HAGUE TOWN BOARD
AUDIT & REGULAR MEETING
March 11, 2008
6:00 PM
MEMBERS PRESENT: Supervisor Belden, E. Frasier, M. Martucci, and R. Meola.
Absent: R. Gladu.
Supervisor Belden opened the audit meeting at 6:00 pm
The Town board reviewed Warrant #3 of 2008.
Regular Town Board meeting was opened at 6:30 pm.
Councilwoman Frasier led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Moment of silence: Virginia Shattuck, Egbert Ferguson, Jennifer Fenimore.
Welcome Guest Privilege of the Floor:
Karen Costello thanked the Town Board for their help with publicity of the Ski & Snowshoe Rally Rogers Ranger Reenactment held on March 8, 2008. She also thanked the businesses for their support. Bob Bearor, author and historian of “Battle on Snowshoes,” was present during the celebration. Considering the weather the event went well. Since only $53.00 of the $300.00 authorized by the Town Board was used, Karen asked the Board if the difference could be applied to local scholarship funding. Supervisor Belden said that it could not be used for scholarship funds. Councilman Meola stated that a full account on how the money was used should be given to the Town Board.
Bruce Clark thanked the Town Board for working quickly in declaring the Town in a State of Emergency, also thanks to the National Grid, DOT, Fire and Ambulance, Mutual Aid from the various towns for all of there support in the recent storm. Everyone really pulled together during this emergency. He stressed the need of purchasing Detour Signage to be placed during main road closures.
Linda Benway: Residents on New Hague Road asked the board what the status was on cable in their area. Time Warner has also billed some of the New Hague residences. Supervisor Belden will contact Time Warner to urge them to continue the project. The billing was a mistake; the Franchise money will be covering the line extensions.
Linda also mentioned that she will be conducting the 2nd Annual Dog Show at the Town Park during Hague’s Memorial Day Celebration. She asked the Board if it was possible to have more benches at the Park. Art Hatfield mentioned that possibly the Kiwanis Club could donate a few.
Linda would also like the Board to look into a possible Dog Local Law. The Board will work with the Attorney.
Discussion of Bills: Motion by M. Martucci, seconded by E. Frasier to pay Warrant #2 of 2008 in the amount of $98,720.29. All yes. Motion carried.
Motion by R. Meola, seconded by E. Frasier to accept two sets of minutes date 2/12/2008, minutes of 2/26 & 3/4of 2008 as printed. All yes. Motion carried.
REGULAR COMMITTEE REPORTS:
1. Assessor & Justice (Gladu/Meola): No report.
2. Buildings & Grounds (Martucci/Frasier): Councilman Martucci reported that the proposals should be back within the next few weeks to complete the porch project at the Community Center.
Supervisor Belden reported that the Highway Department needs a larger generator. The gas boy installed and the new furnace system caused the generator to fail.
3. Enhancement Committee (Frasier/Meola): No report.
4. Finance & Insurance (Frasier/Martucci): Councilwoman Frasier reported that the Year End Report as been filed. The notice has been sent to the newspapers requesting sealed proposals for Financial Audit. Proposals are due on March 27, 2008.
The Finance Committee will be meeting with members of Glens Falls National Bank, Ticonderoga Federal Credit Union, and TD Banknorth. The committee will compile information for the entire Board to review.
5. Fire Department (Gladu/Martucci): Councilman Martucci thanked the Fire Dept. and the Ambulance Dept. for all of their efforts this last weekend during the storm.
6. Highway (Martucci/Gladu): Superintendent Smith reported that one of the trucks was in an accident. He will be getting an estimate on the truck. The Highway Department will be busy the next few weeks picking up the brush and trees from the storm this weekend.
If anyone wishes to have the wood and brush form the storm, there is some behind the Highway Garage. Supervisor Belden explained that if you want wood off the side of 9N & 8 you need to call DOT for permission, due to liability.
7. Museum & Historian (Frasier/Meola): Councilwoman Frasier has met with Jerry Crammond; he has been working on creating a spread sheet from the old 1887-1888 Birth, Death, and Marriage records.
8. Personnel (Frasier/Gladu): No report.
9. Planning/Zoning/Stormwater (Gladu/Meola):
· Planning: At their March 6th board meeting the PB approved an application for a garage and sent two referrals to the ZBA.
· Zoning: The ZBA has two variance applications in front of them. One for an addition to a nonconforming house and one for a two car garage.
· Zoning Violations: Fences
· Clean-up Day: I would like to request that “Clean-up Day” be scheduled in the month of May. That would allow me the month of April to take an inventory of the Town for properties that are not in compliance with Charter 128 of the Codes of the Town of Hague.
· Special Commercial Use Zone, Map Amendment -Matt Kendall of the APA has informed me that the Environmental Assessment has been sent to the DEC. If a negative declaration is declared the APA will publish a hearing notice (in Hague) as soon as next month.
· Training: On March 31, 2008 the Warren County Planning Department is holding a two hour Training Session from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at the Municipal Center room 6-103. They have invited Town of Hague Planning And Zoning member to attend.
10. Recreation & Youth (Meola/Martucci): Councilman Meola reported that he has been working on the summer program with Silver Bay Association. The cost of the program will increase this year to $48.00 per week, plus $12.00 for the bus.
11. Sewer Dist. #1 & #2 (Belden/Frasier): motion by M. Martucci, seconded by E. Frasier to re-submit the title 9 grant application. All voting yes. Motion carried.
12. Town Park (Meola/Martucci): Councilman Meola reported that the Music in the Park summer series is finalized for 2008.
13. Transfer Station (Martucci/Gladu): Councilman Martucci and Councilman Gladu will send out RFP’s to see if any other Companies are interested in running the Transfer Station.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
1. Motion by M. Martucci, seconded by R. Meola to authorize Supervisor Belden to sign Hague Sno-goers agreement for $10,000.00 for snowmobile trail development and maintenance. AYES: Supervisor Belden, M. Martucci, E. Frasier, and R. Meola. Motion carried.
2. Motion by M. Martucci, seconded by E. Frasier for after the fact approval and ratifying the 2008 snowmobile trail development & maintenance, County Resolution No 786 of 2007. AYES: Supervisor Belden, M. Martucci, E. Frasier, and R. Meola. Motion carried.
3. LaBerge Group cost estimate of $80,000-$115,000 for sidewalk snow removal unit. This estimate will be added into the grant application.
4. Motion by R. Meola, seconded by E. Frasier that the Town Board will review the proposed Local Law on Dogs. All changes will be given to the Town Clerk to incorporate into the document. After review the Town Board will set a public hearing date. All voting yes. Motion carried.
Councilman Meola feels it could be in the best interest of the public to re-address the proposed Noise Local Law.
5. RESOLUTION #42 OF 2008
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.
AYES: Supervisor Belden, M. Martucci, R. Meola, and E. Frasier. Motion carried.
The Town Board agreed that election voting will be conducted in the main room at the Community Center.
6. Town of Hague Clean-up Day is scheduled for June 13 & 14 of 2008.
COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS:
1. Letter received from Time Warner Cable. The Town has $41,125.02 in Franchise Money that will be used to continue the West Hague/New Hague Road line extension.
2. Motion by Supervisor Belden, seconded by E. Frasier to send a letter of support to the Town of Johnsburg, supporting the management plan to the Gore Interconnection. All voting yes. Motion carried.
3. Motion by Supervisor Belden, seconded by E. Frasier to accept the Hague Senior Citizens request for the Memorial Day Parade.
A) Obtain permission from David Darrin & owner of Lake Shore Garage to use their property for parking.
B) Parade Banner posted by May 10th.
C) Traffic Control Manpower
D) Road closings, Rt. 8 from Decker Hill down to Rt. 9N (1 pm – 3:45 pm) & Rt. 9N from Dodd Hill to Rt. 8 Circle (2pm – 3:45 pm).
E) Sheriff’s Dept. Traffic Control during Parade (2 pm – 3:45 pm)
F) Boat Launch closed from Noon-4 pm
G) No Parking on Rt. 8 along the brook side in Village (rope off by 8 am)
H) Parade Insurance Coverage for Town & Senior Club that day.
I) Permission for the Seniors to utilize Visitor Center Building at Beach for Food Concession.
All voting yes. Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Motion by R. Meola, seconded by E. Frasier to appoint Brendon Carberry & David Ockrin as Alternate Lifeguards for 2008 summer. All voting yes. Motion carried.
2. Motion by E. Frasier, seconded by M. Martucci to authorize Supervisor to sign agreement with Clough Harbour for Post-Closure monitoring services at the Landfill for 2008 at a cost of $4,900.00. All voting yes. Motion carried.
3. Applications for Transportation Enhancement Project (TEP) grants must be received by 6/27/08.
4. RESOLUTION #43 of 2008
“New York State Property Taxpayers Protection Act”
RESOLUTION INTRODUCED BY R. Meola, SECONDED BY M. Martucci
WHEREAS, The tremendously high tax burden on New York families and businesses is the number one issue facing our community today, and the sheer cost of living in New York has forced many residents and businesses to leave, thus slowing the economic engine of the state; and
WHEREAS, Young people are finding it difficult to purchase homes, seniors are struggling to maintain their homes, and businesses are facing immense challenges to create and retain jobs; and
WHEREAS, New Yorkers face the highest property taxes in the nation, and when measured as a percentage of home value, nine of the top 10 property tax rates in the entire country belong to counties in New York; and the State must act now to thwart the detrimental effects that high property taxes are having on local governments; and
WHEREAS, Assembly Minority Conference Members have introduced the “New York State Property Taxpayers Protection Act” (Assembly Bill 8775-A), which puts forth new and innovative ideas for property tax reform that limit the amount school districts can raise annually through local tax levies to four percent or the rate of inflation, whichever is less; in addition the Medicaid costs, strengthen financial accountability over school tax dollars, promote local government efficiency, and encourage local option insurance pooling; and
WHEREAS, The “New York State Property Taxpayers Protection Act” will help fix New York’s broken property tax system, providing homeowners, businesses and municipalities significant and lasting relief from the crushing burden of skyrocketing property taxes; and now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to acknowledge New York State’s property tax crisis and urge the immediate passage and chaptering of the “New York State’s Property Taxpayers Protection Act,” which will help local governments reinvigorate New York’s economy by providing incentives for people and businesses to move and stay here; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Governor of the State of New York, the Temporary President of the New York State Senate, the Speaker of the New York State Assembly, and to each member of the New York State Legislature.
DULY ADOPTED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: Supervisor Belden, R. Meola, M. Martucci, and E. Frasier. Motion carried.
5. RESOLUTION #44 of 2008
RESOLUTION TO CORRECT FY 2008 BUDGET
Resolution introduced by E. Frasier, and seconded by M. Martucci.
RESOLVED, that the fiscal year 2008 budget be corrected to increase appropriations by
$9,000.00 from $884,510 to $893,510 and increase the amount of unexpended balance by $9,000.00 from $229,560 to $238,560 due to a formula error.
DULY ADOPTED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: Supervisor Belden, E. Frasier, M. Martucci, and R. Meola. Motion carried.
6. RESOLUTION #45 OF 2008
Agreement with Warren County Cross-Country Ski Trail Management
RESOLUTION INTRODUCED BY M. Martucci, SECONDED BY E. Frasier
RESOLVED, that the Hague Town Board ratifies the Warren County Cross-Country Ski Trail Management Agreement No. 42 of 2008 with the incorporated change to section 10 and reauthorizes Supervisor Belden to sign contract.
Section 10
10. This agreement may not be assigned by the Town, or its right, title and interest therein assigned, transferred, conveyed, sublet or otherwise disposed of without the previous consent, in writing, of the County of Warren, except that the town may assign, transfer, convey, sublet or otherwise dispose of any part or all of this agreement to the Hague Snow-Goers, Inc., provided the Town of Hague adds the Hague Sno-Goers, Inc., as an additional named insured on a liability policy which provides the same indemnification and insurance for the benefit of the county, state and NYSDEC and their respective officers and employees the Town is required to provide in paragraph 6 and 7 of this agreement. For third parties other than Hague Sno-goers, Inc., whether to give such consent shall lie in the sole discretion of the Warren County Board of Supervisors.
DULY ADOPTED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: Supervisor Belden, M. Martucci, E. Frasier, and R. Meola. Motion carried.
7. Motion by R. Meola, seconded by M. Martucci authorizing to pay North Country Triathlon $2,500.00 (½ payment), to begin advertising of the Triathlon. All voting yes. Motion carried.
8. Motion by E. Frasier, seconded by M. Martucci to give Heather Knot, Hague Justice permission to attend the following conferences:
April 5, 2008 – Judge School
September 21 – 24, 2008 – annual Judge Conference
October 4, 2008 – Judge School
All voting yes. Motion carried.
SUPERVISORS REPORT & COUNTY REPORTS:
1. Supervisor Belden reported that DOT has used up approximately 85 % of their salt for the year. It has been a tough winter, and the budget is running really tight especially with the increase to gas prices.
2. Councilman Meola would like to try and sell the light globes in the back of the Community Center building. Motion by Supervisor Belden, seconded by M. Martucci to authorize Councilman Meola to advertise the sale of the light globes. All voting yes. Motion carried.
3. Councilman Meola stressed the need to conduct a Right to Know Law meeting. Councilwoman Frasier will contact Warren County Personnel Director, Rich Kelly to see if he has any information on this.
ADJOURNMENT:
Motion by R. Meola, seconded by M. Martucci to adjourn meeting at 7:45 pm. All voting yes. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah F. Manning, Town Clerk