Minutes, News and Notes from the December 14th, 2006 Town Board Meeting:

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


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The Essex Town Board meeting for December was held on Thursday, December 14, 2006, at the Town Hall.  The Supervisor opened the meeting with the pledge to the flag at 7:00 p.m. 

A moment of silence was held for Reggie Carver, Coach Nick Scorsome and Leamon Moran.

On roll call, the following members of the board were present: Supervisor Ronald Jackson, Councilman Claire LaPine, Councilman James LaForest, Councilman Mark Wrisley and Councilman Steve Sayward.  Also present: Jim Morgan, Highway Superintendent, and Lois Sayward, Deputy Town Clerk.

Visitors included Shirley LaForest, Town Historian, Charlie Cammack, Bicentennial Committee and Robin Pierce, Executive Director Smith House Health Care Center.

The Supervisor offered the courtesy of the floor.

Councilman LaForest reported the Bicentennial Committee held 26 events.  He placed a letter in the councilman’s boxes from the Bicentennial Committee recommending the balance of the fund goes into the Town Historian’s account.

Shirley LaForest, Town Historian was honored the Bicentennial Committee would like to see her have the money for various projects.  She would like to purchase a fireproof cabinet, work on various projects with Morris Glenn, and place tools and artifacts from the Herrrick Cross house at the Boquet School House along with items from other farm families in the community. 

Charlie Cammack representing the Bicentennial Committee recommended the balance of approximately $3,600.00 is turned over to the Town Historian’s account.  He would like the board to consider this request.  

APPROVING OF MINUTES

The minutes of the October 12, 2006 Regular Town Board meeting were approved on motion by Councilman LaPine and seconded by Councilman Sayward. Roll call: Supervisor Jackson – yes, Councilman LaPine – yes, Councilman LaForest – yes, Councilman Wrisley – yes, and Councilman Sayward - yes. 

The minutes of the November 9, 2006 Regular Town Board meeting were approved on motion by Councilman LaForest and seconded by Councilman Wrisley: Roll call: Supervisor Jackson – yes, Councilman LaPine – yes, Councilman LaForest – yes, Councilman Wrisley – yes, and Councilman Sayward - yes. 

The minutes of the December 7, 2006 Special Town Board meeting were approved on motion by Councilman Wrisley and seconded by Councilman LaForest.  Roll call: Supervisor Jackson – yes, Councilman LaPine – yes, Councilman LaForest – yes, Councilman Wrisley – yes, and Councilman Sayward - yes.

PLANNING BOARD REPORT 

The Planning Board did not submit a report.  Supervisor Jackson read the November 16, 2006 agenda and reported under old business – Sandy Point of Essex LTD Special Use Permit for shoreline retaining wall, and Richmond Wight Site Plan Review to tear down and replace west wing of camp located on Lake Shore Road.

Under New Business – Steve McKenna’s Site Plan Review/Special Use permit for Cabins on the Lake Deli, and Charles Proutt Site Plan Review for addition of two porches, remodel west façade and replace gazebo with a garden shed.

ZONING OFFICER’S REPORT

The Supervisor read the report submitted by the Zoning Officer.                 

From November 9, 2006 to December 13, 2006 I have issued the following permits:

            · 11-11-06 Certificate of Occupancy #655 to Lawson Allen for new home at 1858 Lake Shore Drive.

· 11-14-06 Zoning permit #Z-263 to Lewis Family Farms for 3 single family dwellings (farm use) at the site of the former Carolyn Walker home at 909 Whallons Bay Road.

            · 11-14-06 Permits #A-656, #A-657, and #A-658 to Lewis Family Farms for foundations (farm use) at 909 Whallons Bay Road.

            · 11-15-06 Building permit #A-659 to Caryl Stewart and Summitt Builders for sunroom addition at 697 Middle Road.

            · 11-07-06 Demolition permit #A-660 to Rich Wight for camp addition at 1877 Lake Shore Road.

            · 11-30-06 Zoning permit #Z-264 to Lewis Family Farm for single-family home (farm use) on Clark Road across Whallons Bay Road from Grandview.

            · 11-30-06 Building permit #662 to Lewis Family Farm for foundation (farm use) at above site.

            · 12-01-06 Building permit #663 to Caryl Stewart for septic at 697 Middle Road.

            · 12-01-06 Certificate of Occupancy #664 to St. John’s Church for assembly hall at 4 Church Street.

            · 12-01-06 Certificate of Occupancy #665 to George Hearn for single-family home at 118 Middle Road.

            · 12-09-06 Building permit #666 to Margaret MacDougal for handicapped entrance and ramp at 2218 Lake Shore Road.

            · 12-11-06 Building permit #667 to Peter Schultz for barn renovations.

            · 12-13-06 Building permit #668 to Rich and Sara Wight for camp addition at 1877 Lake Shore Road.  

I continue to make on-going inspection of current projects.

Respectfully submitted, David S. Lansing

COUNTY REPORT

Supervisor Jackson reports the 2007 county tax levy was down by 1%.  He did not approve the cut.  He felt the unexpended balance was needed for future expenses. 

A private group would like to take over the Horace Nye Nursing Home.  A discussion was held with the pros and cons of the Nursing Home being privately owned.

KINNEY DRUGS

Robin Pierce, Executive Director of the Smith House Health Care Center reported Kinney Drugs would be closing on December 29th.  The news shocked and saddened the community.  The Smith House along with other members of the community is trying to make sure if there is a closure that it won’t be long term.  There has been a pharmacist in the community since 1885.  Smith House has space for a pharmacy on a short-term basis until a solution can be found.

CORRESPONDENCE

ACAP contract renewal will be discussed later on in the meeting.

BARBARA KUNZI ON SIDEWALK PROBLEMS – A letter (copy attached to minutes) has been filed by Barbara Kunzi with regard to problems with water on the sidewalks.  Supervisor Jackson asked David Lansing, Zoning Officer to have the water tested.  Supervisor Jackson will write letters and make suggestions on how correct the problems. 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Historic Essex parking lot – Jan Aikens (ECHO) has not set up a committee meeting to discuss the parking lot matters. 

FUEL BID – The fuel bid from Griffith Energy had been tabled at the November 9, 2006 meeting.  It was the only bid the town received.  Motion made by Councilman LaForest and seconded by Councilman LaPine to take off the table. Roll call:  Supervisor Jackson – yes, Councilman LaPine – yes, Councilman LaForest – yes, Councilman Wrisley – yes, and Councilman Sayward - yes. 

Councilman Sayward made the motion to accept Griffith Energy’s bid plus 26 cents a gallon above the rack price. 

#2 Fuel Oil                                    1.9365

Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel                 2.0290

Ultra Low Sulfur Winter Diesel      2.1290

Regular Unleaded Gasoline          1.8100

The prices above will fluctuate on the day of deliver, based on the Port of Albany rack price.

Councilman Wrisley seconded the motion. Roll call:  Supervisor Jackson – yes, Councilman LaPine – yes, Councilman LaForest – yes, Councilman Wrisley – yes, and Councilman Sayward - yes.

Cross Road – Councilman Wrisley made the motion to go into executive session at 7:45 p.m. to discuss legal matters.  Councilman LaPine seconded the motion. Roll call:  Supervisor Jackson – yes, Councilman LaPine – yes, Councilman LaForest – yes, Councilman Wrisley – yes, and Councilman Sayward - yes. 

Councilman LaForest made the motion to come out of executive session at 7:56 p.m.  The motion was seconded by Councilman Wrisley. Roll call:  Supervisor Jackson – yes, Councilman LaPine – yes, Councilman LaForest – yes, Councilman Wrisley – yes, and Councilman Sayward - yes. 

Hamlet Wastewater Funding –  Supervisor Jackson was pleased to announce the Town of Essex received one million dollars from the Governor’s office.  The paperwork has not arrived yet with the details.  Supervisor Jackson spoke to Steve Cunnion after receiving word of the money of the possibility of purchasing land behind the parking lot to help the town with this project. 

Motion made by Councilman Sayward and seconded by Councilman LaPine to begin or proceed with negotiations with Steve Cunnion to purchase property for a possible sewer plant and or pump station.  Roll Call: Supervisor Jackson – yes, Councilman LaPine – yes, Councilman LaForest – yes, Councilman Wrisley – yes, and Councilman Sayward – yes.

Motion made by Councilman Sayward and seconded by Councilman Wrisley to approve AES contract with increases with the understanding not to move forward until the board says to go.  Roll Call: Supervisor Jackson – yes, Councilman LaPine – yes, Councilman LaForest – yes, Councilman Wrisley – yes, and Councilman – yes.

BICENTENNIAL REQUESTS – Councilman Sayward made the motion to put the balance of the Bicentennial fund back into the general fund and pay bills as presented to the board from the Town Historian.  Councilman LaPine seconded this motion.  Roll Call: Supervisor Jackson – yes, Councilman LaPine – yes, Councilman LaForest – abstain, Councilman Wrisley – yes, and Councilman Sayward – yes.

Motion made by Supervisor Jackson to dissolve the Bicentennial Committee and send letters of gratitude to members for the time and effort they spent.  Councilman LaPine seconded the motion.  Roll Call: Supervisor Jackson – yes, Councilman LaPine – yes, Councilman LaForest – yes, Councilman Wrisley – yes, and Councilman Sayward – yes.

NEW BUSINESS

ACAP Contract – Supervisor Jackson presented the 2007 ACAP contract for renewal.  ACAP will contract with the Town of Essex $160.00 a month for use of the Senior Center.  Motion made by Councilman LaForest and seconded by Councilman Sayward to approve the signing of the 2007 contract with ACAP. Roll call: Supervisor Jackson – yes, Councilman LaPine – yes, Councilman LaForest – yes, Councilman Wrisley – yes, and Councilman Sayward - yes. 

Set date for end of the year meeting – The date for the end of the year meeting will be Friday, December 29, 2006 at 3:00 p.m.  The purpose of this meeting is to pay the end of the year bills and make transfers if needed.

Organizational Meeting – The Organizational meeting will be held Tuesday, January 2, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. 

COMMITTEE MEETINGS

A sewer committee meeting was set for January 25, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.

BILLS

Abstract #12 was presented for payment with the following totals: General Fund, vouchers 277-309, total $14,434.14, Highway – vouchers 142-162, total $26,512.43, Water – vouchers 59-63, total $1,609.15, Lake Street Wall – vouchers 3-4, total $2,212.34, Street Lights – voucher 12, total $575.00, Transfer Station – vouchers 40-43, total $1,943.08.  The bills were approved for payment on motion by Councilman Sayward and seconded by Councilman LaPine. Roll call: Supervisor Jackson – yes, Councilman LaPine – yes, Councilman LaForest – yes, Councilman Wrisley – yes, and Councilman Sayward - yes. 

FINANCIAL REPORTS

The Town Clerk’s report for November was approved on motion by Councilman LaForest and seconded by Councilman LaPine. Roll call: Supervisor Jackson – yes, Councilman LaPine – yes, Councilman LaForest – yes, Councilman Wrisley – yes, and Councilman Sayward - yes. 

The Water Rent report for November was approved on motion by Councilman LaForest and seconded by Councilman Sayward. Roll call: Supervisor Jackson – yes, Councilman LaPine – yes, Councilman LaForest – yes, Councilman Wrisley – yes, and Councilman Sayward - yes. 

The Supervisor’s report for November was approved on motion by Councilman LaForest and seconded by Councilman Wrisley. Roll call: Supervisor Jackson – yes, Councilman LaPine – yes, Councilman LaForest – yes, Councilman Wrisley – yes, and Councilman Sayward - yes. 

There being no more business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

 

 

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