HAGUE TOWN BOARD
AUDIT & REGULAR MEETING
MAY 12, 2004
6:00 PM
MEMBERS PRESENT: Supervisor Belden, L. Megow, R. Meola, R. Gladu and W. Bothe.
The meeting was opened by Supervisor Belden at 6:00 pm..
The Board reviewed the claims for Warrant #5 of 2004.
Regular meeting opened at 6:30 pm.
Moment of Silence: Rosemary Carney, Norma Mann, and William Weber.
Welcome Guests/Privilege of the floor: Bruce Clark asked the Board to research if there is anyway that Hague residents can have a choice of voting in Hague or Ticonderoga during School Elections. Councilman Meola will find out if this can be done.
Motion by R. Meola, seconded by L. Megow to pay General and Highway Claims audited at tonight’s meeting: Warrant #5 of 2004. All voting yes. Motion carried.
Motion by L. Megow, seconded by R. Meola to accept minutes of April 13, April 20, and May 4 of 2004 as printed. All voting yes. Motion carried.
REGULAR COMMITTEE REPORTS:
1. ASSESSOR & JUSTICE: The Board of Assessment Review will be conducting Grievance Day on Tuesday, May 25, 2004. Councilman Meola stated that while the BAR can lower assessments, changes must be based on proof by the property owner of assessment. He gave an example of the Lakeshore Garage property whose assessment has been lower different times, even though a 50 ft. lake front had been sold at a much higher price than it was assessed, and ignoring the letter of Michael Swan, Warren County Real Property Director, stating that property should be assessed as if no contamination existed unless it affects the business adversely. On July 29, 1999 the Town Board met with the BAR, at which time Mr. Meola informed Mr. Graser that since he was working at the Lakeshore Garage, he should have recluse himself from this case.
A meeting will be set up with the Board of Assessment Review to review the procedures of the Board on May 20, 2004 at 4 pm.
Senator Little's Financial Disclosure Form Law for public officials as been amended. Only public officials who are full time and make over $20,000 per year have to file the Financial Form.
Councilman Gladu mentioned that the equalization rates are not available yet. The total assessed values of Hague and Ticonderoga are very close to being equal.
Councilman Bothe asked the Board to explain the Fisher Act. Supervisor Belden explained that the Fisher Act property is forest property assessed at 1/3 of the taxable status. If the property is logged 6% of the money goes back to the Town (3%), County (2%) and School (1%).
2. BUILDINGS & GROUNDS: Councilman Megow reported that the refinishing of the floor in the main room at the Community Center will be done Thursday.
Supervisor Belden and Highway Superintendent Smith will begin working on the installation of pipe for the well. Councilman Gladu mentioned that if Department of Health would change the classification of the Community Center, possibly the Town would not have to encumber the cost for multiple testing.
The Board discussed the installation of lights downtown. Supervisor Belden and Councilman Bothe will talk to the DOT contractors tomorrow to see if conduit can be installed.
3. CARE PROGRAM: No report.
4. FINANCE: The Annual report has been completed. Councilman Gladu will help Diane Trudeau, Secretary to the Supervisor compress the report to send it to the State.
5. FIRE DEPARTMENT: Memorial Day Chicken B.B.Q. will be held on May 29, 2004 at 4 pm.
6. HIGHWAY: Superintendent Smith mentioned that the Department will be working on the closure of the sand pit. One Highway Employee will be off work for 2 to 3 months due to a shoulder injury. Annual Clean-up Day will be held on June 7 & 8. Hague residents can bring one pick-up truck load to the Highway Garage. Seniors/c
7. INSURANCE: No report.
8. MUSEUM: No report.
9. PERSONELL: Councilmen Bothe stated that he would like to set up a meeting with Mr. Meola to reviewing job descriptions.
10. PLANNING/ZONING/STORMWATER: There has been concern in regards to a fence that was installed on Sabbath Day Point. Councilman Gladu will discuss the matter with the ZEO. The work is proceeding on the development of the Town website. Email is setup for all Departments. Councilman Gladu also mentioned that Mr. Bailey, ZEO sent a briefing to the Town Board.
- Junk Enforcement: Councilman Gladu & Bothe have helped Mr. Bailey with an initial inventory of potential junk violations. Once the inventory is completed, then get estimates on the cost to remove the junk.
- Wastewater Design: Mr. Bailey has been requiring property owners on the lake side to use the design services of licensed professionals to design new wastewater systems. DOH has advised that all new systems must be designed by a professional. The Town Attorney’s opinion is that this is not required.
- Local Board of Health: Several Towns have considered appointment of a separate Board of Health consisting of environmental specialist and engineers..
11. RECREATION & PROMOTION: Memorial Day Parade and Chicken B.B.Q. Saturday, May 29, 2004.
12. SEWER: Supervisor Belden reported that a petition was received from residence on Over Brook Drive requesting to be removed from the Sewer District. This cannot be done once the District is formed.
13. TOWN PARK: Councilman Meola reported that any vendor/ profit organization will pay the Town of Hague $25.00 per day to set up in the Town of Hague during any special event.
The Bathrooms will be opened this week. The Park Committee will interview part-time or full-time employees for park attendants.
The Park Attendants building will be repainted. No posting of papers or posters will be allowed outside of the building.
14. TRANSFER STATION: Revenue for the month of April was $3,364.50. On Wednesday, representative from Casella Waste will be at the Transfer Station to inspect the equipment and property.
Karen Costello asked permission to pick up garbage on the side of Summit Road. Supervisor Belden and the Board thanked her for doing this. She will drop bags off at the Transfer Station.
15. YOUTH: Councilman Meola attended a meeting of the Warren County Youth Court. The program is very successful.
The Silver Bay Association will hold a four week program for the Town of Hague children starting June 28, 2004 from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm. Transportation will be provided. This summer program will replace the earlier program of 8:30 am to 11:30 am.
The Music in the Park series is completed. The first concert date at the park is July 7, 2004 with the LaPointe Brothers performing at 7:30 pm.
16. SCHOOL: Councilman Gladu reward a letter in which he wrote to John McDonald Jr., Superintendent of Schools stating how unfair the state funding is, along with other issues. The final Budget hearing is being held tonight at the school. The last information was that there will be a 7.7% increase.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
1. Open Forum Meeting on Silver Bay Association June 1, 2004 at 7:30 pm. The community will have an opportunity to present their views on how to develop closer relations with Silver Bay Association.
2. The new sidewalks will be completed before the Memorial Day Parade. Supervisor Belden would like the conduit installed under the sidewalks for the new lamp post.
3. Motion by R. Gladu, seconded by R. Meola to form the following Occupancy Tax Advisory Committee:
Diane Farinick
Bill Bothe
Bob Patchett
All voting yes. Motion carried.
The authorization to spend funds stays with the Town Board.
4. Motion by R. Meola, seconded by L. Megow to employ Margaret Del Signore to the position of Visitor Center Secretary for the 2004 Summer. All voting yes. Motion carried
5. A Summit Green Ash Memory Tree has been purchased by Mr. & Mrs. Winters in Memorial of their son Tyler. The tree has been placed at the beach.
6. 3 proposals were received for computer software for the Secretary to the Supervisor.
Motion by R. Meola, seconded by L. Megow to accept ATMET proposal in the amount of $9,565.00 ($8,485.00 software, $1,080.00 maintenance agreement). All voting yes. Motion carried.
7. Museum Committee will meet May 27, 2004 at 3pm.
8. RESOLUTION #51, 2004
RECOMMENDED CHANGES OF SEWER RENT ASSESSMENT
Resolution introduced by R. Meola, seconded by L. Megow.
RESOLVED, that the following changes to the sewer rent assessment be approved,
|
Account Number |
Name |
Tax parcel |
Current rate |
Change |
Rationale |
Total Change |
|
61 |
Craig Merrell |
26.17-2-28 |
4 EDU’s |
3 EDU’s |
Apartment is now an office |
$475.00 |
|
243 |
David Rudolph |
43.5-2-4 |
1 1/2 EDU’s |
1 EDU’s |
Hair salon removed |
$237.50 |
DULY ADOPTED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: Supervisor Belden, R. Meola, L. Megow, and R. Gladu.
NAYS: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: W. Bothe.
Motion carried.
9. Dodd, Decker and possibly West Hague Road will be next in line for cable extension.
RESOLUTION TO APPROVE HAGUE BROOK PROJECT
Resolution introduced by R. Meola, seconded by L. Megow.
RESOLVED, that the Hague Town Board authorize Supervisor Belden to sign the following documents:
1. Contract
between Donald Smith, the Town of Hague and LGA for the overall project.
2. Easement between Donald Smith and the Town of Hague.
3. Contract between LGA and the Town of Hague for the DOS grant share of the funding.
DULY ADOPTED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: Supervisor Belden, R. Meola, L. Megow, R. Gladu and W. Bothe.
Motion carried.
11. Motion by Supervisor Belden, seconded by L. Megow to hire Chris Navitsky to oversee the Old Town Hall parking lot project and to accept Map Design #2. All voting yes. Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Motion by R. Meola, seconded by R. Gladu to allow the Senior Citizens Club, Inc. the use of the Visitor Center office for a food station May, 29, 2004. All voting yes. Motion carried.
2. Motion by R. Meola, seconded by W. Bothe to allow Northern Lake George Rotary Club the use of the Visitor Center office for a food station during Americade June 7-12, 2004. All voting yes. Motion carried.
3. Motion by R. Meola, seconded by L. Megow to allow the “Dan Padula Memorial Fund” a not for profit organization hold educational programs at the Community Center. All voting yes. Motion carried.
4. The Board discussed an unsafe structure on the Bill Morgan property in Silver Bay. According to Mr. O’Neil Warren County Building Inspector and Mr. Bailey, ZEO the Supervisor should send a letter to the property owner requesting the building be brought up to code.
Councilman Bothe believes that the Warren County Building Inspector should be handling the situation and not the Board.
Motion by W. Bothe, seconded by L. Megow authorizing Supervisor Belden to send letter to Warren County Building inspector John O’Neal asking him to take appropriate action. AYES: Supervisor Belden, W. Bothe, L. Megow and R. Gladu. NAYS: R. Meola. Motion carried.
5. Memo was received from ZEO Graham Bailey (discussed under Planning/Zoning).
6. Motion by R. Meola, seconded by L. Megow to give Tim Costello and Michael Fitzgerald permission to attend conference on confined spaces. All voting yes. Motion carried.
7. RESOLUTION #52 OF 2004
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING ASSEMBLY BILL 9827
AND SENATE BILL 5870
Resolution introduced by R. Meola, seconded by R. Gladu.
WHEREAS, the Town of Hague is committed to fair and equitable assessment practices, and
WHEREAS, fair and equitable assessment’s lead to a fair distribution of the local property tax burden, and
WHEREAS, increasing unfounded state mandates continue to shift the burden of supporting state programs with local property tax dollars, and
WHEREAS, the New York State Real Property Tax Law requires condominiums to be substantially lesser than comparable, non-condominium properties, and thus, disrupts the desires and credibility of local officials to deliver a fair property assessment and tax system, and
WHEREAS, the proliferation of condominium’s throughout New York State threatens to undermine the underlying principle of fairness and equity in an ever-increasing number of communities, now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Town of Hague expresses its unconditional support for Assembly Bill 9827 and Senate Bill 5870, and let it be
FUTHER RESOLVED, we strongly recommend Governor Pataki sign this all important legislation into law at his earliest convenience.
DULY ADOPTED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: Supervisor Belden, R. Meola, R. Gladu, L. Megow and W. Bothe.
Motion carried.
8. RESOLUTION #54 OF 2004
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AGREEMENT TO LUMP SUM MUNICIPAL SNOW AND ICE AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE OF NEW YORK
RESOLUTION INTRODUCED BY R. Meola, and SECONDED BY L. Megow.
WHEREAS, by Resolution number 15 of 1991 the Town of Hague entered into a Lump Sum Municipal Snow and Ice Agreement with New York State Department of Transportation, and
WHEREAS, the Town of Hague is negotiating renewal of the contract with the New York State Department of Transportation, and
WHEREAS, the Lump Sum Municipal Snow and Ice Agreement will pay $2,817.92 per lane mile for 50.5 lane miles of State Roads, NOW THEREFORE BE IT
RESOLVED that the Supervisor of the Town of Hague be, and hereby is, authorized to execute and deliver a Lump Sum Municipal Snow and Ice Agreement on behalf of the Town of Hague with the New York State Department of Transportation.
DULY ADOPTED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: Supervisor Belden, R. Meola, L. Megow, W. Bothe and R. Gladu.
Motion carried.
9. Motion by L. Megow, seconded by R. Gladu to approve request for the Wesleyan Church to use the Town Beach on July 3, 2004. All voting yes. Motion carried.
10. Motion by Supervisor Belden, seconded by R. Meola authorizing Board members to attended the Watershed Conference in Lake George on May 18 & 19 ,2004. All voting yes. Motion carried.
11. The Hague Chamber of Commerce will be sponsoring Fireworks and Elvis show Friday, July 3, 2004.
12. Any for profit business selling items at the Town Park will be charged $25.00 per day.
Motion by R. Meola, seconded by L. Megow to adjourn meeting at 9:05 pm. All voting yes. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah F. Manning
Town Clerk