HAGUE TOWN BOARD

AUDIT & MONTHLY MEETING

June 10, 2008

6:00 pm

Members present:  Deputy Supervisor E. Frasier, R. Gladu, R. Meola, and M. Martucci.

Absent:  Supervisor Belden.

Motion by R. Gladu seconded by R. Meola to open the audit meeting at 6:00 pm.

 

The Board reviewed the Warrant for June.

 

Motion by R. Gladu, seconded by R. Meola to close the audit meeting at 6:30 pm and open the the Town Board monthly meeting.  All voting yes.  Motion carried.

 

Pledge of Allegiance

 

Moment of Silence: Elizabeth “Toby” Hatfield

 

Welcome Guests/Privilege of the floor:  Mark Carpenter, CPCU President presented the Town Board with the Towns Insurance Policy effective May 1, 2008 – May 1, 2009.  Mr. Carpenter thanked the Town Board for their continuing support.  Even though Selective proposed total was approximately $600.00 higher than the lowest bid received, both proposals included a $5,000,000 limit per occurrence, only Selective proposal included a $10,000,000 annual aggregate limit for both general liability and Public Officials liability, and no aggregate limit for auto liability.

 

The Board asked Mr. Carpenter his opinion on serving Alcohol in the Town Park if the event was sponsored by an organization which carried their own insurance. 

 

Mr. Carpenter explained that the Town has a $6 million dollars in liability which includes host liquor liability coverage.  If the organization takes out a 1 million dollar rider and can become the host insurer for the approved event.

 

David Dunn co-President of the Chamber of Commerce would like the Town board to grant permission to the Chamber to waive the town law allowing the use of alcohol at the Town Park for an art show and also for the winter carnival weekend.

 

Motion by R. Meola, seconded by R. Gladu to approve the request from the Chamber of Commerce to grant permission to use and serve alcohol at the Hague Town Park for the Chambers promotion of an Arts Show and the Winter Carnival.  The Chamber will have to follow the guidelines which will be established by the Town Board and also will provide the Town with a copy of their insurance policy.  AYES:  R. Meola, R. Gladu, M. Martucci.  NAYS:  E. Frasier.  Motion carried.

 

 

Councilman Meola stressed this approval was specific to the Chamber of Commerce and not a blanket approval.  Other organizations must submit their own request.

 

George Ianson addressed the Town Board on their emergency meeting held four days before the regular meeting.  There is nothing that warranted an emergency meeting.  This is open government.  He feels that dogs and fences are not emergency issues.

 

Councilman Gladu stated that there were legal personnel and safety issues.  The ZEO stated that the fence issue needed to be addressed.  The area between Morgan Marinas and the Lamberts was a health and safety concern.

 

David Dunn, co-Chamber of Commerce has been reviewing the Town’s Comprehensive Plan and would like to see that its recommendations be implemented.  The Chamber would like for the Town to hire a consultant to present a written plan on economic development within the Town. Councilman Gladu is willing to help on this issue.

 

Cathy Clark sent a letter to the Town Board in regards to increased traffic and safety concerns on Overbrook Road.  Councilman Martucci will have the Highway Superintendent conduct an investigation of Overbrook Road an install proper signage.

 

Discussion of Bills:  Motion by to pay General, Highway & Sewer Claims audited at tonight’s meeting.  All voting yes.  Motion carried.

 

Motion to accept minutes as printed, subject to corrections:  May 13, May 21, & June 4, 2008. 

 

Regular Committee Report:

1.  Assessor & Justice (Gladu/Meola):  Councilman Gladu reported there were three grievance applications, with agreements reached on each. 

The final Assessment roll will be out on July 1, 2008

 

Motion by R. Gladu seconded by R. Meola to authorize the Assessor to attend classes on June 11, 12, & 16 of 2008 for continuing education.  All voting yes.  Motion carried.

 

The Justice Software program has been brought up to date.

 

2.  Buildings & Grounds (Martucci/Frasier):  Councilman Martucci thanked the Highway Department for all of their help when Mike Manning was off due to illness.  A plan will be presented for the cleaning of air ducts, carpets, and the hardwood floor in the main room.  Work on the CC porches still need to be completed.

 

Councilman Meola and the Town Board expressed their thanks to Daniel Steitz for his leadership role in helping with the Park and Community Center during Mike Manning’s absence and for also helping during Memorial Day free of charge.

                       

3.  Enhancement Committee (Frasier/Meola):  No report

 

4.  Finance & Insurance (Frasier/Martucci):  Motion by E. Frasier, seconded by M. Martucci to accept Mr. Richard Dinolfo’s proposal in the amount of $6,600.00 for auditing of the Town’s books.  All yes.  Motion carried.

 

Councilman Meola would like a copy of his report sent to NYS Audit & Control.

 

5.  Fire Department (Gladu/Martucci):  The Fire Department is discussing the possibility of a shared fire boat.  The cost of the boat is approximately $100,000.00.  The shared service would be with the Towns of Putnam, Ticonderoga, and Hulett’s Landing.  The Department is looking into ways of receiving grant funding.

           

6.  Highway (Martucci/Gladu):  Paving of Terrace Road and Pine Orchard Road will begin on July 14, 2008.  The Department has completed the Hague Clean-up Day and the picking up of brush. 

 

Motion by M. Martucci, seconded by R. Gladu to advertise for the sale of the 1985 International Truck w/plow.  Sealed bids will be accepted up to 1:00 pm on June 17, 2008.  All voting yes.  Motion carried.

           

7.  Museum & Historian (Frasier/Meola):  The Historical Society has been working on a new display in the lobby of the Community Center on Old Schools of Hague.  The projection screen has also been ordered.

 

8.  Personnel (Frasier/Gladu):   No report.

 

9.  Planning/Zoning/Stormwater (Gladu/Meola): 

ZONING REPORT TO TOWN BOARD

June 10, 2008

 

·         Permits Activity                                           Month             YTD              

Land Use Development                             5                      34                               

Site Plan Review                                        0                      5                                 

Subdivisions                                               1                      1                     

Variance                                                    0                      5                                 

Wastewater                                               1                      2                                 

Wastewater Variances                               0                      0         

                                                                                       

·         Planning Board: June 5, 2008 In attendance: Bruce Clark, Rolly Allen, John Brown, Pam Paterson,  Dick Frasier, & Marty Fitzgerald, Sr.         

Application for an 8’ x 12’ shed, 75 feet from the lake was reviewed.  The PB requested alternative size and location. 

A two lot subdivision received sketch plan review.           

·         Zoning Board:  May 22, 2008 In attendance: Robert Goetsch,  Bill Pittman, Lindsay Mydlarz, Martin Fitzgerald II, & George Ianson

Application for a 176 sq. ft. stone patio was denied.  Application for a garage was approved, but relief from a previous condition of approval was denied.

·         Zoning Violations: Signs, sheds, junk cars

Other Issues:

·         Telecommunications:  5-14-08 Dan Belden & I met with Brian Grisi of the APA to review Ellen George’s, attorney with the APA, proposed suggestion to incorporate Telecommunication into the Town’s Zoning Codes.

     1.  As defined,  Major Public Utilities would support and include Telecommunication Towers.

     2.  Add Major Public Utilities in all Zoned sections as a Type II Site Plan Review.  Article VII  section 160-42

     3.  All Major Public Utilities would be Class A Regional Projects (APA) except within the Hamlet areas provided structure in question is under 40’ high.

     4.  The town could add their own requirements in Article IX, Supplemental Regulations. 

·         Special Commercial Use Zone, Map Amendment – APA –

      The Environmental Assessment  is complete.

·         Request permission to take June 25, 2008 off.  If approved I will work a full day on June 24th. 

·         NYDOS Training:  May 14, 2008:  Brain Grisi & Robyn Burgess  Local Government Specialists were in attendance from the APA. From the Department of State Erin Thomas Land, Patricia Matson, & John Davis Woods Land Use Training Specialists and Riele Morgiewicz Attorney for Legal Services presented  Mock Planning & Zoning Board meetings, Case Law, & Findings, Records, & Decision Making.  24 people attended from 7 different Towns. 2 Planning Board members, 2 ZBA member and 1 Councilmen from the Town of Hague attended. Total cost: $142.04  Letter of appreciation have been sent. 

      Thank you Town Council for your support.

·         Board members who have completed their mandatory training – 2008:

PB: Dick Frasier, Bruce Clark, John Brown, & Pam Peterson

ZBA:  Donna Charboneau &  Bill Pitman

E J Siwek and George Ianson are scheduled to attend the Lake George Water Shed Conference on June 18, 2008.

The DOS left Power Point presentations of Case Law & Findings, Records, & Decision Making.  Workshops could be held at the Town level.

·         Request permission to attend Lake George Water Shed Conference on June 18, 2008.  There is no cost to the Town.

·         Vacancy - Planning/Zoning Secretary, one application received

·         Buildings, Unsafe.  The decision of the Town Board was sent to both Lambert & Wagemann (6-5-08).  Formal letter and Contents of Notice will be sent after D. Viscardi has approved them.  As of June 6th. no application has been submitted.

 

Cathy Clark, ZEO also mentioned the letter received from the FUND of Lake George which has identified high coliform levels in different areas of Hague.  The coliform levels by the Boat Launch area are high and also by Trout Brook.  Motion by R. Gladu, seconded by   R. Meola to have a stream specialist review the high level areas of chloroform and report back to the Town.  All yes.  Motion carried.

           

10. Recreation & Youth (Meola/Martucci):    Councilman Meola reported that 25 children have signed up for Silver Camp.

                                               

11. Sewer Dist. #1 & #2 (Belden/Frasier): No report.

 

12.  Town Park (Meola/Martucci): The Visitor Center will open on June 27th from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.  The Life Guards will also begin on June 27th from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.  The Park Attendants hours will be from 8:30 to 4:30 pm.  Trees will be donated for replacement at the Town Park.

Motion by M. Martucci, seconded by E. Frasier to authorize Councilman Meola to have Adirondack Paving Company restripe at the Town Parks parking lot.  All voting yes.  Motion carried.

 

13. Transfer Station (Martucci/Gladu):  Councilman Martucci and Gladu reported that they are looking for different methods and companies to bring before the Board for next year.  Recyclables will be free this year and there is an increase of 30 gallon bags to $4.25.

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

1.  Motion by R. Meola, seconded by M. Martucci to close Boat Slip from 6 am to noon June 28th, 2008 (Triathlon).  All voting yes.  Motion carried.

 

2.  Motion by R. Meola, seconded by R. Gladu to approve and authorize Supervisor Belden to sign contract with Casella Waste (May 1, 2008 – May 1, 2009).  All voting yes.  Motion carried.

 

3.  Motion by E. Frasier, seconded by R. Meola to approve the Employee Guide Manual.  The Code of Ethics and the discipline portion will be continued to be reviewed.  All voting yes.  Motion carried.

 

4.  Councilman Gladu is still working on the administrative support job description.

 

COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS:

1.  Thank you from The Hague Senior Citizens Club, Inc & Parade Committee.

2.  The Town Board will ask Randy Engler, Triathlon for a detailed budget to support his request for additional funds for the triathlon.  The Board mentioned that the triathlon has grown.  There are approximately 130 registered for the event.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

1.  RESOLUTION #55 OF 2008

 

RESOLUTION SEWER RENT CHANGES

 

RESOLUTION INTRODUCED BY M. Martucci, AND SECONDED BY R. Gladu.

 

 

 

BE IT RESOLVED TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING CHANGES IN SEWER RENT   FOR 2008

 

NAME

BILL #

TAX #

CHARGE PER WARRANT

ADJUSTMENT

CHANGE

REASON FOR ADJUSTMENT

SCOTT & ALICE

PATCHETT

79

26.17-2-44

20%

1 EDU

HOUSE

  

DULY ADOPTED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:

Ayes:  Deputy Supervisor E. Frasier, M. Martucci, R. Gladu, and R. Meola.

 

2.  Councilman Gladu reported on the tax revision legislation.  He will continue to attend meeting in Albany.

 

3.  The Town Board discussed various options to try and control the noise issue with barking dogs on New Hague Road.

 

WHEREAS, members of the Town Board have received and continue to receive complaints of neighboring properties of the lands occupied by Harriet Cole and Hannah Cole of continuous barking of dogs, during all periods of the day and night which constantly disturb the neighbors of such property, particularly during the evening, disturbing their sleep; and

WHEREAS, the Town Board has been advised that such conduct constitutes an active nuisance to neighboring properties; and

WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the Town of Hague on behalf of the residents living in proximity to such property that such nuisance be abated.

NOW, on motion by R. Meola, seconded by R. Gladu, that the Town Board of Hague hereby authorizes the Town Attorney, Dominick J. Viscardi, to proceed with the filing of the necessary documents to institute and pursue an action to abate the nuisance with reference to the named property.  AYES: Supervisor Belden, R. Meola, R. Gladu, E. Frasier, and M. Martucci. NAYS: None.  Motion carried.

 

Motion by E. Frasier, seconded by R. Meola to adjourn meeting at 7:55 pm.  All voting yes.  Motion carried.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Deborah F. Manning, Town Clerk