PUBLIC HEARING
MARCH 9, 2004
GALWAY TOWN HALL

Supervisor Hargrave opened the public hearing at 7:00 p.m. to receive public input on the feasibility of constructing a new highway garage at an estimated cost of $450,000, construction costs to be taken from sales tax revenue over a 20 year period.  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:  J. Mitchell, Town Engineer; S. Atkins; N. Hansen; K. Parker, Gazette Reporter; P. Keeler, Historian; T. Killeen, Assessor; C.W. Hansen, Highway Superintendent & M. DeFoe, Town Clerk.

Town Clerk read legal notice as printed in the Daily Gazette on February 8, 2004 and posted at the Town Hall; Bank; Post Office & Library.  Supervisor Hargrave asked if there were any comments or questions from the audience.  There were no questions or comments from those present.  Supervisor Hargrave stated that he wanted to clarify where building was going to be built.  New building would be directly across driveway from current highway building, not across the street.  J. Mitchell, Town Engineer gave an overview of proposed project to audience.  Bill Hansen stated that old building shop portion would be used for highway storage.  Hansen stated if board doesn’t authorize building, they will need to do major work on current highway building plus build some type of out building for storage.  Board closed the public hearing at 7:20 p.m.

REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 9, 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

OTHER PRESENT:  V. Sawicki; P. Keeler, Historian; K. Parker, Gazette Reporter; N. Hansen; S. Pandori, Library; T. O’Brien, Dog Control Officer; T. Killeen, Assessor; P. Dobo; C.W. Hansen, Highway Superintendent & M. DeFoe, Town Clerk.

Pledge to the Flag

A motion was made by Councilman Topper, seconded by Councilman Quinlan to approve the minutes of the February 10, 2004 meeting as submitted.
     All ayes.                                                                 MOTION CARRIED

Communications – Town Clerk read correspondence from County of Saratoga Board of Supervisors reminding town of County property auction on March 16th & 17th, the only parcel from Galway was a one acre land locked parcel located on Lake Road & Hermance Road.  Correspondence from the State of NY Department of Transportation regarding the  request from Supervisor Hargrave to eliminate the passing zone south & north on Route 147.  Due to the development along the southern passing zone and the school’s athletic facilities along the northern zone, adjustments are warranted.  The northern zone will be completely eliminated.  South of village they will restrict passing within the 35 mph speed limit.  Town Clerk read legal notice as placed in Daily Gazette on February 16th 2004 regarding the temporary order limiting roads to 4 ton on Town of Galway Roads.  NYS Office of Real Property Services advising that the Residential Assessment Ratio had been set at 87.88.  Thomas Mitchell sent an email to Councilman Tillson advising that he owned 12 acres of land north of town and would like to donate property to worthy organization.  NYS Department of Environmental Conservation copy of mining permit for William M. Larned & Sons Inc. property on Hermance Road & Route 147.  Saratoga County Office for the Aging request for volunteers to place scheduled calls or to make visits to homebound or alone seniors.  Supervisor Hargrave received a copy of the Greater Galway Community Service Association, Inc. minutes from their February 17th meeting.  Town Board members were given copies of the Saratoga County Planning Board minutes for their January 15th meeting.        

 Galway Preservation Society – V. Sawicki stated that the Preservation Society is collecting funds in memory of David Weaver.  They are looking at producing a quilt that would have the Town Seal in the center, surrounded by buildings depicting Galway.  Preservation Society is looking for Town support of this project to allow them to hang completed 50” x 65” project on vacant wall in this meeting room.   Councilman Topper questioned if the support they were requesting was just authorization for finished project to be hung on meeting room wall, or were they also requesting monetary support?  Virginia Sawicki stated just authorization to hang finished project.   

RESOLUTION # 15-2004 – Authorization for support of Preservation Society memorial quilt project in memory of David Weaver, quilt to be hung on meeting room wall.  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 their support to the Preservation Society’s memorial quilt project in memory of David Weaver and allow them to hang completed quilt on meeting room wall.
     All ayes.                                                                 MOTION CARRIED

Privilege of the Floor – None.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:  Dog Control Officer – Supervisor Hargrave introduced the new Dog Control Officer to Board.  Tom O’Brien officially started his position on March 1st.  Library – S. Pandori stated that newsletter had been mailed to residents.  Mission Statement completed and printed.  Both of which she has dropped off copies of for distribution here at Town Hall.  Their Dr. Seuss program was a huge success.  Library will host a Scout Wolf Pack working on a badge.  Sara is working on the summer reading program currently.  Library circulation for January & February of 2004 is 34% higher than 2003.  Library system is appealing to State Assembly & State Senate for support to help defray cost of a new system wide circulation system.  This would be for Southern Adirondack & Mohawk Valley Library Systems.  Historian – P. Keeler stated that the New York State Military Museum was requesting that all officers and enlisted personnel complete an interview application form.  This information will be used for archival purposes; some applicants may also be requested to participate in a video.  She went over questions asked of Veterans on this questioner.  Assessor – No Report.  Public Safety – No Report.  Property – No Report.  Public Affairs – No Report.  Buildings & Grounds – Councilman Topper thanked Highway Department for starting the removal of hedge row at ball fields.  Highway Superintendent stated that fence will be needed once this hedge row is completely removed between field and parking lot.  Councilman Topper requested no parking signs in front of walk ways to fields.  Providence has volunteered to help with the hauling of rocks from hedge row.  Looking into local site for disposal of these rocks.  County & Town – Supervisor Hargrave stated that Saratoga County is still working on Radio System.  County jail addition is about 95% completed.  On town level, things have been quiet.  Annual report was filed on time.  Highway – C. W. Hansen stated that highway department had some nice weather to do tree cutting.  Donovan Tree Service has taken some dangerous dead trees down for highway department. Town Board requested that Highway Superintendent get an estimate on replacement costs for bridge on Parkis Mills Road.  C.W. Hansen stated that estimated replacement cost for this bridge is $125,000.00.  Bill discussed other options available for bridge replacement.  They have been working on putting a steering clutch & track chain on the bull dozer they purchased from county last year; this seems to be a good machine. 

LIAISON REPORTS:  Planning Board – Councilman Tillson stated that Planning board continued to review the proposed subdivision of Rue Kemmerling on property located on Jockey Street & Ballston-Galway Road.  There are several issues with wet lands on this project.  Public hearing may be scheduled for March meeting if all required information is submitted.  Ann Johnston received a 2 lot subdivision classification for property located on Bliss Road, wetland need to be flagged before application can proceed any further.  Francis Pangie received a 3 lot subdivision classification for property located on Greens Corner Road; this subdivision also required wetland to be flagged before it can proceed.  A large part of the evenings meeting was spent reviewing the preliminary application of Christopher Sowle’s Special Use Permit/Site Plan Review for conversion of one bay of the existing C & G Car Wash located at Route 29 & Fish House Road to a NYS motor vehicle inspection/repair shop.  This is in very early stage of review.  Most of the excitement of the night was spent with a group from Kask & Kask, Fine Home Building & Design looking into the possible development of a 97 acre parcel south of the American Legion on Route 147.  They are looking to put in 32 lots plus a retail zone.  Board did explain that this property is not located within the commercial zone for the town.  They have not done any site investigation, so the wetlands have not been delineated.  Youth – Councilman Topper stated Family Fun Day will be held at Town Hall on June 19th, theme this year is “Saratoga Kids are Amazing”.  Councilman Topper suggested that people stop by and enjoy this rapidly growing celebration.  Donna Sowle has submitted the paperwork for grant money to help support summer recreation programming.  Summer Recreation staff day will be held July 6th, program starting on the 7th and running thru August 6th.  Donna anticipates getting the use of school for this program.  Junior Rifle team season will end this month with a parent/child shoot off.  Colleen Tillson completed her “Distinguished Expert”.  State finals team came in 2nd, 3rd, & 4th.  Heather Tillson took 2nd place, loosing 1st place by just one point.  Karate had good year of return participation.  They just tested seven students for upgrades; five out of seven were promoted.  ZBA – No Report.  Senior Citizens – No Report.          

RESOLUTION # 16-2004 – Amend Budget Adjustments 7-2004, error on agenda for account.  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 amend the following part of Resolution # 7-2004 budget adjustment:
Increase           A1550.4                      $ 1,200.00      
Decrease         A7550.4                      $ 1,200.00       Celebrations
(Error made on agenda of 2/10/04)
     All ayes.                                                                 MOTION CARRIED

RESOLUTION # 17-2004 – Budget Adjustments.  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 approve the following budget adjustments:
Increase           DA1910.4                   $ 50.00            Unallocated Insurance
Decrease         DA5140.4                   $ 50.00            Brush & Weeds
     All ayes.                                                                 MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Quinlan made a motion, seconded by Councilman Tillson to approve the General Abstract of Vouchers (A) dated 2/12/04 thru 3/6/04 for a total of $43,214.99.
     All ayes.                                                                 MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Topper made a motion, seconded by Councilman Quinlan to approve the General Abstract of Vouchers (B) dated 2/12/04 thru 3/4/04 for a total of $577.56.
   All ayes.                                                                   MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Tillson made a motion, seconded by Councilman Topper to approve the Highway Abstract of Vouchers (DA) dated 2/12/04 thru 3/4/04 for a total of $16,759.85.
     All ayes.                                                                 MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Topper made a motion, seconded by Councilman Quinlan to approve the Highway Abstract of Vouchers (DB) dated 2/12/04 thru 3/4/04 for a total of $2,415.98.
     All ayes.                                                                 MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Quinlan made a motion, seconded by Councilman Topper to approve the Lighting District Abstract of Vouchers (SL) dated 2/12/04 thru 3/4/04 for a total of $114.20.
     All ayes.                                                                 MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Quinlan made a motion, seconded by Councilman Tillson to approve the Supervisor’s Operating Statement for the period ending 2/29/04.
     All ayes.                                                                 MOTION CARRIED

MOTIONS & RESOLUTIONS

RESOLUTION # 18-2004 – Appointment of Mary Cuffe to the Board of Trustees of Galway Public Library to fill the unexpired term of Mary Salvino, term to expire December 2008.  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 appoint Mary Cuffe to the Board of Trustees of the Galway Public Library to fill the unexpired term of Mary Salvino, term to expire December 2008.
     All ayes.                                                                 MOTION CARRIED

Other Business:

RESOLUTION # 19-2004 – Authorization for Town Engineer to start preparing bid package for new highway building.  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 Town Engineer to start preparing bid package for new highway building.
     All ayes.                                                                 MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Topper made a motion, seconded by Councilman Quinlan to adjourn the meeting at 8:22 p.m.
     All ayes.                                                                 MOTION CARRIED

Respectfully submitted,

 

Margaret L. DeFoe
Town
Clerk