Minutes, News and Notes from the February 8th, 2007 Town Board Meeting:

you may also get full, approved copies of the minutes by visiting the Town Hall


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The Town Board meeting was called to order by Supervisor Jackson at 7 P. M.
Supervisor Jackson led us in the Pledge to the Flag.  Supervisor Jackson asked
for a moment of silence for Kyle Sayward.

On roll call the members were present: Councilman LaPine, Councilman
LaForest, Supervisor Jackson, Councilman Wrisley and Councilman Sayward.
Also present were James Morgan, Highway Superintendent, and Audrey Hoskins
Town Clerk, Lois Sayward, Deputy Town Clerk.

Visitor included: Jane Perry, Janice Moran, Norma Goff, James Van Hoven
and Colleen Van Hoven.

Supervisor Jackson greeted the visitors and offered the courtesy of the floor.

Jan Eakins, Executive Director of Historic Essex explained that they had secured an
Economic Development Grant with the help of Assemblywoman Sayward.  The
Grant is for $81,000 to restore the old Stone Church. Jan thanked Teresa for her
help and Suzanne Pearly for her help in securing the Grant. She discussed the
way the Grant will be used.  A project manager will be hired. Historic Essex will
administer the Grant.  Jan announced that she is leaving Historic Essex .

January 11, 2007 Regular Board Meeting minutes: Motion to approve as corrected
 made by Councilman LaForest.  Seconded by Councilman Wrisley.  Roll Call:
Councilman LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes, Supervisor Jackson-yes,
Councilman Wrisley-yes and Councilman Sayward-yes.

January 25, 2007 Special Meeting : Motion to approve with corrections made by
Councilman Wrisley.  Seconded by Councilman Sayward.  Roll Call:
Councilman LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes, Supervisor Jackson-yes,
Councilman Wrisley-yes and Councilman Sayward-yes.

Planning Board Report: no formal report received.  Planning Board member James
Van Hoven was in audience and Supervisor Jackson asked him for an update.
 He stated George Davis made a presentation as to what he is doing.

Zoning Officer’s Report:
From January 11, 2007 to February 7, 2007 I have issued the following permits:
1/12/07-Building permit to Charlie Prout for porches and decks at 64 Burt Way
in the Crater Club.
1/12/07-Permit to Charlie Prout for wood stove chimney at 64 Burt Way.
1/26/07-Certificate of Occupancy to Steve McKenna for Old Dock Restaurant.
2/07/07-Certificate of Occupancy to Alison Hain for dwelling at 1352 Whallons
Bay Road.
I continue to make on-going inspections of current projects.
Respectfully submitted,  Dave S. Lansing.

Supervisor’s County Report:

Supervisor Jackson discussed the I-87 tragedy and the need for better cell phone
coverage on Northway.  Stated he met with Betty Little and discussed the cell
towers she is working to get installed along the Northway and Route 9.
Supervisor Jackson suggested that a surcharge be place on speeding tickets
issued on that section for the Northway to help defray cost.  Teresa and Betty
liked this idea.  The taller cell towers will benefit everyone.

Crown Point visitors center applied for a Greenway Grant and received the
Grant to rehab the old toll house. There may also be funding to rebuild the pier and lighthouse for the 400th anniversary of Champlain discovering the lake.

Correspondence:  Olive Alexander applying for the Planning Board. Legal papers
on the Cross Road. Loretta Surprenant requested to be on medical insurance. 
 Policy for medical insurance benefits is only for full time employees.

Unfinished business:  Historic Essex Parking lot meeting discussed ways to raise
funds to support parking lot.  Dave Lansing or Jonathon Pribble have kept the
parking lot plowed.    Would like to raise $1500 to help with cost. 

Planning Board Vacancies filled 1/25/2007.  James Van Hoven  term ending
12/31/2013.  Michelle Cassidy term ending 12/31/2012.  Todd Goff was appointed
as an alternate term ending 12/21/2007 Todd will be filling Don Hollingsworth’s
position on the Planning Board when he retires next year.  Motion made to accept
terms by Councilman LaForest.  Seconded by Councilman Wrisley.  Roll call: Councilman LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes, Supervisor Jackson-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and Councilman Sayward-yes.

Cross Road.  The hearing with the Judge is February 14, 2007. Just written –no oral arguments.  A counter-suit has been filled against us for use of wollastonite on the roads.

New Business:  Lake St. Wall Grants payment:  Paper work can be started to collect on the grants.  Should be getting money over next few months so that we can pay back the bank.

Ice & Snow contract ;Motion made to approve contract by Councilman LaPine.  Seconded by Councilman La Forest.  Roll call:  Councilman LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes,
Supervisor Jackson-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and  Councilman Sayward-yes.

Kevin Sayre hired as temporary wing man. Motion made to hire by Councilman Sayward.  Seconded by Councilman Wrisley.  Roll call:  Councilman LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes,  Supervisor Jackson-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and Councilman Sayward-yes.

Joan Stephan Chairman and Don Hollingsworth Vice chair of Planning Board.  Motion
To approve made by Councilman Wrisley.  Seconded by Councilman LaForest.  Roll call:
Councilman LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes, Supervisor Jackson-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and Councilman Sayward-yes.

Meeting on Willsboro Mountain  by Assemblywoman Sayward and Senator Little.
State representative also attended.  Not doing a total reconstruction.  Going to do
drainage work and shoulder work.  Going to milloff the existing black top.  Fix the
expansion cracks and new guard rails. This is supposed to be a ten to fifteen year cure.
Work to start in 2009.   Hoped for cement removal and bike path.

Resolution thanking  Suzanne Perley.   Moved to accept with corrections by Councilman
Wrisley.  Seconded by Councilman Sayward.  Roll call:  Councilman LaPine-yes,
Councilman LaForest-yes, Supervisor Jackson-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and
Councilman Sayward-yes.

Norma Goff asked if Mr. Bliss had received acknowledgement for his years of service.

A resolution was proposed thanking Larry Bliss for his years of service.  Motion
to approve made by Councilman LaForest.  Seconded by Councilman Sayward.
Roll call:  Councilman Lapine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes, Supervisor Jackson-
yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and Councilman Sayward-yes.

Committee Meetings:  1/25/2007 Waste Water meeting: Discussed what decision will need to be made and a rough timetable on our plans.  When town is paid back and permitting
process and paying for the final plans etc.  There could be about $300,000 left to go along
with the $500,000 from the bond act money towards the actual construction.  Still need more funding.  Councilman Sayward questioned figures asked Supervisor Jackson to check on
this with Wayne Ryan.
 
Councilman LaPine questioned new locks.  Still waiting for the locksmith to get back
to us.  Supervisor Jackson will call next week.

Councilman Wrisley asked if Gilbert Belize was contacted about water meters.  Supervisor Jackson said it was on the list for next week.
 
Discussion of bills; Bills presented to the board.  Highway: $6780.06, Highway prepay
$150.00, Transfer Station $2156.32, Water $4399.90, Lake St. Wall $69380.06,
Street Lights $455.68, General $$8580.22 and General prepay $932.92. Motion to
approve bills made by Councilman LaForest. Seconded by Councilman LaPine. 
Roll call: Councilman LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes, Supervisor Jackson-ryes,
Councilman Wrisley-yes and Councilman Sayward-yes.

Councilman LaPine had questions about Loretta Surprenault request for medical insurance.
The rules and regulations were discussed as to who would be eligible for medical
insurance as a town employee. The request was denied.

Supervisor Jackson envisions down the road there will be a need for a full time position
for water & sewer and other odd jobs as needed for the Town.

Councilman Sayward has concerns for the sidewalks in town.  Would like to see Highway
Dept salt and sand sidewalks. Discussed purchasing a small tractor to care for sidewalks and could be used for other purposes. 

Councilman LaPine asked if the books have been looked at for Sept. 06.  Supervisor
Jackson said Treasurer’s office is very busy at this time. 

December 2006 Town Clerk report:  Moved to approve by Councilman Wrisley.  Seconded by Councilman  LaPine.  Roll call:  Councilman LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes,
Supervisor Jackson-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and Councilman Sayward-yes.

January 2007 Town Clerk report: Moved to approve by Councilman LaForest.
 Seconded by Councilman Wrisley.  Roll Call: Councilman LaPine-yes
Councilman LaForest-yes, Supervisor Jackson-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and Councilman Sayward-yes.

Water Rents report: Moved to approve by Councilman LaForest.  Seconded by Councilman
LaPine.  Roll call: Councilman LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes, Supervisor   
Jackson-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and Councilman Sayward-yes.

Supervisor’s Report:  Moved to approve by Councilman Wrisley.  Seconded by Councilman LaForest.  Roll call:  Councilman LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes, Supervisor
Jackson-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes, and Councilman Sayward-yes.

Supervisor Jackson congratulated the Town Tax Collector on collecting our share of the
Taxes as of February 8, 2007.

8:30 P. M. Executive session moved by Councilman LaForest.  Seconded by
Councilman LaPine.  Roll call: Councilman LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes,
Supervisor Jackson-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and Councilman Sayward-yes.

8:55 P. M.  Moved by Councilman LaForest to leave executive session and return to regular meeting.  Seconded by Councilman LaPine.

8:86 P. M. Moved to adjourn meeting by Councilman LaForest.  Seconded by
Councilman Wrisley.

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