March 19, 2008 Town Board Meeting Minutes

Present:
Knox - Town Supervisor
Coller - Councilwoman
Foster - Councilwoman
Jeanette - Councilwoman
Whiteford - Councilman
Eells - Town Clerk
White - Highway Superintendent

Guests:
Bobby Knox
Henry Leader
Larry and Linda Cook
Ike Guyette

The meeting was called to order at 7:04pm by Supervisor Knox. Knox introduced the new town lawyer Henry Leader to the board and Ike Guyette.

Acceptance of the Minutes

A motion was made by Supervisor Knox and seconded by Councilman Whiteford to accept the minutes from 02/20/2008 with a revised Resolution # 39 the board wants it included that the Russell Fire Department will pay the other 50% of the cost of testing for asbestos presented by the Town Clerk.

Jeanette - yes
Foster - yes
Knox - yes
Whiteford - yes
Coller - yes

Motion carried.

Resolution #40 (Revised): Testing for asbestos

A motion was made by Supervisor Knox and seconded by Councilman Whiteford that the town will pay 50% of the cost of testing and the fire department will pay the other 50% of the testing and if it proves there is no asbestos the town will waive their 50% cost in testing; but if the building has got asbestos to remove the town will help get a grant for the asbestos removal and the town will get reimbursed the 50% cost for the testing from the grant.

Jeanette - yes
Foster - yes
Knox - yes
Whiteford - yes
Coller - yes

Motion carried.

Town Clerks Report:

We sold 11 dog licenses, 6 certified copies, 2 building permit and $76.00 in Decals for a total revenue for the month of February of $249.00. I have taken in 70.91 % of taxes $757,440.58 as of 03/18/2008. I have a quote of $400 to fix my copier; the roller gear assembly is bad; I got a quote of $1,100 for a new Samsung. I just put $300 in the one I have for a drum replacement a couple of months ago.

Tess asked what should I do; get a new one or fix the one I have. The board feels a new one is the best way to go. Knox said maybe we could check with copiers on state bid also.

CEO Report:

Ike had nothing new to report on. Supervisor Knox gave Ike a paper with an online course he can take April 14th that will teach what to do when asbestos problems arise.

Resolution #41: Online course for CEO

A motion was made by Supervisor Knox and seconded by Councilman Whiteford to pay $50.00 for Ike to register for this online course on April 14th to teach the CEO on how to handle problems involving asbestos. Ike will ask the Town of Pierrepont to split the cost.

Jeanette - yes
Foster - yes
Knox - yes
Whiteford - yes
Coller - yes

Motion carried.

Supervisors Report:

1. Financial reports for February have been turned into the town clerk.

2. The town has received $144.42 from St. Lawrence County for surplus dog licenses.

3. The town received $2,092.93 from the Russell Library for ½ the cost of the rafters.

4. The town received $37,500.00 from NYS Parks and Recreation for the 2006 grant; this was the final payment.

5. Received a letter from the fireman wanting to be put on the town insurance.

6. The Supervisor and Board Members received a letter from the Russell firemen. Discussion about the firemen wanting to be on insurance followed. Superintendent White asked Mr. Leader if the town men used the fire department tanker and someone was hurt what would happen. Mr. Leader stated the town probably has blanket coverage; he would need to check it out more thoroughly. Councilman Whiteford asked why the fire department could not be covered. Supervisor Knox stated that they are covered by the town’s workman’s comp. Knox stated that the fire department wanted a certificate of liability from the town. Rose and Keirnan stated that in the contract with the fire department it states the fire department must submit a certificate of liability to the town and it does not state that the town must submit one to the fire department.

Supervisor Knox stated that on the general account there are 2 debits; one for $199.00 and one for $199.95 they are to do with quick books that the book keeper uses. There will be $57.25 coming off those amounts.

Highway Superintendent Report:

1. We made two trips to Pennsylvania. We have purchased 3 federal surplus trucks and a towable roller. This equipment will be scheduled to arrive on Friday.

2. We have the motor ready to come out of the single axle and hope to have the #12 truck back on the road in a week or two.

3. We have been removing trees and dead limbs on several roads and have more lined up for the next few weeks. On 2/28 a tree crew from Niagara Mohawk came in and cut 4 trees from around wires on Blanchard Hill, Dutton, and Fordham Hill roads. We have had the use of a bucket truck from the Town of Edwards and I thank them.

4. Fuel prices continue to increase and the amount of snow and ice is keeping us on the roads for more hours than normal and resulting in very high fuel bills.

5. We have received approximately 1250 tons of salt and hope that will be the end of our orders. In the past 4 years we averaged 1000 tons per year.

6. As the weather allows we plan to move the excavator to the Spicer and Silver Hill Roads to work on cutting back the brush.

7. The men have put in some long hours on snow and ice and I thank them for a job well done.

8. Billy Hance is off work this week because of a sore neck by a referral by his doctor.

9. We returned the bucket truck to Edwards.

Assessor Report: Donna Goodwin

We have processed all of our STAR Exemptions and our roll book is second most current to date. Things are starting to calm down and hopefully will allow me to complete my outstanding field work. I am anticipating a change in hours from June 4th through October 1st and will have the Assessor’s Office open on Wednesday from 8:00am to Noon, unless otherwise notified. As always I will attempt to accommodate when necessary.

Legislature Report: Fred Morrill

N/A

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Resolution #42: Audit

A motion was made by Supervisor Knox and seconded by Councilman Whiteford to pay the following bills:

General vouchers # 84-109: $ 14,302.73 ($13,624.49 TE)
Highway vouchers # 58-84: $43,105.04
St. Lighting voucher #3:   Russell - $513.44
                                   DeGrasse - 165.70
                                                  $679.14

Jeanette - yes
Foster - yes
Knox - yes
Whiteford - yes
Coller - yes

Motion carried.

Highway:

Highway Superintendent White presented some pictures of a Atley 712 Belt Loader that’s at Penn, Hazle Equipment Inc. They want $15,000-16,000 for it. He feels it will save wear and tear on the trucks; and will cut down time on shoulder work. The board thought it was a good idea to check on it more. At the next budget meeting a Loader should be set in place.

New Business:

Supervisor Knox stated that the town received a thank you letter from Life Flight for the support.

Resolution #43: Support for North Country Affordable Housing, Inc.

A motion was made by Supervisor Knox and seconded by Councilwoman Coller to support the North Country Affordable Housing, Inc. in getting grants to for Mobile Home Replacement/New Construction Program.

Jeanette - yes
Foster - yes
Knox - yes
Whiteford - yes
Coller - yes

Motion carried.

Supervisor Knox stated that the town will advertise that the Town of Russell will be accepting quotes on Insurance for the town for the meeting in May.

There was a discussion of supporting the town of Morristown with their Code problem.

Resolution #44: Supporting Morristown with code problem

A motion was made by Supervisor Knox and seconded by Councilwoman Foster to table the supporting the Town of Morristown with their code problem.

Jeanette - yes
Foster - yes
Knox - yes
Whiteford - no
Coller - yes

Motion carried.

Resolution #45: NBT Certificate of Adoption of Funds to Transfer

A motion was made by Supervisor Knox and seconded by Councilman Whiteford to accept the Certificate of Adoption of Funds to Transfer Agreement with NBT Bank, N.A. with the only change being the increase from $500 to $1,000 for maximum transfer amount.

Jeanette - yes
Foster - yes
Knox - yes
Whiteford - yes
Coller - yes

Motion carried.

Resolution #46: NYS Property Taxpayers Protection Act

A motion was made by Councilman Whiteford and seconded by Councilwoman Foster to adopt this resolution:

WHEREAS, the tremendously high property tax burden on New York families and businesses is the number one issue facing our community today, and the sheer cost of living in New York has forced many residents and businesses to leave, thus slowing the economic engine of the state: and

WHEREAS, young people are finding it difficult to purchase homes, seniors are struggling to maintain their homes, and businesses are facing immense challenges to create and retain jobs: and

WHEREAS, New Yorker’s face the highest property taxes in the nation, and when measured as a percentage of home value, nine of the top 10 property tax rates in the entire country belong to counties in New York; and the state must act now to thwart the detrimental effects that high property taxes are having on local governments; and

WHEREAS, Assembly Minority Conference Members have introduced the “New York State Property Taxpayer’s Protection Act” (Assembly Bill 8775-A), which puts forth new and innovative ideas for property tax reform that limit the amount school districts can raise annually through local tax levies to four percent or the rate of inflation, whichever is less; in addition the Act would relieve municipalities and school districts of unfunded mandates, reduce county Medicaid costs, strengthen financial accountability over school tax dollars, promote local government efficiency, and encourage local option insurance pooling; and

WHEREAS, the “New York State Taxpayer’s Protection Act” will help fix New York’s broken property tax system, providing homeowner’s, businesses and municipalities significant and lasting relief from the crushing burden of skyrocketing property taxes; and now’ therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that this Legislature Body pause in its deliberations to acknowledge “New York States property tax crisis and urge the immediate passage and chaptering of the “New York State Property Taxpayer’s Protection Act” which will help local government reinvigorate New York’s economy by providing incentives for people and businesses to move and stay here; and be it further,

RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the governor of the State of New York, the temporary President of the New York State Senate, the Speaker of the New York State Assembly, and to each member of the New York State Legislature.

Jeanette - yes
Foster - yes
Knox - yes
Whiteford - yes
Coller - yes

Motion carried.

Supervisor Knox stated to the board that there are these vouchers that the Library say they can not pay with their grant money because they were paid before July 1st 2007. 2 for trash removal; only so much money was allotted for trash removal in their grant, 1 from Route 37 for $510 and 1 from Triple A Building Supply for $995.95, 1 from White’s Lumber for $616.08 , and 1 from Champion Materials for $784.10.

Supervisor Knox asked the board how they feel about raising the rent to the Post Office they pay $425.92 a month now. The cost of fuel and electric has gone up.

Supervisor Knox stated to the board that on Friday Carmen did not do all the job’s he was asked to do and someone else had to finish his jobs, so he was put on a two day suspension for it.

Public Discussion:

Evah Foster stated that the Russell Fire Department is donating the Masonic sign and an old Russell Store sign to the Museum from the corner building.

Public Discussion:

Evah Foster stated that the Russell Fire Department is donating the Masonic sign and an old Russell Store sign to the Museum from the corner building.

A motion was made by Supervisor Knox and seconded by Councilman Whiteford to adjourn the meeting at 8:20pm. All were in favor. Motion carried.