A Monthly Meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Otsego was held on the 13th day of October, 2004 at the Town Building , Fly Creek , NY at 7:00 PM .
PRESENT:
Tom Breiten Chairman
Leslie Weir Councilman
George Tucker Councilman
Bill Michaels Councilman
ALSO PRESENT:
Pam Deane Town Clerk
Louie (Spike) Boyd Highway Superintendent
Chairman Breiten called the meeting to order. He asked that everyone please rise for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Chairman Breiten stated that, after reading September’s minutes, he wanted to clarify that the $13,000 being paid to the Village by the Town includes the Town’s portion of the revaluation being done by Chase Associates and the three special properties being evaluated by Bookhout, Inc.
MOTION by Councilman Tucker, seconded by Councilman Weir, to accept the September minutes as amended.
MOTION CARRIED: Chairman Breiten and all Councilmen voted aye.
Chairman Breiten opened the floor for comment and questions.
Jim Atwell of Fly Creek stated that there is a strong concern among the community that they’re unprotected by the lack of First Responder Service in Fly Creek. It is his understanding that Fly Creek has no volunteer First Responders because the Fly Creek Fire Department’s bi-laws state that anyone wanting to serve as a First Responder must also qualify as a fire fighter. Mr. Atwell further stated that the community would love to have this service back and would like to see the by-laws changed, making it easier for people who have an interest in serving as a First Responder.
John Phillips of Fly Creek attested to everything Jim Atwell said. He added that his wife now serves as a First Responder in Cooperstown and Schuyler Lake . She would like to serve locally, but was told that unless she qualified as a fireman, she could not volunteer as a First Responder.
John Phillips submitted suggestions concerning short-term rentals which the Board will review.
Chairman Breiten reported that the highway garage has been inspected by Spectra Engineering and he is awaiting their report.
Chairman Breiten stated that the Verizon Freedom for Business plan has been implemented on the Town’s fax line. This plan provides unlimited direct-dialed local calls, unlimited direct-dialed regional toll calls and unlimited direct-dialed long distance calls throughout the U.S.
Chairman Breiten reported that the contract with the Village of Cooperstown , Town of Otsego and Bookhout, Inc. was amended to Attorney McGown’s satisfaction, signed and mailed to Bookhout, Inc..
Chairman Breiten announced that he has received notification from Senator Seward that $42,500 was included in the 2004-2005 State budgets for the Town’s office renovation and record room addition, and $23,500 to update the Town’s Comprehensive Plan.
Chairman Breiten submitted a financial report. Balances are as follow in the various accounts:
General Savings: $378,401.25 General Checking: $18,791.22
Hwy Savings: $404,212.78 Hwy Checking: $43,283.97
MOTION by Councilman Michaels, seconded by Councilman Tucker, to accept the Financial Report as presented.
MOTION CARRIED: Chairman Breiten and all Councilmen voted aye.
Chairman Breiten asked for a Motion to pay the bills.
Councilman Michaels questioned if the SPCA bill amount was correct. It was determined that it was.
Councilman Michaels questioned highway bill #270 addressed to Otsego County Highway Dept. from North County Auto Radiator. Highway Superintendent Spike Boyd confirmed that the bill was rightfully the Town of Otsego Highway Department’s.
Councilman Michaels questioned whether the Board should pay Dog Enumerator Laurie Denmeade the full amount for the dogs she counted before she resigned. It was the consensus of the Board not to penalize her for not finishing the job.
MOTION by Councilman Michaels, seconded by Councilman Tucker, to pay the following invoices:
GENERAL: #223-#269 $ 18,661.56
HWY: #264-#293 $122,537.35
MOTION CARRIED: Chairman Breiten and all Councilmen voted aye.
Superintendent of Highway report was given by Louie (Spike) Boyd. Fuel expenses are as follow:
FUEL GALLONS TOTAL COST/MONTH YTD GALS YTD EXP.
Gas 280.1 $ 417.35 1,697.8 $ 2,260.37
Diesel 989.9 $ 1,381.57 14,601.4 $17,759.76
Heating -0- -0- 7,337.3 $ 8,627.27
Svc. $ -0- $ 3,326.54
Spike reported that both the CHIP’s final report and the Hazard mitigation preliminary worksheet have been filled out and filed. The Town can expect final CHIP payment soon.
Spike announced that they will be done paving the Town Building and Highway Garage parking lot tomorrow.
MOTION by Councilman Tucker, seconded by Councilman Michaels, to accept the Superintendent of Highway report as given.
MOTION CARRIED: Chairman Breiten and all Councilmen voted aye.
Jane Berry’s Zoning Enforcement Officer’s report was presented by Chairman Breiten and reviewed by the Board. Zoning Permits issued since last month are as follow:
New Residential: 1 - Value $250,000 Residential Additions: 7-Value $412,000
New Commercial: 1 Demolition: 1 Minor Subdivision: 1 Major Subdivision: 2
MOTION by Councilman Weir, seconded by Councilman Tucker, to accept the Zoning Enforcement Officer’s report as given.
MOTION CARRIED: Chairman Breiten and all Councilmen voted aye.
Chairman Breiten submitted for the Board’s review, the Dog Officer’s report offered by Wolfgang Merk. Wolfgang reported collecting one stray and fielding one dog bite complaint in the month of August.
MOTION by Councilman Michaels, seconded by Councilman Tucker, to accept the Dog Officer’s report as given.
MOTION CARRIED: Chairman Breiten and all Councilmen voted aye.
Richfield Springs Supervisor Nick Palevsky reported that engineering plans for the repair and extension of the Oaks Creek dam designed by Malcome Pirnie, Inc, were delivered to D.E.C. for their review and approval. Tuesday, October 12 th, Town of Exeter Town Board passed a resolution to sign the intermunicipal agreement and to sign the grant application documents for construction funding. Most of the money seems to be in place. Canadarago Lake Association has increased their contribution from $10,000 to $25,000.
Supervisor Palevsky stated that, unlike the $40,000 sent by Senator Seward to Richfield Springs for designing the dam, the other two grants, Water Quality Grant for $78,000 and $63,000 from Environmental Protection Association (EPA), will require signatures from all three supervisors. The grant money has been tentatively promised for the dam project. Supervisor Palevsky asked the Board if they would pass a Motion authorizing Chairman Breiten to sign the grant application documents from D.E.C. once they’re prepared.
Councilman Michaels stated that the problem of silt bars forming will continue unless the dam is designed to be raised rather than lowered.
Supervisor Palevsky replied that he is not an engineer and he is not going to express an opinion what is going to solve what.
MOTION by Councilman Michaels, seconded by Councilman Tucker, authorizing Chairman Breiten to sign the grant application documents for construction funding of the Oaks Creek Dam.
MOTION CARRIED: Chairman Breiten and all Councilmen voted aye.
It was agreed that two years ago the Town of Otsego Town Board promised two years ago $12,000 to Richfield Springs as the Town of Otsego ’s contribution toward the dam project. It was the consensus of the Board that $12,000 be paid to Richfield Springs this year rather than adjust the 2005 budget and rolling it over.
Chairman Breiten introduced Fly Creek Fire Commissioners Patty Pernat (Chairman), Pat Ryde, and Julie Pernat. Patty Pernat gave a breakdown of the Fly Creek Fire District’s budget. The 2005 budget is $1,300 less then last year. They have been placing approximately $39,000 a year into the Capital Reserve fund, saving for a new pumper tanker. $10,000 personnel equipment covers the cost of bunker pants, hats, hand-held radios, pagers, etc. Everything must meet OSHA’s standards. $5,000 grounds and building maintenance is used to repair the leaking roof, ceiling tiles, light bulbs, etc.
Sheila Ross of Fly Creek asked the Commissioners if they’ve ever applied for a grants to help cover the purchase cost of necessary new equipment. She pointed out that, being an election year, politicians, Chuck Schumer for one, have helped many Fire Districts get new trucks and equipment through grants. Hartwick received a new fire truck and emergency vehicle.
Patty Pernat stated “You need to be really good at writing grants.”
Chairman Breiten suggested that they ask other fire districts successful in obtaining grants for copies of their applications, and modify them to their specific needs. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. You can also check on-line under “grants” and see what they offer.
Chairman Breiten asked if the district has a surplus at the end of the year, is it applied to next year’s budget, lowering the amount needed to collect from taxpayers, or is it rolled over into the Capital Reserve Fund?
Patty Pernat replied that, if there is a surplus, it is rolled over into the Capital Reserve Account.
When asked how many members the Fly Creek Fire Department has Julie Pernat answered that they have approximately 6 active members. Patty Pernat stated that the fire district would welcome anyone willing to volunteer. She went on to say that times are different now vs. 10 to 15 years ago. People live a more fast-paced life and are unable or unwilling to commit to the fire department or emergency squad. There is extensive training required for both by NYS. It’s a problem all Towns are facing. At the present time, Fly Creek has no first responders, but Fly Creek has never been able to transport and Cooperstown has to be summoned anyway.
Jim Atwell stated that the lack of the First Responders Unit in Fly Creek represents a vital service we are all missing. We need people who can get to the scene, stabilize the situation and perhaps save lives before the transport unit arrives. All the equipment is on hand, what is missing is personnel. Jim Atwell asked if changing the by-laws so one could volunteer as a First Responder and not as a fireman would help recruit First Responder volunteers.
Patty Pernat replied that she didn’t believe that that was a policy. One could volunteer for one or the other or both.
John Phillips stated that the reason his wife was asked to leave was because she didn’t take the fire fighting course.
Patty Pernat said she would re-read the bi-laws and see if that was indeed the case.
Councilman Michaels asked the Commissioners if having access to dry hydrants would be useful. Julie Pernat replied “Yes.”
Chairman Breiten thanked the Fire Commissioners for coming and for their explanations and input.
The Board reviewed the 2005 Budget. A few adjustments were made. Councilman Michaels requested $10,000 for dry hydrants. It was the consensus of the Board to add $5,000 for dry hydrants.
MOTION by Councilman Tucker, seconded by Councilman Weir, to make the Tentative Budget the Preliminary Budget and hold a Public Hearing at 7:00 PM on November 10.
MOTION CARRIED: Chairman Breiten and all the Councilmen voted aye.
Chairman Breiten submitted a proposed resolution authorizing the Town to submit a “Governor’s Office for Small Cities 2004 Strategic Planning Technical Assistance Grant” in the amount of $25,000. It also authorized him to execute all necessary documents pertaining to the grant and further authorized the Zoning Officer and Grants man to submit the grant application by the required deadline of October 18, 2004 .
MOTION by Councilman Michaels, seconded by Councilman Tucker, to accept the proposed resolution as written.
MOTION CARRIED: Chairman Breiten and all Councilmen voted aye.
RESOLUTION ADOPTED: (Resolution Docket pg. 40)
Chairman Breiten proposed a second resolution urging the passage of legislation introduced by Senator Bonacic (S.7757) and Assemblyman Cahill which amends the Vehicle and Traffic Law to restore fines and penalties collected in connection with convictions pursuant to Vehicle and Traffic Law to local governments.
MOTION by Councilman Michaels, seconded by Councilman Tucker, to accept the proposed resolution as written.
MOTION CARRIED: Chairman Breiten and all Councilmen voted aye.
RESOLUTION ADOPTED: (Resolution Docket pg. 41)
Chairman Breiten asked that the Grade-All be declared as surplus.
MOTION by Councilman Tucker, seconded by Councilman Weir, to declare the Grade-All as surplus.
MOTION CARRIED: Chairman Breiten and all Councilmen voted aye.
Spike was directed by the Board to sell or trade the Grade-All for whatever he could get.
Chairman Breiten asked that the extra computer once used by the Town Clerk be declared as surplus.
It was the consensus of the Board to declare the extra computer once used by the Town Clerk as surplus and advertise it for a minimum bid of $50.
Chairman Breiten asked that the 1994 Ford Escort and copy change sign purchased from Daniels Brothers both be declared as surplus.
It was the consensus of the Board to declare both the sign and car surplus. The car will be advertised asking for a minimum bid of $500, and the sign a minimum bid of $200.
Chairman Breiten reported that he did a cost-benefit analysis between a single-axle and a tandem-axle dump truck. The Board compared purchase price, maintenance costs, operating costs and depreciation, as well as the versatility of tandem-axle truck. After reviewing the plow route they found only one route feasible for a tandem-axle truck, and the net annual operating cost and depreciation was larger for a tandem-axle truck. It was the consensus of the Board that at this time it would be more cost-effective to continue with single-axle trucks. Possibly in the future it may become more feasible to buy tandem axle trucks if the highway department is run by fewer employees.
MOTION by Councilman Weir, seconded by Councilman Tucker, to adjourn.
MOTION CARRIED: Chairman Breiten and all Councilmen voted aye.
Meeting ended at 8:30 PM .
The next regular meeting will be held on the 10th day of November, 2004 at 7:00 PM at the Town Building in Fly Creek.
Respectfully Submitted
Pamela Deane/Town Clerk