REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING                                                                                                                                                     August 10, 2006


At 7:03 p.m. Supervisor Webb A. Stevens called to order the regular monthly meeting of the Spafford Town Board.  Councilors Bill Vinzant, Joyce Barnett, Rick Fesko, and Ken Lieberman were present.  Highway Superintendent Carl Wiers, Accountant Thomas Chartrand and Town Clerk Lisa Valletta were also present.                               

 

HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

      Highway Superintendent Carl Wiers requested permission to attend a class offered by Cornell Local Roads program.

 

RESOLUTION 71-2006

Cornell Local Roads Program Session

      On a motion by Councilor Fesko, seconded by Councilor Barnett the following resolution was

PASSED                                  AYES – 5        Stevens, Vinzant, Barnett, Fesko, Lieberman

                                                NAYS – 0

 

Resolved to pay for Mr. Wiers to attend the Basics of a Good Road workshop offered by Cornell Local Roads Program on October 17, 2006 at a cost of $40.  General Fund Voucher #255.

 

ROAD PROJECTS

      The culverts on Becker Road have been replaced.  There are eight blocks left over from this work.  Beginning next week, 9.5 miles of town roads will be oiled, stoned, and sealed.

            A motion to accept the Highway Superintendents report was made by Councilor Vinzant, seconded by Councilor Lieberman.  AYES – 5, NAYS – 0.  The motion PASSED.

 

JULY 13, 2006 & JULY 20, 2006 MINUTES

      A motion to accept the minutes of the July 13, 2006 meeting and the July 20, 2006 public hearing and special meeting as submitted by the Town Clerk was made by Councilor Fesko, seconded by Councilor Lieberman.  AYES – 5, NAYS – 0.  The motion PASSED.

 

TOWN SUPERVISOR’S REPORT & STATEMENT

      Town Accountant Thomas Chartrand reviewed the Town Supervisor’s report and statement for July 2006.  He noted the first half of the mortgage tax has been received, $57,698.58.  The second payment will be in after the first of the new year and applied toward 2006.  The expenses have been as expected; we need to continue to monitor the Highway equipment repair fund.

 

RESOLUTION 72-2006

Budget Transfer

      On a motion by Councilor Vinzant, seconded by Councilor Fesko the following resolution was

PASSED                                  AYES – 5        Stevens, Vinzant, Barnett, Fesko, Lieberman

                                                NAYS – 0

 

Resolved to transfer $150.00 from A1990.4 Contingent, Contractual to A1940.4 Purchase of Land or Right of Way, Contractual for last payment of taxes due on land purchased by the Town of Spafford.

 

Further resolved to transfer $4,041.00 from DA599 Surplus to DA5112.2 Improvements, Capital Outlay to appropriate the funds from CHIPS.

 

 

 

BUDGET PLANNING

      Mr. Chartrand requested a budget workshop on Tuesday, September 26, 2006 at 7 p.m.  The Town Board agreed to this workshop date.  Should there be unresolved items, a second workshop will be held October 12, 2006 at 6:30 p.m., before the regular Town Board meeting. 

      The public hearing must be within two days of Election Day; the regular meeting for November is November 9th which is within the legal timeframe.  The public hearing will be held on this date.

 

Town Supervisor’s Monthly Report & Statement

      A motion to accept the Town Supervisor’s Monthly Report & Statement as presented was made by Councilor Lieberman seconded by Councilor Vinzant.  The motion PASSED.  AYES – 5, NAYS – 0.

 

Town Clerk’s Report

      A motion to accept the Town Clerk’s July 2006 Cash Report as presented was made by Councilor Fesko, seconded by Councilor Vinzant.  The motion PASSED.  AYES – 5, NAYS – 0.

 

RESOLUTION 73-2006

Audit of Claims

      On a motion by Councilor Lieberman, seconded by Councilor Fesko the following resolution was

PASSED                                  AYES – 5        Stevens, Vinzant, Barnett, Fesko, Lieberman

                                                NAYS – 0

 

Resolved the bills on Abstract #8 be paid in the following amounts:

General Fund                #229  through #246 and #248  through #254      $  6,259.59  

Highway Fund              #108  through #122                                               $30,116.16   

      (Highway Fund includes Machinery & Snow bills when applicable).

 

RESOLUTION 74-2006

Appleton Disposal

      On a motion by Councilor Fesko, seconded by Councilor Vinzant the following resolution was

PASSED                                  AYES – 5        Stevens, Vinzant, Barnett, Fesko, Lieberman

                                                NAYS – 0

 

Resolved to pay the bill submitted by Appleton Disposal with General Fund voucher #247 after the Town Clerk has received the invoices and verified the correct amount with Appleton Disposal; said amount to be $7,034.61.

 

LETTER OF APPRECIATION

      Supervisor Stevens read aloud a letter received from Eileen Bass Kennedy:

 

      To the Town Board of Spafford:

            Belated thanks and appreciation for the wonderful memorial parade and program honoring my brother, J. Rodney Bass.  His family was thrilled, as was I, to be there for it in the Town of Spafford and Borodino, best little village in N.Y. State!

            I want to recognize Barb Shoemaker for her wonderful planning & kindness to us all!  Thanks to your wonderful committee for a great job!

                                                Gratefully,

                                                Eileen Bass Kennedy

 

 

BORODINO CEMETERY

      A tree at Borodino Cemetery is hanging over the upper drive.  Supervisor Stevens directed Mr. Wiers to obtain an estimate for removal from Dart Tree Service.  If the estimate is less than $1,000 Mr. Wiers is authorized to have the work done.  If the estimate is higher than $1,000 Mr. Wiers is to report the cost to the Town Board.

 

EASEMENT AGREEMENT

      Supervisor Stevens explained the easement agreement between the Town of Spafford and the Spafford Area Historical Society (SAHS) has been completed to the satisfaction of both parties.  The agreement was signed by the presiding officer of SAHS and presented to Supervisor Stevens.  He has signed the agreement.  Supervisor Stevens is requesting authorization from the Town Board of his signature on the agreement. 

 

RESOLUTION 75-2006

Town of Spafford/SAHS Easement Agreement

      On a motion by Councilor Vinzant, seconded by Councilor Fesko the following resolution was

PASSED                                  AYES – 5        Stevens, Vinzant, Barnett, Fesko, Lieberman

                                                NAYS – 0

 

Resolved that the Town Board authorizes Supervisor Stevens signature as valid for the easement agreement between the Town of Spafford and SAHS.

 

AUTUMN NEWSLETTER

      Mrs. Valletta informed the Town Board members that she would be requesting permission from SAHS for a joint newsletter again this autumn.  Should approval be granted, any Town official is welcome to submit an article for the newsletter.

 

NYS DEPT. OF STATE CODES DIVISION

      Mr. Richard Thompson of the NYS Dept. of State Codes Division conducted an informal review of the practices and records of the Spafford Building Department on August 9, 2006.  Supervisor Webb Stevens, Councilor Rick Fesko, Building Inspector Doug Staley, Clerk Kim Read, and Town Clerk Lisa Valletta were present for the review.  This review was a follow up of the 2003-2004 audit of the Building Department.  Mr. Thompson explained a new edition of a local law for Towns to adopt, with any adjustments necessary for an individual town, is available.  It is a local law for the administration and enforcement of the New York State fire prevention and building codes.  The information has been provided to the Town Attorney.  Supervisor Stevens is asking the Town Board to set a public hearing for adoption of this local law.  Mr. Thompson stated adoption of this new local law would resolve most of the items listed in the audit.  Mr. Thompson also approved of the adjustments made to the record keeping practices in the Building Department.

      On a motion by Councilor Fesko, seconded by Councilor Vinzant a public hearing will be held on September 21, 2006 at 7 p.m. The motion PASSED.  AYES – 5, NAYS – 0.

 

NIMS

      Mr. Wiers asked if any progress has been made regarding compliance with the National Incident Management System (NIMS).  Councilor Lieberman pronounced he has completed and received certification for the first two courses.  Mrs. Valletta stated the study materials for the first two courses are available in the Town Clerk’s office.  Councilor Lieberman explained he was seeking information from NIMS regarding which courses are required for the Town of Spafford.  The responses he received were confusing.

      On a motion by Councilor Lieberman, seconded by Councilor Fesko the Town Board of the Town of Spafford will proceed with the NIMS courses.  The motion PASSED.  AYES – 5, NAYS – 0.   Mrs. Valletta will review the recording of the July meeting to determine who needs to complete which courses by September 30, 2006.

 

Ted Lavery

      Mr. Ted Lavery explained he was going to inquire after the easement agreement, but that has already been addressed by the Town Board.  He stated SAHS has raised enough funds to pay the architect fees for drainage plans for the Grange building’s southwest corner.  When the specifications are prepared, a copy will be delivered to the Town. 

      Mr. Lavery is continuing to work on securing a Grange building key for placement in the Town Clerk’s office.

      Supervisor Stevens explained a meeting with the State engineer needs to be set regarding the parking lot.  The drawings have not yet been received from Mr. Vic Sayko.  Councilor Vinzant will be meeting with the State engineer.

 

Debbie Brown

      Mrs. Debbie Brown provided a cost estimate for a town event sign from Metropolitan Signs.  Supervisor Stevens reminded the Board of the appointment of Linda Sanders to research the installation of a sign in Borodino, on the northeast corner, the site of the old I.G.A.  Supervisor Stevens spoke with Mrs. Sanders regarding interest from other residents in researching the costs of a sign.  Mrs. Sanders approved of other individuals taking on the project, but asked to be involved in landscaping around the sign.  Debbie Brown, Rose Clark, and Joe Vecchio have gathered the information. 

      The estimate from Metropolitan Signs was for a “v-shaped” sign, which includes two faces for announcements.  The total estimate is for $8,817.50; if a decision is made tonight, a $1,000 discount will be given; if a decision is made at a later date, a $500 discount will still be granted.  If the Town of Spafford picks up and installs the sign $1,550 will be subtracted from the total.  The resulting cost would be $6,267.50 if the Town Board approves the purchase tonight.  A future approval would result in a cost of $6,767.50. 

      There was a discussion of alternative construction by Mr. Vecchio.  The display case or cases and letters would be the largest portion of the cost at $3,500 each.  It was mentioned that Chase Design may be willing to create a design.  There was discussion of placement of the sign.  Supervisor Stevens would like to see fieldstones from the Puddin’ Mill incorporated into the design.  Supervisor Stevens reminded Mrs. Brown of her statement that she would conduct fundraising for the cost of the sign.  Mrs. Brown stated she would be happy to pursue that activity.  Mrs. Brown will contact Chase Design about the design and the Marcheterres, owners of the Puddin’ Mill property, about the fieldstone.

 

Adjournment

      On a motion by Councilor Vinzant, seconded by Councilor Barnett the meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m. subject to the Call of the Town Clerk.  Carried unanimously.

 

A Public Hearing is scheduled                                       Respectfully submitted by,

Sept. 21, 2006 @ 7 p.m.  to  

review the revised local law for

administration and enforcement of the

New York State fire prevention and building codes

Next meeting to be held                                                            Lisa M. Valletta

September 14, 2006     @ 7 p.m.                                              Town Clerk

@ Spafford Town Hall                                                 Town of Spafford