HAGUE TOWN BOARD
AUDIT & REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 14, 2006
6:00 PM
Members present: Supervisor Belden, E. Frasier, T. LaPointe and A. Steitz.
Absent: R. Gladu.
Supervisor Belden opened the audit meeting at 6:00 pm
The Board reviewed the February Warrant.
Regular meeting was opened at 6:30 pm.
Moment of Silence for Walter Porter Sr.
Welcome Guests/Privilege of the floor: Supervisor Belden would like the audience to keep discussion limited to three minutes, due to a long agenda.
Tom Haskell, President of the Hague Snow-goers Snowmobile Club reported on the Clubs effort to restore trails in the community. Bylaws have been written and the Club will be incorporated soon. The Snow-goers would like the support of the Town Board in their endeavourer to apply for grant funding.
Motion by T. LaPointe, seconded by A. Steitz to support the re-establishment of the Hague Snow-goers Club and their support in becoming Incorporated. The snow-goers have the permission of the Board to use the Towns name as a supporting entity. AYES: Supervisor Belden, T. LaPointe, A. Steitz and E. Frasier. Motion carried.
Motion by E. Frasier, seconded by T. LaPointe to hold a portion of Computer Consultant bill in the amount of $562.50 until further questioning of bill. AYES: Supervisor Belden, E. Frasier, T. LaPointe, and A. Steitz. Motion carried.
Motion by A. Steitz, seconded by E. Frasier to draw Warrant on Supervisor to pay Warrant #2 of 2006 in the amount of $85,329.72 ($562.50 pending review). AYES: Supervisor Belden, E. Frasier, T. LaPointe, and A. Steitz. Motion carried.
Motion by E. Frasier, seconded by A. Steitz to approve minutes of 1/10 (2 meetings), 1/17, 1/19, 1/24, & 2/3 of 2006 as printed. AYES: Supervisor Belden, E. Frasier, T. LaPointe, and A. Steitz. Motion carried.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
1. ASSESSOR & JUSTICE (Gladu/Steitz): The Board will meet with the Assessor to further discuss their assessments and equalization Rate.
Councilwoman Frasier has completed the audit of the Justice, Town Clerk/Tax/Sewer Collectors books. The Supervisor has audited the Town Clerk/Tax/Sewer Collectors books.
2. BUILDING & GROUNDS LaPointe/Steitz): Councilman LaPointe will work on getting proposals out for the Community Center projects.
The lights purchased for downtown need to be covered with a tarp. Councilman Steitz will contact the Company to find out the status on the return of the lights.
Supervisor Belden mentioned that the Community Center building needs replacement of support beams underneath. This needs to be done before the tiles are replaced in the lobby.
3. ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE (Frasier/Steitz): Councilwoman Frasier will be sending a letter to the members of the committee introducing herself and asking for a time to meet to discuss projects. She will report back to the Town Board.
4. CARE PROGRAM (Frasier/Steitz): Councilwoman Frasier reported that the Care Program has a wonderful supply of food. She hopes that more people will use the program.
5. FINANCE (Frasier/Gladu): Councilwoman Frasier reported that the Supervisor and herself met with the Town’s Bank representatives. They have vested $200,000 in short-term accounts at 4.75% interest and $300,000 at 4.5%. The consolidated accounts are in a money marketing account at 3.75%.
Supervisor Belden reported that the Town of Hague made $43,970.00 in interest from all accounts in 2005.
6. FIRE DEPT. (Steitz/Gladu): Councilman Steitz mentioned that the Fire Dept. will be holding their Annual Breakfast on Feb. 18 & 19 from 7am to 11 am. The Fire Dept. will also be giving the Town Quarterly Reports.
7 HIGHWAY (Gladu/LaPointe): Superintendent Smith has met with Frank Komoreske, DOT in regards to flooding on the Best property across from Cape Cod Village. DOT will try to fix the problem. He also reported that the new Highway truck should be in this week.
Councilman Steitz has a Comprehensive Plan of the Town of Newcomb’s new salt shed. The concrete bottom will be tarred to protect it from the salt. This process is done once a year. Councilman Steitz also stressed the need to have the sand screened better next year.
Supervisor Belden mentioned that after the completion of the sedimentation pond project, the money remaining from the DEC grant can be used to stabilize the brook bank by Mrs. West and also can be used toward the proposed salt shed at the Highway Dept..
8. INSURANCE (Frasier/Gladu): No report.
9. MUSEUM (Frasier/LaPointe): Councilwoman Frasier attended a meeting of the Museum Board of Trustee’s and reviewed the proposed plans for an extension off the west side of the building. Upgrades to the plan will need to be added to accommodate fire exits.
10. PERSONNEL (Gladu/Frasier): No report.
11. PLANNING/ZONING/ STORMWATER(Gladu/LaPointe): Cathy Clark, ZEO reported that there were three-land use, 1 site review, 2 wastewater permits issued. The office is busy researching properties. The filing has been reorganized. The Hague Fire Dept. has their variance. The office will be closed Feb. 22, 2006 due to the Association of Towns meeting in New York. She also reported that the Planning Board would like the Town Code to reflect the original wording in Square Footage Definition. Adirondack Park Agency will review this and send their findings back to the Town to be acted on.
12. RECREATION & PROMOTION (LaPointe/Steitz): Councilman LaPointe has been working with the Snow-goers Snowmobile Club. The Snow-goers meet every Wednesday night ay 6 pm. There has been a lot of positive input.
David Dunn reported on the Hague Winter Weekend. Due to warm weather, some activities will need to be cancelled.
13. SEWER #1 & #2: Supervisor Belden reported that the earliest that William O’Leary could take his test for certification is February 2007.
14. TOWN PARK/BEAUTIFICATION: (LaPointe/Steitz): Councilman LaPointe has been working on the Music in the Park Program. The Board will advertise for Lifeguards for the 2006 summer season.
15. TRANSFER STATION (Steitz/Gladu): Councilman Steitz will meet with Scott Olsen, Casella to discuss and review areas of operation.
16. YOUTH (Frasier/LaPointe): Councilwoman Frasier reported that a grant application for$1,600 has been sent to Warren County. She will begin to work on the Silver Bay Association Summer Program for Hague Youth.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
1. Councilman Steitz will contact the Lighting Company on the Rte. 8 street lights that were purchased. The Town might be charged a 40% re-stocking fee for their return.
2. The Salt shed was discussed under Highway.
3. The Board reviewed A. Graham Bailey’s proposals for consulting work on the proposed walking/bike trail, running from Tongue Mountain to the center of Hague.
The Board feels it is premature at this point to hire Mr. Bailey until we know more about this project. Supervisor Belden will contact NYSDOT to review the proposed project and to see if this can be incorporated when NYSDOT black tops this section of road.
4. The Board will wait until Councilman Gladu is back from vacation to interview the Board of Assessment Review applicants.
COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS:
1. Motion by Supervisor Belden, seconded by A. Steitz to approve Debbie & Mike Manning’s request for vacation 3/13-3/21 of 2006. AYES: Supervisor Belden, A. Steitz, E. Frasier and T. LaPointe. Motion carried.
2. The Board accepted the Hague Senior Citizen Club, Inc. Financial Statement.
3. The Board reviewed the Linda Benway, DCO/ACO letter on the Trap/Neuter/Return Program for feral cats.
Motion by T. LaPointe, seconded by A. Steitz to authorize Supervisor Belden to enter into a contract with Angel Connection. The cost per cat trapped will be $50.00 ($30.00 spay/neuter, $15.00 vaccines, $5.00 gas for transportation). AYES: Supervisor Belden, T. LaPointe, A. Steitz and E. Frasier. Motion carried.
4. Supervisor Belden will send a copy of Joyce Barker’s letter dated 1/18/2006 on the “Polino’s Gas Station, Martin Agency building) to Attorney Viscardi and ask him to research further.
5. Robert Patchett sent a letter dated 1/16/2006 asking the Board to discuss the possibility of asking then APA for relief in appropriate areas, so that low cost housing could be considered. No action was taken.
6. Motion by A. Steitz, seconded by E. Frasier to send a letter to Mr. Derrico stating that the Town is not interested in purchasing property for the proposed Museum at this time. AYES: Supervisor Belden, A. Steitz, E. Frasier and T. LaPointe. Motion carried.
7. There will be a rabies clinic held at the Hague Fire House on May 15, 2006 between the hours of 6 pm to 8 pm. There is a $5.00 donation requested for each pet.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Motion by A. Steitz, seconded by E. Frasier to approve William O’Leary’s request to attend a “Confined Space Entry” course at Adirondack Community Collage April 21, 2006. The cost of the course is $125.00. AYES: Supervisor Belden, A. Steitz, E. Frasier and T. LaPointe. Motion carried.
2. RESOLUTION #42 OF 2006
AUTHORIZING AGREEMENT WITH WARREN COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS PURSUANT TO NEW YORK STATE ELECTION LAW§ 3-226 REGARDING CARE, CUSTODY AND CONTROL OF VOTING MACHINES AND APPLIANCES AND EQUIPMENT RELATING TO OR USED IN THE CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS
RESOLUTION INTRODUCED BY A. Steitz, AND SECONDED BY E. Frasier
WHEREAS, recently enacted New York Election Law § 3-226 provides that all voting machines, and appliances and equipment relating to or used in the conduct or elections shall be in the care, custody and control of the Warren County Board of elections, and
WHEREAS, the Town of Hague currently is in possession of certain voting machines and acknowledges its obligations under the election Law to turn over the care, custody and control of the machines to the Warren County Board of Elections, and
WHEREAS, the Warren County Board of elections has asked the Town of Hague for temporary assistance with regard to the voting machines, and the securing and administration of polling places, in consideration of the size of the voting machines, the knowledge the officers and employees of the Town of Hague have concerning securing polling locations and to maintain as much consistency and past practice as possible, and
WHEREAS, the Town of Hague recognizes the importance of continuity in the arranging for polling locations and otherwise administrating the same, and also recognizes the large size of the voting machines, and therefore desires to assist the Warren County Board of elections and enter into an agreement concerning the same, Now Therefore Be It
RESOLVED, that the Town of Hague enter into an agreement with the Warren County Board of elections concerning the storage and safe-keeping of the voting machine and keys thereto, the right of access of the Board of elections to the same at any time, and the providing of certain services by officers and employees of the Town of Hague in securing polling location, developing Election Day material needs list, setting up signage and temporary disability/ADA parking, delivering voting machine and tables, and performing accessibility/ADA compliance checks, as has been done with previous elections, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Supervisor of the Town of Hague be, and hereby is, authorized and directed to execute an agreement with the Warren County Board of Elections consistent with the terms and provisions of this resolution, and in a form approved by the Town of Hague Attorney, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the officers of the Town of Hague are hereby authorized and directed to execute and deliver such other documents and take such other action as may be necessary or appropriate in order to effectuate the consummation of the transactions described in the foregoing recitals of this resolution, and be it further
RESOLVED, that this resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption, and all prior resolutions or parts thereof inconsistent herewith are repealed.
DULY ADOPTED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: Supervisor Belden, A. Steitz, E. Frasier and T. LaPointe.
NAYS: None.
ABSENT: R. Gladu.
Motion carried.
3. The Board discussed Attorney Viscardi’s letter dated 2/1/2006 in regards to the American Legion turning their property over to the Town of Hague.
Motion by E. Frasier, seconded by A. Steitz to authorize Supervisor Belden to sign lease with the American Legion and to try to purchase or obtain an easement to the adjacent land. Supervisor Belden will contact Attorney Viscardi to have a contract drawn up and to look into the possibility of grant funding and a memorial. AYES: Supervisor Belden, A. Steitz, E. Frasier, and T. LaPointe. Motion carried.
4. Motion by T. LaPointe, seconded by A. Steitz to authorize Supervisor Belden to contact Independent Towers, LLC for the purpose of testing different areas in Hague for cell tower use. AYES: Supervisor Belden, T. LaPointe, A. Steitz, and E. Frasier. Motion carried.
5. The Board discussed the possibility of hiring a part time person in the front office two days a week. The person would be trained to do payroll and purchase orders.
Mr. Meola responded that this vacancy should be published.
Motion by E. Frasier, seconded by T. LaPointe to authorize Councilman Steitz to discuss with part-time employee the possibility of working one day a week or as needed in the front office. AYES: Supervisor Belden, E. Frasier, T. LaPointe and A. Steitz. Motion carried.
Motion by E. Frasier, seconded by A. Steitz to adjourn meeting at 8:40 pm. All voting yes. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah F. Manning
Town Clerk