officers. Due to some recent resignations, we are down to four (4) Part-Time officers which is putting a strain on the department, increasing overtime for the Full-Time staff. The increased cost of going from a Part-Time to Full-Time officer is the cost of healthcare coverage, which is about $15,000. With an average of 2-3 new officers needing to be trained each year, that cost is about $12,000. An added benefit to an additional Full Time officer, is the greater connection with the community. The Sgt currentlyconfirmed servingthat Redas Hooka Part-Timehasa slotOfficer, per Civilcould Service.become Andthat thatFull-Time Patrick Ferry,officer who and ishe is interested in the position. There would then be no training time and Patrick Ferry could immediately ease the burden of the current Full-Time staff.
The Board held discussions.
Trustee Noonan made a motion that Patrick Ferry be hired as an additional FullTime Police Officer to the Red Hook Police Department. Motion seconded by Trustee Kjarval. Passed with unanimous consent. Motion approved.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Jeremy Bean of Milan was in attendance. His wife owns property on Market St. Jeremy asked about Short Term Rentals (STRs). Mayor Smythe indicated that we have not yet begun a review of STRs. Jeremy asked some questions about the Sewer project. Mayor Smythe shared that the construction contracts have been signed. The construction is expected to begin Sept/Oct of this year with a completion date of December 2022. She also confirmed that the system will not be functional until the project is complete.
End of Public Comment
Mayor Smythe reviewed information about the Cannabis Law that has been passed in NYS. The sale of cannabis is not expected until late 2022. What is in question for the Village is around allowing Retail Dispensaries and On-Site Consumption establishments in the Village or not.
We can choose to OPT-OUT with a local law in place on or before December 31, 2021. It is subject to a permissive referendum for 30 days after passage of the law. So if we want to Opt-Out, we shouldn’t wait until the last minute. If we Opt-Out, we can Opt-In at a later date. If we do not Opt-Out by Dec 31,2021, we cannot Opt-Out later.
Licenses are required and they must comply with local zoning regulations. There will be a 4% Local Tax on retail sale of adult-use cannabis. 1% goes to the County, 3% goes to the City, Town or Village in which the sale occurs. If the Town of Red Hook permits cannabis sales, then the remaining 3% is distributed between the Town & Village as agreed upon by Town & Village governing bodies. If no agreement, it gets divided evenly between the Town & Village. There is no restriction on the use of funds.
Retail Dispensary signage is prohibited except as authorized by the Cannabis Control Board. Neither dispensaries nor on-site consumption establishments may be located within 500ft of school grounds or within 200ft of a house of worship.
Licenses are granted by the Cannabis Control Board. They must notify the municipality of “intent to file an application” for that location. Local government can express an opinion for or against.
Cities, Towns, Villages and Counties may enact reasonable regulations for personal cultivation and home possession. However, home cultivation is not until 2024 or later. Smoking and vaping regulations are the same as tobacco products. Further discussion will take place by the Board before making any decisions.
Mayor Smythe mentioned that there is a ticket for a noise complaint which has brought into question the enforceability of our current noise ordinance. Code 130-4 Radio and other mechanical devices, states “It shall be unlawful for any person to operate ...a device that the sounds coming therefrom can be heard to the annoyance or inconvenience of...persons in neighboring premises.” There is no standard or timeframe by which to measure other than the subjective “annoyance or inconvenience” as stated by said neighbor. Mayor Smythe indicated that she is reviewing with counsel and will be looking at other municipalities codes and discussing this further. Deputy Mayor Kovalchik made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:40pm. Motion seconded by Trustee Laing. All in favor. Meeting adjourned.