A REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING WAS HELD ON TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 2019 AT THE TOWN HALL COMMENCING AT 7:00 P.M.
PRESENT
DANA HAFF, SUPERVISOR
BARBARA BEECHER, COUNCILWOMAN
GARY BURCH SR., COUNCILMAN
ROBERT DILLON, COUNCILMAN
ELIZABETH FOOTE, COUNCILWOMAN
ALSO PRESENT
DENISE PETTEYS, RMC TOWN CLERK
GREG BROWN, HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT
MARK MILLER, ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
AMBER MERCURE, YOUTH COMMISSION
RON SMITH, YOUTH COMMISSION
PETER SWANO, HISTORICAL SOCIETY
AUDIT
SUPERVISOR HAFF CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AT 7:00 P.M.
PLEDGE
A MOMENT OF SILENCE WAS OBSERVED FOR DAVID HAFELE WHO PASSED AWAY RECENTLY.
TOWN BOARD ROLL CALL WAS MADE WITH ALL MEMBERS PRESENT.
PAYMENT OF BILLS
RESOLUTION NO. 19068
ON MOTION OF SUPERVISOR HAFF, 2ND BY COUNCILMAN DILLON, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED 5 AYES, 0 NAYS. VOTING AYE, COUNCILWOMAN BEECHER, COUNCILMAN BURCH, COUNCILMAN DILLON, COUNCILWOMAN FOOTE AND SUPERVISOR HAFF.
RESOLVED THAT THE AUTHORIZED BILLS BE PAID ON ABSTRACT #4 OF 2019 IN THE FOLLOWING AMOUNTS:
HIGHWAY VOUCHER #103-124 $ 49,124.25
YOUTH VOUCHER #125 $ 1,600.00
GENERAL VOUCHER #126-144 $ 6,974.16
SUPERVISOR HAFF READ THE FOLLOWING INTO THE RECORD:
THE TOWN IS IN THE PROCESS OF AN ENFORCEMENT ACTION AGAINST MR. POTTER AND MR. BURCH FOR THE DISPOSAL OF ANIMAL CARCASSES ON THE LANDS OF MR. POTTER. THIS STATEMENT IS INTENDED TO SET OUT THE NECESSARY PROCEDURAL STEPS THAT WILL BE FOLLOWED.
SECTION 71-15 – LANDFILLS
- SECTION 71-15 PROHIBITS THE DISPOSAL OF SPECIAL WASTES IN THE TOWN.
o THE DEFINITION OF SPECIAL WASTES INCLUDES ANIMAL CARCASSES, AND ANY SOLID OR LIQUID MATTER GENERATED FROM THE DESTRUCTION, DISPOSAL, INCINERATION OR PROCESSING OF CARCASSES.
o THERE ARE NO PROVISIONS IN THE LAW THAT WOULD ALLOW THE TOWN BOARD OR PLANNING BOARD TO GRANT VARIANCES OR PERMIT THIS USE
o THERE IS AN EXCEPTION FOR FARM OPERATIONS BURYING THEIR OWN MORTALITY. - THE OWNER AND AGENT WERE ISSUED AN ORDER TO REMEDY THE VIOLATION PURSUANT TO THE CIVIL PENALTIES CONTAINED IN SECTIONS 71-17B AND 71-17F.
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o
o THEY ARE BOTH JOINTLY AND SEVERALLY LIABLE FOR THE VIOLATION AND DAMAGES.
o THE VIOLATION IS FOR THE DISPOSAL OF ANIMAL CARCASSES. IT INCLUDES NOT ONLY THOSE CARCASSES THAT ARE VISIBLE, BUT IT ALSO INCLUDES ALL ANIMALS THAT WERE BURIED ON THE PREMISES.
o THEY WERE PROVIDED WITH APRIL 4, 2019 AS THE DEADLINE TO REMEDY THE VIOLATION.
o EVERY DAY THE VIOLATION PERSISTS IS A SEPARATE AND DISTINCT OFFENSE.
- THE OWNER AND AGENT WERE ALSO SERVED WITH A NOTICE OF VIOLATION THAT SET A PUBLIC HEARING FOR 4/9/19 AT 7:05PM. THE PUBLIC HEARING IS BEING HELD PURSUANT TO SECTION 71-17F.
- THE PURPOSE OF THE PUBLIC HEARING IS FOR THE TOWN BOARD TO SERVE AS FACT FINDER AND DETERMINE WHETHER THE VIOLATION EXISTS AND/OR WHETHER THE PROPERTY IS OR MAY BECOME DANGEROUS OR UNSAFE TO THE PUBLIC.
- IF THE TOWN BOARD MAKES SUCH A FINDING, THE TOWN BOARD SHALL ISSUE AN ORDER:
o DIRECTING THE PARTIES TO REMEDY THE VIOLATION WITHIN A SPECIFIC PERIOD OF DAYS THAT IS REASONABLE UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
o PLACING THE PROPERTY OWNER ON NOTICE THAT THEIR FAILURE TO REMEDY, MAY RESULT IN THE TOWN REMEDYING THE VIOLATION AND CHARGING THE OWNER FOR THE COSTS.
SUPERVISOR HAFF DISCUSSED THE PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR PARAMETERS AND HOW HE WILL BE ADMINISTERING THE RULES.
OPEN VIOLATION OF LANDFILL LAW PUBLIC HEARING
RESOLUTION NO. 19069
ON MOTION OF SUPERVISOR HAFF, 2ND BY COUNCILMAN DILLON, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED 5 AYES, 0 NAYS. VOTING AYE, COUNCILWOMAN BEECHER, COUNCILMAN BURCH, COUNCILMAN DILLON, COUNCILWOMAN FOOTE AND SUPERVISOR HAFF.
RESOLVED TO OPEN THE VIOLATION OF LANDFILL LAW PUBLIC HEARING AT 7:07 PM.
SUPERVISOR HAFF ASKED TOWN ENFORCEMENT OFFICER MARK MILLER TO GIVE THE BOARD INFORMATION REGARDING WHAT HE HAS WITNESSED ON MR. POTTER’S PROPERTY.
MARK READ INTO THE RECORD THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:
RE: LARRY BURCH AND CHARLIE POTTER
3/29/2019 I RECEIVED A FACEBOOK NOTIFICATION OF A POSTSTAR STORY ABOUT MASS STOCK PILE OF DEAD COWS TO RUN IN FRIDAY 3/29 POSTSTAR NEWSPAPER. READ THE STORY ONLINE AT POSTSTAR.COM
3/30/2019 I RECEIVED THREE (3) EMAILS FROM TOWN SUPERVISOR HAFF REGARDING THE STOCKPILE OF COWS AND HE MADE REFERENCE TO TOWN LAWS AND PENALTIES.
5 EMAILS REFERENCING THE 2 LAWS THAT ARE BEING VIOLATED. PHONE CALLS TO AND FROM SUPERVISOR HAFF AND JEFF MEYER, TOWN ATTORNEY
2 ADDITIONAL EMAILS FROM SUPERVISOR HAFF AND FROM BENJAMIN BRAMLAGE (DEC) ABOUT TRACING DEAD FARM ANIMALS BY THEIR EAR TAGS.
AT APPROXIMATELY 10:30 AM ON SATURDAY, 3/30 I VISITED THE SITE WHICH IS OWNED BY CHARLIE POTTER AND ACCESSED OUTBACK OF FARM BUILDINGS PAST LARGE CORN
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FIELD DOWN IN A GULLEY NOT VISIBLE FROM THE ROAD. I TOOK 17 PHOTOGRAPHS. I SPOKE TO LARRY BURCH WHO WAS PRESENT AT THE LOCATION OF THE DEAD COWS. CHARLIE POTTER WAS NOT PRESENT. ALSO PRESENT WAS LARRY BURCH’S BROTHER DICKY BURCH WITH HIS LARGE ORANGE 4X4 TRACTOR WITH BUCKET ATTACHMENT. THERE WAS ALSO ANOTHER UNIDENTIFIED GENTLEMAN. THEY WERE MOVING THE DEAD COWS INTO THE PREPARED HOLES THAT LARRY WAS DIGGING WITH HIS BACKHOE PUSHING THEM IN OR COVERING THEM WITH HAY. I STOPPED LARRY AND TOLD HIM THAT HE WAS IN VIOLATION OF THE 2 TOWN LAWS AND THAT HE HAD TO STOP. HE SAID THAT NO TOWN LAWS EXISTED TO KEEP HIM FROM DUMPING THE COWS AND BURYING THEM. I REMINDED HIM THAT THERE ARE TOWN LAWS PERTAINING TO THE DUMPING OF COWS AND THAT I HAVE HAD HIM REMOVE COWS FROM THE TOWN BEFORE. HE SAID THAT HE WAS 86 YEARS OLD AND WE WERE TRYING TO KEEP HIM FROM MAKING A LIVING AND WHAT WAS HE SUPPOSED TO DO WITH THE COWS. THERE IS NOT A RENDERING PLANT LOCALLY. I TOLD HIM I WOULD BE BACK IN AWHILE WITH A STOP WORK ORDER OR A CEASE AND DESIST. I LEFT THE SITE AND CALLED SUPERVISOR HAFF. HE INSTRUCTED ME TO CALL ATTORNEY MEYER AND TO GET THE PAPERWORK PREPARED AND SEND TO THE TOWN CLERK TO PRINT OUT THE ORDER TO REMEDY A VIOLATION. DURING THE CONVERSATION WITH LARRY, HE SAID THE DEC OFFICER TOLD LARRY HE COULD BURY THE COWS.
I GOT THE ORDER FROM THE TOWN CLERK AND RETURNED TO THE SITE AND SERVED LARRY WITH THE ORDER AT APPROXIMATELY 11:15. I WENT TO CHARLIE POTTER’S HOME AND HE WAS NOT PRESENT. I PLANNED TO RETURN LATER TO SERVE THE ORDER ON CHARLIE POTTER.
WHILE LEAVING THE SITE I STOPPED AT A BARN ON CHARLIE POTTER’S LAND AND SPOKE TO JENNY YOUNG, WHO RENTS THE FARM, AS TO WHETHER SHE HAS HAD ANY COWS DIE LATELY THAT WOULD BE IN THE PILE OF COWS. SHE RESPONDED NO. I LEFT CHARLIE’S FARM AND STOPPED AT DICK AND NANCY ARMSTRONG’S FARM. THEY HAVE A COMMON LAND BORDER. I SPOKE TO DICK ARMSTRONG AND ASKED WHAT HE KNEW ABOUT THE SITUATION. HE STATED THAT A SNOWMOBILER WENT OFF THE MARKED TRAIL AND FOUND A PILE OF DEAD COWS AND HORSES. HE AND NANCY WENT OUT AND LOOKED OVER THE 60 TO 80 DEAD COWS AND HORSES. THEY WENT HOME AND CALLED DEC TO MAKE A REPORT AND HAVE DEC INVESTIGATE.
3/31/2019 I WENT TO CHARLIE POTTER’S HOUSE AT APPROXIMATELY 1:30 PM ON SUNDAY, 3/31 AND SERVED HIM AND LOIS WITH THE ORDER AND KIND OF EXPLAINED TO HIM ABOUT THE TOWN LAWS THAT PERTAIN TO THE DISPOSAL OF ANIMAL CARCASSES. COMPLETED THE AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE.
4/1/2019 I GOT THE AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE NOTARIZED AND PHOTOGRAPHS PRINTED.
4/2/2019 CHARLIE STOPPED ME AND ASKED ME TO COME OUT TO HIS TRUCK. LARRY WANTED TO TALK TO ME. I TOOK THE NOTICE OF VIOLATION PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE TO THE TRUCK AND SERVED BOTH LARRY BURCH AND CHARLIE POTTER. LARRY WAS TRYING TO BE SARCASTIC ABOUT ME TELLING WHAT HE CAN AND CAN’T DO IN THE TOWN. THEY LEFT.
4/3/2019 I WENT BACK TO CHARLIE POTTER’S FARM OUT BACK TO THE GULLEY WHERE THE COWS ARE BURIED AND TOOK MORE PHOTOGRAPHS.
4/5/2019 I SPOKE TO JEFF MEYER ABOUT WRITING UP A SUMMATION OF THE POINTS OF INTERESTS AND INFORMATION.
ACCORDING TO MILLER, HE AND DR. ROGER ELLIS, A FIELD VETERINARIAN WITH NEW YORK STATE AG AND MARKETS IN GRANVILLE WALKED THE DUMP SITE TODAY. HE
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SAID THAT THEY LOOKED AT THE PILES THAT ARE PARTIALLY BURIED. “WE NOTICED ANOTHER AREA BEHIND THE LONG ROW OF COWS THAT LOOKS LIKE IT HAD BEEN COVERED OVER SOME AND IT HAD A BUNCH OF BONES STICKING OUT OF THAT TOO,” HE SAID “THERE’S EVEN MORE THAN WHAT WE THOUGHT. THOSE ARE ALL DECAYED AND ROTTED AND ALL THAT’S LEFT ARE BONES. SO WE WENT FARTHER DOWN THE ROAD AND THERE WAS ANOTHER PILE THAT LOOKED LIKE THERE WAS A SMALLER ANIMAL, MAYBE A SHEEP, BUT THAT (PILE) IS NOT CONNECTED WITH THE 200-FOOT LONG WINDROW OF ANIMAL CARCASSES.”
MARK PRESENTED PHOTOGRAPHIC EVIDENCE TO THE TOWN BOARD.
MARK SAID THAT “WHILE WE WERE THERE EARLIER TODAY, BECAUSE IT WAS A TORRENTIAL DOWNPOUR, THE WATER COMING DOWN THE ROAD WAS WASHING THROUGH ALL THESE DECAYING, ROTTING COWS GOING RIGHT DOWN THE HILL AND THAT RUNS RIGHT DOWN AND COMES ACROSS THE FIELD, RUNS DOWN BELOW AND RIGHT INTO THE CREEK THAT GOES DOWN TO THE CANAL.”
ACCORDING TO MILLER, DR. ROGER ELLIS, A FIELD VETERINARIAN WITH THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND MARKETS IN GRANVILLE, SAID HE WAS GOING TO RELAY THE INFORMATION ABOUT THE RUNOFF FROM THE DECAYING MOUNDS OF COWS AND HORSES TO THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONVERSATION.
TOWN ATTORNEY JEFF MEYER SAID THE HARTFORD ORDINANCES PERTAINING TO DEAD ANIMALS AND ANIMAL WASTE HAVE BEEN WELL RESEARCHED. “THE PROHIBITIONS CONTAINED WITHIN THE LOCAL LAW ARE BASED ON DEC RECOMMENDATIONS AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH,” MEYER SAID “(THIS) IS IN RELATION TO PUBLIC HEALTH RISK AND CONTAMINATING WATER SUPPLIES AND CONDUCTION OF DISEASE AND WILDLIFE CARRYING IT OFF AND BECOMING SICK.”
MILLER ALSO TALKED ABOUT VULTURES AND COYOTES DURING THE HEARING.
“I NOTICED, LOOKING AT THOSE PICTURES, THERE’S THESE WHITE LINES ACROSS THE CARCASSES AND TO ME THAT REPRESENTS VULTURES AND VULTURE (DROPPINGS),” MILLER SAID. “THAT’S A MUCH LARGER BIRD. ONE OF THE THINGS I MENTIONED TO LARRY, ‘ARE THE COYOTES GETTING INTO THEM, ARE THE VULTURES?’ MY WIFE AND I LIVE RIGHT ACROSS THE VALLEY FROM THIS AND WE HAVE SEEN A TREMENDOUS INCREASE IN VULTURES THIS YEAR AND NOW THIS GIVES US A GOOD IDEA WHY.”
SUPERVISOR HAFF ASKED MR. POTTER IF HE WOULD LIKE TO SAY ANYTHING. CHARLIE POTTER SAID HE HAD NOTHING TO SAY BECAUSE HE NEEDED TO GET A LAWYER.
ADJACENT LANDOWNERS DICK AND NANCY ARMSTRONG SAID THEY ARE CONCERNED ABOUT VULTURES, PREDATORS, HEALTH AND WATER CONTAMINATION FROM THE DEAD ANIMALS. NANCY ADMITTED THAT IT WAS DIFFICULT TO TAKE ACTION AGAINST THEIR NEIGHBOR, BUT IT BECAME SUCH A PROBLEM THEY HAD TO TAKE STEPS.
“I SPEAK MORE ABOUT THE VULTURES. THEY ARE EATING THE DEAD ANIMALS,” NANCY ARMSTRONG SAID. “WE DID SEE CARCASSES DOWN THERE AND YOU CAN SEE THE VULTURE DROPPINGS. IF THEY ARE EATING IT AND DROPPING IT AND SPREADING IT, THAT’S A CONCERN OF MINE. AND IT SHOULD BE FOR ALL OF US.”
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SHE SAID THAT THEY HAVE BEEN SEEING COYOTES CLOSER AND CLOSER TO THEIR HOUSE. “ONE NIGHT WE WERE SITTING OUTSIDE, THEY WERE RIGHT NEAR THE BARN, ON OUR PROPERTY, UP CLOSE. … MY BIGGEST CONCERN IS WATER CONTAMINATION,” SHE SAID. “WITH THIS SPRING AND THE RUNOFF THAT WE’VE HAD … WE HAVE A VERY GRAVE CONCERN THAT IT COULD BE REACHING THE TROUT STREAMS AND RUNNING ALONG ROUTE 149 AND INTO THE CANAL. WE’VE SEEN THIS BURIAL SITE GROW AND GROW AND GROW AND THE PILE THE OTHER DAY MADE US SICK.”
SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THAT BASED ON THE INFORMATION PRESENTED THE TOWN BOARD NEEDS TO MAKE A FINDING ABOUT THIS VIOLATION.
COUNCILWOMAN FOOTE ASKED IF THE COWS HAVE BEEN COVERED AND BURIED. MARK MILLER SAID THAT HE DID NOT TAKE ANY MORE PHOTOGRAPHS TODAY BECAUSE HE DIDN’T FEEL THAT ANYTHING LOOKED ANY DIFFERENT THEN ON APRIL 2 WHEN HE TOOK THE OTHER PHOTOS. HE SAID THERE WAS NO PROBLEM SEEING ROTTING CARCASSES OF COWS AS WELL AS BONES STICKING OUT OF THE GROUND. THEY MOVED THEM AND PUT HAY AND MANURE ON THEM.
“IT’S LIKE A WAR ZONE … THE POST-STAR SAID THERE WERE ABOUT 60 TO 80 ANIMALS, BUT I’D SAY THERE ARE ABOUT THREE TIMES AS MANY,” HE SAID. “THERE IT’S ABOUT 200 FEET LONG, 25 FEET WIDE AND 6 FEET HIGH.”
MARY RAHL, TESTIFIED THAT SHE PAID BURCH $250 FOR A RESPECTFUL BURIAL OF HER BELOVED HORSE. “I HAD A HORSE THAT WAS TAKEN AWAY TO BE BURIED BY LARRY BURCH THIS SUMMER. IT WAS MY HUSBAND’S HORSE AND I AM VERY, VERY CONCERNED AFTER LISTENING TO THIS THAT MY HORSE WAS NOT GIVEN A PROPER BURIAL IN DIRT THAT I PAID FOR,” RAHL SAID. “I FEAR SHE IS IN A DITCH SOMEWHERE WHERE SHE WAS DISRESPECTED AND SHE WAS WITH ME FOR ALMOST 30 YEARS.”
SHE ALSO DISCUSSED THAT SHE FOUND RESEARCH ABOUT FEDERALLY PROTECTED BALD EAGLES DYING AFTER THEY COME AND EAT FROM CARCASSES THAT HAVE BEEN EUTHANIZED.
CLOSE VIOLATION OF LANDFILL LAW PUBLIC HEARING
RESOLUTION NO. 19070
ON MOTION OF SUPERVISOR HAFF, 2ND BY COUNCILWOMAN BEECHER, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED 5 AYES, 0 NAYS. VOTING AYE, COUNCILWOMAN BEECHER, COUNCILMAN BURCH, COUNCILMAN DILLON, COUNCILWOMAN FOOTE AND SUPERVISOR HAFF.
RESOLVED TO CLOSE THE VIOLATION OF LANDFILL LAW PUBLIC HEARING AT 7:30 PM.
RESOLUTION BY TOWN BOARD CONCERNING THE DISPOSAL OF SPECIAL WASTE AT 77 NORTHRUP LANE, TOWN OF HARTFORD
SUPERVISOR HAFF READ THE RESOLUTION INTO THE RECORD. SUPERVISOR HAFF INITIALLY PROPOSED A TWO-WEEK DEADLINE FOR THE REMOVAL OF THE CARCASSES AND RESULTANT WASTE FROM HARTFORD. COUNCILMAN GARY BURCH REFERRED TO THE TOWN LAW SAYING “THE TOWN LAW SAYS A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME. I DON’T THINK TWO WEEKS IS REASONABLE FOR THAT NUMBER OF ANIMALS,” SAID THE COUNCILMAN. “I DON’T KNOW WHAT WOULD BE A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME. I’M NOT AN EXPERT ON THE DISPOSING OF DEAD CARCASSES, BUT IF THE NUMBERS ARE WHAT THEY SAY THEY ARE, IT’S GOING TO TAKE ALMOST DOUBLE THAT, WITHIN 30 DAYS.” COUNCILWOMAN FOOTE SAID THAT SHE WAS CONCERNED WITH THE POTENTIAL COST OF CLEAN UP TO THE TOWN. SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THAT THE TOWN WOULD NEED TO CROSS THAT BRIDGE WHEN WE GET TO IT. THERE WAS FURTHER DISCUSSION
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REGARDING THE RESOLUTION. ATTORNEY FOR THE TOWN, JEFF MEYER, SAID THAT AT ANY TIME IN THE FUTURE THE TOWN BOARD HAS THE ABILITY TO REVISIT THIS RESOLUTION MAKE CHANGES.
COUNCILMAN BURCH ASKED IF THERE IS A PLACE THAT THESE CARCASSES CAN BE DISPOSED OF. MARK MILLER, ENFORCEMENT OFFICER, SAID THAT OFFICIALS WOULD LIKELY NEED A SPECIALLY PREPARED TRUCK, EXPLAINING IT WOULD NEED TO BE LINED AND TOPPED TO PREVENT WASTE CONTAMINATION OF TOWNS AND VILLAGES THEY WOULD BE DRIVING THROUGH ETC. HAFF SAID PER DEC THE ANIMAL WASTE COULD BE TAKEN TO A LICENSED LANDFILL THAT ACCEPTS THIS WASTE WITH COSTS AVERAGING NEARLY $100 A TON.
RESOLUTION NO. 19071
ON MOTION OF SUPERVISOR HAFF, 2ND BY COUNCILMAN DILLON, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED 5 AYES, 0 NAYS. VOTING AYE, COUNCILWOMAN BEECHER, COUNCILMAN BURCH, COUNCILMAN DILLON, COUNCILWOMAN FOOTE AND SUPERVISOR HAFF.
WHEREAS, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY GRANTED IN MUNICIPAL HOME RULE LAW §10, ARTICLES 24 AND 27 OF THE NYS ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION LAW, AND CHAPTER 71 OF THE CODE OF THE TOWN OF HARTFORD, THE TOWN OF HARTFORD HAS THE AUTHORITY TO REGULATE WASTE DISPOSAL AREAS COMMONLY KNOWN AS LANDFILLS AND TO PROHIBIT THE DUMPING OF ANY WASTE IN THE TOWN OF HARTFORD (THE “TOWN”); AND
WHEREAS, PURSUANT TO §71-15 THE DISPOSAL OR PROCESSING OF SPECIAL WASTES IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED IN THE TOWN; AND
WHEREAS, §71-16 DEFINES “SPECIAL WASTES” TO INCLUDE MATTER IN THE FORM OF ANIMAL CARCASSES, AND/OR ANY SOLID, LIQUID OR GASEOUS MATTER GENERATED FROM THE DESTRUCTION, INCINERATION, DISPOSAL OR PROCESSING OF ANIMAL CARCASSES; AND
WHEREAS, ACTING PURSUANT TO THIS AUTHORITY, THE TOWN ENFORCEMENT OFFICER HAS CAUSED TO BE INSPECTED THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 77 NORTHRUP LANE, TOWN OF HARTFORD, TAX ID NUMBER 131.-1-4 (THE “PROPERTY”), OWNED BY CHARLES W. POTTER AND LOIS F. POTTER AND FOUND THERE TO BE SCORES OF ANIMAL CARCASSES DISPOSED AND BURIED ON THE SITE; AND
WHEREAS, ACTING PURSUANT TO THIS AUTHORITY, THE TOWN ENFORCEMENT OFFICER WITNESSED LAWRENCE (“LARRY”) BURCH BURYING AND DISPOSING OF ANIMAL CARCASSES AT THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 77 NORTHRUP LANE, TOWN OF HARTFORD, TAX ID NUMBER 131.-1-4, OWNED BY CHARLES W. POTTER AND LOIS F. POTTER; AND
WHEREAS, ON MARCH 30, 2019 THE TOWN ENFORCEMENT OFFICER ISSUED AN ORDER TO REMEDY VIOLATION PROHIBITING FURTHER BURIAL AND DISPOSAL OF ANIMAL CARCASSES IN THE TOWN AND MANDATING THE REMOVAL OF ALL SPECIAL WASTES FROM THE PROPERTY ON OR BEFORE APRIL 4, 2019 AND SERVED THE SAME ON MR. LARRY BURCH; AND
WHEREAS, ON MARCH 30, 2019 THE TOWN ENFORCEMENT OFFICER ISSUED AN ORDER TO REMEDY VIOLATION PROHIBITING FURTHER BURIAL AND DISPOSAL OF ANIMAL CARCASSES IN THE TOWN AND MANDATING THE REMOVAL OF ALL SPECIAL WASTES FROM THE PROPERTY ON OR BEFORE APRIL 4, 2019 AND ON MARCH 31, 2019, SERVED THE SAME ON MR. CHARLES W. POTTER AND MRS. LOIS F. POTTER; AND
WHEREAS, ON APRIL 2, 2019, THE TOWN ENFORCEMENT OFFICER SERVED A NOTICE OF VIOLATION AND NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO MR. LARRY BURCH, DIRECTING HIM TO IMMEDIATE CEASE DISPOSING, PROCESSING OR BURYING ANIMAL CARCASSES AND SPECIAL WASTES ON THE PROPERTY AND PLACING HIM ON NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING TO ADDRESS THE ALLEGED VIOLATIONS WILL BE HELD ON APRIL 9, 2019 AT 7:05 PM AT THE OFFICES OF THE TOWN OF HARTFORD, 165 HARTFORD MAIN STREET, PURSUANT TO §71-17 (F) OF THE CODE OF THE TOWN OF HARTFORD; AND
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WHEREAS, ON APRIL 2, 2019, THE TOWN ENFORCEMENT OFFICER SERVED A NOTICE OF VIOLATION AND NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO MR. CHARLES W. POTTER AND MRS. LOIS F. POTTER, DIRECTING THEM TO IMMEDIATE CEASE DISPOSING, PROCESSING OR BURYING ANIMAL CARCASSES AND SPECIAL WASTES ON THE PROPERTY AND PLACING THEM ON NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING TO ADDRESS THE ALLEGED VIOLATIONS WILL BE HELD ON APRIL 9, 2019 AT 7:05 PM AT THE OFFICES OF THE TOWN OF HARTFORD, 165 HARTFORD MAIN STREET, PURSUANT TO §71-17 (F) OF THE CODE OF THE TOWN OF HARTFORD; AND
WHEREAS, THE TOWN ENFORCEMENT OFFICER HAS ISSUED A REPORT AND AFFIDAVIT TO THE TOWN BOARD CONTAINING HIS FINDINGS WITH REGARD TO THE DISPOSAL OF ANIMAL CARCASSES AND SPECIAL WASTES ON THE PROPERTY; AND
WHEREAS, THE TOWN BOARD HAS CONDUCTED A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE ALLEGED VIOLATIONS AND ALLOWED ALL PERSONS WISHING TO BE HEARD ON THE ALLEGED VIOLATIONS, INCLUDING PROVIDING MR. LARRY BURCH, MR. CHARLES W. POTTER, LOIS F. POTTER, AND/OR THEIR COUNSEL THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE HEARD; AND
WHEREAS, THE TOWN BOARD HAS FULLY CONSIDERED THE RECORD FROM THE PUBLIC HEARING, THE TESTIMONY AND EVIDENCE THAT HAVE BEEN PRESENTED ON THIS MATTER AND ARE ALL INCLUDED IN THE OFFICIAL RECORD AND MADE A PART HEREOF, AND BASED UPON THE RECORD, WISHES TO TAKE ACTION UNDER §71-17 (F) OF THE CODE OF THE TOWN OF HARTFORD.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT:
RESOLVED, THAT THE TOWN BOARD FINDS THAT SPECIAL WASTES IN THE FORM OF ANIMAL CARCASSES HAVE BEEN DISPOSED OF AND BURIED AT 77 NORTHRUP LANE, TOWN OF HARTFORD, TAX ID NUMBER 131.-1-4, WHICH IS DANGEROUS AND UNSAFE TO THE PUBLIC; AND BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED, THAT CHARLES W. POTTER, LOIS F. POTTER AND/OR LARRY BURCH ARE HEREBY ORDERED TO REMOVE ALL SPECIAL WASTE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANIMAL CARCASSES, AND/OR ANY SOLID, LIQUID OR GASEOUS MATTER GENERATED FROM THE DESTRUCTION, INCINERATION, DISPOSAL OR PROCESSING OF ANIMAL CARCASSES ILLEGALLY DISPOSED OF AND/OR BURIED ON THE PROPERTY AND TO DISPOSE OF SAME AT A TRANSFER STATION OR OTHER SUITABLE AND LICENSED LAND FILL OR TRASH RECEIVING STATION AND SUBMIT PROOF OF DISPOSAL BY MAY 7, 2019; AND BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED, THAT IN THE EVENT ALL OF THE ANIMAL CARCASSES, AND/OR ANY SOLID, LIQUID OR GASEOUS MATTER GENERATED FROM THE DESTRUCTION, INCINERATION, DISPOSAL OR PROCESSING OF ANIMAL CARCASSES ARE NOT REMOVED BY MAY 7, 2019, THE TOWN SHALL CAUSE THE REMOVAL OF ALL ANIMAL CARCASSES, AND/OR ANY SOLID, LIQUID OR GASEOUS MATTER GENERATED FROM THE DESTRUCTION, INCINERATION, DISPOSAL OR PROCESSING OF ANIMAL CARCASSES ILLEGALLY DISPOSED OF AND/OR BURIED ON THE PROPERTY, TO BE REMOVED; TO SEND A BILL TO THE PROPERTY OWNER; AND IN THE EVENT SAID BILL IS UNPAID AFTER THIRTY (30) DAYS; TO ASSESS SAME IN THE MANNER FOR THE COLLECTION OF TAXES, ALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH § 71-17 OF THE CODE OF THE TOWN OF HARTFORD; AND BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED, THIS RESOLUTION SHALL TAKE EFFECT IMMEDIATELY.
SECTION 71-17 – LANDFILLS: ADDITIONAL PENALTIES AUTHORIZATION
RESOLUTION NO. 19072
ON MOTION OF SUPERVISOR HAFF, 2ND BY COUNCILMAN DILLON, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED 4 AYES, 1 NAY. VOTING AYE, COUNCILWOMAN BEECHER, COUNCILMAN BURCH, COUNCILMAN DILLON, AND SUPERVISOR HAFF. VOTING NAY, COUNCILWOMAN FOOTE.
RESOLVED IN ADDITION TO THE ABOVE, SECTION 71-17B AND SECTION 71-17C TO PROVIDE FOR ADDITIONAL CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PROSECUTION, ALONG WITH THE IMPOSITION OF FINES FOR OF VIOLATIONS OF THE LAND FILL LAW. AND BE IT FURTHER
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RESOLVED TO AUTHORIZE JEFF MEYER, ATTORNEY FOR THE TOWN TO PROCEED TO WORK WITH MARK MILLER, REVIEW THE ALLEGED VIOLATIONS HE HAS PROOF OF AND WITH HIS HELP, DRAFT THE INFORMATION AND COMPLAINT TO BE SUBMITTED TO HARTFORD TOWN COURT. THE MAJORITY OF THIS INFORMATION WAS INTRODUCED AND RECITED AT THE PUBLIC HEARING. THIS WILL FORM THE BASIS FOR ALL THE ALLEGED VIOLATION IN WHICH THE TOWN SEEKS TO ENFORCE.
SECTION 105-6 SITE PLAN REVIEW ADDITIONAL PENALTIES AUTHORIZATION
RESOLUTION NO. 19073
ON MOTION OF SUPERVISOR HAFF, 2ND BY COUNCILMAN DILLON, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED 4 AYES, 1 NAY. VOTING AYE, COUNCILWOMAN BEECHER, COUNCILMAN BURCH, COUNCILMAN DILLON, AND SUPERVISOR HAFF. VOTING NAY, COUNCILWOMAN FOOTE.
WHEREAS THE SITE PLAN REVIEW LAW REQUIRES ALL NEW LAND USES OBTAIN SITE PLAN REVIEW AND APPROVAL BEFORE BEING UNDERTAKEN AND
WHEREAS THE PROPERTY IN QUESTION IS BEING USED AS A LANDFILL OF DECEASED FARM ANIMALS. THIS IS A NEW LAND USE AND ONE THAT WOULD REQUIRE SITE PLAN APPROVAL AS THERE ARE NO APPLICABLE EXEMPTIONS. AND
WHEREAS THE OWNER AND AGENT WERE SERVED WITH AN ORDER TO REMEDY THE VIOLATIONS AND
WHEREAS ARE WERE BOTH JOINTLY AND SEVERALLY LIABLE FOR THE VIOLATION AND DAMAGES AND
WHEREAS THE VIOLATION CITED IS THE DISPOSAL OF ANIMAL CARCASSES. IT IS BASED ON THOSE CARCASSES THAT ARE VISIBLE, BUT IT EXTENDS TO ALL ANIMALS THAT MAY HAVE BEEN BURIED ON THE PREMISES AND
WHEREAS THEY WERE PROVIDED WITH APRIL 4, 2019 AS THE DEADLINE TO REMEDY THE VIOLATION AND
WHEREAS EVERY DAY THE VIOLATION PERSISTS IS A SEPARATE AND DISTINCT OFFENSE NOW BE IT
RESOLVED TO PROCEED IN THIS MANNER IS SIMILAR TO ENFORCEMENT UNDER THE ADDITIONAL PENALTIES FOR THE LANDFILL VIOLATION. AND BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED TO AUTHORIZE JEFF MEYER, ATTORNEY FOR THE TOWN TO PROCEED TO WORK WITH MARK MILLER, REVIEW THE ALLEGED VIOLATIONS HE HAS PROOF OF AND WITH HIS HELP, DRAFT THE INFORMATION AND COMPLAINT TO BE SUBMITTED TO HARTFORD TOWN COURT. THE MAJORITY OF THIS INFORMATION WAS INTRODUCED AND RECITED AT THE PUBLIC HEARING. THIS WILL FORM THE BASIS FOR ALL THE ALLEGED VIOLATION IN WHICH THE TOWN SEEKS TO ENFORCE.
SUPERVISOR’S REPORT
RESOLUTION NO. 19074
ON MOTION OF SUPERVISOR HAFF, 2ND BY COUNCILWOMAN BEECHER, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED 5 AYES, 0 NAYS. VOTING AYE, COUNCILWOMAN BEECHER, COUNCILMAN BURCH, COUNCILMAN DILLON, COUNCILWOMAN FOOTE AND SUPERVISOR HAFF.
RESOLVED TO ACCEPT THE SUPERVISOR’S REPORT.
TOWN CLERK REPORT
RESOLUTION NO. 19075
ON MOTION OF SUPERVISOR HAFF, 2ND BY COUNCILMAN FOOTE, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED 5 AYES, 0 NAYS. VOTING AYE, COUNCILWOMAN BEECHER, COUNCILMAN BURCH, COUNCILMAN DILLON, COUNCILWOMAN FOOTE AND SUPERVISOR HAFF.
RESOLVED TO ACCEPT THE TOWN CLERK REPORT.
APRIL 9, 2019 REGULAR MEETING PG. 9 OF 12
MINUTE REVIEW
RESOLUTION NO. 19076
ON MOTION OF SUPERVISOR HAFF, 2ND BY COUNCILWOMAN FOOTE, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED 5 AYES, 0 NAYS. VOTING AYE, COUNCILWOMAN BEECHER, COUNCILMAN BURCH, COUNCILMAN DILLON, COUNCILWOMAN FOOTE AND SUPERVISOR HAFF.
RESOLVED TO ACCEPT THE REGULAR TOWN BOARD MINUTES FOR MARCH 12, 2019.
RESOLUTION NO. 19077
ON MOTION OF SUPERVISOR HAFF, 2ND BY COUNCILWOMAN FOOTE, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED 5 AYES, 0 NAYS. VOTING AYE, COUNCILWOMAN BEECHER, COUNCILMAN BURCH, COUNCILMAN DILLON, COUNCILWOMAN FOOTE AND SUPERVISOR HAFF.
RESOLVED TO ACCEPT THE PLANNING BOARD MINUTES FOR FEBRUARY 26, 2019.
PLANNING BOARD ATTENDANCE
SUPERVISOR HAFF DISCUSSED AN EMAIL THAT ROBERT ORESCHNICK SENT TO THE PLANNING BOARD IDENTIFYING HIS MEDICAL CONDITION AND FORMAL REQUEST FROM PLANNING BOARD ASKING FOR AN EXCEPTION ON THE ATTENDANCE POLICY OF “MISSING THREE CONSECUTIVE MEETINGS.”
RESOLUTION NO. 19078
ON MOTION OF SUPERVISOR HAFF, 2ND BY COUNCILMAN DILLON, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED 5 AYES, 0 NAYS. VOTING AYE, COUNCILWOMAN BEECHER, COUNCILMAN BURCH, COUNCILMAN DILLON, COUNCILWOMAN FOOTE AND SUPERVISOR HAFF.
RESOLVED TO ALLOW ROBERT ORESCHNICK A MEDICAL LEAVE OF ABSENCE FROM THE PLANNING BOARD UNTIL JUNE 1, 2019.
INFORMATION & CORRESPONDENCE
SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THAT TOWN WIDE CLEAN UP DAY WILL BE HELD ON APRIL 27, 2019 WITH A RAIN DATE SET FOR MAY 4, 2019.
SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THAT THE MEMORIAL DAY PARADE WILL BE HELD ON MAY 27, 2019 RAIN OR SHINE.
ENLISTMENT CENTER GRANT INFORMATION BIDS
SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THAT AT THE LAST TOWN BOARD MEETING THE TOWN OPENED BIDS FOR RENOVATIONS TO THE CIVIL WAR ENLISTMENT CENTER.
BIDS WERE OPENED AS FOLLOWS:
MANDY SPRING NURSERY $114.750.00
RJR CONSTRUCTION $ 52,500.00
MAC INDUSTRIES $122,372.00
PETER SWANO SPOKE WITH RJR CONSTRUCTION AND THEY SAY THEY ARE SOLE PROPRIETORS WITH SEVERAL PIECES OF EQUIPMENT. WHEN THEY NEED ADDITIONAL MANPOWER HELP THEY HIRE AND PAY PREVAILING WAGE AMOUNTS ETC. PETER SAID HE RESEARCHED SOME OF THEIR PREVIOUS WORK AND CHECKED WITH THE LOCAL SALEM HARDWARE STORE, THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD ANYTHING NEGATIVE ABOUT THEM. SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THAT THEY ALSO RESEARCHED THE OTHER TWO CONTRACTORS BY PHOTOGRAPHS OF REFERENCE JOBS PROVIDED BY MANDY SPRING NURSERY AND MAC INDUSTRIES COMPLETED WORK AT THE HARTFORD BAPTIST CHURCH. SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID ALL ARE MORE THEN QUALIFIED TO COMPLETE THE PROJECT. THE TOWN HAS A BEST VALUE LAW BUT IT IS NOT ALLOWED FOR PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS, SO THE TOWN MUST TAKE THE LOWEST BID AS LONG AS IT IS A
APRIL 9, 2019 REGULAR MEETING PG. 10 OF 12
RESPONSIVE BID. COUNCILWOMAN FOOTE SAID THAT THE TOWN HAS $125,000 TO SPEND BY MARCH 25, 2022 DEADLINE.
RESOLUTION NO. 19079
ON MOTION OF SUPERVISOR HAFF, 2ND BY COUNCILMAN DILLON, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED 5 AYES, 0 NAYS. VOTING AYE, COUNCILWOMAN BEECHER, COUNCILMAN BURCH, COUNCILMAN DILLON, COUNCILWOMAN FOOTE AND SUPERVISOR HAFF.
RESOLVED TO AWARD THE BID FOR THE ENLISTMENT CENTER RENOVATIONS GRANT TO RJR CONSTRUCTION IN THE AMOUNT OF $52,500 SUBJECT TO ATTORNEY FOR THE TOWN CONTRACT DETAIL REVIEW.
YOUTH COMMISSION REPORT
RON SMITH SAID THAT BASEBALL/SOFTBALL/T’BALL PRACTICE AND GAMES HAVE BEGUN. THE YOUTH COMMISSION VOTED TO ACCEPT A BID FROM STANTON FENCE FOR THE UPPER FIELD PROJECT FENCING AND DUGOUTS. THEY OBTAINED 3 QUOTES AS FOLLOWS:
ADIRONDAK FENCE $14,980
STANTON FENCE FOR $16,000
TOWN & COUNTRY FENCING $15,000-$16,000
RON SAID THAT STANTON FENCE WAS THE ONLY QUOTE THAT INCLUDED ALL THE WORK THEY WANT DONE INCLUDING A PAD, FRAME & ROOF ON DUGOUTS. SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THAT BASED ON THE AMOUNTS, THE TOWN BOARD NEEDS TO APPROVE THE BIDS. IF THE TOWN BOARD AGREES TO ACCEPT THE STANTON FENCE BID, THEY WILL SIGN A VOUCHER FOR THE REQUIRED 10% DOWN OF $1,600.
RESOLUTION NO. 19080
ON MOTION OF SUPERVISOR HAFF, 2ND BY COUNCILMAN BURCH, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED 5 AYES, 0 NAYS. VOTING AYE, COUNCILWOMAN BEECHER, COUNCILMAN BURCH, COUNCILMAN DILLON, COUNCILWOMAN FOOTE AND SUPERVISOR HAFF.
RESOLVED TO AWARD THE BID TO STANTON FENCE IN THE AMOUNT OF $16,000 FOR SCOPE OF WORK LISTED SUBJECT TO ATTORNEY FOR THE TOWN CONTRACT DETAIL REVIEW.
RESOLUTION NO. 19081
ON MOTION OF COUNCILWOMAN BEECHER, 2ND BY COUNCILMAN DILLON, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED 5 AYES, 0 NAYS. VOTING AYE, COUNCILWOMAN BEECHER, COUNCILMAN BURCH, COUNCILMAN DILLON, COUNCILWOMAN FOOTE AND SUPERVISOR HAFF.
RESOLVED THAT THE YOUTH COMMISSION REPORT BE ACCEPTED.
HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT REPORT
GREG BROWN SAID THAT WITH THE STATE BUDGET THE GOVERNOR TOOK AWAY THE TOWN’S WINTER RECOVERY MONEY IN THE AMOUNT OF $23,000 TOWARDS BLACKTOPPING. HE SAID IT IS PROBABLY THE LAST YEAR TO RECEIVE THE PAVE NEW YORK MONEY AS WELL. GREG SAID THAT THE HIGHWAY CREW WOULD BE ATTENDING A DEFENSIVE DRIVING CLASS IN TOWN OF HEBRON.
RESOLUTION NO. 19082
ON MOTION OF SUPERVISOR HAFF, 2ND BY COUNCILWOMAN FOOTE, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED 5 AYES, 0 NAYS. VOTING AYE, COUNCILWOMAN BEECHER, COUNCILMAN BURCH, COUNCILMAN DILLON, COUNCILWOMAN FOOTE AND SUPERVISOR HAFF.
RESOLVED THAT THE HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT REPORT BE ACCEPTED.
ENFORCEMENT OFFICER REPORT
MARK MILLER SAID THAT HE SIGNED A BUILDING PERMIT FOR GLEN CORNELL ON POPE HILL ROAD TO BUILD A NEW HOUSE. HE SIGNED A BUILDING PERMIT FOR TIM CASEY ON
APRIL 9, 2019 REGULAR MEETING PG. 11 OF 12
SKY VIEW MEADOWS TO PUT A PORCH ON HIS HOUSE. MARK SAID HE SIGNED A BUILDING PERMIT FOR GUN REALTY WHO IS REDOING THE LAVIN HOUSE ON STATE ROUTE 196. HE SIGNED A FINAL LRCC2 FOR ADAM HOWE’S NEW HOUSE ON STATE ROUTE 149. SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THAT HE THINKS THE TOWN BOARD SHOULD CHANGE HIS TITLE SINCE SO MANY PEOPLE GET CONFUSED THINKING HE IS CODE ENFORCEMENT.
RESOLUTION NO. 19083
ON MOTION OF SUPERVISOR HAFF, 2ND BY COUNCILMAN DILLON, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED 5 AYES, 0 NAYS. VOTING AYE, COUNCILWOMAN BEECHER, COUNCILMAN BURCH, COUNCILMAN DILLON, COUNCILWOMAN FOOTE AND SUPERVISOR HAFF.
RESOLVED THAT THE ENFORCEMENT OFFICE REPORT BE ACCEPTED.
DOG CONTROL REPORT
SUPERVISOR HAFF SUMMARIZED THE DOG CONTROL REPORT. AND THERE WAS A SATISFACTORY REPORT FROM STATE AGRICULTURE & MARKETS
RESOLUTION NO. 19084
ON MOTION OF SUPERVISOR HAFF, 2ND BY COUNCILWOMAN BEECHER, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED 5 AYES, 0 NAYS. VOTING AYE, COUNCILWOMAN BEECHER, COUNCILMAN BURCH, COUNCILMAN DILLON, COUNCILWOMAN FOOTE AND SUPERVISOR HAFF.
RESOLVED THAT THE DOG CONTROL REPORT BE ACCEPTED.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION
FRED BURCH ASKED IF HIS NEIGHBOR HAS A COW THAT DIES AND HAS NO WHERE TO BURY IT AND HE TAKES IT TO HIS LAND TO BURY – WOULD THIS BE THE SAME SITUATION AS THE POTTER/BURCH ISSUE. SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID YES IT WOULD BE. IN THE TOWN OF HARTFORD A FARMER IS ALLOWED TO DEAL WITH HIS OWN ANIMALS. YOU CANNOT TAKE SOMEONE ELSE’S DEAD ANIMALS. THE MOST RECOGNIZED WAY TO DEAL WITH DISPOSAL OF DEAD ANIMALS IS TO COMPOST AND BURY ON YOUR OWN LAND. SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THAT LARRY BURCH HAS A STATE LICENSE TO TRANSPORT DEAD ANIMALS TO A RENDERING FACILITY PERIOD. HE DOESN’T HAVE A LICENSE TO RENDER THEM HIMSELF. STUART CORNELL ASKED ABOUT INCINERATING ANIMALS. SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THAT A FARMER CAN DO WHAT HE WANTS TO DISPOSE OF HIS OWN ANIMALS. MARK SAID THAT A STUDY WAS DONE REGARDING HOW MUCH FUEL IT WOULD TAKE TO INCINERATE A COW – HE SAID 300 GALLONS OF FUEL. COUNCILWOMAN FOOTE SAID THAT THIS IS A BIGGER ISSUE THEN JUST IN THE TOWN OF HARTFORD – IT IS STATE WIDE. FRED BURCH SAID THAT GRANVILLE VET IS RECOMMENDING LARRY BURCH TO ANIMAL OWNERS FOR DISPOSITION, ESPECIALLY HORSE OWNERS.
SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THAT THERE COULD BE A BUSINESS MODEL HERE. IN ANOTHER TOWN THAT DOESN’T HAVE A LANDFILL LAW TO PROHIBIT THIS ACTIVITY, SOMEONE COULD DIG LARGE HOLES FOR THE WINTER AND BURY AND COMPOST THE ANIMALS OR GO TO THE OWNERS PROPERTY AND SET UP A COMPOST SITUATION TO BURY ON THE PERSONS LAND.
THERE WAS FURTHER DISCUSSION REGARDING HOW THE LANDFILL LAW WAS DRAFTED ETC.
APRIL 9, 2019 REGULAR MEETING PG. 12 OF 12
ON MOTION OF SUPERVISOR HAFF, 2ND BY COUNCILMAN DILLON THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 8:48 P.M.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, ________________________DENISE PETTEYS, RMC TOWN CLERK
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SUPERVISOR HAFF COUNCILWOMAN BEECHER
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COUNCILWOMAN FOOTE COUNCILMAN DILLON
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COUNCILMAN BURCH