ESSEX TOWN BOARD
Special Meeting
August 8, 2012
6:00 p.m.
Supervisor Boisen opened the special meeting at 6:00 p.m.
Present: Sharon Boisen Supervisor
Harold MacDougal Councilman
Claire LaPine Councilwoman
Absent: Dr. James LaForest Councilman
Mark Wrisley Councilman
Also Present: Catherine DeWolff Town Clerk
Guests: Sally Johnson, Charlie Cammack
The Supervisor addressed the Board describing the need for the Board to decide whether alcohol should be allowed on Town owned properties. Councilwoman LaPine said that the Town opens itself up to problems with liability with this. The Supervisor advised the Board members present that Ted (Cornell) could not be at this meeting, but wanted the Board to know that the Grange Hall has routinely had alcohol there and felt that the Grange would be limited by not being able to serve alcohol. The Supervisor contended that the liability for the Town is huge. There was a discussion about the event already scheduled by the Grange to serve alcohol and the necessity of insurance indemnifying the Town.
Sally Johnson and Charlie Cammack both spoke in favor of no alcohol on town properties. Mr. Cammack brought up a discussion of enforcement of same.
Councilman MacDougal expressed that he would like to have the absent members present when we vote, thereby giving them a chance to express their thoughts on this subject. The Supervisor explained that our next meeting will be September 20 and without a rule in place, we could have some problems. She further advised that the absent members could bring the discussion to the table at that meeting if they so choose. Supervisor Boisen said that she felt better with a policy in place.
Resolution 127 – 2012
Resolution Disallowing Alcohol at Town Owned Properties
On a motion by Councilman MacDougal, seconded by Councilwoman LaPine, the resolution is ADOPTED: Yes-3 MacDougal, LaPine, Boisen No-0
Resolved that the majority of the members of the Essex Town Board have voted unanimously to disallow alcohol at any Town owned properties.
The Supervisor reminded the Board that tomorrow was the bid opening for the wells at 2:00 and asked how the Board wanted to handle awarding the bid. She said that she felt comfortable that AES will make the best choice fiscally and take the best bid. Councilman MacDougal said that he would like to see all of the bids. He further stated that he would take their recommendation but as it is a large amount of money, he would want to see all of the bids. The Supervisor said that by the meeting on the 23rd, AES and Hydro Source will have a recommendation.
Councilwoman LaPine said that they need to go over the MOU with the Grange Hall and asked about their monthly reports as she has not seen one. Councilwoman further questioned the private for profit business that is being run in the Grange. She said if we didn’t allow Kevin at the Park, we need to be consistent in this policy as well. There was a discussion of commercial enterprises at the Grange Hall. The Supervisor advised that the Town is fully liable for whatever happens there and that what we decide affects the lives of all of our residents. Councilwoman LaPine said that if we tell Kevin Shaw no, we have to be fair. There was further discussion of running a private business on Town owned properties. The Supervisor advised that we will talk about this at our September meeting and Ted will talk to his board so that they understand.
There was a discussion of the sewer system and the odor associated with it.
The Supervisor thanked the Board and guests for coming tonight. With nothing further to come before the Essex Town Board, the Special Meeting is adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
Catherine DeWolff, Town Clerk
