HAGUE TOWN BOARD
AUDIT & REGULAR MEETING
JULY 11, 2006
6:00 PM
MEMBERS PRESENT: Supervisor Belden, A. Steitz, E. Frasier and T. LaPointe.
ABSENT: R. Gladu.
Supervisor Belden opened the audit meeting at 6:00 pm.
The Board reviewed the July Warrant.
Regular meeting opened at 6:30 pm.
Welcome Guests/Privilege of the floor:
Mr. Meola asked the Board why Mr. Bailey was hired as a consultant to review the Bike/Pedestrian walkway plan. The Town of Hague Comprehensive Plan already addressed this. The Planning Board should have appointed a committee to begin this process.
Mr. Peterson noted that the worst area in Town for biking is from Lakeshore Garage to the Ruah Bed & Breakfast. I am sure that it would be difficult to obtain easements for this area of town.
Gene Moran addressed the problem of speeding in the Town of Hague. There needs to be enforcement.
Councilman LaPointe explained that Supervisor Belden and himself have contacted the Sheriff Dept. The Sheriff Dept is trying their best, but unfortunately there is not enough police to go around.
Motion by A. Stetiz, seconded by E, Frasier to pay General, Highway and Sewer Bills audited at tonight’s meeting in the amount of $30,743.89. AYES: Supervisor Belden, A. Stetiz, T. LaPointe, and E. Frasier. Motion carried.
Motion by E. Frasier, seconded by T. LaPointe to approve minutes of June 13, 2006 with correction to the time of the audit meeting change from 6:30 to 6:00. AYES: Supervisor Belden, A. Stetiz, E. Frasier, and T. LaPointe. Motion carried.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
1. ASSESSOR & JUSTICE (Gladu/Steitz): No report
2. BUILDING & GROUNDS (LaPointe/Steitz): Councilman LaPointe reported that Josh Frasier has been helping with mowing. The beach has been running well. There still have been problems with the toilets.
3. CARE PROGRAM (Frasier/Steitz): No report.
4. ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE (Frasier/Steitz): Councilwoman Frasier reported that the Highway Dept. did a great job helping with the removal of the boulders in front of the Baptist Church. The new flower pots have been put in place of the boulders.
5. FINANCE (Frasier/Gladu): Councilwoman Frasier stressed the need of each Department head making sure that money is available in their account before purchasing items.
6. FIRE DEPT. (Steitz/Gladu): Councilman Steitz reported that the Fire Dept. Steak Roast is scheduled for August 5, 2006. They asked if the Board would be willing to purchase five tables for the Company. The Board felt that they were not in the position to do this. These items should be purchased by the Fire Company.
7. HIGHWAY (Gladu/LaPointe): Superintendent Smith reported that Clean-up Day went well considering the number of people who signed up for pick up. Mr. Farinick has completed the installation of the furnace.
8. INSURANCE (Frasier/Gladu): Councilwoman Frasier reported that she met with the Town’s insurance agent to tour and review the cost of insurance for the sewer plant. The estimated cost for the policy would be approximately $3,000.00.
9. MUSEUM (Frasier/LaPointe): Councilwoman Frasier reported that the Museum will be temporally closed, in order to clean and rearrange the room.
10. PERSONNEL (Gladu/Frasier): No report.
11. PLANNING/ZONING/STORMWATER (Gladu/LaPointe): Cathy Clark ZEO submitted her report:
ZONING REPORT TO TOWN BOARD
JUNE/ JULY 2006
Land Use Development 7 50
Site Plan Review 4 13
Variance 0 11
Subdivisions 2 6
Wastewater 3 9
Wastewater Variances 0 0
Zoning Board of Appeals approved modifications to HVFD application and is currently working on two variance applications.
Planning Board approved 3 applications at their July 6th. meeting
with 1 application still pending.
Subdivision:
The Planning Board continues to work on the Wilson’s 10 lot Subdivision and has 2 new minor subdivision applications.
Complaints:
Stormwater- drain place to discharge stormwater onto neighbors property. Agreement Reached – work will be done to correct the situation.
Zoning Violations:
Kruger - New Hague Road - Building without a Certificate of Compliance or Building Permit. A Wastewater Plan has been
submitted with work to be completed with in the next two weeks.
This is currently under Site Plan Review. The Board discussed this issue and agreed with the ZEO that at this point try to work with the Kruger’s to get them into compliance.
Prior to Clean-up Day I
canvassed the Town for violations of Local Law No. Letters were sent to
fifteen residents and five personal contacts were made. Most
properties showed improvement after the “Clean-up Day and three violations
have been dismissed. I have made appointments with three of the
resident, for this coming week.
The Town Board will have Councilman Gladu work with the ZEO on creating a new rate for Zoning permits. Upon completion the Board will set a date on when these prices will commence.
12. RECREATION & PROMOTION (LaPointe/Steitz): The committee stressed the need of replacing some of the bushes and adding mulch down by the Visitor Center. Councilman Steitz will contact Peter Foster to get a proposal.
The Highway Dept. will place additional sand at the beach.
August 5 & 6 is Hague’s Annual Arts & Craft Fair sponsored by the Hague Chamber of Commerce. The Firemen Steak Bake is scheduled for August 5 starting at 3 pm.
13. SEWER #1 & #2 (Belden/Steitz): There will be a Public Informational Meeting at the Hague Community Center on proposed Sewer District #2 Thursday July 13, 2006 @ 6:30 pm
14. TOWN PARK/BEAUTIFICATION (LaPointe/Steitz): No report.
15. TRANSFER STATION (Steitz/Gladu): Councilman Steitz reported that the Board will be revisiting the issue of clean-up day. The policy is being abused.
16. YOUTH (Frasier/LaPointe): Councilwoman Frasier reported that approximately 31 children have signed up for Silver Camp at Silver Bay. The program is working out well.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
1. RESOLUTION #59 of 2006
Resolution introduced by E. Frasier, and seconded by T. LaPointe.
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING RECEIPT OF ADDITIONAL OCCUPANCY TAX FUNDS AND EXPENDITURES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LOCAL TOURISM PROMOTION AND CONVENTION DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT
WHEREAS, THE Town has received from Warren County certain funding derived from the revenues received by the County as a result of the imposition of Occupancy Tax authorized by the Act of the New York state Legislature (Chapter 422 of the laws of 2003), hereinafter “Occupancy Tax funds”, and
WHEREAS, in order to receive the afore-described funding, the Town entered into an agreement titled “Local Tourism Promotion and Convention Development Agreement” with the County which agreement provides that if additional funding is made available by the County for use by the municipality, that such additional funding shall be subject to and expended in accordance with and pursuant to the terms and provisions of the agreement with out the need to approve and sign additional agreements, and
WHEREAS, the County of Warren has now offered to the Town the additional sum of One Thousand Eight Hundred and Fourteen Dollars and fifteen cents ($1,814.15) for expenditure in accordance with the agreement, now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Town accept the One Thousand Eight Hundred and Fourteen Dollars and fifteen cents ($1,814.15) from the County and agree to expend the same in accordance with the local Tourism Promotion and Convention Development Agreement, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Supervisor be, and hereby is, authorized to forward a copy of this resolution together with an executed voucher and take all other action that may be necessary to receipt the funds described herein from the County.
Duly adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Supervisor Belden, E. Frasier, T. LaPointe, and A. Steitz.
Motion carried.
2. The County Engineer and representatives from Clough Harbour will be in attendance at the July 13, 2006 Public Informational Meeting on proposed Sewer District #2.
3. Bids will be going out soon on the West Hague Sedimentation pond.
4. Motion by E. Frasier, seconded by T. LaPointe to accept Silver Bay Construction proposal to replace the old soffit with vinyl vented soffit around the Community Center in the amount of $4,915.00. AYES: Supervisor Belden, E. Frasier, T. LaPointe and A. Steitz. Motion carried.
5. A letter dated July 6, 2006 was received from A. Graham Bailey. Mr. Bailey has been working on restoring the 1927 Swimming Marathon from Hague to Lake George Village. This event will be scheduled for August 25, 2007. He is asking for assistance with expenditures in advance to cover travel expenses to observe and speak with individuals at the Swimming Marathon on Lake Memphremagog.
The Town Board is in favor of this event, but can not give individuals money in advance. Supervisor Belden will contact the Chamber of Commerce to see if they are willing to sponsor the program.
6. Letters were received from Bruce Clark asking the Town Board to follow their Comprehensive Plan and enact a noise ordinance. He encourages the Fire House Restaurant, but when the Planning Board approving the rear outside deck at the Fire House Restaurant, there was no consideration given to the noise that may be generated.
Robert Keating addressed the Board on the peacefulness of the community. He was never informed that the Old Town Hall was going to be taken down and turned into a parking lot. The consensus is that we are not against the Fire House Restaurant, but would like something in place to assure the tranquility of the downtown area.
Motion by E. Frasier, seconded by A. Steitz to have Councilman Gladu form a committee consisting of one person from planning, zoning and town board and one resident to review and discuss a possible noise ordinance for the Town of Hague. All voting yes. Motion carried.
COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS:
1. Motion by A. Steitz, seconded by T. LaPointe to give permission to the Chamber of Commerce to use the Visitor Center/Boat Launch area for the NYS Bass Federation 9/8-9/10 of 2006. The Board will waive the launch fees’ for the Federation. All voting yes. Motion carried.
2. Motion by T. LaPointe, seconded by E. Frasier to send a letter to Ticonderoga Supervisor Dedrick and Putnam Supervisor LaPointe asking them to meet and discuss the possibility of a joint revaluation starting in 2008. AYES: Supervisor Belden, T. LaPointe, E. Frasier and A. Stetiz. Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Motion by T. LaPointe, seconded by E. Frasier to schedule a public hearing on proposed Sewer District #2 on August 8, 2006 at 5:30 pm. All voting yes. Motion carried.
Motion was corrected on 8/8/2006 at the regular Town Board meeting as follows: Motion by T. LaPointe, seconded by E. Frasier to schedule a public hearing on proposed Sewer District #2 on August 9 at 6:30 pm. All voting yes. Motion carried.
SUPERVISOR REPORT:
1. Supervisor Belden reported that Verizon will be testing different areas of the Town for the possibility of cell service.
2. Motion by T. LaPointe, seconded by E. Frasier to appoint Daniel Steitz as temporary Deputy Highway Superintendent, effective July 17, 2006. AYES: Supervisor Belden, E. Frasier and T. LaPointe. Abstain: A. Steitz. Motion carried.
Motion by A. Steitz, seconded by E. Frasier to adjourn meeting at 7:50 pm. All voting yes. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah F. Manning
Town Clerk