HAGUE TOWN BOARD
AUDIT & REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST 8, 2006
6:00 PM
MEMBERS PRESENT: Supervisor Belden, A. Steitz, E. Frasier, T. LaPointe and R. Gladu.
Supervisor Belden opened the audit meeting at 6:00 pm.
The Town Board reviewed the Warrant.
Regular meeting opened at 6:30 pm.
Moment of Silence: Peggy Carney Chamberlain.
Welcome Guests/Privilege of the floor:
Rudy Meola asked the Town Board when they were going to act on recommendation #30 of the Comprehensive Plan that he brought up at the July meeting relating to the Bike/Walkway path on Rt. 9N.
Dick Gladu will get together with Rudy Meola to discuss this issue and form a committee to address the issue.
Rudy Meola also mentioned that stated in the Comprehensive Plan was to expand the hours of operation of the Clifton West Museum, yet it was closed. This is the busiest time of year for the museum and it closed. The Town Board also failed to inform the Historian of their decision to do this.
Supervisor Belden spoke with Ethel Andrus regarding the Boards decision to close the museum for the purpose of cleaning and reorganizing the room.
Councilman LaPointe explained that we do not have the proper inventory of the items in the Museum. We need to secure what we have. Once this is completed the Museum will be reopened.
Motion by E. Frasier, seconded by R. Gladu to pay bills audited at tonight’s meeting (holding one bill for payment until further discussion). Warrant amount $43,235.91. All voting yes. Motion carried.
Motion by T. LaPointe, seconded by A. Steitz to approve minutes of July 11, July 13, and July 17 of 2006 with changing of the date of Public Hearing on Sewer District #2 to : August 9, 2006 @ 6:30 pm in minutes of July 11 & July 13 of 2006) AYES: Supervisor Belden, T. LaPointe, A. Steitz and E. Frasier. R. Gladu abstained. Motion carried.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
1. ASSESSOR & JUSTICE (Gladu/Steitz): Councilman Gladu reported that the final equalization rate for Hague is 79.5 and the town of Ticonderoga is 89.97. He has not received any information to date on the school tax rate for the 2006-2007 school fiscal year. The figures should be released by August 15, 2006.
2. BUILDING & GROUNDS (LaPointe/Steitz): Councilman LaPointe reported that work has begun on the placement of sofit on the Community Center building.
3. CARE PROGRAM (Frasier/Steitz): No report.
4. ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE (Frasier/Steitz): Councilwoman Frasier reported that she, Councilman Steitz, Supervisor Belden, R. Meola, and Martin Fitzgerald, WC Planning Dept. met at the Legion property to review the building and property to see what could be done. Martin Fitzgerald will draw up a design for the building. Supervisor Belden will have the property surveyed, he has also contacted Jamie Fitzgerald, the adjacent property owner, and his property will also be surveyed.
5. FINANCE (Frasier/Gladu): Supervisor Belden reported that the Town of Hague lost $34,000 in sales tax revenue in the second quarter.
6. FIRE DEPT. (Steitz/Gladu): Councilman Steitz reported that the Annual August Steak Bake was well attended.
7. HIGHWAY (Gladu/LaPointe): Councilman Gladu reported that Councilwoman Frasier, Superintendent Smith and himself met to discuss the vacancy at the Highway Department. The vacancy has been advertised in the paper. Applicants with a Class A license need to apply by August 14, 2006.
Casella has not sent a bill to the Town of Hague for Clean-up Day. The Highway Budget is on track. There is $22,000 in the capital account from the sale of trucks and there is approximately $30,000 of additional truck money that will be transferred over to the capital account.
Councilman LaPointe would like the Town Board to authorize the Highway Dept. to purchase Dickey John’s for the trucks. The Town of Bolton uses them and it seems to save on salt.
Motion by A. Steitz, seconded by E. Frasier to authorize the Highway Superintendent to purchase Dickey Johns for the Highway trucks on State Bid. AYES: Supervisor Belden, A. Steitz, E. Frasier, R. Gladu and T. LaPointe. Motion carried.
8. INSURANCE (Frasier/Gladu): No report.
9. MUSEUM (Frasier/LaPointe): Councilwoman Frasier reported that Holly de Buys and Susan Darrin have almost completed the boxing of items in the Clifton West Museum. Acid free boxes have been donated for this project.
10. PERSONNEL (Gladu/Frasier): Councilman LaPointe stressed the need of making sure employees’ punch out of work on a timely basis. There should be no overtime incurred, unless it is an emergency.
11. PLANNING/ZONING/STORMWATER (Gladu/LaPointe):
ZONING REPORT TO TOWN BOARD
JULY/AUGUST 2006
Land Use Development 10 60
Site Plan Review 0 13
Variance 2 13
Subdivisions 1 7
Wastewater 3 12
Wastewater Variances 0 0
Subdivision:
The Planning Board continues to work on the Wilson’s 10 lot subdivision. Planning Board Approved the Henry two lot subdivision at their August Meeting.
Zoning:
Variance request approved for Berger – The portion of walkway built on neighbor’s property will be remove and Staircase on the lakeside of deck will be built as proposed.
Complaints:
Illegal fence-no permit- within 50’ of the mean high waters of Lake George. Remedy- Owner removed the section within 50’ of L. G. and is applying for a Variance.
Noise – Town Parking Lot – Graphite Mt. Road.
Private Road blocked. Reported it to Warren County 911, Sheri Norton and HVFD.
Zoning Violations:
Fence- see complaints
Continue to work on unregistered cars.
The ZBA rendered a decision on the intent behind the word “list’ where it applies to Site Plan Review. It was decided that only on Type II Site Plan reviews would you impose a review of expansion of 25% increase in Square Footage or Use.
Request to attend Foundation of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Training
Thursday, Oct. 26, 2006 in Chazy, N. Y. Cost $50.00.
Motion by R. Gladu, seconded by Supervisor Belden to approve the ZEO’s request to attend the Foundation of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Training in Chazy, NY on October 26, 2006. The cost is $50.00. All voting yes. Motion carried.
12. RECREATION & PROMOTION (LaPointe/Steitz): Councilman LaPointe suggested that the Town should place a bulletin Board by the boat launch. This would inform people of different events going on and will let them know what shops/restaurants are available in Hague.
A sedimentation catch basin will be installed on David Darrin’s property to collect sand that washes down. Hopefully this will help the boat launch from having to be dredged so often.
13. SEWER #1 & #2 (Belden/Steitz): Public Hearing tomorrow night at 6:30 at The Hague community center on proposed Sewer District #2.
14. TOWN PARK/BEAUTIFICATION (LaPointe/Steitz): Councilman LaPointe reported that the Music in the Park series is going well. The new toilets have been installed at the Visitor Center. Boat parking and trailer parking are still an issue.
15. TRANSFER STATION (Steitz/Gladu): Councilman Steitz reported that the urinal and faucet at the transfer station have been fixed.
16. YOUTH (Frasier/LaPointe): Councilwoman Frasier reported that the Silver Bay Association Silver Camp program went well and is coming to a close. Supervisor Belden will try to set up a meeting with the Director of Silver Bay Association to discuss the contract agreement with them regarding payment to the town in lieu of taxes.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
1. Councilman Gladu reported that Dave Wick has sent him a complete bid package for the salt shed.
The Board discussed the proposed salt storage shed. There possibly could be grant money available from DEC to cover this project.
Motion by T. LaPointe, seconded by R. Gladu to advertise for sealed bids for the Salt Shed. All voting yes. Motion carried.
2. Noise Ordinance: At the July meeting, the Board unanimously voted to explore options for the establishment of a noise ordinance. The effort was initiated based upon multiple complaints that the Board received over the past months including; people congregating at the Town dock and parking lots, early morning construction, local businesses, unruly guests, renters and neighbors, loud music, etc.
The Board continued its discussion
on the possibility of adopting a Town wide noise ordinance.
Supervisor Belden – Questioned if this is really needed. Referring to The Hague Fire House, he stated that the Town has been working hard on trying to get local business back into our community. If we decide to do this we need to be very careful. It is also very hard to enforce.
Councilman LaPointe – He spoke with Ticonderoga Supervisor Dedrick on how they handle noise issues. Mr. Dedrick was certified for this as a Lake George Patrolmen. To try to enforce this, two police officers would have to be trained. The State already has a noise ordinance. They could issue a disorderly conduct ticket.
Councilman Gladu – This was brought up last month and the Board voted unanimously to form a committee to understand to what extent the Town needs or does not need a noise ordnance. We have to respect the rights of all Town residents.
Robert Keating – There were four people at the Town Boards meeting last month asking the Board to address the noise ordinance.
Cathy Clark – The noise ordinance is not just based on the Fire House, complaints of loud music, construction have also been issues in other areas of town.
Sheri DeLarm – We are trying to do our best to respect neighbors. We have only been open for 3 weeks. The temperatures were in the 90’s opening week and unfortunately we had not had the air conditioning installed. We have hired some one to patrol the parking lots, and also remind patrons to be quiet and respect the neighbors. We have been trying to close the front and back doors by 10:00 pm to help filter the noise. Once we have the air conditioning installed this will help greatly. We have been give last call at 12:00 am and everyone has been leaving at 12:30 pm. The help is usually not done until 2:00 am.
Robert Keating – When I purchased my property there was a nice museum across the street and with out notice I came back from Conn. and the building was down with a parking lot in place. I was never notified that this was going to happen.
Supervisor Belden – The reason was that the main complaint in Town was that there was no parking.
Marilyn Patchett – Businesses in this area only have 60 to 90 days to try to make a profit.
Supervisor Belden – Businesses need to be in the hamlet.
Motion by E. Frasier, seconded by R. Gladu to form a committee consisting of 1-Chambermember, 1- Zoning member, 1- Planning member, 1- Citizen member and the Town Attorney to review and discuss the proposed noise ordinance and make recommendations to the Town Board. AYES: R. Gladu, A. Steitz and E. Frasier. NAYS: T. LaPointe and Supervisor Belden. Motion carried.
An Informational Meeting will be scheduled for public input.
3. Town parking lots: Mr. Keating asked the Board if the parking lot signs needed more language. We need to put on the sign “No Loitering”. Possibly change the hours.
Sheri DeLarm - The folks in this area of town have guest that park over night. You have to be careful with the enforcement of hours.
Mr. Keating – If I have to, I will take civil action against the issues.
4. Generator – Two bids were received for the servicing of the Town of Hague generators:
Kraftpower - 1 year Planned Maintenance Agreement $1,660.00
Kinsley Power Systems – 1 year service level 1 $1,525.00 or charge per call level ll $2,475.00. Level l & ll service call per year totals. $4,000.00.
Motion by R. Gladu, seconded by A. Steitz to accept Kinsley Power Systems Generator service bid in the amount of $4,000.00. All yes. Motion carried.
5. Supervisor Belden stated that Bill Lamy, WC Engineer believes that Arcady Bay does meet the Town Road specifications requirement. The road could be turned over to the Town; Arcady Bay needs to be aware that if this is done golf carts or four wheelers would not be allowed on the town road. Supervisor Belden will send a letter to Tom Schaffer, President of Arcady Bay Associations explaining that the road can be turned over to the town at Arcady Bay’s expense.
COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS:
1. Public Hearing scheduled for August 9, 2006 @ 6:30 pm on proposed Sewer District #2.
2. Letter received from Sally & Jim Rypkema requesting cable service up Split Rock Road. Supervisor Belden reported that the cable company has been contacted. They will be running cable up the remainder of Split Rock Road this fall.
3. North Country Landscaping sent a proposal to replace trees/shrubs at the Visitor Center. Supervisor Belden will write a letter to Mr. Foster thanking him for his proposal, explaining that the Town Board wishes to wait until spring to begin the project.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. The Board wishes to include on the November Ballot a proposition to reset the term of office of the Highway Superintendent from 4 years back to 2 years.
Rudy Meola questioned the Town Board on why they decided to do this.
Councilman LaPointe explained that the Board feels that he is not doing his job. The Superintendent should be spending more time working with and directing his people on a day to day basis. Due, to the position being elected, we can not make the Highway Superintendent work 40 hours a week.
Rudy Meola stated that this is an elected position; let the people decided if they are satisfied with his performance.
Supervisor Belden said that this is just a proposed proposition, which will be put on the November Ballot for the people to voice their opinion.
RESOLUTION # 61 OF 2006
Resolution introduced by E. Frasier, and seconded by R. Gladu.
RESOLUTION TO HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED LOCAL LAW #2 OF 2006 – DECREASING THE TERM OF OFFICE OF THE HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT FROM FOUR YEARS TO TWO YEARS.
RESOLVED, that the Hague Town Board will hold a public hearing on the 7th day of September 2006 at 6:30 pm at the Hague Community Center on proposed Local Law #2 of 2006 to DECREASE the term of office for the Hague Highway Superintendent from a four year term to a two year term.
Duly adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Supervisor Belden, T. LaPointe, R. Gladu, E. Frasier and A. Steitz.
NAYS: None. Motion carried.
2. RESOLUTION #62 OF 2006
RESOLUTION SEWER RENT CHANGES
RESOLUTION INTRODUCED BY E. Frasier, AND SECONDED T. LaPointe
BE IT RESOLVED TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING CHANGES IN SEWER RENT
|
NAME |
BILL # |
TAX # |
CHARGE PER WARRANT |
ADJUSTMENT |
REASON FOR ADJUSTMENT |
|
Hague Fire House Restaurant, Ginn’s |
184 |
43.5-1-3 |
$800.00 (2 EDU’s) |
$2,000.00 (5 EDU’s) |
Bar: 2 EDU’s Restaurant with more than 20 seats: 3 EDU’s |
DULY ADOPTED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
Ayes: Supervisor Belden, R. Gladu, A. Steitz, E. Frasier and T. LaPointe.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
4. RESOLUTION #63 OF 2006
RESOLUTION TO NAME A PRIVATE DRIVE
RESOLUTION INTRODUCED BY E. Frasier, AND SECONDED BY T. LaPointe .
WHEREAS, the Hague Town Board adopted Resolution #31 of 1996 for the enhanced 911 numbering system, and
WHEREAS, a new private drive was installed south of Springdale Manor off Lakeshore Drive and after consultation with the E911 coordinator is was deemed that this road be named, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the private drive leading to the Harrison & Griffin residences be included in the E911 numbering system and be named Winne Drive. This private road is 884 feet in length, AND, BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED, that a copy of this Resolution be forwarded to the E911 coordinator, the US Postal Service in Hague and the Hague Town Assessor.
DULY ADOPTED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: Supervisor Belden, E. Frasier, T. LaPointe, R. Gladu and A. Steitz.
NAYS: None. Motion carried.
5. RESOLUTION #64 OF 2006
RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE 2006 HIGHWAY BUDGET
RESOLUTION INTRODUCED BY E. Frasier, AND SECONDED BY R. Gladu.
RESOLVED, that the Town Board amend the Town Budget for fiscal year 2006 by
Decreasing Highway Unexpended Balance by $25,000.00 and
increasing Highway appropriations by $25,000.00 and increase sub-account code in Item I DA0 5112-400 Improvements our share of cost for retaining wall work performed by Warren County.
DULY ADOPTED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: Supervisor Belden, E. Frasier, R. Gladu, T. LaPointe and A. Steitz.
NAYS: None. Motion carried.
5. RESOLUTION #65 OF 2006
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AGREEMENT TO LUMP SUM MUNICIPAL SNOW AND ICE AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE OF NEW YORK
RESOLUTION INTRODUCED BY T. LaPointe, and SECONDED BY E. Frasier
WHEREAS, by Resolution number 15 of 1991 the Town of Hague entered into a Lump Sum Municipal Snow and Ice Agreement with New York State Department of Transportation, and
WHEREAS, the Town of Hague is negotiating renewal of the contract with the New York State Department of Transportation, and
WHEREAS, the Lump Sum Municipal Snow and Ice Agreement payment shall be $3,657.31 per lane mile for 50.5 lane miles for a total of $184,694.00 for the 2006/2007 season and for the remainder of the term of the Agreement commencing July, 1, 2006 unless changed by future update. NOW THEREFORE BE IT
RESOLVED that the Supervisor of the Town of Hague be, and hereby is, authorized to execute and deliver a Lump Sum Municipal Snow and Ice Agreement on behalf of the Town of Hague with the New York State Department of Transportation.
DULY ADOPTED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: Supervisor Belden, E. Frasier, T. LaPointe, R. Gladu and A. Steitz.
NAYS: None.
Motion carried.
6. RESOLUTION #66 OF 2006
RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE 2006 BUDGET
RESOLUTION INTRODUCED BY R. Gladu, AND SECONDED BY T. LaPointe
RESOLVED, that the Town Board amend the Town Budget for fiscal year 2006 by
Increasing Occupancy Tax Fund Estimated Revenues CMO 510 and Revenues CMO 1113 and increasing appropriations CMO 960 and appropriations CMO 7550.22 Bicentennial by $1,814.15 for additional funding per resolution #59 of 2006.
DULY ADOPTED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: Supervisor Belden, R. Gladu, T. LaPointe, A. Steitz and E. Frasier.
NAYS: None.
Motion carried.
7. We will pass a resolution next month to transfer ownership of the Sewer District #1 to the Town of Hague.
8. Motion by E. Frasier, seconded T. LaPointe to appoint the following individuals to the Bicentennial Committee: Dan Belden, Judy Stock, Rolly Allen, John Brown, Peggy Darrin, Holly & Bob de Buys, Kemp Dwenger, Ken Engler, Dick Gladu, Gale Halm, Dottie Henry, Karen Laundree, Debbie Manning, Madeline Pelkey and Kay Santaniello. All voting yes. Motion carried.
Judy Stock reported on the activities of the Bicentennial Committee.
Friday 8/17/2007 – Family Fun Day, games, rides, music, Antique Cars, & Mohican Boat cruise.
Sat. 8/18/2007 – Family Fun Day, music, Antique Boats, Fireworks, Chicken Dinner.
Sun. 8/19/2007 – Breakfast, convocation and ceremony at the park.
A draft budget has been drawn up. The Bicentennial Committee will await the Boards input.
Motion by E. Frasier, seconded by R. Gladu to adjourn meeting at 8:20 pm. All voting yes. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah F. Manning
Town Clerk