REGULAR MEETING
January 13, 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 Councilwoman Susan Sutch
Councilman Charles Quinlan

OTHERS PRESENT: P. Dobo; S. Pandori; P. Keeler, Historian; K. Parker, Gazette Reporter; T. Killeen, Assessor; J. Mitchell, Town Engineer; 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 December 30, 2003 & January 6, 2004 meetings as submitted.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

Communications – Town Clerk stated that board members received copies of the building departments permit report for the period 11/1/03-12/31/03. Letter was received from NYS Office of Children & Family Services regarding their approval of the amendment to the Legislative Member Item Contract, the original contract period covered 7/1/02-10/31/03 amended to 7/1/02-12/31/03. Correspondence from Time Warner Cable advising of a disagreement between Time Warner Cable & affiliates of Cablevision Systems which may result in the discontinuance of carriage of Fox Sports New York & the MSG Network on Time Warner Cable System in our community. Resignation letter from Chuck Klages from Board of Assessment Review effective immediately. Minutes of the Greater Galway Food Pantry for November 3, 2003 were received.

Privilege of the Floor – Jim Mitchell, Town Engineer went over proposal for new building at highway garage. Building will be the same size as Providence’s new highway garage. Proposal is for an 80’ x 100’ pre engineered metal building. Ridged insulation will be used to alleviate problems in ceiling with humidity. The estimated cost for new building is $475,000. Jim added the extra cost of the ridged insulation plus 15-20% increase in cost from Providence’s project of three years ago to come up with building estimate. C.W. Hansen stated that current highway department building would be used for highway storage. There would also be room for youth commission storage; housing of generator to service Town Hall & Highway Department; building & grounds maintenance material storage and possibly a sub-station for the State Police. Supervisor Hargrave questioned how building would be paid for? Councilman Topper stated that Referendum would be needed. Supervisor Hargrave stated that interest rates are currently low; this would be a good time to finance. The town would not be financing the total amount. Supervisor Hargrave stated that they needed to do something, the highway department currently has hydraulic excavator that was just purchased for $90,000 outside. Along with this are a bull dozer; 2 trucks; grader & 2 rollers. In the spring it takes about three weeks to get this machinery working properly. Board discussed proposed project with Engineer & Highway Superintendent. Town Board will review information submitted by engineer and crunch some figures for next month. They would like to be able to make decision regarding the direction they want to go with proposal this winter.

Privilege of the Floor – None.

COMMITTEE REPORTS: Library – S. Pandori stated that the Library just hired their 3^rd part time Library Clerk as a fill in person. Valentines party is scheduled for Saturday, February 7^th. Sarah is currently working on the annual report for the state & newsletter for community. Circulation graph was given to all board members. Assessor – T. Killeen, Assessor had property card information available for board to review on resent sales in town. He has been working on the level of assessment for 2004, which looks like it will go from 91% to between 85-86%. This will be equalization rate for purposes of setting school/county taxes if state accepts figures. Tracy is currently working on exemptions until March 1^st. If residents were born in 1939, he has put reminder in newsletter that they should be updating their STAR exemption to the enhanced STAR. Historian – P. Keeler went over historian office accomplishments for 2003. County & Town – Supervisor Hargrave stated that Town newsletter was sent out today. County budget held line on taxes, $2.60 per thousand. Supervisor Hargrave was appointed Chairman of Buildings & Grounds Committee, he was also appointed to the following committees: Radio; Public Works; Public Safety; Public Health & Jury Board. Superintendent Hansen questioned if on county level, they were going to get aggressive with legislators regarding medicaid. Supervisor Hargrave stated that legislative research committee is going to have meeting with representatives to try and get them to force state to take over as much of this as possible. Public Safety – Councilman Topper stated that roads are in good shape. Supervisor Hargrave stated that he had contacted the NYS Police regarding his concerns with speeding in the school zone. State Police have been in this area in full force since his letter with concerns was received. Highway Superintendent & Board went into discussion regarding passing zone heading out of town in northern & southern direction. Superintendent Hansen requested that the town board request from NYSDOT that when they repaint lines in this area that it is designated a no passing zone. Board addressed this last summer. Supervisor Hargrave stated that he had meeting at county tomorrow and would check on this with Sheriff Bowen & Commissioner of Public Works, Joseph Ritchey. Supervisor Hargrave will send letter to NYSDOT tomorrow regarding this concern. Peter Dobo stated that he had these same concerns regarding County Road 45. Supervisor Hargrave stated that he would also discuss County Road 45 with Joe Ritchey tomorrow. Property – No Report. Building & Grounds – Councilman Topper stated that Assemblyman Tedisco’s office sent a Legislative Local Initiative Form to the Town to be completed regarding the playing field. This was in response to our request for funds. Councilman Topper has completed form and will be submitting to Tedisco’s office. In Town Hall, mop board has been removed & cracks are being repaired. Ceilings will be painted first, followed by walls. Cleaning service will be in within the next couple of months to give floors & building a cleaning. Public Affairs – No Report. Highway – C. W. Hansen recapped paving schedule over the past ten years and discussed how roads stand at this point. Bill has discussed enforcement concerns of local ordinances with town attorney. Tim Horigan, Town Attorney stated that the town, when looking into implementing a local ordinance should also look into appointing an ordinance officer. Enforcement otherwise is very difficult. Bill would like to see an ordinance addressing the pushing of snow out into road. When looking into this C.W. Hansen felt that dog control officer should also be allowed to write appearance tickets. Zoning review committee is currently working on regulations; Bill Hansen would like to see these items incorporated into revisions.

LIAISON REPORTS: Planning Board – No Report. 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. Rifle team competed in the National Junior Olympics, placing 2^nd & 3^rd overall. The 2^nd place winner was Councilman Tillson’s daughter, Heather. This year rifle team purchased 19 team shooting jackets. Swimming program will take place at the Woodhaven Girl Scout Camp again this year from August 16^th thru 27^th. There were 98 children that participated in the baseball program this year. Baseball may request an increase in 2005 budget. Councilman Topper would like to see baseball contract submitted earlier in year. Supervisor Hargrave stated registration need to be submitted before December to allow adequate time for billing of other towns. Soccer had 179 children participate in fall program. Next year they will have one shirt to cover fall & spring soccer. They are trying a cross country skiing program this year to be held at Bob’s Trees. ZBA – No Report. Senior Citizens – Councilwoman Sutch stated that the seniors continue to meet the 1^st & 3^rd Thursday of each month. They start planning their trip schedule around the end of February. Meetings continue to be very well attended. Town Clerk advised that she had received a call regarding health screening dates. Peg DeFoe requested that screening program take place during meeting time. The health screening will be March 18^th & October 21^st from 1-3 p.m.

MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS

RESOLUTION # 2-2004 – Amending of Resolution # 1-2004. Supervisor Hargrave stated that crossing guard salary needed to be changed from $8.50 to $8.75 per hr. Deputy Clerk & Deputy tax collector was given a 3% increase in budget, but was not indicated in policy, should be changed from $12.73 to $13.12. 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 amend Resolution # 1-2004 for the following salary adjustments: Crossing guard changed from $8.50 to $8.75 per hour; Deputy Town Clerk/Deputy Tax Collector change from $12.73 to $13.12 per hour.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

RESOLUTION # 3-2004 – Authorization for Supervisor to sign contract with General Code Publishing for Document Management LaserFiche Proposal. Supervisor Hargrave stated that $9,000.00 had been budgeted for this project. 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 Supervisor to sign the contract with General Code Publishing for the Document Management LaserFiche Proposal in the amount of $8,975.00 to be charged to Account # A1680.4.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

RESOLUTION # 4-2004 – Authorization for Councilman Tillson to purchase three computers & one monitor off state contract. Supervisor Hargrave stated that Deputy Clerk, Zoning Administrator and Supervisor were all due for updated computers, Supervisor also needed monitor. On a motion of Councilwoman Sutch, seconded by Councilman Topper the following resolution was ADOPTED: AYES – 5 NAYS – 0
RESOLVED that the Galway Town Board authorize Councilman Tillson to purchase three new computers & one new monitor off state contract for an amount not to exceed $2,300.00 to be charged to Account #: 1680.2.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

Supervisor Hargrave stated that village court computer has been setup. Village paid for this computer. We will be allowing them access to internet for filing of their monthly reports with state. They are now required to do all filings electronically. Checks will now be sent to state for just their portion of fee. Previously, the court was required to send all funds collected and then they reimbursed town for their portion.

RESOLUTION # 5-2004 – Budget Adjustments. On a motion of Councilman Topper, seconded by Councilman Quinlan the following resolution was ADOPTED: AYES – 5 NAYS – 0
RESOLVED that the Galway Town Board approve the following budget adjustments:
Increase DB9060.8 $89.00 Medical Insurance
Decrease DB9050.8 $89.00 Unemployment Insurance
(to correct entry December 30, 2003)

Increase A1620.4 $2,060.00 Building
Decrease A909 $2,060.00 Fund Balance
(roof & building repair)

Increase A5132.4 $591.00 Garage
Decrease A1320.4 $591.00 Independent Auditing
(doors in highway garage)

Increase A3310.4 $65.00 Traffic Control
Decrease A7550.4 $65.00 Celebrations
(school lights)

Increase A9060.8 $1,001.00 Medical Insurance
Decrease A5010.1 $1,001.00 Superintendent of Highways PS
(payment in lieu of Insurance)
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Quinlan made a motion, seconded by Councilman Tillson to approve the General Abstract of Vouchers (A) dated 1/1/04 thru 1/12/04 for a total of $4,260.42.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Topper made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Sutch to approve the Highway Abstract of Vouchers (DA) dated 1/1/04 thru 1/12/04 for a total of $3,621.94.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Tillson made a motion, seconded by Councilman Quinlan to approve the Highway Abstract of Vouchers (DB) dated 1/1/04 thru 1/12/04 for a total of $278.25.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Topper made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Sutch to approve the Lighting District Abstract of Vouchers (SL) dated 1/1/04 thru 1/12/04 for a total of $117.05.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

Supervisor Hargrave stated on the Supervisor’s Report, there would be one more month of sales tax coming in and an additional $10,000.00 in mortgage tax. Councilman Quinlan made a motion, seconded by Councilman Tillson to approve the Supervisor’s Operating Statement for the period ending 12/31/03.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

Other Business:

Councilman Quinlan stated that he did the audit of the Town Clerk’s books on Friday of last week covering October & November 2003. He reviewed bank statements starting with September; daily cash reports; deposit slips; check book ledger & written checks. All information was provided by the Town Clerk and in order, no discrepancy was found. Supervisor Hargrave stated that Justice Books still needed to be audited; Councilman Tillson will do Justice Audit.

Newsletter was up to 12 pages for this issue.

Councilman Tillson made a motion, seconded by Councilman Topper to adjourn the meeting at 9:05 p.m.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

Respectfully submitted,

Margaret L. DeFoe
Town Clerk