REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 14, 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:     A. Oakley; T. Killeen, Assessor; P. Keeler, Historian; C.W. Hansen, Highway Superintendent; J. Sivik, Deputy Clerk  &  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 May 10, 2005 meeting as submitted.
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

Communications – Town Clerk stated that Town Board Members were given copies of the following correspondence:  Fee schedule increase request from Planning Board; memo from Office of County Administrator for Saratoga County regarding GIS training dates for interested town personnel; Dog Control Officer’s report for May; Building Department report covering 1/1/05 thru 6/30/05; County Planning Board minutes from January thru April 2005.  Correspondence was received from Sandra Foster advising that she was renewing her liquor license with the state for Village Pizzeria.  Notification from NYS Board of Real Property Services advising that the Tentative Equalization Rate for the Town of Galway was 80.00.  Speed limit reduction request letters were received from Karl Hoegemann & Edward Murphy for Crooked Street.   

Privilege of the Floor - None.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:  Library – Alissa Oakley advised that Library’s newsletter would be mailed within a week.  Summer reading club will start on June 25th.  Kick off for the summer reading program will be a free family concert of the Zucchini Brother’s at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday the 26th on the Village Green, School Auditorium if raining.  They will hold three programs this summer for teen’s grades seven & up.  Library will begin holding monthly craft programs for adults, the first class will be held on July 15th at 6:30 p.m. with participants making mosaic flower pots.  Assessor – Tracy Killeen advised that three new members of Board of Assessment Review were the only ones present for Grievance Day.  There was one complaint before board, which was denied.  Tracy stated that this will be first time in quite some time where no changes were made to final assessment roll due to a BAR decision.  Tracy also had property cards for board to review on recent sales in town.  Public Safety – No Report.  Property – No Report.  Buildings & Grounds – Councilman Topper stated that the parking lot at playing field was beginning to have a lot of weeds growing up in it.  Councilman Topper questioned if highway department could spray some Round UP on parking lot surface?  Superintendent Hansen didn’t believe highway department was allowed to do this.  Councilman Tillson stated that Round Up was not on the controlled pesticide list.  Highway Superintendent, Hansen will check on this and get back to board.  Old soccer frames still need to be removed from ball field.  C.W. Hansen will have old soccer frames removed.  Public Affairs – Councilwoman Sutch stated that the Preservation Society held their annual picnic at Tom & Kathy Palmateer’s on June 6th.  County & Town – No Report.  Highway – C.W. Hansen stated that highway department has 5 heavy dump trucks & 3 heavy military trucks, last week by Friday they had 1 vehicle running.  Bill stated that while sand was being dumped from truck # 7 last week the pins went on dump box, causing dump box to become junk.  This truck has 4 years to go on the replacement list.  Bill Hansen stated that the material used for dump boxes these days is terrible.  This  loss caused the need for an emergency purchase of a new dump box for truck.  This emergency purchase was discussed with Supervisor & then each Board member was made aware of problem by an email from Supervisor.  Hansen advised board that 1 ton dump truck for sale out by road had window broke over weekend.  Crushing of stone at pit has been completed.  Town Engineer has submitted hydraulic study on Parkis Mills Road small project; preliminary figures are about $50,000.  Large bridge project on Parkis Mills Road should be ready to submit paperwork in July.  Last October the Highway Superintendent applied for a wetlands permit to replace pipe on Peaceable Street, DEC has indicated that they will work on expediting permit.  Highway Superintendent went into discussion with Town Board on proposal from Fred Sutch for electrical conversion work for water pump & fuel pump from old building to new building.  Councilman Topper stated that he was not sure this setup would eliminate all problems.  C.W. Hansen stated that there is currently a code violation with generator hook-up.  Electrician & Electrical Design Engineer are disagreeing on who will pay for this to be corrected.  Bill advised that they are still waiting for the hookup of propane line for highway garage, this controls their hot water.  Historian – Phyllis Keeler advised that the 20th Anniversary of Joseph Henry Celebration was held June 9th with a representative present from Assemblyman James Tedisco’s office.  Highlight of ceremony was the presentation of new Joseph Henry flag. 

LIAISON REPORTS:  Planning Board – Councilman Tillson stated that Michael & Diane VanWart received final approval for a 3-lot subdivision on NYS Route 29.  Neal & Gail Evans received final approval for a 2-lot subdivision on NYS Route 29.  Frank & Pamela Hoerauf were scheduled for public hearing in June for a 2-lot subdivision on Hermance Road.  Jeff Gordon was in with a special use permit/site plan review for a landscape golf business/real estate office & related signs to be erected on property located at 5782 Sacandaga Road.  Councilman Tillson advised that applicant was not present for meeting.  Board determined that applicant must first file a use variance with ZBA and be approved before coming before Planning Board for this request.  Most of evening meeting was spent on the major subdivision application of Scripter Estate on Alexander Road.  Town Engineer had advised planning board that short form would be sufficient for SEQR.  Planning board decided that they would request long form to be completed on SEQR for this application.  Councilman Tillson stated that a couple board members were not pleased with this major subdivision, it was noted that board can encourage/suggest but can’t deny a plan without substantial indication of an adverse effect.  Councilman Tillson advised that this is a 125 acre parcel, applicant is requesting 10 lots.  Youth – Councilman Topper stated that culture program has been started.  Youth acting group is currently working on sign up’s, will work June, July & August and perform five productions tentatively scheduled for August 12th; 13th; 14th; 19th & 20th  in school auditorium.  They will charge small fee at door for performance, to advance program for further years.  Youth Band will take place in Village Park on July 23rd 6-8 p.m. with rain date of July 30th.  Family Fun Day will take place this Saturday, June 18th, at Town Hall from 1-4 p.m.  Councilman Topper requested trash barrels; cones to block off front of building; hose/hose key; tarp/poles taken down from shed and put outside for setup.  Summer Recreation Program will take place July 6th thru August 5th from 9-12.  Rifle Team is practicing for the Empire State Games.  In Saturdays competition Adirondack Region Scholastic Class all 4 slots went to Galway Shooters, Open Class, 3 out of 4 slots went to Galway Shooters.  Soccer had about 150 youth participate in spring soccer, program finishes up this weekend.  Councilman Topper stated that there were old soccer balls and paint cans inside shed that needed to be disposed of.  Highway Superintendent suggested that someone contact him when they are going to be at field and he will meet them to pick this stuff up.  Karate had 5 tested for advancement with 4 passing.  Karate program has moved outside school for summer program.  Swim program will take place at Girl Scout Camp on Alexander Road.  Councilman Topper stated that new requirements thru Girl Scout Council require two life guards to be on duty at all times, this increases fee from $1,000 to $1,420.  Councilman Topper stated that they may need to look at Providence Beach for further programs.  Town Board discussed increase and determined that program was running well at Girl Scout Camp, would like to keep it there.  Board advised Councilman Topper to make sure Youth Commission puts increase in budget for next years swim program.  Councilman Topper requested that Town look into signing ball fields for identification purposes.  Highway Superintendent will look into sign size regulations and setbacks and get back to Councilman Topper for wording.  ZBA – Councilman Weed advised that he attended the May meeting of the ZBA.  There was one application from Kenneth & Lucy Boerenko for a side lot variance, which was approved.  Councilman Weed had taken a few concerns of the Zoning Board to the Supervisor for clarification:  1) Question regarding a building permit issued to Wayne Sheets on Perth Road.  2)  Concern regarding whether it was necessary on an annual basis for ZBA Members to be sworn in.  & 3) The request for the Zoning Administrator to attend ZBA meetings.  Supervisor Hargrave stated that all issues were researched and information was given to ZBA.  Councilman Weed stated that there was no ZBA meeting scheduled for June.  Senior Citizens - Councilwoman Sutch stated that she has been unable to attend the senior meetings for the last few months.  Senior’s annual picnic is scheduled for a week from Thursday.  Last months luncheon was held in Saratoga.  Supervisor Hargrave stated that seniors had a problem on their river trip when boat rudder failed, they were able to make it back to shore safely.  Many trips are planned for the remainder of year. 

MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS

Councilman Topper made a motion, seconded by Councilman Tillson to approve the General Abstract of Vouchers (A) dated 5/12/05 thru 6/10/05 for a total of $28,545.83.
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Tillson made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Sutch to approve the General Abstract of Vouchers (B) dated 5/12/05 thru 6/10/05 for a total of $5,115.19.
   All ayes.                                                                    MOTION CARRIED

Councilwoman Sutch made a motion, seconded by Councilman Weed to approve the Highway Abstract of Vouchers (DA) dated 5/12/05 thru 6/10/05 for a total of $5,844.98.
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Topper made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Sutch to approve the Highway Abstract of Vouchers (DB) dated 5/12/05 thru 6/10/05 for a total of $18,338.99.
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Tillson made a motion, seconded by Councilman Topper to approve the Lighting District Abstract of Vouchers (SL) dated 5/12/05 thru 6/10/05 for a total of 85.46. 
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

Councilwoman Sutch made a motion, seconded by Councilman Topper to approve the Supervisor’s Operating Statement for the period ending 5/31/05.
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

RESOLUTION # 34-2005 – Emergency purchase of truck body from Arrowhead Equipment.  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 authorize the emergency purchase of a truck body for truck # 7 from Arrowhead Equipment in the amount of $11,442.00 to be charged to Account #  DA5130.2.
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

RESOLUTION # 35-2005 – Approval of new fee schedule for Planning Board.  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 the approval of new feel schedule proposed by Planning Board in their memo dated 5/24/05, noting the only change being Green Space/Recreation Fee for major subdivisions increasing from $500.00 per lot to $550.00 per lot.      
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

RESOLUTION # 36-2005 – Authorization for Highway Superintendent to have electrical conversion work done at new highway garage.  Councilwoman Sutch stated that she would be abstaining from voting on this item.  On a motion of Councilman Topper, seconded by Councilman Tillson the following resolution was ADOPTED:
            AYES – 4        NAYS – 0       ABSTAIN – 1
     RESOLVED that the Galway Town Board authorize the Highway Superintendent to contact Sutch Electric and commence the electrical conversion work from the old highway garage to the new highway garage with reference to the water pump & fuel pump in the amount of $5,866.00 to be charged to Account # A5132.4.
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

RESOLUTION # 37-2005 – Authorization for town to contract with Human Resource Consultants Amtek for Town Employee Handbook.  On a motion of Councilwoman Sutch, seconded by Councilman Weed the following resolution was ADOPTED:
     AYES – 5   NAYS – 0
     RESOLVED that the Galway Town Board authorize the Supervisor to contract with Human Resource Consultants Amtek for the creation of a Town of Galway Employee Handbook in an amount not to exceed $4,000. to be charged to Account # A1430.4 Personnel Accounting.
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

RESOLUTION # 38-2005 – Reappointment of Barbara Strife to Planning Board.  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 reappoint Barbara Strife to the Planning Board with a term to expire July 1, 2012.
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

RESOLUTION # 39-2005 – Speed limit reduction request for Crooked Street.  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 request a speed limit reduction from state for the entire span of Crooked Street.
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

RESOLUTION # 40-2005 – Appointment of Zoning Focus Group to work with Nan Stolzenburg on Zoning Regulations update.  Supervisor Hargrave stated group would meet with Nan 1-2 times to give her information for processing of new regulations.  Supervisor Hargrave stated that he had left message on Graham Pritchard’s machine regarding group and had no response.  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 create a Town Informational  Zoning Focus Group and appoint the following members to work with Nan Stolzenburg on the updating of the Town of Galway Zoning Regulations:  LoAnn Sanders; Mark Concilla; David Balbian; Jeanine Flinton; Jon Hallgren; Neil Cayey; David Costanzo & Michael Tillson.
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

Other Business – Councilwoman Sutch stated that she had an item regarding insurance certificates to discuss with board.  Town Clerk had brought item to Councilwoman’s attention when insurance certificate was received from Dream Ponies for Family Fun Day.  Their insurance liability was $500,000 instead of $1,000,000.  Councilwoman Sutch stated that Board had previously discussed requiring $1,000,000 of liability plus naming Town of Galway as additional insured on policies.  She has also obtained a hold harmless contract that insurance company believes we should be using.  Board went into discussion regarding insurance certificates.  Board determined that they would look into appropriate wording for inclusion in Policy # 1.  Will let Dream Ponies insurance certificate go with $500,000 this year.  Once board has wording for policy they will make resolution incorporating addition into Town Policy # 1 and all organizations will be made aware of requirement.

On a motion of Councilman Topper, seconded by Councilwoman Sutch the meeting was adjourned to Executive Session at 8:58 p.m. to discuss a personnel matter. 
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

On a motion of Councilman Topper, seconded by Councilwoman Sutch the Board returned to regular session at 9:30 p.m.
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED    

Councilman Tillson made a motion, seconded by Councilman Topper to adjourn the meeting at 9:30 p.m.
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

Respectfully submitted,

 

Margaret L. DeFoe
Town Clerk