HAGUE TOWN BOARD

AUDIT & REGULAR MEETING

JULY 13, 2004

6:00 P.M.

 

 

Supervisor Belden opened the audit meeting at 6:00 pm.

 

Members present:  Supervisor Belden, R. Meola and R. Gladu.

Absent:  W. Bothe and L. Megow.

 

The Board reviewed General & Highway claims.

 

Regular meeting opened at 6:30 pm.

 

Moment of Silence:  Alison North, Millie Stockholm, Carl Stacy, Harry White, Bill Glenn, Mabel Mitchel.

 

Welcome Guest/Privilege of the floor:  Mr. Scott Olsen, Casella Waste Manager asked the Board and the public if they had any questions or concerns in regards to the new operation of the transfer station.

 

 

Supervisor Belden – Has no complaints with the operation.

 

Dick Gladu – Cardboard in large quantities need to be separated.

 

Dottie Henry – Questioned why so many different hours of operation?

 

Scott Olsen – Trying to satisfy different peoples needs.  The hours of operation were thought out by the Board.

 

Art Hatfield – The employees are very courteous and the operation seems to be running well.

 

Miles Peterson – Asked Mr. Olsen what the proper procedure is to dispose of fluorescent light bulbs and is there a hazardous waste plan.

 

Mr. Olsen – By law you should bring them back where you purchased them and they will send them back to the manufacturer.

 

Warren County used to have a hazardous waste day.

 

Mike Fitzgerald, Sewer Plant Assistant invited any resident to call the sewer plant (543-8862) if they are interested in a tour of the new facility.

 

Bruce Clark asked the Board if the $25,000 from General fund to Sewer Fund has been moved back.  Supervisor Belden explained that the money needs to stay in the sewer account to keep the plant running at this time.

 

Mr. & Mrs. Rust would like the pump station on Rt 9 across from their antique store weeded, and garbage cans placed by the brook downtown.  The Board will look into the placement of garbage cans and Mike Fitzgerald and Tim will try to get down to weed the front of the pump house.

 

Mrs. Rust asked about the usage of signage in the triangle downtown.  She was under the impression this was not allowed. Town of Hague has no control over state highways and state right of ways.  The triangle is on state land.

 

Harriet Cole asked when the problem would be corrected on Yaw road. During high rains, the water is washing out her driveway. 

 

Donny Smith, Highway Superintendent will fix the problem as soon as he sees a map showing where the Town line is.

 

Property owners along Lakeshore Drive north of the Lakeview Restaurant would like the speed limit reduced to 45 miles per hour.  Pictures of tire marks were given to Supervisor Belden.

 

Supervisor Belden will give the pictures to the Sheriff Department.  A request for speed reduction was endorsed by the Town Board and submitted two year ago and was turned down by the State Transportation Dept..  Supervisor Belden will see what can be done.  Possibly more patrolling of this area is needed.

 

Motion by R. Gladu, seconded by R. Meola to draw Warrant on Supervisor to pay bills audited at tonight’s meeting in the amount of $18,137.04.  All voting yes.  Motion carried 

 

Motion by R. Meola, seconded by R. Gladu to accept minutes of June 8, 16, and 22 of 2004 as printed.  All voting yes.  Motion carried.

 

REGULAR COMMITTEE REPORTS:

 

1.  ASSESSOR & JUSTICE:  The NYS Board of Equalization has set the Town of Hague at 100% thusly validating the work done by Maxwell & Associates and the Town Assessor.

 

2.  BUILDINGS & GROUNDS:  The water well is connected at the Hague Community Center.  The Town Board expressed its appreciation to Supervisor Belden and the Highway Superintendent for doing the necessary work.

 

3.  CARE PROGRAM:  No report.

 

4.  FINANCE:  Councilman Meola mentioned the need of monthly reports.  A plan needs to be put in place and a Special Town Board meeting was scheduled, July 21, 2004 at 4:00 p.m. to address the issues.

 

5.  FIRE DEPT.:  No report.

 

6.  HIGHWAY:  Donny Smith, Superintendent reported that everything is going well.  The Department has been working on the roads and just finished helping with the installation of pipe for the well at the Community Center.  Paving of roads will begin in the fall.

 

7.  INSURANCE:  Sand has been placed under playground equipment at the beach per insurance companies request.

 

8.  MUSEUM:  Councilman Meola reported on the Museum Committee.  There have been three meetings.  One meeting was held at the Iron Center Museum in Port Henry.  The Museum was very impressive.  A public meeting was held on 7/06/2004 to take input from the community as to what it wants the museum to become.  Based on this input a preliminary plan will be developed.

 

9.  PERSONNEL:  There has been no applications submitted for Recording Secretary for the Planning and Zoning Board.  Judy Stock has offered to fill in for the purpose of recording minutes of the Planning & Zoning Board for two months.

 

Motion by Supervisor Belden, seconded by R. Meola to appoint Judy Stock for two months for the purpose of Recording minutes of the Planning and Zoning Boards.  All voting yes.  Motion carried.

 

10. PLANNING/ZONING/STORM WATER:  Mr. Bailey, ZEO reported on applications, which have been issued this month. The Parking Violation form has been revised.  The unsafe structure in Silver Bay is in the process of being fixed.

 

Councilman Gladu reported on the Comprehensive Plan.  The groundwork is being set, identifying one lead person from each Board to begin the process.  Mr. Meola stated that members of the committee need to be brought to the Town Board for approval.

 

11. RECREATION/PROMOTION:  Antique Show this weekend at the Hague Community Center.

 

12. SEWER DIST. #1:  Supervisor Belden met with the EPA and the County.  Items are being completed from the punch list.  The building and plan has been approved.

 

Budget time is coming soon.  We need to take measures now to reduce the cost to the District.  Mr. Meola would like to think ahead to see what the Town Board can do to come up with a cost-efficient Sewer Budget.

 

Councilman Meola mentioned that anyone in the Sewer District who has completed his or her permit by 12/31/2003 has an extension of time to hook up.

 

13. TOWN PARK:  Councilman Meola mentioned to the Board that the vendor issue needs to be revisited.  The Park Committee will prepare a proposal for the Town Board.

 

The summer program at Silver Bay Association is going very well.  15 children are participating.  Attendance is high, parents & participants are pleased with the program.

 

Joan Schulz will give a rowing demonstration on July 21, 2004 at 7 pm at The Hague Motel.  She would like to start giving rowing instruction to individuals who are interested.

 

14. SCHOOL:  Councilman Gladu reported that at this time no tax rates are available.

He recommended that Res. 60 prepared by the T.C.S.D. Board be adopted.

 

RESOLUTION #60 OF 2004

 

RESOLUTION ON EDUCATION REFORM

 

Resolution introduced by R. Gladu, and seconded by Supervisor Belden

 

WHEREAS,   the New York State Court of Appeals in Campaign for Fiscal Equity (CFE) v. State established a statewide standard providing that all children are entitled under the state continuation to an opportunity for a “meaningful high school education”; and

 

WHEREAS,   the court ordered the state to determine the actual cost of a meaningful high school education in New York City, and that such “costing out” and other mandates of the decision be fulfilled by July 30, 2004; and

 

WHEREAS,   statewide school funding reform would be the only fair and just response to the CFE decision, given that” (1) many other school districts in the state have identical problems of inadequate resources that led the Court of Appeals to find a constitutional violation in regard to New York City, and (2) it would be impractical to design a statutory remedy that applies only to New York City; and

 

WHEREAS,   it would be unconscionable for the state to wait another year before addressing the issues highlighted in the CFE decision and to fail to direct resources where the most urgent needs exist; NOW THEREFORE BE IT

 

RESOLVED,  that the Hague Town Board strongly supports the enactment of legislation before July 30, 2004 consistent with the New York State School Boards Association’s recommendations for school funding reform, which advocate that the new school funding system meet the following criteria:

 

-                      Adequacy – Providing sufficient resources to ensure the opportunity for a sound basic education for all students.

 

-                      Equity – Distributing a foundation level of state aid for every student that is based on the actual cost of providing a sound basic education that fairly compensates for differences in community costs, needs and resources.

 

-                      Flexibility – Increasing the percentage of operating aid so that boards of education can direct resources to those educational programs that best address local needs.

 

-                      Predictability – Passing a timely state budget and ensuring that stable funding is distributed through a consistent, uniformly applied formula that would not require annual manipulation by the legislature and that would facilitate long-term planning by school districts.

 

-                      Clarity – Establishing a funding formula that is transparent so that it is easily explained and understood, and BE IT FURTHER

 

RESOLVED,  that this body supports the inclusion of significant new state resources to implement the CFE decision, providing for new and additional funding for schools in 2004-05.

 Mr. Meola was skeptical that this resolution would do any good.

All voting yes.  Motion carried.

 

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

 

Motion by R. Gladu, seconded by Supervisor Belden to hold Public Hearing on Wastewater Design requirement be done by a professional if property is within 1000 ft. of Lake George.

AYES:  Supervisor Belden and R. Gladu

NAYS:  R. Meola. (Disagrees with #3) because it is discriminatory. It should apply Town wide. 

Motion Denied.

 

Motion by R. Gladu, seconded by Supervisor Belden to rescind Motion (1) under unfinished business to hold  public hearings on Wastewater Design professional requirement.  All voting yes.  Motion carried.

 

Motion by  Supervisor Belden, seconded by R. Gladu to hold a public hearing on

1. Code modification to the Zoning Ordinance by adding to section 132-6 the requirement for the use of Licensed Design Professionals for onsite Wastewater systems town wide and Section 132-16 “Disposal System Building Permits.
2.  Amendment to Section 160.10 “Height of Building.”  Mr. Meola asked why not use the APA requirement?
3.  Request for wastewater setback variance – Turnamian (26.18-1-16).

The Public Hearings will be held on the 10th day of August 2004 at 6:00 p.m. at the Hague Community Center, Graphite Mountain Road, Hague, NY  12836.  The purpose of the hearing is to hear all persons for or against the proposed amendments and request.

 

AYES:  Supervisor Belden, R. Gladu and R. Meola.

Motion carried.

 

Resolution #58 of 2004

PARKING LOT REGULATIONS

 

Resolution introduced by R. Meola, seconded by R. Gladu

 

WHEREAS,   at its April 13, 2004 meeting, the Hague Town Board approved the following regulations governing the use of the two parking lots on Route 8 as part of the Hague Town Park, pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 124 Parks of the Code of the Town of Hague:

 

The use of each parking lot shall have the following restrictions:

 

            1.  Parking shall be permitted for passenger vehicles only.

 

            2.  There shall be no parking of vehicles between the hours of 2 a.m. & 5 a.m.

 

Pursuant to the provisions of § 124-8 of the Town Code, the Town Board shall post within each parking lot a notice incorporating these rules and regulations.

 

A.  Any person violating this Ordinance shall be fined a minimum of twenty-five dollars  ($25.00) and a maximum of one hundred dollars ($100.00) for each offense.

 

B.  Violations of §124-3, Limitation on vehicles within park, will be removed at the owner’s expense.  Fines will be levied as prescribed in the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law.

 

All voting yes.  Motion carried.

 

Supervisor Belden mentioned that Reale Construction Co. will work with the Highway Dept. on leveling off parking lot where old town hall was located and put sub base down so individuals can use it this summer.

 

The closing of the Sabbath Day Point sandpit was discussed.  The Board will review different options on what to do with the property once DEC signs off.

 

A letter was received from John C. McDonald Jr., Ticonderoga Superintendent of Schools dated June 8, 2004in regards to voting requirements, Ticonderoga School District approved the establishment of election districts in both Ticonderoga and Hague on Sept. 20, 1989.  According to Law once this decision was made, voters are required to vote in their respective election district.  Hague residents are not eligible to vote in Ticonderoga.

COMMUNICATION & PETITIONS

1.         Letter received from Dean Wikoff thanking the Town for Clean-up Day.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

 

ZEO status report discussed under planning and zoning.

 

Motion by R. Meola, seconded by R. Gladu to accept resignation of Nancy Harrigan from the Planning Board effective June 30, 2004 with regrets.  All voting yes.  Motion carried.

 

Councilman Meola responded to the letter received from John C. McDonald, President of the Black Watch Memorial Library asking the Town to make a contribution.  Councilman Meola spoke with Attorney Viscardi and the Associations of Towns and unfortunately there is no provisions that will allow the Town to do this.

 

Motion by R. Meola, seconded by R. Gladu to accept Erlene Steger resignation as Deputy Care Program Officer.  All voting yes.  Motion carried.

 

Motion by R. Meola, seconded by R. Gladu to appoint Viola Vassello as Deputy Care Program Officer for the remainder of 2004.  All voting yes.  Motion carried.

 

Motion by Supervisor Belden, seconded by R. Meola to hire Josh Frasier as Park Attendant for the 2004 summer.  Effective July 4, 2004.  All voting yes.  Motion carried.

 

Motion by R. Meola, seconded by R. Gladu to retain Robert McNally to act as Attorney to represent the Town in the Cole litigation matter.  All voting yes.  Motion carried.

 

Motion by Supervisor Belden, seconded by R. Meola to hire Robert Dufault as a part time employee (20 hours per week) until Labor Day.  All voting yes.  Motion carried.

 

Motion by Supervisor Belden, seconded by R. Gladu to accept the Enhancement Committees recommendation for streetlights for downtown.  The pole will be the same as the lights at the Town Park.  Lights will be installed on Rt. 8, 50 feet apart or as necessary.  All voting yes.  Motion carried.

 

The old Town of Hague garbage bags will be for sale.  The Board will post the sale of bags.

 

Supervisor Belden reported that Queensbury pulled out of the Sewer system.  There is approximately 7 million of the original grant money left.  If money can be obtained for extension to the Sewer District, there will be no capital cost to District #1.  Extension from Lakeshore Terrace to Friends Point or from Jenkins Brook to Arcady Bay or in other direction.

 

Motion by R. Meola, seconded by R. Gladu to authorize Supervisor Belden to file application for Sewer District #2 & #3 extensions.  All voting yes.  Motion carried.

 

Motion by R. Gladu, seconded by R. Meola to adjourn meeting at 8:50 pm.  All voting yes.  Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

 

Deborah F. Manning, Town Clerk