REGULAR MEETING
MAY 10, 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. Czyzewski; S. Izzo; M. Hargrave; P. Hargrave; C. Mevec; S. Pandori; A. Oakley; H. Lummis; B. Lummis; R. Travers; P. Keeler, Historian; T. Killeen, Assessor; C.W. Hansen, Highway Superintendent; J. Sivik, Deputy Clerk  &  M. DeFoe, Town Clerk.   

Pledge to the Flag

A motion was made by Councilman Topper, seconded by Councilman Weed to approve the minutes of the April 12, 2005 Regular Meeting & April 20, 2005 Special Meeting as submitted.
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

Communications – Town Clerk read resignation letter from Adrienne Beebe regarding her position on the Board of Assessment Review.  Correspondence was received from NYS Office of Real Property Services advising of a revised residential assessment ratio for the Town of Galway of 76.95%.  Board Members received copies of the Dog Control Officer’s Report for April 2005.  Correspondence was received from the Saratoga County Real Property Tax Services advising that Ivy Cooper, Carol Buckley & Frank Schwab IV all attended the May 2, 2005 training session for new Board of Assessment Review Members.  Correspondence was received from Empire State Development regarding the $50,000 grant proposal for the Athletic Field Phase Two Project.  Contact name was given for additional information required on grant. 

Presentation by Ronni Travers, of Amtek Human Resource Consultants – Ronnie Travers went over her Company’s development and implementation process for preparing an Employee Handbook for the Town of Galway. 

Privilege of the Floor

Presentation by Eagle Scout, Josh Czyzewski – Josh advised that he had worked out the plan for a planting project at the playing fields located on the inside of fence line.  Josh went over project and projected cost for plants.  

­RESOLUTION # 30-2005 – Authorization for Eagle Scout Project.  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 Eagle Scout Project presented by Josh Czyzewski for planting at playing field located on the inside of fence line to be completed at a cost not to exceed $2,000. to be charged to A7989.4, plant life guarantee required from Bob’s Trees.
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

Presentation by Christina Mevec & Harry Lummis for Youth Drama Program – Christina & Harry presented a summer youth drama program to Board as a suggestion for addressing the interests of older youth in town with reference to Youth Commissions Culture Program.  Councilman Topper advised Christina & Harry to attend the next Youth Commission meeting to go over their proposal with Al Blakely, Chairman of Youth Commission.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:  Library – Sara Pandori advised that there have been some staff changes at Library.  Charlotte DeJesus no longer works for Library.  Sara has stepped down from Director to Assistant Director to allow her to spend more time with her family.  She will now focus mainly on children’s programming.  Sara introduced the new Director, Alissa Oakley to the Town Board.  Sara advised that Library hours have been extended, they are now open on Tuesday’s from 10:00 – 2:00.  Circulation System change will take place on June 7th, 2005, Library will be closed on the 4th & 6th to get ready for this change.  New system will be a Windows based system.  Friends of Library will have a float in the Memorial Day Parade & a book sale following parade in park.  Historian – Phyllis Keeler advised that she attended the NYS Association of Public Historian’s Conference held in Amsterdam.  Last Friday, she attended a special ceremony at the county honoring 22 Veterans of the Vietnam War.  This was the 30th Anniversary of that wars end.  This celebration was a tribute to both the living & dead Vietnam Veterans whom were often not honored when they returned from that unpopular war.  Congressman, John Sweeney donated 22 U.S. flags which were flown over the Capitol to be presented to each family in honor of their Service Member.  This was a very moving ceremony.  Phyllis talked with the Senior Citizen’s at their meeting regarding Joseph Henry and presented each Senior with a copy of the Joseph Henry Papers.  Joseph Henry Day will be held on June 9th at the Joseph Henry Elementary School.  Assessor – Tracy Killeen advised Board that he had recently mailed 112 changes of assessment notices.  He will have an informal meeting with the Board of Assessment Review members to go over the activity in town over the last year.  Board of Assessment Review will be held on Tuesday, May 24th.  Councilman Tillson questioned how Assessor was coming with updates for building department?  Tracy stated that he was still waiting forCouncilman Tillson’s instructions on how to go about doing that.  Councilman Tillson suggested contacting help line for software package to see if they could walk him thru process.  Town Clerk stated that Curtis from Capital Region IT was in last week and was going to look into helping Tracy with this request.  County & Town – Supervisor Hargrave stated that Galway recognized Mr. Kissinger in the Veterans Recognition Celebration held at County.  Mr. Kissinger was killed at age 19; he was from Broadalbin but attended school in Galway.  With reference to the water system discussion underway at county, Supervisor Hargrave advised Board that he will be voting “NO” on Galway’s participation in this project.  Initially, when this water system was being developed the users were going to be required to pay for project.  Now there is a possibility that all towns will have to pay for this.  Supervisor Hargrave doesn’t believe he should request the tax payers of the Town of Galway support a water system that doesn’t service them.  In June Supervisor Hargrave will attend more meeting in Raybrook regarding Tower Project.  Public Safety – No Report.  Property – No Report.  Building & Grounds – Councilman Topper stated that the culvert pipes at playing field need to be retrenched & set.  Old nets next to shed can be removed by highway department and discarded.  Supervisor Hargrave advised that youth commission storage has been moved to old highway garage.  Public Affairs – Councilwoman Sutch stated that she attended the May 2nd meeting of the Preservation Society, held at the Cook Museum.  Preservation Society voted in their new officers and they are preparing for an exhibit at the Memorial Day event in village park.  Highway – C.W. Hansen advised that there are two FEMA projects pending on Parkis Mills Road.  Environmental Design Partnership has completed and filed the hydraulic study for #2 on Parkis Mills Road, awaiting further information from FEMA.  This project could be about $45,000.  Once the engineer receives some action on this proposal, they will then file the engineering report on the Parkis Mills Road bridge project #1.  This would be a large project.  Bill went over outstanding FEMA projects they still have to finish up on.  The new Volvo Truck & backhoe have been delivered.  By the end of next week the highway department should have all their gravel crushed at pit.  On the new cab & chassis that has been ordered, Superintendent Hansen would like to purchase a new dump box for it instead of using the one off old truck.  Old truck could then be sold with cab, chassis & dump body.  Superintendent Hansen believes this would end up having no additional impact on budget.  Highway Department has been down one man since first of December, not sure when he will be returning.                             

RESOLUTION # 31-2005 – Authorization for Highway Superintendent to sell 1991 3500 GMC truck complete with dump body & purchase a new larger dump body for new truck.  On a motion of Councilwoman Sutch, seconded by Councilman Tillson the following resolution was ADOPTED:     AYES – 5        NAYS – 0
     RESOLVED that the Galway Town Board authorize the Highway Superintendent to sell the 1991 3500 GMC truck complete with dump body & purchase a new larger dump body for new truck at a cost not to exceed $6,200. to be charged to DA5130.2.
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

LIAISON REPORTS:  Planning Board – Councilman Tillson stated Thomas & Alice Radigan received approval for a 2-lot subdivision on Spring Road.  Michael & Diane VanWart received conceptual approval for a 3-lot subdivision on NYS Route 29 with corrections required on survey & subdivision map.  Frank & Pamela Hoerauf received conceptual approval for a 2-lot subdivision on Hermance Road with corrections required on survey & subdivision map.  Neal & Gail Evans received conceptual approval for a 2-lot subdivision on NYS Route 29.  Paul Zanella’s application for subdivision of the Estate of Nellie Shupienik’s 18 acres on Perth Road was held over for clarification from Town’s Attorney on classification of proposal as minor or major subdivision.  Much of the evenings meeting was spent on the major subdivision application on the Rachael Scripter Estate on Alexander Road, project was classified as a 10-lot major subdivision & scheduled for public hearing.  Councilman Tillson stated that Planning Board would like to have workshop to go over SEQR on this application.  Town Clerk advised that Planning Board can’t hold a workshop on an ongoing application’s SEQR form, that would have to be done during their regular meeting.  Highway Superintendent Hansen questioned why 5 acre exemption requirement did not apply to this application since it is a 125 acre parcel.  Councilman Tillson stated that he did not believe all lots were over 5 acres.  Supervisor Hargrave stated that if Planning Board wanted to hold a workshop in general on  SEQR  that would be fine, but they can’t hold a workshop to go over an applicants individual SEQR.  Tillson questioned if Planning Board was successful at planning a workshop date?  Town Clerk advised that only date they wanted to do their workshop was on Town Board Meeting night & Supervisor had stated that was not acceptable.  Town Clerk stated that Planning Board when advertising for workshop has to indicate what the purpose of workshop is.    Supervisor Hargrave stated that when they have a workshop, agenda should be part of that advertisement.  Councilman Topper stated that it appears that Planning Board needs workshop to understand further the SEQR application process.  Supervisor Hargrave suggested that they have Larry Benton or Mike Valentine from Saratoga County Planning attend their workshop.  Councilman Tillson stated that this Board has never completed a long form for SEQR.  Town Clerk suggested that Planning Board hold a workshop on general SEQR processing prior to their regular meeting and have County representative attend workshop.  County representative could then stay for regular meeting and review with Board the applicants SEQR.  Highway Superintendent would like Councilman Tillson to express his driveway concerns to Planning Board on this application.  Youth – Councilman Topper stated that the Karate Club had paid their $600. liability insurance premium.  Family Fun Day is scheduled for June 18th.  Rifle team is practicing for the Empire State Games.  Soccer season started May 7th, with 140 children signed up.  They are anticipating a total of about 175 children will actually participate in spring soccer program.  Port-A-Potty has been delivered to ball field for season use.  Swim program is getting pulled together, anticipating use of Girl Scout facility for this program.  Councilman Topper stated that he had received a request from Dave Meager our Insurance Agent for information to allow him to give a quote for medical insurance.  Town Clerk stated that she would get information from Bookkeeper on activity types; how often held; participants & ages and get back to Councilman Topper with data.  ZBA – There was no Board Meeting in April, May ZBA meeting scheduled for tomorrow night.    Seniors – No Report.          

MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS

Councilman Topper made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Sutch to approve the General Abstract of Vouchers (A) dated 4/14/05 thru 5/10/05 for a total of $15,703.42.
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Tillson made a motion, seconded by Councilman Topper to approve the General Abstract of Vouchers (B) dated 4/14/05 thru 5/10/05 for a total of $3,428.57.
   All ayes.                                                                    MOTION CARRIED

Supervisor Hargrave stated that over $51,000 of this abstract is for new back hoe which will be paid for with FEMA funding.  Councilman Topper questioned what we were doing with old back hoe?  Highway Superintendent Hansen stated that old back hoe would now be used as a yard machine.  Councilman Topper didn’t want to see old machine become something that required large amounts of money to keep it going in this capacity.  Councilwoman Sutch made a motion, seconded by Councilman Weed to approve the Highway Abstract of Vouchers (DA) dated 4/14/05 thru 5/09/05 for a total of $55,831.23.
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Topper made a motion, seconded by Councilman Tillson to approve the Highway Abstract of Vouchers (DB) dated 4/14/05 thru 5/09/05 for a total of $9,010.29.
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Tillson made a motion, seconded by Councilman Topper to approve the Lighting District Abstract of Vouchers (SL) dated 4/14/05 thru 5/09/05 for a total of $95.58. 
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Weed made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Sutch to approve the Supervisor’s Operating Statement for the period ending 4/30/05.
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

RESOLUTION # 32-2005 – Appointment of Rod Wilday to Planning Board.  Supervisor Hargrave stated that all Board Members had a copy of the resume for Rod Wilday.  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 appoint Rod Wilday to the Planning Board with a term to expire 7/01/07.
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

Other Business – Supervisor Hargrave advised that he had received correspondence from Saratoga County Department of Personnel regarding the Galway Fire Department Self Insurance premium.  Effective with the 2006 self insurance budget, the Galway Fire Department experience will be absorbed by Town of Galway & Saratoga County.  Supervisor Hargrave stated that during budget negotiations with Fire Department, this change will need to be taken into consideration.  Board went into discussion regarding this requirement.  Supervisor Hargrave had information available for anyone interested to review regarding this change.  Supervisor Hargrave will determine when Fire contract expire.  Town Board will need to have Fire Department come in and renegotiate the remainder of contract due to this insurance change if contract expires in 2006.  Supervisor Hargrave suggested that Board consider rotating of Committee & Board Liaison positions at end of year.  Supervisor Hargrave advised Board that County Open Space Meeting will be held her on Tuesday, May 17th at 7:30 p.m.      

RESOLUTION # 33-2005 – Appointment of Mark Concilla as 911 Coordinator for Galway.  Supervisor Hargrave advised that Saratoga County requires a 911 Coordinator be appointed by Town 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 appoint Mark Concilla as the 911 Coordinator for Galway.
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

Superintendent Hansen stated that surcharge on black top was up.  Will keep Board advised if it becomes a budget issue.

Board will review all Personnel Manual proposals received and determine at a later date where they want to go with it.     

Councilman Tillson made a motion, seconded by Councilman Weed to adjourn the meeting at 9:18 p.m.
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

Respectfully submitted,

 

Margaret L. DeFoe
Town
Clerk