HAGUE TOWN BOARD MEETING
January 10, 2006
6:00 pm
Members present: Supervisor Belden, R. Gladu, E. Frasier, T. LaPointe and A. Steitz.
Supervisor Belden opened the audit meeting at 6:00 pm.
The Town Board reviewed Warrant #1 of 2006.
Regular meeting was opened at 6:30 pm.
Moment of Silence: Kenneth Frasier
Welcome Guests/Privilege of the floor:
David Dunn, Co-President of the Hague Chamber of Commerce reported on the new Lake George Visitor Center. There will be a special room called the “Warren County Room” which will be designed, for promotional displays of all Towns in Warren County. Each town in Warren County will share in the cost. This is a great opportunity for promotion of the Town of Hague.
Karen Laundree, Co-President of the Hague Chamber of Commerce reported on the events scheduled for the Hague Winter Weekend.
Feb. 18:
6 to 9
7 to 11 am Firemen’s Breakfast
9 am Fred LaPann Memorial Run
9 to 2 pm Snow Sculpture
11 am Lawn Chair Race
3 pm Polar Bear Swim
4 pm Fishing Contest
7 to 10 Open Clubhouse @ Fish & Game
Feb 19:
7 to 11 am Firemen’s Breakfast
11 am Looipop Loppet (X-Country Skiing) Rogers Rock
1 to 4 pm Porch Party @ The View Restaurant
The Chamber is also sponsoring the AARP Tax – Aide Program. This free Tax-Aide Program is made available through the American AARP in cooperation with the IRS and NYS. The program is available to anyone with low to moderate income. The service will be staffed by volunteers and will take place at the Hague Community Center from February 1 – April 15.
George Farinick reported on the installation of the new boiler at the Highway Department. The boiler has passed the hydro test. He also has been working on the electrical and insulation, which should be completed within two weeks.
Mr. Meola addressed the Board on the Town of Hague’s financial accounts. The consolidated account is only making 1.98% interest. Part of this money should be put into a Money Marketing Account at 3.56% interest. The Town is losing money. If the 1 million dollars would have been put into a Money Marketing account, it would have earned $23,000 dollars in interest.
Supervisor Belden stated that a meeting is set up with the bank to discuss these issues.
Councilman Gladu would like Mr. Meola’s figures, in order to discuss the situation with our Official Depository. These are questions, which need to be addressed to find out the best move for the town.
Mr. Meola also questioned the Highway Budget. On October 11 of 2005, the Board authorized the expenditure of $69,889 to purchase an International truck on State bid. The Board never authorized the expenditure of the cab and chassis in the amount of $51,000.
Motion by A. Steitz, seconded by E. Frasier to draw Warrant on Supervisor Belden to pay general, highway and sewer claims audited at tonight’s meeting in the amount of $78,930.09. AYES: Supervisor Belden, E. Frasier, A. Steitz, R. Gladu and T. LaPointe. Motion carried.
Motion by R. Gladu, seconded by T. LaPointe to approve minutes of 12/28/2005 and 1/5/2006 as printed. AYES: Supervisor Belden, R. Gladu, T. LaPointe, E. Frasier, and A. Steitz. Motion carried.
REGULAR COMMITTEE REPORTS:
1. Assessor & Justice (Gladu/Steitz): Councilman Gladu reported that the equalization rate is not available at this time. The figures should be available soon.
2. Buildings & Grounds (LaPointe/Steitz): Councilman LaPointe will be meeting with Lu Megow and Mike Manning to discuss various items concerning Buildings & Grounds.
3. Enhancement Committee (Frasier/Steitz): Councilman Gladu explained the reason behind having the Enhancement as a Town Board Committee. The Board Enhancement Committee will act as a Steering Committee to the various Citizen Committees. The Town Board Enhancement Committee will meet with the Citizen Committees and report to the Town Board.
Councilwoman Frasier will meet with the Enhancement Committee, in order to report back to the Town Board. Board committee will meet with the Citizen Committees and report to the Town Board.
4. Care Program (Frasier/Steitz): Supervisor Belden reported that everything is going well. Mrs. Bailey has been checking on pricing of shelving for the food pantry.
5. Finance (Frasier/Gladu): Supervisor Belden reported that there is a meeting set up with the Towns Official Depository to discuss the Town’s accounts.
6. Fire Department (Steitz/Gladu): Councilman Steitz reported that the Fire and Ambulance Department is doing well. He also thanked them for a great job of responding to his son, Dan Steitz, who had a heart attack.
7. Highway (Gladu/LaPointe): Superintendent Smith reported that there was a special meeting today. He will fill in for Dan Steitz, while he is off work, due to health problems. Councilman Gladu and Donny will be meeting once a month to review the Highway Budget. They need to come up with a capital needs plan and also need to review the equipment at the Highway Garage to come up with a replacement schedule.
Councilman LaPointe would like to review the Highway Building to see if there is any possible room for an extension to the building. He will also meet with Lu Megow to discuss the proposals for the salt shed and foundation.
8. Insurance (Frasier/Gladu): Nor report.
9. Museum & Historian (Frasier/LaPointe): Councilwoman Frasier will contact Mr. Crammond on the status of the Museum.
10. Personnel (Gladu/Frasier): Councilman Gladu reported that there is a need to review the employees job descriptions.
11. Planning/Zoning/Storm water (Gladu/LaPointe): The ZEO gave her monthly report for December:
Land Use Development: 5
Variances: 2
Sewer: 2
The Hague Firehouse – The Attorney for the HVFD should be ready to resume variance proceedings in January.
The Planning Board has been working on Code Modifications.
The Town of Hague will be holding a workshop for all Board members on January 23, 2006 at 6:00 pm, Mark Schachner of Miller, Mannix, Schachner & Hafner, LLC will preside. The topic will be “Motions, Findings, and Decisions.”
There is a Saratoga Planning/Zoning Conference scheduled for 1/25/2006. The cost is $29.00 per person.
Motion by R. Gladu, seconded by E. Frasier to approve of all Hague Planning/Zoning members to attend the Saratoga Zoning/Planning Conference on 1/25/2006. The cost is $29.00 per person. AYES: Supervisor Belden, R. Gladu, E. Frasier, A. Steitz and T. LaPointe. Motion carried.
12. Recreation/Promotion (LaPointe/Steitz): Councilman LaPointe met with Joe McCranels to review the trails at Rogers Rock.
Councilman LaPointe would like more information on the feasibility of grant funding for a sediment pond on the Fish and Game property. He also has been working on snowmobile access to the lake.
13. Sewer Dist. #1 & #2 (Belden/Steitz): Supervisor Belden reported that he will be meeting with the Engineers this week. He is hopeful that a preliminary plan will be presented in April.
There is a special Town Board meeting scheduled with John Murphy, National Grid on January 17, 2006 at 1:00 pm.
14. Town Park Beautification (LaPointe/Steitz): Councilman LaPointe will meet with Mike manning on the roles of the Town Park.
The Board will discuss the advertising for Lifeguards soon.
15. Transfer Station/Recycling (Steitz/Gladu): No report.
16. Youth (Frasier/LaPointe): Rudy Meola will continue his role on the Warren County Youth Board until 12/31/2006.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
1. Councilman Gladu would like to review other potential individuals interest in the position of Board of Assessment Review.
2. Attorney Viscardi sent a letter in regards to the former Martin Agency Office Building in the Town of Hague. There is currently still an outstanding lien of $63,000. Supervisor Belden stated that the majority of the cost of removing the underground tanks would be covered by Brownfield Grant. The Board will review this further.
COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS:
1. A letter dated 1/4/2006 was received from Denis Glennon asking the Board to look into the possibility of a cell tower for cellular phone service. The Board will continue to reach the problem.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. The Hague Fire Dept. has submitted their end of the year Treasurer’s Report to the Town.
2. Hague Fish & Game club will be sponsoring an Adult & Youth Fishing Contest on 2/18/2006.
3. Resolution #38 of 2006
RESOLUTION INTRODUCED BY R. Gladu, AND SECONDED BY A. Steitz
WHEREAS, the Village of Lake George is constructing a Visitor’s Center on the corner of Beach Road and Route 9 in the Village of Lake George, and
WHEREAS, the purpose of this Center is to promote, publicize and advertise the history, attractions and events of Warren County, and
WHEREAS, the Village has designated one room for the use of all the municipalities in Warren County, and have allowed for the use of space therein, and
WHEREAS, the Town of Hague realizes the value of participating in the construction of a kiosk wherein will be contained information on our town. Now therefore be it
RESOLVED, we the members of the Town Council of the Town of Hague hereby approve an expenditure of $7,125.00 as our share of the display to be erected in the Warren County Room.
DULY ADOPTED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: Supervisor Belden, R. Gladu, A. Steitz, E. Frasier and T. LaPointe
Motion carried.
4. Hague Chamber of Commerce request to use the Community Center on 8/5 & 8/6 for the Annual Arts Fair. Motion by Supervisor Belden, seconded by A. Steitz to give the Chamber of Commerce permission to use the Community Center for the Annual Arts & Craft Fair scheduled for 8/5 & 8/6 of 2006. AYES: Supervisor Belden, A. Steitz, R. Gladu, T. LaPointe and E. Frasier. Motion carried.
5. Resolution #39 of 2006
RESOLUTION TO DESIGNATE POLLING PLACE IN THE TOWN OF HAGUE
WHEREAS, pursuant to Article 4-104 of the New York State Election Law, the Town Board of the Town of Hague must submit to the Warren County Board of Elections a listing of the polling place in the Town of Hague in each Election District in which Elections may be held. Now therefore be it
RESOLVED that the following location be and hereby is designated as the respective polling place in the Sole District:
9793 Graphite Mountain Road
Hague, NY 12836
And that such location is accessible to the physically handicapped voter, pursuant to Article 4-104.1a of the Election Law and be it further
RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Warren County Board of Elections.
DULY ADOPTED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: Supervisor Belden, R. Gladu, E. Frasier, T. LaPointe, and A. Steitz.
Motion carried.
6. Resolution #40 of 2006
HAGUE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SERVICE CONTRACT
Resolution introduced by E. Frasier, and seconded by A. Steitz
RESOLVED, that the Supervisor is authorized to enter into a contract with the Hague Chamber of Commerce for an amount not to exceed $10,000 for the year 2006.
DULY ADOPTED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: Supervisor Belden, E. Frasier, A. Steitz, R. Gladu and T. LaPointe.
Motion carried.
7. Resolution #41 of 2006
HAGUE FISH & GAME CLUB
RESOLVED, that the Supervisor is authorized to enter into a contract with the Hague Fish and Game Club for to provide promotional services and advertisement services for the Winter Weekend in the amount not to exceed $500.00 for the year 2006.
DULY ADOPTED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: Supervisor Belden, T. LaPointe, A. Steitz, E. Frasier and R. Gladu.
Motion carried.
SUPERVISORS REPORT & COUNTY REPORTS:
Supervisor Belden reported that in 2007 the State has scheduled on their docket roadwork to be done from Tongue Mountain to the center of Hague. He would like to hire Graham Bailey on this project to review the possibility of placing a 5-foot bicycle/walkway on the side of the road.
Motion by Supervisor Belden, seconded by A. Steitz to hire A. Graham Bailey as a consultant. Mr. Bailey will draw up a proposal for a five-foot bicycle/walkway running from Tongue Mountain to the center of Hague. Mr. Bailey will submit a proposal for his services for the Board to review. AYES: Supervisor Belden, A. Steitz, R. Gladu, E. Frasier and T. LaPointe. Motion carried.
Councilman Steitz mentioned the need of cable extension on the remainder of West Hague and New Hague Road. Supervisor Belden asked him have the property owners in this area submit a letter to the Town. At this point Dodd and Decker Road are suppose to be done.
He will submit a final design on both parking lots, including storm water and lighting.
Rick Eastman of R&B will take any old vehicles. His phone number is 518-494-4307.
ADJOURNMENT: Motion by E. Frasier, seconded by T. LaPointe to adjourn meeting at 8:00 pm. All voting yes. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah F. Manning, Town Clerk