A REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING WAS HELD ON TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 2010 AT THE TOWN HALL COMMENCING AT 7:00 P.M.
PRESENT
DANA HAFF, SUPERVISOR
BARBARA BEECHER, COUNCILWOMAN
KEVIN EASTMAN, COUNCILMAN
ROBERT MILLER, COUNCILMAN
LEE WILSON, COUNCILMAN
ALSO PRESENT
DENISE PETTEYS, RMC TOWN CLERK
GREGORY BROWN, HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT
MARK MILLER, ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
JOHN HOLMES, PLANNING BOARD
PHIL GIBSON, PLANNING BOARD
GARY BURCH, PLANNING BOARD
MICHAEL DEYOE, PLANNING BOARD
ROBERT HOLMES, COMPREHENSIVE COMMITTEE
CHRIS LAVIN, LANDFILL COMMITTEE
AUDIT
SUPERVISOR HAFF CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AT 7:00 P.M.
PLEDGE
A MOMENT OF SILENCE WAS OBSERVED IN MEMORY OF MARJORIE CLIFTON AND RUTH ARMSTRONG BOTH WHOM PASSED AWAY RECENTLY.
PAYMENT OF BILLS
RESOLUTION NO. 10074
ON MOTION OF COUNCILMAN EASTMAN, 2ND BY COUNCILMAN WILSON, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED 5 AYES, 0 NAYS. VOTING AYE, SUPERVISOR HAFF, COUNCILWOMAN BEECHER, COUNCILMAN EASTMAN, COUNCILMAN MILLER, AND COUNCILMAN WILSON.
RESOLVED THAT THE AUTHORIZED BILLS BE PAID ON ABSTRACT #3 OF 2010 IN THE FOLLOWING AMOUNTS:
HIGHWAY VOUCHER #77-102 $ 14,400.43
YOUTH VOUCHER #103-108 $ 3,331.97
GENERAL VOUCHER #109-112 $ 23,533.63
SUPERVISOR REPORT
RESOLUTION NO. 10075
ON MOTION OF COUNCILWOMAN BEECHER, 2ND BY COUNCILMAN MILLER, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED 5 AYES, 0 NAYS. VOTING AYE, SUPERVISOR HAFF, COUNCILWOMAN BEECHER, COUNCILMAN EASTMAN, COUNCILMAN MILLER, AND COUNCILMAN WILSON.
RESOLVED THAT THE SUPERVISOR REPORT BE ACCEPTED.
TOWN CLERK REPORT
RESOLUTION NO. 10076
ON MOTION OF COUNCILMAN EASTMAN, 2ND BY COUNCILWOMAN BEECHER, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED 5 AYES, 0 NAYS. VOTING AYE, SUPERVISOR HAFF, COUNCILWOMAN BEECHER, COUNCILMAN EASTMAN, COUNCILMAN MILLER, AND COUNCILMAN WILSON.
RESOLVED THAT THE TOWN CLERK REPORT BE ACCEPTED.
MARCH 9, 2010 REGULAR MEETING PG. 2 OF 8
MINUTE REVIEW
RESOLUTION NO. 10077
ON MOTION OF COUNCILMAN EASTMAN, 2ND BY COUNCILWOMAN BEECHER, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED 5 AYES, 0 NAYS. VOTING AYE, SUPERVISOR HAFF, COUNCILWOMAN BEECHER, COUNCILMAN EASTMAN, COUNCILMAN MILLER, AND COUNCILMAN WILSON.
RESOLVED THAT THE PLANNING BOARD MEETING MINUTES FOR JANUARY 26, 2010 BE ACCEPTED; THE TOWN BOARD MEETING MINUTES FOR FEBRUARY 9, 2010 BE ACCEPTED WITH CORRECTION ON PAGE 2 WITH COUNCILMAN EASTMAN VOTING NO ON RESOLUTION NO. 10047 AND WITH CORRECTION ON PAGE 3 FROM AIR HOSE MAKING TO HYDRAULIC HOSE MAKING MACHINE; THE TOWN BOARD SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES FOR FEBRUARY 22, 2010 BE ACCEPTED WITH CORRECTION ON PAGE 3 STATING THAT COUNCILWOMAN BEECHER WANTS TO VERIFY THAT LOCAL LAW #8 OF 2005 IS UP TO DATE AND THE FACT THAT SUPERVISOR HAFF IS AGAINST THE LANDFILL BE INCLUDED.
PROPOSED FARMER’S MARKET PRESENTATION
MR. PAT IMBIMBO GAVE A SLIDE SHOW REGARDING REQUIREMENTS FOR A PROPOSED FARMER’S MARKET TO BE HELD AT THE HARTFORD VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY PARKING LOT. SOME SPECIFIC INFORMATION DISCUSSED INCLUDED BENEFITS TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY, HOW FARMERS MARKETS ARE NOT CHEAPER IN PRICE AND ARE NOT FLEA MARKETS. HE DISCUSSED REQUIRED FUNDING FOR INSURANCE, MARKETING, SIGNAGE AND WEBSITE/BLOGGING. MARKET ADMINISTRATION WAS DISCUSSED REGARDING HOW A MARKET MANAGER, ACCOUNTING AND EVENTUALLY A BOARD AS WELL AS INCORPORATION SHOULD BE CONSIDERED. MR. IMBIMBO SAID THAT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES NEED TO BE SET WITH A FORMAL APPLICATION BEING DRAFTED, SPECIFIC INSPECTION AND SELECTION PROCESS, REQUIRED INSURANCE. HE DISCUSSED HOW TO ADVERTISE THE EVENT AND WAYS TO MAKE IT FUN. THERE WAS LENGTHY QUESTION AND ANSWER DISCUSSION. THERE WAS DISCUSSION REGARDING KEEPING A GOOD BALANCED RATIO OF FARMERS TO ARTISANS.
SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THAT HE WOULD ASK OUR ATTORNEYS TO SEE IF THEY WOULD LIKE TO DO SOME PRO-BONO WORK REGARDING INFORMATION REGARDING SETTING UP A POSSIBLE LLC, ASSOCIATION VS. INCORPORATION.
RESOLUTION NO. 10078
ON MOTION OF SUPERVISOR HAFF, 2ND BY COUNCILWOMAN BEECHER, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED 5 AYES, 0 NAYS. VOTING AYE, SUPERVISOR HAFF, COUNCILWOMAN BEECHER, COUNCILMAN EASTMAN, COUNCILMAN MILLER, AND COUNCILMAN WILSON.
RESOLVED THAT THE TOWN BOARD SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGE MR. IMBIMBO TO SUPPORT THE LAUNCH OF THE HARTFORD REGIONAL FARMERS MARKET.
FIRE COMPANY REPORT
BRIAN JONES SUMMARIZED THE FIRE COMPANY ACTIVITY FOR THE PREVIOUS MONTH. SUPERVISOR HAFF ASKED THE STATUS OF THE VISCHER FERRY TRUCK PURCHASE. KEVIN MCCARTHY RESPONDED THAT IT WAS STILL HELD UP UNTIL THE FOLLOWING WEEK FOR REFERENDUM VOTE.
SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THAT HE HAD RECENTLY ATTENDED A COUNTY PUBLIC SAFETY MEETING. HE ASKED THEM ABOUT THE FIRE CHIEF VEHICLE STATUS. IT WOULD BE A SHERIFF VEHICLE OR ANY OTHER COUNTY VEHICLE THAT WOULD BE UP FOR AUCTION - THE TOWN CAN OBTAIN IT FOR $1. HE SAID THAT HE DISCUSSED A PREVIOUS WHITEHALL PURCHASE THAT COST THEM THE AUCTION PRICE. HE SAID THAT THE COMMITTEE CLARIFIED THE PURCHASE WOULD BE $1 TO THE TOWN. THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE USED FOR FIREMATIC ACTIVITIES.
SUPERVISOR HAFF DISCUSSED THE RECENTLY PUBLICIZED SITUATION OF WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF PATROL CUTBACKS. HE SAID THAT CURRENTLY NO ONE FROM WASHINGTON COUNTY ADVISES THE STATE POLICE THAT THE COUNTY IS SHORTHANDED - HE REQUESTED THAT THE COUNTY ADVISE THEM. HE SAID THAT IT IS NOT AS BAD AS THE POST STAR PUBLISHED.
MARCH 9, 2010 REGULAR MEETING PG. 3 OF 8
KEVIN MCCARTHY SAID THAT THE DEPARTMENT HAS 5 NEW RECRUITS WITH 3 OF THEM ALREADY TAKEN FIREFIGHTING 1, 2 ARE CERTIFIED FIRST RESPONDERS AND 1 IS AN EMT.
RESOLUTION NO. 10079
ON MOTION OF COUNCILMAN EASTMAN, 2ND BY COUNCILMAN WILSON, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED 5 AYES, 0 NAYS. VOTING AYE, SUPERVISOR HAFF, COUNCILWOMAN BEECHER, COUNCILMAN EASTMAN, COUNCILMAN MILLER, AND COUNCILMAN WILSON.
RESOLVED THAT THE FIRE COMPANY REPORT BE APPROVED.
HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT REPORT
GREG BROWN SAID THAT THEY HAVE BEEN HAVING SOME TROUBLE WITH THE NEW TRUCK STALLING OUT - THEY HAVE BEEN TAKING IT BACK FOR SERVICING AND SOME TROUBLE WITH THE LIGHTS. HE SAID THAT MOST OF THE REPAIRS HAVE BEEN IN HOUSE. THE ROLLER WILL BE PAINTED. SUPERVISOR HAFF ASKED IF THEY WOULD BE SELLING THE LARGE ROLLER NOW THAT THEY HAVE THE SMALLER ONE SERVICED. GREG SAID THAT HE THOUGHT THEY COULD BE WOULD LIKE TO WAIT TO BE SURE THE SMALL ONE WILL BE OPERATING ADEQUATELY.
GREG SAID THAT HE HAS BEEN SEARCHING AROUND FOR THE PAST MONTH LOOKING FOR A DIFFERENT GRADALL. HE SAID THAT THEY HAVE MONEY AVAILABLE BUT MOST OF THE ONES FOR SALE ARE NOT WITHIN THE PRICE RANGE. HE SAID THAT HE STILL HAS NOT FOUND ANYTHING COMPARABLE TO THE ONE THAT HE SPOKE TO THE BOARD ABOUT LAST MEETING. HE SAID THAT THE TOWN OF NORTHUMBERLAND HAS THE EXACT SAME MODEL ONLY 1 YEAR NEWER SO THEY WENT DOWN AND USED IT. HE SAID THAT THEY WATCHED A U-TUBE VIDEO OF THE MACHINE OPERATING AND COULD HEAR THE ENGINE RUNNING ETC. HE SAID THAT THE PREVIOUS OWNER WAS A MUNICIPALITY THAT TRADED IT IN FOR A NEWER MODEL. GREG ASKED IF SOMEONE COULD GO OUT TO SEE THE MACHINE IN MICHIGAN. SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THAT HE WAS CONCERNED THAT ANY PURCHASE OVER $10,000 WOULD REQUIRE THE TOWN TO PLACE A BID FOR GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS. THERE WAS DISCUSSION THAT THE BID CAN BE VERY SPECIFIC AND IS REQUIRED BY LAW. COUNCILMAN EASTMAN ASKED IF THE TOWN COULD SHARE USE OF ANOTHER LOCAL MUNICIPALITIES MACHINE. GREG RESPONDED THAT IT WOULD BE NECESSARY TO USE THE MACHINE AT THE SAME TIME SO IT WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO SHARE.
RESOLUTION NO. 10080
ON MOTION OF COUNCILWOMAN BEECHER, 2ND BY COUNCILMAN MILLER, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED 5 AYES, 0 NAYS. VOTING AYE, SUPERVISOR HAFF, COUNCILWOMAN BEECHER, COUNCILMAN EASTMAN, COUNCILMAN MILLER, AND COUNCILMAN WILSON.
RESOLVED THAT THE ANTICIPATED GRADALL PURCHASE BE PUT OUT FOR COMPETITIVE BID.
ENLISTMENT CENTER INFORMATION
SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THAT HE HAS SENT A REQUEST TO CONGRESSMAN MURPHY’S OFFICE FOR $60,000 TO REDO THE MASONRY FOUNDATION ON THE ENLISTMENT CENTER. HE SAID THAT HE HAS A MEETING TO DISCUSS THIS ISSUE.
PLANNING BOARD REPORT
JOHN HOLMES SAID THAT THERE WERE A FEW ISSUES HANDLED. SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THAT THE ATTORNEY WOULD BE PROVIDING TRAINING AVAILABLE FOR THE PLANNING BOARD MEMBERS.
RESOLUTION NO. 10081
ON MOTION OF COUNCILMAN WILSON, 2ND BY SUPERVISOR HAFF, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED 5 AYES, 0 NAYS. VOTING AYE, SUPERVISOR HAFF, COUNCILWOMAN BEECHER, COUNCILMAN EASTMAN, COUNCILMAN MILLER, AND COUNCILMAN WILSON.
RESOLVED THAT THE PLANNING BOARD REPORT BE ACCEPTED.
MARCH 9, 2010 REGULAR MEETING PG. 4 OF 8
COMPREHENSIVE COMMITTEE REPORT
ROBERT HOLMES SAID THEY ARE CONCENTRATING ON EXPANDING SOME VERBIAGE THAT DEALS WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. THEY ARE TRYING TO PROVIDE GUIDANCE AND OVERALL PLANNING IN THAT REGARD. ON MARCH 31, 2010 WILL BE THE NEXT PUBLIC PRESENTATION HELD AT THE FIREHOUSE.
RESOLUTION NO. 10082
ON MOTION OF COUNCILMAN EASTMAN, 2ND BY COUNCILMAN WILSON, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED 5 AYES, 0 NAYS. VOTING AYE, SUPERVISOR HAFF, COUNCILWOMAN BEECHER, COUNCILMAN EASTMAN, COUNCILMAN MILLER, AND COUNCILMAN WILSON.
RESOLVED THAT THE COMPREHENSIVE COMMITTEE REPORT BE ACCEPTED.
DOG CONTROL REPORT
SUPERVISOR HAFF READ THE DOG CONTROL REPORT THAT WAS SUBMITTED.
RESOLUTION NO. 10083
ON MOTION OF COUNCILMAN EASTMAN, 2ND BY COUNCILMAN WILSON, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED 5 AYES, 0 NAYS. VOTING AYE, SUPERVISOR HAFF, COUNCILWOMAN BEECHER, COUNCILMAN EASTMAN, COUNCILMAN MILLER, AND COUNCILMAN WILSON.
RESOLVED THAT THE DOG CONTROL REPORT BE ACCEPTED.
YOUTH COMMISSION REPORT
SUPERVISOR HAFF READ THE YOUTH COMMISSION REPORT SUBMITTED BY KRISSY STEWART SUMMARIZING THE ACTIVITIES.
RESOLUTION NO. 10084
ON MOTION OF COUNCILMAN EASTMAN, 2ND BY COUNCILWOMAN BEECHER, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED 5 AYES, 0 NAYS. VOTING AYE, SUPERVISOR HAFF, COUNCILWOMAN BEECHER, COUNCILMAN EASTMAN, COUNCILMAN MILLER, AND COUNCILMAN WILSON.
RESOLVED THAT THE YOUTH COMMISSION REPORT BE ACCEPTED.
HOME GROUP REPORT
CRAIG FOUNTAINE SAID THAT HE HAS NOT RECEIVED ANY COMPLAINTS.
RESOLUTION NO. 10085
ON MOTION OF COUNCILMAN MILLER, 2ND BY COUNCILMAN EASTMAN, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED 5 AYES, 0 NAYS. VOTING AYE, SUPERVISOR HAFF, COUNCILWOMAN BEECHER, COUNCILMAN EASTMAN, COUNCILMAN MILLER, AND COUNCILMAN WILSON.
RESOLVED THAT THE HOME GROUP REPORT BE ACCEPTED.
ENFORCEMENT OFFICER REPORT
MARK MILLER SAID THAT HE SPOKE WITH DAVE ARMANDO AND DAVE SAID THAT HE WAS WORKING ON ENFORCING THE JACKSON VIOLATIONS. HE DISCUSSED BUILDING PERMIT ISSUE FOR AG BUILDINGS. HE ADVISED PAULA LAGOY MANGAN REGARDING OBTAINING A BUILDING PERMIT AFTER A RECENT FIRE AT HER HOME. HE SAID THAT THE HARWOOD MOBILE HOME ON CORNER OF BURCH ROAD AND LILY POND HAS BEEN REMOVED AND DESTROYED. HE DISCUSSED THE COUNTY ROUTE 30 DRIVEWAY PROGRESS. SUPERVISOR HAFF ASKED IF ANY OF THE BUILDING PERMITS REQUIRED THE RIGHT TO FARM NOTIFICATION. MARK SAID NO.
RESOLUTION NO. 10086
ON MOTION OF COUNCILMAN EASTMAN, 2ND BY COUNCILMAN WILSON, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED 5 AYES, 0 NAYS. VOTING AYE, SUPERVISOR HAFF, COUNCILWOMAN BEECHER, COUNCILMAN EASTMAN, COUNCILMAN MILLER, AND COUNCILMAN WILSON.
RESOLVED THAT THE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER REPORT BE ACCEPTED.
MARCH 9, 2010 REGULAR MEETING PG. 5 OF 8
COURT REPORT
SUPERVISOR HAFF SUMMARIZED THE COURT REPORT.
RESOLUTION NO. 10087
ON MOTION OF COUNCILMAN EASTMAN, 2ND BY COUNCILMAN MILLER, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED 5 AYES, 0 NAYS. VOTING AYE, SUPERVISOR HAFF, COUNCILWOMAN BEECHER, COUNCILMAN EASTMAN, COUNCILMAN MILLER, AND COUNCILMAN WILSON.
RESOLVED THAT THE JUSTICE COURT REPORT BE ACCEPTED.
ATTORNEY REAPPOINTMENT
SUPERVISOR HAFF DISCUSSED THE REAPPOINTMENT OF FITZGERALD MORRIS BAKER FIRTH AS ATTORNEY FOR THE TOWN EFFECTIVE MARCH 1, 2010 WITH PLANS TO MITIGATE ATTORNEY EXPENSE. HE PLANS TO NOTIFY THEM TO ATTEND MEETINGS WHEN REQUIRED. HE SAID THAT THE AGREEMENT THAT HE SIGNED INCLUDED ALL GOVERNMENTAL MEETINGS WILL BE BILLED AT THE HOURLY RATES STATED FOR GENERAL LEGAL WORK. COUNCILWOMAN BEECHER ASKED IF MILEAGE WOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE HOURLY RATE. SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THAT HE WOULD CLARIFY THE ISSUE.
LOCAL LAW #8 OF 2005
SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THAT IN REVIEWING THE LOCAL LAW #8 OF 2005 AS REQUESTED BY COUNCILWOMAN BEECHER REGARDING NYS PART 360, HE FOUND THAT SECTION 3.0 RESTRICTIONS ON COMPOSTING SEPTAGE & LAND APPLICATION FACILITY FOR SEPTAGE INCLUDES CHAPTER 4 WHICH WAS LAST REVISED IN 2003 AND OUR LAW WAS WRITTEN IN 2005 - SO OUR LAW IS CURRENT. HE SAID THAT THE ONLY REFERENCE TO NYS PART 360 IN OUR LAW IS IN SECTION 3.0. SPECIFICALLY REFERRING TO CHAPTER 4 OF NYS PART 360. JOHN HOLMES SAID THAT HE BELIEVED THE ENTIRE NYS PART 360 WAS ADOPTED AND REFERENCED. THERE WAS LENGTHY DISCUSSION REGARDING NYS PART 360 AND LOCAL LAW #8 OF 2005. COUNCILWOMAN BEECHER ASKED IF THE COUNTY STILL HAD AN AD HOC LANDFILL COMMITTEE. SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THAT HE ATTENDED THE INTER-COUNTY SOLID WASTE MEETING AND ASKED ABOUT THE AD-HOC LANDFILL COMMITTEE. HE WAS TOLD BY BOB BANKS THAT THEY USED TO HAVE IT BUT THEY HAVEN’T HAD IT IN A LONG TIME AND THEY WON’T HAVE IT BECAUSE HARTFORD DOESN’T WANT TO HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH IT, WHICH IS WHY THE COUNTY PUT IT OUT TO AUCTION TO TRY TO SELL THE PROPERTY.
HIGHWAY MOWER
HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT GREG BROWN DISCUSSED THE MOWER ISSUE. HE SAID THAT HE WENT TO BARRY MOORES - HE WOULD NOT TAKE OUR OLD MACHINE IN FOR TRADE AND OFFERED THE SAME MACHINE FOR $9000 ASSEMBLED AND $8000 UNASSEMBLED. GREG SHOWED HIM THE OFFER FROM SALEM FARM SUPPLY AND MR. MOORE SAID THAT THE TOWN SHOULD TAKE SALEM’S OFFER BECAUSE NO ONE COULD BEAT IT. GREG SAID THAT THE SALEM FARM SUPPLY HAS HELD THE PRICE FROM LAST TIME IT WAS BID LAST YEAR FOR A NEW FULLY ASSEMBLED MOWER FOR $6875 WITH THE OLD MACHINE BEING TRADED IN.
RESOLUTION NO. 10088
ON MOTION OF SUPERVISOR HAFF, 2ND BY COUNCILMAN MILLER, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED 3 AYES, 2 NAYS. VOTING AYE, SUPERVISOR HAFF, COUNCILWOMAN BEECHER AND COUNCILMAN MILLER. VOTING NO, COUNCILMAN EASTMAN AND COUNCILMAN WILSON.
RESOLVED TO PURCHASE THE NEW MOWER FROM SALEM FARM SUPPLY FOR $6875.
AMERICADE REIMBURSEMENT
SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THAT THE TOWN HAS ALREADY RECEIVED $62.50 REIMBURSEMENT FROM DAVE HICKS, LULU’S DINER FOR THE UPCOMING AMERICADE EVENT. THE TOWN IS STILL WAITING FOR POLE VALLEY PLAYERS CLUB FOR REIMBURSEMENT.
MARCH 9, 2010 REGULAR MEETING PG. 6 OF 8
RIGHT TO FARM LAW GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE
SUPERVISOR HAFF DISCUSSED THAT THE RIGHT TO FARM LAW IS LOOKING TO AVOID NUISANCE LAWSUITS AND HE EXPLAINED THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE APPOINTMENTS LISTED IN THE LAW. BASED ON THAT INFORMATION, HE SAID THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO APPOINT THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE TO THE RIGHT TO FARM LAW GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE AS FOLLOWS:
3 FROM HARTFORD (2 AG BUSINESS BACKGROUND, 1 NO AG BUSINESS):
ANDREA WADE (AG) ALPACA FARM
EMILY DEBOLT (AG) PLANT NURSERY
TINA DEMARSH (NO AG) NORTH COUNTY TOUR BUS
2 AT LARGE OUTSIDE OF THE TOWN BUT FROM WASHINGTON COUNTY:
CORRINA ALDRICH - SALEM - WASH CO SOIL & WATER CONSERV. DISTRICT.
BRIAN GILCHRIST - SHUSAN - ASSOCIATE EXEC DIRECTOR CORNELL COOP EXTENSION.
THERE WAS DISCUSSION REGARDING THE 2 COMMITTEE MEMBERS WITH AG BUSINESS BACKGROUND. SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THAT ANDREA WADE, EMILY DEBOLT AND AMI GOLDSTEIN HAD ALL TOLD HIM THAT THEY WOULD SERVE. COUNCILMAN EASTMAN SUGGESTED JACKIE GEBO OR LORI MERCURE AND COUNCILWOMAN BEECHER ASKED TO APPOINT LAWRENCE BEECHER. COUNCILWOMAN BEECHER SAID THAT THERE HAVE BEEN MANY AGRICULTURAL ISSUES THAT HAVE BEEN SOLVED OUTSIDE OF COURT PROCEEDINGS SUCH AS FENCING, FARM NOISE, FARM ODOR, COMPOSTING ISSUES AND MANURE ISSUES. THERE COULD BE ISSUES WITH RUNOFF, PESTICIDES, HERBICIDES AND SEVERAL OTHERS.
SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THAT LARRY BEECHER IS THE SPOUSE OF A TOWN BOARD MEMBER AND IF HE WAS APPOINTED TO THIS COMMITTEE THERE COULD BE A PROBLEM IF THE COMMITTEE EVER HAD TO COME BACK TO THE TOWN BOARD. HE SAID THAT HE CHECKED WITH THE NYS COMPTROLLER OFFICE REGARDING CONFLICT OF INTEREST AND IT MOSTLY APPLIES REGARDING MONETARY ISSUES. HE SAID THAT SIBLINGS ARE NOT CONSIDERED FAMILY BUT THE RULE DOES CHANGE FOR SPOUSES, PARENTS AND CHILDREN. THERE CAN BE NO APPEARANCE OF IMPROPRIETY.
SUPERVISOR HAFF ASKED HOW TWO MEMBERS SHOULD BE APPOINTED OUT OF SIX CANDIDATES. HE SUGGESTED DRAWING THEM OUT OF A HAT. COUNCILWOMAN BEECHER THOUGHT THAT THIS METHOD WAS FOR SECOND GRADERS. ROBERT HOLMES ASKED IF THE LAW REQUIRED THAT THE TOWN HAVE THE TWO MEMBERS FROM OUT OF TOWN. SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THAT THE LAW SAYS “MAY” BE AT LARGE FROM WITHIN WASHINGTON COUNTY. HE THOUGHT THAT WOULD BE AN EXCELLENT IDEA TO APPOINT AND HAVE AN ALTERNATE. COUNCILWOMAN BEECHER SAID THAT THE LAW DOES NOT PROVIDE FOR AN ALTERNATE AND WOULD NEED TO BE REVISED. COUNCILWOMAN BEECHER AND COUNCILMAN EASTMAN REQUESTED THAT MORE DAIRY FARMERS BE APPOINTED SINCE THEY ARE MORE AWARE OF THE ISSUES THAT ARE INVOLVED IN AGRICULTURE.
RESOLUTION NO. 10089
ON MOTION OF COUNCILWOMAN BEECHER, 2ND BY COUNCILMAN WILSON, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED 5 AYES, 0 NAYS. VOTING AYE, SUPERVISOR HAFF, COUNCILWOMAN BEECHER, COUNCILMAN EASTMAN, COUNCILMAN MILLER, AND COUNCILMAN WILSON.
RESOLVED THAT THE RIGHT TO FARM LAW GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS BE TABLED.
SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THAT HE COULD CONTACT THE PEOPLE TO BE SURE THAT THEY WOULD REALLY LIKE TO BE ON THIS COMMITTEE SINCE THERE ARE SO MANY INTERESTED.
MARCH 9, 2010 REGULAR MEETING PG. 7 OF 8
ALTERNATIVE SENTENCING
SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THAT IF THE TOWN SUPPLIES THE PAINT AND ANY REPAIR MATERIALS, ONE HIGHWAY EMPLOYEE TO SUPERVISE, THE TOWN COULD OBTAIN FREE LABOR TO HAVE THE OLD TOWN BARN REPAIRED AND PAINTED. THERE WAS DISCUSSION REGARDING SAFETY ISSUES AS WELL AS AN ALTERNATIVE SENTENCING PERSON BEING ALLOWED TO BE MORE THAN 6′ OFF THE GROUND.
ASSESSMENT UPDATE
SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THAT ASSESSMENT LETTERS HAD BEEN MAILED TO ALL RESIDENTS. HE SAID THAT MOST OF THE ASSESSMENTS WENT DOWN BECAUSE THE TOWN WAS FOUND TO BE OVER-VALUED SO THE STATE TOLD NANCY STRONG THAT SHE NEEDED TO DROP THE ASSESSMENTS BY ABOUT 5%. SOME HOMES WILL STILL GO UP BASED ON TRUE MARKET VALUE. IT IS NOT DONE ACROSS THE BOARD IT IS BASED ON TRENDS OF TYPES OF HOUSES AND SALES. HE EXPLAINED THAT TAXES ARE BASED ON THE BUDGET TAX RATES AND HE STRESSED THAT THE TOWN NEEDS TO KEEP THE BUDGET AND EXPENSES DOWN.
WEBSITE & SUPERVISOR BLOG
SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THAT HE NOW HAS A SUPERVISOR BLOG ON THE TOWN WEBSITE.
VELO QUEBEC
SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THAT ON AUGUST 8 THE VELO QUEBEC BIKE TOUR WOULD BE HEADING THROUGH HARTFORD ON STATE ROUTE 149 AND COUNTY ROUTE 17. HE SAID THAT THEY WILL BE INTERESTED IN THE BEAUTIFUL SIGHTS.
SENIOR HOUSING
SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THAT DALE LAPOINT HAD ASKED HIM ABOUT THE ISSUE OF SENIOR HOUSING. HE SAID THAT THE TOWN HAS NO MONEY AVAILABLE TO BUILD NEW HOUSING POSSIBLY RENOVATIONS TO EXISTING HOUSES WOULD BE AN OPTION. HE RECENTLY RECEIVED INFORMATION ON GRANTS AVAILABLE FROM THE USDA FOR SENIOR HOUSING AND HE SENT IT TO DALE LAPOINT. SHE WILL RESEARCH THE ISSUE AND ADVISE THE TOWN BOARD IN THE FUTURE.
TAX FORECLOSURE
SUPERVISOR HAFF DISCUSSED A TENTATIVE LIST OF TAX DELINQUENCIES OF PARCELS SUBJECT TO FORECLOSURE PROCEEDING AND CONVEYANCE TO THE COUNTY AS OF APRIL 6, 2010.
APPROPRIATION FUNDING REQUESTS
SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THAT HE IS REQUESTING $1500 OF MEMBER ITEM MONEY FROM ASSEMBLYMAN TONY JORDAN IN SUPPORT OF THE PROPOSED FARMER’S MARKET AND $60,000 FROM REPRESENTATIVE MURPHY FOR THE ENLISTMENT CENTER.
COUNTY UPDATE
SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THAT GRANVILLE TOWN SUPERVISOR, RODGER HURLEY PASSED AWAY RECENTLY AND HIS MEMORIAL SERVICE WILL BE HELD ON 3/13/10 AT 1PM AT THE SOUTH GRANVILLE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH FOLLOWED BY A RECEPTION AT HVFC FIRE HOUSE.
SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THAT HE WOULD BE DELIVERING ALL OF THE HARTFORD MEALS ON WHEELS ON 3/17/10.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION
COUNCILWOMAN BEECHER ANNOUNCED THAT IT WAS SUPERVISOR HAFF’S 50TH BIRTHDAY TODAY.
MARCH 9, 2010 REGULAR MEETING PG. 8 OF 8
ROBERT HOLMES SAID THAT IN REFERENCE TO THE FARMERS MARKET ISSUE, HE FELT THAT THE TOWN BOARD SHOULD NOT BE DISCOURAGED TO EXPEND SOME FUNDING OR ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTIONS TO GET THIS THING OFF THE GROUND. HE SUGGESTED WAITING TO SEE WHAT TYPE OF INTEREST AND ATTENDANCE THIS EVENT WOULD GENERATE BEFORE SPENDING MONEY FOR INCORPORATION. SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THIS EVENT WOULD NOT GENERATE SALES TAX OR MUCH REVENUE BUT IT WOULD MAKE HARTFORD A DESTINATION FOR THE FUTURE BY PUTTING IT IN A POSITIVE LIGHT.
THERE WAS FURTHER DISCUSSION REGARDING HOW STRONG LOCAL LAW #8 OF 2005 HAS BEEN FOR THE TOWN AS WELL AS THE STATUS OF THE COUNTY TRASH BURN PLANT AND RECYCLING CENTERS AND CONTRACT INFORMATION.
ON MOTION OF SUPERVISOR HAFF, 2ND BY COUNCILMAN EASTMAN THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 9:50 P.M.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, ______DENISE PETTEYS, RMC TOWN CLERK
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SUPERVISOR HAFF COUNCILWOMAN BEECHER
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COUNCILMAN EASTMAN COUNCILMAN WILSON
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COUNCILMAN MILLER