Approved Minutes
Regular Board Meeting
9/19/13
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 PM.
Supervisor Boisen led us in the Pledge to the Flag.
On roll call Board Members present were Councilman Wrisley, Councilwoman
LaPine, Councilman MacDougal and Supervisor Boisen. Also present was
Audrey Hoskins, Town Clerk.
Councilwoman LaPine asked for a moment of silence for Lyle Mason, Mildred Wrisley, Gertrude Deso and Harry LaPine.
Attendees were Andy Buchanan, David Reuther, Jane TerLowe, Bradley French, Sandra Vance, Robin Dashiells, Dianne Lansing, Norma Goff, Jeremy Doyle.
The bids for painting the Library building was discussed. The bid was awarded to Jimmy Lee and Rick Mero with a bid of $ 900.00. The Library received a grant
from the Essex Community Fund which will cover the cost of the painting.
Motion to award the painting project at the Library to Jimmy Lee and Rick Merowith a bid of $900.00 was made by Councilwoman LaPine. Seconded by
Councilman MacDougal. Roll call Councilman Wrisley – yes, Councilwoman LaPine -yes, Councilman MacDougal -yes and Supervisor Boisen -yes.
The Grange Hall MOU was discussed. There are still some concerns the Board has with the wording of the MOU. The Grange committee agreed to amend the MOU.
The issue of giving the Grange $10,000 was discussed. The money would be used to pay the bills for heating, telephone, electricity and upkeep of the building rather than the bills being paid by the Town. Supervisor Boisen stated she is not comfortable with the language of the MOU.Supervisor Boisen wanted to know how the Board felt about the MOU and the request for $10,000. Councilwoman LaPine asked if Supervisor Boisen would like to see the request presented the same way the Library presents its request each year.
Supervisor Boisen stated she would like to see the budget for the Grange Hall. Councilman MacDougal stated the Board needs to see their account statements. He said the request for $10,000 should be a line item in the Budget for 2014.Councilwoman LaPine would like to see this as a line item on the 2014 budget. The Board agreed. They would not guarantee this money would available. It will be discussed like any other line item on the 2014 budget. Councilman MacDougal said he would like to read the MOU and make notes on the changes he feels would be needed. Supervisor Boisen offered to meet with Andy and David to go over the language. She feels that the issue with the MOU could be resolved. Councilman Wrisley stated it is going to be a difficult year with the Budget. We have look at the entire budget and do our best to keep taxes down as much as we can.
Andy Buchanan stated the electricity used in the kitchen by for profit organizations will be reimbursed quarterly to the Town. Andy Buchanan would like the committee for the Grange Hall to continue meeting quarterly. The Board agreed this would be a good idea.
The Grange Hall was discussed as a facility that the seniors could use for their daily luncheons. The downstairs has been redone and would be a good fit for the seniors.
Dianne Lansing gave an update on the STAR exemption. This is available for your primary resident only. There has been an issue where people were claiming their primary residence and secondary residence. The State has sent out a letter to residents. If you have internet access you can go on line and fill out the form. If you do not have a computer there is a phone number you can call. If you need assistance with any of this, please call an assessor and they will help you. Anyone getting enhanced STAR has to apply every year. You must be sixty-five and earn under $81,900 to qualify.
James Morgan, Jr. retirement was discussed. Jim officially retired on September 6, 2013.
Resolution # 60 of 2013
James Morgan, Jr. Retirement
9/19/2013
The following resolution was offered by Supervisor Boisen who moved its adoption.
Be it resolved the Town Board of Essex hereby accepts James Morgan, Jr.letter of retirement as Highway Superintendent. We appreciate the dedication Jim has given to the Town of Essex and its citizens over the last 27 years. Jim will be missed by all. We wish him the best in his retirement.
The resolution was duly seconded by Councilman MacDougal and adopted.
Roll call
Supervisor Boisen – yes
Councilman Wrisley – yes
Councilwoman LaPine – yes
Councilman MacDougal – yes
The appointing of Bradley French to the position of Highway Superintendent was discussed.
Resolution #61 of 2013
Appointment of Highway Superintendent9/19/13
The following resolution was offered by Supervisor Boisen who moved its adoption.
Be it resolved the Essex Town Board appoints Bradley French as theHighway Superintendent with a starting date of 9/30/2013 to fill theposition left vacant by the retirement of James Morgan, Jr.
The resolution was duly seconded by Councilwomen LaPine and adopted.
Roll call
Supervisor Boisen – yes
Councilman Wrisley – yes
Councilwomen LaPine – yes
Councilman MacDougal – yes
Water Project update. Supervisor Boisen stated we need to do an amendment to the 2008 AES Contract.
Resolution #62 of 2013
Amendment #2 to 2008 AES contract
9/19/2013
The following was offered by Councilman MacDougal who moved its adoption.Be it resolved that the Town Board of Essex authorizes Supervisor Boisen to sign
Amendment #2 to the 2008 AES contract for Water Capital Project which adds MWBE language in order for the Town to receive reimbursement for past expenses.
The resolution was duly seconded by Councilman Wrisley and adopted.
Roll call
Supervisor Boisen – yes
Councilman Wrisley – yes
Councilwoman LaPine – yes
Councilman MacDougal – yes
We have been approved for funding. The Governor announced the funding to theTown of Essex in the amount of the full we applied for and our full Bond Resolution. We have the1.1 million dollar grant and $375,000 loan at zero percent interest. We have the option to borrow two million dollars at zero percent interest. We need to apply for more grant money rather than borrow money.
The Title Certificate to the property is being requested, which we do not have.
We are working on this. We should know if we are all set by the 26th of this month.
On the original report there is an area on the Townsend property that theTownsend family is willing to consider. The property is east of Ron Jackson’sproperty. If the Town Board is in agreement to have the family membersmeet and discuss the utilization of this property. The Board Members were in agreement. Supervisor Boisen said she would send a letter with everything they need to know to make their decision.
Transfer Site vacant position and proposed improvements were discussed. The proposed improvements are based on a report from the County Engineer,Gary Rancour. There needs to be a better traffic flow pattern. The recycling bins should be undercover. Supervisor Boisen stated that at other Transfer Sites the recycling is done by the members of the public. Councilwoman LaPine asked how much would the improvements cost. Supervisor Boisen stated that if we wanteda cost analysis that it could be done by Mr. Rancour. He said that he did not believe it would be costly to make the improvements. Supervisor Boisen stated that in the beginning Willsboro paid 2/3 of the expenses. Over time with thechange of administration in both Towns it became the responsibility of Essex.Supervisor Boisen has talked with Supervisor Hatch about the Transfer Site.
Supervisor Boisen stated we need to decide how many employees are needed at the Transfer Site. Jeremy Doyle, Transfer Site attendant stated we need two people to handle the recycling. It works easier if we have two people at the compacter, one to handle the garbage and one to sell tickets and help with the garbage. Supervisor Boisen stated in the winter months on Monday and Wednesday we have one person on the compactor and one person recycling. On Saturday we have two at recycling and one at the compactor. We have employees enough right now to meet the demand if Ed Gardner works three days in the winter.
The Board discussed advertising for a Transfer Site manager. An ad will be placed in the Valley News and Press Republican. It will also be sent to Cable Comm. andthe Town’s website.
Councilman MacDougal feels that we are going to have to raise the price of Transfer Site tickets. Councilman Wrisley stated the sale of tickets should cover the expenses of the transfer site.
The Adirondack Park Local Government Review Board was discussed and itwas tabled until next month.
Zoning Officer Report – no report was received.
Water/Sewer rents report was discussed and motion to accept report as presented was made by Councilman MacDougal. Seconded by Councilwoman LaPine. Roll call Councilman Wrisley -yes, Councilwoman LaPine -yes, Councilman MacDougal -yes and Supervisor Boisen- yes.
The Town Clerk report was reviewed and motion to accept report as presented was made by Councilwoman LaPine. Seconded by Councilman MacDougal.Roll call Councilman Wrisley -yes, Councilwoman LaPine -yes, Councilman MacDougal -yes and Supervisor Boisen- yes.
The Supervisor’s Report was discussed and motion to accept as presentedwas made by Councilwoman LaPine. Seconded by Councilman MacDougal.Roll call Councilman Wrisley -yes, Councilwoman LaPine -yes, Councilman MacDougal -yes and Supervisor Boisen- yes.
Bills were reviewed and motion to accept as presented was made by Councilman MacDougal. Seconded by Councilman Wrisley. Roll call Councilman Wrisley -yes, Councilwoman LaPine -yes, Councilman MacDougal -yes and Supervisor Boisen- yes.
The Verizon phone bill was discussed. Supervisor Boisen stated that some of the problems are being resolved. There are still a number of problems that need to be resolved, such as being billed tax and being billed for a number that has been cancelled.
The Budget meeting schedule was discussed. The Tentative Budget line by linereview will be October 3, 2013 at 6 PM in the Town Hall. A Budget Workshopfor the Preliminary Budget will be October 10, 2013 at 3 PM in Town Hall.
Motion to exit Regular Board at 9:14 and enter Executive Session to discuss a legalissue. Roll call Councilman Wrisley -yes, Councilwoman LaPine -yes, Councilman MacDougal -yes and Supervisor Boisen- yes.
Motion to exit Executive Session at 10:05 PM and reenter Regular Board Meetingmade by Councilwoman LaPine. Seconded by Councilman MacDougal.Roll call Councilman Wrisley -yes, Councilwoman LaPine -yes, Councilman MacDougal -yes and Supervisor Boisen- yes.
As there was no more business to come before the Board the meeting was adjourned at 10:06 PM.
Respectfully submitted Audrey Hoskins, Town Clerk
