REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 11, 2003
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:   M. Kopper; D. Hurst; R. Bowe;  P. Keeler, Historian; T. Killeen, Assessor;  C.W. Hansen, Highway Superintendent; M. DeFoe, Town Clerk. 

Pledge to the Flag

A motion was made by Councilman Topper, seconded by Councilwoman Sutch to approve the minutes of the February 1, 2003 meeting as submitted.
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

Communications – Town Clerk read correspondence from Galway Public Library President, Mary Lynn Kopper requesting that Town Board appoint Catherine H. Brown to Library Board.  Robert Bowe gave board members a copy of a letter addressed to David Harrison, Chairman of Planning Board from the Galway Lake Campers Association, Inc. President, Dale Swann regarding the subdivision application of Kathryne Gutto.

Abstract of the Agenda   

Privilege of the Floor – None. 

COMMITTEE REPORTS:  Library – M. Kopper introduced Derrith Hurst to Town Board.  Derrith is one of the Trustees for the Library and has now taken over the treasurer position.  April 1st Family Day at Library has been postponed due to parking concerns caused by large amounts of snowfall.  Assessor – T. Killeen stated he attended a meeting with the Office of Real Property Services today where they presented statistics anticipating equalization rate to be between 90 & 91%.  Historian – P. Keeler stated that the post card project is under way.  Samples of post card project were given to board members.  They have received $500.00 towards the Joseph Henry Monument.  They continue to urge people to buy shares for $25.00 in honor of or memory of someone special.  Very nice article in Gazette regarding announcement on Joseph Henry Monument.  The Director of the Smithsonian will be here for the June 12th celebration & memorial for Joseph Henry.  County & Town – Supervisor Hargrave stated that in July the county will honor all killed in action Korean War Veterans.  June 21st City of Saratoga Springs will have a program at City Center honoring Korean War Veterans.  County will be taking part in this program also; they have paid for the band.  County will have their regular program at Saratoga Performing Arts Center with the Military Band.  County will be placing a couple of items in our newsletter, one on rabies clinic dates and the other regarding a fishing contest.  Newsletter article are due by March 28th.  Public Safety – No Report.  Property – No Report.  Building & Grounds – Councilman Topper noted that some of the shingles are off new shed at ball field.  Supervisor Hargrave stated that he had discussed this with Bob Hartman and he stated he would take care of it.  They plan on putting up a lockable bulletin board on side of shed for announcements.  Public Affairs – No Report.  Highway – C.W. Hansen stated he would like board approval to attend Cornell Road School in Ithaca, NY June 1st – 3rd.

RESOLUTION # 14-2003 – Authorization for Highway Superintendent to attend the Cornell Road School in Ithaca, NY June 1st thru 3rd.  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 authorize the Highway Superintendent to attend the Cornell Road School in Ithaca, NY June 1st thru 3rd .
     All ayes                                                                   MOTION CARRIED

Highway – C.W. Hansen stated that the Town will be receiving FEMA funding as Saratoga County was one of the 17 upstate counties declared a disaster due to snow.  He is hoping to receive $3,000-5,000 which will go towards overtime, equipment & salt.  The hydraulic excavator has been delivered.  Pickup truck should be delivered within a couple of weeks.  Hansen discussed two highway employees currently classified as road maintainers.  Highway Superintendent budgeted wage increases for these two employees to bring them up to motor equipment operator status.  He would like to do this increase on their anniversary date one is in March the other in June.  C. W. Hansen stated that he was not sure if he needed board approval, but wanted to make board aware of his plans.  Deputy Highway Superintendent will be retiring in November of this year.  Bill advised board that he received a call from the regional DOT engineer out of Saratoga regarding a letter received from a resident of Hart Section in Lake District.  They are trying to go thru DOT and force town to take over roads in Hart Section.  Hansen explained to DOT representative that this has been an ongoing discussion for years.  It they are willing to give town right-of-way requirements and bring roads up to current specifications, town would take over roads.  Town has had no correspondence from anyone in Hart Section regarding this request to date.  DOT representative did not believe anything would come of letter, but wanted to make town aware of request.  Board went into access discussion regarding private roads in Lake District.  Supervisor Hargrave stated that the Town of Providence & Galway will share the cost for an engineer to review roof problems in both Providence & Galway’s Highway garage.  We will also have this specialist look at Galway Town Hall roof problems.  This gentleman is expected on March 25th.  Superintendent stated that several years ago the state audit & control division suggested that townships compensate employees whom opt out of health insurance coverage.  The town board at that time authorized $100 per month be given to any full time employee that does not participate in town insurance.  Highway Superintendent Hansen is full time and is questioning if he is covered under this agreement to receive the $100 per month?  Supervisor Hargrave will check with town attorney regarding this request.  Supervisor Hargrave stated that the board can anticipate state retirement charges coming in at 4 to 5 times what town budgeted for this year.  He stated with the retirement system taking a large hit due to 911 we are going to have to make this up for them.  Councilwoman Sutch felt that the state should be required to have the fiduciary responsibility and accountability to create a plan that took into consideration worse case scenarios, without passing on the financial responsibility.  Private & union pension plans are required to do this. 

LIAISON REPORTS:  Planning Board – Councilman Tillson stated that the Gutto application took up most of the evening.  The chairman had to struggle with the applicant to keep his comments addressed to board and not audience.  Councilman Tillson requested that we have someone at next planning board meeting to keep things under control.  Supervisor Hargrave stated that he would talk to Sheriff Bowen regarding this request.  The Gutto application was tabled for further information.  Bentley White received approval for a two lot subdivision on Mechanic Street.  Angelo & Anne Spensieri received approval for a three lot subdivision on Mechanic Street.  Michael LaFlamme received approval for a two lot subdivision on Consaul Road.  The application of John Kotraba was cancelled for this month because their maps were not completed.  Donald Carpenter received approval for a lot line adjustment on Parkis Mills Road.  Mr. Carpenter tried to file this lot line adjustment with the county without coming before planning board for approval.  County rejected maps without planning board approval.  John Abrams received approval for a lot line adjustment on West Galway Road.  Youth – Councilman Topper stated that a Hip Hop dance session is scheduled at school this month.  Family Fun Day 2003 will be scheduled for sometime in June.  The Board of Supervisors approved funding, aiming at a budget similar to last years.  Rifle team had Kristy Weaver qualify as a distinguished expert.  Their indoor season ends with a shooting celebration on March 26th at 7:00 p.m.  Councilman Tillson’s daughter, Heather got 2nd place in state competition & Amanda Donahue received 3rd place.  The Rifle team will participate in the National Outdoor Championship held in Ohio this year.  Karate has picked up three new students.  The swim program will take place this summer at the Woodhaven Girl Scout Camp on Alexander Road.  There will be 4 ½ hour lessons with 12 youth in each group ages 6-12.  This program will run for two weeks.  ZBA – No Report.  Senior Citizens – No Report.      

MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS

RESOLUTION # 15-2003 – Budget adjustments.  On a motion of Councilman Topper, seconded by Councilman Tillson the following resolution was ADOPTED:
     AYES – 5               NAYS – 0
     RESOLVED that the Galway Town Board approve the following budget adjustments:
Increase           DA5130.4        $81,000.00                  Machinery
Decrease          DA9950.9        $81,000.00                  Capital Projects
(Purchase of Hydraulic Excavator.)
          All ayes                                                              MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Tillson made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Sutch to approve the General Abstract of Vouchers (A) dated 2/13/03 thru 3/11/03 for a total of $61,296.88.
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Topper made a motion, seconded by Councilman Quinlan to approve the General Abstract of Vouchers (B) dated 2/13/03 thru 3/11/03 for a total of $873.09.
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Quinlan made a motion, seconded by Councilman Topper to approve the Highway Abstract of Vouchers (DA) dated 2/13/03 thru 3/11/03 for a total of $110,768.43.
   All ayes.                                                                    MOTION CARRIED

Councilwoman Sutch made a motion, seconded by Councilman Topper to approve the Highway Abstract of Vouchers (DB) dated 2/13/03 thru 3/10/03 for a total of $953.55.
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Tillson made a motion, seconded by Councilman Topper to approve the Galway Fire District Abstract of Vouchers (G) dated 2/13/03 thru 3/10/03 for a total of $145,000.65.
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Topper made a motion, seconded by Councilman Tillson to approve the Harmony Fire District Abstract of Vouchers (H) dated 2/13/03 thru 3/10/03 for a total of $13,040.00.
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Topper made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Sutch to approve the Lighting District Abstract of Vouchers (SL) dated 2/13/03 thru 3/10/03 for a total of $137.74. 
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Quinlan made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Sutch to approve the Supervisor’s Operating Statement for the period ending 2/28/03.
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

RESOLUTION # 16-2003  Appointment of Catherine H. Brown to Galway Public Library Board of Trustees.  On a motion of Councilman Topper, seconded by Councilwoman Sutch the following resolution was ADOPTED: AYES–5            NAYS–0
     RESOLVED that the Galway Town Board appoint Catherine H. Brown to the Galway Public Library Board of Trustees for a five year term to expire 4/30/08. 
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

RESOLUTION # 17 -2003 – Appointment of Marion G. Pritchard, Jr. to the Planning Board to fill the vacated term of Bart Germond, term to expire 7/1/04.  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 appoint Marion G. Pritchard, Jr. to the Planning Board to fill the vacated term of Bart Germond, term to expire 7/1/04.     
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

Other Business – Supervisor Hargrave stated that the county will honor deceased Veteran Richard Martin Legere of Charlton on Tuesday March 18th at 1:30 p.m.

Supervisor Hargrave stated that one land locked .29 acre parcel in the Town of Galway will go up for auction on March 18th due to delinquent taxes.  There are currently 50 parcels in Saratoga County up on the county auction block set for auction on March 18th at 6:00 p.m. in Building 5 due to delinquent taxes.       

 RESOLUTION # 18-2003 – Authorization to increase school crossing guard rate of pay to $8.50 per hour.  Supervisor Hargrave stated that the crossing guard, Kenneth Swatling has not received an increase in pay for two years.  He is currently making $8.00 per hour, Supervisor would like to increase pay to $8.50.  On a motion of Councilman Topper, seconded by Councilman Tillson the following resolution was
     ADOPTED: AYES – 5       NAYS – 0
     RESOLVED that the Galway Town Board authorize and increase in pay for the school crossing guard from $8.00 per hour to $8.50 per hour.
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Quinlan stated that the committee formed to review zoning has had two meetings, with a third scheduled for tomorrow night.  They are currently reviewing definitions.      

The Town Clerk advised that she and the Deputy Town Clerk will attend this years Town Clerk’s Conference being held in Buffalo from April 27th thru 30th . 

Councilman Topper made a motion, seconded by Councilman Quinlan to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 p.m.
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

Respectfully submitted,



Margaret L. DeFoe
Town Clerk