REGULAR MEETING
SEPTEMBER 11, 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 Councilwoman Susan Sutch Councilman George Weed

ABSENT: Councilman Michael Tillson Councilman William Topper

OTHERS PRESENT: D. Costanzo, Highway Superintendent; T. Killeen, Assessor; J. Sivik, Deputy Town Clerk; A. Pribis; C. Haven; N. Cayey; D. Sowle; M. DeFoe, Town Clerk & P. Keeler, Historian arrived late.

Pledge to the Flag

Supervisor Hargrave requested a moment of silence in memory of the 9/11 tragedy.

A motion was made by Councilwoman Sutch, seconded by Councilman Weed to approve the minutes of the August 14, 2007 Regular Meeting as submitted.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

Communications – Town Clerk stated that Town Board Members received copies of the following correspondence: “Land Use & Transportation Connection” planning conference for October 3, 2007 in Schenectady; Dog Control Officer’s Report for August; Highway Maintenance Report for August with schedule for September; NYS Department of State Training for Local Officials on October 31, 2007 in Fort Edward; Assessor’s Report dated September 11, 2007; Building Department Report covering 8/1/07 to 8/31/07. Letter of thanks was received from Mike Bingham on behalf of the Bingham family for the Memorial Service held at County for his father past Town Supervisor Patrick Bingham. Letters were received from NYS DOT to Joseph Ritchey, Commissioner of Public Works for Saratoga County advising that they would initiate a study of the speed limits on Route 147, Jersey Hill Road & Benzal Road. Speed limit reduction request was received from Harold & Robert Spetla for Middle Grove Road. Correspondence from Saratoga County Attorney, Mark Rider advising of three properties in Galway to be foreclosed on by the end of October if not paid. He requested that Town make the County aware of any conditions on these premises which would make them undesirable for foreclosure.

Privilege of the Floor – Anneke Pribis – Advised Town Board of a 32 million dollar federal funding initiative out of Governor Spitzer’s office to promote walking & bicycling to school, “Safe Routes to School”. Anneka went over program with Town Board. Project covers radius of approximately 2 miles from primary & middle schools. Supervisor Hargrave suggested that she also contact village since portion of 2 mile radius is within village, which is a separate entity from Town. Anneke would be interested in being on committee to look into this program. Supervisor Hargrave suggested that she get newsletter article together for up coming release requesting interested volunteer participation for a committee to look into this project.

Chris Haven – Library Director advised that there were 3,286 items circulated in August with 32 new cards issued. Summer reading program “Get A Clue” was a big hit, with 124 children participating. The 7^th grade classes will be visiting the Library this month with their teachers. Story time is still held two times a week for younger children. They have an adult writer’s group. There are several adult programs scheduled for fall. Library is pleased to be adding a new educational software collection with titles covering pre-school thru high school. Board of Regents will most likely consider their new charter as a School District Library at their October meeting.

Donna Sowle – Advised that Community Projects Appropriation Contract #TM07152 was approved for a $7,000.00 reimbursable grant. Town Board will need to approve the spending of funds with the understanding that it will be reimbursed by state thru this appropriation contract.

RESOLUTION # 53-2007 – Approval of $7,000 reimbursable youth grant from state. On a motion of Councilwoman Sutch, seconded by Councilman Weed the following resolution was ADOPTED: AYES – 3 NAYS – 0
RESOLVED that the Galway Town Board approve the State of New York Department of State Community Projects Appropriation Contract #TM07152 for a reimbursable youth grant in the amount of $7,000.00 to be charged to B7310.4 Youth.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

RESOLUTION # 54-2007 – Speed limit reduction request for Middle Grove Road. On a motion of Councilman Weed, seconded by Councilwoman Sutch the following resolution was ADOPTED: AYES – 3 NAYS – 0
RESOLVED that the Galway Town Board authorize the Town Clerk to send a request to New York State requesting a reduction of the speed limit on Middle Grove Road between NYS Route 29 & the Greenfield Town line.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

COMMITTEE REPORTS: Historian – No Report. Assessor – No Report. Public Safety – No Report. Property – Councilwoman Sutch stated that she is working on property audit. Public Affairs – No Report. Highway – No Report. Building & Grounds – Supervisor Hargrave stated that he gave Board Member a copy of Councilman Topper’s report on playing field project. Councilman Topper stated that between 700 & 800 cubic yards of fill were needed to be hauled in by highway department for project. Highway Superintendent, Costanzo stated that Highway department has hauled in over 1,000 cubic yards of fill. Contractors wanted to haul fill from tri-county pit. Highway Superintendent, Costanzo advised them that contractors are not allowed to haul from tri-county pit. Dave advised Town Board of his concern with hauling fill vs. trying to get Perth Road ready to pave. Supervisor Hargrave stated that they received over $133,000.00 of FEMA reimbursement. Supervisor Hargrave stated that the $220,000.00 for ball field project is in bank. Councilman Topper is making application for $50,000.00 ball field grant. Town & County - The County should be sending about $83,000.00 this month, which Supervisor Hargrave will suggest that the Town Board use to pay of this building. Councilwoman Sutch agreed with suggestion. Budget process has begun on town & county level. Budget workshop dates will need to be set. Supervisor Hargrave has received some complaints regarding new chairs in meeting room being uncomfortable. He has contacted the furniture company that sold them to Town and asked if there was something that could be put on the backs of chairs to make them more comfortable. Supervisor Hargrave stated that previous chairs were destroying new floor and needed to be replaced. They also needed to be stackable chairs for storage.

LIAISON REPORTS: Planning Board – No Report. Youth – No Report. ZBA - Councilman Weed stated that there was no meeting since last report. Senior Citizens – Councilwoman Sutch stated that she attended the County picnic on August 28^th with 450 Seniors in attendance, 16 Seniors from Galway. Sue attended Senior meeting on September 6^th, she went over remainder of trips planned for 2007. They are looking for nominations of officers for 2008.

Supervisor Hargrave stated that he has received two requests for use of building. The Red Hats have requested the use of meeting room for a tea & the Dockstader Charitable Trust would like to use building for meeting with local charitable organizations. Supervisor Hargrave gave Board Members a copy of page 14 of Town Policy regarding building uses. Town Board determined after discussion that neither groups would be considered an accepted use under Town Policy. Supervisor Hargrave stated that he would contact both organizations tomorrow and advise them of outcome on request. Supervisor Hargrave stated that the zoning update was being delayed due to discrepancies with town highways. Board went into discussion regarding Agricultural overlay map. Councilwoman Sutch stated that Agricultural Overlay Maps could be created to coincide with county agricultural maps or remain as they currently are with prime soil conditions and actual agricultural uses. Board felt map should remain the same showing prime soil conditions and actual agricultural uses. Councilwoman Sutch will contact Nan regarding this matter.

MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS

RESOLUTION # 55-2007 – Reappointment of Carol Hynes to the Board of Assessment Review. On a motion of Councilwoman Sutch, seconded by Councilman Weed the following resolution was ADOPTED: AYES – 3 NAYS – 0
RESOLVED that the Galway Town Board reappoint Carol Hynes to the Board of Assessment Review with a term to expire September 30, 2012.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

RESOLUTION # 56-2007 – Appointment of Mark Kindinger to Zoning Board of Appeals. Supervisor Hargrave stated that he had two interested applicants, Mark Kindinger and Brian McCormick. ZBA Chairman, Jon Hallgren highly recommended Mark Kindinger. Councilwoman Sutch stated that Town Board would then have Brian McCormick on list for next opening. On a motion of Councilman Weed, seconded by Councilwoman Sutch the following resolution was ADOPTED: AYES – 3 NAYS – 0
RESOLVED that the Galway Town Board appoint Mark Kindinger to the Zoning Board of Appeals to fill the remainder of Thomas Thompson’s term, term to expire 12/31/09.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

Supervisor Hargrave stated that he received a quote from Allerdice for replacement of two doors in meeting room; removal of kitchen door; installation of window in door location in kitchen at a cost of $6,130.00. Supervisor Hargrave stated that we have had many contractors look at project, only one other quote was received several month’s ago for over $20,000.00. Councilman Weed said he would make a few calls to see if he could get a few more quotes.

RESOLUTION # 57-2007 – Schedule budget workshops. On a motion of Councilman Weed, seconded by Councilwoman Sutch the following resolution was ADOPTED: AYES – 3 NAYS – 0
RESOLVED that the Galway Town Board set the following dates for 2008 budget workshops: September 19^th; 25^th; October 16^th & 23^rd all meetings to start at 7:00 p.m.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

RESOLUTION # 58-2007 – Authorization to approve Engineering Services from John McDonald for standby generator. Supervisor Hargrave stated that he had received one other proposal from C.T. Male Associates, P.C. in the amount of $11,600. Supervisor Hargrave had contacted three other engineering firms, they were not interested in project. On a motion of Councilman Weed, seconded by Councilwoman Sutch the following resolution was ADOPTED: AYES – 3 NAYS – 0
RESOLVED that the Galway Town Board accept the proposal from John M. McDonald Engineering, P.C. in the amount of $9,500 for engineering services related to a standby generator for Town of Galway Complex to be charged to A1620.4 Buildings.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Weed made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Sutch to approve the General Abstract of Vouchers (A) dated 8/16/07 thru 9/05/07 for a total of $105,209.78.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

Councilwoman Sutch made a motion, seconded by Councilman Weed to approve the General Abstract of Vouchers (B) dated 8/16/07 thru 9/05/07 for a total of $3,002.07.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Weed made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Sutch to approve the Highway Abstract of Vouchers (DA) dated 8/16/07 thru 9/05/07 for a total of $1,470.79.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

Councilwoman Sutch made a motion, seconded by Councilman Weed to approve the Highway Abstract of Vouchers (DB) dated 8/16/07 thru 9/05/07 for a total of $15,098.52.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

Councilwoman Sutch made a motion, seconded by Councilman Weed to approve the Special Lighting District Abstract of Vouchers (SL) dated 8/16/07 thru 9/05/07 for a total of $110.38.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Weed made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Sutch to approve the Supervisor’s Operating Statement for the period ending 8/31/07.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

Supervisor Hargrave stated that he gave Board Member a copy of recent letter from Nationalgrid regarding reporting of outages or maintenance issues for street lighting.

RESOLUTION # 59-2007 – Set dates for interview for Assessor position. Supervisor Hargrave stated that he had received three applications, one of which is current Assessor. He is also expecting another application. On a motion of Councilwoman Sutch, seconded by Councilman Weed the following resolution was ADOPTED: AYES – 3 NAYS – 0
RESOLVED that the Galway Town Board interview interested applicants for the Assessor position with the Town of Galway on September 19, 2007 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Galway Town Hall.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

Supervisor Hargrave stated that Town Board needed to act on tabled Local Law # 1-2007 relating to the Uniform Fire Prevention & Building Code. Councilwoman Sutch questioned if it would be a good idea to do public hearing on Proposed Local Law #1; outdoor wood burning stoves & animal control changes? Town Clerk stated she had no written text for proposed regulations addressing outdoor wood burning stove & animal control changes.

Supervisor Hargrave noticed Phyllis Keeler and questioned if she had a Historian report for this evening. Phyllis Keeler stated that she hosted the Mohawk Valley Museum History Consortium at the Cook Museum. She was very pleased to share with them the news of her new office and the special history project they are working on. The Eagle Scout project is proceeding well at Stimson Cemetery.

Board discussed the workplace violence prevention program development given to them by Public Sector to review several months ago; this also is a requirement by state.

RESOLUTION # 60-2007 – Approval of the Workplace Violence Prevention Program Development. On a motion of Councilwoman Sutch, seconded by Councilman Weed the following resolution was ADOPTED: AYES – 3 NAYS – 0
RESOLVED that the Galway Town Board approve the Workplace Violence Prevention Program Development, prepared by Public Sector HR Consultants LLC.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

RESOLUTION # 61-2007 – Schedule public hearing on proposed Local Law #1-2007. On a motion of Councilman Weed, seconded by Councilwoman Sutch the following resolution was ADOPTED: AYES – 3 NAYS – 0
RESOLVED that the Galway Town Board schedule a public hearing for October 9, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. to review 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”.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

On a motion of Councilman Weed, seconded by Councilwoman Sutch the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

Respectfully submitted,

Margaret L. DeFoe
Town Clerk