HAGUE TOWN BOARD
AUDIT & REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 12, 2007
6:00 PM
MEMBERS PRESENT: Supervisor Belden A. Steitz
R. Gladu E. Frasier
T. LaPointe
Supervisor Belden opened the audit meeting at 6:00 pm.
The Board reviewed and discussed the monthly bills.
Regular meeting opened by Supervisor Belden at 6:30 pm.
Welcome Guests/Privilege of the floor: Supervisor Belden introduced Mr. Nicholas Caimano Republican candidate for Warren County Treasurer. Mr. Camdano thanked Supervisor Belden for the introduction.
George Ianson asked the Board why the residences of Hague were being charged for recyclables at the Transfer Station. It is extremely important for the environment to recycle, and now we are being charged.
Dick Gladu reported that he had a phone call into Dean from Casella Waste Management. They are willing to negotiate this item. The Board will report back at its next meeting.
Harriet Cole stated that there are numerous properties with 2 living structures on their property. A few of these properties obtained two living structures after the APA laws came into effect. She feels this is discrimination against her and her property.
Supervisor Belden stated that the ZEO has been reviewing the properties in question.
Rudy Meola asked the Board the following questions:
(1) The law states that the Town Board is required to review the accounting books each year. Supervisor Belden has looked at the Town Clerk/Tax & Sewer Collectors books. Councilman Gladu stated that we review the books monthly.
(2) Two new employees have been hired at the Visitor Center there was a meeting with no posting or announcement, this is in violation of the Open Meeting Law. Supervisor Belden stated that the meeting was held on May 25 @ 7:45 am. This was prior to Memorial Day weekend and we needed to have someone available at the park.
(3) What is the status of the sidewalk lights? Supervisor Belden said that the Town of Horicon and private owners are interested in purchasing them. Rudy mentioned that on November 14, 2006 Supervisor Belden stated that Glens Falls Electric would take back the light fixtures per Mr. Underwood. Rudy spoke with Mr. Underwood and he never heard from Supervisor Belden.
(4) What is happening on the lights at the beach? Councilman Steitz reported that a request for sealed proposals will go out for the lights soon. Mr. Meola also mentioned that there has been complaints on the new tile floor being slippery, has the Board done anything. This is the first that the Board has heard anything about this.
Linda Benway spoke on behalf of the residence of New Hague Road. They received a letter from Time Warner Cable Company stating that they need to pay $800.00 for line installation. Supervisor Belden told all residents of New Hague Road to disregard this letter. The contract for installing the line on New Hague Road was signed last year and will be paid for by franchise money.
Supervisor Belden and the Town Board thanked Linda for all of her time with the 1st Annual Dog Show during the Memorial Day events. This was a huge success!
Joe McCranels reported on the cross country skiing this winter. February 15 to March 23 there were over 150 people who visited Rogers Rock for skiing. Mr. McCranels also reported that on March 13, 2008 it will be the 250th Anniversary of Rogers Rangers Battle on Snowshoes. He would like to promote a rally on the 13th with period costumes, old fashion skies. He has spoken with Richard Strum who mentioned that there is a winter reenactment group at Fort Ticonderoga during this time. He is hopeful that they possibly will contribute to this event.
Motion by T. LaPointe, seconded by R. Gladu that the Town of Hague will help sponsor the proposed Rogers Rock Snowshoe event scheduled for March 13, 2007. All voting yes. Motion carried.
Hannah Cole would like the Town of Hague to reinstall the turn around at the end of Yaw Road. This turn around was used by gas companies, Highway Department, and other delivery trucks. Supervisor Belden will have the Highway Superintendent check on this to see if anything can be done.
Motion by E. Frasier, seconded by T. LaPointe to draw warrant on Supervisor to pay bills audited at tonight’s meeting in the amount of $124,713.24. All voting yes. Motion carried.
Motion to accept minutes of May 8th & May 29th of 2007 as printed. All voting yes. Motion carried.
Regular Committee Report:
1. Assessor & Justice (Gladu/LaPointe): Councilman Gladu reported that the final equalization rate for the Town of Hague is 70.5. Councilman Gladu, Assessor David Martucci, and Supervisor will be meeting on Monday June 18th to discuss the possibility of conducting a revaluation. Grievance Day was held on May 22, 2007. There were 6 stipulations.
2. Buildings & Grounds (LaPointe/Steitz): Councilman LaPointe will be getting proposals for the back porch at the Community Center.
3. Care Program/Enhancement Committee (Frasier/Steitz): Councilwoman Frasier reported that the Care program is going well. It is open every Wednesday at 1 pm. If anyone would like to sign up, please stop in.
The Board discussed the Enhancement Waterfront project. Supervisor Belden stated that we are waiting to get the completed signed contract from the state. Councilman Gladu thinks it is premature to start the project now and believes that at this point we should wait until after Labor Day weekend. He also explained that the Fire Dept is requesting 2 dry hydrants be installed at the park. Councilwoman Frasier stated that this can be done at anytime and is not part of the Waterfront Project grant. This project should start after the 4th of July celebration in order to be completed by the Bicentennial Celebration in August. Councilmen Gladu still would like the Fire Depts. input on this. Councilman Steitz stated that the trucks can still back into the boat slip to pump water and the ideal solution would be to install a pipe through the culvert to the west side of the road and place a dry hydrant there. Also we need to advertise for the bollard lights.
Motion by A. Steitz, seconded by E. Frasier to authorize the Town Clerk to advertise that the Town of Hague is requesting sealed bids for the purchase of Bollard lighting for the Waterfront Project. All voting yes. Motion carried.
Motion by A. Steitz, seconded by E. Frasier to begin the Waterfront Project after the July 4th Celebration. The contractors will be notified. AYES: Supervisor Belden, A. Steitz, E. Frasier, and T. LaPointe. Abstain: R. Gladu. Motion carried.
Councilwoman Frasier also mentioned that the Enhancement committee has recommended that $1,000.00 is needed to enhance the area by the Baptist Church. This project will be put on hold until further discussion and review.
4. Finance & Insurance (Frasier/Gladu): No report.
5. Fire Department (LaPointe/Gladu): No report.
6. Highway (Gladu/LaPointe): Councilman Gladu reported that the Highway Department is doing well Budget wise. We received $65,850.00 in CHIP money. Mountain View Road has been paved and dump road.
During Clean-Up Day 120 cubic yards of non-processbles and 160 yards of metal was collected.
Motion by R. Gladu, seconded by A. Steitz to contact numerous companies and sell the metal. All voting yes. Motion carried.
7. Museum & Historian (Frasier/LaPointe): No report.
8. Personnel (Gladu/Frasier): Councilman Gladu has given each member of the Board a draft copy of the Employee’s Manual for their review and recommended changes.
9. Planning/Zoning/Stormwater (Gladu/Frasier): Councilman Gladu reported that the Planning Board will need additional time to work on the Telecommunication Ordinance. Recommendations will be given consistent with APA compliance.
ZONING REPORT TO TOWN BOARD
June 12, 2007
Land Use Development 8 24
Site Plan Review 0 5
Subdivisions 0 3
Variance 1 4
Wastewater 1 2
Wastewater Variances 0 0
A request to work July 9 & 10 instead of the July 12& 13 from the Zoning Enforcement Officer was approved.
10. Recreation, Promotion & Youth (LaPointe/Steitz): Work is in progress on the proposed Pedestrian/Bike path.
The Music in the Park program will begin on July 11, 2007 with Smith & Von Tury.
Approximately 15 children have signed up for Silver Camp at Silver Bay Association.
The Hague Chamber of Commerce 4th Annual art Show will be held on July 29th from 6 pm to 8 pm at The Hague Creek.
ESPN B.A.S.S.: 6/16-6/17
New York State Bass Federation 9/8-9/9
The Triathlon will be held on Saturday June 30th at the Hague Town Park.
The Swim Marathon is scheduled for June 30 and July 1 at the Hague Town Park.
The 4th of July Celebration will be held on July 2 with Elvis beginning at 8:00 pm, fireworks to follow.
11. Sewer Dist. #1 & #2 (Belden/Steitz): Supervisor Belden reported that in Sewer Dist. #1 there has been work completed on one of the generators. Sewer Dist. #2 is still awaiting APA approval. We should be out to bid in late fall.
12. Town Park (Steitz/LaPointe): Councilman Steitz reported that the Town Board has hired Kacheena Trudeau, Scott Barringer and David Snow has Park Attendants for the 2007 summer season. Scott will work Monday – Friday, Kacheena will work Friday & Saturday, and David Snow will work Sundays. David Snow was also be working for the BASS Tournaments. Motion by T. LaPointe, seconded by A. Steitz to hire Sarah Bissell, Bryce Gurney, and John Ockrin as Life Guards for the 2007 summer season. All voting yes. Motion carried.
13. Transfer Station (Steitz/Gladu): No report.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Councilman Gladu reported on the proposed Local Law Regulating Noise in the Town of Hague. The Board will draft a resolution for passage to hold a public hearing in August.
2. Work on possible locations for Cell Towers is in process.
COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS:
1. Randy Engler – North Country Triathlon scheduled for June 30th, 2007 request for money for advertising the event.
Motion by Supervisor Belden, seconded by A. Steitz to authorize $800.00 from Occupancy Tax Money for promotion of the North Country Triathlon. All voting yes. Motion carried.
2. Rudy Meola read a letter that he has submitted to the Town Board in regards to the naming of the Clifton F. West Museum. Supervisor Belden will send a copy of the letter to the Town Attorney for his review and opinion.
3. Supervisor Belden and the Town Board thanked the Senior Citizens for a great Memorial Day Parade. Motion by E. Frasier, seconded by A. Steitz that in honor of the Hague Senior Citizens Club, a Memorial Day Plaque be purchased with the last 5 dates of the parade. All voting yes. Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Cornell Cooperative is holding a children’s book drive. They are collecting new and used children’s books. Last day of collecting is August 1, 2007. Cathy Clark will have a drop off box available at the Community Center for the books.
2. Pride of Ticonderoga is hosting their 5th annual Duck Race. Your ducks number can be purchased at the Community Center.
3. Motion by R. Gladu, seconded by T. LaPointe to change the Town Court Clerks hourly paid position to a salary paid position. All voting yes. Motion carried.
4. Motion by R. Gladu, seconded by A. Steitz to disburse the remaining money allocated for the ZEO, by paying $150.00 per week for 20 weeks. All voting yes. Motion carried.
SUPERVISOR REPORTS:
1. Supervisor Belden reported that the County has met with the head of each Dept. making them aware that the Board of Supervisors wishes that there be zero increase to the Budget next year.
2. The engineer will be giving his findings on 1 building vs. two buildings for offices.
Motion by R .Gladu, seconded by A. Steitz to adjourn meeting at 7:45 pm. All voting yes. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah F. Manning, Town Clerk