HAGUE TOWN BOARD MEETING
DATE: February 10, 2009
5:00 pm
Members present: Supervisor Belden E. Frasier
R. Meola R. Gladu
M. Martucci
Supervisor Belden opened the meeting at 5:00 pm.
The Town Board audited the Warrant for February.
The ZEO at 5:30 pm reviewed with the Town Board the proposed Lake George Park Commissions regulations on stream corridor protection.
The Board will individually review the Justice books for 2008.
Motion by M. Martucci, seconded by R. Meola to open the Public Hearing on Telecommunications at 6:00 pm. All voting yes. Motion carried.
The Town Clerk read notice that was published in the Post Star newspaper on February 1, 2009.
Cathy Clark, ZEO gave a brief presentation on the proposed Telecommunication Ordinance that the Planning Board of the Town of Hague prepared providing for such coverage and setting forth regulations relating to the proposed location, design and usage of the Wireless Telecommunications Facilities. Also the Zoning Ordinance of the Town of Hague would be amended by (i) adding Wireless Telecommunications Facilities to be included as Major Public Utility Use, (ii) by allowing Major Public Utilities Uses in all zoned areas of the Town of Hague (requires Type I Site Plan Review approval) and, (iii) adding to Article IX to include section 160-59.1 “Wireless Telecommunications Facilities” thereto in the form set forth below which governs the review, installation and usage of Wireless Telecommunications Facilities in the Town of Hague, subject to any requisite approval by the APA and any other regulatory body from which approval is required.
Bruce Clark spoke in favor of the Telecommunications Ordinance.
Chris Navitsky asked if the Town has looked at possible areas for a tower across the lake. Supervisor Belden said that the ideal spot would have been Black Mountain but the state refuses to allow wireless telecommunications on that site.
Regular Meeting
Supervisor Belden opened the regular Town Board meeting at 6:30 pm. The Board will close the Public Hearing later in the meeting.
Pledge of Allegiance
Moment of Silence: Louis Fiallo & Ruth Strickling.
Welcome Guests/Privilege of the floor:
Chris Navitsky thanked the Board for the opportunity to provide comment and copies of the Clear Choices document with photos also present taken by the Lake George Water keeper regarding the need for buffers to protect the water quality of Lake George. He pointed out that the proposed resolution against the Lake George Park Commissions regulations on stream corridor protection has incorrect information.
Barry Kincaid, Lake George Property Owners Group also reported on the same issue. The property owners and the Town Boards need to maintain authority.
Motion by E. Frasier, seconded by R. Gladu to pay Claims in the amount of $75,762.10 and an additional bill that was not included on the Warrant for $67,207.45. All voting yes. Motion carried.
Motion to accept minutes of January 13, January 22, & January 27 of 2009 with correction to the January 27, 2009 meetings motion. If the current coverage is terminated during 2009 year, then the Board will reinstate the family’s health insurance. All voting yes. Motion carried.
The Board discussed the EDU schedule. Property owners will be sent a letter with any proposed changes prior to the warrant being passed. Also, there are Sewer Rent Assessment complaint forms which can be obtained at the Clerks office. Last day for any changes to the Sewer Warrant must be filed by June 30.
Regular Committee Report:
1. Assessor & Justice (Gladu/Meola): Councilman Gladu reported on the Assessor’s schedule:
March 1: All data inventory exemptions must be filed.
May 1: Tentative Roll
The Justice Clerk training is going very well.
2. Buildings & Grounds/Enhancement (Martucci/Frasier): Councilman Martucci reported that due to medical problems Bo O’Leary can not perform the work on the front of the Community Center building. Mr. O’Leary has recommended one of his helpers to do the work, but he does not have any insurance coverage. Because the issue is vague at this point, Mr. Martucci will talk further with Mr. O’Leary to clear up a number of points such as rate of pay. The Board will review this further before work begins.
Councilman Martucci also mentioned that the committee is working on obtaining prices for the west & east ramp and tiling of the foyer.
3. Finance & Insurance (Frasier/Martucci): Councilwoman Frasier reported that the 2008 books are closed and that the Year end report is half way completed.
The Committee will solicit proposals for the Towns insurance coverage which is up for renewal the 1st of May. Councilwoman Frasier also reported that due to investing too much money into CD’s at the urging of one of the Board Members, not enough funds were available to pay bills and one CD had to be cashed. TD Bank North did not assess penalty. Councilman Meola pointed out that if the Town had an investment program as required and the investment officer administered it properly this problem would not have occurred.
4. Fire Department (Gladu/Martucci): Councilman Gladu reported that the Fire Department has completed its yearend financial statement and will be giving copies to the Board for their review.
5. Highway (Martucci/Gladu): Superintendent Smith reported that the Highway Department will be down at the Community Center tomorrow to cut and clean up the dead trees that were taken down today. The Board discussed the use of Magic salt. DOT stressed that the Magic salt will not work well on back roads due to less vehicles traveling on them. The Board would like to experiment possibly on route 8 & 9 to see if money can be saved and less salt used which would help preservation of the lake.
It was moved by M. Martucci, seconded by R. Gladu to authorize the Town Clerk to send notice to the paper requesting sealed bids for item 4, sifted sand, and bank run. Sealed bids will be accepted until 3:00 pm on Friday March 6th, 2009. All voting yes. Motion carried.
6. Museum & Historian (Frasier/Martucci): Councilwoman Frasier reported that the Historian has been busy creating excel spreadsheets & CD’s of genealogies information.
7. Personnel (Frasier/Gladu): The committee will be working on the Employees Manual updates.
Interviews will be set up for the Planning Board vacancy. Applications will be accepted until Feb 20, 2009.
Procedure in filling a vacancy:
Advertise with ending date of accepting applications. All applicants will be interviewed
Keep Planning & Zoning Chairman aware of the interviews and ask that they be available during the interview process.
The Personnel Committees recommendations will appear on the Town Board agenda
8. Planning/Zoning/Stormwater (Gladu/Meola): Motion by R. Gladu, seconded by R. Meola to give Cathy Clark, Edna Frasier and Daniel Belden permission to attend Local Government Day on March 24 & 25 of 2009. All voting yes. Motion carried.
9. Recreation Promotion & Youth (Meola/Martucci): Councilman Meola would like the support of the Board on the project of Promoting the Town of Hague. Councilman Meola & Gladu had exploratory meetings. This committee will be enlarged and will make recommendations to the Town Board. The Committee envisions the scheduling of a monthly event throughout the year. Some of the events already on the calendar will be enhanced to provide for activities throughout the day. Motion by Supervisor Belden, seconded by R. Meola to support and promote the success of the monthly events. All voting yes. Motion carried.
Motion by R. Gladu, seconded by M. Martucci to authorize R. Meola to bring town youth to the Warren County Youth Leadership program at ACC on March 18, 2009. All voting yes. Motion carried.
Councilman Meola also reported on the Warren County Youth Bureau meeting he attended on January 21, 2009.
10. Sewer Dist. #1 & #2 (Belden/Frasier): Supervisor Belden reported that forest Bay Road was almost 95% completed. The project is moving along quickly.
11. Town Park (Meola/Martucci): Councilman Meola stated that the watering of flower Baskets needs to be addressed before the season begins. Councilwoman Frasier is awaiting a proposal for planting the hanging baskets and watering them throughout the summer.
The Hague Chronicle will report that memorial donations will be accepted for hanging baskets and applications are being accepted for summer employment (Lifeguards, Park Attendants, and Visitor Center.
12. Transfer Station (Gladu/Meola): Councilman Gladu reported that he is preparing proposals for managing the transfer station since the contract with Casella expires this year. The Town Board will review them before they are advertised.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
1. Warren County Board of Elections Statement of Canvass for the result on the proposition to approve the Noise Local Law was as followed: Yes: 137, No: 271.
COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS:
1. The Hague Senior Citizens Financial Statement for 2008 was given to the Board. Also a letter from the Seniors requesting help with the Memorial Parade. The main concern is traffic control. The Board will see if they can get someone to help.
2. David Martucci, Assessor sent a memo to the Board on the decrease of the mileage rate to 40 cents. He has checked with surrounding towns and everyone uses the Federal rate. Motion by R. Gladu, seconded by E. Frasier that the Town of Hague Mileage Rate for 2009 will be locked in at Warren County Rate. All voting yes. Motion carried.
3. Randy Engler in a letter updated the Board on the Triathlon. The money that has been budgeted was released in this months warrant.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Motion by R. Meola, seconded by E. Frasier to authorize Supervisor Belden to sign the agreement with The Town of Ticonderoga in the amount of $1,000.00 for Youth Contract. All voting yes. Motion carried.
2. Motion by R. Meola, seconded by E. Frasier to authorize Supervisor Belden to sign contract with Alonzo Fireworks display, Inc. in the amount of $5,000.00 for the July 3rd Fourth of July celebration in Hague. All voting yes. Motion carried.
3. Motion by R. Meola, seconded by M. Martucci to authorize Supervisor Belden to sign and authorize the extra work authorization #2, 2009 Post-Closure Environmental Monitoring Services by Clough Harbour Associates at the Hague Landfill for $6,500.00. All voting yes. Motion carried.
4. RESOLUTION #45 OF 2009
TOWN OF HAGUE
OPPOSED TO THE CURRENT DRAFT STREAM LAKE GEORGE PARK COMMISSION
RESOLUTION INTRODUCED BY R. Gladu, SECONDED BY E. Frasier
WHEREAS, the Hague Town Board respectfully opposes the current draft Stream Corridor Regulations proposed by the Lake George Park Commission (LGPC); and
WHEREAS, there were no Town Public Hearings scheduled by the LGPC; and
WHEREAS, there was no attempt to have a public hearing scheduled where seasonal residents could attend; and
WHEREAS, there is no scientific documentations supporting the need for this regulations; and
WHEREAS, the LGPC has not considered the alternatives to remedy the perceived problem; and
WHEREAS, the LGPC has not consulted with this town government that is elected to represent the citizens who will be adversely affected by the proposed regulation, therefore circumventing the citizens of this community, and
WHEREAS, in a study conducted by Warren County Soil & Water, this will adversely affect 353 parcels comprising 24.58% of the total privately owned parcels of the town in the basin; and
WHEREAS, the LGPC has not properly notified all property owners of the potential impacts t other land-investments; and
WHEREAS, the regulations as written are vague and complex placing an unnecessary burden on the property owner; and
WHEREAS, there is existing laws and permitting processes protecting these resources and this is an unnecessary action by the LGPC; and
WHEREAS, the LGPC has failed to follow SS 43-0107, to “encourage, cooperate with, aid, and assist municipalities lying wholly or partially within the Lake George Park in the preparation and adoption of zoning laws or ordinances and other local legislation prohibiting, restricting, regulating, or controlling the uses of real property” by circumventing this town’s governing bodies and creating its own land use plan; NOW THEREFORE BE IT
RESOLVED, that this town requests that the Lake George Park Commission cease its proposed regulatory action until such time as it has consulted with the governing body of the town, until it has shown with scientific documentation that there is a need, and that the welfare of the property owners of this town will not be adversely and unnecessarily burdened.
DULY ADOPTED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: Supervisor Belden, R. Gladu, E. Frasier, M. Martucci, and R. Meola. Motion carried.
5. Motion by R. Gladu, seconded by M. Martucci that The Town Board of the Town of Hague declare themselves Lead Agent for prepared and reviewed the records of the State Environmental Quality Review, Full Environmental Assessment in regards to the Telecommunications and Zoning Code amendments. All voting yes. Motion carried.
6. Letter from a resident requesting that something be done to the parking of tractor trailers on Route 8 in front of the Firehouse restaurant. The Board will send a letter to all downtown commercial property owners asking them to have the trucks park in one of the parking lots.
SUPERVISORS REPORT & COUNTY REPORTS:
Supervisor Belden reported on the State & Federal debit.
Motion by R. Meola, seconded by R. Gladu to hold a public hearing on Rental, March 10, 2009 at 6:15 pm at the Hague Community Center. All voting yes. Motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT: Motion by R. Meola, seconded by M. Martucci to adjourn meeting at 8:25 pm. All voting yes. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah F. Manning
Town Clerk