HAGUE TOWN BOARD
November 9, 2005
Audit, Public Hearing 2006 Budget
Regular Meeting
5:30 pm
Members present: Supervisor Belden, R. Meola, L. Megow, and R. Gladu.
Absent: R. Patchett.
AUDIT MEETING:
Supervisor Belden opened the audit meeting at 5:30 pm.
The Board reviewed Warrant #11 of 2005.
PUBLIC HEARING: 2006 Budget
The Town Clerk read notice of hearing published on October 31, 2005.
There was a discussion on the amount of sales tax revenue the Town receives. Councilman Meola reported that the estimated sales tax revenue for the Town of Hague in 2006 is $1,217,563.26. Due to the increase in County tax, the Board should budget additional sales tax revenue to reduce the 2006 County Tax Rate.
The Board reviewed the Budget for 2006. The Board desired to amend the 2006 budget to add additional sales tax revenue to help lower the County tax.
RESOLUTION #66 of 2005
RESOLUTION TO INCREASE THE TOWN OF HAGUE’S SHARE OF SALES TAX TO BE APPLIED TO THE COUNTY BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006.
RESOLUTION INTRODUCED BY R. MEOLA, AND L. MEGOW.
WHEREAS, the Town Board currently leaves $300,000 at the County to be paid in two installments of $150,000 each from the first and second quarter payments, and
WHEREAS, the Town Board is desirous of further reducing the 2006 County Tax Rate for the Town of Hague by paying an additional $200,000,and
WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Town Board to appropriate the additional $200,000 for the 2006 fiscal tax year Now, Therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Supervisor is hereby authorized to amend the Town of Hague 2005 budget by increasing the appropriated fund balance in general fund by $200,000 and increasing appropriations A1972.40 – payment to the treasurer to reduce the county tax by $200,000 for the Town of Hague
And that the supervisor is hereby directed to issue a check of $200,000 to the Warren County Treasurer for the reduction of the fiscal year 2006 county tax rate, and be it further
RESOLVED, that this resolution for the additional $200,000 will apply to the fiscal year 2006 and not to Future years and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk of the Town of Hague be and is hereby directed to immediately forward a certified copy of this resolution to Warren County Administrative & Fiscal Services and the Warren County Treasurer
Duly adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Supervisor Belden, R. Meola, L. Megow, and R. Gladu.
Motion carried.
Welcome Guests/Privilege of the floor:
Karen Laundree updated the Board on the Chamber of Commerce activities schedule.
Holiday in Hague – December 3, 2005 beginning with Breakfast with Santa at 9:00 am. Shopping will continue throughout the day.
Winter Carnival - The Chamber has been working on various events for the Winter Carnival scheduled for Saturday and Sunday Feb. 11 &12 of 2006.
Tax Aid Site - The Chamber of Commerce came up with a way of utilizing the Chambers computer purchased with Occupancy Tax Money. Working together with the Internal Revenue and AARP the Chamber will be sponsoring a free program to individuals for filing income tax returns. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact a member of the Chamber.
Motion by Supervisor Belden, seconded by L. Megow to allow the Chamber of Commerce the use the Town Board room for the AARP tax program from Feb - April. AYES: Supervisor Belden, L. Megow, R. Gladu and R. Meola. Motion carried.
Motion by Supervisor Belden, seconded by R. Gladu to give the Chamber of Commerce $1,600.00 out of Occupancy tax money for the promotion of the Holiday in Hague event scheduled for December 3, 2005. AYES: Supervisor Belden, R. Gladu, L. Megow and R. Meola. Motion carried.
Motion by Supervisor Belden, seconded by R. Gladu to give authorization to the Senior Citizens for the use the Visitor Center on December 3, 2005 for Holiday in Hague, and to give authorization to the Chamber for the use of the Visitor Center for Winter Carnival Weekend scheduled for February 11 & 12 of 2006. AYES: Supervisor Belden, R. Gladu, L. Megow and R. Meola. Motion carried.
Bruce Clark asked the Board if a Resolution in support of burning of tires at International Paper Company was done. He mentioned that there is an Informational Meeting tonight at the Ticonderoga Armory on the process of tire burning.
Supervisor Belden will give Mr. Clark a copy of Resolution #42 of 2005 that the Town Board passed in support of a 2-week test period and burning of processed rubber by Ticonderoga International Paper Company on April 14, 2005.
A letter was received from Robert Patchett opposed to adding additional money to the Museum fund. He feels that the town should not proceed with a museum unless a referendum is set forth to be sure, the majority of taxpayers are willing to support this endeavor.
Gerald Crammond explained where the museum project is at this point. The committee has been diligent in obtaining prices and working toward an appropriate building for the museum. They are looking to obtain grant funding for the project.
The Board of Trustees have been working on different options for the building. One option is to have a library with the museum. Until the Board of Trustee’s know how much money they have allocated to work with, they cannot continue. We are in the process of submitting a grant for a museum/library. Councilman Meola also expressed the need to be able to know how much is available for the Museum project in order to prepare proposals for the new building. The Town of Hague badly needs a museum with suitable space to preserve its heritage.
Motion by R. Gladu, seconded by L. Megow to draw warrant on Supervisor to pay funds audited at tonight’s meeting. Warrant #11 of 2005 ($25,918.08). AYES: Supervisor Belden, R. Gladu, L. Megow and R. Meola. Motion carried.
Motion by R. Meola, seconded by L. Megow to approve minutes of October 11, & 12, 2005 as printed. AYES: Supervisor Belden, R. Meola, L. Megow and R. Gladu. Motion carried.
REGULAR COMMITTEE REPORTS:
1. Assessor & Justice (Gladu/Meola): Councilman Gladu reported that we are looking at approximately a 25% reduction in equalization rate next year.
2. Buildings & Grounds (Megow/Patchett): Councilman Megow reported that one proposal has been received for replacement of the stairs and ramps at the Community Center.
3. Care program (Patchett/Megow): The program is going well. The food pantry is opened every Thursday from 1pm to 2 pm.
4. Finance (Megow/Meola): No report.
5. Fire Department (Gladu/Patchett): Councilman Gladu would like to work jointly with the Fire Dept. on getting a representative from the utility company in Hague for a joint meeting to discuss the problem with multiple power outages in Hague. Supervisor Belden will contact Mr. Johnson to see if a meeting can be set up.
6. Highway (Megow/Gladu): Superintendent Smith reported that quotes have been received on the new boiler for the Highway Department.
Webb: $4,945
Suburban Energy (complete system): $15,678
Sawyers: $5,110, $5750, and $5,956
Jack Hall: No bid.
Blodgett/EJ Monroe: No bid.
Champlain Valley heating: $7,976
Motion by R. Gladu, seconded by L. Megow to authorize the hiring of a company to install the boiler with parts and laborer not to exceed $10,000.00. AYES: Supervisor Belden, R. Gladu, L. Megow and R. Meola. Motion carried.
Motion by Supervisor Belden, seconded by L. Megow to authorize Councilman Megow to order the boiler from Webb in the amount of $4,945.00 for the Highway Garage. AYES: Supervisor Belden, R. Gladu, L. Megow, and R. Meola. Motion carried.
The Highway Department is asking for two different quotes for the installation of the salt shed. The first quote will be for the concrete bottom 24X30 and the second quote will be for the salt shed top. The project once accepted will probably not begin until spring.
Individuals can obtain sand for the driveways and walks at the Highway Garage.
7. Insurance (Meola/Gladu): Supervisor Belden reported that in 2007 the Town will have the option of using the Counties Health Insurance carriers.
8. Museum & Historian (Meola/Megow): The Building committee, the Collection committee and the Program and Exhibition committee are working on their assignments.
9. Personnel (Meola/Patchett): No report.
10. Planning/Zoning/Stormwater (Gladu/Patchett):
ZONING REPORT TO TOWN BOARD
October 2005
Permit Activity (applications received)
o Land Use Development 5 57
o Site Plan Review 1 10
o Variances 1 5
o Subdivisions 0 6
o Wastewater 1 15
o Wastewater Variances 0 1
o Sewer 0 8
o Arthur Belden –Justice Knott agreed to give an extension. A letter from Dennis Englert was received on 10/21/05 stating the schedule of compliance for the clean up of Mr. Belden’s property. The agreed upon completion date is Feb. of 2006.
o Due to Thanksgiving, The Zoning Board of Appeals will meeting on
Nov. 17, 2005.
o I would like permission to write an article for Hague Chronicle addressing the need for applications to the Planning and Zoning Board to be received no later than one week prior to the meetings. Information received after information packets are sent out to the board members will be held until the next meeting. I find it very unfair to the Board members to receive information or applications at the Board meeting, since there is no time to review the materials presented.
The Board agreed with the ZEO that it is a requirement of the application process that all relevant information be received one week prior to the Planning or Zoning Board meeting. The ZEO will prepare an article for the Hague Chronicle.
Motion by R. Meola, seconded by L. Megow to appoint Martin Fitzgerald II as Zoning Board of Appeals Deputy. Term to expire 12/31/2005. AYES: Supervisor Belden, R. Meola, L. Megow and R. Gladu. Motion carried.
11. Recreation & Promotion (Gladu/Patchett): The 13th of December is the Senior Lunch. This year the Senior of the year will be awarded at the lunch along with the lighting of the Memory Tree. Holiday in Hague is scheduled for December 3, 2005.
12. Sewer (Belden/Megow): A complaint was received on the reading of the Sewer Bills. The Board feels that due to the bill stating twice that a penalty fee of 10% will be added on to the sewer rent fee after 7/31, the individual should have to pay the penalty fee. The Board is desirous of adding more information to the bill to further clarify the matter.
Motion by R. Gladu, seconded by L. Megow change the sewer rent bill collection period to read payment schedule: April 1 – July 31 payable without penalty, August 1 – October 31 ten percent penalty added to bill. AYES: Supervisor Belden, R. Gladu, L. Megow, and R. Meola. Motion carried.
13. Town Park (Meola/Gladu): Councilman Meola stressed the need of the Board to address the issue dealing with work that needs to be done on the area running parallel to the slip.
14. Transfer Station (Megow/Patchett): No report.
15. Youth (Meola/Gladu): Councilman Meola reported that the County Youth program is approved for next year.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
1. A letter was received from the Superintendent of Ticonderoga School explaining at this time school tax bills cannot be made in installment payments. The both Essex and Warren County would have to institute the process of doing this.
2. Motion by R. Meola, seconded by R. Gladu to reimburse the Jackson family $125.00 for rental of the Fire Department, due to the Supervisor having to cancel their Anniversary party in the main room at the Community Center because of the refinishing of the floor. AYES: Supervisor Belden, R. Meola, R. Gladu and L. Megow. Motion carried.
The Board will review the policy that is in place for the use of the main room at the Community Center.
3. Motion by R. Meola, seconded by L. Megow to approve the 2006 Budget with additional $300,000 of sales tax money left at the County to be appropriated to lower the 2006 County portion of taxes. AYES: Supervisor Belden, R. Meola, R. Gladu and L. Megow. Motion carried.
COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS: None.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Resolution #64 of 2005
RESOLUTION #64 OF 2005
AUTHORIZING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TOWN OF HAGUE AND COUNTY OF WARREN FOR TOURISM PROMOTION AND TOURIST AND CONVENTION DEVELOPMENT FUNDS
Resolution introduced by R. Meola, and seconded by L. Megow
WHEREAS, the County derives revenues from the Occupancy Tax authorized by act of New York State Legislature (Chapter 422 of the Laws of 2003) and, after deducting the amount provided for administering such Tax, is to allocate the funds to enhance the general economy of the County of Warren and its Cities, Towns and Villages through the promotion of tourist activities, conventions, trade shows, special events and other directly related and supported activities, and
WHEREAS, an Agreement between the County of Warren and the Town of Hague (hereinafter Municipality) is presented at this meeting, which Agreement proposes to provide funds to the Municipality for Tourism promotion and tourist and convention development (hereinafter “Agreement”) from 2005 Occupancy Tax Revenues, and
WHEREAS, the Agreement provides for initial funds of Thirty Thousand Dollars ($30,000) from 2005 Occupancy Tax Revenues and for additional funds to be provided only pursuant to further resolution adopted at the sole discretion of the Board of Supervisors with all funding subject to and in accordance with and the terms and provisions of the Agreement (without the need to approve and sign additional agreements for additional payments, and
WHEREAS, the Agreement also contains provisions concerning allowable fund expenditures, accounting, record keeping and under certain circumstances, refunds of Occupancy Tax funds being paid to the Municipality, and
WHEREAS, the Municipality is ready, willing and able to provide for promotion of tourist activities, conventions, trade shows, special events and other directly related and supported activities, and possesses or can make available all necessary qualified personnel, licenses, facilities and expertise to carry out the terms of the Agreement and now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Town of Hague hereby enter into the Agreement with the County of Warren and the Supervisor, of the Town of Hague with the county of Warren for the receipt of funds in the amount of Thirty Thousand Dollars ($30,000), with the understanding that:
1) additional funding may be made by the County of Warren pursuant to the Agreement, as Occupancy Tax revenues shall become available and in such amounts as the Board of Supervisors shall, in its sole discretion appropriate pursuant to a municipal sharing formula to be approved by the Board of Supervisors and
2) that all funds received pursuant to the Agreement shall be subject to the terms and provisions of the Agreement (without the need to approve and sign additional agreements) and
3) said funds, if not used for eligible expenditures, shall be refunded to the County, and be it further
RESOLVED, that specific expenditure of the funds provided under the Agreement shall be subject to further approving resolution of the Town of Hague Board.
DULY ADOPTED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: Supervisor Belden, R. Meola, L. Megow and R. Gladu. Motion carried.
2. Councilman Meola informed the Board that a letter was sent from the Student Connection Program asking for a confirmation of how many students the Board would like to employee next summer if any. The response was supposed to be submitted by October 31, 2005.
The Board members decided not to commit themselves to the student connection program at this time.
3. Resolution #65 of 2005
RESOLUTION # 65 OF 2005
Resolution introduced by R. Meola, seconded by L. Megow
AUTHORIZING AMENDMENT OF 2004-2005 AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TOWN OF HAGUE AND WARREN COUNTY FOR TOURISM PROMOTION AND TOURISM AND CONVENTION DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
WHEREAS, Warren County has sent to the Town of Hague an agreement amending the 2004-2005 Local Tourism Promotion and Convention Development Agreement to:
1) Amend paragraph 5 and 6 to provide that municipalities shall retain funds paid by the County following the scheduled date of termination or an earlier mutual consent termination date provided the funds are used only for eligible expenditures as more specifically identified in the agreement and provided the municipality is not in breach of the agreement, and
2) Amend paragraph 7 to remove a first sentence (previously crossed out and initialed providing the municipality shall be solely responsible and answerable for all damages to any accidents or injuries as overly broad and unnecessary, and
3) Amend paragraph 2 to change the Warren County Committee that may give prior approval for expenditures by a municipality to the Occupancy Tax Coordination Committee (previously it was provided that the Tourism Committee would give such approvals), now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Town of Hague enter into amended agreements concerning the expenditure of 2004 Occupancy Tax revenues with terms to be as outlined in the preambles of this resolution, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Supervisor, hereby is authorized to execute the amendment agreement, with the same to be in a form approved by the Town Attorney.
DULY ADOPTED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: Supervisor Belden, R. Meola, L. Megow and R. Gladu.
NAYS: None.
Motion carried.
SUPERVISOR REPORT:
Supervisor Belden reported that they have still been working on the County Budget. Approximately half of the tax money received goes to cover social service programs.
There is a problem with garbage and a hole where possibly the septic tank was located on the Swayne property on Overbrook Road. Neighbors have been trying to contact them at their winter address.
Motion by R. Gladu, seconded by L. Megow to have the Highway Department clean up the property and cover the septic hole. The Highway Department will keep track of their time and Mr. Swayne will be billed for the time worked and the disposal of the garbage. AYES: Supervisor Belden, R. Gladu, L. Megow and R. Meola. Motion carried.
Motion by R. Meola, seconded by R. Gladu to give permission to the newly elected officials to attended the Association of Towns Tel Conference on December 12, 2005. AYES: Supervisor Belden, R. Meola, R. Gladu and L. Megow. Motion carried.
Motion by R. Gladu, seconded by L. Megow to adjourn meeting at 7:45 pm. All voting yes. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah F. Manning, Town Clerk