HAGUE TOWN BOARD

AUDIT & REGULAR MEETING

JULY 8, 2008

6:00 PM

 

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

 

Motion by E. Frasier, seconded by M. Martucci to open the audit meeting at 6:00 pm.  All voting yes.  Motion carried.

 

The Board reviewed the Warrant.

Motion by E. Frasier seconded by M. Martucci to close the audited meeting at 6:25 pm.  All voting yes.  Motion carried.

 

Motion by R. Meola, seconded by R. Gladu to open the regular monthly meeting at 6:30 pm.  All voting yes.  Motion carried.

 

Pledge of Allegiance

 

Moment of Silence:  Diane Dickson’s mother, Linda Coffin and Rev. Fortune.

 

Welcome Guests/Privilege of the floor: 

Mr. Robert Schwarz addressed the Board and the public on a proposed plan for school tax relief.  He is in hope that property owners in Hague will come together to hire an Attorney to fight this unfair problem.  Mr. Schwarz stated that in 2007-2008 Hague property tax payers paid $4,500,000 with only 82 students from Hague attending ($54,878 per student). And Ticonderoga property taxpayers paid $4,000,000 for 888 students ($4,505 per student).

 

Councilman Gladu stated that the only way to reduce taxes is to get the State to take more responsibility for school funding.  The Governor’s commission, providing for a three fold solution of a circuit breaker, a tax cap and funding mandates.

 

Chris Navitsky asked the Board if there were any permit requirements for private residents having a fireworks display.  If there are private fireworks out of courtesy the surrounding property owners should be contacted.

 

Phil Smith, President of Forest Bay Property Owners Association reported on the Bid openings for construction of Sewer District #2.  The bids came in higher than anticipated.  This will be an increased cost to the proposed district.  With inflating cost, the Association expected construction cost to be higher.  The members of the Forest Bay Property Owners Association encourage the Town Board to move forward on the project and file the necessary paper work with the New York State Comptroller.  Due to continued rising prices, they feel that this still is a great opportunity, due to the project being partially covered by grant money.  In the future they foresee the cost of the project to continue to increase.  A letter of support was given to the Town Clerk to be submitted to the NYS Comptrollers Office if the project continues to move forward.

 

Supervisor Belden scheduled an Informational Meeting for July 16, 2008 at 6:00 pm on proposed Sewer District #2.

 

Motion by R. Meola, seconded by E. Frasier to draw warrant on Supervisor to pay bills audited at tonight’s meeting.  All voting yes.  Motion carried.

 

Motion by R. Meola, seconded by E. Frasier to approve meetings of June 10 (correction: change Arts Fair to Arts Show), June 17, 2008 with corrections.  All voting yes.  Motion carried.

 

Regular Committee Report:

 

1.  Assessor & Justice (Gladu/Meola):  Councilman Gladu reported that the equalization rate for Hague is 73.3%.  This figure will help us for School Taxes.  Last year we were paying 53%, this year Ticonderoga and Hague should be almost equal.

The information should be released in August.

 

The new Justice Clerk has been busy completing back data entries of violations.

 

Councilman Meola discussed with the Town Board the position of the Assessor’s Office.  Mr. Martucci agreed to work every Monday for 8 hours.  He is not doing this.  If the Board wishes to change his schedule than fine, but do not ignore the situation.  We are the employers.  Councilman Gladu stated that the job is being done.  In such a small town there are quite a few people that work more than one job.

 

2.  Buildings & Grounds (Martucci/Frasier):  Councilwoman Frasier addressed the problem with the air conditioning system at the Community Center.

Bear Electric does not work on air conditioners.  Thermal Associates sent two proposals:

York 7.5 ton condensing unit 10.0 EER, 208-60-3ph:  $5,662.00

Replace compressor only: $3,945.00

Motion by R. Meola, seconded by M. Martucci to purchase the completed unit, York 7.5 ton condensing unit 10.0 EER, 208-60-3ph:  $5,662.00.  All voting yes.  Motion carried.

 

The sensor on the fuel tank in front of the Community Center doors needs to be replaced.  The blacktop and area will be dug up this week.

 

Councilman Martucci will have the specifications completed for the front ramp by next week. 

 

3.  Enhancement Committee (Frasier/Meola):  Councilwoman Frasier reported that there were approximately 10 donations for flower baskets this year.  Councilman Meola stated that we should promote this more next year.  

 

4.  Finance & Insurance (Frasier/Martucci):  No report.

 

5.  Fire Department (Gladu/Martucci):  Councilman Gladu thanked the Fire Department & Ambulance Squad for such a quick response to the accident on the lake last weekend.  Steak Bake is scheduled for August 2, 2008.

           

6.  Highway (Martucci/Gladu):  Superintendent Smith reported that the Highway Department has been busy with mowing and cleaning the sides of the road.  He also mentioned that they have been working on making a turn around on Pine Orchard Road and the problem with water run-off at the bottom of Pine Orchard Road has been fixed.  The inventory list should be completed by weeks end.

 

Councilman Gladu reported that a work schedule sheet has been completed.  This will help the Department for planning different projects.

 

7.  Museum & Historian (Frasier/Meola):  Councilwoman Frasier reported that the annual meeting program went well.  The Historical Society will meet at Union Cemetery by Pine Orchard road for a clean-up.  The Highway Department will help with this.  There are a lot of fallen limbs from the storm in March.  There is also need to replace parts of the fence.  Supervisor Belden gave an ok to purchase what is needed.

 

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

 

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

            ZONING REPORT TO TOWN BOARD

JULY 8, 2008

 

·         Permits Activity                                           Month             YTD              

Land Use Development                             6                      40                               

Site Plan Review                                        1                      6                                 

Subdivisions                                               1                      2                     

Variance                                                     1                      6                                 

Wastewater                                                2                      4                                 

Wastewater Variances                                0                      0                       

                                                                                       

·         Planning Board: Next PB meeting is scheduled for July 10, 2008, due to the 4th. of July holiday

·         Zoning Board:  May 22, 2008 In attendance: Robert Goetsch, Bill Pittman,  Glenn McKee & George Ianson. 

      The Board reviewed one new application & scheduled a visit to the site.

·         Request for information:  How many meetings must a member of a Planning Board or ZBA make annually? 

·         Zoning Violations: 2 illegal sign removed,  junk cars cited, 1. fence cited

·         Special Commercial Use Zone, Map Amendment – APA –

      The Environmental Assessment is complete.  APA will hold a hearing, in Hague next month.

 

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

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

ZBA:  Donna Charboneau & Bill Pitman

·         Vacancy - Planning/Zoning Secretary, one application received 

                I have had to take the minutes at the last Planning Board and ZBA meetings.

 

Councilman Gladu feels that members of any Board should not miss more than 3 to 4 meetings per year. 

Motion by E. Frasier, seconded by M. Martucci to advertise for the part time position of clerical clerk.  All voting yes.  Motion carried.

 

Councilman Meola mentioned on how the Junk Law was going.  Cathy Clark, ZEO reported that letters have been sent out and some violation notices will be sent out on junk cars.

 

10. Recreation & Youth Promotion (Meola/Martucci):  Councilman Meola mentioned that the Music in the Park series begins tomorrow at 7:30 pm.

                                               

11. Sewer Dist. #1 & #2 (Belden/Frasier): Supervisor Belden reported that the construction bids for sewer district #2 were very high.  There will be an informational meeting on July 16 at 6:00 pm at the Community Center.

 

12.  Town Park (Meola/Martucci):  Motion by R. Meola, seconded by E. Frasier that recyclable boxes be placed at the Town Park.  All cans picked up will be brought to recycling center in Ticonderoga and money will go into general fund.  All voting yes.  Motion carried.

 

13. Transfer Station (Martucci/Gladu):  Councilman Martucci reported that they are looking for safety rails to be installed by the bids.

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

1.  RFP’s were mailed out requesting the following and due back by May 8, 2008:

 

Proposal 1: shall be a price per yard delivered for screened sand to be stockpiled at the Hague Highway Garage.

 

Proposal 2:  shall be for a price per yard of screened sand to be hauled by the Hague Highway Department.

 

Proposal 3: Shall be for a price per yard for Item IV and bank run gravel.

 

Peckam Industries, Inc. proposals were:

Proposal 1:  $8.18 per cu yd

Proposal 2:     $2.85 per cubic yard from their pit on Street Road, Ticonderoga, NY

Proposal 3: 

A.  $4.40 per cubic yard for Item 4 gravel from their pit on Street Road, Ticonderoga, NY

B.  $9.75 per cubic yard for Item 4 Gravel delivered to Hague Highway Garage

C.  $2.85 per cubic yard for Bank Run Gravel from our pit on Street Road, Ticonderoga, NY

D. $7.95 per cubic yard for Bank Run Gravel delivered to the Hague Highway Garage.

 

Pat Armstrong proposals:

Proposal 1:  Screened sand delivered per yard: $9.75

Proposal 2:  Screened sand loaded on your trucks per yard: $3.75

Proposal 3:  Item 4 loaded on your trucks per yard $4.50

Bank Run Gravel loaded on your trucks per yard $2.75

 

Motion by R. Meola, seconded by M. Martucci to accept Peckham’s bid for Screened sand hauled by Hague Highway @ $2.85 per cubic yard.  Peckham’s bid for Item 4 gravel hauled by Hague Highway @ $2.85 per cubic yard.  Pat Armstrong’s bid for Bank Run Gravel @ $2.75 per yard.  All voting yes.  Motion carried.

 

COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS:

1.  After a lengthily discussion it was moved by R. Meola, seconded by R. Gladu to allow the Chamber of Commerce to use the Hague Community Center to provide beer/wine as approved at the 6/10/08 Town Board meeting for the Arts Show scheduled for September 5, 2008 from 4 pm to 8 pm.  AYES:  Supervisor Belden, R. Meola, & M. Martucci. 

NAYS: R. Gladu, & E. Frasier.  Motion carried.

 

2.  The request from the Chamber of Commerce for the Town to hire a professional marketing company.  David Dunn, President of the Chamber of Commerce would like a commitment from the Town before embarking on this project.  The cost to hire a consultant will be approximately $20,000.00.

Motion by Supervisor Belden, seconded by R. Meola to work with the Chamber of Commerce to put out RFP’s for review.  AYES:  Supervisor Belden, R. Meola, R. Gladu, E. Frasier, and M. Martucci. Motion carried.

 

3.  Motion by Supervisor Belden, seconded by E. Frasier to accept petition containing 80 signatures requesting that the Hague Town Board reconsider the amendment passed on June 10, 2008 that allows temporary suspension on open container. All voting yes.  Motion carried.

 

4.  Motion by Supervisor Belden, seconded by R. Meola to accept the request of Alex Baron to use the Hague Town Park for the John Costello Memorial Coffee House 7/31/08 between the hours of 6 pm and 9 pm.  All voting yes.  Motion carried.  

 

NEW BUSINESS:

1.  Resolution to amend Budget. RESOLUTION #58 OF 2008

RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE 2008 BUDGET

RESOLUTION INTRODUCED BY M. Martucci, AND SECONDED BY E. Frasier

 

RESOLVED, that the Town Board amend the Town Budget for fiscal year 2008 by

Increasing Highway Estimated Revenues DA0 510 and Revenues DA0 2302 by $8,453.28 and increasing appropriations DA0 960 and appropriations DAO 5130-40 Machinery by $4,000.00 and DA0 5142.40 Snow Removal by $4,453.28 due to additional funding per resolution #54 of 2008. 

DULY ADOPTED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:

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

 

2.  RESOLUTION #59 of 2008 

Resolution introduced by R. Meola, seconded by M. Martucci

Resolved,  to authorize Supervisor to sign Intermunicipal Agreement with the County of Warren for the use of the Hyper-Reach Notification System.  The Town of Hague will only be required to pay for actual use of the system.

AYES:  Supervisor Belden, R. Meola, M. Martucci, E. Frasier, and R. Gladu. 

NAYS:  None.

Motion carried.

 

SUPERVISORS REPORT & COUNTY REPORTS:

1.  The Assessor needs to complete a listing of properties for GIS.

2.  Report on County Clerk’s office: The revenue received runs the County Clerk office.

Other:

Elan Planners will be presenting plans for the next phase of the Downtown Enhancement project.  The next phase will be the American Legion site.

 

The Noise Local Law is completed.  We are awaiting information from the Town Attorney on the qualifications for voting.

 

The ZEO reported that E-coil contamination was found at the Boat Launch. Town Beach had a very good reading.  

ADJOURNMENT:     Motion by R. Meola, seconded by M. Martucci to adjourn meeting at 8:30 pm.  All voting yes.  Motion carried.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Deborah F. Manning, Town Clerk