HAGUE TOWN BOARD

AUDIT, PUBLIC HEARING AND REGULAR MEETING

MARCH 14, 2006

6:00 PM

 

Members present: Supervisor Belden, E. Frasier, R. Gladu, T. LaPointe, A. Steitz

 

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

The Board reviewed the March Warrant.

 

Supervisor Belden opened the regular meeting at 6:30 pm with the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

The Public Hearing for proposed Local Law #1 of 2006 entitled “ A Local Law for the Maximum Exemption Allowable for the Alternative Veteran’s Exemption from Real Property Taxation” began immediately. The Notice, as it appeared in The Glens Falls Post Star on March 9, 2006 was read by recording secretary N. Young. 

No public comments were heard at that time.

Motion by A. Steitz, second by E. Frasier to leave the Public Hearing open. Ayes: Supervisor Belden, E. Frasier, R. Gladu, T. LaPointe, A. Steitz. Motion carried.

 

Warren County Engineer, William Lamy presented the town with the 2005 Project of the Year, in the Environmental/Wastewater Category award, for its innovative wastewater system.

 

A moment of silence was held for Ursula Montbriand, Ed Vetrano and James Meehan.

 

Motion by E. Frasier, second by A. Steitz to draw Warrant on the Supervisor to pay Warrant #3 of 2006.  Ayes: Supervisor Belden, E. Frasier, R. Gladu, T. LaPointe, A. Steitz. Motion carried.

 

Motion by A. Steitz, second by E. Frasier to approve the minutes of 2/14/06 and 3/6/06 as printed. Ayes: Supervisor Belden, E. Frasier, R. Gladu, T. LaPointe, A. Steitz. Motion carried.

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS

1. ASSESSOR & JUSTICE (Gladu/Steitz) Councilman Gladu reported that sales data has been reviewed for the Residential Assessment Ratio used to determine the Equalization Rate. The rate is expected to be in the range of 80%; final figure due in May.

 

2. BUILDING & GROUNDS: (LaPointe/Steitz) Councilman LaPointe informed the Board that a meeting has been scheduled to discuss work at the Visitors Center.

The generator at the Community Center will be rewired to power the water supply, according to Councilman Steitz.

3. ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE: (Frasier/Steitz) Councilwoman Frasier met with the committee last week at which time plans for the proposed sculpture were voted down.  The group will continue discussions with the Baptist Church to determine the best way to enhance the area in front of their parking lot. Also under discussion is the land behind the Hague Brook.

 

4. CARE PROGRAM: (Frasier/Steitz)  Councilwoman Frasier had nothing to report.

 

5. FINANCE: (Frasier/Gladu) Councilwoman Frasier informed those present that the final, year end report, granted an extension from the February due date, should be filed soon. Once complete, Supervisor Belden will make the necessary transfer from the Sewer to the General fund.

 

6. FIRE DEPARTMENT: (Steitz/Gladu)  Councilman Steitz reported there were 3 fire and 3 ambulance calls this month. Fire Department members will have the opportunity to attend an upgrade class in the near future. There will be a Fire Department Open House on April 7th. Gratitude was expressed to the Silver Bay Association for providing emergency housing during the recent extended power outage.

 

7. HIGHWAY: (Gladu/LaPointe) A free class will be held at the Warren County Municipal Center addressing safety concerns and OSHA requirements.  Motion by R. Gladu, second by A. Steitz to make attendance mandatory, during working hours, for all highway maintenance and labor employees and Mike Manning. Ayes: Supervisor Belden, E. Frasier, R. Gladu, T. LaPointe, A. Steitz. Motion carried. Fire Department members may also be interested in attending.

Board members discussed the importance of proper safety attire for highway employees when doing roadwork.

Discussion ensued about the need for a town-wide emergency response plan. The plan should outline responsibilities and include items such as the chain of command, an evaluation of critical need residents, and list important calls to make. Councilmen Gladu and LaPointe agreed to oversee the process of formulating a plan. It was suggested that the Fire Department and the Silver Bay Association be included in discussions.

Councilman LaPointe brought the Board up to date after his recent visit to the Highway Garage. He feels most tools are on hand to do needed equipment repairs. Debris behind the shed should be removed and he identified the need to construct a shelter to house equipment. An inventory of all equipment should be filed.  He noted that it is time to evaluate all trucks for replacement.

 

8. INSURANCE: (Frasier/Gladu) No report

 

9. MUSEUM: (Frasier/LaPointe) According to Councilwoman Frasier, the committee is unsure about the best way to proceed with building plans at this point. She may have more information to report after the next meeting. Councilwoman Frasier will discuss with the committee ways to encourage more participation from the local community. Scheduling a public informational meeting might generate interest. It was also suggested that early evening, rather than afternoon meetings could increase participation. 

Councilwoman Frasier requested clarification about the makeup of the Museum Trustee committee. Supervisor Belden confirmed that it is the Board’s responsibility to appoint members.

 

10. PERSONNEL: (Gladu/Frasier) Job descriptions for all Community Center employees are in place according to Councilman Gladu. He and Councilwoman Frasier plan to review and determine if they are appropriate and effective.

There are two candidates for the Board of Assessment Review. Interviews will be scheduled.

 

11. PLANNING/ZONING/STORM WATER: (Gladu/LaPointe) ZEO Clark reported the following permits/applications were filed this month:  7 Land Use, 4 Site Plan, 5 Variance, 2 Subdivision and 1 Wastewater.

The Beneduce 11 lot subdivision has received approval from the LGPC, a condition for final town approval.

A complaint was received wherein Ms. Clark acted as mediator for the contractor, neighbor and the DOT.

Application forms will be amended to include language that would allow the homeowner to grant permission for site visits. Also, wording will be added to inform applicants of the need to return the to the ZEO’s office when the project is completed. Ms. Clark will list all conditions of approval on the Compliance Certificate. 

 

Motion by D. Gladu, second by T. LaPointe to grant permission to Cathy Clark to attend two conferences: The Woman’s Bar Association in Saratoga on 3/15th, cost $25 plus mileage and the APA Local Government Day in Saranac on 3/23rd, cost plus mileage. Ayes: Supervisor Belden, E. Frasier, R. Gladu, T. LaPointe, A. Steitz. Motion carried.

 

Motion by E. Frasier, second by T. LaPointe to appoint Rolly Allen as Deputy Chairman of the Planning Board, John Brown as Clerk of the Planning Board and Martin Fitzgerald, Jr. as Deputy Chairman for the ZBA. Ayes: Supervisor Belden, E. Frasier, R. Gladu, T. LaPointe, A. Steitz.

Motion carried. Nominees were provided by respective Boards.

 

Ms. Clark has begun the process of forming a Citizens Advisory Committee as requested by the Lake George Park Commission as part of its grant approval. D. Gladu agreed to assist with this process.  More information available by next month.

 

12. RECREATION/PROMOTION: (LaPointe/Steitz) The Hague SnoGoers Club has incorporated, according to Councilman LaPointe. A fund-raiser is being planned at the Hague Fish and Game Club for some time in the future.  The SnoGoers are compiling a list of homeowners located on the trail system. The advantages and benefits of membership in the club were explained by Councilmen Steitz and LaPointe. Supervisor Belden and Councilman LaPointe will investigate the possibility of obtaining a groomer.

An employment notice has been posted for lifeguard positions. 

 

13. SEWER DIST. #1 & #2: (Belden/Steitz) Supervisor Belden informed the Board that support letters have been sent to State officials requesting funding assistance for Sewer District #2. The grant application must be complete by May 6th.

 

14. TOWN PARK BEAUTIFICATION (LaPointe/Steitz) A meeting has been scheduled to discuss summer employment at the Visitors Center. Notices regarding the availability of positions will be posted.

 

15. TRANSFER STATION/RECYCLING: (Steitz/ Gladu) Councilman Steitz has spoken with Casella Waste Management. They have arranged for Silver Bay Construction to do needed work at the transfer station. 

 

16. YOUTH: (Frasier/LaPointe) Councilwoman Frasier will be contacting Jackie Palandrani.

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Cell Tower - Supervisor Belden brought the Board up to date on the work/research done to date. It was decided that he should continue discussion with Independent Tower. They have indicated they could provide 35 ft. towers and search for companies to provide service. 

 

COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS

A letter was received from The Hague Senior Citizens Club, dated 2/27/06, with requests for the Memorial Day Celebration on Saturday, May 27th 2006. The group agreed to grant the requests. Supervisor Belden will respond by mail.

 

Homeowner Sue Phelps has written a letter, dated 3/6/06, with a concern about the Town’s property located at the Boat Dock.  The Board discussed possible solutions to the problem, including the need for more police presence. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, the Board agreed to set up a meeting with Ms. Phelps. Supervisor Belden will make the arrangements.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Resolution #44 of 2006:

 

WARRANT FOR COLLECTION OF SEWER USER FEES FOR THE YEAR 2006

 

 

Resolution introduced by A. Steitz, and seconded by E. Frasier.

 

 

 

RESOLVED,   that the Warrant amount to be collected for Sewer User Fee’s for the Town of     Hague District #1 be as followed:

 

Sewer Fee’s for fiscal year 1/1/06 – 12/31/06            274.20 EDU’s              $109,680.00 to be collected.

 

And be it further

 

RESOLVED,   that the Sewer Collector is hereby ordered to receive and collect the above amount.  Ten percent (10%) will be added to unpaid fee’s received after July 31, 2006.  The last day of payment is October 31, 2006, thereafter all unpaid sewer fee’s will be sent to Warren County for collection.

 

Duly adopted by the following vote:

 

AYES:  Supervisor Belden, A. Steitz, E. Frasier, R. Gladu and T. LaPointe.  Motion carried.

 

 

 

 

RESOLUTION  #45 OF 2006

Resolution to Amend Resolution #31 of 1996

 

RESOLUTION INTRODUCED BY E. FRASIER, AND SECONDED BY T. LAPOINTE.

 

WHEREAS,     the Hague Town Board adopted Resolution #31 of 1996 to name private roads/driveways/right of ways and name for clarification Town/County and State Roads, and

 

WHEREAS,            a new private road has been added to the E911 numbering system, and

 

WHEREAS,     the property owner has requested a sign, and

 

WHEREAS,            the new road is named Pine Lane, located off Split Rock Road, and

 

WHEREAS,     property owners of Babblin Brook Road, off Lakeshore Drive in Silver Bay, wish to rename this road Northbrook Drive, the owners will incur the cost of the new sign, now therefore be it

 

RESOLVED,   that the private drive leading off Split Rock Road be included in the 911 numbering system an be named PINE LANE.  It is located at C3 on our Map.  This private road is 600 feet in length, and be it further

 

RESOLVED,   that the private road named Babblin Brook Road, located in C4 be renamed to NORTHBROOK DRIVE, and be it further

 

RESOLVED,   that the following changes be added to the 911 numbering system and a copy of this resolution be forwarded to US Post Office, Warren County Planning Dept. and Hague Fire Dept.

 

DULY ADOPTED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:

 

AYES:  Supervisor Belden, E. Frasier, T. LaPointe, R. Gladu and A. Steitz.  Motion carried.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hearing no further comments, D. Gladu moved and E. Frasier seconded a motion to close the Public Hearing for “Proposed Local Law #1 of 2006" at 7:55 pm.

Ayes: Supervisor Belden, E. Frasier, R. Gladu, T. LaPointe, A. Steitz. Motion carried.

 

Resolution # 46 of 2006:

 

Resolution introduced by R. Gladu, and seconded by E. Frasier.

 

RESOLUTION TO ENACT LOCAL LAW #1 OF 2006

 

WHEREAS,     a proposed local law was duly presented to the Hague Town Board and considered by them, said proposed local law being entitled, “A Local Law Providing for the Maximum Exemption Allowable for the Alternative Veteran’s Exemption from Real Property Taxation”, and

 

WHEREAS,     the Hague Town Board adopted Resolution #43 on March 6, 2006, authorizing a public hearing to be held by the Hague Town Board on the March 14, 2006, at the Hague Community Center on the matter of the proposed local law, and notice of said public hearing having been duly published, and all persons appearing at said public hearing desiring to be heard, having been heard, now, therefore be it

 

RESOLVED,   that the Hague Town Board of the County of Warren, New York, on this  14th day of March 2006, does hereby enact and adopt Local Law #1 of 2006 as set forth in Schedule “A” annexed hereto.

 

DULY ADOPTED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:

 

AYES:  Supervisor Belden, R. Gladu, E. Frasier, T. LaPointe and A. Steitz.

 

 

 

The Hague Chamber of Commerce would like to erect a welcome sign at the intersection of Rt. 8 and Rt. 9N with Kiwanis funds. The matter will be referred to the Enhancement Committee.

 

Motion by E. Frasier and second by D. Gladu to change the “established in” date to1807 on the existing welcome signs. Ayes: Supervisor Belden, E. Frasier, R. Gladu, T. LaPointe, A. Steitz. Motion carried. Supervisor Belden will contact the appropriate party to make the change.

 

The dumpster at the Community Center will be locked.  People have been depositing their trash in it, according to Councilman Steitz.

 

Motion by A. Steitz, second by T. LaPointe to have Bo O’Leary do the final paperwork to complete the OSHA Respiration Plan for the Highway Dept. and send copy to the Dept. of Labor.

Ayes: Supervisor Belden, E. Frasier, R. Gladu, T. LaPointe, A. Steitz.

Motion carried.

 

COUNTY REPORTS

Warren County DPW will be cutting brush on county roads soon.

Supervisor Belden reported on the recent Real Property committee meeting he attended. Inflated sales prices and high taxes are affecting other towns as well.

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

Motion by A. Steitz, second by T. LaPointe to adjourn at 8:23 pm. Ayes: Supervisor Belden, E. Frasier, R. Gladu, T. LaPointe, A. Steitz.

Motion carried.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Nancy E. Young

Recording Secretary