A REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING WAS HELD ON TUESDAY, MARCH 13, 2018 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
MARK MILLER, ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
PETER SWANO, HISTORICAL GROUP
RON SMITH, YOUTH COMMISSION
AUDIT
SUPERVISOR HAFF CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AT 7:00 P.M.
PLEDGE
A MOMENT OF SILENCE WAS OBSERVED FOR ELEANOR WATSON AND ELEANOR BEEBE BOTH WHOM PASSED AWAY RECENTLY.
TOWN BOARD ROLL CALL WAS MADE WITH ALL MEMBERS PRESENT.
PAYMENT OF BILLS
THERE WAS DISCUSSION REGARDING HOW YOUTH COMMISSION TOURNAMENTS ARE PAID FOR AND REGARDING ISSUES WHERE ALL PLAYERS ARE NOT PLAYING “NEARLY” THE SAME AMOUNT OF TIME AS OTHER PLAYERS.
RESOLUTION NO. 18054
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 #3 OF 2018 IN THE FOLLOWING AMOUNTS:
HIGHWAY VOUCHER #87-80 $ 33,257.55
YOUTH VOUCHER #81-85 $ 975.45
GENERAL VOUCHER #86-110 $ 16,738.61
SUPERVISOR’S REPORT
RESOLUTION NO. 18055
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 SUPERVISOR’S REPORT.
SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THAT JOEL CARPENTER, SUPERVISOR’S CLERK PREPARES AN ANNUAL UPDATE DOCUMENT AT THE END OF THE YEAR AND IT IS AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW IN THE TOWN CLERK’S OFFICE. THERE WAS LENGTHY DISCUSSION REGARDING THE BANK ACCOUNTS, GENERAL, HIGHWAY AND YOUTH ACCOUNTS AND FUND BALANCES BASED ON THIS DOCUMENT.
TOWN CLERK REPORT
RESOLUTION NO. 18056
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 ACCEPT THE TOWN CLERK REPORT.
MINUTE REVIEW
RESOLUTION NO. 18057
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 FEBRUARY 13, 2018.
MARCH 13, 2018 REGULAR MEETING PG. 2 OF 4
RESOLUTION NO. 18058
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 PLANNING BOARD MINUTES FOR JANUARY 23, 2018.
RESOLUTION NO. 18059
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 ACCEPT THE YOUTH COMMISSION MINUTES FOR DECEMBER 4, 2018 AND JANUARY 8, 2018.
INFORMATION
SUPERVISOR HAFF DISCUSSED THE UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS AS FOLLOWS: MASON HAM DINNER ON 3/25; FISH & GAME FISH FRY ON 3/30; HCS SPRING BREAK 4/2 – 6; HARTFORD VOLUNTEER FIRE PANCAKE BREAKFAST ON 4/8.
COUNTY INFORMATION
SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THAT HE IS PROTESTING AT THE COUNTY BECAUSE THEY ARE ALREADY SPENDING MONEY WITH NO REGARD TO THE TAX CAP. THEY APPROVED 2 UNION AGREEMENTS THAT HAVE A 2.5% WAGE INCREASE. THE TAX CAP IS ABOUT 1.9% HE SAID PAYROLL FOR THE COUNTY IS ABOUT 80% OF THE TAX LEVY. WITH THIS ALONE THE COUNTY IS GOING TO BREAK THE TAX CAP. HE SAID THERE ARE MANY OTHER EXPENSES ANTICIPATED FOR THE COUNTY AND HE PREDICTS LAYOFFS MAY OCCUR. COUNCILMAN BURCH ASKED HOW TAX CAPS ARE SET. SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THAT THE STATE SETS THEM AND IF THEY ARE NOT KEPT, CITIZENS DO NOT RECEIVE THE REBATE CHECKS. IT WOULD BE REFLECTED IN THE NYS COMPTROLLER FISCAL STRESS REPORTING. SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THAT THE COUNTY WILL JUST KEEP SPENDING THEIR FUND BALANCE.
ENLISTMENT CENTER RESTORATION WORK BIDS
SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THAT 2 BIDS WERE RECEIVED FOR THE CIVIL WAR ENLISTMENT CENTER & MUSEUM AND PUBLICALLY OPENED BY HIMSELF AND THE TOWN CLERK ON FRIDAY MARCH 9TH AT NOON. THE BIDS ARE BID A FOR THE ENLISTMENT CENTER AND BID B FOR MUSEUM/HOUSE AS FOLLOWS:
MAC INDUSTRIES BID A $112,165 BID B $30,071
MANDY SPRING NURSERY BID A $122,446.69 BID B NOT BIDDING
SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THAT HE FEELS THAT THE TOWN BOARD NEEDS TO STUDY THE INFORMATION AND IT WILL BE DECIDED AT THE NEXT TOWN BOARD MEETING ON APRIL 10, 2018. THERE WAS DISCUSSION ON PROCUREMENT BIDDING POLICY, POSSIBLE FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES AND PREVAILING WAGE REQUIREMENTS.
RESOLUTION NO. 18060
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 TABLE BIDS UNTIL THE APRIL 10, 2018 MEETING.
VACANCY PLANNING BOARD ALTERNATE
SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THAT AFTER 3 ABSENCES AMBER LINDGREN MERCURE CURRENT PLANNING BOARD ALTERNATE IS NO LONGER INTERESTED IN SERVING ON THE PLANNING BOARD.
RESOLUTION NO. 18061
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 AMBER LINDGREN MERCURE PLANNING BOARD VACANCY BE POSTED TO BE FILLED THROUGH THE UNEXPIRED TERM OF 12/31/23.
NYMIR RISK MANAGEMENT VISIT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THAT A NYMIR RISK MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST MET WITH HIMSELF, GREG BROWN, HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT AND DENISE PETTEYS, TOWN CLERK ON FRIDAY 3/9/18. HE HAD SOME RECOMMENDATIONS . THE FUELING STATION OUT FRONT NEEDS 2 PLACARDS THAT READ “SHUT OFF YOUR ENGINE WHEN REFUELING”. THEY WILL BE ORDERED. HE WALKED THRU THE BUILDING AND THE OXYGEN ACETYLENE TORCHES DID NOT HAVE A FLASH BACK ARRESTOR ON THE HOSES. THE FLASH BACK ARRESTORS
MARCH 13, 2018 REGULAR MEETING PG. 3 OF 4
NEED TO BE ORDERED. HE SAID THAT WE WILL NEED TO START HAVING HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENTS SIGNED. SUPERVISOR HAFF GAVE AN EXAMPLE THAT IF PECKHAM’S IS HIRED TO PAVE OUR ROADS, PECKHAM’S NEEDS TO BE NAMED AS AN ADDITIONAL INSURED ON OUR LIABILITY POLICY PLUS A HOLD HARMLESS. HE EXPLAINED IF A GUY OPERATING THE PAVER FOR PECKHAM’S STEPPED OFF AND TWISTED HIS ANKLE THEY COULD COME AGAINST THE TOWN UNLESS A HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT IS IN PLACE. SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THAT THERE WAS ALSO DISCUSSION REGARDING SHARED SERVICES BETWEEN TOWNS AND WASHINGTON COUNTY – THESE TOWNS NEED TO BE NAMED AS ADDITIONAL INSURED’S, HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENTS ETC. SUPERVISOR HAFF IS GOING TO REACH OUT TO THE ASSOCIATION OF TOWNS TO OBTAIN THESE FORMS WHEN HIGHWAY DEPARTMENTS BORROW MACHINERY / EQUIPMENT.
THE NYMIR SPECIALIST ASKED IF WE CONDUCT ANNUAL TRAINING ON WORKPLACE VIOLENCE, HARASSMENT AND ANTIDISCRIMINATION. SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID IT IS NOT DONE ANNUALLY. AS FAR AS THE INSURANCE COMPANY IS CONCERNED WE MUST HAVE ALL EMPLOYEES ATTEND TRAINING ONCE A YEAR REGARDING THESE POLICIES. THE TOWN IS REVIEWED BY PUBLIC EMPLOYEE SAFETY AND HEALTH BUREAU (PESH) FOR THESE ITEMS. SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THAT HE WILL CONTACT WASHINGTON COUNTY SAFETY OFFICER, PHIL SPIEZIO TO TRY TO SCHEDULE TRAINING. IT WAS SUGGESTED THAT THERE IS ALSO ONLINE TRAINING AVAILABLE.
YOUTH COMMISSION REPORT
RON SMITH SAID THAT THEY FINISHED UP BASKETBALL SEASON. THEY ARE WORKING ON GETTING THE BASEBALL/SOFTBALL SIGNUPS DONE. HE SAID THE COACHES THAT ARE INTERESTED AGAIN THIS YEAR HAVE ALL HAD THEIR BACKGROUND CHECKS DONE ALREADY. THERE WILL BE AN EASTER EGG HUNT AT THE SCHOOL ON MARCH 25. SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THAT THE NYMIR SPECIALIST WAS HAPPY TO SEE THAT THE TOWN HAS BEEN CONDUCTING THE BACKGROUND CHECKS ON THE YOUTH COMMISSION VOLUNTEER COACHES.
RESOLUTION NO. 18062
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 ACCEPT THE YOUTH COMMISSION REPORT.
HIGHWAY REPORT
SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THAT GREG BROWN IS STILL OUT ON MEDICAL LEAVE.
ENFORCEMENT OFFICER REPORT
MARK MILLER SAID THAT HE MET WITH MOSES AQUILO REGARDING VEHICLES BEING LEFT ON COUNTRY LANE AND THE POSSIBILITY OF DIGGING OUT THE NATURAL DITCH THERE. SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THAT HE HAS SPOKE WITH NICOLE HAMMOND WHO LIVES AT THE END OF CEDAR RIDGE WAY WHO HAS HAD PROBLEMS WITH 1 OF HER NEIGHBORS. SHE WANTED TO KNOW HOW SHE COULD BUY THE ROAD. HE SAID IT IS OFF THE TAX ROLLS LISTED UNDER THE GILMORE ESTATE BECAUSE IT IS A DEAD END ROAD THAT IS NOT MAINTAINED BY THE TOWN. SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THAT HE DIDN’T RECOMMEND SHE PURCHASE IT THERE ARE 20 PARCELS LISTED ON IT AS WELL AS KELLY WAY THAT HAVE RIGHT OF WAY TO THE GILMORE ESTATE PARCELS. THE GILMORE ESTATE DIDN’T PAY THE TAXES ON IT AND THE COUNTY WENT TO FORECLOSE ON IT AND SAID THAT THEY DIDN’T WANT TO OWN A ROAD – SO THEY NEVER FORECLOSED ON IT. MARK SAID THAT THE SCHOOL BUSES DO NOT TRAVEL DOWN THAT ROAD – ANY STUDENTS NEED TO COME TO COUNTRY LANE. COUNTRY LANE AND COUNTRY LANE EXTENSION ARE BOTH OWNED BY THE TOWN.
RESOLUTION NO. 18063
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 THAT THE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER REPORT BE ACCEPTED.
CEMETERY QUESTION
SUPERVISOR HAFF SAID THAT IN DISCUSSION WITH AL NOLETTE, COUNTY TREASURER, SAID THAT THE COUNTY GETS A $0.15 CHECK FROM THE STATE FOR PERPETUAL CARE OF THE ANDREW GILCHRIST CEMETERY LOT IN ONE OF THE SOUTH HARTFORD CEMETERIES. HE WILL TALK WITH MIKE ARMSTRONG REGARDING WHAT CEMETERY THIS LOT IS LOCATED.
MARCH 13, 2018 REGULAR MEETING PG. 4 OF 4
DCO REPORT
SUPERVISOR HAFF SUMMARIZED THE DCO REPORT.
RESOLUTION NO. 18064
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 DOG CONTROL REPORT BE ACCEPTED.
COURT REPORT
SUPERVISOR HAFF SUMMARIZED THE COURT REPORT.
RESOLUTION NO. 18065
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 COURT REPORT BE ACCEPTED.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
RESOLUTION NO. 18066
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 ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 8:12 PM IN REFERENCE TO CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS AND POSSIBLE LITIGATION.
REGULAR SESSION
RESOLUTION NO. 18067
ON MOTION OF SUPERVISOR HAFF, 2ND BY COUNCILWOMAN FOOTE, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED 4 AYES, 0 NAYS, 1 ABSENT (DILLON). VOTING AYE, COUNCILWOMAN BEECHER, COUNCILMAN BURCH, COUNCILWOMAN FOOTE AND SUPERVISOR HAFF.
RESOLVED TO ENTER INTO REGULAR SESSION AT 8:50 PM.
ON MOTION OF SUPERVISOR HAFF, 2ND BY COUNCILWOMAN FOOTE THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT
8:50 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