Minutes, News and Notes from the May 14th, 2009 Town Board Meeting:
you may also get full, approved copies of the minutes by visiting the Town Hall
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The meeting was called to order by Supervisor Jackson at 7:57 PM.
Supervisor Jackson led us in the Pledge to the Flag.
Supervisor Jackson asked for a moment of silence for Joe Ecclesine and Irene Maloney.
On roll call Board Members present were Councilwoman LaPine, Councilman LaForest, Supervisor Jackson, Councilman Wrisley and Councilman Sayward. Also present was Audrey Hoskins, Town Clerk and Lois Sayward.
Visitors included Wayne Ryan, James Dougan, Todd Hodgson and Dave Whitford from AES Northeast, Sally Johnson, Eileen Kelly, Lauren Murphy, Liz Wilson, Bonnie Monoski, Edward Monoski, Sharon Boisen, Norma Goff, Stephen Cunnion, Tom Duca, Vic Putman, Essex County Community Development and Planning Director and Steve Broadwell, Superintendent of Willsboro Central School.
Supervisor Jackson offered the courtesy of the floor to Mr., Broadwell. Mr. Broadwell gave an update on the activities at Willsboro Central School and the budget for the new school year 2009-2010. Mr. Broadwell stated the goal of the budget committee was to
streamline the budget this year. The tax levy is going to be zero percent. The projected tax rate is going to decrease by fifty-five cents this year. The budget increase is 2.99 percent this year the lowest in six years and we have the lowest contingency figure .Mr. Broadwell stated Willsboro received its State report and they are a school in good standing and have been ever since the State has issued this report. The school was audited by the State Comptroller and the result was the school had a clean audit report. The old school has been sold. The money slated for demolition can now be used for other projects. The school would like to use $40,000 of this money to reduce the tax levy and apply $300,000 to capital reserve fund for a future bus garage. The budget was cut by $112,000 but we received good news. The American Recovery Investment Act put the money back into the school budget. We were told to use this money to preserve position and advance student reform. The school is going to retain an elementary teacher and a teaching assistant enabling us to have a second pre-K class this year. The school is looking to expand their drama classes to an evening class and the students who participate will be able to earn college credits. Voting on the budget is schedule for May 19, 2009 at the school from 12 noon to 8PM.
Motion to approve April 9, 2009 Regular Board meeting minutes 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.
Motion to approve April 21, 2009 Special Meeting minutes made 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.
Motion to accept April 23, 2009 Emergency Board Meeting minutes 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.
Motion to approve May 6, 2009 Special Board Meeting minutes made by Councilman Wrisley. Seconded by Councilman LaForest. Roll call Councilwoman LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes, Supervisor Jackson-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and
Councilman Sayward-yes. Councilwoman asked if the electric bid from Bessboro was correct and Supervisor Jackson stated he contacted them and it was the correct bid.
Planning Board Report
No report was received by the Board this month.
Zoning Officer’s Report
From April 8, 2009 through May 13, 2009 I have issued the following permits:
· 4-14-09 A-881 Building permit to Liz Rapalee of 1598 NYS Route 22 for 2nd floor renovations $50.
· 4-15-09 Z-279 Zoning permit to Eddy Foundation of 6 Leaning Road for a tool shed/ root cellar $20.
· 4-15-09 A-882 Building permit to Eddy Foundation of 6 Leaning Road for a tool shed/root cellar $30.
· 4-16-09 Z-280 Zoning permit to Katherine Preston of 249 Christian Road for a wind turbine device $20.
· 4-16-09 A-883 Building permit to Katherine Preston of 249 Christian Road for a wind turbine device $30.
· 4-16-09 Z-281 Zoning permit to Katherine Preston of 249 Christian Road for an array of solar panels $20.
· 4-16-09 A-884 Building permit to Katherine Preston of 249 Christian Road for an array of solar panels $30.
· 4-21-09 CO-885 Certificate of occupancy to Sally Johnson of 2208 Lake Shore Road N/C (formerly owned by Barnaby)
· 4-21-09 C)-886 Certificate of occupancy to Sally Johnson of 2204 Lake Shore Road N/C (aka Champ Watch)
· 4-27-09 A-887 Building permit to Maureen Ecclesine of 409 Christian Road for a small enclosed porch $25.
· 5-1-09 A-888 Building permit to Town of Essex for renovations and alterations at 11 Church St. (aka Legion Hall) N/C
· 5-1-09 A-889 Building permit to John Dalton of 3 Beggs Point Road for renovations and repairs of a garage $60.
· 5-7-09 CO-890 Certificate of occupancy to Rudder Club of 2266 Lake Shore Road (Horton Who Holdings LLC) N/C
· 5-12-09 A-891 Building permit to Scott Hayes of 2668 NYS Route 22 for a garage as per APA permit $54.
I continue to make inspections of on-going project.
Respectfully submitted, David Lansing
Supervisor’ County Report
The County attorney, Dan Manning severely injured his knee cap in a charity basketball game. He will be in a cast from just below the hip to the ankle and will have it for 6-8 weeks. He is working mainly from home but is trying to arrange transportation into the office two days a week.
The Veterans clinic is in danger of being closed. The hearing was well attended by Supervisor and Veterans. The State has changed its policies and rules on staffing; they now require a full time M. D. in the clinic five days a week. We are hoping that the State will allow the clinic to run as it has been with a M. D. on call and a full time PA. Dr. Savel gave a very heart felt speech as to what the clinic and the veterans have meant to him and how important it is to have the clinic in Elizabethtown. Numerous veterans thanked him for his time and service to the clinic.
Correspondence
The town has received it Archeological survey from Black Drake Consulting and we also received our SERP certification for the wastewater system from DEC. The Town needs the official acceptance of the Archeological survey.
Unfinished Business
Wayne Ryan explained the fee structure in his contract to the Board for the wells. Councilman Sayward was very concerned about the one-half million dollar cost of the building for the water plant. Mr. Ryan stated the Town would have to pay the prevailing
wage rates, the buildings are built out of materials designed to last. Mr. Ryan stated that the cost of building is running $700 to $1000 per square foot. Mr. Ryan stated that AES Northeast has twenty years of experience in building costs. Supervisor Jackson stated that a requirement from DOH is that in the building enough space needs to be left in case any treatments are required for the equipment need to do these treatments. Supervisor Jackson stated that the estimates for the project are a little high, but it is better to have extra money than to not have enough money for the project and you never know what the bids will be for the project.
Motion made to give permission to Supervisor to sign the contract with AES Northeast for the water wells project made by Councilman Wrisley. Seconded by Councilman LaForest. Roll call Councilwoman LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes, Supervisor Jackson-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and Councilman Sayward-no.
The Farmers Market contract was discussed and additions were made to the contract regarding signage. Motion to give Supervisor Jackson permission to sign the Farmers Market contact with addition regarding signage was 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.
Norma Goff asked for permission to have the flags put on the light poles in Essex and Whallonsburg. NYSEG has given their permission for eight more poles for this summer. Ms. Goff stated she has received a donation of $200 in memory of Leola Cumm for the purchase of more flags for the Town and especially to be put more flags up in Whallonsburg. The motion to put up the flags was 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.
Councilwoman LaPine has worked with Judge Kupperman on revising the winter parking ban law. The copy of the law passed out is the one Moriah uses. Judge Kupper told Councilman LaPine that with this law in effect he could use his discretion to reduce tickets. The DA is involved with the process. The Town will benefit, by getting additional fees. The person benefits by not getting points on their license. Supervisor Jackson thanked the Town Clerk and the Deputy Town Clerk for the time spent researching old minute books to find the resolution on the parking ban. The resolution was in 1972 minutes. The Board agreed to start preparing the paper work to begin the process of making this local law #2 of 2009. The wording of the law was discussed and the revising the existing resolution was also discussed. This will be discussed again at the June meeting.
Water System update
The Town has sent in the Rural Development preliminary application. Supervisor Jackson stated that we are unlikely to be funded until next physical year which is October 2009 for the Federal Government.
Waste water system update was discussed earlier.
Old Stone Church update
It was discovered when starting excavation for the new drainage system that the building is built on a rubble foundation and it can not be disturbed. There will be a very shallow ditch put in place and membrane to direct water away from the foundation. Supervisor Jackson stated that if there is money leftover he would like to have another stair chair installed. Supervisor Jackson stated he would like to have new carpeting installed. The Town has received a quote from Jack’s flooring. Carpet would be around $1000 and new linoleum would be about $1800 for both installed
Wastewater Bond Resolution #11 see attached.
Resolution #16 set date for voting bond resolution.
RESOLUTION # 16 of 2009
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY Councilwoman LaPine, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION:
RESOLUTION DATED MAY 14, 2009.
A RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE HOLDING OF A SPECIAL TOWN ELECTION OF THE TOWN OF ESSEX, ESSEX COUNTY, NEW YORK, FOR THE PURPOSE OF SUBMITTING A PROPOSITION OF THE QUESTION OF APPROVING OR DISAPPROVING AN ORDER DATED MAY 14, 2009.
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Essex, Essex County, New York, has, heretofore at a meeting duly called held and conducted on May 14, 2009, adopted an Order authorizing the establishment of Sewer District No. 1 in the Town of Essex, Essex County, New York, including the cost of improvements, consisting of the construction of a sanitary sewer collection system and wastewater treatment plant, including pump stations and original furnishings, equipment, machinery, appurtenances, apparatus, and incidental improvements and expenses in connection therewith, at a revised and increased maximum estimated cost of $8,924,887, subject to referendum on the Board’s own motion; and WHEREAS, said Order does not take effect until a proposition for the approval thereof has been approved at a special election by the qualified owners of taxable real property situated in said proposed Sewer District No. 1, as shown upon the latest completed assessment roll of the Town; and
WHEREAS, this Town Board now desires to call such a special election of said Town for the submission of such proposition; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Essex, Essex County, New York, as follows:
Section 1. A special election of the qualified voters of the Town of Essex, Essex County, New York, being owners of taxable real property situated in the proposed Sewer District No. 1, as shown upon the latest completed assessment roll of the Town of Essex, Essex County, New York, shall be held on the 5th day of June, 2009, at the Essex Fire House in said Town for the purpose of voting upon a proposition with respect to the Order referred to in the preambles hereof. Voting shall be by voting machines and the polls at such special election shall be kept open between the hours of 2:00 o'clock P.M. to 9:00 o'clock P.M., Prevailing Time.
Section 2. The following persons are hereby selected from the list of election inspectors and ballot clerks previously designated by this Town Board for general election purposes, pursuant to the Election Law, to act as election inspectors and ballot clerks for said special election to be held on June 5, 2009:
Section 3. The persons named above shall be paid the sum of $10.50 per hour each for their services.
Section 4. This resolution shall take effect immediately.
BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Essex
THIS RESOLUTION WAS DULY SECONDED BY Councilman LaForest AND WAS ADOPTED.
ROLL CALL:
Jackson yes
LaPine yes
Sayward yes
Wrisley yes
LaForest yes
Supervisor Jackson stated that Ed Gardner had decided not to accept the position of summer lawn mowing. The Board discussed the hiring of Eugene Benway. Motion to appoint Eugene Benway to summer mowing position 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.
The Board discussed the transfer of $1000 from General Fund 1600215 to vehicle reserve CD. Motion to transfer $1000 from General Fund to vehicle CD made by Councilman Sayward. Seconded by Councilman Wrisley. Roll call Councilwoman LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes, Supervisor Jackson-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and Councilman Sayward-yes.
The Board discussed Resolution #14 Fund transfer to sewer loan.
RESOLUTION # 14 of 2009
May 14, 2009
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY Councilman Sayward, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION.
BE IT RESOLVED that the Town of Essex Transfer $26,535.22 from the General Fund Account A9050.8 to the Sewer Fund Loan account.
THIS RESOLUTION WAS DULY SECONDED BY Councilman LaForest AND WAS ADOPTED.
ROLL CALL:
Jackson yes
LaPine yes
Sayward yes
Wrisley yes
LaForest yes
Resolution #15 was discussed by the Board.
Resolution # 15 of 2009
May 14, 2009
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY Councilman Wrisley, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION.
BE IT RESOLVED that the Town of Essex Transfer $30,000 from the General Fund Account
A9050.8 to the Stone Church Fund Account.
THIS RESOLUTION WAS DULY SECONDED BY Councilman Sayward AND WAS ADOPTED.
ROLL CALL
Jackson yes
LaPine yes
Sayward yes
Wrisley yes
LaForest yes
The Agreement to spend Town Highway funds was discussed by the Town Board.
Motion to give permission to Supervisor Jackson to sign agreement for Town Highway funds was made by Councilwoman LaPine. Seconded by Councilman Wrisley. Roll call Councilwoman LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes, Supervisor Jackson-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and Councilman Sayward-yes.
Discussion of bills
General $ 3,674.27
Highway 20,459.50
Water 10,529.84
Street Lights 545.00
Transfer Station 1,812.35
Sewer Loan 26,535.22
Stone Church Fund 30,000.00
General Prepay 1,133.79
Highway Prepay 141.00
Water/Lights Prepay 50.59
Prepay Transfer Station 256.60
The Board discussed the bills and a motion was made by Councilman Sayward to pay bills as presented. Seconded by Councilwoman LaPine. Roll call Councilwoman LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes, Supervisor Jackson-yes and Councilman Sayward-yes.
Supervisor’s Financial Report
Motion to accept Town Clerk’s report as presented 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. Motion to accept water rents as presented made 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.
Motion to accept Supervisor’s report as presented made 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.
Councilman LaForest moved to adjourn the meeting.
Adjourned at 9:29 PM.
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