Minutes, News and Notes from the April 12th, 2007 Town Board Meeting:

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


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Supervisor Jackson called the meeting to order at 7 PM and led us in the Pledge to the
Flag.  Supervisor Jackson asked for a moment of silence for Nick Hall.

On roll call members present were: Councilwoman LaPine, Councilman LaForest, Supervisor Jackson, Councilman Wrisley. Councilman Sayward was not present. Also present were Lois Sayward, James Morgan, Highway Superintendent, Dave Lansing Codes Officer and Audrey Hoskins, Town Clerk.

Visitors included Katherine Preston.

Supervisor Jackson greeted our guest and offered her the courtesy of the floor.  Ms. Preston came to discuss “Step It up Adirondacks” and asked the Board to sign a resolution supporting energy efficiency, renewable energy sources and reducing consumption.  Ms Preston also invited everyone to the local event on April 14th for an open house at Persel l Hall and a trip to Paul Smith for afternoon events. The resolution will be discussed later in the meeting.

March 8, 2007 Town Board Meeting Minutes.  Motion to approve made by Councilman LaForest. Seconded by Councilwoman LaPine.  Roll Call:  Councilwoman Lapine-yes, Councilman Laforest-yes, Councilman Wrisley-abstained and Supervisor Jackson-yes.

Jeremy Doyle and Joan Evens have an autistic child.  They are walking in the Autism
Awareness Walk in Dannemora and if you wish to support them there is a sign up sheet
in the hall.

Planning Board Report- no report.

Zoning Officer’s Report:
From March 7, 2007 to April 10, 2007 I have issued the following permits:
3/16/07 to  Donald Bechta of 149 Albee Lane for addition to garage.
3/16/07 to George Pataki of 8 Farm Way for bathroom renovations.
3/26/07 to Nell Bockman and Andy Buchanan of 14 Willett Lane for renovations.
4/9/07 to Kevin Fullington of 2126 Lake Shore Rd. for renovation and an 8x24 foot deck.

I have also processed 3 applications for the Planning Board, 2 site plan reviews and one
Minor sub-division.

I have spent considerable time with enforcement complaints made by Amanda Perez
regarding the Old Dock House.  This matter continues.

I continue to make on-going inspections of current projects.  Respectfully submitted.
Dave S. Lansing.

Councilman LaForest questioned Dave as to the complaint about the Old Dock House.  Neighbors questioned the new construction going on there.  Dave said he felt that is was just repairs. Supervisor Jackson visited the site and agreed with Dave Lansing that it is only repairs.

Councilwoman LaPine requested that Dave Lansing indicate on his monthly report the charge for each permit he issues in during the month.

Supervisor’s Report:

The construction of the jail is finished.  Tentative date for taking prisoners is June 1st. 
Emergency Services will probably be moved in by September.

The Treasurer pays the Towns State money, but he in turn wants the tax money to be paid
in a timely manner.  Some Towns keep the money until the tax return date so that they can
earn interest. 

North Country Community College requesting a quick response on a $64 million decision.
Many questions need to be answered before a decision can be made.   Supervisor Jackson
feels there should be one campus for the three counties and that talking with Clinton
Community would be an option to look into. This would provide a better selection of
courses and would save money on administrative costs.

Correspondence:
Turtle Island Café renewed license to sell wine.  Kat’s on the Water –new liquor license.  Essex
Inn renewed liquor license. 

Dan Palmer has told us that we may post our minutes on the County web site.  The Board
had no objections.  The Town Clerk will email approved minutes to the web site.

Boil water order and follow up. Last fall Susan Kennedy decided we needed to add more chlorine so that it would be strong at the end of the lines.  DOH team came to do testing.
Susan Kennedy ordered boil water for Town.  Residents were called, notice on Cable and
it was posted at the Post Office. Repairs being done and then we will be tested again and
if our reading matches hers the order will be lifted. The order will be in place at least until Monday.

We have our Chips money:  $39,873 for 2007.  $40,155 for 2008
.
Barbra Kunzi sent a letter with suggestion on the care and upkeep of the Town’s
sidewalks.   Jim Morgan, Highway Superintendent will work with Barbara on this
Project.

Unfinished Business: 
We have received specs for replacement windows at Town Shed and the Town will request bids
on this project. The Board discussed this issue thoroughly.

The insurance for the damaged truck will come in two separate payments equaling
103,000 + dollars. We are keeping the old truck for $3111 and this will be deducted from the
appraised value.   We will get that check and then when truck is purchased we will get another
check.

Request for bids for the truck have been sent out and the bids received will be opened on
May 9 at 3PM.

Meet with AES for Sewer design.  They have done some work already.  It will fit on the
Cunnion lot. Will need lot appraised.  We need to agree on a price.  Will need easement from ECHO thru the parking lot.  Size and appearance of building was discussed.  Also discussed was
odor and ways to handle this problem.

Resolution for permission to appraise the lower third of the Cunnion lot moved by Councilwoman LaPine.  Seconded by Councilman LaForest.  Roll Call: Councilwoman
LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes, Supervisor Jackson-yes and Councilman Wrisley-
yes.

Pump house renovations estimates. Filters installed in 1993 are rusting away.  New filter much more efficient.  Filter types were discussed.DOH is looking to require ultra violet lights to be installed to sanitize the water with in five years.  Expensive but very effective.  This allows you to cut back on chlorine. Ultra violet light will allow for a larger pumping capacity. Would
like to put in radiant heat instead of electric heat.  This would be a saving on eclectic bill.
Todd Hodgson gave an off the cuff estimate of $600,000 for improvements. We score enough points according to Vic Putnam to get three-fourth of the cost of the project paid by NYS up to $2 million dollars. We would use income from Nextel to pay bond payments on this project,
by doing this we would not have to reinstate water tax.

Motion made by Councilman LaForest to extend our contract with AES Northeast for the
preliminary design stage. Seconded by Councilman Wrisley.   Roll call Councilwoman LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes, Supervisor Jackson-yes and Councilman Wrisley-yes.

New Business:
Motion made by Councilman Wrisley to sign Post Closure Monitoring contract for the landfill with Adirondack Landfill Service,LLC.  Seconded by Councilwoman LaPine.  Roll Call:  Councilwoman Lapine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes, Supervisor Jackson-yes and Councilman Wrisley-yes.

Representatives form the County Clerk’s Office will be at the Town Hall April 19, 2007 to take
information for passports.

We have received one application for the Transfer Site part-time fill in person.  Phyllis
Pulsifer (Bashaw) was the applicant.  The Board directed Supervisor Jackson to interview
her.

Dave Lansing gave an overview of new Local Laws for building codes.  He handed out the
new laws for Board members to review.  New law more comprehensive and more compatible
with the State laws.  Next month we will set a date and get the information out the public and have a public hearing.  Then we can adopt the new laws

Resolution # 6 for “Step It Up” as modified.

RESOLUTION # 6 of 2007
April 12, 2007

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY COUNCILMAN LaFOREST, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION.

Whereas the Town of Essex is vulnerable to the economic and environmental impacts of world-wide climate change, and is concerned about our future in a changing climate; 

Whereas we recognize the magnitude of the problem will require complementary actions by many governmental and non-governmental agencies;

Whereas we would like our country to take a leading role in addressing this international problem;

Whereas we want to speak out with communities from across the Adirondacks to bring attention to this issue, the impact it is already having on our region, and the opportunity to act collectively to address the problem;

Therefore, be it resolved that the Town of Essex supports the idea of energy efficiency and reducing energy consumption wherever practical.  The Town of Essex also supports the idea of substituting renewable energy sources where practical and developing American energy sources when possible.

Therefore, be it further resolved that we are joining with other communities to ask our national elected leaders in Congress to address the problem, possibly by enacting legislation that will put us on the path to reducing our national carbon emissions by exploring the use of new technologies, improving energy conservation, and recommending the use of low carbon-emitting and renewable energy sources, among other possible responses. 

THIS RESOLUTION WAS DULY SECONDED BY COUNCILWOMAN LaPINE AND WAS ADOPTED.

ROLL CALL:
            Jackson   Yes  .
            LaPine  Yes  .
            Sayward  Absent  .
            Wrisley  Yes  .
            LaForest  yes

RESOLUTION # 7 of 2007
April 12, 2007

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY COUNCILMAN LAFOREST,
WHO MOVED IT’S ADOPTION.

BE IT RESOLVED that the Town of Essex Transfer $4,105.43 from the General Fund
Contingency Account to the Sewer Loan Account.

THIS RESOLUTION WAS DULY SECONDED BY Councilwoman LAPINE AND WAS
ADOPTED.

ROLL CALL;
            Jackson Yes
            LaPine   Yes
            Sayward  Absent
            Wrisley  Yes
             LaForest Yes

Resolution to sign contracts for Ice & Snow and for Road Maintenance with Essex County DPW was offered by Councilman LaForest.  Seconded by Councilwoman LaPine.  Roll Call: Councilwoman LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes, Supervisor  Jackson-yes and Councilman Wrisley-yes

Resolution approving Jim Morgan’s, Highway Superintendent, plan for spending CHIPS
money was offered. The money will be spent on highway improvements. Motion to approve made by
Councilman LaForest.  Seconded by Councilman Wrisley.   Roll Call:  Councilwoman
LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes, Supervisor Jackson-yes and Councilman Wrisley-yes.

The Blue Map contract was not budgeted.  Supervisor Jackson wanted to give
The Board a chance to change their minds.  Supervisor Jackson will contact them and inform
them we are not participating.

Dave Lansing informed Board that the 4th of July celebration will be in Essex and that the
Fireworks have been ordered.   He is working on organizing the parade and games, etc.

Councilman LaForest had two questions about the Methodist Church proposal. Supervisor Jackson stated he had sent John Albert the certified letter with information he requested.

Councilman LaForest contacted the company that sold us the fire safe cabin and reported the damage to the cabinet.  They requested a picture of the damage.  Jim Morgan will have some
of highway crew come and move cabinet so photo can be taken. May get a refund for the damage. Councilman LaForest would like to have Essex listed in Triple A book if the listing is free.

Councilwoman LaPine attended the Ester lunch at the Senior Center and was concerned over the
amount of water coming off roof.   Would like to have something done to correct this situation.
We are going to consider a stair chair for use of front door. The solution is to use the front door and to block off this door in bad weather.

Councilwoman LaPine asked when the Sept. 06 Town Clerk Financial Account books were going to be audited.  Mr. Deskin is going to be sending someone. 

Councilwoman LaPine asked if people were paying for copying and was told yes some are
and others are not.

Committee Meetings.    Will need to set up a water meeting.

Discussion of Bills:
Sewer Loan $4106.43
Water, Lights, ETC.  $2163.01
Lake St. Wall $2885.47          
Street Lights $388.69
Water, Lights Prepay $143.83
Highway Prepay $150.00
General Prepay $1294.13
Transfer Station $932.73
General $9656.79
Wright’s Inn $316.25
Highway $30781.40

Supervisor Jackson informed the Board that the engine in the grade-all was blown.   A new
Detroit engine will be seven thousand dollars. The Town of Wilmington has a Cat engine that will fit and it’s free.  We will have to pay for installation only.  Supervisor Jackson accepted the free engine. We will have a bill next month for the installation of this engine.

Motion to accept bills made by Councilman LaForest.  Seconded by Councilman Wrisley.  Roll Call:  Councilwoman LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes, Supervisor—Jackson-yes and
Councilman Wrisley-yes.

Town Clerk Report moved to approve made by Councilman LaForest.  Seconded by  Councilwoman LaPine.  Roll Call:  Councilwoman LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes,
Supervisor Jackson-yes and Councilman Wrisley-yes.

Water Rents: Month of March 2007  $368.00.   Motion made to accept water rent made by
Councilman LaForest.  Seconded by Councilman Wrisley.  Roll Call: Councilwoman LaPine-
Yes, Councilman LaForest-yes, Supervisor Jackson-yes and Councilman Wrisley.

Supervisor’s Report:  Motion made by Councilman LaForest to accept as submitted.  Seconded by Councilwoman LaPine.  Roll Call: Councilwoman LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes,
Supervisor Jackson-yes and Councilman Wrisley-yes.

Councilman Wrisley asked the status of Jamie Phillips case.  Supervisor Jackson stated nothing has changed.  It still has not been ruled on.  Diane Lansing working on information for the case.

Councilman Wrisley inquired as to status of the Lewis case.  Supervisor Jackson stated his
lawyers wanted to meet with us but we have not heard from them. Supervisor Jackson told
them the only thing he would accept was his road down or our road up. So there is only
a foot difference.  We cannot live with the six feet.  The drainage needs to be restored and the other suit has to go away or we are not interested in settling.

Motion to adjourn meeting made by Councilman LaForest.  Meeting adjourned at 9:15 PM.

 

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