D R A F T
Regular Board Meeting
8/11/11
The Board meeting was called to order at 7:03PM.
Supervisor Boisen led us in the Pledge to the Flag.
On roll call Board Members present were Councilwoman LaPine, Councilman MacDougal, Councilman LaForest, Councilman Wrisley and Supervisor Boisen.
Also present was Audrey Hoskins, Town Clerk.
Councilwoman LaPine asked for a moment of silence for Larry Bliss, Jr, Howard Swinheart and Imogene Sandberg.
Visitors included Wayne Bailey, Shirley LaForest, Sally Johnson, Meredith Hanna, Frank Walls, Maureen Ecclesine, Janice Moran, Jane Perry, Grace
Drummond, Jan TerLouw, Dianne Lansing, David Sayre and Mr. & Mrs. Bill Gussman.
Sewer amendment #13 was discussed. This is for the manual for the new sewer plant.
Resolution # 23 of 2011
August 11, 2011
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY Councilman Wrisley, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION.
BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board of Essex accepts Amendment #13 as presented by AES Northeast.
THIS RESOLUTION WAS DULY SECONDED BY Councilman MacDougal AND WAS ADOPTED.
ROLL CALL
Councilman LaForest yes
Councilman Wrisley yes
Councilwoman LaPine yes
Councilman MacDougal yes
Supervisor Boisen yes
A Public Hearing was discussed for the Sewer Ordinance. A date was discussed for the end of August. It was discovered later that a Public Hearing was held in July.
Courtesy of the floor was offered.
Meredith Hanna, co-chair of the Essex Beautification committee said that a grant had been applied for through the Essex Community Fund and any donations received by the committee will be used to purchase new Town signs. The new signs will be made for the Town of Essex by Mountain Signs of Ripton, Vermont. A design for the sign was passed out to the Town Board. Placement of the signs was discussed. The signs will cost $1285.00 per sign. Mark Walker volunteered to install the signs.
Shirley LaForest updated the Board on the Historian’s move to the ECHO Building. There are two rooms for the Historian to use. One is for displays and the other for archives. Sharp Swan has being working on the archive room. Shirley described the work being done. He volunteered his labor. Cory Gilliland and I along with our husbands have been working for about two months on the displays. The supplies needed for the exhibit cost about $500.00 and my budget will cover this cost. The archive room supplies cost was around $500.00. Shirley requested that the cost of supplies for the archive room be covered so that Mr. Swan can be reimbursed for the cost of the materials. This was discussed. Shirley contacted the NYS Library Assoc. and they have a free service that come and evaluates the way the archives are being kept. They then do a report on their findings. Shirley thanked Sally Johnson for having the stairs fixed that go into the ECHO building.
Sally Johnson asked how the revised zoning was going to affect land values in the areas where changes are being reviewed. Sally is very concerned about, it could be an asset or it could be a great liability. Councilwoman LaPine said this is a very good point and this will need to be investigated.
Dianne Lansing asked if there was going to be tours of the new sewer plant for residents. Supervisor Boisen said this has been talked about and she will let Dianne know when if it can be arranged. The sewer system was discussed as to how it will affect assessments in the Town.
Councilman LaForest said that any questions on the Zoning revision anyone has they need to send them to Board so they can be researched.
Dianne Lansing said that it should be noted that the report on the Town Historian stated that this was a quality operation, a model for local government facilities.
Approving minutes
The minutes were discussed.
Motion to approve minutes for the 7/14/11 Sewer Informational meeting and the 7/14/11 Regular Board meeting made by Councilman LaForest. Seconded by Councilman MacDougal. Roll call Councilwoman LaPine-yes, Councilman MacDougal, Councilman LaForest-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and Supervisor Boisen-yes.
Discussion of the bills.
The bills were discussed. The bill for paving the driveway beside the Town Hall was discussed and Councilwoman LaPine asked to have a copy of the violation for the handicap ramp access given to her. The Summer Youth Program bill was discussed. We have to pay for extra campers over the contracted amount. The attendance records were discussed and why we are not getting them from Willsboro. The need to transfer money to cover bills for the Historian and the Summer Youth Program was discussed.
General $ 6,968.88
Highway 55,237.16
Water 2,239.96
Transfer Station 2,087.60
Sewer Fund 17,506.66
Sewer Fund Contractors 346,130.84
General Prepay 5,565.38
Sewer Fund Prepay 197.92
Water Prepay 496.31
RESOLUTION # 24 of 2011
August 11, 2011
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY Councilman LaPine, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION.
BE IT RESOLVED that the Town of Essex transfers $453.97 from the Contingency account # 1990.4 to the General Fund – Historian account A7510.4.
THIS RESOLUTION WAS DULY SECONDED BY Supervisor Boisen AND WAS ADOPTED.
ROLL CALL:
Boisen – yes
LaPine – yes
MacDougal – yes
Wrisley – yes
LaForest – abstain
RESOLUTION # 25 of 2011
August 11, 2011
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY Councilman MacDougal, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION.
BE IT RESOLVED that the Town of Essex transfers $2400.00 from the Contingency account #1990.4 to the General Fund – Youth Program CE A7310.4.
THIS RESOLUTION WAS DULY SECONDED BY Councilwoman Wrisley AND WAS ADOPTED.
ROLL CALL:
Boisen – yes
LaPine – yes
MacDougal – yes
Wrisley – yes
LaForest – yes
Motion to accept bills as presented was made by Councilman Wrisley. Seconded by Councilman MacDougal. Roll call Councilwoman LaPine-yes, Councilman MacDougal, Councilman LaForest-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and Supervisor Boisen-yes.
Zoning Officer Report
During the month of July, my activities consisted of the following:
7-1-11 Spent considerable time at the Rudder Club observing the cleaning of the storm drain. Helped with some dye testing and provided some hose washers.
7-1-11 Stopped for inspection of work being done at property owned by Paul Fine at 1298 Whallons Bay Road [tax map #49.3-2-21]
7-4-11 While at a social gathering, I received a complaint of a sewer smell at the Old Dock. I investigated the site and spoke with the manager. The problem was remedied.
7-5-11 Stopped at the Rudder Club and spoke with Jonathan Pribble about general problems with flood clean-up. He felt the situation had greatly improved but there was still room for more improvement.
7-5-11 Reviewed an application from Denise Wilson of 2235 Lake Shore Road [tax map #40.73-5-16] for a garden shed. No site plan review was needed. No building permit is needed as the threshold for a permit is 144 sq. ft. or larger. Her proposed shed is smaller than this and there are other similar sheds in town.
7-8-11 Inspected work being done at Jonathan McBride’s of 2047 Lake Shore Road [tax map #49.7-4-2]. Project is nearly completed.
7-8-11 Met with John Klipper and John King at the former Arnold Estus home at 7 Elm St. [tax map #40.73-1-11]. Purpose of the meeting was to discuss possible demolition at one end of the house. Later in the day I met with John Klipper to help him get started on a site plan review for the demolition.
7-11-11 Met with John Klipper. Worked on my report for the Town Board. Met with Gary Heurich regarding boundary line adjustment with properties at 30 Albee Lane owned by John Fortune [tax map # 49.15-1-13] and Jan Terlouw at 160 Lighthouse Way [tax map #49.4-1-3].
7-14-11 Spoke with Bill Amadon about extending his building permit for 408 Leaning Road [tax map #39.4-1-33]
7-16-11 (Sat.) While kayaking this evening I spotted a water leak at the Shipyard Marina at 2266 Lake Shore Rd. [tax map #40.73-6-8]. Asked an incoming boater to advise Jonathan Pribble of the situation. When I checked later in the evening, the situation had been remedied.
7-18-11 Stopped at Ed Monoski’s at 82 Albee Lane [tax map #49.15-2-3] to check on foundation wall.
7-18-11 Checked on tree on Clint Allen property at 1858 Lake Shore Rd.[tax map #49.11-1-53]. The tree had become partially uprooted during the flood and threatened part of the building. It was decided that part of the top of the tree will be cut.
7-21-11 Attended a Planning Board meeting.
7-22-11 Wrote a renewal building permit for Bill Amadon of 408 Leaning Road [tax map #39.4-1-35] for roof re-framing and continued alterations.
7-25-11 Met with Bonnie Monoski of 82 Albee Lane [tax map. #49.15-2-3] and subsequently issued a building permit for garage demolition and a new kitchen addition. The Planning Board had approved the Site Plan Review at the time the new barn was constructed.
7-26-11 Received a call at 7:30 pm that there was a sewer smell downtown. Investigation revealed that the septic tank at the Old Dock Restaurant at 2752 Essex Rd [tax map #40.65-3-4.002] needed to be pumped. Pumping was scheduled for 7am the following day.
7-27-11 Checked to see that the septic pumping had been done. See above.
7-29-11 Inspected the basement wall water-proofing at Monoski project at 82 Albee Lane [tax map #$49.15-2-3].
The following fees were collected and turned over to Town Clerk, Audrey Hoskins:
$50.00 from Bill Amadon on 7-25
$221.00 from Bonnie Monoski on 7-26
Respectfully submitted, David S. Lansing
Motion to accept Zoning Officer report made by Councilman LaForest. Seconded by Councilman MacDougal. Roll call Councilwoman LaPine-yes, Councilman MacDougal, Councilman LaForest-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and Supervisor Boisen-yes.
Supervisor’s County Report
Supervisor Boisen talked about the 2% tap cap how this was going to affect the budget for 2012.
Supervisor Boisen said she would not support the closing of Horace Nye. Councilwoman LaPine said there has to be a better way to run Horace Nye,
you can not keep operating in the red. There has to someone who can turn this around. Councilman LaForest said the hospital operates in the black why can’t Horace Nye.
The cemetery at the old County Home was discussed. Supervisor Boisen
Said Vicki Dickerson and a group of Essex residents came to the County Board meeting. The Board of Supervisor indicated Essex should maintain this cemetery.
Supervisor Boisen talked with the owner Mrs. Morgan, who agreed to let the Town maintain the cemetery. She does not want any equipment brought in to do work and a flag pole is to be erected. Vicki Dickerson with the help of her husband and Eugene Benway will work on lifting the stones to ground level. Councilman LaPine
said we need permission from Mrs. Morgan in writing allowing us to go on the property and maintain the cemetery. This was discussed.
Old Business
Buildings and Grounds Update
The committee has not met. Councilman woman LaPine said she had reminded Lauren Murphy that she needed the report on the Octagonal School. I also reminded her that she offered to work on grants for this project.
Supervisor Boisen said that the Library needs a new furnace. Dianne Lansing said the Library Board and the Town Board need to met and decide who is responsible for what repairs. Councilman MacDougal said if the Town owns the building then we are responsible for repairs. Shoveling and snow removal was discussed.
Supervisor Boisen said FEMA needs us to put out an RFP for repairs o the dock at Beggs. Supervisor Boisen asked who could help write this RPF. Motion to do an RFP for the dock was made by Councilman MacDougal. It was suggested that Steve Sayward, Jr. be contacted. Councilman LaForest will contact Steve. Seconded by Councilwoman LaPine. Roll call Councilwoman LaPine-yes, Councilman MacDougal, Councilman LaForest-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and Supervisor Boisen-yes.
The resolution for the purchase of the truck for Highway was discussed,
RESOLUTION # 31 of 2011
August 11, 2011
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY Councilman LaForest, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION.
BE IT RESOLVED that the Town of Essex authorizes Supervisor Boisen to contract with Robert Green Truck Division of Rock Hill, NY to purchase at the State Contract price of $44,180.39 a 2011 Dodge 3500 Truck for the Town of Essex Highway Department. Subject to permissive referendum.
THIS RESOLUTION WAS DULY SECONDED BY Councilman Wrisley AND WAS ADOPTED.
ROLL CALL:
Boisen – yes
LaPine – yes
MacDougal – yes
Wrisley – yes
LaForest – yes
The security device for the direct deposit system and the annual fee was explained to the Board.
Inter-municipal contracts for fuel were discussed. Fire District 1 and 2 do not want to sign the contract as it stands. Frank Walls, Fire Commissioner from Fire District 1 spoke for both districts. Mr. Walls said it was his understanding that this contract was required by the State Comptroller. He contacted the State Comptroller and they said this was not the case. The Comptroller’s office said it was good to have an agreement but was not required to have a contract. Our objection to the contract is the 10% surcharge. When we were billed once a month we paid the highest rate charged for the month for the fuel delivered to the Town. We never had problems with anyone losing money. The bill we just received is for nine months of fuel charges. The fire departments always paid at the highest rate the Town paid for the fuel during the month. Supervisor Boisen said when the State Comptroller was here he clearly advised the Town to have contracts. The County charges a 10% surcharge when they sell anything. Mr. Walls said the keytrol system was paid for by Fire District #2. Then the Fire Departments paid their fair share when metering system had to be installed.
Supervisor Boisen said the full Board approved sending out the contracts for signatures. Councilwoman LaPine asked how many of the contracts sent out have come back signed. Councilwoman LaPine said she had many questions about the letter Supervisor Boisen sent out. Supervisor Boisen said the letter was not on the agenda and Councilwomen LaPine should contact to discuss it.
Mr. Walls said you are getting more money from because we are paying the higher
Rates the Town has paid for the fuel. Frank stated we do not want to sign a contract that includes a 10% surcharge. It does not look good for one Town entity to be charging anther Town entity a surcharge. The bicycle event from last year was discussed. The sewer plant contractor trailers being parked at the fire department was discussed.
Mr. Walls said we are not complaining about the contract, we are complaining about the 10% surcharge.
Councilman MacDougal said that no matter how we deal with the money is still coming out of the tax payer’s pocket. I feel we should take the 10% of the contract for the fire departments.
Councilwoman LaPine felt the bills should be done once a month. It doesn’t seem like it should be a problem for Jim to read the meters once a month and bring them to the Town office.
Motion to create a new contracts for all fuel purchasers removing the 10% surcharge
and they will pay at the highest rate the Town pays for fuel each month was made by Supervisor Boisen. Seconded by Councilman MacDougal. Roll call Councilwoman LaPine-yes, Councilman MacDougal, Councilman LaForest-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and Supervisor Boisen-yes.
Adding Cathy DeWolff to the Town Clerk bank accounts was discussed.
Resolution # 26 of 2011
8/11/11
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY Councilman LaForest
WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION.
BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Essex authorizes the Champlain National Bank to add Deputy Town Clerk/Tax Collector Catherine DeWolff as a signer on the Town Clerk/Tax Collector accounts for the Town of Essex.
THIS RESOLUTION WAS DULY SECONDED BY Councilman Wrisley AND
ADOPTED.
Roll Call:
Supervisor Boisen – yes
Councilman Wrisley- yes
Councilman LaForest -yes
Councilwoman LaPine- yes
Councilman MacDougal – yes
Resolution for signing insurance contract was discussed. Next year a more in-depth
review of insurance needs to be done at least a month prior to renewal.
RESOLUTION # 27 of 2011
August 11, 2011
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY Councilwoman LaPine, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION.
BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Essex authorizes Supervisor Boisen to sign the contract with Selective Insurance and Peerless Insurance through the Upstate Agency for insurance for the Town.
THIS RESOLUTION WAS DULY SECONDED BY Councilman MacDougal. AND WAS ADOPTED.
ROLL CALL:
Supervisor Boisen – no
Councilman Wrisley – yes
Councilwoman LaPine – yes
Councilman MacDougal – yes
Councilman LaForest – yes
New Business
Resolution to transfer money to cover the Planning Board Secretary payroll through the end of the year.
RESOLUTION # 28 of 2011
August 11, 2011
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY Councilman LaForest, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION.
BE IT RESOLVED that the Town of Essex transfers $2,500.00 from Contingency account # 1990.4 to the General Fund – Planning Board PS account # A8020.1.
THIS RESOLUTION WAS DULY SECONDED BY Councilman MacDougal. AND WAS ADOPTED.
ROLL CALL:
Boisen – yes
LaPine – yes
MacDougal – yes
Wrisley – yes
LaForest – yes
A resolution in support of Friends of the North Country Inc., Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan was discussed.
Resolution # 29
8/11/11
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY Councilman LaForest, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION.
Whereas, the Town of Essex, with the assistance from the Friends of the North Country, Inc., has gathered information and prepared the Essex County Pre-Disaster Multi-
Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan and;
Whereas, the Essex County Pre-Disaster Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
Has been prepared in accordance with the Disaster Mitigation Act of 200; and
Whereas, the Town of Essex is a local unit of government that has afforded the citizens an opportunity to comment and provide input in the Plan and the actions in the Plan; and
Whereas, the Town of Essex has reviewed the Plan and affirms that the Plan will be
Updated no less than every five years.
Now therefore, be it resolved by the Town of Essex Town Council that the Town of Essex adopts the Essex County Pre-Disaster Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
As this jurisdiction’s Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan, and resolves to execute the actions in the Plan.
THIS RESOLUTION WAS DULY SECONDED BY Councilman Wrisley AND WAS ADOPTED.
ROLL CALL:
Boisen – yes
LaPine – yes
MacDougal – yes
Wrisley – yes
LaForest – yes
Consideration of the contract with Preferred Group for the cafeteria benefit plan to allow health premium cost to employees on a pre tax basis.
RESOLUTION # 30 of 2011
August 11, 2011
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY Councilman LaForest, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION.
BE IT RESOLVED that the Town of Essex gives permission to Supervisor Boisen to sign the contract with œPreferred Group for the cafeteria benefit plan to allow health premium cost to employees on a pre tax basis.
THIS RESOLUTION WAS DULY SECONDED BY Councilman Wrisley AND WAS ADOPTED.
ROLL CALL:
Boisen – yes
LaPine – yes
MacDougal – yes
Wrisley – yes
LaForest – yes
Councilman MacDougal left the meeting at 9:18 PM.
Financial Reports
The Town Clerk report was discussed. Motion to accept Town Clerk report was made by Councilman LaForest. Seconded by Councilman Wrisley. Roll call Councilwoman LaPine-yes, Councilman MacDougal-absent, Councilman
LaForest-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and Supervisor Boisen-yes.
Water Rents – no report no money collected. Bills have been set out using the new program the County IT department created.
The sewer bills for the debt repayment were sent out to the sewer residents.
Supervisor Report was discussed. Motion to accept Supervisor report as submitted was made by Councilman Wrisley. Seconded by Councilwoman LaPine. Roll call Councilwoman LaPine-yes, Councilman MacDougal-absent, Councilman
LaForest-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and Supervisor Boisen-yes.
The grave stone that was found in the river was discussed. It will be placed back on the grave by the family.
Motion to enter into Executive session at 9:25 PM to discuss legal issues was made by Supervisor Boisen. Seconded by Councilman Wrisley. Roll call Councilwoman LaPine-yes, Councilman MacDougal-absent, Councilman LaForest-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and Supervisor Boisen-yes.
Motion to exit Executive session at 10:00 PM made by Councilman LaForest. Seconded by Councilman Wrisley. Roll call Councilwoman LaPine-yes, Councilman MacDougal-absent, Councilman LaForest-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and Supervisor Boisen-yes.
Entered back into Regular Board meeting at 10:01 PM.
Motion made to have Supervisor Boisen contact Willsboro to ascertain the cost of legal fees and the name of the lawyer they used in a similar legal matter made by
Councilman LaForest. Seconded by Councilwoman LaPine. Roll call Councilwoman LaPine-yes, Councilman MacDougal-absent, Councilman LaForest-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and Supervisor Boisen-yes.
Councilwoman LaPine said the negotiations with Union representing the Highway department has made no progress. No to the counter proposal.
Adjourned at 10:03 PM
Respectfully submitted Audrey Hoskins, Town Clerk
Adjourned at 10:03 PM
Respectfully submitted Audrey Hoskins, Town Clerk
Councilwoman LaPine said the negotiations with Union representing the Highway department has made no progress. No to the counter proposal.
Adjourned at 10:03 PM
Respectfully submitted Audrey Hoskins, Town Clerk
