HAGUE TOWN BOARD
AUDIT & REGULAR MEETING
October 11, 2005
6:00 pm
AUDIT MEETING:
Members present: Supervisor Belden, R. Meola, L. Megow, R. Gladu and R. Patchett. Supervisor Belden opened the audit meeting at 6:00 pm.
The Town Board reviewed the Warrant #10 of 2006.
Supervisor Belden opened the regular meeting at 6:30 pm.
Moment of Silence: Mike Coffin, Lynn Stanford, Sally Drake (Lynn Patchett’s sister), Ruth Olsen, and all survivors, victims and their families of the tragic boat accident on Lake George.
Welcome Guests/Privilege of the floor: David Decker, P.E., Director of Lake George Water Shed Conference gave a report on projects that have been conducted throughout the Water Shed. The LGWC will be holding their next meeting on November 9, 2005 @ 10 am at the Queensbury Town Center. Resolution to follow later in the meeting.
Nelson Waters questioned the on the Board on the following issues:
1. Did the Town Board receive documentation from the Attorney on possible conflict of interest between the ZEO and a member of the ZBA?
Councilman Patchett addressed Mr. Waters. There was a letter sent from Attorney Viscardi stating that conflicts could arise and the member of the ZBA would have to abstain.
2. Is the Town Board intending to give up the State Contract for snow and ice?
Supervisor Belden stated that the State snow & ice contract is signed for 2006.
3. Is there a vehicle replacement schedule in place for the Highway trucks?
Supervisor Belden stated that we try to stay on a twenty-year turn over for the big trucks, due to light use in the summer months.
4. Is it true that the Town Board authorized to spend $7,200.00 for transportation of 4 to 5 senior citizens to Ticonderoga once a week? Has any one looked into the cost of hiring a taxi vs. a bus contract for such few passengers?
Mr. Waters was informed that the contract has been changed to twice a month vs. weekly and the bus will not run unless there are at least six riders signed up by Thursday. This is opened to any resident who has no means of transportation to Ticonderoga.
Motion by R. Gladu, seconded by R. Patchett to pay Warrant #10 of 2005 in the amount of $27,155.67. AYES: Supervisor Belden, L. Megow, R. Meola, R. Gladu and R. Patchett. Motion carried.
Motion by R. Gladu, seconded by L. Megow to approve minutes of 9/13, 9/19,9/21,9/27,9/30, and 10/4 of 2005 with correction to 9/13 spelling of Hanson to Jenson and 9/27 add approximately a maximum of 40% restock charge. AYES: Supervisor Belden, L. Megow, R. Meola, R. Gladu and R. Patchett. Motion carried
REGULAR COMMITTEE REPORTS:
1. Assessor & Justice (Gladu/Meola): Councilman Gladu, member of the Pro-Active Tax Reform Group reported on the last meeting. A representative from Senator Little’s office, Assemblywoman Sayward & Assemblyman Ortloff were present. Everyone agreed that there are inequities in the assessment process and there is a need for property tax reform. Assemblyman Ortloff has a proposed bill entitled “Save our Home Act” and Assemblywoman Sayward has a proposal to reduce the impact of high real estate.
Motion by R. Meola, seconded by L. Megow to have the tax petition form available on the Town of Hague web site. AYES: Supervisor Belden, L. Megow, R. Meola, R. Gladu and R. Patchett. Motion carried
2. Buildings & Grounds (Megow/Patchett): Councilman Megow is working on the proposals for the stairs and eve replacement at the Community Center.
3. Care program (Patchett/Megow): Councilman Patchett reported that the Care Program is open every Thursday from 1 to 2 pm..
4. Finance (Megow/Meola): Budget Workshop on 10/12/2005 at 4pm.
5. Fire Department (Gladu/Patchett): Councilman Gladu thanked the Fire & Ambulance members for their help during the tragic boat accident on Lake George. Numerous towns were called to Diamond Point to assist with this accident.
6. Highway (Megow/Gladu): Superintendent Smith reported that the Highway Department has been cleaning out drains and getting equipment ready for winter.
7. Insurance (Meola/Gladu): No report.
8. Museum & Historian (Meola/Megow): Councilman Meola reported that the number of residents have been contacted on becoming members of the various committees. These committees will begin their work shortly.
9. Personnel (Meola/Patchett): No report.
10. Planning/Zoning/Stormwater (Gladu/Patchett): Councilman Gladu read the ZEO report:
ZONING REPORT TO TOWN BOARD
October 7, 2005
Permit Activity (applications received) YTD
o o Land Use Development 12 54
o o Site Plan Review 1 10
o o Variances 1 5
o o Subdivisions 1 6
o o Wastewater 1 14
o o Wastewater Variances 0 1
o o Sewer Permits 0 19
o Hague Firehouse – The Attorney for the Fire Department has asked for an adjournment of proceedings and a continuation so that he can confirm completion of all work.
o Rose- Variance approved
o Beneduce– The Planning Board gave approval of the subdivision pending the final approval of the SEQR assessment, a new perk test at a 10-foot depth for the containment pond, the completion of an Archeo sensitive study by NY State Parks, Recreation, and Historical Preservation. The approval includes all conditions and restriction listed on the All Points Land Survey, PLLC ( Feb. 23, 2005) and Storm Water Report.
o Ragot- Application reinstated. More information is needed, (SPDES Permit)
o Cockrell- Approved with conditions (septic).
o Belden – Case will be heard on the 20th. of October. Planning board ruled that the commercial use of the vacant lot is grandfathered under Town Code. It is suggested that Mr. Belden be allowed to place a 6-foot fence on his vacant lot, as to shield the public from his wood business. APA height restriction for a fence allows it to be 6 foot high. The property should be clear of debris by the 20th.
Square Footage definition- See letter from Brian Grisi, APA Local Planning Assistance Specialist.
11. Recreation & Promotion (Gladu/Patchett): Councilman Gladu reported that David Dunn, Chamber of Commerce President has been working on the Winter Carnival, Holiday in Hague and Photo Contest. The Photo contest ends October 31, 2005. In addition, the Bass Federation will be back in Hague next year.
12. Sewer (Belden/Megow): No report.
13. Town Park (Meola/Gladu): Councilman Meola reported that the Town Park had a very successful season. The walk along the slip needs to be completed. The restrooms will be closed this week. During the Hague Holiday weekend, the restrooms can be reopened and heated.
14. Transfer Station (Megow/Patchett): No report.
15. Youth (Meola/Gladu): No report.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
1. Motion by R. Patchett, seconded by R. Meola to appoint Lindsay Mydlarz to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Term to expire 12/31/2008. AYES: Supervisor Belden, L. Megow, R. Meola, R. Gladu and R. Patchett. Motion carried
COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS:
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Motion by R. Meola, seconded by R. Patchett to accept Ticonderoga Paints proposal in the amount of $2,974.00, for removal and replacement of floor coverings in the front office. AYES: Supervisor Belden, R. Meola, R. Patchett, R. Gladu, and L. Megow. Motion carried.
2. Councilman Megow will compile new specs for the salt shed asking for wood frame vs. metal.
3. Motion by R. Patchett, seconded by R. Meola to approve David Martucci’s attendance at conference in Lake Placid on October 21, 2005. AYES: Supervisor Belden, R. Patchett, R. Meola, L. Megow and R. Gladu. Motion carried.
4. Motion by L. Megow, seconded by R. Meola to accept State Bid #PC60769 for International Truck in the amount of $69,889.00 with option of trade-in.
AYES: Supervisor Belden, L. Megow and R. Meola.
NAYS: R. Gladu and R. Patchett.
Motion carried.
5. RESOLUTION #62 OF 2005
“LAKE GEORGE PLAN FOR THE FUTURE”
Resolution introduced by Supervisor Belden and seconded by R. Gladu.
WHEREAS, the environmental health and overall quality of life in the Lake George Watershed area is critical to the social and economic well being of the Town of Hague, Warren County, and the region in general, and
WHEREAS, the protection, preservation and proper management of water quality within the basin is an essential ingredient to maintaining this revered natural resource as a key to the social and economic vitality of this region, and
WHEREAS, the Town of Hague has been an active participant in developing the critically important water quality management plan, and
WHEREAS, the adopted document, entitled “Lake George—Plan for the Future” identifies numerous recommendations and actions as being critical to pursing the objectives of preserving, protecting, and enhancing the water quality throughout the Basin, several of which will require the engagement of contract services to execute these recommendations, and
WHEREAS, the State has recently awarded a grant in the amount of $250,000 to the Town of Bolton, on behalf of all participating municipalities in the Lake George Watershed Basin, that carries with it the requirement of a local match, which will take the form of services in kind, as well as matching funds, and
WHEREAS, the Town of Hague wishes to contribute its fair share, along with other municipalities throughout the Basin to this critically important program to be able to take advantage of the aforementioned State funding, Now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Town of Hague confirms it shall provide an amount of $7,000.00 to this endeavor, which funds will be forwarded to the Town of Bolton, administrator for this particular grant program.
DULY ADOPTED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: Supervisor Belden, R. Gladu, R. Meola, R. Patchett and L. Megow. Motion carried.
Motion by R. Gladu, seconded by R. Meola to write the Ticonderoga Central School asking them to research the possibility of paying the school taxes in installments. AYES: Supervisor Belden, R. Gladu, R. Meola, R. Patchett and L. Megow. Motion carried.
Motion by R. Meola, seconded by L. Megow to adjourn meeting at 8:00 pm. All voting yes. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah F. Manning
Town Clerk