PUBLIC HEARING
AUGUST 13, 2002
GALWAY TOWN HALL
Supervisor Hargrave called the Public Hearing to order at 7:01 p.m. The following Town Board members were present:
PRESENT:
Supervisor George Hargrave Councilman
Michael Tillson
Councilman
William Topper Councilwoman
Susan Sutch Councilman
Charles Quinlan
OTHERS PRESENT: S. Pandori; M. Kopper; P. Bingham; J. Sutton; D. Balbian; A. McPherson; B. Schlueter; E. Vargas; K. Barkley; S. Bailey; L. Sanders, Building Administrator; C.W. Hansen, Highway Superintendent; many campers from Galway Lake & M. DeFoe, Town Clerk.
The clerk read the legal notice as it was printed in the Daily Gazette on July 19, 2002 and posted at the Town Hall. Supervisor Hargrave asked if there were any questions or comments from the audience. Sheelagh Bailey, Chairman of Comprehensive Planning Committee gave a brief overview of process and time spent on comprehensive plan. She advised audience that the Comprehensive Planning Committee had several publicized meetings regarding this proposed plan. LoAnn Sanders – stated that this is a Comprehensive Plan not a Law. She thanked the 11-12 volunteers who worked diligently on this plan for a long period of time. LoAnn encouraged board to review this plan more frequently than done in the past. She would like to see the board as soon as possible put together committees to review the current zoning law, and make the necessary amendments to that law to bring up to speed with this current master plan. If this is not done, she feels the plan will fall short of goals committee set for comprehensive plan. Patrick Bingham – felt that this was a good comprehensive plan. He felt there was one fundamental mistake, appointing a committee to be responsible for the review of the current zoning law. His feeling was that the Town Board should be taking the lead on the review and making any changes to the current zoning law themselves. Mary Lynn Kopper – Suggested that committees be established to look into various elements of the plan and then bring these suggestions back to Town Board for their review. John Sutton – also felt the Town Board should be the group to work with master plan to review and make changes to zoning law not an appointed committee. David Balbian – had concerns regarding open spaces. He is concerned with the decline in farming in Saratoga County and would like to see board address this issue and enhance the farming industry thru some sort of incentive program for farmers. Andrew McPherson – had water quality concerns on Galway Lake. Bob Schlueter – had concerns regarding housing developments. He felt prices of property have increased drastically causing the average income family to be unable to purchase additional acreage and guarantee the rural character of our community. Supervisor Hargrave closed the Public Hearing at 7:30 p.m.
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING
AUGUST 13, 2002
GALWAY TOWN HALL
Supervisor Hargrave called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. The following Town Board Members were present:
PRESENT: Supervisor
George Hargrave Councilman
Michael Tillson
Councilman
William Topper Councilwoman
Susan Sutch
Councilman
Charles Quinlan
OTHERS PRESENT: s. Pandori; M. Kopper; S. Bailey; B. Schlueter; E. Vargas; K. Barkley; L. Sanders, Building Administrator; C.W. Hansen, Highway Superintendent & M. DeFoe, Town Clerk.
Pledge to the Flag
A motion was made by Councilwoman Sutch, seconded by
Councilman Topper to approve the minutes of the July 9, 2002 meeting as
submitted.
All ayes. MOTION
CARRIED
The clerk read communications from Barrie Hampton advising that he would be renewing his liquor license for the C & R Restaurant for the period 9/1/02 thru 9/1/04.
Privilege of the Floor – Ed Vargas, President of Galway Fire Co. – gave an overview of the semi annual progress report for the fire department and filed copy with Town Supervisor. He went over: 1) The recent purchase of a new MED unit. 2) The pending purchase of a new Thermal Imaging Camera. 3) The revitalization of the Fire Company Auxiliary. 4) Working with ISO representatives to get current ISO rating of 6. Bob Schlueter – advised that he was awarded a certificate signifying the completion of “Fire Police Course” in the standardized fire training program, totaling 9 hours of instruction. Town Clerk will do oath of office for this after Town Board Meeting tonight. Kevin Barkley, Member of the County Fire Advisory Board, gave an overview of activity on county level. Kevin went into detail regarding new HAZMAT Truck.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: Library – S. Pandori advised that they currently had 109 children participating in the summer reading program. They had a program today from the Scotia Glenville Children’s Museum with 20 children participating. There was a waiting list for program. Children’s program scheduled for August will have children writing story and local artist helping them with the illustration. They will hold a Volunteer Recognition Celebration to honor all volunteers for the past year. For the month of July the Library has circulated 2,367 materials which are twice that of last July. Assessor – T. Killeen advised that the equalization rate had been set by the State at 95%. Town & County – Supervisor Hargrave stated on a county level, they are in the process of making another submission to the APA regarding tower project. On a town level Supervisor Hargrave stated that the newsletter has gone out. He thanked Councilman Tillson for his work on newsletter. Public Safety – Councilman Topper felt negotiating committee should be formed for upcoming negotiating with Fire Company regarding new contract. Property – Councilwoman Sutch stated that inventory amount will be addressed later in meeting. The State Comptrollers Office suggested a limit of $250.00. They also suggested the use of property card forms. C.W. Hansen stated that there was property cards initiated back when we were located at Old Town Barn. Building & Grounds – Councilman Topper stated that back in the spring we received 2-3 bids for painting of Town Hall. He suggested that board have at least part of that painting done now as some areas are starting to show the early signs of rot. Supervisor Hargrave stated that the quotes received in the spring were very high and painting was not budgeted for building, therefore it was put on hold. Supervisor Hargrave will look into problem areas being addressed now. Councilman Topper has requested information from Emerich Sales & Service, Inc. on equipment cost & size needed for Phase II work on playing fields. Once he obtains this information he will start looking into possible grant availability for Phase II. Councilman Topper stated that a storage shed for soccer equipment is also needed at ball field location. Public Affairs – No Report. Historian – Phyllis Keeler stated that she has been working on the state marker project. She has been asked to get ten pictures of flags and/or ways people in our community commemorated September 11th. Phyllis will be placing two items in the county time capsule. One artifact for time capsule will be Town Newsletter, looking for suggestions on second item. She was also asked by county to supply them with a list of names of local volunteers that went to New York City to help after the September 11th tragedy. Highway – Highway Superintendent Hansen stated that he has previously discussed with the board the cost estimates from the engineer on bridge deck for Hermance Road. Engineer cost for replacement was between $60,000-$70,000. He has had a salesman in talking to him about an aluminum arch culverts that could be an option. The cost for this arch culvert would be between $30,000-$35,000 and highway crew could install. Board previously discussed establishing a bridge fund. This project could possibly be done next year depending on amount board establishes bridge fund with. If highway department takes this project on with their crew next year, they may need to cut back on the paving schedule. Superintendent Hansen discussed with board his need for two additional bays at highway garage to be dedicated as repair bays. He went over several options with board. One option building 60’ x 60’ insulated shell with concrete floor and two overhead doors would be $115,800; three bays 60’ x 75’ $135,200. Councilman Topper stated that original quote on a much larger shell seemed to come in at a much more reasonable price. C.W. Hansen stated that Morton Building cost was around $150,000 for a 50’ x 100’ shell. Board discussed options with Highway Superintendent. Board requested that Highway Superintendent explore the Morton Building further and get back to them with information. Board also discussed problems with current highway garage ceiling. Hansen stated that they have been approved for a $45,000 grant towards new building. Hansen advised that the mowing has been completed for season. He was not happy with mowing this year. He feels we have gotten to the point where a second mowing is needed. Will discuss this further during budget time.
LIAISON REPORTS: Planning Board – Councilman Tillson stated that Antonio & Linda Puglisi received approval for a three lot subdivision on North Road. Donald & Doreen Clemens received approval for a lot line adjustment between their land and the land of Daniel & Amanda Clemens on Parkis Mills & Cruthers Road. Stanley Orzolek received approval for a lot line adjustment on his property located on Hermance Road & Lake Road. There was a pre-submission conference and classification for Robert Gretkirewicz for a four lot subdivision on Ridge Road. David Harrison was in for a pre-submission conference and classification for a lot line adjustment on his property on Lake Road. Youth – Councilman Topper stated that the Youth Commission set their new budget for next year which was the same as the previous year. Donna Sowle’s Summer Recreation Program is in its last week, program was a success. Jazz evening in village green was very successful; they are planning another event for sometime in September. ZBA – No Report. Councilman Quinlan stated that there was a workshop attended by some member of ZBA & Planning Board here at Town Hall last Wednesday, Mike Valentine from Saratoga County Planning Board was speaker. Senior Citizens – No Report. Assessor – No Report.
MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS
Councilwoman Sutch made a motion, seconded by Councilman
Topper to approve the General Abstract of Vouchers (A) dated 7/8/02 thru 8/8/02
for a total of $5,897.53.
All ayes. MOTION
CARRIED
Councilman Topper made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman
Sutch to approve the General Abstract of Vouchers (B) dated 7/8/02 thru 8/8/02
for a total of $7,362.18.
All ayes. MOTION
CARRIED
Councilman Quinlan made a motion, seconded by Councilman
Topper to approve the Highway Abstract of Vouchers (DA) dated 7/8/02 thru 8/8/02
for a total of $14,383.05.
All ayes. MOTION
CARRIED
Councilman Tillson made a motion, seconded by Councilman Topper
to approve the Highway Abstract of Vouchers (DB) dated 7/8/02 thru 8/8/02 for a
total of $76,691.93.
All ayes. MOTION
CARRIED
Councilman Topper made a motion, seconded by Councilman Tillson
to approve the Lighting District Abstract of Vouchers (SL) dated 7/8/02 thru 8/8/02
for a total of $154.31.
All ayes. MOTION
CARRIED
Councilman Tillson made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Sutch
to approve the Supervisor’s Operating Statement for the period ending 7/31/02.
All ayes. MOTION
CARRIED
RESOLUTION #40-2002 – Appointment of Ardie
Epranian to Planning Board. Supervisor
Hargrave stated that this appointment would be to fill the vacancy created by
Jeff Gordon’s resignation from Planning Board.
On a motion of Councilman Tillson, seconded by Councilman Topper the
following resolution was
ADOPTED: AYES – 5 NAYS – 0
RESOLVED that the Galway Town Board
appoint Ardie Epranian to the Planning Board to fill the vacancy created by the
resignation of Jeff Gordon, term of office to expire July 1, 2003.
All ayes. MOTION
CARRIED
RESOLUTION # 41-2002 – Amendment of Town
Policy # 1 page 1 under #2 Property Committee, (property value is amended
from $50.00 to $250.00). In addition on
page 7 of Policy #1 under Property a) (it has a value greater
than $25. amended to $250.), under Fixed Assets, (Fixed assets will
generally include all property identified above, but the value shall be greater
than $50. amended to $250.) and Major
Accessories, (Major accessories shall mean any item of equipment, which
from time to time may be removed from the parent place of equipment and has a
value greater than $50. amended to $250.). On a motion of Councilwoman Sutch,
seconded by Councilman Tillson the following resolution was ADOPTED: AYES – 5
NAYS – 0
RESOLVED that the Galway Town Board
authorize the Amendment to Town Policy # 1 page 1 under # 2 Property Committee,
(property value is amended from $50. to $250.). In addition on page 7 of Policy #1 under Property a) (it has a value greater than $25. amended
to $250.), under Fixed Assets, (Fixed assets will generally include all
property identified above, but the value shall be greater than $50. amended to
$250.) and Major Accessories, (Major accessories shall mean any item of
equipment, which from time to time may be removed from the parent place of equipment
and has a value greater than $50. amended to $250.).
All ayes. MOTION
CARRIED
RESOLUTION #
42-2002 – Designation of “Lead Agency” for purpose of conducting SEQR
review of referenced application. On a
motion of Councilman Tillson, seconded by Councilman Topper the following
resolution was ADOPTED: AYES – 5 NAYS –
0
WHEREAS, the Galway Town
Board has received the completed Comprehensive Plan from the Comprehensive Plan
committee and the consultant to be adopted by the Town Board and
WHEREAS, the approval of said application is an action subject to
the provisions of the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR)
and the regulations promulgated to implement said Environmental Quality Review
Act, and
WHEREAS, the provisions of SEQR require the designation of a “Lead
Agency” to determine the environmental significance of the action, and
WHEREAS, this Agency has complied with the provisions of SEQR
pertaining to “Lead Agency” designation,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that this Agency be and the same is
hereby designated the “Lead Agency” for the purpose of conducting the SEQR
review of referenced application.
All ayes. MOTION
CARIED
RESOLUTION #
43-2002 – “Lead Agency”, cause the preparation and filing of a Negative
Declaration pertaining to Adoption of the Town of Galway’s Comprehensive Plan,
in accordance with prescribed regulations.
On a motion of Councilman Topper, seconded by Councilman Topper the
following resolution was ADOPTED:
AYES – 5 NAYS – 0
WHEREAS, the Galway Town Board is the designated “Lead Agency” for
the purpose of conducting the SEQR review of the Town of Galway’s Comprehensive
Plan, and
WHEREAS, the “Lead Agency” has caused the appropriate and necessary
forms and materials pertaining to SEQR review of the project to be prepared,
and
WHEREAS, upon review of the information recorded on the project
Environmental Assessment Forms and consideration of the magnitude and
importance of each result in no major impacts,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that this Agency, as the designated
“Lead Agency,” cause the preparation and filing of a Negative Declaration
pertaining to Adoption of the Town of
Galway’s Comprehensive Plan, in accordance with prescribed regulations.
All ayes. MOTION
CARRIED
RESOLUTION #
44-2002 - Adoption of the Comprehensive Plan. On a motion of Councilman Tillson, seconded by Councilman Topper
the following resolution was ADOPTED: AYES
– 5 NAYS – 0
RESOLVED that the Galway Town Board
adopt the Comprehensive Plan as presented by the Comprehensive Plan Committee
and the consultant with changes as noted by letter dated March 11, 2002 from
Saratoga County Planning Board.
All ayes. MOTION
CARRIED
Supervisor Hargrave congratulated Comprehensive Planning Committee on a job well done.
Other Business – Councilwoman Sutch stated that she was asked by the Dixon’s on Greens Corners Road if it would be possible to get a School Bus Stop sign placed near her residence. The Dixon’s have a handicapped child and feel this sign is needed. Superintendent Hansen stated he would place sign.
Highway Superintendent Hansen stated that highway department is just about done with clean up from trees cut by Niagara Mohawk. They have not cleaned up tree debris on West Street, since that is a County Road. Supervisor Hargrave will contact Joseph Ritchey from County tomorrow morning regarding this matter.
Councilwoman Sutch would like to ask the Ambulance Corp. & Fire Department for some help with statistics regarding accidents on the section of Route 29 where the Town Board has requested of the state a reduction in the speed limit and been declined that reduction. Kevin Barkley stated that Fire Department would be willing to supply this information along with letter reiterating concerns. He further stated that the state has these statistics on file.
LoAnn Sanders advised board of September 11th remembrance service planned by county.
Councilman Topper discussed with board his concerns with the decline by county for 4 way stop on intersection of Jockey Street and County Highway 45. Supervisor Hargrave stated he would discuss concerns with Joseph Ritchey.
Councilwoman Sutch made a motion, seconded by Councilman Topper
to adjourn the meeting at 8:35 p.m.
All ayes. MOTION
CARRIED
Respectfully submitted,
Margaret L. DeFoe
Town Clerk