Minutes, News and Notes from the May 10th, 2007 Town Board Meeting:

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


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Meeting called to order at 7:05 PM.  Supervisor Jackson led us in the Pledge to the Flag.

Supervisor Jackson asked for a moment of silence for Bob Lincoln.

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

Visitors included Stephen Broadwell, Liz Wilson, Amanda Perez and Ed Hoskins.

Visitors were greeted and the courtesy of the floor was offered to Stephen Broadwell, Superintendent,
Willsboro Central School.  Mr. Broadwell presented the proposed school budget for 2007-2008.  Mr. Broadwell also explained the goals for the school district for 2007-2008 school year.  He discussed
different uses of the school for better community involvement.

Supervisor Jackson as Chair of NYCAC suggested a meeting with our Federal Representatives
to talk about waste water funding for both sides of Lake Champlain.  Our first meeting was in
August and it was successful mainly due to Assemblywoman Theresa Sayward. She took our list of
 needed projects, which are over sixty million on our side of the with designed ready projects,
 that could be put in the ground if they were funded within two years.  Susan Merrell, North Country Regional Director for Senator Clinton was the most receptive and encouraging.   She challenged us to prepare a priority funding list and have another meeting in December.  Assemblywoman Sayward took our list to the Governor.  As a result of Assemblywoman Sayward’s meeting with the Governor, Essex received one million, Elizabethtown received one million, Ticonderoga received one million, Black Point expansion got one million, Moriah two hundred thousand and three other grants were awarded to other counties.  December’s meting was held in Plattsburgh and was attended by representatives of Senator Clinton, Senator Schumer, Senator Leahy, Tom Barry for Senator Jeffords, Senator McHugh was represented by Chris Mathey on the phone. Kristin Gilibrand had a representative.  We had three priorities to present. We got CWICNY to join the NYCAC Basin Program.  Essex was the number one priority and we requested just under four million, Cumberland Head was second and they requested seven hundred thousand for their final plans.  Willsboro was the third and they requested two hundred thousand to finish funding the phosphate removal project using the wollastonite tailings. Congressman McHugh submitted all three for STAG grants and Senator Clinton did the same. The Senate is considering the finalists and Essex is one of the six projects that are being considered.  Susan Merrell is optimistic that it will be approved.    If passed by both Houses and signed by President the fund would be final.  We were the top ranked of all applications.  Three factors helped us get this status: #1 need, #2 level of state, regional and local support, #3 our letter attached to the application.

April 12, 2007 Board Meeting Minutes moved to approve as corrected by Councilman Wrisley.
Seconded by Councilwoman LaPine.  Roll Call: Councilwoman LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-
Yes, Supervisor Jackson-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and Councilman Sayward-abstained.

Planning Board – No report.  Loretta e-mailed report which wouldn’t open. Will contact her and
have her e-mail the report again

Zoning Board Report

From April 10, 2007 to May 9, 2007 I have issued the following permits:
4/11/07 zoning permit to Jason Keech for a garage at 72 Alden Rd.-$20.00
4/11/07 building permit to Jason Keech for a garage at 72 Alden Rd. -$78.40
4/13/07 building permit to Bob Rowe for boiler at 1712 Jersey St.  -$25.00
4/19/07 building permit renewal to Alexandra Noble for renovations at 103 Albbe Rd. - $30.00
4/27/07 building permit to Jan Eakins for renovations at 2736 NYS Rt 22 - $60.00
5/1/007 building permit to Bob Rowe for  garage at 1712 Jersey St - $54.00
5/1/07  building permit renewal to Brian Burke for renovations at 306 School St -$70.00
5/1/07  building permit to Brian Burke for manufactured chimney at 306 School St -$35.00
5/2/07   zoning permit to Ruth Sherrill Morgan for accessory use of a storage building at 1376
             NYS Rt 22 - $20.00
5/2/07  building permit to Caryl Stewart for deck at 697 Middle Rd - $25.00
5/8/07  building permit to George Pataki for septic system at 8 Farm Way- $40.00
I continue to make on going inspections of current projects.
Respectfully submitted David Lansing

Motion to accept Zoning Officer’s report made by Councilwoman LaPine.   Seconded by
Councilman LaForest. Roll Call: Councilwoman Lapine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes, Supervisor
Jackson-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes, and Councilman Sayward-yes.

Supervisor’s County Report
North Country Community College hoped to expand.  Franklin County rejected the move to Lake Placid.
Many questions as to what is really needed. We need to look at what is really needed and the cost
to the County.  Supervisor Jackson would like to investigate a merger of North Country Community
College and Clinton Community College. 

The Month of May is Lyme Disease awareness month. This tick is very small.  If you do not seek
medical help right away watch the site for swelling.  If swelling and redness appears seek medical help.

Correspondence

Loretta Surprenant has resigned as Planning Board Secretary.  We need to accept her resignation and
advertise for the position.  We received one application for the job.  Councilman Sayward requested
the interviews be done by the Town Board.   Motion to accept Loretta’s resignation with thanks for past
efforts moved by Councilman LaForest.  Seconded by Councilman Wrisley.  Roll Call:  Councilwoman
Lapine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes, Supervisor Jackson-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and Councilman
Sayward-yes.

Lee Ackley and Sandy Vance have purchased house across from Fire House and its well failed water test. 
They have asked to be put on the town water line. This could be very beneficial to Town because of grant potential of the pullulated well.  We will discuss this later in the meeting.  Supervisor Jackson has contacted
Fuller Excavating and they will run the line to the Ackley/Vance home. Supervisor Jackson feels it would be a
good idea to run to line to the Hayes home in case they would like to have town water.   They will be out of district users. Supervisor Jackson to check on the need to run two pipes.

Olive Alexander sent letter with concerns about deterioration of Albee Lane.  Jim Morgan
suggested the use of shot rock if we could obtain permission.

Received letter from Michele Hepworth about the stepping stone in front of her house.  It was damaged by
the snow plow this winter.  She is asking to have it replaced. Councilman Sayward asked if the stone
was in the right of way and if it is, why are we replacing it. Supervisor Jackson said because we
destroyed it.  Councilman Sayward said “So What, No seriously I’m sorry it is in the right of way. I
don’t see them going around fixing mail boxes they hit with the plows.”  Supervisor Jackson stated
yes they do fix the mailboxes. Councilman Sayward said except mine.  Ms. Hepworth has concerns about the snow coming off the roof of the Legion Hall.  Supervisor Jackson talked with Meseck , who did not recommend snow guards.  Roof would not hold the extra weight without collapsing. Supervisor Jackson talked with her
father and told him he would get a second opinion.  Supervisor feels that with a building that
old the opinion will be the same.  Supervisor Jackson explained that their car was damaged by the
snow.  Councilwoman Lapine asked if they could park in a different place in the yard. There is
room to park behind the house.  Supervisor Jackson does not see a Town solution for this problem.

John Albert received the additional information he requested and we are moving ahead.
Supervisor Jackson met with David Hislop, and talked about different options and moving ahead
on it.   The only problem is the Legion will have to sign a facade easement or right of reversion.
We will need to set up a meeting with the Legion.   Supervisor Jackson has not met with
John Albert on the approval. Supervisor Jackson stated he knows how they did it on the Town
Hall. The Town votes and approves writing the check; you get copy of the check along with
the invoice and then they will reimburse us. A discussion of whether or not the Legion was still
a recognized chapter.  Need to check with the National organization to see how this matter
can be resolved.

Councilwoman LaPine questioned who will be in charge of this grant.  Supervisor Jackson
stated that ECHO has not decided who will administer the grant.  The artitchure Janet Null will
be in charge of the job.  ECHO has talked about a number of different people but no decision has
been made.  Supervisor Jackson feels that the Town Board and Echo’s Board should meet on
to discuss this project.

DOH report on Pump House was received. 

ACAP requesting the use of the Grange as a site for emergency evacuation of Head Start.  They
also contacted Jim Morgan, Highway Superintendent, to use the Lunch Room as another site.
They want a site they can walk and drive to.

Amanda Perez was present at the meeting.  Ms. Perez voiced her concerns about the Old Dock
House and how her concerns have been handled by the Code Enforcement Officer.  She had also sent a
 letter to the Town voicing the same concerns.  The Board members did not have a chance to read her
letter before the meeting and stated that they would read the letter and set up a meeting with Dave Lansing,
Code Enforcement Officer and Ms. Perez.

Diane Lansing suggested we set a phone tree to use to notify the Town when there is a problem
with the water in Town.  Supervisor Jackson felt this was a great idea.   We put the notice of boil
water on cable and in the post office.  Lois and Audrey called the Town residents. Susan Kennedy was
 happy with this procedure.   Supervisor Jackson felt that the notification could have gone better. 
Councilman Sayward was also concerned about who was going to be in charge of the phone tree. Councilman
Sayward was concerned that the Town is responsible for the notification in situation such as this.  These
people are volunteers and what happens if someone decides not to make calls who is going to be in
charge of handling that situation.  Councilman Sayward stated that he was not opposed to the phone tree
but there are flaws to the system.   He feels that this should be under the jurisdiction of the Town Officials
since we will have to answer to the people if there are problems.  Councilman LaForest feels that we
should still do the phone calls from the office, put notice on cable TV and post notice at the Post Office.
He also feels if this group wants to make the calls in addition to what the Town has done it would be
appropriate.  Supervisor Jackson will get State Policy and we can adopt that policy.

Erin Hall has applied to be secretary to the Planning Board.  Misty Murcray has applied for the mowing
job. Up until two days ago Supervisor Jackson felt that the same people were going to do the mowing
this year.   Don Doyle is doing Boquet and Kevin Sayre mowed the Town Hall yard today and he will do
Beggs.  Eugene Benway does not want to mow this year, so we are short a person to mow the ball park
and the cemeteries.  Misty said she would do it, but I think the position should be advertised.  We will contract
with Misty Murcray for one month.  Both postions will be advertised. Councilwoman LaPine wanted
to know what was going to be done about this month’s Planning Board Meeting.  Supervisor Jackson felt
that Nick Muller will take the minutes.  Will need someone to do the copying and distribute it to the
 Board.  Hopefully we will have someone in place next month. Councilman LaPine felt we should pay
 them.   Councilman Sayward feels the mowing should be done by one person in the future.   Supervisor
Jackson feels that in future there could be enough work to hire a full time person for mowing, sidewalks
 in the winter and all the jobs that need to be done.  Supervisor Jackson stated that at budget time we
 need to discuss adding this position and decide if it will be full or part-time.  Then we will need to
advertise. Councilman LaForest will check with Leta MacDougla to see if she will continue mowing the
Grange Hall property.
 
Councilman LaForest made motion to contract with Misty Murcray for mowing for 1 month and someone
from the Planning Board for 1 month to act as secretary.  Seconded by Councilwoman LaPine.
Roll call:  Councilwoman LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes, Supervisor Jackson-yes, Councilman
Wrisley-yes and Councilman Sayward-yes. 

Both positions will be advertised in the Valley News.

Interviews for both positions will held on June 14th. 2007 prior to the Board Meeting.  At 6:30 PM on
June 14th applicants for Planning Board Secretary will be interviewed.  At 6:45 PM applicants for the
 mowing position will be interviewed.

Unfinished Business
On May 9, 2007 the bid for the truck and snow plow were opened at 3PM. 
Bid Talley:
Truck & Chassis: It is a bit of a job getting to apples and apples and the bidding was very close. 
Beam Mack didn’t have the requested warranty for the transmission.  If you don’t add the extra to MA
Jerry to to our requirement then MA Jerry is the low bidder.

                Beam Mack is $99,343.69
                MA Jerry is        98,806.00

Plow, Wing, &Sander:  These are straight forward.

                 Viking              $53,750
                  Henderson         54,678
                  Route 11 Truck 59,152

Combined MA Jerry (with additional warranty on the transmission) and Viking is $154,340.
Tracy (with T&T Body King equipment) is $173,134.

If we pay in two payments with a year lease we will save an additional $7500 on the MA Jerry truck
Bringing the total down to $146,840.

 The bid for the new truck is awarded to M. A. Jerry and Viking as low bidder. Supervisor Jackson
Will check with the insurance to see if we can pay in two payments.  If we can we will save $7,500.
This is to establish lease. It would make the price less than $150.00.   Motion made by Councilman
Sayward to accept bid fro new truck.  Seconded by Councilman Wrisley.  Roll call: Councilwoman
LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes, Supervisor Jackson-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and
Councilman Sayward-yes. 

Supervisor Jackson reported on the pump house problem which had a boil water order for 4 weeks.
 James Morgan, Emmett Coonrod and Supervisor Jackson all spent time working on the problems at the
 Pump House.  Dave Winter came from Keeseville and did our calibration for us.  Dave said he would be
 willing to have a contract to do all our calibrations. Susan Kennedy was here four different days. Engineers
 from DOH were here three days.  Basically we had 2 problems and a lot of symptoms. Several times we
 would fix a symptom only to find out we still had the problem.  The two basic problems were the
 automated valve on the suction for the holding pump.  The coupling failed and the valve was in the
 closed position, so the pump was not getting a good coating.  We found this and thought everything was
 solved. Everything seemed fine for 2 day then the turbidity went up again. We went through with flow
 meters and there was no cross connect. By process of elimination the problem had to be in the filter.
 The problem was the check valve on the coating pump. This problem was resolved. New equipment for
 this has been ordered, in the mean time the coating process is being done by hand.  Everything
 is working fine and will be better when we can go back to the automated process.  The long term solution
 is replacing DE filters. Susan Kennedy is aware now of the extent of our problems.  She saw the mud
 coming out of the river along the shore. Last year she thought that the blue green algae would never be
a problem for our drinking water. A nor’easter could cause a potential problem. As a tempory measure we
 are going to get activated carbon that will take out any taste, any toxins that get through. The long term
solution is to replace the DE filters with a multi media filter which is a two stage filter.  The first being
a sand filter and the second being an activated carbon filter.    Ultra violet light is the next step that is going
 to be required. It will kill all bacteria and pathogens of all kinds. The question is when, not if.  Susan
Kennedy would like to see it all done at one time.  The ultra violet provides several benefits in addition to
 total sterilization. The amount of chlorine will be reduced by half. The chlorine contact tank
is no longer\required.  This has been the limiting factor as to what we can pump.  We can then put in the size
 pump we want.   Supervisor Jackson met with Todd at AES and discussed what need to be done.  He estimated
 it would cost about$600,000.  If we can get the points we need from the DOH three fourths can be paid out
of the revolving fund.  Our cost could be paid out of the money we receive from Nextel over the next
twenty years.  Going over application with Vic Putnam, it appears we have sufficient points.  One of the
items you get larger number for is correction to a polluted well.  This is worth 40 points and the Ackley which would put us up to 215.  The cut off this year was 200 points. Councilman Sayward felt we should try
for it.    Councilwoman LaPine asked if the filter needed to be changed this year. Supervisor Jackson stated
no.  Supervisor Jackson stated that the time is coming when they will need to be replaced.  Councilwoman
LaPine asked if extension was ever finalized.  Supervisor  Jackson stated we have not gotten a final bill or
final word from Bill Kissell.  Councilwoman LaPine said she would call him.   Gilbert Belize is coming
to finish the water meters.  We will read the meters as soon as they are all installed.  Councilwoman
LaPine asked if we have a program to do water bills when the meters are being used.  Lois Skyward
stated that someone would like to write a program for this.  One of the programmers from the County
will try to work on this when he has time.   If he can’t then we will have to find someone to do it. 

Councilwoman LaPine asked if anyone was coming to look at the financial book of the Town Clerk for
1/1/06 – 9/30/06.  Councilwoman LaPine will call Mike Deskin to set up appointment.  If Mike can’t send
anyone then a state auditor should be called in.

Cross Road – Mr. Lewis was to come in and give a deposition for lawyers and this has been postponed
until July.   We are still waiting for the final date to go back to court on our lawsuit.

Motion made to extend Fuller contract by Councilman La Forest.  Seconded by Councilman Wrisley.
Lee Ackley was told that the extension to his home will cost him unless we get the grant.  Supervisor
Jackson stated he will get a contract with Lee on this matter.  This matter was thoroughly discussed.
 Roll call: Councilwoman LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes, Supervisor Jackson-yes, Councilman
Wrisley-yes and Councilman Sayward-yes. 

Fill in at Transfer Site was tabled.

Town Shed window project was tabled.

Discussion of Local Law for Building Codes tabled.

Essex Theatre Company would like to use the Grange Hall again.  Charles Commack drafted a
contract on our letter head.  We can make changes if we want Councilman LaForest stated that the
Grange committee has not been empowered by the Town Board to enter into contracts. The committee
 decided that every time some one needs a contract to use the Grange Hall the contract will come from the
Town Board until the committee is empowered to enter into contracts   Supervisor Jackson feels that we
 should have a formal contract for use of the Grange.   The Grange is more complicated than Beggs Point.  We
 are talking damage cleanup and all the rest.  We need to look at a formal contract everyone will need to
sign.  A deposit and a rate schedule need to set up. Councilman Sayward says from an insurance standpoint
that a formal contract is a good idea.  Supervisor Jackson stated that we probably should have a contract for
 use of Beggs Point. Councilman Wrisley agreed a security deposit was a good idea, so if contractual
obligations are not met we have resources to pay for clean up and damages.  Councilman LaForest said that
people would give a check for security deposit and if Grange is cleaned and undamaged the check would
be returned. The Children’s Theater needs to understand if they use the Grange this year they will be responsible for any damage they cause and they are responsible for cleanup.  Last year they left a mess at the Grange that
the Town had to cleanup.  Supervisor Jackson would like Lou Comeau to draft a contract for us to use.
Motion made to accept the proposed contract with Essex Theatre Co. for three weeks (5/30/07-6/19/07)
at $75.00 per week. by Councilman Wrisley.  Seconded by Councilman Sayward.   Roll call:
Councilwoman LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes, Supervisor Jackson-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes
and Councilman Sayward.

Supervisor Jackson asked Councilman LaForest to meet with Lou Comeau and discuss a fee schedule
and contract.   Councilman LaForest to report back to the Town Board with this information at next
Month’s meeting.

Senator Little-grant papers have been received.  Fortunately it is DOT funds and we have sent paperwork in
and anticipate receiving check soon.

Employee Manual review tabled.

New Business

Supervisor Jackson requested permission to sign the contract with NCSPCA.  Motion made to sign
the contract and pay them 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.

Audrey Hoskins and Lois Sayward attended a DECALS class in Raybrook today. Audrey reported that starting next year DECALS will be internet based and Verizon is their supplier.  We will need to check with
Cornerstone to see if we will incur long distance charges each time we dial in to Albany to sell a fishing or
hunting license.

 

Vic Putnam working on paper work for the 1 million dollar Pataki grant.  We should be getting the money very soon. In the mean time we will have nothing left in the contingency fund if we continue paying bills out of the contingency fund. Supervisor Jackson contacted the comptroller and was told no problem in doing a budget ammendent.adding unexpended balance. We need to show what it is for and how we are paying it back.   This will be a budget amendment and the
unexpended balance will be transferred into the account, and then transferred to the sewer account. We get the million dollars we put this money back and it will become unexpended balance at the end of the year.
We will do this on a monthly bases to cover the bills.

 

RESOLUTION #8 of 2007
May 10, 2007

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY _Councilman LaForest_______________________, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION.

WHEREAS, The Town of Essex has been awarded a million dollar grant from former Governor Pataki to design and help build a wastewater treatment plant and collection system; and

WHEREAS, the paperwork for the grant is still being processed by New York State; and

WHEREAS, in anticipation of this grant the Town Board of Essex has authorized AES North East to proceed with the final design for our system; and

WHERES, paying the invoices for the design work until the money from the Pataki Grant is available is beyond the amount of money available in our 2007 Budget; so

BE IT RESOLVED that the Town of Essex amends our 2007 budget by $29,477.70 from the General Fund unexpended balance to Account Code A9050.8, transfer to other funds, and then transfers this same $29,477.70 to our Sewer Fund Account.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town of Essex will repay this loan of $29,477.70 from the Pataki Grant when the funds are received and deposited in Account Code A5031, Inter Fund Transfer, and at the end of the year will once again become part of the General Fund unexpended balance.

THIS RESOLUTION WAS DULY SECONDED BY CouncilmSayward_______________________ AND WAS ADOPTED.

ROLL CALL:
            Jackson_____yes_______
            LaPine______yes_____
            Sayward_____yes______
            Wrisley_____ yes______
            LaForest_____yes_____

Library chimney:  Slab Hollow came and checked it.  A brick fell off the top and fell in the chimney.  They are recommending we put in a stainless steel flexible liner to address the
problem.  Supervisor Jackson asked Dave           to find someone else to give us their
opinion on the repairs needed.

Supervisor Jackson asked the Board to pass a resolution of thanks for Chris Mathey.  He was
Congressman McHugh’s Washington Aide.  He just got married and has taken a job in private industry.  He has been very helpful over the years and just wanted to thank him.   Motion made
for resolution of thanks by Supervisor Jackson. Seconded by Councilman Sayward.  Roll call:
Councilwoman LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes, Supervisor Jackson-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and Councilman Sayward-yes.

We need to schedule a Water Committee meeting.

Councilman Sayward asked about the outside wood burning stoves.  Supervisor Jackson has
This scheduled for next month’s meeting. 

Discussion of Bills
General Prepay                 $ 1231.18
Highway Prepay                    300.00
Transfer Station Prepay         287.37
Water/Lights Prepay              194.84
General                               14025.21
Highway                               4572.18
Water/Lights etc                    8592.87
Lake St. Wall                           223.25           
Street Lights                             559.01
Transfer Station                      1504.38
Sewer Loan                           29477.70          

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

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

Water Rents:  Motion to approve water rents made by Councilwoman LaPine. Seconded by
Councilman Sayward.   Roll Call:  Councilwoman LaPine-yes, Councilman Laforest-yes,
Supervisor Jackson-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and Councilman Sayward-yes.

Supervisor’s Report:  Motion to approve Supervisor’s report as presented made by
Councilman LaForest.  Seconded by Councilwoman LaPine.   Roll Call: Councilwoman
LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes, Supervisor Jackson-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes
And Councilman Sayward-yes.
 
The Town Clerk reported to the Board that a bounced check by a tax payer left her short on
the return to Treasurer.  The Town will have to pay the Treasurer $40.97.

Meeting adjournment made by Councilman LaForest  .  Meeting adjourned At 10:05 PM

 

 

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