REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 13, 2007
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:  L. Sanders; T. Killeen, Assessor; D. Costanzo, Highway Superintendent; A. Oakley; P. Keeler, Historian; T. O’Brien, Dog Control Officer & 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 February 6, 2007 Public Hearing & the February 13, 2007 Regular Meeting as submitted.
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

Communications – Town Clerk stated that Town Board Members received copies of the following correspondence:  Notification from Capital District Regional Planning Commission regarding workshop for Local Update of Census Addresses on March 14, 2007 from 9-12.; Follow-up letter from Capital District Regional Planning Commission regarding workshop on March 14th.; Notification of Grant Workshop to be held May 18 & 19, 2007.; Packet from Saratoga County Planning Board regarding request for resolution on mandated training for Planning & Zoning Board of Appeals Members.; All Board Members received copies of Justice Donald Clemens concerns regarding updating of noise ordinance.; Board Members received copies of the Assessor’s Report dated March 13, 2007.; Highway Department report for February with scheduled maintenance for March.; Dog Control Officer’s Report for February.  Correspondence was received from the Greater Galway Community Services Association with Secretary’s Report; Treasurer’s Report; Pantry Report; Board of Directors meeting minutes for January 2007; Income & Expense sheet for January & February 2007; Income & Expense sheet for 2006 & estimated budget for 2007 & list of  Board Members for 2007.  Correspondence from NYS Office of Real Property Services advising of 46 sales in Galway from 7/1/05 through 6/30/06, with residential assessment ration at 56.55.  Letter received from Time Warner Cable advising of rate change starting in April.  This rate change will be for Basic with Standard service, charge will go from $48.25 to $50.20.  Correspondence was received from the Town of Stillwater & Town of Ballston advising that they will petition NYS to Adopt Legislation to provide for Property Tax Reform.  Legal notice placed in Daily Gazette on February 23, 2007 advising that Town Board would hold a workshop on March 6, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. to review the information they received at the February 6, 2007 public hearing on the proposed zoning regulations update.  Correspondence was received from Town of Broadalbin advising that Zoning Board of Appeals would hold public hearing on March 14, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. to review the application of Sid Della-Ratta for a variance to authorize 2-lot mobil home park on substandard parcel & the application of Eddy Melendez for a variance to approve minimum road frontage of 140’ in variance to 150’ requirement. 

Privilege of the FloorLoAnn Sanders suggested Board Members review a Bill before the Assembly #: A4843, Entitled:  “Amend general municipal law, in relation to establishing a municipal cooperation program”.  Ms. Sanders questioned agenda item for use of Town Hall & voting machines by Library on the 11th & 19th of June.  What is the Town practice on allowing use of election machine’s & building by other organizations?  Supervisor Hargrave stated that the Library is currently a Town Library, run by Town Board.  Town Clerk advised that voting machines are property of County Board of Election, Library made request directly to them for use of machines.  Ms. Sanders questioned if this would be the only polling location for Library vote?  Supervisor Hargrave stated Town Hall would be the only location for Library vote.    

COMMITTEE REPORTS:  Library – A. Oakley stated circulation for February was 1,925 items, with 8 new library cards issued.  “Food for Fines” program is running thru March 24th.  Friends of Library will hold dance at school on March 31st from 8-11 p.m. open to adults & students in grades 9-12 for $10.00 including hors d’oeuvre & dessert.  Over spring break Library will hold a kite making workshop for children in grade 2 & up on April 10, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. sign up at Library.  Assessor – T. Killeen had 21 property cards for Board Members to review on new homes in town.  Councilwoman Sutch questioned if Assessor was still actively soliciting people for the STAR exemption?  Tracy stated that he does this approximately every other year.  He is currently working on updating the roll, so any STAR applications coming in during this process will be added.  Public Safety – No Report.  Property – No Report.  Public Affairs – No Report.  Highway – Superintendent Costanzo stated in addition to report, he has had a meeting with FEMA regarding Parkis Mills Road project and expects reimbursement to follow within a couple of months.  New chipper has been received and highway department started using it today.  Highway Expenditure of funds in the amount of $541,100.00 was given to Town Board to sign.  Superintendent Costanzo would also request the posting of town roads for seasonal weigh.  Looking forward to spring for continuation of work on ball field.  Historian – Phyllis Keeler read a letter she received from David Wickerham, Saratoga County Administrator advising of a planning meeting to be held on March 27th at 7:00 p.m. at the Saratoga County Board of Supervisor’s meeting room.  This meeting will discuss the 400th anniversary in 2009 of the historic voyages of Henry Hudson, his discovery of the Hudson River, the discovery of Lake Chanplain by Samuel de Champlain and the successful steamship navigation upon the Hudson River by Robert Fulton 200 years ago.  County & Town – Supervisor Hargrave stated on a County level, they should be ready for the April meeting with figures on surplus and plans for spending.  On a Town level, working on year end AUD report.  Buildings & Grounds – Councilman Topper stated that last month he received specs on playing field project.  Would like to have this project put out for bid.  Town has placed a requested for Federal funding on project.  Bid package would be go out in three separate categories 1)  Ball field preparation, which would include excavating; grading cut; fill & planting of grass.  2)  Fencing, including back stop; safety fencing & split rail fencing.  3)  Parking lot expansion.  Councilman Topper stated that either we use the $50,000.00 grant funding this year, or town looses it.  Town Board & Highway Superintendent may want to look at section 3, as a possible project to be done by highway department.  Supervisor Hargrave stated that he has had Blaine Smith in regarding the heating problem with Town Hall.    Blaine has determined that the one furnace that heats the majority of the building is not the right size, nor is the duct work.  Blain has given two quotes options , one for replacement of (1) new furnace at $3,150.00 and the other for replacement of (1) new furnace and installation of upgraded duct work for a 4-zone Arzel Zone System, $6,732.24.  Supervisor Hargrave advised Town Board of vandalism at Historian’s Office, where a 6’ x 6’ board was put thru the front window.  Window was replaced under emergency purchase.  Sheriffs Department is looking into vandalism.  Town Board Members were given copies of proposal from AVAYA regarding an upgrade of current phone system.  If Town Board would like, representative of AVAYA could come to April meeting and give presentation. 

LIAISON REPORT:  Planning Board – No Report.  Youth – Councilman Topper stated that Youth Day will take place the Saturday before Father’s Day.  The Schenectady Rifle team has pulled in a couple of All-Stars to beat the Galway Team at recent competition.  Al Blakely has had to make up a new form as required by state requesting further information on children participating in youth commission programming.  Forms have been expanded to cover categories now required by state on information town submits to county.  Supervisor Hargrave stated that he has ordered the plaque for Pat Bingham, once he receives it, Board can make arrangement to present it to family.  ZBA -   Councilman Weed stated that last month’s meeting was cancelled due to snow.  Next meeting of ZBA will be tomorrow night.  Senior Citizens – No Report. 

MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS

RESOLUTION # 17-2007 - Budget Adjustments 2006.  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 approve the following 2006 budget adjustments:
Increase           A3510.4          $35.00                         Dog Control CE
Decrease          A6772.4          $35.00                         Programs for Aging CE

Increase           B3620.1           $1.00                           Safety Inspection PS
Decrease          B3620.4           $1.00                           Safety Inspection CE

Increase           DA5142.4        $335.00                       Snow Removal CE
Decrease          DA5140.4        $335.00                       Brush & Weeds CE

Increase           SL5182.4         $177.50                       Street Lighting CE
Decrease          SL909.7           $177.50                       Fund Balance
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

RESOLUTION # 18-2007 – Budget Adjustments 2007.  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 approve the following 2007 budget adjustments: 
Increase           A6010.4          $900.00                       GGCSA
Decrease          A909               $900.00                       Fund Balance
(At budget time Board authorized $4,000.00 but put $3,100.00 into budget)

Increase           A1920.2          $99.00                         Municipal Assoc. Dues
Decrease          A1450.4          $99.00                         Elections CE
(Dues is determined by budget size, town moved into next category)

Increase           DA5130.2        $20,000.00                  Machinery EQ
Decrease          DA9950.9        $20,000.00                  Transfer Cap. Project
(Chipper purchase)
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Tillson made a motion, seconded by Councilman Topper to approve the General Abstract of Vouchers (A) dated 2/14/07 thru 3/13/07 for a total of $49,028.49.
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

Councilwoman Sutch made a motion, seconded by Councilman Weed to approve the General Abstract of Vouchers (B) dated 2/14/07 thru 3/11/07 for a total of $1,331.64.
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Weed made a motion, seconded by Councilman Topper to approve the General Abstract of Vouchers (DA) dated 2/14/07 thru 3/11/07 for a total of $67,274.38.
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Tillson made a motion, seconded by Councilman Weed to approve the General Abstract of Vouchers (DB) dated 2/14/07 thru 3/13/07 for a total of $287.73.
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

Councilwoman Sutch made a motion, seconded by Councilman Weed to approve the Special Lighting District Abstract of Vouchers (SL) dated 2/14/07 thru 3/12/07 for a total of $150.21.
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Topper made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Sutch to approve the Supervisor’s Operating Statement for the period ending 2/28/07.
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

RESOLUTION # 19-2007Adoption of Local Law #: 1-2007.  Supervisor Hargrave asked for a motion on Local Law # 1-2007, Providing for the Administration and Enforcement of the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code.  Councilwoman Sutch went into discussion with Town Board on her concerns with proposed Local Law.  Councilwoman Sutch stated there were overlaps; additions; conflicts and omissions with proposed law & current & proposed town zoning regulations.  Councilwoman Sutch stated that she would like to have a workshop to go over information further.  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 table Local Law # 1-2007 entitled “A Local Law Providing for the Administration and Enforcement of the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code” , until the Town Board can schedule a workshop to review proposed information further.
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

RESOLUTION # 20-2007 – Authorization for Library to use Town Hall & voting machines on two different days for public hearing and vote on Library becoming a School District Library.  Supervisor Hargrave stated that Library has requested use of voting machines directly from Saratoga County, since machines are their property.  Library will be responsible for public hearing notice & election inspectors.  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 use of the Galway Town Hall on June 11, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. by Library for a Public Hearing on Library becoming a School District Library.  Also authorized is the use of the Town Hall and voting machines on June 19, 2007 from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. for vote on Library becoming a School District Library.
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

Supervisor Hargrave stated that Board can’t act on item 16 of agenda, scheduling public hearing on changes to proposed zoning law.  To date, revised maps have not been received from Consultant, Nan Stolzenburg.  Councilman Tillson stated once maps have been received a Special Meeting could be scheduled.

RESOLUTION # 21-2007Posting of Roads to seasonal weight limits.  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 that effective immediately, all Town roads are subject to temporary closure to all vehicles with a gross weight in excess of four (4) tons.  Such closure shall take effect upon the erection of signs by the Highway Superintendent on the section of highway for which such traffic is excluded and continue until such time as conditions shall permit opening.  Further notice is hereby given that any person or persons violating this order shall be subject to punishment as provided in Section 1800 of the Vehicle & Traffic Law.  Clerk will submit legal notice, Temporary Order Limiting Roads to 4 Ton on Town of Galway Roads, to The Daily Gazette for immediate release.
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

RESOLUTION # 22-2007 – Authorization for Historian to participate in 400th Anniversary program.  On a motion of Councilman Weed, seconded by Councilman Tillson the following resolution was ADOPTED:  AYES – 5         NAYS – 0
     RESOLVED that the Galway Town Board authorize the Town Historian, Phyllis Keeler to participate in a program with Saratoga County & the Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Commission regarding “The 400th anniversary in 2009 of the historic voyages of Henry Hudson, his discovery of the Hudson River, the discovery of Lake Champlain by Samuel de Champlain and the successful steamship navigation upon the Hudson River by Robert Fulton 200 years ago”. 
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

RESOLUTION # 23-2007 – Authorization for Engineer to set up bid package for Phase II of Playing Field Project.  On a motion of Councilman Topper, seconded by Councilman Weed the following resolution was ADOPTED:  AYES – 5  NAYS – 0
     RESOLVED that the Galway Town Board authorize Environmental Design Partnership to proceed with bid package for Phase II of the Playing Field Project.
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Tillson made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Sutch to adjourned meeting to executive session at 8:28 p.m. to discuss a personnel matter.  Highway Superintendent, David Costanzo was asked by Town Board to stay for discussion.
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Tillson made a motion, seconded by Councilman Topper to return to Regular Session at 8:54 p.m.  Supervisor Hargrave stated that no action was taken by Town Board in Executive Session.
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

Other Business – None.

Councilman Topper made a motion, seconded by Councilman Weed to adjourn the meeting at 8:55 p.m. 
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

Respectfully submitted,

 

Margaret L. DeFoe
Town
Clerk