Water Problems On Swart Street in Margaretville - Food Truck Law Public Hearing Sept 23

MARGARETVILLE - Margaretville Resident Robert "Bob" Mansheffer approached the village board at a regular meeting on Aug. 19 regarding water issues. Mansheffer accused a neighbor of pumping water off their property onto surrounding parcels along Swart Street. The issue, which has been going on for years, he said, is damaging other properties. It is illegal, said Mansheffer, as he pleaded for the board to take action. The water is typically pumped during high water events, he explained.

Mayor John Hubbell advised Mansheffer to call the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), which could send an ENCON (Environmental Conservation Police Officer). However, Mansheffer said DEC refused to remedy the issue. Hubbell then inquired about how the town could assist if the DEC declined.

Mansheffer requested that a letter be sent to the individuals suspected of pumping water onto other properties, which Hubbell agreed to do.

Hubbell further explained that the area of concern will be included in the Local Flood Analysis (LFA) currently under development. A revised draft of the LFA is expected to be received in the next month, he said. Once the LFA is adopted, Hebbell noted that it could still take years for a remedy to be implemented.

In the meantime, another trustee suggested Mansheffer seek legal counsel.

One-Sided Street Parking

Mansheffer also asked the board to consider further action on enforcing one-sided street parking. He said the letter had little change on the issue and asked for a parking attendant to be hired.

In March, trustees agreed to send a letter to residents and businesses limiting parking to one side of the street on all village roads.

In response, Hubbell said he has spoken with the town justice and attorney about solutions. "I can't tell you what it will be yet," he said. A village police officer will not be hired, he noted, as it has been in the past, which would be a major budgeting expense. Instead, Hubbell is looking at teaming up with state or local police.

Food Truck Legislation

Draft legislation regarding food truck regulations was presented. A public hearing on the law is scheduled for September 23 at 4:45 p.m., with the regular meeting to follow. Trustees are expected to adopt the local law following the public hearing.

The legislation mirrors that of the Town of Deposit. The law outlines the permit application process for food truck businesses. Trucks will only be permitted to park along commercial roads, including Main and Bridge streets. Currently, there are no regulations regarding food trucks.

A copy of the law is available for review at the village clerk's office at 773 Main Street.

In other business

Trustees approved the refund of a $175 grave site deposit.

Robert McKertich was hired to serve as the town attorney. McKertich had served the town through the Coughlin & Gerhart law firm, but has since begun his own firm. Rates will remain the same.

The 2015 Kubota lawn mower is in need of sizable repairs totalling $3,300. The board agreed to wait until next budget year and purchase a new lawn mower.

Trustees received a letter reminding residents that bee swarms, which can be an issue, can be removed for free by Citizens of The Hive. For more information, visit beeswarmed.org/citizens-of-the-hive.

The Catskill Watershed Corporation hosted a clean-up day in Margaretville following the 150th anniversary celebration.

Following an executive session, Deputy Clerk Antonea Bongo was approved to work one additional day per week, totalling three days. Mitchell Vankeuren was hired to complete Arkville Water District Duties one weekend a month, relieving the current operator. Vankeuren will receive $150 per month and be paid $20 per hour for any additional days required for vacations or sick leave.

The next regular village board meeting has been rescheduled to Tuesday, Sept. 23, at 5 p.m.