HAGUE TOWN BOARD MEETING
March 9, 2010
6:00 pm
Members present: Supervisor Belden, E. Frasier, R. Meola, M. Martucci.
Absent: R. Gladu
Supervisor Belden opened the audit meeting at 6:00 pm.
The Board reviewed the Warrant.
Supervisor Belden opened the meeting regular meeting at 6:30 pm
Pledge of Allegiance
Moment of Silence: Mina Jones, Carmine Fiallo, Mrs. Christiansen, George Maggiolo, Irene Hayes.
Welcome Guests/Privilege of the floor: Tom Haskell, President of the Hague Chamber Commerce gave a report on what the Chamber represents and listed the events in which the Chamber sponsors. The Chamber has approximately 60 members who work to help with promoting events and tourism for the Town of Hague. The Chamber would like to know why the budget for the Chamber of Commerce was cut by the Hague Town Board by $2,000.00?
The Board explained that the Occupancy tax money was cut by 10% this year.
Councilwomen Frasier also added that the Town also gives money directly to many organizations for publicity. She does not feel that these organizations should be asking the Chamber for money also.
Chris Navitsky, Waterkeeper would like the Board to consider establishing a policy that recreation fees be assessed to major sub-divided lots.
The Board will review and put this on the agenda for next month.
Motion by M. Martucci, seconded by E. Frasier to pay General, Highway & Sewer Claims audited at tonight’s meeting. All voting yes. Motion carried.
Motion R. Meola, seconded by E. Frasier to approve minutes of February 9 & March 5 of 2010. Councilman Meola would like clarification in regards to the February 9 meeting in regards the proposed Citizen Committees on page 4. On the Comprehensive Citizens committee, the Board feels that they should review this first and discuss what needs to be reviewed. A workshop should be set up. On the Town land committee the property at the Transfer station due to the reclamation, nothing can be done for 30 year. The Sewer Treatment Property really should not be touched just incase we need to expand. The Sabbath Day Point sand pit could be used for a leech bid if needed in this area. Supervisor Belden said he would call DEC to see what limitations are on the property.
All voting yes. Motion carried.
Regular Committee Report:
1. Assessor & Justice (Gladu/Meola): Assessor David Martucci reported that the assessment exemption documents have been returned and filed. They are now working on property inventory data records that need to be completed for the tentative roll, which will be available May 1st.
2. Buildings & Grounds/Enhancement (Martucci/Frasier): Councilman Martucci would like to set up a workshop with the Board to discuss the vault expansion and space occupancy for the Community Center.
There is a company that will come to assess our energy bills to see if we can save money for the town. There is no cost to the town for this.
Councilwoman Frasier reported that the proposal for the flower baskets exceeded the budget by $1,000.00. We will go back to ordering the baskets and will have Bob Rafferty water the flowers. The Town will look into purchasing a 55-gallon plastic drum for watering the flowers along Route 9 & 8.
3. Finance & Insurance (Frasier/Martucci): Councilwoman Frasier reported that the Secretary to the Supervisor is working on setting up the direct deposit for employees who are interested.
Supervisor Belden spoke with Glens Falls National & TD Bank. The Towns official bank, TD Bank gave better prices on CD’s and Money Markets.
4. Fire Department (Gladu/Martucci): There were 7 calls and 69 man-hours for the month.
5. Highway (Martucci/Gladu): Superintendent Smith introduced Matt Coffin, the new Highway Department employee. Matt reported to the Board that everyone at the Highway Garage is working well together.
A letter was received from Alison Craig asking if the Highway Department could plow the snow back in front of the office buildings downtown. Councilman Martucci will write a letter asking that the people park in the rear of the building during snowstorms.
6. Museum & Historian (Frasier/Martucci): The Historical Society has been busy working on their program for June.
There are a couple of trees in the Union cemetery that need to be taken down. Supervisor Belden will contact High Peaks to see if the tree can be removed without damaging the stones.
7. Personnel (Frasier/Gladu): No report
8. Planning/Zoning/Stormwater (Gladu/Meola): Cathy Clark, ZEO gave the following report:
ZONING REPORT TO TOWN BOARD
MARCH 9, 2010
Land Use Development 2 2
Site Plan Review 1 1
Subdivisions 2 2
Variance 1 1
Wastewater 0 0
Wastewater Variances 0 0
9. Recreation Promotion & Youth (Meola/Martucci): Councilman Meola reported that work has begun on the 2nd Annual Oktoberfest.
10. Sewer Dist. #1 & #2 (Belden/Frasier): Motion by Supervisor Belden, seconded by M. Martucci to authorize the expense for training for Tim Costello and Bo O’Leary on NY Rural Water Association. The conference will be held in Utica, Tim will attend the 1st day session and Bo will attend the second day session. Tim will drive the Town Truck out. All voting yes. Motion carried.
11. Town Park (Meola/Martucci): The Board discussion the location of the Fire Boat at the town’s boat launch. Approximately 38 foot spaced marked off for the fireboat at the slip. This reduces the docking space available to the general public. Councilman Martucci will discuss this at the next Fire Department meeting to see if there are any suggestions.
Councilman Meola asked the Town Board for direction in implementing the boat slip violations since most cases are dismissed by the Town Justice. The Board agreed to send a letter to the Justice to give more consideration to the violations. Councilman Martucci will discuss this at the next Fire Department meeting to see if there are any suggestions.
12. Transfer Station (Gladu/Meola): No report.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
1. Motion by Supervisor Belden, seconded by R. Meola that a letter will be sent to Time Warner Cable that the Board can not use general fund money for the cable extension on New Hague Road. The Board wishes to use the Franchise Money available to begin the process on New Hague Road and will continue the project once there is more money allocated from the Franchise funds. All voting yes. Motion carried.
2. Motion by E. Frasier, seconded by M. Martucci that for 2010 Sewer District #1 will pay $450.00 per EDU & Sewer #2 rent per EDU for 2010. AYES: Supervisor Belden, E. Frasier and M. Martucci. NAYS: R. Meola. Motion carried.
COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS:
1. A letter received from Alison Craig dated 2/26/10, requesting the clearing of snow during storms on south side of Rt. 8. Discussed under Highway Report.
2. The Office of the State Comptroller has made changes to how elected and appointed officials report to the retirement system. Each official will keep a record of his or her work activities for a period of three consecutive months.
3. Motion by E. Frasier, seconded by M. Martucci to give permission to the Town Clerk to attend NYSTC Assoc. Conference in Saratoga on April 26, 27, 2010 & DEC training in Saratoga on a date to be determined by DEC between 4/5 – 4/8. All voting yes. Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. RESOLUTION #41 OF 2010
RESOLUTION INTRODUCED BY R. MEOLA, SECONDED BY E. FRASIER
NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK
WHEREAS, the entire community can inspire, equip and mobilize people to take action that changes the world; and
WHEREAS, volunteers can connect with local community service opportunities through hundreds of community service organizations like Hands On Network affiliates and volunteer centers; and
WHEREAS, individuals and communities are at the center of social change, discovering their power to make a difference; and
WHEREAS, during this week all over the nation, service projects will be performed and volunteers recognized for their commitment to service; and
WHEREAS, the giving of oneself in service to another empowers the giver and the recipient; and
WHEREAS, experience teaches us that government by itself cannot solve all of our nation’s social problems; and
WHEREAS, our country’s volunteer force of over 61 million is a great treasure; and
WHEREAS, volunteers are vital to our future as a caring and productive nation; and
NOW THEREFORE, I, Daniel D. Belden, Supervisor do hereby proclaim
April 18-24, 2010
National Volunteer Week
In Hague, New York, and urge my fellow citizens to volunteer in their respective communities. By volunteering and recognizing those who serve, we can replace disconnection with understanding and compassion.
DULY ADOPTED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: SUPERVISOR BELDEN, R. MEOLA, E. FRASIER AND M. MARTUCCI
NAYS: NONE
ABSENT: R. GLADU
DATED: MARCH 9, 2010
Motion carried.
2. RESOLUTION #42 OF 2010
RESOLUTION IMPLORING THE NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, GOVERNOR PATTERSON AND THE NEW YORK STATE LEGISLATURE NOT TO CLOSE THE MORIAH SHOCK INCARCERATION FACILITY LOCATED IN MORIAH, NEW YORK
RESOLUTION INTRODUCED BY E. FRASIER, SECONDED BY M. MARTUCCI
WHEREAS, the closure of the Moriah Shock Incarceration Correctional Facility will have a divesting economic impact upon the Town of Moriah and the surrounding Towns in that it will be one more loss of an important employer and the consequences thereof will flow through to local businesses and nearby communities; and
WHEREAS, the loss of the Moriah Shock Incarceration Correctional Facility, coupled with the closure of the Lake Champlain Bridge will devastate the economy and well-being of the Town of Moriah and the surrounding towns; and
WHEREAS, it must be recognized that this Correctional Facility is a substitute for the business and industry which are not permitted to exist within the Adirondack Park and the loss of the prison would be devastating; and
WHEREAS, it is morally unacceptable that the NYS Department of Corrections and the State of New York would even consider closing the Moriah Shock Incarceration Correctional Facility knowing the full importance of this facility to the Towns surrounding Moriah, Now therefore be it
RESOLVED that the Hague Town Board implores and demands that the New York State Department of Correctional Services, the Governor of the State of New York and the New York State Legislature remove the Moriah Shock Incarceration Correctional Facility from the current closure list and allow it to continue to operate and serve the people of the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED that the Town Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to immediately send certified copies of this resolution to: Brian Fisher, the Commissioner of the New York State Department of Correctional Facilities, Governor David A. Paterson; New York State Senate Majority Leader Malcolm A. Smith; Senator Elizabeth O’C Little; Senate Minority Leader James N. Tedisco; Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver; Assembly Members Teresa R. Sayward and Janet Duprey; Congressman William Owens and Scott Murphy and Senators Charles Schumer and Kristen Gillibrand.
DULY ADOPTED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: SUPERVISOR BELDEN, E. FRASIER, M. MARTUCCI & R. MEOLA
NAYS: NONE.
ABSENT: R. GLADU.
DATED: MARCH 9, 2010
Motion carried.
3. Motion by M. Martucci, seconded by E. Frasier to authorize the Supervisor to sign Sno-goers contract with Warren County for $9,000.00. All voting yes. Motion carried.
4. Motion by E. Frasier, seconded by M. Martucci to hire Swift Maintenance for cleaning of the Community Center windows in/out in May & October, 2010. Cost will be $650.00 for both cleanings. All voting yes. Motion carried.
5. The Board discussed Russ Florence, AERUS LLC proposal for a new unit to the existing vacuum system to increase airflow in the amount of $1,349.99. Councilman Martucci will get another proposal to bring to the Board for their review.
6. Motion by M. Martucci, seconded by Supervisor Belden to appoint the following staff for the summer 2010 season at the Town Park:
Evelyn Gravelle – Visitor Center - 4 days
Pat Hintze – Visitor Center - 3 days
Ron Hintze – Visitor Center - substitute
John Paul Ockrin – Life Guard
Jamie Patchett – Life Guard
Brandon Carberry – Park Attendant – full time
David Snow – Park Attendant – part time
All voting yes. Motion carried.
7. RESOLUTION #43 OF 2010
RESOLUTION FOR THE TOWN OF HAGUE TO DECLARE INTENT TO BE LEAD AGENCY FOR SEQRA REVIEW FOR THE PROPOSED REVISED ZONING MAP AMENDMENTS
RESOLUTION INTRODUCED BY E. FRASIER, SECONDED BY M. MARTUCCI
WHEREAS, the Town of Hague administers the Town Zoning Map and its Zoning Districts and the density and use of as part of the Approved Local Land Use Program, in conjunction with the Adirondack Park Agency ,
WHEREAS, the Town Board recognized the need to update and revise the Zoning Districts to provide for a variety of housing opportunities and densities, new uses, and protect the property values and aesthetics of the Town, and
WHEREAS, the Town wishes to amend the Hague Zoning District Map to modify the zoning districts within the Commercial Use Zone in order that all parcels within the Zone be designated as OC I (2.9 acres minimum size). Currently, 5 of the 24 parcels within the Special Use Zone are zoned as OC II ( 8 acres minimum) while the remaining parcels are in OC I. The proposed amendment would change the zoning for parcels, 25.4-1-39, 25.4-1-40, 25.4-1-41, 42-1-9 and a portion of parcel 25.4-1-42 to OC I, to address those needs, and
WHEREAS, the Official Adirondack Park Land Use and Development Plan Map in the Town of Hague, Warren County (Map Amendment 2007-07) reclassify 74 acres from Rural Use to Low intensity Use (53 acres of it lies within the Town of Hague Special Commercial Use Zone.) Amendment date: October 10, 2008.
WHEREAS, the amendments include the official Town Zoning map of the Town of Hague,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Hague Town Board hereby declares its intent to be Lead Agency for SEQRA review of the proposed revised Zoning Map and directs the Town Clerk to send copies of the proposed map amendments and copy of this Resolution stating the Town Board’s intention to be Lead Agency for SEQRA review, to the Adirondack Park Agency and Warren County Planning Board as required by law.
DULY ADOPTED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES : SUPERVISOR BELDEN, E. FRASIER, M. MARTUCCI & R. MEOLA
NAYS : NONE.
ABSENT: R. GLADU
Motion carried.
SUPERVISORS REPORT & COUNTY REPORTS:
1. Motion by Supervisor Belden, seconded by E. Frasier that no permit is needed to cut a tree on your property. All voting yes. Motion carried.
Other:
1. Motion by M. Martucci, seconded by R. Meola to give permission for Bob Rafferty to help the Chamber of Commerce setup for the Arts Fair on August 6, 7 & 8 and also give permission to the Chamber of Commerce to use the Community Center building on August 5, 6 & 7 2011 for the annual Arts & Craft fair. All voting yes. Motion carried.
2. Motion by R. Meola, seconded by E. Frasier to have Kim Coffin work 4 hours a week on sorting Supervisors archival records. All voting yes. Motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT:
Motion by E. Frasier, seconded by M. Martucci to adjourn meeting at 8:00 pm. All voting yes. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah F. Manning
Town Clerk