Minutes, News and Notes from the September 13th, 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 7:28 PM. Supervisor Jackson led us in the Pledge to the Flag.
Supervisor Jackson requested a moment of silence for Val Wrisley, for the victims of 9/11 and the soldiers who have died since.
On roll call Board 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; Stephan Cunnion, Janice Moran, Nancy Dougal, Meredith Parsons, Jonathan Pribble and Beautification Committee rep. Eileen Kelly.
Supervisor Jackson greeted the visitors and offered the courtesy of the floor. Nancy Dougal presented the tentative budget for Fire District 2, which is $72,756.
Meredith Parsons, President, Crater Club present a letter and a petition requesting a reduction in the speed limit on the Lakeshore Road. They would like the limit reduced from 40 mph to 30 mph. Supervisor Jackson explained the process for requesting a speed reduction. Ms. Parsons thanked the board.
Stan Tuller was not present at this’s month meeting to discuss the use of the ball field.
Minutes
August 9, 2007 Regular Board Meeting minutes: motion made by Councilman LaForest to approve with corrections. Seconded by Councilman Sayward. Roll Call: Councilwoman LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes, Supervisor Jackson-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and Councilman Sayward-yes.
August 23, 2007 Special Board Meeting: motion to approve minutes made by Councilman Wrisley. Seconded by Councilwoman LaPine. Roll Call: Councilwoman LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes, Supervisor Jackson-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and Councilman Sayward-yes.
Planning Board Report
Town of Essex Planning Board Meeting Summary for Town Board
Thursday, August 16, 2007 7PM
Craig and Teddi Jones Special Use Permit/ Mobile Vending Food Unit. Applicant was absent from the meeting so further discussion was tabled until applicants are present Rich and Sarah Wight Site Plan Review; Permit was approved conditioned on change in deed wording.
Eddy Foundation Subdivision on Walker Rd; Permit was approved Michael and Cynthia Pratt, Alvin and Linda Hyde Boundary/Lot Line Adjustment. ; Application was reviewed; Permit was approved. Kathleen Ginn and Patricia Tivnan Site Plan Review for demolition and rebuilding of house in the Crater Club. Application was reviewed and Public Hearing set for September 20, 2007.
The Planning Board Information Packet that was prepared to make the Planning Board process easier for Applicants was approved by the Board and was then sent to Town Hall, Ron Jackson, & David Lansing. The Planning Board’s goal is to have these documents, as well as the zoning regulations added to the Planning Board section of the Town of Essex internet page, and a notice sent to local builders, architects, the APA and town residents informing them of the existence of these explanatory documents.
Public concern was voiced in regards to the demolition of the Ginn property located in the Crater Club and the loss of a historic landmark.
Zoning Officer’s Report: David S. Lansing, Code Enforcement Officer
September 13, 2007
From August 10 to September 12, 2007 I have issued the following permits:
· 9-10-07 Building permit to Darla Baker, 121 Christian Road, for handicapped ramp [N/C]
· 9-10-07 Building permit to Peter MacBride of 12 Sandy Point Way for plumbing renovations. [$50.00]
I continue to make on-going inspection of current projects.
Respectfully submitted, David S. Lansing
Supervisor’s County Report:
The Jail is almost done. It is scheduled to open in early October, 10 months late,
but under budget.
Several Tax problems have arisen, which are fairly common when you have foreclosure notices sent. The majority of the problems were where a piece of property was purchased during the year and the new owner did not know there was an exemption on the property for the previous owner. The next years tax bill was all zeros at the top, but at the bottom in very fine print it stated you owe additional taxes. This was very easy to miss. In Essex it is not a problem because the property owner as well as the mortgage company gets a copy of the tax bill. It happened in three Towns, Lake Placid, Schroon and Wilmington. They do not send a copy of the tax bill to the owner if they have a mortgage so the property owner does not know there are additional taxes to pay. In those cases the penalty and fine was deferred and they only had to pay the taxes. The County is looking at reformatting the tax notice or putting in an additional piece of paper and require all Towns to send it to the property owners as well as the Mortgage Co.
Correspondence:
Lake wide there has been low density of potentially toxic blue green allege. This year the only places they have had problems are St. Albans Bay and Missisquoi Bay. We were tested and have none here in Essex.
Emmett Coonrod is now certified as the Water Operator. We encountered one problem Emmett went into the Army and did not graduate from High School; a High School diploma is a requirement. Susan Kennedy wrote a letter of support saying that his Army time served should count. NYS allowed it to count. Both our Water and Assistant Water Operator are certified.
We have received our insurance check for the wrecked truck from Peerless. The new truck is at Viking to have the plow, wing and sander installed.
We received a letter from John Albert on the reveter clause for the Legion Hall which has been rectified. Jim Morgan, Todd Goff and a few others got to gather and there is no longer a problem. Lauren Murphy is going to be working on the project with us and Supervisor Jackson will request she attend next month’s meeting. Joe Provoncha, Essex County Clerk said the new deed would be back in about ten days.
Unfinished Business:
Dave Lansing has not completed the final wording on the Building Codes. Dave has
been having some health issues. Supervisor Jackson hopes to have the wording completed for next month’s meeting.
Outdoor Furnaces Law will need some changes. Will need to add alternate fuels such as grains,etc. Councilman LaForest feels we need to revisit whether or not we need a law for outdoor furnaces. The Board learned that there are DEC regulation pertaining to
outdoor furnaces. Supervisor Jackson asked the Board to think about the law and give him their input and the law will be discussed at next month’s meeting.
HEO Highway Department: James Morgan, Highway Superintendent informed the Board that Eric Holland passed his CDL test. Mr. Morgan would like Eric to start on October 1, 2007. Motion to hire Eric Holland 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. Councilwoman LaPine asked if it is general policy for employees to take their test on the Town’s truck. Supervisor Jackson said this is standard practice when they are employed by the Town.
Wastewater System update: The form has been approved to be sent out for the Pataki Million. The Senate has been on vacation and there has been no vote on the Water Resources bill where our 5 million dollars will come from. They are back in session but still no vote.
Lewis Family Farm Lawsuit: On Tuesday September 18, 2007, Eugene Benway, Jim Morgan, Highway Superintendent and Supervisor Jackson will be questioned for a deposition by one of Mr. Lewis’ lawyers and our lawyer, Darrell Harp Jim Morgan, Highway Superintendent will not be here on the trial date October 16, 2007. On Mr. Lewis’ countersuit, Marco Turco gave his deposition which was taken, but the Insurance Co. will not go forward until Mr. Lewis gives his deposition.
Councilwoman LaPine asked if Mr. Lewis’ case with the APA has been resolved. Supervisor Jackson stated that about three weeks ago there was a hearing in Elizabethtown where depositions were taken. Supervisor Jackson said the Attorney General is the prosecutor not the APA.
Last month playground equipment for Beggs Park was discussed. Supervisor Jackson has talked with several community members who are willing to serve on a committee to look at different playground equipment. They are also willing to help raise funds toward the purchase of the equipment and they feel that they can raise a large percentage of the needed funds. Assemblywoman Theresa Sayward said she would help secure funding. Supervisor Jackson asked for permission to setup a committee. The Board members felt this was a good idea and gave their permission. Supervisor Jackson asked Councilwoman LaPine to serve as Board representative. Councilwoman LaPine agreed to serve on the committee.
Supervisor Jackson spoke with Lou Comeau about the PB &ZBA training requirements.
He does not feel that a resolution is needed since the State requirement is worded virtually the same as the resolution Willsboro has.
DPW was discussed. Supervisor Jackson feels there are pluses and minuses in creating a DPW. Councilman Sayward supports the DPW and feels we need to get started and not keep putting it off. Councilman Wrisley also feels that in the future it is going to be necessary. Councilman La Forest also agreed we need to move forward on the DPW. Councilwoman LaPine does not feel it is necessary to create a DPW at this time. She would like to see a thorough study of how the time is used and how it affects the budget at the Highway .Supervisor Jackson stated there will need to be public hearings in order to move forward with the DPW. It will have to go on the ballot. We are too late this year but need to get started so it can go on the ballot next year. The Supervisors whose Towns have a DPW feels this is one of the best thing the Town has done. It gives versatility and they feel it saves them money. Supervisor Jackson said he would get more information from the Towns that have a DPW Then the next step is get something in writing for the Town of Essex and see if we are interested in going forward. The Board agreed they need to see the Laws the other Towns have implemented.
Legion Hall deed has been filed and should be back in about ten days.
Lake Street Wall note is due next month. We have one more form for the DOT Multiple Module grant so hopefully we will have the money for the Lake Street Wall very soon. There should be money left after paying the note to go back in the General Fund.
Janice Moran asked if the problem with the Library chimney has been addressed. Supervisor Jackson has spoken with Jim Scozzafava and the furnace will be serviced and the stove pipe will be replaced. We are waiting for the final figures from John Podmore for the repairs.
New Business
Eileen Kelly from the Beautification Committee presented their recommendation for the garden area at the Town Hall. The committee feels that it has enough money to put in the garden. Supervisor Jackson stated the Town has a small amount it could use if they needed it.
Councilman LaForest thanked the Beautification Committee for all the work they did in Whallonsburg. It looks very nice.
Motion made asking the Beautification Committee to get prices of the plants for the garden at the Town Hall 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.
Resolution #13 of 2007 September 13, 2007
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY Councilman LaForest, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION.
WHEREAS, The Honorable Mark Kupperman is the Justice for The Town of Essex; and
WHEREAS, Judge Kupperman is applying for a 2007 – 2008 JCAP Grant; and
WHEREAS, It is certainly in the best interest of the Town of Essex to have our Justice Court receive this grant; so
BE IT RESOLVED that the Town of Essex supports this JCAP Grant Application
THIS RESOLUTION WAS DULY SECONDED BY Councilman Sayward AND WAS ADOPTED.
ROLL CALL:
Jackson yes
LaPine yes
Sayward yes
Wrisley yes
LaForest yes
This grant will be used to update law books. The Town does not have to match the funds.
Motion to give permission to Councilman LaForest to attend a Community Development Grantmanship conference in Potsdam made by Councilwoman LaPine. Seconded by
Councilman Wrisley. Roll Call: Councilwoman LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-abstain, Supervisor Jackson-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and Councilman Sayward-yes.
The cost for the conference is $35.00.
RESOLUTION # 14 OF 2007
Municipal Resolution for State Assistance Contract
Resolution authorizing the signing of State Assistance Contract # C303362, with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for an Essex Hamlet Wastewater Treatment Project.
WHEREAS, The Town of Essex, New York, herein called the “Municipality”, after thorough consideration of the various aspects of the problem and study of available data, has hereby determined that certain work, as described in this state assistance contract and attachments, herein referred to as the “Project”, is desirable, and is in the public interest and benefit of the Town of Essex.
WHEREAS, the Department of Environmental Conservation will provide state assistance funding from the Technology and Development Program, to the Town of Essex, by means of the State Assistance Contract # C303362; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE TOWN BOARD of the TOWN of ESSEX: That Supervisor Ronald E. Jackson, or such person’s successor in office, is the representative authorized and directed to execute State Assistance Contract # C303362 for the amount of $1,000,000, submit Project documentation, and otherwise act for the Municipality’s governing body in all matters related to the Project and to the receipt of state assistance from the Department of Environmental Conservation.
That the Municipality agrees that it will fund its portion of the cost of the Project, if applicable.
That one (1) certified copy of this Resolution will be prepared and sent to the Albany office of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation;
The attached Resolution shall take effect immediately.
Motion made by Councilman Wrisley authorizing the signing of the State Assistance Contract #C303362, with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for an Essex Hamlet Wastewater Treatment Project. The resolution was
seconded by Councilman Sayward and was adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilwoman LaPine-yes
Councilman LaForest-yes
Supervisor Jackson-yes
Councilman Wrisley-yes
Councilman Sayward
Resolution #15 of 2007 September 13, 2007
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY COUNCILMAN LAFOREST, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION.
WHEREAS, The Town of Essex; has from time to time paused to honor one of our own for long and meritorious service to our Community, and
WHEREAS, Katherine Cross certainly is a person who has served her community well from many years in many capacities from when she was a young lady continuing even today, and
WHEREAS, Katherine Cross has served the Town of Essex as the Secretary for the Supervisor for many years, as a member of the Youth Commission, and is still serving the Town on the Board of Assessment Review and as Emergency Secretary for the Supervisor, and
WHEREAS, Katherine Cross served the Community, now Methodist, Church in many capacities as well as the Republican Party, the Grange, the Essex Community Fund and countless other organizations, so
BE IT RESOLVED that the Town of Essex joins the Methodist Church in honoring Katherine Cross
THIS RESOLUTION WAS DULY SECONDED BY COUNCILWOMAN LAPINE AND WAS ADOPTED.
ROLL CALL:
Jackson yes
LaPine yes
Sayward yes
Wrisley yes
LaForest yes
Resolution # 16 of 2007 September 13, 3007 is for the remainder of funds needed for the new truck. The funds $53,750 will come from the Highway Reserve Fund to pay Viking for the new plow, wing and sander. There will be a balance of $119,543.19 left in the Highway Reserve Fund. It will take about two years to build the fund back up. The $103,783 we received from the insurance covers the cab and chassis only.
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY Councilman Wrisley, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION.
WHEREAS, The Town of Essex has awarded a bid to MA Jerry for a new tandem cab and chassis and to Viking for the new plow, wing and sander, and
WHEREAS, the Insurance on our old truck only covers the $103,783 for the cab and chassis and not the $53,750 for the Viking bid, so
BE IT RESOLVED that the Town of Essex will spend $53,750 from the Highway Reserve Fund to pay for the Viking bid. This will leave $119,543.95 in the Highway Reserve Fund.
THIS RESOLUTION WAS DULY SECONDED BY Councilman LaForest AND WAS ADOPTED.
ROLL CALL:
Jackson yes
LaPine yes
Sayward yes
Wrisley yes
LaForest yes
Councilwoman LaPine had an article from the newspaper that she shared with the Board. It was about Property Tax exemptions for Cold War Veterans between 1945 and 1991.
Committee Meetings
October 2, 2007 at 7 PM was set as date for line by line budget hearing. Supervisor Jackson said he would get a copy of line by line budget to the Board next week.
Councilman Sayward asked the status of the Cunnion property. Supervisor Jackson talked with Steve Cunnion and he would still like to work with the Town, but he has two concerns. The concerns are with assessments. He is concerned that if he sells the Town 1/3 of his property that his assessment will not go down. He is also worried that when the time comes to sell the property that he will not be able to profit from the sale. Supervisor Jackson will look into what can be done to alleviate Mr. Cunnion’s concerns.
Discussion of Bills
General $9695.29
Highway 4207.52
Transfer Station 2587.78
Water 3259.91
Lake Street Wall 73.25
Street Lights 559.00
Cultural Grant 1050.00
General Prepay 98.56
Highway Prepay 290.06
Water/Lights Prepay 150.55
Prepay Transfer Station 163.24
Motion to accept bills 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 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 Sayward. Roll Call: Councilwoman LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes, Supervisor Jackson-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and Councilman Sayward-yes.
Motion to accept Supervisor’s Report made by Councilman Sayward. Seconded by Councilman LaForest. Roll Call: Councilwoman LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest- yes, Supervisor Jackson-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and Councilman Sayward-yes.
Motion to Adjourn made by Councilman LaForest. Seconded by Councilman Sayward.
Meeting adjourned at 9:24 PM.
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