HAGUE TOWN BOARD AUDIT & REGULAR MEETING

DECEMBER 14, 2010

6:00 PM

 

Members present:                    Supervisor Belden                   E. Frasier

                                                R. Meola                                 R. Gladu

                                                M. Martucci   

 

Supervisor Belden opened the meeting at 6:00 pm

 

Moment of Silence:  Charlie Antonetti, Inza Jordan, Jim Lafferty, Donald Skahan, & Winfield Scott.

Welcome Guests/Privilege of the floor:  Michael Farrell from Vision Engineering gave his final report on the Highway Cleanup Project.  The project went much better than anticipated. Luckily the pipe underneath the floor drain in the Highway Garage had been plugged, which localized the contents from spreading.  They removed approximately 155 ton’s of soil from the site.  The total project cost was $91,000.00 which came in way below the estimated cost.  The 1200 gallon storage tank has been installed, which will have an alarm installed in order to know when it needs to be pumped.  Mr. Farrell

 will formulate a maintenance plan document that the Highway Department can use.  Bruce Clark mentioned a check off list format which can be signed and filed for audit purposes.

 

Graham Bailey discussed the open water swim. The proposed event will be scheduled for August 27 & 28, 2010.  Chris Bowcutt will be attending the January meeting to give a presentation on this event.  The US Masters will supply the insurance for the swim.

 

Graham Bailey also asked the Board permission to hold the Oktoberfest on September 24, 2011 the event will run from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm.  This should help by not interfering with the Hague Republican Oktoberfest which is scheduled for the same day and begins at 5:00 pm.  Councilman Martucci would rather have them consider the 17th of September or the 1st of October.  Also he believes that the Oktoberfest committee should be obtaining their own liquor license and that it should not be run through the Town.  This is putting the Town in a large liability. 

 

Motion by R. Meola, seconded by M. Martucci to give the permission to the Oktoberfest committee to hold the event on September 24, 2011 from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm.  All voting yes.  Motion carried.

 

The discussion on the liquor license for the Oktoberfest will be discussed at a later time.

   

Discussion of Bills:  Motion by M. Martucci, seconded by R. Meola to pay General, Highway & Sewer Claims audited at tonight’s meeting.  Bear Electric will not receive their payment until the work is complete.  All voting yes.  Motion carried.

 

Motion by M. Martucci, seconded by R. Gladu to approve minutes of November 9, 17 and December 13 of 2010 as printed.  Councilman Meola asked for clarification (minutes of 11/9/10) on what has been done to sell the F500 truck agreed to do two months ago.  Superintendent Smith explained that he has been pricing new trucks and wishes to utilize the old truck until a new one is purchased.  The Highway Committee will meet and discuss the issues with Superintendent Smith.  (Minutes of 11/9/10) Mr. Meola also asked if the Town Board would consider an after the fact permit as suggested by Chris Navitsky in order to penalize those contractors who do not get building permits.  The Board agreed to stay with the present system.    

Regular Committee Report:

  1.  Assessor & Justice (Gladu/Meola):  Councilman Gladu reported that the Assessor’s office has been adjusting their inventory.  The deadline for the filing of exemptions is March 1, 2011.  The equalization rate should be higher based on property sales dropping.

 

  2.  Buildings & Grounds/Enhancement (Martucci/Frasier):   Councilman Martucci reported that work has begun on Veteran’s Park.  The surveys are completed on the the Town Parking lot (Old Town Hall) and Boat Slip.  Also Edna & Mark have been in contact with the NYS Dept. of Health on the Community Center kitchen. 

 

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

 

  4.  Fire Department (Gladu/Martucci):  Councilman Martucci reported that the DOH punch list is being completed.

           

  5.  Highway (Martucci/Gladu):  Councilman Martucci thanked Matt Coffin for his dedication in completing the work on the paystar.  It started out as a possible value issue and ended up that the cause of the problem was a piece of wire.  This approximately saved around $3,000.00 to the tax payers.

The continuing safety problem at the intersection of Rt. 9N & Pine Cove Road was discussed.  The ice that results when water on Pine Orchard Rd runs on to 9N and freezes is a road hazard.  Similar problems exist in other parts of the town.

Back in 2008 William Lamy, WC Engineer addressed the water problem on Pine Orchard Road.  A heavy grate was installed to move the water off the road.  The problem is still occurring.  The Highway Department will come up with a list of roads and areas that need to be addressed, together of how to correct them.

           

  6.  Museum & Historian (Frasier/Martucci):  Councilwoman Frasier mentioned that the Historical Society would like to have a floor electric outlet installed in the main room.  Councilman Martucci will have Bear Electric give us a proposal.

 

  7.  Personnel (Frasier/Gladu):  Councilwoman Frasier that we are advertising for a Planning Board member.

           

  8.  Planning/Zoning/Stormwater (Gladu/Meola):  Councilman Gladu reported that work is progressing on the cell tower project.  They are in hopes that the tower will be completed in March.

 

Motion by R. Gladu, seconded by R. Meola to authorize Supervisor Belden to sign the easement with National Grid, property address 68 Decker Hill Rd for installation of a utility pole.  All voting yes.  Motion carried.

 

            ZONING REPORT TO TOWN BOARD

 

December 14, 2010

 

 

 

The Planning Board reviewed newly submitted material for the Wilson subdivision application and scheduled a hearing at the owner’s request.  More information from state agencies is needed before the SEQRA can be completed. The board held a hearing for a restaurant application at Dockside Landing Marina.  This is an allowable use within Town Residential zone. Many people spoke and addressed their concerns of pedestrian safety and other pertinent issues. One of the owners addresses many of their issues. The hearing for this application was kept open.  The Board approved the Commons two lot subdivision application.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Motion by R. Gladu, seconded by M. Martucci to give permission to Cathy Clark, Bruce Clark, and elected officials to attend the Association of Towns in NYC on Feb 20-23.  All voting yes.  Motion carried

 

  9.  Recreation Promotion & Youth (Meola/Martucci):  Councilman Meola reported that the application for the 2011 recreation program has been submitted.

 

                                                           

10.  Sewer Dist. #1 & #2 (Belden/Frasier):  Supervisor Belden reported that Paul has been doing a great job at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.  He is continuing is schooling and is doing extremely well.

 

11.  Town Park (Meola/Martucci):  Councilman Meola mentioned that once again there is a huge problem with geese at the beach.  He is getting proposals for play ground equipment for the beach; Councilman Meola also discussed with the Board the potential of having the Town purchasing the Hague Motel.  The property would be beneficial for the Town for boat parking; car parking and the remainder of the property could be used for other venues.  There have been so many issues with parking.  This could be a perfect piece of land to purchase.  His recommendation is to hold a referendum on this issue.  The majorities of the Board was not in favor, nor were the people in attendance.  The consensus was not to lose another business in Town. 

 

12.  Transfer Station (Gladu/Meola):  No report.

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

1.  End of the Year Meeting is scheduled for 12/29/10 @ 4 pm

2.  Motion by R. Gladu, seconded by R. Meola to hold a public hearing on January 11, 2011 at 6:15 pm for a sewer system variance for John & Ginny Geils.  All voting yes.  Motion carried.

 

COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS:

2.  A letter received from Peter Bauer, Executive Director of the Fund for Lake George with attached letter from Town of Bolton pledging support for Asian clam eradication effort.  The Board discussed this and passed Resolution #74 of 2010 in support of the Asian clam eradication effort under New Business.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

1.  RESOLUTION #72 OF 2010

THAT THE WARREN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS EXPLORE THE FORMATION OF A GROUP OF WARREN COUNTY TOWNS FOR THE PURPOSE OF OBTAINING HEALTH INSURANCE

 

RESOLUTION INTRODUCED BY R. Gladu and, SECONDED BY E. Frasier

 

 

WHEREAS,   the Town of Hague and other small towns find the cost of health insurance onerous, and

 

WHEREAS,   small group health insurance premiums are more susceptible to major claims than larger group policies, and

 

WHEREAS,   larger groups have a broader selection of health insurance companies and plans and thusly allow for the finding of plans that best fit our needs, and

 

WHEREAS,   larger groups can get the lower monthly premiums available because insurance premiums are based in part on the number of people in the plan, more people means a better rate, and

 

WHEREAS,   a larger group will gain the actuarial power of belonging to a large group for health insurance purposes, NOW THERE FOR BE IT

 

RESOLVED,  that the Warren County Board of Supervisors take the initiative to implement this resolution.

 

DULY ADOPTED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:

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

NAYS:  None.

ABSENT:  None.

DATED:  December 14, 2010

 

___________________________

Deborah F. Manning

Town Clerk

 

2.  RESOLUTION #73 OF 2010

 

Town of Hague

Sales Tax Revenue

Resolution introduced by R. Meola and, seconded by R. Gladu

 

WHEREAS,   the Town Board of the Town of Hague adopted Resolution #20 of 1994 directing the County of Warren to pay $300,000 in sales tax revenues to the Town of Hague to off set the 2011 tax levied upon real properties, and

 

 

WHEREAS,   the Town Board of the Town of Hague still desires to have the County of Warren to pay $300,000 in sales tax revenues to the Town of Hague to off set the 2011 tax levied upon real properties, to be paid in two installments of $150,000 each from the second and third quarter payments, Now Therefore Be It

 

RESOLVED,   that the Town Clerk of the Town of Hague is hereby directed, to immediately forward a certified copy of this resolution to the Chief Fiscal Officer of the County of Warren.

 

DULY ADOPTED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:

 

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

 

NAYS:  None.

 

ABSENT:  None.

 

DATED:  December 14, 2010

 

________________________________

Deborah F. Manning

Town Clerk

3.  RESOLUTION #74 of 2010

 

RESOLUTION TO INCREASE THE TOWN OF HAGUE’S SHARE OF SALES TAX TO BE APPLIED TO THE COUNTY BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2011.

 

Resolution introduced by R. Meola, and seconded by R. Gladu.

WHEREAS,         the Town Board currently leaves $300,000 at the County to be paid in two installments of $150,000 each from the second and third quarter payments, and

 

WHEREAS,       the Town Board is desirous of further reducing the 2011 County Tax Rate for the Town of Hague by paying an additional $60,000,and

 

WHEREAS,       the Town Board appropriated the $60,000 for the 2011 fiscal tax year Now, Therefore, be it

                         

RESOLVED,     that this resolution for the additional $60,000 will apply to the fiscal year 2011 and not to Future years and be it further

 

RESOLVED,     that the Town Clerk of the Town of Hague be and is hereby directed to immediately forward a certified copy of this resolution to Warren County Administrative & Fiscal Services and the Warren County Treasurer

 

 

Duly adopted by the following vote:

 

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

 

NAYS:  None.

 

ABSENT:  None.

 

DATED:  December 14, 2010

 

 

____________________________

Deborah F. Manning

Town Clerk

Motion by R. Meola, seconded by M. Martucci that effective in 2012 all of the sales tax funds due to the Town of Hague be sent directly to the Town and none of the funds retained by Warren County.  All voting yes.  Motion carried.

 

4.  The Board decided to wait for the End of the Year meeting to approve the resolutions for appointments.  Mr. John Brown wishes not to be reappointed to the Planning Board for another term.  The opening will be advertised.

 

5.  RESOLUTION #75 OF 2010

Resolution Introduced by R. Gladu, seconded by R. Meola

Fund for Lake George Asian Clam Eradication Support Effort

Resolved,        That the Town of Hague supports the efforts of the Lake George Asian Clam Rapid Response Task Force and will commit $5,000.00 toward this program. 

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

NAYS:  None.

ABSENT:  None.

DATED:  December 14, 2010

___________________________________

Deborah F. Manning

Town Clerk

 

SUPERVISORS REPORT & COUNTY REPORTS:

ATV Report:  Supervisor Belden reported that there are two positions opened on the Adirondack Park Council.  The Association of Town & Villages will be sending two candidates for the position.  ZEO Cathy Clark is possibly interested.  Supervisor Belden will obtain more information for her.

 

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!!!

ADJOURNMENT:     Motion by E. Frasier, seconded by R. Meola to adjourn at 8:45 pm.  All voting yes.   Motion carried.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Deborah F. Manning

Town Clerk