HAGUE TOWN BOARD
AUDIT & REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 13, 2006
6:00 PM
MEMBERS PRESENT: Supervisor Belden, E. Frasier, R. Gladu, A. Steitz and T. LaPointe.
Supervisor Belden opened the audit meeting at 6:00 pm.
The Board reviewed the June Warrant.
Welcome Guests/Privilege of the floor:
Mr. Bailey requested that tree limbs be trimmed back by the boat launch. Supervisor Belden will call the Highway Dept. to ask them to take care of this.
Mr. Meola questioned the payment to a consultant for work, which had not been previously authorized. He pointed out that when the proposal for a bike path was discussed the Board felt that the proposal was premature and that the Board needed to know more about the project before acting on it.
Mr. Lobdell again asked the Board on the status on the litigation case in regards to the removal of a trailer on Yaw Road.
Councilman Gladu explained that this is a legal matter and it is under review and cannot be discussed.
Mrs. Harriet Cole and Hannah Cole addressed the problem of dirt being pushed over their bank. Supervisor Belden will have someone inspect the problem.
She also reported that there has been a problem with shots being fired at the Yaw Road sign by her property. Supervisor Belden told her that this should have been reported to the State Police.
In addition, Ms. Cole questioned if a permit for a porch was obtained by her neighbor and questioned what the policy is for running a business on residential property. Supervisor Belden told her she would have to contact the ZEO.
Supervisor Belden reported that a ½ mile of cable has been extended on Graphite Mountain Road. Soon New Hague Road will have service.
Motion by A. Steitz, seconded by T. LaPointe to pay General, Highway and Sewer Bills audited at tonight’s meeting in the amount of $75,561.63. AYES: Supervisor Belden, A. Steitz, T. LaPointe, R. Gladu and E. Frasier. Motion carried.
Motion by A. Steitz, seconded by E. Frasier to approve minutes of May 9, 2006 and June 5, of 2006 as printed. AYES: Supervisor Belden, A. Steitz, E. Frasier, R. Gladu and T. LaPointe. Motion carried.
1. ASSESSOR & JUSTICE (Gladu/Steitz): Councilman Gladu reported that he still would like to go forward with a common assessment plan. He stressed the need of talking with Ticonderoga Supervisor Dedrick on this project. He also reported that there has been a lot of work done on School & Property Tax Reform. The Assembly and Senate have identified that there is a problem with property tax. Elliot Spitzer has a web site where you can voice your concerns (spitzor2006.com).
2. BUILDING & GROUNDS (LaPointe/Steitz): Councilman LaPointe reported that work would begin soon on the repairs at the Community Center. Silver Bay Construction will be up next week to review the decks at the Community Center.
The new lawn mower has been delivered. Supervisor Belden and Councilman Gladu will look at the old trailer for transportation of the lawn mower at the Highway Garage to see if it can be repaired.
3. CARE PROGRAM (Frasier/Steitz): The care program room will be re-painted and the new shelving will be installed.
4. ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE (Frasier/Steitz): Councilwoman Frasier thanked Diane Farinick & Carol Pittman for all of their help with the hanging baskets along the Route 8 and 9N corridor. In addition, DeFranco Landscaping did a great job at the triangle. She stressed the need to have mowing and trimming done by the three entrance signs. Councilman Steitz also mentioned d the need of finding someone to mow the Legion property. Councilman Gladu would like the old building on the corner of 9N & 8 cleaned up. Supervisor Belden mentioned that it was private property and the owners should be contacted to do this.
5. FINANCE (Frasier/Gladu): Councilwoman Frasier reported that after speaking with the Towns financial bank, it has been decided to move $350,000 into a money marketing account at 5.12% interest for 2 months.
6. FIRE DEPT. (Steitz/Gladu): No report.
7. HIGHWAY (Gladu/LaPointe): Councilman Gladu reported that he met with the Highway Superintendent and reviewed the Highway Budget. There will be repair work down in house to keep the budget under control.
The hydraulic arm of the tractor needs to be repaired before the grass can be trimmed along the road.
8. INSURANCE (Frasier/Gladu): No report.
9. MUSEUM (Frasier/LaPointe): Councilwoman Frasier reported that there would be a meeting this week. At this point, the Museum Trustees feel that the most important need is to preserve and inventory the artifacts. Judy Stock has been working on reviving the Historical Society. Councilwoman Frasier has been researching other towns, and most of their museums are operated by the Historical Society.
10. PERSONNEL (Gladu/Frasier): Councilman Gladu reported that all summer help were hired at the June 5th Special Meeting. There will be a Committee meeting soon to review their schedules. Glenn McKee has been appointed to the Zoning Board of appeals. The Board once again thanks Tina King for an outstanding job, while serving on the ZBA.
11. PLANNING/ZONING/STORMWATER (Gladu/LaPointe):
May 2006
· Permits Activity Month YTD
o Land Use Development 12 43
o Site Plan Review 4 13
o Variance 4 11
o Subdivisions 2 5
o Wastewater 0 6
o Wastewater Variances 0 0
· Zoning & Planning Board:
and held 4 site visits.
10 Lot ( Major) subdivision. Due to wetlands found in Subdivision, this will be an APA Class A Regional Project. SEQR will not be required.
The Planning Board gave preliminary approval of the subdivision plat at the June 1st meeting. Tree cutting and open space were items of concern.
Request a list of items that will be accepted on Clean-up Day, June 22 & 23. I have been canvassing the Town and recording properties that are in violation of the Junk Law. Many of which could come into compliance if they took advantage of Clean-up day.
· Other Issues:
1. Condition of Approval (see attachment) on applications that the Planning or Zoning Board have rendered a decision; any modification to the applications (if it dose not comply with the zoning codes), or a modification to conditions set forth by a board, the applicant must return to the board that rendered the decision. Neither the Town Board nor the Zoning Enforcement Officer has the right to overturn a decision made by the Zoning or Planning Board.
Zoning is on the land not the property owner. Condition of approval remain with the land and apply to any subsequent owner.
2. Request to close the Zoning office on June 21st & 23rd; if granted I will open the office on June 19th, all day June 20th, and the 22nd. Daughter graduating.
Supervisor Belden reported that Dave Wick is working on the storm water plan for Pine Cove Road.
Councilman Gladu would like to see something done with the noise issue. The Town has nothing in place to enforce this problem. There have been many complaints down at the Hague Boat Dock in regards to drinking and load noise.
Sandy Rust believes the town should stay proactive in regards to noise. Art Hatfield, Miles Peterson and Robert Keating also agree that the town should look into the passage of a noise ordinance.
12. RECREATION & PROMOTION (LaPointe/Steitz): Councilman LaPointe reported that the Music in the Park schedule is completed for the summer of 2006:
Wed. July 5 Capital Zen
Wed. July 12 Rick Bolton & Sharon Dwyer
Wed. July 19 Too Human
Wed. July 26 Nelson Shapiro
Wed. August 2 Mary Jo von Tury & Dwinal Smith
Wed. August 9 Silver Bay Quartet
Wed. August 16 Stan Burdick
Wed. August 23 Loose Monkeys
All performances will begin at 7:30 pm at the Hague Park
If inclement weather, performances will be held at the Community Center.
The Chamber would like extra park attendants during the 4th of July Celebration in Hague, scheduled for July 2, 2006 at the Hague Beach. Elvis show will begin at 7:30 pm with Fireworks to follow.
Councilman Gladu would like the organizations to let the Town know in advance if they need help with flagging.
13. SEWER #1 & #2 (Belden/Steitz): Supervisor Belden will be meeting with Bill Lamy, Warren County Engineer to discuss the proposed plans for Sewer District #2. The Informational Meeting scheduled for June 20, 2006 on proposed Sewer District #2 has been cancelled. This meeting will be rescheduled in July. More information is needed to be obtained to complete the proposed plan.
14. TOWN PARK/BEAUTIFICATION (LaPointe/Steitz): No report.
15. TRANSFER STATION (Steitz/Gladu): Town wide clean up day is scheduled for July 22 & 23 of 2006. Seniors 60 yrs or older can call the Community Center for pick up. The tractor at the Highway Garage needs to be repaired before they can begin cutting grass at the Transfer Station.
16. YOUTH (Frasier/LaPointe): No report.
1 Motion by A. Steitz, seconded by E. Frasier to increase the cost per gallon of sludge at the Sewer Plant for out of district haulers from 3 cents to 4 cents. AYES: Supervisor Belden, A. Steitz, E. Frasier, T. LaPointe and R. Gladu. Motion carried.
2. The following truck bids were received:
DADO’s $1,876.00
Tom Curtis $1,851.00
Eric Palait $1,000.00
1992 International, Model #267 rolloff.
Robert Geisel $17,175.00
DADO’s $14,276.00
Tom Curtis $9,271.00
1993 Dodge Ram – 1 ton dump with plow.
John F. Curtis $2,752.00
Tom Curtis $1,451.00
DADO’s $1,276.00
Motion R. Gladu, seconded by A. Steitz to award the 1987 International Tandam to DADO’s in the amount of $1,876.00. The 1992 International, Model #267 rolloff to Robert Geisel in the amount of $17,175.00. The 1993 Dodge Ram – 1 ton dump with plow to John F. Curtis in the amount of $2,752.00. The Board will accept cashier or certified checks for payment. AYES: Supervisor Belden, R. Gladu, A. Steitz, E. Frasier and T. LaPointe. Motion carried.
3. Motion by A. Steitz, seconded by R. Gladu to pay the County $25,000.00 for repair of the retaining wall on Holman Hill. AYES: Supervisor Belden, A. Steitz, R. Gladu, T. LaPointe and E. Frasier. Motion carried.
4. Motion by R. Gladu, seconded by T. LaPointe to install a wireless service in the amount of $750.00. Councilman Gladu will review the placement of the service with Tom Schaffer. The cost will come out of the Occupancy Tax fund. AYES: Supervisor Belden, R. Gladu, T. LaPointe, E. Frasier and A. Steitz. Motion carried.
5. Supervisor Belden reported that the punch list has been completed for Sewer District #1 and the Town will be taking over the plant sometime in the fall of 2006.
1. Motion by E. Frasier, seconded by R. Gladu to pay for the Hague Youth to attend the Silver Bay Association Music Camp from 6/26/2006 – 7/7/2006 @ $145.00 a week. AYES: Supervisor Belden, E. Frasier, R. Gladu, A. Steitz and T. LaPointe. Motion carried.
2. A letter was received on June 5, 2006 from Mark J. Kennedy, Regional Transportation System Operations, NYS Dept. of Transportation acknowledging receipt of the request to lower the speed limit on Trout Brook Road.
2. A letter was received on June 9, 2006 from Sheriff Larry Cleveland, WC Sheriff’s Office giving information to the Board on the possibility of purchasing a speed-monitoring device for the stretch of road north of the hamlet of Hague to the Rogers Rock Campsite.
The Board will look into the cost to see if this is feasible.
3. A letter was received on June 3, 2006 from Thomas Schaffer, President, Arcady Bay Homeowners Association asking the Board to explore the possibility of transferring Arcady Bay’s private Roads to the town. Motions by Supervisor Belden, seconded by R. Gladu to have the Town Clerk try to locate the specifications of the Arcady Roads. All voting yes. Motion carried.
4. A letter dated 5/16/2006 was received from David Dunn, President of the Hague-Ticonderoga Chamber of Commerce asking for 2 Park Attendants, 1 attendant for parking cars and a Sheriff to direct traffic for the Independence Celebration on Sunday July 2, 2006. Supervisor Belden will set this up.
5. A letter dated 6/2/2006 was received from Madeline Pelkey, President & Parade Chair of the Hague Senior Citizens Club, Inc. thanking the Board, Staff and the Community for their support in the Memorial Day Parade. The Senior Club has agreed to sponsor this event for the 2007 Bicentennial Memorial Day Celebration and is requesting help with roadblocks and traffic control in advance.
Motion by Supervisor Belden, seconded by R. Gladu to have additional help for the Memorial Day Parade in 2007. The Board agreed that this needs to be in place early, with commitments from individuals and groups. All voting yes. Motion carried.
1. RESOLUTION #56 OF 2006
RESOLVED, to authorize Supervisor Belden to sign AGREEMENT TO MEDIATE in reference to U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Number 525-2006-00459, Charging Party: Michael Fitzgerald, Respondent: Town of Hague.
AYES: Supervisor Belden, A. Steitz, E. Frasier, T. LaPointe and R. Gladu. Motion carried.
2. RESOLUTION #57 OF 2006
RESOLUTION INTRODUCED BY R. Gladu, AND SECONDED BY A. Steitz.
Resolution establishing a Highway Type Capital Reserve Fund to Finance Highway Equipment Purchases.
RESOLVED, that pursuant to section 6-c [6-g] of the General Municipal Law, as amended, there is hereby established a capital reserve fund to be known as the “Highway Equipment Reserve Fund” (hereinafter “Reserve Fund”). The purpose of this Reserve Fund is to accumulate monies to finance the cost of item(s) of highway equipment. The type of item(s) of equipment to be financed from the reserve fund are acquisition of highway equipment.
The chief fiscal officer is hereby directed to deposit and secure the monies of this Reserve Fund in the manner provided by Section 10 of the General Municipal Law. The chief fiscal officer may invest the monies in the Reserve Fund in the manner provided by Section 11 of the General Municipal Law, and consistent with the investment policy of the Town of Hague. Any interest earned or capital gains realized on the monies so deposited or invested shall accrue to and become part of the Reserve Fund. The chief fiscal officer shall account for the Reserve Fund in a manner, which maintains the separate identity of the cash and investments of the Reserve Fund.
Except as otherwise provided by Section 6-c [6-g] of the General Municipal Law, expenditures from this Reserve Fund shall be made only for the purpose for which the Reserve Fund is established. No expenditures shall be made from this Reserve Fund without the approval of the governing Board and without such additional actions or proceedings as may be required by Section 6-c [6-g] of the General Municipal Law, including a permissive referendum if required by subdivision 4 of section 6-c[6-g].
AYES: Supervisor Belden, R. Gladu, A. Steitz, E. Frasier and T. LaPointe. Motion carried.
3. RESOLUTION #58 of 2006
RESOLUTION INTRODUCED BY R. Gladu, AND SECONDED BY T. LaPointe.
RESOLVED, that the Supervisor is hereby authorized to transfer $30,000 from
Highway fund balance to the new highway special reserves fund and he is further authorized to put the equipment sales revenue to be received from the June 13th bid award from the sale of equipment no longer needed into the new highway reserve fund.
AYES: Supervisor Belden, R. Gladu, T. LaPointe, E. Frasier and A. Steitz. Motion carried.
4. Motion by Supervisor Belden, seconded by E. Frasier to authorize the Town Clerk/Tax Collector to attend the collector meeting on Friday June 16, 2006 at the Warren County Municipal Center. All voting yes. Motion carried.
Supervisor Belden reported that he is not in favor of a cap on sales tax on gas. This would be a major loss in revenue to Warren Count y. The County would loss approximately $840,000 per month in revenue. This proposed cap will be voted on by the Warren County Board of Supervisors.
Motion by E. Frasier, seconded by T. LaPointe to adjourn meeting at 7:55 pm. All voting yes. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah F. Manning,
Town Clerk