REGULAR MEETING
APRIL12, 2005
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 George Weed
OTHERS PRESENT: J.
Sivik; M. Kopper; H. Kopper; D. Carpenter; E. Hartman; C. Hartman; F. Reedy; V.
Sawicki; P. Dobo; P. Keeler, Historian; T. Killeen, Assessor; J. Sivik, Deputy
Clerk & M. DeFoe, Town Clerk.
Supervisor Hargrave introduced our new Councilmember, George
Weed to audience.
Pledge to the Flag
A motion was made by Councilman Topper, seconded by Councilwoman
Sutch to approve the minutes of the March 8, 2005 meetings as submitted.
All ayes. MOTION
CARRIED
Communications – Town Clerk advised that all board
members, Planning & Zoning Chairman all received copies of memo from Saratoga County regarding application package and
criteria for Farmland/Open Space Preservation Program. All board members received copies of the Dog
Control Officers report for March 2005.
Correspondence was received from the Cock ‘N Bull Restaurant advising
that they were renewing their liquor license with the state. Memo was read from Assessor, Tracy Killeen
regarding upcoming Board of Assessment Review meeting in May. Tracy
advised that he was informed by Adrienne Beebe that she would be out of the
country for BAR meeting in May. Adrienne
also advised Tracy that she would be moving her
primary residence to Florida
in November. Hume Donnan also advised Tracy that he & his
wife would be away for BAR meeting celebrating their 50th
anniversary. This leaves BAR with two
members, not sufficient for quorum.
Supervisor Hargrave stated that Board would address Board of
Assessment Review problem later in meeting.
He contacted Adrienne Beebe and she will be sending in resignation
letter, so Town Board can make new appointment now. Four applications have been received
regarding these two vacancies.
Supervisor Hargrave has spoke with County, if Town is short on quorum,
county will send three representatives to sit in on hearing.
Insurance Presentation by David Meager of Round Lake
Insurance – David Meager went over Town’s entire insurance coverage: Property; Contractors Equipment; Coverage
Extensions; General Liability; Automobile; Disability Benefits Policy; Public
Officials Policy & Employee Dishonesty.
He advised that the premiums has gone down for the 2nd year
in a row. We had one claim last year
that was handled quickly. Dave also gave
a list of items for the board to consider:
Youth Accident Medical; Risk Management; Certificate of Insurance;
Earthquake; Claims Service; Personnel Issues & Employee Benefits.
Everett
Hartman Presentation of Town Seal - Herb Kopper presented Everett Hartman
whom works with medium of Marquetry, which are inlayed wood veneers of
different colors & textures. When
Town Hall was build Everett
volunteered to create a piece for the Town.
Supervisor Hargrave stated that plaque will be placed under seal
advising that it was presented to Town by Everett
Hartman. Everett advised that he taped a piece of the
saw blade used on this project to back of picture along with a piece of
veneer. Board thanked Everett and advised that it would be hung
above entrance to meeting room.
Preservation Society Presentation of Town Commemorative
Coverlet – Virginia Sawicki, President of Galway Preservation Society &
Mary Lynn Kopper, Chairperson of committee that created this work of art
presented the framed Town of Galway
Commemorative Coverlet to Town. Coverlet design depicts 200 years of Galway Heritage.
Dedication plaque was presented to be placed on bottom of frame. The committee that designed Coverlet
consisted of the following: Alice Bingham,
Ann David; Mildred Hathaway; Phyllis Keeler; Mary Lynn Kopper; Donald
Carpenter; Carolyn Rohling; Nancy Sakala; Florence Reedy; Arlene Rhodes; Pat Sanders; Virginia Sawicki &
Carol Schweizer. The following items are
pictured on Coverlet: Four Churches;
Parkis Mills; Odd Fellows Lodge; East Street High School;
Galway Lake;
Galway Village Sign; Cow & Barn; Gate of the Galway Village
Cemetery & the
Watering Trough. Also presented was a
framed description of each item depicted on Coverlet. Supervisor Hargrave thanked Preservation
Society for Coverlet.
Privilege of the Floor – None.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Library – C. DeJesus stated
that circulation was 2,172 for March, with 11 new library cards issued. There will be two children’s programs in
April during vacation. Tuesday, April 19th
from 10-2, drop in craft for elementary age children to make either necklaces
out of paper or different paper airplane models. Saturday, April 23rd they will
hold a Jungle Safari program for children ages 3-10. Pre-registration is requested. They will learn about the Rain Forest, play
games and read stories all pertaining to Rain Forest. They will be holding workshops on Saturday
the 16th; 23rd & 30th of April to help
people write poems for the Story Quilt Project.
Charlotte
advised that this will be her last meeting; she is leaving the Library at the
end of April. Library is in the process
of looking for her replacement.
Supervisor Hargrave thanked Charlotte
for her work and wished her good luck. Assessor
– T. Killeen provided property cards & pictures of 26 new homes in
Town. Construction ranges in size from
3,000 square feet to 800 square feet. Public
Safety – No Report. Property
– No Report. Building & Grounds
– Councilman Topper completed his spring assessment of the playing fields. Two culverts along the main drainage area
have floated up & out, two others on their way out. Highway Department will correct this problem. Councilman Topper believes they will all need
to be dug out & reset. Councilman
Topper stated that he had also stopped at Library to review parking
surface. Highway Department has added
fill. He appreciates patience with this problem;
this area can’t be paved due to septic drainage system being located in this
area. Problem seems to be minimal this
year. Charlotte stated that Highway Department put
cones up right away, which minimized problem.
Councilman Topper advised that Town has not had a response regarding the
award of the ball field grant. Public
Affairs – No Report. Councilwoman
Sutch stated that she will be revising the Public Affairs report to incorporate
activity that are going on in town in different organizations. Highway – No Report. Historian – P. Keeler advised that she
as been working with the Joseph Henry Committee to organize the Joseph Henry
Day Celebration which will be held Thursday, June 9th at the Joseph
Henry Elementary. Children have
submitted designs for a Joseph Henry T-shirt.
The winner has been selected and will be announced soon. Profits from T-shirt sales will be used to
purchase Joseph Henry flags to be flown daily at Elementary School. Herb Kopper advised that Phyllis Keeler had
just accepted the Presidency today for the Mohawk Valley Museum Consortium. County & Town – Supervisor
Hargrave advised that he & Councilman Tillson had a meeting with the
Preservation Society & Historian on Wednesday. It was determined at that meeting that both
Preservation Society & Historian Office would be moved to the old highway
garage building. They will be occupying
the front portion, brake room, storage room and Bill’s old office. Supervisor Hargrave advised that building is
in the process of being cleaned now. New
tile floor will be put down. Supervisor
Hargrave & Councilman Tillson determined that a telephone/fax/copier/scanner
will also be installed for their use.
Town Historian thanked Supervisor for work on this project. Florence Reedy questioned dampness concern
with highway building. Supervisor Hargrave
advised that was a problem in truck bays only, now that there are no trucks
going in & out in winter weather there will be no condensation
problem. Supervisor Hargrave advised
that new offices will be continually heated in winter, and air conditioning
unit can be installed in the summer.
Telephone line is still active & fire alarm system is the same as
Town Hall & New Highway Garage.
Historian needs to pick color for painting. On county level, Supervisor Hargrave advised
that he will be attending more hearing in Lake Placid
in May regarding ongoing Tower Project. County ended
up the year with over a thirty million dollar surplus. Supervisor Hargrave has assigned our new
member George Weed the Liaison position to ZBA.
LIAISON REPORTS: Planning Board – Councilman Tillson
stated that Paul Pribis received final approval for a 2-lot subdivision on Shaw Road. Ronald Harrington received final approval for
a 4-lot subdivision on Route 29 with stipulations. Christopher Reedy & Theodore Turek
received final approval for a 2-lot subdivision on Mack Road. Thomas & Alice Radigan were scheduled for
public hearing next month regarding their proposed subdivision on Spring
Road. The application of Joanne Gomula
was classified as a lot line adjustment/annexation between her land and that of
John Hornfeck on Jersey Hill Road. Michael & Diane VanWart’s property on
Route 29 has been classified several different ways over the years, the
Planning Board requested clarification last month from ZBA & Town Attorney
on present request. The VanWart’s were
requested to submit 10 copies of survey/subdivision maps at least 14 days prior
to the next meeting they would like to attend.
Sparks
Excavating, Inc. received final approval for a site plan review for expansion
of a special use permit for their business located on Route 29. Youth
– Councilman Topper advised that they are still looking for a volunteer to work
on Culture Program. Youth Appreciation
Day is scheduled for June 18th,
2005 here at Town Hall.
Would like to see appearance by Supervisor & Board Members. Summer Recreation will be held from July 5th
thru August 5th,
2005. Rifle closed out with
parent/child shoot off. Competition Team
continues thru summer. Karate had six
students pass to the next belt level.
Older children have set up sparing competition with Red Dragon in
Ballston Spa. The swim program has been
tentatively scheduled for August 15th thru 26th,
2005. There has been some discussion
regarding new Department of Health rules regarding swimming in ponds. Councilman Topper advised that Girl Scout
will have to address any new rules from Department of Health for their own
camps, so he doesn’t feel this should present a problem. Girls Volleyball has been getting off to a
slow start. They are hoping with spring
activities, gym time will open up for use during the week. Winter X-Country Skiing program has ended, 33
children were signed up for this program.
Skating rink was used early on in season, before snow coverage wrecked
ice. Councilman Topper stated that he
had someone interested in doing an Eagle Project. He suggested that chain link fence at playing
field needed to be cleaned up and ground cover planted on both sides of fence
about 2-3 feet wide. This gentleman will
get plan together along with cost and present to Board in May. Seniors
– Councilwoman Sutch stated that she attended the March 17th meeting
of the Senior Citizens with 32 members in attendance. They held a 55 Alive program here at Town
Hall on April 4th & 5th. Last month the Senior’s had a speaker from Highland Retirement Center
in Queensbury. They will hold their
Cover Dish on April 21st. At
the March 17th meeting the Senior’s had David Scott & Steven Hadley
which are two local boys from the 109th International Guard Division based out of the
Stratton Base in Scotia discussing their units program in Antarctica. Councilwoman Sutch went over their trip
schedule. ZBA – No Report.
MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS
Councilman Topper made a motion, seconded by Councilman Tillson
to approve the General Abstract of Vouchers (A) dated 3/10/05 thru 4/04/05 for a total of $89,156.84.
All ayes. MOTION
CARRIED
Councilwoman Sutch made a motion, seconded by Councilman Topper
to approve the General Abstract of Vouchers (B) dated 3/10/05 thru 4/04/05 for a total of $2,006.17.
All ayes. MOTION
CARRIED
Councilman Tillson made a motion, seconded by Councilman Topper
to approve the Highway Abstract of Vouchers (DA) dated 3/10/05 thru 4/04/05 for a total of $9,335.34.
All ayes. MOTION
CARRIED
Councilman Topper made a motion, seconded by Councilman Tillson
to approve the Highway Abstract of Vouchers (DB) dated 3/09/05 thru 4/05/05 for a total of $7,307.30.
All ayes. MOTION
CARRIED
Councilwoman Sutch made a motion, seconded by Councilman Weed
to approve the Lighting District Abstract of Vouchers (SL) dated 3/10/05 thru 4/04/05 for a total of $113.31.
All ayes. MOTION
CARRIED
Councilwoman Sutch made a motion, seconded by Councilman Topper
to approve the Supervisor’s Operating Statement for the period ending 3/31/05.
All ayes. MOTION
CARRIED
RESOLUTION # 22-2005
– Establishment of part-time cleaner position for new highway garage. 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 establish
a part-time cleaner position for the new highway garage at a rate of $13.00 per
hour, to be charged to A5132.1.
All ayes. MOTION
CARRIED
RESOLUTION #
23-2005 – Increase rate of pay for Building & Grounds
Maintenance. 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
increase the rate of pay for the Building & Grounds Maintenance to $14.00
per hour, to be charged to A5132.1 & A1620.1.
All ayes. MOTION
CARRIED
Other Business:
Supervisor Hargrave advised that Milton was the lead agency with reference to
the Kesselring Site and payment in lieu of taxes. He advised that the School District/Fire
Department/County/Town were going to receive a total of approximately $50,000. The Town will be receiving approximately
$1,800. Supervisor Hargrave stated that he has received one out of three needed
bids to replace floor tiles in meeting room, the bid was for $2,400. Board members were given a copy of the
proposal from Jack Kalinkewicz to complete a personnel policy for Town. Insurance agent will also supply Town with
name for free analysis of towns needs with reference to establishing a
personnel policy. Supervisor Hargrave
advised that the Town Clerk had given him information from her software vender
on a proposal for an Animal Shelter Program for the Dog Control Officer. Supervisor Hargrave advised that there were
63 parcels on the county tax auction block; 28 parcels were removed due to
payment of taxes; 10 were removed for other reasons. There were 23 parcels actually sold for a
total amount of $480,000., approximately $160,000. of which was profit. There was one parcel in Galway
on the auction block. This was a land
locked parcel on Perth Road,
purchased for $2,800. by an adjacent property owner. Supervisor Hargrave advised that he had
received a couple of quotes for replacing the rubber roof on Town Hall. Quotes came in over $10,000.; therefore, it
will need to go out for bid. He also
request quotes for work on front doors & three back doors at Town
Hall. Only one company would submit a
bid, Allerdice Glass & Mirror came in over $10,000.; this will also need to
go out for bid. Supervisor Hargrave
advised that the Fire Department has talked to him two times requesting that
the Town Board consider a Burn Ban.
Supervisor Hargrave advised Fire Department that our zoning was being
worked on currently by a consultant, nothing would be done regarding Burn Ban
until the consultant had completed that project and had it presented to Board
for review. Copies of the funding
request from Brookside
Museum was given to
Board.
RESOLUTION # 24-2005
– Contribution request from Brookside
Museum. Board discussed contribution request and
determined that it would be inappropriate as a Municipality to do any
contribution funding outside of Town organization with taxpayers money. 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 send a letter declining the offer from Brookside Museum for a
contribution from Town for their restoration fund.
All ayes. MOTION
CARRIED
Supervisor Hargrave advised that the Justice office has
placed an advertisement in newspaper for a part time deputy court clerk. This position is already in Town Policy. The Court Clerk has a salary position. The Justices will be interviewing shortly and
would like to know from Board what to tell applicants regarding the training
time frame for this position before it goes to a salary position. Supervisor Hargrave was unsure what the
estimated time would be for new position.
Councilwoman Sutch felt position should be hourly for a year to give
Board accurate time involved in this position before they consider making it a
salary position. Councilman Tillson
questioned if current Court Clerk would be going back to an hourly rate, since
she was interested in taking extended time off?
Supervisor Hargrave stated that Court Clerk position was going to remain
salary. Councilman Topper stated that he
felt it was a good idea to have new position be hourly for the first year since
there were no estimated hours for Board to use to set salary.
Supervisor Hargrave stated that with reference to the Board
of Assessment Review positions, Board Members were given copies of the four
resumes when each was received. Supervisor
Hargrave has talked to three out of the four and they are all available for the
training on May 2nd & BAR meeting on May 24th. Adrienne Beebe will be sending in her
resignation from BAR. Supervisor
Hargrave suggested appointing two people to BAR tonight. Board stated that they would like to
interview applicants, because they were not familiar with any of them. To do this they will have to hold a special
meeting.
RESOLUTION #
25-2005 – Schedule special meeting for appointment of two members to
Board of Assessment Review. 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
schedule a special meeting of the Town Board on Wednesday, April 20, 2005 at
8:00 p.m. for the purpose of appointing two members to the Board of Assessment
Review. An interview session will
beginning at 7:00 p.m. and
ending at 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 20, 2005
for the four applicants applying for those positions. Legal notice will be placed in Daily Gazette
and posted at Town Hall; Post Office; Bank & Library advising public of
this meeting & interview session.
This is open to public but not public comment will be allowed.
RESOLUTION #
26-2005 – Authorization for Supervisor to change vendors for the fire
alarm system on Old Highway
Garage & Town Hall. Supervisor
Hargrave did some research and found that the carrier currently being used for New Highway Garage
would supply the fire alarm system to Town Hall & Old Highway Garage at a
savings of $920. per year, service charges for emergency maintenance calls
would be reduced $183. per visit. 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 authorize the
Supervisor to sign a contract with Loss Prevention Experts, Inc. for a fire
alarm system on Town Hall & Old Highway Garage for a total cost of $643.,
additional maintenance service call would be $60.00 per visit, insurance
certificate required. Letter to be sent
by Supervisor to Simplex Grinnell giving them the required 90 day notice of
this change.
All ayes. MOTION
CARRIED
Supervisor will contact David Meager and request contact
name with reference to personnel manual; information on the employee benefits
package he referenced & quote on youth accident medical.
Town Clerk advised that tax period has ended and books will
be returned to county tomorrow.
Councilman Topper made a motion, seconded by Councilman Tillson
to adjourn the meeting at 9:12 p.m.
All ayes. MOTION
CARRIED
Respectfully submitted,
Margaret
L. DeFoe
Town Clerk