REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 10, 2004
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 Councilman Charles Quinlan

ABSENT: Councilwoman Susan Sutch

OTHERS PRESENT: T. Killeen, Assessor; C.W. Hansen, Highway Superintendent & M. DeFoe, Town Clerk. P. Keeler, Town Historian arrived late.

Pledge to the Flag

A motion was made by Councilman Quinlan, seconded by Councilman Topper to approve the minutes of the January 13, 2004 & January 28, 2004 meetings as submitted.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

Communications – All board members received copies of the Galway Volunteer Fire Company 2003 Annual Report. Resignation letter was received from Richard Weber from his appointed position as Chairman, & member of the Planning Board effective 12/31/03. Resignation letter was received from Joseph Button, Dog Control Officer, will stay on as Dog Control Officer until such time as replacement has been found and trained. Councilman Tillson Audit of the Justice Department Books for 2003 indicates everything to be in order.

Privilege of the Floor – None.

COMMITTEE REPORTS: Library – No Report. Assessor – No Report. Public Safety – Councilman Topper stated that highway department is doing a good job on snow plowing of town roads. Supervisor Hargrave stated that State Police and Sheriff’s Deputies are still working Route 29 & Route 147, especially around school zone. Councilman Topper stated that county appears to be doing a better job of snow plowing on Jockey Street this year. Property – No Report. Public Affairs – No Report. Historian – No Report. County & Town – Supervisor Hargrave stated that Saratoga County Property Auction would be held on March 16^th, 2004. One property in town was on auction block. Information on this parcel and other county auction parcels can be located on county website, Supervisor Hargrave also has information. He explained procedures involved in auction of property. Supervisor Hargrave stated that if anyone knew a Veteran they would like to see honored, he is looking for candidate for May Ceremony. County will be redesigning benches outside building one at county to incorporate new war bench. March 1^st there will be a public hearing at Edinburg Firehouse regarding radio tower project. Addition on county jail is expected to be completed some time this summer. Town level things have been quiet. Supervisor Hargrave also received a copy of the GGCSA (food pantry) minutes from their last meeting. Building & Grounds – Councilman Topper stated that Legislative Local Initiative Form from Assemblyman’s Tedisco’s office had been completed and returned prior to the January deadline. Councilman Topper questioned if highway department would have any time to remove hedge rows at playing fields? Highway Superintendent Hansen stated that the highway department would be cutting the trees this winter; once frost is gone remainder of hedge rows would be removed. Bill Hansen is currently looking for someone close by fields whom may be interested in this fill. Supervisor Hargrave stated that Town Hall Building is being prepared to be painted. Highway – C. W. Hansen stated that highway expenditure agreement was before board for yearly signing. Bill would like to get resolution from board this evening for the annual posting of roads. Councilman Topper question if highway department is keeping an eye on bridge on Parkis Mills Road? Bill Hansen stated that since bridge was pointed up there has been no further deterioration to bridge. Board discussed working on Member Item for next year regarding Parkis Mills Road bridge project. Highway Superintendent discussed some bridge options with board. Loader has been received and working fine. Bill Hansen stated that he was originally concerned because new loader is 25% smaller than old machine. This new loader is more refined and productive than old loader. State CHIPS funding has remained the same for this year, this averages $73,000-$74,000 which is about ½ towns paving costs. Highway Superintendent questioned if new building would be discussed now or in Other Business? Supervisor Hargrave stated Other Business.

LIAISON REPORTS: Planning Board – Councilman Tillson stated that Edward Gorga was looking to subdivide 5 acres off of a 96+ acre parcel located on Crane Road. This was classified as a 2- lot minor subdivision; applicant didn’t expect to be ready for public hearing in February. Rue Kemmerling received approval for a 3-lot subdivision on the corner of Jockey Street & Ballston-Galway Road. Supervisor Hargrave stated that several years ago DEC had hearings on proposed additions to wetlands in Saratoga County, maps were never filed. State law states that once those maps were amended they are considered to be in effect, even if they were not filed. Youth – Councilman Topper stated that 75 tickets were given to youth for the culture night in Saratoga, split three ways between high school, middle school and elementary. Family Fun Day is awaiting this year’s theme from county. Funding for this is anticipated to be about what it was last year. Summer Recreation Program funding is being requested by Donna Sowle from Assemblyman Tedisco’s office and Senator Hugh Farley office. Senator Farley’s office has verbally committed to $2,500. Assemblyman Tedisco originally stated $4,000 but changed figure to $2,750 after he was advised of Farley’s grant. When submitting grant for playing fields, Tedisco’s office questioned who else town was requesting funds from. Rifle team got 1^st place in Air Rifle Match for age group. They expect to have two more Distinguished Experts this year. Councilman Tillson stated that his daughter Colleen had just received Distinguished Expert last weekend. Rifle team has been going on for 33 years in town. Summer Recreation Program has been running for 36 years, Donna Sowle has been running this program for the last 25 of those years. Pee Wee Wrestling has done well with 40 co-ed children participating. Cross Country Skiing has been well attended. This program is held at Bob’s Trees with youth skiing for about ¼ the regular price on designated week nights. Their accompanying adult gets to ski for about ½ the regular price. Senior Citizens – No Report. ZBA – No Report.

RESOLUTION # 7-2004 – Budget Adjustments. 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 approve the following budget adjustments:
Increase DA5130.4 $81,000.00 Machinery
Decrease DA9950.9 $81,000.00 Capital Projects
(purchase of front end loader)

Increase A1620.1 $ 5,000.00 Building CE
Decrease A1620.4 $ 5,000.00 Building PS
(painting of interior of Town Hall)

Increase A9060.8 $ 1,200.00 Medical
Decrease A1550.4 $ 1,200.00 Celebrations
(Highway Superintendent $100.00 per month reimbursement on medical insurance)

Increase B8020.1 $ 4,300.00 Planning CE
Decrease B8020.4 $ 4,300.00 Planning PS
(clerk is on payroll)
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Quinlan made a motion, seconded by Councilman Tillson to approve the General Abstract of Vouchers (A) dated 1/14/04 thru 2/9/04 for a total of $45,675.38.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Topper made a motion, seconded by Councilman Tillson to approve the General Abstract of Vouchers (B) dated 1/14/04 thru 2/9/04 for a total of $6,989.30.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Tillson made a motion, seconded by Councilman Topper to approve the Highway Abstract of Vouchers (DA) dated 1/14/04 thru 2/9/04 for a total of $103,897.58.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Quinlan made a motion, seconded by Councilman Topper to approve the Highway Abstract of Vouchers (DB) dated 1/14/04 thru 2/9/04 for a total of $3,259.10.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Topper made a motion, seconded by Councilman Quinlan to approve the Lighting District Abstract of Vouchers (SL) dated 1/14/04 thru 2/9/04 for a total of $130.18.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Topper made a motion, seconded by Councilman Tillson to approve the Galway Fire District Abstract of Vouchers (G) dated 1/14/04 thru 2/9/04 for a total of $160,000.00.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Quinlan made a motion, seconded by Councilman Topper to approve the Harmony Fire District Abstract of Vouchers (H) dated 1/14/04 thru 2/9/04 for a total of $14,403.37.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Quinlan made a motion, seconded by Councilman Tillson to approve the Supervisor’s Operating Statement for the period ending 1/31/04.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

MOTIONS & RESOLUTIONS

RESOLUTION # 8-2004 – Posting of Roads to seasonal weight limits. On a motion of Councilman Topper, seconded by Councilman Tillson the following resolution was ADOPTED: AYES – 4 NAYS – 0
RESOLVED that the Galway Town Board authorize that effective immediately, all Town roads are subject to temporary closure to all vehicles with a gross weight in excess of four (4) tons. Such closure shall take effect upon the erection of signs by the Highway Superintendent on the section of highway for which such traffic is excluded and continue until such time as conditions shall permit opening. Further notice is hereby given that any person or persons violating this order shall be subject to punishment as provided in Section 1800 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law. Clerk will submit legal notice, Temporary Order Limiting Roads to 4 Ton on Town of Galway Roads, to the Daily Gazette for immediate release.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

RESOLUTION # 9-2004 – Appointment of Tom O’Brien to position of Animal Control Officer. On a motion of Councilman Tillson, seconded by Councilman Topper the following resolution was ADOPTED: AYES – 4 NAYS – 0
RESOLVED that the Galway Town Board appoint Tom O’Brien to the position of Animal Control Officer, to complete the term of Joseph Button, effective March 1, 2004.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

RESOLUTION # 10-2004 – Appointment of Timothy Fisher to Planning Board. On a motion of Councilman Quinlan, seconded by Councilman Topper the following resolution was ADOPTED: AYES – 4 NAYS – 0
RESOLVED that the Galway Town Board appoint Timothy Fisher to the Planning Board to fill the unexpired term of Richard Weber, term to expire 7/1/09.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

RESOLUTION # 11-2004 – Reappointment of Herbert Kopper to the Zoning Board of Appeals. On a motion of Councilman Tillson, seconded by Councilman Topper the following resolution was ADOPTED: AYES – 4 NAYS – 0
RESOLVED that the Galway Town Board reappoint Herbert Kopper to the Zoning Board of Appeals, term to expire 12/31/08.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

RESOLUTION # 12-2004 – Authorization for Supervisor to sign contract with attorney for 2004. On a motion of Councilman Topper, seconded by Councilman Tillson the following resolution was ADOPTED: AYES – 4 NAYS – 0
RESOLVED that the Galway Town Board authorize the Supervisor to sign the yearly contract with Town Attorney for 2004, contract amount $3,000.00 to be paid in quarterly installments and charged to Account A1420.4.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

Historian Report – Phyllis Keeler, Town Historian stated that the Pantry serviced in 2003 about double that of 2002. Volunteers are always welcome. Phyllis is working currently on History Book, timeline of 1900-1999. The first chapter has been completed; there are about nine more chapters all of which are about ½ done. Councilman Topper questioned if she had the formation of West Milton Site in book? Phyllis stated that they were working on that section tomorrow. Councilman Topper stated that one significant architectural item would be that the ball at the West Milton Site is the biggest Horton Sphere in the world.

Other Business:

Supervisor Hargrave asked board how they would like to proceed with Highway Garage Proposal. Councilman Topper would like to go to specification on building and put project out for bid. Supervisor Hargrave would like to have at least one to two public hearing before they went to much further on project to find out what community feeling is on building. Board discussed proposal and decided to schedule public hearing for next months meeting. Supervisor Hargrave suggested that funds for building be taken from sales tax revenue over the next 20 years, this way there would be no additional impact on tax payers to run complex. Councilman Topper will contact Town Engineer to request that he attend the public hearing and supply sketches of proposed project.

RESOLUTION # 13-2004 – Schedule public hearing on new highway building. On a motion of Councilman Tillson, seconded by Councilman Topper the following resolution was ADOPTED: AYES – 4 NAYS – 0
RESOLVED that the Galway Town Board schedule a public hearing to be held at 7:00 p.m. on March 9, 2004 for the purpose of receiving public input on the feasibility of constructing a new highway garage at an estimated cost of $450,000.00, the proposed construction cost to be taken from sales tax revenue over a 20 year period. Highway Superintendent or Town Supervisor will schedule walk thru of current highway building with any interested citizen to view equipment currently housed inside and also view equipment currently housed outside the highway garage on a year round basis.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

Supervisor Hargrave requested that board put before voters in November the option of Highway Superintendent; Town Clerk & Town Supervisor going to a four year term of office. Councilman Topper questioned how we compared to other towns? The majority of Highway Superintendents & Town Clerk’s in Saratoga County are on a four year term, Supervisor’s are about 50-50.

RESOLUTION # 14-2004 – Authorization for Supervisor to have the Town Attorney work on wording of referendum for November Election to allow Highway Superintendent, Town Clerk & Town Supervisor to go to a four year term of office. On a motion of Councilman Topper, seconded by Councilman Tillson the following resolution was ADOPTED: AYES – 4 NAYS – 0
RESOLVED that the Galway Town Board authorize the Supervisor to instruct the Town Attorney to work up the proper wording for a referendum to be placed on the November 2004 ballot that would allow the Highway Superintendent, Town Clerk & Town Supervisor to go to a four year term of office.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Topper made a motion, seconded by Councilman Quinlan to adjourn the meeting at 8:46 p.m.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

Respectfully submitted,

Margaret L. DeFoe
Town Clerk