Minutes, News and Notes from the June 11th, 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 at 7:03 PM.
Supervisor Jackson asked for a moment of silence for Bill Sharp.
Supervisor Jackson led us in the Pledge to the Flag.
On roll call Board Members present were Councilwoman LaPine, Councilman LaForest, Supervisor Jackson, Councilman Wrisley and Councilman Sayward absent. Also present were James Morgan, Superintendent of Highway, and Audrey Hoskins, Town Clerk.
Visitors included Sharon Boisen and Ted Cornell. Supervisor Jackson greeted visitors and offered the courtesy of the floor.
Approving of minutes
Motion to accept May 14, 2009 Informational 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-absent.
Motion to accept May 14, 2009 Regular Board meeting 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 -absent.
Motion to accept May 16, 2009 Informational meeting minutes made by Councilman LaForest.Seconded by Councilwoman LaPine. Roll call Councilwoman LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes, Supervisor Jackson-yes, Councilman Wrisley-abstain and Councilman Sayward-absent.
Motion to accept May 19, 2009 Informational 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- absent. .
Planning Board Report
Supervisor Jackson stated the Planning Board had an informational meeting with Katherine Preston and John Bingham regarding the windmill they want to install at their home.
Zoning Officer’s Report
From May 13, 2009 through June 9, 2009 I have issued the following permits:
· 5-21-09 Z-283 Zoning permit to Jim Morgan of 1538 NYS Route 22 for a 2 stall garage $20.
· 5-21-09 A-892 Building permit to Jim Morgan of 1538 NYS Route 22 for a 2 stall garage $40.
· 5-28-09 CO-893 Certificate of Occupancy to Jason Keech of 72 Alden Road for a single family dwelling N/C
I continue to make inspections of on-going projects.
Respectfully submitted, David Lansing
Councilman Sayward arrived at 7:10 PM.
Supervisor’s County Report
A Hazardous waste day has been scheduled at the Lewis Transfer site on Saturday, August 1, 2009.
Retirement costs are going up around 50% over this years cost. This is a result of the Wall Street problems.
The County and the Towns are going to have to hire an actuarial to figure the future retirement medical costs.
Correspondence
Supervisor Jackson announced the EFC funding. We have 4 million in grants and 3.7 million in loans. It may be the other 2.7 million that we are not borrowing is what Rural Developmental is giving as loan forgiveness. Supervisor Jackson stated that he looks at is 5 million, 4 million grant and 1 million as loan. We are waiting for the decision from Rural Development, which is suppose to announce by Monday who has been awarded funding.
We have received our first draw down check form the Pataki million. It was for $192,520, which is 90% of the $210,000. The other 10% will be received in the last payment. This money will be used to pay back the General Fund from the Sewer Loan
fund.
We have received a Notice of Violation on our oil tanks at the highway garage. There are 3 tanks with problems. The waste oil tank has no containment. Jim Morgan, Highway Superintendent has furnace oil tank that he can install inside with regular containment underneath it and is only a couple hundred dollars. This will solve on problem. The fuel oil tank is another problem. It has no gage and there is no containment. Supervisor Jackson feels the best solution is to put two regular furnaces oil tanks inside the garage or outside and put containment under and a cover over the top. The tank that is more of a problem is the one buried under ground. It has been dug up and a cathodic test will be done on the tank on Friday. DEC wants this tank above ground. Jim Morgan called to see if this tank could be moved above ground and was told no that this tank is an underground tank. The difference between an underground tank and an above the ground tank was discussed. The question was asked how much would the fine be? Jim Morgan stated it would be $37,500 per day. Supervisor Jackson stated we would replace the outside tanks. This will give us time to look for more information and prices on the above the ground Dike tank.
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NYS OPR&HP did not fund our request for refacing of the Retaining Wall.
The Town received a letter from Essex Fire department requesting a contribution of $1000 toward the July 4th celebration. There were no objections by the Board.
The Town received a letter from Clayton Wrisley asking if the Town would be interested in using a pellet stove. The Board was given copies of the letter and Councilman LaForest made the motion to have Supervisor Jackson write a letter exploring the possibilities of pellet stove. Seconded by Councilwoman LaPine. Roll call Councilwoman LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes, Supervisor Jackson-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and Councilman Sayward-yes.
Unfinished Business
The farmer’s market contract was discussed by the Town Board. Motion to give permission to Supervisor Jackson to sign the contract with Farmers’ Market Committee of the Ausable Valley Grange #973 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.
Councilman Sayward asked if the Town has any liability for the market. Supervisor Jackson stated he would inform the insurance that the market would be taking place on Town property.
The winter parking law was discussed. Motion was made to pursue passing Local Law # 2 of 2009 Winter Parking was 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.
Wastewater system update.
The Town received a letter from Rural Development two weeks ago. Initially we were told we did not need to do the final application until we were funded. Now Rural Development wants the final application and requested it be there it be there on Monday. It was not possible to have it that quickly and Supervisor Jackson delivered it on Friday.
Supervisor Jackson was told when he delivered the paperwork to Rural Development that he was going to need the final engineering report for the water. In order to have a final engineering report the test wells will need to be drilled. Test pumping will need to be done and the water will need to be analyzed. Supervisor Jackson stated that at the present time we do not have the money to do this. We have applied for planning aide which will hopefully give us $7500 to help with the engineering report.
The bond referendum passed 91 yes to 5 no.
Pataki million drawdown the Town received $191,520 on 6/10/09.
Old Stone Church update
The project at the Old Stone Church is close to completion. Councilwoman LaPine stated the exterior of the building looks nice. Supervisor Jackson stated the contractor doing this project Jameson Construction is the one he would like to look at the retaining wall and give us an estimate for the refacing. Councilman Sayward asked if we have the spec for the refacing of the wall. Supervisor Jackson stated that since the drainage could not be done money was shifted around and used for other project such as new flooring and upgrades to bathrooms.
Ted Cornell updated the Board on the progress at the Grange Hall. Mr. Cornell stated The new ceiling is being installed. Sheet rock is being installed. Mr. Cornell stated the goal is to have most of the work done in time for the Idol contest. There has been 200 hours of volunteer labor invested in the Grange Hall. About $22,000 has been spent to date on the refurbishing of the Grange Hall. The electrical has had some changes. The original fixtures will be refurbished and two commercial fans will be installed in the ceiling. Mr. Cornell asked permission to do an RFP for the next phase of the electrical work, which will bring in a 200 amp service. Jim Carroll, Tom Sherman and Chris Buckley have been helping with the lighting designs. NYSEG has been contacted to make sure the design is done according to their specs. Skip Smithson has designed the service and will cost about four or five thousand dollars. The new septic system has been postponed at this time because we do not have funding for the project. The APA came and check Norma Goff’s property adjacent to the Grange Hall and there are wetlands along the property line. Mr. Cornell stated he did not know how this issue would be resolved. Contributions have slowed down. Fire code violation will be address along with other miscellaneous projects. The painting will be done by volunteers. Supervisor Jackson informed Jim Morgan, Town Highway Superintendent that Jonathan Pribble will lend his small excavator to the Town for use in digging the drainage at the Grange Hall. The new handicapped ramp will be installed very soon.
Motion made to do an RFP for the next phase of the electrical work at the Grange Hall 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.
New Business
Congress McHugh has been promoted to Secretary of the Army.
The Town will need a new SPEDES permit for our water plant. This permit allows for discharge of water into the Lake or ground water. It was thought since we do not discharge in the Lake that the permit was not needed and Vinnie Cavanaugh cancelled it.
Now due to problems in another city with their discharge, the Town now needs to do a new SPEDES permit.
RESOLUTION # 17 of 2009
Dated: June 11, 2009
Authorizing the Supervisor to Execute a Funding Application to the USDA - Rural Utilities Service – Rural Development Agency for Sewer System Improvements
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY Councilman LaForest, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Essex hereby authorizes Ron Jackson, the Town Supervisor, or his successor to execute funding applications to the USDA - RUS – Rural Development Agency, NYS Environmental Facilities Corporation and any other potential funding source relating to the planning and development of wastewater system improvements serving Essex Hamlet,
THIS RESOLUTION WAS DULY SECONDED BY Councilman Wrisley AND WAS DECLARED DULY ADOPTED.
BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF ESSEX,
ESSEX COUNTY, NEW YORK.
BY:__________________________________
Audrey Hoskins, Town Clerk
ROLL CALL VOTE:
SUPERVISOR Jackson voting yes
COUNCILWOMAN LaPine voting yes
COUNCILMAN Sayward voting yes
COUNCILMAN Wrisley voting yes
COUNCILMAN LaForest voting yes
This is an Equal Opportunity Program. Discrimination is prohibited by Federal Law. Complaints of discrimination may be filed with USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Bldg., 1400 Independence Ave, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410
RESOLUTION # 18 of 2009
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY Councilman Sayward, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION.
WHEREAS, The Town Board of the Town of Essex has good reason to believe that we will be successful in our efforts to obtain funding to construct a Wastewater Collection System and Wastewater Treatment Plant, and
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Essex realizes that some of the funding will be in the form of Bonds, and
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Essex has contracted with Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe for many years and they have always served the Town of Essex well, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Essex authorizes the Supervisor to sign an extension with Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe to be our Bond Council for our Wastewater Project.
THIS RESOLUTION WAS DULY SECONDED BY Councilman LaForest AND WAS ADOPTED.
ROLL CALL:
Jackson yes
LaPine yes
Sayward yes
Wrisley yes
LaForest yes
RESOLUTION # 19 of 2009
Dated: June 11, 2009
Authorizing the Supervisor to Execute a Funding Application to the USDA - Rural Utilities Service – Rural Development Agency for Water System Planning Improvements
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY Councilman LaForest, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Essex hereby authorizes Ron Jackson, the Town Supervisor, or his successor to execute funding applications to the USDA - RUS – Rural Development Agency, NYS Environmental Facilities Corporation and any other potential funding source relating to the planning and development of wastewater system improvements serving Essex Hamlet,
THIS RESOLUTION WAS DULY SECONDED BY Councilman Wrisley AND WAS DECLARED DULY ADOPTED.
BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF ESSEX,
ESSEX COUNTY, NEW YORK.
BY:__________________________________
Audrey Hoskins, Town Clerk
ROLL CALL VOTE:
SUPERVISOR Jackson voting yes
COUNCILWOMAN LaPine voting yes
COUNCILMAN Sayward voting yes
COUNCILMAN Wrisley voting yes
COUNCILMAN LaForest voting yes
This is an Equal Opportunity Program. Discrimination is prohibited by Federal Law. Complaints of discrimination may be filed with USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Bldg., 1400 Independence Ave, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410
Resolution #20 of 2009 Final Order on Wastewater Bond. See attached.
RESOLUTION # 21 of 2009
June 11, 2009
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY Councilman Sayward, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION.
BE IT RESOLVED that the Town of Essex Transfer $40,468.27 from the General Fund Account A9050.8 to the Sewer Fund Loan account.
THIS RESOLUTION WAS DULY SECONDED BY Councilman Wrisley AND WAS ADOPTED.
ROLL CALL:
Jackson yes
LaPine yes
Sayward yes
Wrisley yes
LaForest yes
Resolution # 22 of 2009 Form of Bond Resolution. See attached.
RESOLUTION # 23 of 2009
Dated: June 11, 2009
Authorizing the Supervisor to Execute a Funding Application to the USDA - Rural Utilities Service – Rural Development Agency for Water System Improvements
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY Councilman Wrisley, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Essex hereby authorizes Ron Jackson, the Town Supervisor, or his successor to execute funding applications to the USDA - RUS – Rural Development Agency, NYS Environmental Facilities Corporation and any other potential funding source relating to the planning and development of water system improvements serving Essex Hamlet,
THIS RESOLUTION WAS DULY SECONDED BY Councilwoman LaPine AND WAS DECLARED DULY ADOPTED.
BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF ESSEX,
ESSEX COUNTY, NEW YORK.
BY:__________________________________
Audrey Hoskins, Town Clerk
ROLL CALL VOTE:
SUPERVISOR Jackson voting yes
COUNCILWOMAN LaPine voting yes
COUNCILMAN Sayward voting yes
COUNCILMAN Wrisley voting yes
COUNCILMAN LaForest voting yes
This is an Equal Opportunity Program. Discrimination is prohibited by Federal Law. Complaints of discrimination may be filed with USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Bldg., 1400 Independence Ave, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410
Committee Meetings
Wastewater Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday, June 18, 2009 at 7PM with Special Board meeting if needed.
Councilman LaForest thanked Supervisor Jackson and Sharon Boisen for the many hours of work they put into the Wastewater project and referurasndum Supervisor Jackson stated there were many people who helped
Discussion of bills
General $ 4596.58
Highway 39885.09
Transfer Station 2504.81
Water 683.36
Street Lights 545.00
Old Stone Church 172.07
Sewer Loan 40468.27
Water Prepay 49.57
General Prepay 365.13
Bills were discussed and there were two additions to the general fund and two account number corrections. A motion to accept bills as corrected was 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.
Supervisor’s Financial Report
Motion to accept Town Clerk’s report as presented was 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 was made by Councilman Wrisley. 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 the Super visor’s Report as presented made by Councilman Wrisley. Seconded by Councilman Sayward. Roll call Councilwoman LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes, Supervisor Jackson-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and Councilman
Sayward-yes.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:48 PM.
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