HAGUE TOWN BOARD

AUDIT AND REGULAR MEETING

December 11, 2007

6:00 PM

 

Members present: Supervisor Dan Belden, Edna Frasier, Richard Gladu, Mark Martucci, Art Steitz

 

The audit meeting was opened at 6:00 pm on a motion heard from E. Frasier and seconded by A. Steitz.

Ayes: Supervisor Belden, E. Frasier, R. Gladu, M. Martucci, A. Steitz.

Motion carried.

 

The Board reviewed the Warrant.

 

Supervisor Belden closed the Audit meeting and opened the regular meeting at 6:30 pm on a motion by A. Steitz and seconded by M. Martucci.

Ayes: Supervisor Belden, E. Frasier, R. Gladu, M. Martucci, A. Steitz.

Motion carried.

 

M. Martucci led The Pledge of Allegiance.

 

A moment of silence was observed to acknowledge the passing of Martha Fitzgerald, Mort Granger, Marion Shoemaker and Jackie Perkins.

 

Supervisor Belden welcomed the guests and offered them the privilege of the floor.

Rudy Meola had questions and comments concerning the some of the costs related to work done at the Hague Park/Boat Launch.

 

Motion by M. Martucci, second by E. Frasier to draw a warrant on the Supervisor to pay Warrant #12 of 2007.  Ayes: Supervisor Belden, E. Frasier, R. Gladu, M. Martucci, A. Steitz.

Motion carried.

 

Minutes – Under Highway Reports, R. Gladu noted that although he stated it, Christopher Chevrolet was not at fault for the delayed delivery of the truck. Motion by A Steitz, second by E. Frasier to approve the minutes of November 13, 2007.

Ayes: Supervisor Belden, E. Frasier, R. Gladu, M. Martucci, A. Steitz.

Motion carried.

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS

1. ASSESSOR & JUSTICE: Councilman Gladu reported there are several issues pending in Court that the Board cannot discuss.

The computer in the Justice’s Office does not work and may need replacement. The Board authorized up to $1000.00 from Contingency Funds to purchase a new one, if needed. Motion made by R. Gladu, seconded by A. Steitz.

Ayes: Supervisor Belden, E. Frasier, R. Gladu, M. Martucci, A. Steitz.

Motion carried.

 

2. BUILDING & GROUNDS: Councilman Steitz reported he and Councilman Martucci have drawn up specs for work needed at the Community Center.

Councilman Gladu has investigated sound amplifying devices to use at Board meetings. He has one and will be obtaining other estimates.

According to Councilman Gladu, Hudson Environmental Services has gone out of business. He is investigating other water testing companies.

 

3. CARE PROGRAM/ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE: Councilwoman Frasier made note of the donations made by the Silver Bay Association, The Hague Volunteer Fire Department, the U.S. Postal Service and Rotary during the food drive. She will send Thank You letters.

Additional park enhancements will wait until spring.

 

4. FINANCE/INSURANCE: Councilwoman Frasier informed Board members that a cost increase in the hospitalization portion of the Town’s insurance is expected.

 

5. FIRE DEPARTMENT: Councilman Martucci reported the following:

Five fire personnel attended the electrical course held by Nation Grid.

There will be Continuing Education classes in Hague during the upcoming year.

Radio and siren checks will be limited to the first Tuesday of each month.

There were two fire calls and six ambulance runs during the month.

EMT classes will be held in Hague starting in January or February.

Donations were received for the Tiny Tim program and the Food Pantry during the Christmas Party. 

 

6. HIGHWAY: Councilman Gladu reported:

The new truck has arrived.

A steam cleaner has been ordered.

Winter safety jackets have been purchased.

The advertisement for the dump/plow/sander is ready.

The department appears to be in good financial form.

 

7.  MUSEUM/HISTORIAN – Councilwoman Frasier requested the Town advertise for the Town Historian position.

               

8. PERSONNEL: The revisions to the Town Personnel Manual have been completed, according to Councilman Gladu. After discussion between Board members and ZEO Clark concerning compensatory time, a motion to approve the changes and adopt for 2008 was made by R. Gladu and seconded by E. Frasier.

Ayes: Supervisor Belden, E. Frasier, R. Gladu, M. Martucci, A. Steitz.

Motion carried. 

 

9. PLANNING/ZONING/STORMWATER: Nothing

 

10. RECREATION/YOUTH: To ensure the beach will be adequately covered for the duration of the summer, Councilman Steitz recommended the Town begin the hiring process for lifeguards earlier in the season.

Turnout for the Holiday in Hague/Town Christmas Party events was less this year. During discussion it was suggested that more co-operation between the Town and the Chamber of Commerce is needed to clarify responsibilities such as promotion and advertising.

 

11. SEWER DIST. #2: Supervisor Belden noted the availability of a new wastewater grant.  Applications are due by March 30th.

 

12. TOWN PARK: Councilman Steitz reminded Board members that the telephone at the Information Booth will need to be reconnected in the spring. The restrooms will be opened for Winter Weekend in February.

The park benches are in place and everything looks good, according to the Supervisor.

 

13. TRANSFER STATION/RECYCLING: Supervisor Belden has met with Casella. They will be sending information about gates. Personnel issues could not be discussed.

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Resolution #64 of 2007: Dottie Henry - Motion made by R. Gladu and seconded by A. Steitz

DOTTIE HENRY

 

                Dottie Henry has had a love affair with Hague spanning a period of over sixty years.  It began in 1945 when she and her fiancé Jack were married in the Valley View Chapel and continues to this day.  On October 18th, 2007 the Town of Hague said goodbye to Dottie as she left for her new life in Saratoga Springs.

 

                In appreciation of Dottie’s superb dedication to The Hague Community the Town Board is presenting this resolution.

 

WHEREAS, Dottie Henry was instrumental in establishing the Hague Public Library at the Hague Central School, and

 

WHEREAS, Dottie Henry was the publisher and editor of the Hague Chronicle for over 28 years, and

 

WHEREAS, Dottie Henry served her community as a member of the Town Board, The Town Park Committee, The Town Enhancement Committee, The Northern Lake George Rotary Club, the organizer of the Hague Hoax Fest, and as a volunteer driver, and

 

WHEREAS, Dottie Henry was a major contributor to all activities of the Festival Guild, the Carillon Garden Club, the Hague Senior Citizens Club, the New Horizon Literary Club and the Champlain Valley Chorale, and

 

WHEREAS, Dottie Henry was selected as the first Senior Citizen of the year in 1982 and the recipient of the Achievement Award for Warren County by the New York State Legislature in 1991, and

 

WHEREAS, Dottie Henry was selected in 2002 of one of the recipients of the Woman of Distinction Award by the Girl Scouts of the Adirondack Council, Inc. and

 

WHEREAS, Dottie Henry served as a youth mentor in the Ticonderoga Central School program, and

 

WHEREAS, Dottie Henry’s many contributions were recognized in 2002 with a Salute to Dottie Henry Dinner Celebration.  Now therefore be it

 

RESOLVED, that we, the members of The Hague Town Board acknowledge Dottie Henry’s numerous lifelong contributions to the Town of Hague, we recognize her as a local icon, we declare her a community treasure.

 

DULY ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY BY THE HAGUE TOWN BOARD

Supervisor Belden, Edna Frasier, Arthur Steitz, Richard Gladu, and Mark Martucci           

Dated:  December 11, 2007

Motion carried    

 

Warren County Geographic Information System: A letter has been received from Sheri Norton, Administrator, dated 11/21/2007 requesting the Town’s response to the upcoming upgrade. Martin Fitzgerald from the Warren County Planning Department was available to explain the intended upgrades to those in attendance.  Supervisor Belden noted that money has been budgeted for this purpose and he will respond affirmatively.

 

Truck bid: A motion to place the advertisement in the paper for the sale of the1985 International Dump truck with plow was heard from M. Martucci and seconded by E. Frasier.

Ayes: Supervisor Belden, E. Frasier, R. Gladu, M. Martucci, A. Steitz.

Motion carried    

 

COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS

• The Family of Martha W. Fitzgerald, Thank you.

• John Austin, W.C. Historian, e-mail dated 11/2/2007 concerning the Town of Hague Historian. Councilwoman Frasier agreed to respond.

• The Warren County Clerk, dated 11/20/2007 concerning the request for funding for the NYS Association of Fire Chiefs. A motion to contribute $590.00 from Occupancy Tax funds was heard from R. Gladu and seconded by A. Steitz.

Ayes: Supervisor Belden, E. Frasier, R. Gladu, M. Martucci, A. Steitz.

Motion carried.

• Peter Foster, letter of resignation from the Planning Board, dated 12/3/2007. A motion to accept was heard from R. Gladu and seconded by M. Martucci.

Ayes: Supervisor Belden, E. Frasier, R. Gladu, M. Martucci, A. Steitz.

Motion carried.

Supervisor Belden will send a letter thanking Mr. Foster for his seven years of service. The town will advertise for a replacement.

• NYS Office of Parks and Recreation sent a letter dated 11/30/2007. The Town did not receive its request for funding for the Snow Park. Kevin Burns, Chief of Grants urged the Town to remain in contact regarding the towns ongoing or proposed capital plans. Supervisor Belden believes we have a good case and plans to reapply next year. During discussion with Martin Fitzgerald it was suggested that some preliminary work be completed to demonstrate our intent. Mr. Fitzgerald agreed to help with that effort.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Resolution #65 of 2007 Motion by E. Frasier, second by R. Gladu

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER OF FUNDS

 

RESOLVED,         that the Supervisor is hereby authorized to transfer from General Fund

MMDA account to Highway Fund $70,590.00 to pay for the new truck, AND BE IT, FURTHER

 

RESOLVED,         that upon renewal of Highway CD that the amount of $70,590 be

transferred back to general fund.

 

DULY ADOPTED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:

 

AYES:  Supervisor Belden, E. Frasier, R. Gladu, M. Martucci and A. Steitz. Motion carried.

 

Resolution #66 of 2007 Motion by A. Steitz, second by R. Gladu

 

 

RESOLUTION TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH WARREN COUNTY FOR SNOW & ICE REMOVAL, SWEEPING & MOWING

 

WHEREAS,          the Town of Hague plows and sands 9.02 miles of County Roads in the Town of Hague for snow & ice control, and

 

WHEREAS,          the current agreement expires on December 31, 2007, and

 

WHEREAS,          a renewal of this agreement has been negotiated with Warren County and will commence on January 1, 2008 and terminate December 31, 2008, and

 

WHEREAS,          the agreement will include snow & ice control, sweeping and mowing, and

 

WHEREAS,          the County of Warren will pay the Town of Hague based on the attached rate schedule in January of 2008, NOW THEREFORE BE IT

 

RESOLVED,         that the Supervisor is hereby authorized to enter into an agreement with the County of Warren for Snow & Ice Control on the paved County Roads in the Town of Hague for fiscal year January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008.

DULY ADOPTED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:

 

AYES:  Supervisor Belden, A. Steitz, R. Gladu, E. Frasier and M. Martucci. Motion carried.

 

 

Resolution #67 of 2007 Motion by M. Martucci, second by E. Frasier

Resolution to change Sewer Payment Schedule

 

WHEREAS,          Sewer District #1 payment schedule is as follows:

                                April 1st through July 31st of each year with out penalty. 

                                August 1st through October 31st of each year 10% penalty added.

 

WHEREAS,          the unpaid Sewer bills need to be sent to Warren County Real Property in the beginning of November in order to be relevied on to the Town & County Tax bills, and the length of time for payment has resulted in lost bills or forgotten bills. Now there for be it

 

RESOLVED,         that the new payment schedule for Sewer Rent payment, beginning in 2008 will be as followed:

                                May 1st through July 31st without penalty, and beginning on

                                August 1st through September 30th a 10% penalty will be added. 

                                All unpaid rents will be sent to Warren County Real Property for relevy on the Town & County Tax bill.

 

DULY ADOPTED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:

AYES:  Supervisor Belden, M. Martucci, E. Frasier, A. Steitz and R. Gladu. Motion carried.

 

 

Resolution #68 of 2007 was tabled. A motion was heard from R. Gladu and seconded by M. Martucci to defer action until 12/27/2007 and schedule a Public Hearing on 12/27/2007 at 4:00 pm.

Ayes: Supervisor Belden, E. Frasier, R. Gladu, M. Martucci, A. Steitz.

Motion carried.   

 

Resolution #69 of 2007 Motion by R. Gladu, second by E. Frasier

 

RESOLUTION TO INCREASE THE TOWN OF HAGUE’S SHARE OF SALES TAX TO BE APPLIED TO THE COUNTY BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008.

WHEREAS,          the Town Board currently leaves $300,000 at the County to be paid in two installments of $150,000 each from the first and second quarter payments, and

 

WHEREAS,          the Town Board is desirous of further reducing the 2008 County Tax Rate for the Town of Hague by paying an additional $200,000,and

 

WHEREAS,          it is the desire of the Town Board to appropriate the additional $200,000 for the 2008 fiscal tax year Now, Therefore, be it

                                 

RESOLVED,         that the Supervisor is hereby authorized to amend the Town of Hague 2007 budget by increasing the appropriated fund balance in general fund by $200,000 and increasing appropriations A1972.40 – payment to the treasurer to reduce the county tax by $200,000 for the Town of Hague

And that the supervisor is hereby directed to issue a check of $200,000 to the Warren County Treasurer for the reduction of the fiscal year 2008 county tax rate, and be it further

 

RESOLVED,         that this resolution for the additional $200,000 will apply to the fiscal year 2008 and not to Future years and be it further

 

RESOLVED,         that the Town Clerk of the Town of Hague be and is hereby directed to immediately forward a certified copy of this resolution to Warren County Administrative & Fiscal Services and the Warren County Treasurer  

Duly adopted by the following vote:

 

AYES:    Supervisor Belden, R. Gladu, E. Frasier, A. Steitz and M. Martucci. Motion carried.

 

Resolution #70 Motion by A. Steitz, second by Supervisor Belden

 

RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF WARREN COUNTY’S GRANT APPLICATION FOR A NYS ADIRONDACK COMMUNITY SMART GROWTH PROGRAM GRANT TO DEVELOP OPTIONS FOR COUNTYWIDE SOLID WASTE AND RECYCLING MANAGEMENT.

 

WHEREAS,          Warren County adopted Resolution No. 755 of 2007, on November 21, 2007 authorizing R.S. Lynch & Company to prepare and submit a grant application for a New York State Adirondack Community Smart Growth Program Grant to develop options for Countywide solid waste and recycling management, now therefore be it

 

RESOLVED,         that the Hague Town Board wishes to support Warren County’s application for the 2007 Adirondack Park Community Smart Growth Grant Program to fund a study of the various solid waste and recycling facilities and programs currently operating throughout the portion of the County which lie within the Adirondack Park and to identify options for improving future solid waste management and recycling programs.

 

DULY ADOPTED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:

AYES:  Supervisor Belden, A. Steitz, R. Gladu, E. Frasier, and M. Martucci. Motion carried.

 

Resolution #71 Motion by M. Martucci, second by R. Gladu

 

Resolution to apply for an amendment to the Official Adirondack Park

Land Use and Development Plan map for parcels ,                           

25.4-1-39, 25.4-1-40, 25.4-1-41, 42-1-9, and the portion of 25.4-1-42

which lies within the Special Commercial Use Zone boundaries, to be

reclassified from a Rural Use land use to an Low Intensity Use land use area.

 

WHEREAS,          The Planning Board of the Town of Hague, New York recommended to the Town Board of the Town of Hague to adopt an amendment to the Adirondack Park Land Use and Development Plan, subject to the approval of the Adirondack Park Agency, which would modify the zoning districts within the Town of Hague, Special Commercial Use Zone in order that all parcels within that Zone be designated as Low Intensity, Open Countryside I.  Currently, 5 of the 24 parcels within the Special Commercial Use Zone are in Rural Use, Open County side II while the remaining parcels are in Low intensity, Open Country side I, and                                                                                                                

WHEREAS,          The proposed amendment would change the Land Use areas for parcels, 25.4-1-39, 25.4-1-40, 25.4-1-41, 42-1-9,  and  the portion of 25.4-1-42

                                which lies within the Special Commercial Use Zone boundaries to Low Intensity, and

 

WHEREAS,          there was no opposed comments the Zoning District change at the Public Hearing held July 12, 2005.  NOW THEREFORE BE IT

 

RESOLVED,         that the Town Clerk is hereby directed to submit Resolution # 71 of 2007

                                To the Adirondack Park Agency for their review and approval.

AYES:  Supervisor Belden, M. Martucci, R. Gladu, E. Frasier and A. Steitz.  Motion carried.

 

 

 

SUPERVISORS AND COUNTY REPORTS:

• The County will be closing the books at year-end.

• The Town Attorney has reviewed the contract with The Laberge Group for The Hague Silver Bay Walkway.

M. Martucci made a motion to sign the contract for consulting work, in the amount of $10,600.00. A. Steitz seconded the motion. 

Ayes: Supervisor Belden, E. Frasier, R. Gladu, M. Martucci, A. Steitz.

Motion carried.

• The Supervisor reported on several recent meetings he attended. He noted discussions have been held concerning taxes and housing programs.

 

OTHER BUSINESS

Thanks to Mike Manning and Rudy Meola for their help with the Christmas decorations. Members agreed to look for a new Christmas tree after the holiday.

 

ADJOURNMENT

Motion by M Martucci, second by A. Steitz to adjourn at 7:50 pm.

Ayes: Supervisor Belden, E. Frasier, R. Gladu, M. Martucci, A. Steitz.

Motion carried.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Nancy E. Young

Recording Secretary