REGULAR MEETING
DECEMBER 13, 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
Councilwoman Susan Sutch Councilman George Weed
ABSENT: Councilman William Topper

OTHERS PRESENT: A. Oakley; M. Concilla, Zoning Administrator; T. O’Brien, Dog Control Officer; M. Kopper; P. Keeler, Historian; M. Flinton; D. Balbian; C.W. Hansen, Highway Superintendent & M. DeFoe, Town Clerk.

Pledge to the Flag

A motion was made by Councilwoman Sutch, seconded by Councilman Weed to approve the minutes of the November 15, 2005 meeting as submitted.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

Communications – Town Clerk stated that Town Board Members received copies of the following correspondence: Dog Control Officer’s Report for November 2005; Invitation from Saratoga County Planning Board to attend County-Wide Focus Group meeting on Resources for the Saratoga County Green Infrastructure Plan; Assessor’s Report for December 2005 & Resume from Mary Lynn Kopper. Legal Notice placed in Daily Gazette on November 11, 2005 advising public of zoning workshop held on December 5, 2005 to review information received from consultant on zoning updates. Clerk advised that legal notice was placed in Daily Gazette on November 11, 2005 advising the public of a meeting held by the Galway Open Space Committee on December 12, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. Correspondence from NYS Department of Transportation to Joseph Ritchey regarding speed limit reduction request Town asked for in June of 2005 on Crooked Street, request for reduction was denied. Notification from Time Warner Cable advising Town of rate change effective in January of 2006. Resignation from Planning Board Member Rod Wilday was received effective immediately. Correspondence from the Office of County Administrator for Saratoga County advising that Internal Revenue Service has established mileage rate of $0.445 per mile. Request from Citizens Bank to be authorized depository for Town of Galway. Selective Insurance advising of a policy change resulting in a reduction in coverage regarding utility services. Correspondence from Janet Johnson of Galway Library Board recommending the appointment of Alyson Bingham to the Board of Trustees for a five year term to begin 1/1/06 through 12/31/10.

Privilege of the Floor – David Balbian question if Town Board had designated a Liaison to County Open Space Plan thru the County Planning & Land Preservation Committee. Supervisor Hargrave stated to date the Town Board had not designated a Liaison. Supervisor Hargrave stated that Town Board will determine when that appointment is made.

COMMITTEE REPORTS: Library – A. Oakley stated that Library has added a Graphic Novel Collection. These are full length books written in comic form. Library will hold a program on Comics on January 14^th 2006 at 1:00 p.m. Library will be closed on December 24^th & 31^st for the holidays. Assessor –Supervisor Hargrave stated board members had copies of Assessor’s report. Historian – Phyllis Keeler stated that her department continues to add information to their files. Phyllis was very excited to have worked on a special project with Mike Flinton. Mike Flinton hoped that the letter he had written to Supervisor Hargrave would have been read at tonight’s meeting. Supervisor Hargrave acknowledged getting letter. Mike wanted to publicly thank Phyllis Keeler for her help on his project. As Mike has been working on his Doctorial program, one of the items was “What do municipalities do with their history when history is electronic”. Phyllis was very helpful to him, Mike thanked Phyllis & Supervisor Hargrave for their help with his project. Public Safety – No Report. Property – No Report. Building & Grounds – No Report. Supervisor Hargrave advised that pillars have been painted for outside Town Hall, will be put up in spring. Public Affairs – Councilwoman Sutch stated that she was unable to attend the last meeting of the DARE group at school. She did attend the Open Space meeting last night. Councilwoman Sutch stated that about 12 people were in attendance for meeting. Group is interested in gathering & developing information to make community aware of different tools available both zoning wise & individually to preserve green space in town. Highway – Highway Superintendent Hansen stated on the Parkis Mills Road FEMA project, they need to have about 70 feet of guard rail installed for project to be complete. Weather will play a big part in this being completed now or in spring. Bill Hansen was concerned after last month’s meeting that board didn’t really feel boom mower purchase was needed. Supervisor Hargrave stated Board authorized him to go out for bid for purchase of boom mower last month. Bill went over why mower was needed. He stated that considerable operator training will take place when boom mower is received, therefore, next year’s mowing will stay within full time highway department. Bill went over the entire 5-Year Capital Purchase Plan with Board advising what was to be purchased each year and the reason for that purchase. County & Town – Supervisor Hargrave stated that Town budget was passed. County will be voting on their budget. Radio tower project public hearings will resume some time next year. County will supply article for newsletter to explain their budget.

LIAISON REPORTS: Planning Board – Councilman Tillson stated that Planning Board received a letter from John Curran withdrawing his request for a horse boarding operation on Bliss Road. Scripter subdivision action was postponed until December meeting due to surveyor forgetting to bring completed Environmental Assessment Form with him to meeting. Deborah & Patrick Topper received conceptual approval for a 2-lot subdivision on NYS Route 29. Kevin Gilligan’s project on NYS Route 147 needs to be reworked since the Highway Superintendent indicated that he would not accept the project cul-de-sac driveway proposal. Continuation of the 2-lot subdivision of Donato Polsinelli on Jockey Street. Board reclassified the subdivision request of Bradley Arnold from a 3-lot subdivision to 2-lot subdivision on Greens Corners Road. Continuation of the subdivision request of William Wielt, Jr. on Perth Road. Board continued there review of the special use permit/site plan review process for professional office plaza on Route 29 by Gordon & Gordon Properties. Supervisor Hargrave questioned if Judy Ralston resigned from Planning Board at that meeting? Councilman Tillson stated that Judie was not present at meeting, but had resigned some time prior to meeting. Town Clerk stated that to date she did not have resignation, clerk left message on Chairman Pritchard’s machine request that original resignation letter be forwarded to her office. Youth – No Report. ZBA – No Report. Senior Citizens – Councilwoman Sutch stated that Seniors appointed their officers for 2006. There Christmas party was held today at C & R Restaurant. Seniors will be donating $150.00 each to Galway Ambulance Corp. & Providence Ambulance Corp. in memory of deceased members. They are planning a March 2006 trip to an Irish Show at West Point. Many seniors attended last Friday’s gift wrapping for the Christmas Basket Project, with two seniors knitting many articles to be included in baskets. Donations were also given to Christmas Basket Project. Seniors question if they could have organ donated to them and housed at Town Hall for use at meetings? The also question if they would be allowed to use the dishwasher at Town Hall? Town Clerk stated that girl in kitchen stated that refrigerator was making large humming noise continually. Supervisor Hargrave stated that last month Highway Superintendent requested that Board send two speed limit reduction requests in to State. Board forgot by end of meeting to make that request. Highway Superintendent Hansen stated that the request was for the entire length of Donnan from NYS Route 147 to Jockey Street & the entire length of Dean Lung Road from NYS Route 29 to Mechanic Street.

MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS

RESOLUTION # 61-2005 – Budget Adjustments. On a motion of Councilwoman Sutch, seconded by Councilman Tillson the following resolution was ADOPTED: AYES – 4 NAYS – 0
RESOLVED that the Galway Town Board approve the following budget adjustments:
Increase A1410.1 $1,500.00 Town Clerk PS
Decrease A1410.4 $1,500.00 Town Clerk CE
(New Deputy)

Increase A1430.4 $ 500.00 Personnel CE
Increase A5132.4 $2,600.00 Garage CE
Increase A9030.8 $ 875.00 Social Security
Decrease A1990.4 $3,975.00 Contingency Fund
(Personnel Policy, New Garage, New Employees)

Increase B3620.4 $ 200.00 Safety Inspection CE
Increase B7310.4 $3,700.00 Youth Programs
Decrease B1990.4 $3,900.00 Contingency Fund
(Consultant, Youth Reimbursed Monies)

Increase DA5130.4 $1,100.00 Machinery CE
Increase DA9060.8 $1,300.00 Medical Insurance
Decrease DA909 $2,400.00 Fund Balance
(FEMA, Additional on Insurance Plan)

Increase DB5110.4 $5,000.00 General Repairs CE
Increase DB9030.8 $ 250.00 Social Security
Decrease DB9060.8 $2,700.00 Medical Insurance
Decrease DB909 $2,550.00 Fund Balance
(FEMA)

Increase SL5182.4 $60.00 Street Lighting CE
Decrease SL909 $60.00 Fund Balance
(Increase in lighting costs)
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Weed made a motion, seconded by Councilman Tillson to approve the General Abstract of Vouchers (A) dated 11/10/05 thru 12/12/05 for a total of $39,967.26.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Tillson made a motion, seconded by Councilman Weed to approve the General Abstract of Vouchers (B) dated 11/10/05 thru 12/12/05 for a total of $9,401.69.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

Councilwoman Sutch made a motion, seconded by Councilman Tillson to approve the Highway Abstract of Vouchers (DA) dated 11/10/05 thru 12/12/05 for a total of $28,740.63.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Weed made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Sutch to approve the Highway Abstract of Vouchers (DB) dated 11/11/05 thru 12/12/05 for a total of $28,843.36.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Tillson made a motion, seconded by Councilman Weed to approve the Lighting District Abstract of Vouchers (SL) dated 11/10/05 thru 12/10/05 for a total of $115.95.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

Councilwoman Sutch made a motion, seconded by Councilman Tillson to approve the Supervisor’s Operating Statement for the period ending 11/30/05.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

RESOLUTION #62-2005 – Reappointment of Jon Hallgren to the Zoning Board of Appeals. On a motion of Councilwoman Sutch, seconded by Councilman Weed the following resolution was ADOPTED: AYES – 4 NAYS – 0
RESOLVED that the Galway Town Board reappoint Jon Hallgren to the Zoning Board of Appeals with a term to expire 12/31/10.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

RESOLUTION #63-2005 – Appointment of Alyson Bingham to Galway Library Board. On a motion of Councilman Tillson, seconded by Councilman Weed the following resolution was ADOPTED: AYES – 4 NAYS – 0
RESOLVED that the Galway Town Board appoint Alyson Bingham to the Galway Library Board with a term to expire 12/31/10.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

RESOLUTION # 64-2005 – Set date for organizational meeting. On a motion of Councilman Tillson, seconded by Councilwoman Sutch the following resolution was ADOPTED: AYES – 4 NAYS – 0
RESOLVED that the Galway Town Board determine no End of Year Meeting is necessary and schedule the Organizational Meeting for January 3^rd at 7:30 p.m.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

RESOLUTION #65-2005 - Speed limit reductions for Donnan Road & Dean Lung Road. On a motion of Councilwoman Sutch, seconded by Councilman Tillson the following resolution was ADOPTED: AYES – 4 NAYS – 0
RESOLVED that the Galway Town Board request the following speed limit reductions: Donnan Road from NYS Route 147 to Jockey Street & Dean Lung Road from NYS Route 29 to Mechanic Street.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

RESOLUTION #66-2005 – Authorization for Supervisor & Deputy Supervisor to sign agreement with Empire State Development Organization for $50,000.00 grant for ball field. On a motion of Councilwoman Sutch, seconded by Councilman Weed the following resolution was ADOPTED: AYES –4 NAYS- 0
RESOLVED that the Galway Town Board authorize the Supervisor & Deputy Supervisor to sign an agreement with the Empire State Development Organization for the $50,000.00 grant on Town Ball Field Project.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

RESOLUTION #67-2005 – Authorization for Supervisor to sign baseball contract. Supervisor Hargrave stated that the reimbursement from the Town of Perth, Broadalbin & Charlton will reduce our actual share to about $1,235.00. On a motion of Councilwoman Sutch, seconded by Councilman Weed the following resolution was
ADOPTED: AYES – 4 NAYS – 0
RESOLVED that the Galway Town Board authorize the Supervisor to sign the 2005 baseball contract in the amount of $2,000.00.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

On a motion of Councilman Tillson, seconded by Councilman Weed the meeting was adjourned to Executive Session at 8:13 p.m. to discuss pending litigation & also highway department agreement.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

On a motion of Councilwoman Sutch, seconded by Councilman Tillson the Town Board returned to regular session at 8:52 p.m.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

Other Business

RESOLUTION #68-2005 – Amend Town Policy for mileage reimbursement. Supervisor Hargrave stated that mileage reimbursement needed to be amended with reference to letter from County Administrator. On a motion of Councilman Tillson, seconded by Councilwoman Sutch the following resolution was ADOPTED:
AYES – 4 NAYS – 0
RESOLVED that the Galway Town Board amend Town Policy with reference to mileage reimbursement from $0.485 to $0.445 effective 1/1/06.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

RESOLUTION #69-2005 – Appointment of Paul Lent to Planning Board. On a motion of Councilman Weed, seconded by Councilman Tillson the following resolution was ADOPTED: AYES – 4 NAYS – 0
RESOLVED that the Galway Town Board appoint Paul Lent to the Planning Board to fill the unexpired term of Rod Wilday, term to expire 7/01/07.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

RESOLUTION #70-2005 – Appointment of Mary Lynn Kopper to Planning Board. On a motion of Councilwoman Sutch, seconded by Councilman Tillson the following resolution was ADOPTED: AYES – 4 NAYS – 0
RESOLVED that the Galway Town Board appoint Mary Lynn Kopper to the Planning Board to fill the unexpired term of Judith Ralston, term to expire 7/01/10.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

RESOLUTION #71-2005 – Authorization for Town to move to a three tier program with MVP Health Plan. Councilman Tillson abstained from voting, since he participates in heath plan. On a motion of Councilwoman Sutch, seconded by Councilman Weed the following resolution was ADOPTED: AYES – 3 ABSTAIN – 1 NAYS – 0
RESOLVED that the Galway Town Board authorize the Supervisor to move the Town to a three tier program with MVP Health Plan, with Town picking up increase to family plan for the 2006 year, contingent upon a request being made for the change by the highway employees association.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

Councilwoman Sutch stated that after last month’s meeting, she sent a letter to Alice Bingham requesting her input into the avenue the Town took to honor past Supervisor Patrick Bingham. Alice Bingham contacted Supervisor Hargrave and stated that a plaque at Library would be nice. Board will look into prices for plaque and make decision next month. Supervisor Hargrave suggested inviting family to attend Town Board Meeting when plaque is completed.

RESOLUTION #72-2005 – Authorization to purchase refrigerator for kitchen at Town Hall. On a motion of Councilwoman Sutch, seconded by Councilman Tillson the following resolution was ADOPTED: AYES – 4 NAYS – 0
RESOLVED that the Galway Town Board authorize the Supervisor to purchase a refrigerator for the kitchen at Town Hall in an amount not to exceed $1,000.00 to be charged to Account #: A1620.4 Building CE.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

Councilwoman Sutch requested that Board advise her on what to tell Joan Milan about her request to donate an organ to Seniors and house organ in meeting room? Town Board agreed that due to the noise level during working hours, along with the lack of secure storage and Town Board not wanting to be responsible for organ being left out in meeting room and organ would not be allowed.

RESOLUTION #73-2005 – Appointment of Councilwoman Susan Sutch as Liaison to County Planning Board. On a motion of Councilman Tillson, seconded by Councilman Weed the following resolution was ADOPTED: AYES – 4 NAYS – 0
RESOLVED that the Galway Town Board appoint Councilwoman Susan Sutch Liaison to Saratoga County Planning Board on Open Space.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Weed made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Sutch to adjourn the meeting at 9:08 p.m.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

Respectfully submitted,

Margaret L. DeFoe
Town Clerk