REGULAR MEETING
JANUARY 8, 2008
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 Councilman George Weed

Councilwoman Susan Sutch arrived late at 7:40 p.m.

OTHERS PRESENT: S. Atkins; F. Schwab; several students from English class at Galway; J. Sivik, Deputy Town Clerk; T. Killeen, Assessor; D. Costanzo, Highway Superintendent & M. DeFoe, Town Clerk.

Pledge to the Flag

A motion was made by Councilman Topper, seconded by Councilman Tillson to approve the minutes of the December 11, 2007 public hearing & regular meeting & January 2, 2008 Organizational meeting as submitted.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

Communications – Town Clerk stated that correspondence was received from NYS Office of Children & Family Services advising that the Legislative Member Item Contract Number TM06H30 was approved. State of NY Department of Transportation letter to Commissioner of Public Works, Joseph Ritchey regarding speed limit request for Middle Grove Road was received and study is underway. Letter from Saratoga County Department of Public Works regarding intersection of County Road 45 & County Road 52 advising that “Cross Traffic Does Not Stop” signs have been installed on Jockey Street. Improvements were made in sight distance for southbound traffic stopped at Galway Road looking east. Notification from Association of Towns regarding training school to be held in New York City, February 17-20, 2008. Certificate of Completion was received from the Unified Court System for the Judicial Education Program by Honorable Donald E. Clemens & Honorable Richard W. Wieland. Note was received from Valerie Borfitz thanking Town for opportunity to give input; Ms. Borfitz suggested keeping rural charm while promoting village fairs & events such as farmer’s market to make Galway a front runner in Pride of NY Campaign. Town Board received copies of the following: Packet was given to Board Members from Jeff Gordon regarding outdoor wood burners; Dog Control Officer’s Report was received for December; Building Department Permit Report covering 1/1/07 to 12/31/07; Assessor Report dated January 8, 2008.

Privilege of the Floor – Susan Atkins requested clarification on the highway increase of $.023 per thousand on budget. Was this a catch up for the last four years or was it due to gas & oil increases? Supervisor Hargrave stated some catch up plus town had to pay for a portion of reconstruction of Parkis Mills Road Bridge project. Salt & diesel fuel have increased along with salaries. Town is no longer collecting money for Library, so overall there is a reduction in tax rate for town.

COMMITTEE REPORTS: Assessor – Tracy stated in addition to submitted report he is working on renewals and senior citizen exemptions. These exemptions cover anyone turning 65 during the calendar year. Tracy will be going to senior citizen’s meeting to advise them of exemptions available, and to get names of residents turning 65 this year. Public Safety – Councilman Topper stated that he was disappointed in outcome for intersection of Ballston Galway Road & Jockey Street. He will draft letter to Commissioner Ritchey regarding his concerns with intersection. Property – No Report. Building & Grounds – Fencing project is complete at ball field. The only thing left will be baseline fill in spring. Supervisor Hargrave advised Town Board of potential emergency purchase with reference to one of the furnaces at Town Hall. Public Affairs – Councilwoman Sutch stated that she has been attending a Government Officials School in Albany this week. Councilman Topper stated that he attended the “Safe Routes to School” meeting last night at school. Councilman Topper gave overview of committee’s plan. Supervisor Hargrave stated that they needed to contact Cemetery regarding property usage and/or state for right of way usage. Councilman Topper advised this group that he will be working on a grant for walking trail around ball field. This group is looking to have town be sponsoring agency for grant. Councilwoman Sutch will be attending the meeting from NYS DOT on January 24^th explaining this grant. Went into lengthy discussion regarding being the sponsoring agency on grant and responsibilities. Historian – Supervisor Hargrave stated that Phyllis had major surgery and is recovering slowly. Highway – Superintendent Costanzo stated in December highway department worked with Milton hauling snow; continued to cut brush town-wide; plowed parking lot at recreation field for fencing company; plowed & sanded as needed; hauled gravel from pit to shop. Highway department started cutting dangerous trees town-wide; they will continue to plow & sand as needed and do winter maintenance on trucks and equipment. Councilman Topper advised that the beavers are trying to make a dam on the corner of Jockey Street & Welch Road. County & Town – Supervisor Hargrave stated that he was voted Chairman of Saratoga County Board of Supervisor’s on Thursday. Thanked everyone that supported him. The 1^st agenda meeting at county will be held tomorrow. On town level, getting ready to do annual update to state.

LIAISON REPORTS: Planning Board – Councilman Tillson stated there was no meeting in December. Youth – Councilman Topper stated that Donna Sowle had called him to request that Town Board open charge account with Barnes & Noble Book Store. ZBA – Councilman Weed stated that the application of Timothy Sorrentino o/b/o Phillip & Lois Bower for an area variance to construct new home on Perth Road was tabled so that information could be obtained from ZBA attorney on SEQRA. The application of Chris Kittredge for an area variance & front & side lot variance for placement of new home on property located on Parkwood Drive East in Lake District was approved. Senior Citizens – No Report.

MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS

Supervisor Hargrave stated that Donna Sowle came to him and requested that town open a charge account with Barnes & Noble Book Store. Non-profit organizations receive a 20% discount. With grant, she may be spending between $300.00 - $400.00 at one time. Board felt it was fine to set up account; this will be signed out with Town Clerk as other two credit cards are done now.

RESOLUTION # 4-2008 – Authorization to upgrade postage meter & add automatic feed. Supervisor Hargrave stated that he received quote for new postage meter with automatic feed. Current meter will need to be replaced within the year. New machine would be about $143.00 per month rental; he estimated we currently pay about $35.00 per month. On a motion of Councilman Weed, seconded by Councilman Topper the following resolution was ADOPTED: AYES – 5 NAYS – 0
RESOLVED that the Galway Town Board authorize the Supervisor to upgrade postage meter and add automatic feed unit from Hasler Mailing Systems & Solutions at a cost not to exceed $145.00 per month to be charged to A1220.4 Supervisor.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

RESOLUTION # 5-2008 – Expenditure of Highway Moneys. 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 approve the Highway Expenditure Agreement in the amount of $563,000.00 in maintenance to be set aside to be expended for primary work and general repairs upon 58.69 miles of town highways, including sluices, culverts and bridges having a span of less than five feet and boardwalks or the renewals thereof for the year 2008.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

Letter dated January 8, 2008 from Highway Superintendent Costanzo requesting that Philip E. Becker be appointed Deputy Highway Superintendent effective January 1, 2008. Supervisor Hargrave stated that this was taken care on in Organizational meeting last week.

RESOLUTION # 6-2008 - Budget Adjustments 2007. 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 approve the following 2007 budget adjustments:
Increase A1010.4 $165.00 Town Board (Newsletter)
Increase A1110.1 $105.00 Justice PS (Deputy Clerk)
Increase A1410.1 $1,110.00 Town Clerk PS (Deputy Clerk)
Increase A1620.4 $3,000.00 Building (New Doors)
Increase A3310.4 $70.00 Traffic Control (Repairs)
Increase A3510.1 $1.00 Dog Control PS
Increase A3510.4 $820.00 Dog Control CE (Cage & Mileage)
Increase A5132.4 $155.00 Garage CE (Heat)
Increase A7989.4 $13,300.00 Rec. Field CE (Ball Field)
Increase A9030.8 $810.00 Soc. Security
Decrease A7410.4 $13,750.00 Library
Decrease A9010.8 $5,786.00 State Retirement

Increase B7310.4 $2,500.00 Youth Programs CE (State Grants)
Increase B8020.4 $600.00 Planning CE (Consultant)
Decrease B9010.8 $3,100.00 State Retirement

Increase DA5130.1 $11,000.00 Machinery PS (Highway Clerk Salary)
Increase DA5140.4 $3,000.00 Brush & Weeds (Parts)
Decrease DA9010.8 $14,000.00 State Retirement
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Topper made a motion, seconded by Councilman Tillson to approve the General Abstract of Vouchers (A) dated 12/12/07 thru 1/02/08 for a total of $52,165.43.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Tillson made a motion, seconded by Councilman Weed to approve the General Abstract of Vouchers (B) dated 12/12/07 thru 1/02/08 for a total of $5,157.53.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Weed made a motion, seconded by Councilman Tillson to approve the Highway Abstract of Vouchers (DA) dated 12/09/07 thru 1/07/08 for a total of $15,476.71.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

Councilwoman Sutch made a motion, seconded by Councilman Weed to approve the Highway Abstract of Vouchers (DB) dated 12/12/07 thru 1/02/08 for a total of $2,865.48.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Topper made a motion, seconded by Councilman Tillson to approve the Lighting District Abstract of Vouchers (SL) dated 12/12/07 thru 1/02/08 for a total of $159.96.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Topper made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Sutch to approve the Supervisor’s Operating Statement for the period ending 12/31/07.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

RESOLUTION # 7-2008 – Re-appointment of Tim Bogden to ZBA. 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 re-appoint Tim Bogden to the Zoning Board of Appeals with a term to expire December 31, 2012.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

Supervisor Hargrave stated that he put “schedule workshop” on agenda, but has not received the information from Consultant to date. Clerk stated if we were setting dates for workshop, we need materials available for public review. Supervisor Hargrave stated once information is received from Consultant and copied, we could hold a special meeting to schedule workshop.

On a motion of Councilman Tillson, seconded by Councilman Topper the meeting was adjourned to Executive Session at 8:25 p.m. to discuss highway contract; pending litigation and personnel.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

On a motion of Councilwoman Sutch, seconded by Councilman Topper the Town Board returned to Regular Session at 9:18 p.m. Supervisor Hargrave stated no action was taken by Town Board during Executive Session.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

Other Business

RESOLUTION # 8-2008 – Set up committee to look into new Planning Board & Zoning Board Attorney. 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 set up a committee consisting of Councilwoman Sutch & Councilman Weed to look into new Planning Board & Zoning Board Attorney.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

Supervisor Hargrave questioned if there was anything further. Town Clerk stated that there were some areas left open on Town Policy that needed to be addressed and correction on Building & Grounds Maintenance salary. Supervisor Hargrave stated he would need to review correct amount for maintenance salary.

RESOLUTION # 9–2008 – Re-appointment of Zoning Administrator/Building Inspector. On a motion of Councilman Weed, seconded by Councilwoman Sutch the following resolution was ADOPTED: AYES – 5 NAYS – 0
RESOLVED that the Galway Town Board re-appoint Mark Concilla Zoning Administrator/Building Inspector, term 1/1/08 thru 12/31/08.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

RESOLUTION # 10-2008 – Appointment of Sheelagh Baily to Board of Ethics. Councilwoman Sutch stated that she talked with Sheelagh and she was willing to serve on Board of Ethics. In training seminar yesterday, it was determined that Councilwoman Sutch should really not be member of Ethics Board. She will remain until someone else can be appointed. 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 Sheelagh Baily to the Board of Ethics, term 1/1/08 thru 12/31/08.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

Board went into discussion regarding finding another member for Board of Ethics. Supervisor Hargrave will talk with Mark Rider & Janet Glenn at county regarding duties of health officer.

Supervisor Hargrave stated that next Tuesday will be his first Board Meeting at county as Chairman of Board. Went into discussion regarding county appointments.

Councilman Tillson made a motion, seconded by Councilman Weed to adjourn the meeting at 9:33 p.m.
All ayes. MOTION CARRIED

Respectfully submitted,

Margaret L. DeFoe
Town Clerk