PUBLIC HEARING
NOVEMBER 12, 2002
GALWAY TOWN HALL
Supervisor Hargrave called the public hearing to order at 7:02 p.m. The following Town Board Members were present:
PRESENT: Supervisor George Hargrave Councilwoman Susan Sutch
Councilman Charles Quinlan
ABSENT: Councilman Michael Tillson Councilman William Topper
OTHERS PRESENT: S. Pandori; M. Kopper; P. Bingham; L. Sanders, Building Administrator; T. Killeen, Assessor; C.W. Hansen, Highway Superintendent & M. DeFoe, Town Clerk. P. Keeler, Historian arrived late.
The clerk read the legal notice as placed in the Daily Gazette on November 4, 2002 and posted at Town Hall. Salary figures on Preliminary Budget for 2003 are as follows: Supervisor $8,500; Council Members (4) each at $3,350; Deputy Supervisor $150; Town Clerk $15,430; Highway Superintendent $44,500. Supervisor Hargrave then asked if there were any questions or comments from the audience.
Pat Bingham – questioned what town’s outstanding debt was at present? Councilman Quinlan stated that currently the only outstanding debt town has is for the town hall at $250,000. Supervisor Hargrave stated that town refinanced building this year to a 4.7 interest rate saving the town approximately $30,000 this year in interest. Pat questioned if the town still had a capital equipment account where money is placed each year for the purchase of equipment? Supervisor Hargrave stated that the town did. Pat Bingham stated that budget appeared to only go up about 3% on the town and highway portion of budget but the Fire Company part of budget was increased about 13%. He questioned cause for large increase? Supervisor Hargrave stated that the Fire Company had a major increase in insurance costs. Pat Bingham questioned how the fees were kept track of that the planning board collects and where are they indicated in budget? The town clerk advised that she generates a report each month advising the supervisor of the fees collected. This report gives a breakdown of where fees come in from. The bookkeeper then takes these figures and allocates to the appropriate account. Supervisor Hargrave stated that these fees are also indicated on Supervisor’s Report each month. Councilwoman Sutch stated that revenue is drastically underestimated in budget. LoAnn Sanders stated year to date building permit collection would probably be between $4,500-$4,800. Pat Bingham stated that it looked like a good budget. Mary Lynn Kopper – Questioned where town insurance policies were indicated in budget. Supervisor Hargrave stated that insurance is broken up in budget by fund. Councilwoman Sutch stated that total cost for insurance to February 2003 was $22,000. Supervisor Hargrave stated that he just received notice from town’s insurance company that our insurance will go up 10% at renewal time. Councilwoman Sutch stated that last year the town bid our insurances out. We stayed with same carrier, Round Lake Insurance. Supervisor Hargrave stated that Fire Company’s Workman’s Compensation insurance went up $8,400. Supervisor Hargrave stated that he had budget on a floppy disk, when final budget is approved he will give each board member a copy of floppy. Councilwoman Sutch stated that she was very pleased with this budget. The portion of the budget to be raised by taxes for the entire town is actually lower than last year. With slightly lowering amount in this section of budget, the board was still able to give 3% raises across the board. Increase funding was given to the senior citizens & library. Funds were also allocated for planning & zoning board members. The board refinanced the town debt and saved $30,000. They were able to pay off highway garage with sales tax revenue from county. Councilwoman Sutch felt the board produced a very fiscally responsible budget, while still responding to the needs of the town. Supervisor Hargrave stated that planning and zoning members will be given $25 for each meeting they attend, chairman will be given $50. Pat Bingham – Questioned why building maintenance for highway garage was now included in general fund. Supervisor Hargrave stated that this was a requirement from state after last audit. Since there were no further questions or comments from the audience the Public Hearing was closed at 7:25 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING
NOVEMBER 12, 2002
GALWAY TOWN HALL
Supervisor Hargrave called the meeting to order at 7:31 p.m. The following Town Board Members were present:
PRESENT: Supervisor George Hargrave Councilman William Topper
Councilwoman Susan Sutch Councilman
Charles Quinlan
ABSENT: Councilman Michael Tillson
OTHERS PRESENT: Same as Public Hearing.
Pledge to the Flag
A motion was made by Councilman Topper, seconded by
Councilman Quinlan to approve the minutes of the October 8, 2002 meeting as
submitted.
All ayes. MOTION
CARRIED
Communications – The Town Clerk read correspondence from William DeFoe, advising the board of his resignation from the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Board of Assessment Review effective immediately. The clerk advised that the Saratoga County Planning Board faxed a copy of their September 19, 2002 minutes. Letter was received from Dale Swann, President of the Galway Lake Campers Association regarding the comprehensive plan. Areas of concern were Environmental Resource Strategies involve zoning code, sewer system, water quality and watersheds in the Lake District area. Another area of impact on the Lake District relates to Public Safety Goals, particularly issues pertaining to emergency access to private roads and access to water supplies for fire fighting. He requested that the Galway lake Campers Association be represented on any working groups that are assembled to address the above areas. Building Permit report for the period January 1, 2002 through October 24, 2002 was given to all board members. Letter of resignation from Richard E. Weber III from his position on the planning board effective immediately. Letter from Town Historian, Phyllis Keeler requesting that the Galway Town Board appoint Thomas Cwiakala as Deputy Town Historian.
Presentation by Lorraine Rhodes from AFLAC – Lorraine stated that some town employees currently carried the short term disability plan and the cancer plan. She went over the following five policy’s AFLAC currently offers: Personal Accident Expense Plan; Voluntary Indemnity Plan; Dental Insurance; Personal Short-Term Disability Income & Personal Lifestyle Protector Cancer Plan.
Privilege of the Floor – None.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: Library – S. Pandori advised that the library has been very busy with different programs. They held a genealogy program. Their Halloween party had 27 children in attendance. Two different preschool classes came to the library for a field trip. They will hold a craft night tomorrow night to make a fall centerpiece. This month will start their computer classes for beginners. A volunteer who teaches at Fulton Montgomery will teach the class for 3 beginners. Library board passed their long range plan. They are working on a pamphlet to advise community of Library goals. They are looking to hire a new library clerk for December. Assessor – T. Killeen advised that he would be mailing the Enhanced STAR out in December and the Aged Exemption in January. Historian – P. Keeler advised that she and her volunteer Tom Cwiakala have been working on organizing and filing history of Galway. Phyllis advised that after 32 years all the Historian files are now housed at the Town Hall. Phyllis would like to see the board appoint Tom as her Deputy Historian. County & Town - Supervisor Hargrave stated that the county has workshops and hearing scheduled for their budget. A workshop on budget was held today at 4:00 p.m. There is a workshop on Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday. The public hearing on the county budget will be held at the meeting on Tuesday the 19th, 2002 at 4:00 p.m. On a town level, Volunteer Recognition Day was held on Saturday the 2nd with a very low turn out. Public Safety – No Report. Property Councilwoman Sutch stated that the inventory had been completed, working on the reformatting of this information for tracking purposes. Buildings & Grounds – Councilman Topper advised that there is now a rain gutter over the kitchen doorway. Cliff Nightingale will need to re-cable roof heating units into drain. C.W. Hansen stated highway department will tie rain gutter into footing drain. Councilman Topper is working with Highway Superintendent on new building. Councilman Topper is going to apply for a grant for playing fields to black top a perimeter for a walking trail around fields. Public Affairs – Councilwoman Sutch stated that the DARE Program at school has not started up yet for the year. Program should start towards the end of the month, will keep board advised on their programs. Highway – C.W. Hansen stated that he would like to request that the board file the following speed limit reductions: Graves Road the entire length of road; Jersey Hill Road between Perth Road & County Road 45; Crane Road between Parkis Mills Road & County Road 45; Ridge Road between County Road 14 & County line. Bill referred to recent fire at Wilton Highway Garage. Fire was due to a short in one of the trucks engines. On that following Monday morning, C.W. Hansen had disconnect switches ordered for every truck at highway garage. Since every other highway department was doing the same thing, these switches are back ordered. With reference to new building, Hansen thinks now with recent fire in Wilton that housing two trucks in new building would be very sensible. The Highway Department has two new Class A drivers, Vanessa McChesney & George Simkins. They both did this on their own initiative. The highway department now has ½ their employees qualified as Class A drivers. This tractor trailer license allows them to pull the equipment trailers and heavy dump truck. Highway Department is currently trying out a hydraulic excavator, similar to what they want to purchase.
LIAISON REPORTS: Planning Board – No Report. Youth – Councilman Topper stated that baseball, soccer and basketball were all represented at the Youth Commission meeting. Youth culture is thinking about approaching town to hold an end of year party here at town hall for the youth. The clerk advised that she talked with S. Lane today regarding that party. Youth rifle team is full, after expanding to a third team. Soccer had a very successful season. Youth commission is trying to work something out with Girl Scout camp for swim program next year. Basketball stated that for grades 1 & 2 they have coed teams; 3rd & 4th grade separate into boy & girl teams; 5th & 6th grade level are separated and have a travel basketball program offered to them. Baseball has already turned in their paperwork for the year. Councilman Topper discussed with the board the request of the youth commission for a VISA card. It seems several members of youth commission are putting out their own money for different items and depending on meeting date, not getting reimbursed for up to two months. Board didn’t think giving them a VISA card was the answer to this problem. The clerk stated that she advised Valerie if there was something randomly that came up with a lapse in payment time that Supervisor would authorize payment. Councilwoman Sutch questioned if they should estimate a month in advance of activity on what they might need for funding. Town clerk suggested that they get petty cash for these events as they do for the family fund day celebration. Supervisor Hargrave stated that he did not want to see any volunteer get into any financial difficulty due to a town program. ZBA – No Report. Senior Citizens – Councilwoman Sutch attended the November 7th meeting of the Senior Citizens. They have discontinued their Tai Chi Classes until spring. Flu Clinic scheduled for tomorrow, from 1-3 p.m. at the Methodist Church, appointments were required. They left yesterday for an overnight trip to Beacon Inn. Galway Lioness will have their annual memory tree in the village green. Assessor – No Report.
MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS
RESOLUTION # 50-2002
– Budget Adjustments. On a motion of
Councilwoman Sutch, seconded by Councilman Topper the following resolution was
ADOPTED:
AYES – 4 NAYS – 0
RESOLVED that the Galway Town
Board approve the following budget adjustments:
Increase A1320.4 $1,300.00 Audit/Accounting
Decrease A1910.4 $1,300.00 Unallocated Insurance
(Under budgeted accountant fees)
All ayes MOTION
CARRIED
Supervisor Hargrave went over items covered in each fund prior to approval.
Councilman Topper made a motion, seconded by Councilman Quinlan
to approve the General Abstract of Vouchers (A) dated 10/15/02 thru 11/6/02 for
a total of $10,110.74.
All ayes. MOTION
CARRIED
Councilman Quinlan made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Sutch
to approve the General Abstract of Vouchers (B) dated 10/15/02 thru 11/6/02 for
a total of $3,217.54.
All ayes. MOTION
CARRIED
Councilman Quinlan made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Sutch
to approve the Highway Abstract of Vouchers (DA) dated 10/15/02 thru 11/6/02 for
a total of $9,232.27.
All ayes. MOTION
CARRIED
Councilwoman Sutch made a motion, seconded by Councilman Quinlan
to approve the Highway Abstract of Vouchers (DB) dated 10/15/02 thru 11/6/02
for a total of $39,899.77.
All ayes. MOTION
CARRIED
Councilman Topper made a motion, seconded by Councilman Quinlan
to approve the Lighting District Abstract of Vouchers (SL) dated 10/15/02 thru 11/6/02
for a total of $181.06.
All ayes. MOTION
CARRIED
Councilwoman Sutch made a motion, seconded by Councilman Topper
to approve the Supervisor’s Operating Statement for the period ending 10/31/02.
All ayes. MOTION
CARRIED
RESOLUTION # 51 -2002 – Extension of John Skorny’s
mowing contract. On a motion of
Councilwoman Sutch, seconded by Councilman Topper the following resolution was
ADOPTED: AYES – 4 NAYS – 0
RESOLVED that the Galway Town Board
extend the mowing contract with John Skorny for one year.
All ayes. MOTION
CARRIED
RESOLUTION # 52 – 2002 – 2003 Town of Galway Budget. On
a motion of Councilman Topper, seconded by Councilman Quinlan the following
resolution was ADOPTED BY ROLL CALL VOTE:
Supervisor George Hargrave – Aye Councilman William Topper – Aye
Councilwoman Susan Sutch – Aye Councilman Charles Quinlan – Aye
RESOLVED that the Galway Town Board adopt the 2003 Budget as submitted.
All ayes. MOTION
CARRIED
Other Business – Supervisor Hargrave advised that the Library is requesting an outside
water faucet. He believes this would be
a spring project. Library requesting board’s
opinion on the placing of a 10’ x 10’ shed on property at library to be used for
storage. Councilman Topper stated that
as long as it complied with village regulations and it was not a permanent
structure he had no problem with shed.
Library had questions regarding who should clean their furnace. Town Clerk advised that Highway Garage &
Library contract for cleaning was given to Brian Able, Town Hall is BCS
Refrigeration. Supervisor Hargrave
advised library to contact Brian Able, if he was unavailable, Burmaster could
do cleaning.
RESOLUTION # 53-2002 – Deputy Historian. Councilwoman
Sutch questioned what percentage of work Deputy would be doing? P. Keeler advised that Tom has been working
with her 4-6 hours a week organizing town history files. She would like to have him participate in
some of the numerous meetings & training sessions required of
Historians. Councilwoman Sutch asked
Phyllis for her recommendation regarding the financial impact on town. P. Keeler suggested that the board research
this information with county.
Supervisor Hargrave suggested tabling resolution, and he would research
this with county for next month’s meeting.
Phyllis Keeler advised that Tom would continue to work with her on town
history project while board looked into this further with county. On a motion of Councilman Topper, seconded
by Councilman Quinlan the following resolution was ADOPTED: AYES – 4 NAYS
– 0
RESOLVED that the Galway Town Board
table the request of the Town Historian, Phyllis Keeler to appoint Tom Cwiakala
as Deputy Historian until further information can be obtained from the county
regarding their recommendation regarding financial compensation.
All ayes. MOTION
CARRIED
Councilman Topper made a motion, seconded by Councilman Quinlan
to adjourn the meeting at 8:29 p.m.
All ayes. MOTION
CARRIED
Respectfully submitted,
Margaret L. DeFoe
Town Clerk