July 14, 2015

A REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING WAS HELD ON TUESDAY, JULY 14, 2015 AT THE TOWN HALL  COMMENCING AT 7:00 P.M.
PRESENT

DANA HAFF, SUPERVISOR

ELIZABETH FOOTE, COUNCILWOMAN

ROBERT DILLON, COUNCILMAN

 

ABSENT

BARBARA BEECHER, COUNCILWOMAN

MICHAEL DEYOE, COUNCILMAN

 

ALSO PRESENT

DENISE PETTEYS, RMC TOWN CLERK

GREG BROWN, HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT

MARK MILLER, ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

MIKE ARMSTRONG, HISTORIAN

AMBER LINDGREN, YOUTH COMMISSION

MARGARET SEMANSCIN, BOARD OF ASSESSMENT REVIEW

 

AUDIT

SUPERVISOR HAFF CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AT 7:01 P.M.

A MOMENT OF SILENCE WAS OBSERVED FOR BETTY LOU SMITH AND JAMES BURKE BOTH WHOM PASSED AWAY RECENTLY.

PLEDGE

 

PAYMENT OF BILLS

RESOLUTION NO. 15127

ON MOTION OF SUPERVISOR HAFF, 2ND BY COUNCILMAN DILLON, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED 3 AYES, 0 NAYS, 2 ABSENT (BEECHER &DEYOE).  VOTING AYE, SUPERVISOR HAFF, COUNCILWOMAN FOOTE AND COUNCILMAN DILLON.

RESOLVED THAT THE AUTHORIZED BILLS BE PAID ON ABSTRACT #7 IN THE FOLLOWING AMOUNTS:

HIGHWAY                           VOUCHER # 264- 289                                      $ 178,489.75

GENERAL                            VOUCHER # 290- 263                                      $     6,368.62

 

SUPERVISOR’S REPORT

RESOLUTION NO. 15128

ON MOTION OF SUPERVISOR HAFF, 2ND BY COUNCILWOMAN FOOTE, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED 3 AYES, 0 NAYS, 2 ABSENT (BEECHER &DEYOE).  VOTING AYE, SUPERVISOR HAFF, COUNCILWOMAN FOOTE AND COUNCILMAN DILLON.

RESOLVED TO ACCEPT THE SUPERVISOR’S REPORT.

 

TOWN CLERK REPORT

RESOLUTION NO. 15129

ON MOTION OF SUPERVISOR HAFF, 2ND BY COUNCILMAN DILLON, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED 3 AYES, 0 NAYS, 2 ABSENT (BEECHER &DEYOE).  VOTING AYE, SUPERVISOR HAFF, COUNCILWOMAN FOOTE AND COUNCILMAN DILLON.

RESOLVED TO ACCEPT THE TOWN CLERK REPORT.

 

MINUTE REVIEW

RESOLUTION NO. 15130

ON MOTION OF SUPERVISOR HAFF, 2ND BY COUNCILMAN DILLON, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED 3 AYES, 0 NAYS, 2 ABSENT (BEECHER &DEYOE).  VOTING AYE, SUPERVISOR HAFF, COUNCILWOMAN FOOTE AND COUNCILMAN DILLON.

RESOLVED TO ACCEPT THE REGULAR TOWN BOARD MINUTES FOR JUNE 9, 2015.
JULY 14, 2015 REGULAR MEETING PG. 2 OF 7

RESOLUTION NO. 15131

ON MOTION OF SUPERVISOR HAFF, 2ND BY COUNCILWOMAN FOOTE, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED 3 AYES, 0 NAYS, 2 ABSENT (BEECHER &DEYOE).  VOTING AYE, SUPERVISOR HAFF, COUNCILWOMAN FOOTE AND COUNCILMAN DILLON.

RESOLVED TO ACCEPT THE PLANNING BOARD MINUTES FOR MAY 27, 2015.

 

INFORMATION

SUPERVISOR HAFF DISCUSSED THE UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS AS FOLLOWS: HARTFORD COMMUNITY BAND LAWN CONCERT @ BAPTIST CHURCH 6:30 PM ON 7/20;  BLOOD DRIVE @ FIREHOUSE 1-6PM ON 8/3/15;  TOWN WIDE GARAGE SALES ON 8/8 & 8/9;  FISH AND GAME CHICKEN BBQ ON 8/8.

SUPERVISOR HAFF ANNOUNCED THE JOINTA GALUSHA SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS WERE TWO HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ETHAN PIKE AND DAVID ROSS.  TWO COLLEGE LEVEL RECIPIENTS WERE HANNAH CLEARWATER AND RACHEL LIEBIG.  SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THAT SINCE THIS PROGRAM BEGAN FIFTEEN YEARS AGO, $150,000 HAS BEEN PROVIDED TO THE RECIPIENTS OF THE ANNUAL AWARDS.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INFO

SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THE COUNTY PLANNING BOARD HAS SENT OUT A BROADBAND SURVEY LOOKING TO GATHER INFORMATION REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF INTERNET SERVICE IN THE COUNTY.

 

COUNTY INFORMATION

SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THAT KEVIN HAYES, THE CURRENT COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR WILL BE RETIRING AT THE END OF THE YEAR.  THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS HAS DONE INTERVIEWS AND CHRIS DEBOLT OF HARTFORD WILL BE APPOINTED ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR AND WILL TRAIN WITH KEVIN HAYES FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR.  AFTER MR. HAYES RETIRES, CHRIS WOULD THEN BE APPOINTED COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR.

SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THAT THE COUNTY HAS HAD A “REGISTRY OF DISABLED PERSONS” SINCE 2003.  THIS REGISTRY WAS ESTABLISHED TO ENHANCE THE ABILITY OF THE COUNTY AND ITS EMERGENCY AND OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS TO RESPOND IN CASES OF NATURAL OR CIVIL DISASTER.  SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THAT HE SUGGESTED THAT SINCE MANY PEOPLE ARE NOT OF AWARE OF THIS SERVICE, THE COUNTY SHOULD DRAFT INFORMATION THAT CAN BE HANDED OUT TO CITIZENS AT THE TOWN CLERK OFFICES WHEN HANDICAP PARKING STICKERS ARE OBTAINED.  THIS WOULD BE A WAY TO MAKE CITIZENS AWARE OF THIS REGISTRY.

SUPERVISOR HAFF DISCUSSED THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY PLAN THAT WASHINGTON COUNTY IS LEAD AGENCY FOR AND THE SEVENTEEN TOWNS WERE PART OF.  THIS PLAN IS THE NEXT REQUIRED STEP FOR THE STATE 2% TAX CAP.  SUPERVISOR HAFF DISCUSSED THE TOWN OF HARTFORD’S  HEATING SYSTEM CONVERSION.  THE INFORMATION WAS NOT COMPLETELY ACCURATE.

 

ARTICLE 7 CLAIM REIMBURSEMENTS

SUPERVISOR HAFF  EXPLAINED THAT ARTICLE 7 CLAIMS ARE WHEN SOMEONE GRIEVES THEIR PROPERTY ASSESSMENT, TAKES IT TO AN ATTORNEY AND FILES IT WITH WASHINGTON COUNTY SUPREME COURT.  THE TOWN HAS TO REIMBURSE THE SCHNEIDER ARTICLE 7 CLAIM AN AMOUNT OF $108.22 AND THE RUSSELL ARTICLE 7 CLAIM AN AMOUNT OF $650.69.  SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THAT AT THE END OF THE YEAR WHEN WE PLAN A BUDGET THERE IS A THING CALLED DUE COUNTY WHICH ARE  “LOOSE STRINGS” THAT THE TOWN OWES TO THE COUNTY.  THE TOWN HAS THE OPTION TO PAY IT IN FULL OR HAVE IT LEVIED ONTO THE TAX LEVY.  THE LAST FEW YEARS THE TOWN HAS ELECTED TO PAY IT OFF SO THAT IT DOESN’T AFFECT THE BUDGET FIGURES.  THESE ITEMS WOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE DUE COUNTY THIS YEAR.

JULY 14, 2015 REGULAR MEETING PG. 3 OF 7

 

ROAD REALIGNMENT UPDATE

SUPERVISOR HAFF DISCUSSED THAT MAIN STREET HAS BEEN PAVED AND HOW IT WILL BE RENAMED “HARTFORD MAIN STREET” HE SAID THAT HE SPOKE WITH THE HARTFORD POSTMASTER THAT IT NEEDS TO BE RENAMED HARTFORD MAIN STREET SINCE PART OF THE ROAD HAS GRANVILLE MAILING.  HE FEELS THAT IF IT IS SIMPLY CALLED MAIN STREET, THE GRANVILLE MAILING WILL GIVE THE IMPRESSION THAT IT IS ACTUALLY MAIN STREET IN THE TOWN OF GRANVILLE NOT IN THE TOWN OF HARTFORD.  THE POST OFFICE IS STILL NOT WILLING TO CHANGE THE ROUTES FOR MAIN STREET.  IT WOULD TAKE AWAY FROM THE GRANVILLE POSTAL ROUTE.

SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THAT IN DISCUSSION WITH HIS NEIGHBOR ON SWAMP LANE HE WAS ASKED TO RENAME SWAMP LANE.  HE SAID THAT WHEN DEALING WITH SELLING A HOUSE AND REAL ESTATE – MOST PEOPLE WOULD NOT BE INTERESTED IN A “YUCKY” SOUNDING ROAD/LOCATION. HE DISCUSSED THE HISTORY OF SWAMP ROAD AND SAID IT IS TAMARACK SWAMP – MAYBE TAMARACK ROAD WOULD BE A SUGGESTION.  SUPERVISOR HAFF TOLD HIS NEIGHBOR TO POLL THE OTHER RESIDENTS ON THE ROAD TO SEE IF IT WAS A CONSENSUS AND BRING IT BACK TO THE TOWN BOARD FOR CONSIDERATION.

 

REVALUATION

SUPERVISOR HAFF DISCUSSED AN EMAIL HE RECEIVED FROM  SANDRA FOLEY, ASSESSOR REGARDING HER INTENTION OF DOING A REVALUATION ANNUALLY.  SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THAT IF SHE DOES THIS ANNUALLY HER INVENTORY WILL BE MORE UP TO DATE AND IF THERE ARE CHANGES SHE CAN MAKE THEM WITHOUT WAITING.  IT WON’T COST ANY EXTRA MONEY – SHE ALREADY HAS MONEY IN HER BUDGET FOR MILEAGE.  SUPERVISOR HAFF READ THE EMAIL INTO THE RECORD.  COUNCILMAN DILLON ASKED HOW DOES SHE GET TO VIEW PROPERTIES THAT ARE ON PRIVATE ROAD?  SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID LEGALLY SHE CAN ONLY VIEW FROM A PUBLIC ROAD UNLESS SHE IS INVITED IN.  HE BELIEVES SHE CAN GO ON GOOGLE EARTH OR SOME TYPE OF ARIAL REVIEW.  MARK MILLER, ENFORCEMENT OFFICER SAID THAT HE CAN GO WITH HER BECAUSE A HOMEOWNER CANNOT DENY HIM ACCESS TO THEIR PROPERTY.  SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THAT HE BELIEVES THAT THE INTENT OF THE LAW IS THAT WHEN A BUILDING IS BUILT THERE IS A BUILDING PERMIT WITH EXACT SQUARE FOOTAGE.  IF YOU EXPAND YOUR HOME OR BUILD ANOTHER STRUCTURE– ANOTHER BUILDING PERMIT IS ISSUED AND SHE IS GIVEN A COPY OF THE CHANGES.

 

MIX USE PROPERTY EXEMPTION

SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THAT HE RECEIVED INFORMATION FROM LAURA CHADWICK, COUNTY DIRECTOR OF REAL PROPERTY TAX SERVICES REGARDING ANOTHER POSSIBLE EXEMPTION THAT THE TOWN MAY WANT TO CONSIDER ADOPTING.  THIS IS IF YOU PURCHASE A PROPERTY THAT HAS A COMMERCIAL BUILDING AND THEN IT IS CONVERTED TO MIX USE, BOTH RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL IN THE SAME BUILDING, THERE IS AN EXEMPTION FOR THE AMOUNT OF MONEY YOU SPEND TO UPGRADE IT – OVER $10,000 COULD BE EXEMPT ON A 12 YEAR SCHEDULE.  SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THAT HE ASKED SANDRA FOLEY HER OPINION OF THIS EXEMPTION.  SHE SAID THAT SHE COULDN’T THINK OF ANY PARCELS THAT THIS WOULD APPLY TO AT THIS TIME.  HE SAID TRUE BUT BRENDA’S CHOP SHOP IS AN EXAMPLE OF A MIX USE PROPERTY.  IF SOMEONE WAS TO PURCHASE A COMMERCIAL PROPERTY TODAY – IT MIGHT MAKE THE PROPERTY MORE ATTRACTIVE TO SOMEONE IF THIS EXEMPTION WAS ON THE BOOKS.  SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID IN ORDER FOR THE TOWN TO DO THIS A LOCAL LAW WOULD NEED TO BE PASSED. HE ASKED THE TOWN BOARD TO TAKE IT HOME AND REVIEW FOR POSSIBLE FUTURE CONSIDERATION.  HE REQUESTED THE COUNTY ATTORNEY TO CONSIDER DRAFTING A “GENERIC” VERSION FOR THE SEVENTEEN TOWNS TO USE IN ORDER TO SAVE LEGAL COSTS AND TO MAKE IT MORE CONSISTENT.
JULY 14, 2015 REGULAR MEETING PG. 4 OF 7

AFLAC PREMIUM PAYMENTS

SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THAT THERE ARE A COUPLE HIGHWAY EMPLOYEE’S WHO CURRENTLY HAVE THERE AFLAC PREMIUM PAYMENTS DEDUCTED FROM THEIR PAYROLL CHECKS.  HE SAID IT IS A COURTESY THAT THE TOWN ALLOWED POSSIBLY BACK TO WHEN HENRY GALLINARI WAS SUPERVISOR.  THE TOWN DOES NOT ADMINISTER OR OFFER AFLAC.  HE SAID HE FEELS IT SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM JOEL CARPENTER, CPA , SUPERVISOR’S CLERK PAYROLL DUTIES.  THERE WAS FURTHER DISCUSSION AND SUPERVISOR HAFF WILL ADVISE THE EMPLOYEES THAT THE DEDUCTION WILL NO LONGER BE MADE EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2016 SO THAT THEY CAN CONTACT AFLAC TO BE DIRECT BILLED.

RESOLUTION NO. 15132

ON MOTION OF SUPERVISOR HAFF, 2ND BY COUNCILWOMAN FOOTE, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED 3 AYES, 0 NAYS, 2 ABSENT (BEECHER &DEYOE).  VOTING AYE, SUPERVISOR HAFF, COUNCILWOMAN FOOTE AND COUNCILMAN DILLON.

RESOLVED TO ACCEPT THE FOLLOWING:

 

Standard Work Day

Standard Work Day 2

JULY 14, 2015 PG. 5 OF 7

 

YOUTH COMMISSION REPORT

AMBER LINDGREN SAID THAT BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL SEASON IS DONE.  CHUCK PETIT IS COACHING MIDDLE LEAGUE BASEBALL.  RUSSELL WADE IS COACHING MIDDLE LEAGUE SOFTBALL.  THE YOUTH COMMISSION IS WORKING ON SOCCER SIGNUPS.  SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID NO ONE HAS APPLIED FOR THE 2 YOUTH COMMISSION VACANCIES.

RESOLUTION NO. 15133

ON MOTION OF SUPERVISOR HAFF, 2ND BY COUNCILWOMAN FOOTE, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED 3 AYES, 0 NAYS, 2 ABSENT (BEECHER &DEYOE).  VOTING AYE, SUPERVISOR HAFF, COUNCILWOMAN FOOTE AND COUNCILMAN DILLON.

RESOLVED THAT THE YOUTH COMMISSION REPORT BE ACCEPTED.

 

FIRE COMPANY REPORT

SUPERVISOR HAFF SUMMARIZED THE REPORT.

RESOLUTION NO. 15134

ON MOTION OF SUPERVISOR HAFF, 2ND BY COUNCILWOMAN FOOTE, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED 3 AYES, 0 NAYS, 2 ABSENT (BEECHER &DEYOE).  VOTING AYE, SUPERVISOR HAFF, COUNCILWOMAN FOOTE AND COUNCILMAN DILLON.

RESOLVED THAT THE FIRE COMPANY REPORT BE ACCEPTED.

 

JULY 14, 2015 REGULAR MEETING PG. 6 OF 7

 

HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT

GREG BROWN SAID THAT THE PAVING ON WRIGHT AND WARREN ROADS IS COMPLETE.  THEY STILL HAVE A LITTLE SHIMMING LEFT TO DO.  THEY STILL HAVE TO PUT SHOULDER MATERIAL DOWN WHEN THE COUNTY GETS BACK IN THE AREA TO HELP.

RESOLUTION NO. 15135

ON MOTION OF SUPERVISOR HAFF, 2ND BY COUNCILMAN DILLON, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED 3 AYES, 0 NAYS, 2 ABSENT (BEECHER &DEYOE).  VOTING AYE, SUPERVISOR HAFF, COUNCILWOMAN FOOTE AND COUNCILMAN DILLON.

RESOLVED TO DECLARE A 2007 WEED TRIMMER SURPLUS.

RESOLUTION NO. 15136

ON MOTION OF SUPERVISOR HAFF, 2ND BY COUNCILWOMAN FOOTE, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED 3 AYES, 0 NAYS, 2 ABSENT (BEECHER &DEYOE).  VOTING AYE, SUPERVISOR HAFF, COUNCILWOMAN FOOTE AND COUNCILMAN DILLON.

RESOLVED THAT THE HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT REPORT BE ACCEPTED.

 

SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THAT A LADY RECENTLY CLAIMED THAT SHE DAMAGED HER CAR TIRE ON COACH ROAD DUE TO PAVING WORK THAT WAS BEING DONE THERE.  THE CLAIM HAS BEEN REFERRED TO THE TOWN’S INSURANCE COMPANY TO HANDLE.

 

ENFORCEMENT OFFICER REPORT

MARK MILLER SAID HE SIGNED OFF ON MARK LANDON’S PROJECT ON ROWE HILL.  HE ALSO SIGNED OFF ON BOB ORESCHNICK’S CHAPEL PROJECT ON ROUTE 30.  HE SIGNED 2 DEMOLITION PERMITS FOR MR. ORESCHNICK AS WELL.  SIGNED BUILDING PERMIT FOR EDWARD GERMAINE FOR HUNTING CAMP ON BURCH HILL ROAD.  MARK SAID HE SIGNED A BUILDING PERMIT FOR RICK SMELIK CAR PORT ON BLOOD STREET AND FOR JEFF LAPOINT SOLAR PANELS ON SHINE HILL ROAD.  SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID HE FEELS THE TOWN OF HARTFORD NEEDS A LITTLE MORE RESPONSIVE COUNTY CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER MANAGEMENT.  HE WILL CONTACT THE COUNTY TO DISCUSS THIS ISSUE.

RESOLUTION NO. 15137

ON MOTION OF SUPERVISOR HAFF, 2ND BY COUNCILWOMAN FOOTE, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED 3 AYES, 0 NAYS, 2 ABSENT (BEECHER &DEYOE).  VOTING AYE, SUPERVISOR HAFF, COUNCILWOMAN FOOTE AND COUNCILMAN DILLON.

RESOLVED THAT THE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER REPORT BE ACCEPTED.

 

HISTORIAN REPORT

MIKE ARMSTRONG SAID THAT HE HAS BEEN RESEARCHING THE BATTLES THAT THE MEN FROM THE 123RD WAS IN AND HE IS SUMMARIZING THEM ON A POSTER ETC.

RESOLUTION NO. 15138

ON MOTION OF COUNCILMAN DILLON, 2ND BY SUPERVISOR HAFF, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED 3 AYES, 0 NAYS, 2 ABSENT (BEECHER &DEYOE).  VOTING AYE, SUPERVISOR HAFF, COUNCILWOMAN FOOTE AND COUNCILMAN DILLON.

RESOLVED THAT THE HISTORIAN REPORT BE ACCEPTED.

 

DCO REPORT

SUPERVISOR HAFF SUMMARIZED THE DCO REPORT.

RESOLUTION NO. 15139

ON MOTION OF SUPERVISOR HAFF, 2ND BY COUNCILWOMAN FOOTE, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED 3 AYES, 0 NAYS, 2 ABSENT (BEECHER &DEYOE).  VOTING AYE, SUPERVISOR HAFF, COUNCILWOMAN FOOTE AND COUNCILMAN DILLON.

RESOLVED THAT THE DCO REPORT BE ACCEPTED.

 

JULY 14, 2015 REGULAR MEETING PG. 7 OF 7

 

COURT REPORT

SUPERVISOR HAFF SUMMARIZED THE COURT REPORT.

RESOLUTION NO. 15140

ON MOTION OF SUPERVISOR HAFF, 2ND BY COUNCILWOMAN FOOTE, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED 3 AYES, 0 NAYS, 2 ABSENT (BEECHER &DEYOE).  VOTING AYE, SUPERVISOR HAFF, COUNCILWOMAN FOOTE AND COUNCILMAN DILLON.

RESOLVED THAT THE COURT REPORT BE ACCEPTED.

 

ON MOTION OF SUPERVISOR HAFF, 2ND BY COUNCILMAN DILLON THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 7:55 P.M.

 

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, ________________________DENISE PETTEYS, RMC TOWN CLERK

 

 

 

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SUPERVISOR HAFF                                                                          COUNCILWOMAN FOOTE

 

 

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COUNCILMAN DILLON