November 5, 2004
Courage does not always roar. Sometimes, it is the quiet voice at the end of
the day saying, "I will try again tomorrow." - - Author Unknown
Greetings from Wayne Central School District. Below are some items of interest.
Board Meeting :
1.
Executive Session – The interview team will present the proposed new Board member to the full Board of Education.
2.
Board Recognition - Okay, this is suppose to be a surprise, but since all but one already received their shirt, there will not be much suspense. Please remember to wear your shirt that night.
3.
Audit Report – Mr. Ray Wager will give his annual report to the Board.
4.
Going to College Plans – Enclosed please find a copy of the School Improvement plan the Board and Administration developed jointly this summer. If you turn to page 9 you will see that we have established a goal for getting our students into college. If my memory serves me correctly, former Board president, Rick Johnson led the group that proposed this goal. We will be sharing the plan that has been developed and the parts that have been implemented so far.
5.
Naming School Facilities – We have a number of new facilities be completed next year. We have also had suggestions for naming these and other facilities after people. Board Vice President Frank Robusto would like to lead a discussion about this topic.
6.
Indoor Track - Mr. Blankenberg will present a proposal from the track parents to pay for indoor track.
7.
Building Project Update – Construction Manager, Mike Jordan will provide an update on the project. We have had some concerns about progress by Christa. We are not certain they will make their deadline for closing in the new section. I had Greg hold a $400,000 check to them for two weeks to get their attention. It also appears that the track will not be complete this fall as was planned. The company that installs the all weather surface over the asphalt has informed Christa that it has become too late in the season.
I do have some possible good news. I have been able to locate a school that installed a blue track for substantially less money than the $40,000 quoted by Clark Patterson last year. I have Le Chase working with me on this and perhaps I’ll have something for you to consider at this Board meeting.
8.
Financial Update – Mr. Atseff will provide his monthly update on revenues and expenses.
9.
Adequate Yearly Progress – Mr. Spring will review our adequate yearly progress and plan.
10.
Personnel & CSE/CPSE Action – The personnel action, CSE Action and CPSE actions are submitted for approval.
11.
Consensus Agenda – The September Treasurer’s Report is attached for board approval. Ray Wager’s independent audit report is attached for your review and acceptance. A budget transfer and two bids are also enclosed for your approval.
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Newsletter:
1.
Winter Meet the Coaches Night – The “Meet the Coaches” night scheduled for November 4 has been postponed for a week or so, since the fall season is still on-going in volleyball and cross country, and just ended Wednesday evening for soccer.
2.
Fifth Disease – We have had a few cases of fifths disease at OE. We have informed our school doctor, Dr. Devore, and have sent a note home to parents (attached)
3.
Athletics - Both our girls’ and boys’ soccer teams lost in sectional semifinals by one point. As you know our girls’ volleyball team won sectionals and will be playing Sweet Home at noon on Saturday. The match will be at Mercy versus Sweet Home (Buffalo area). At one time Sweet Home held the national record for most consecutive wins.
4.
Storefront – We now have the keys to our Eagle Ventures Storefront. We will begin moving in and constructing shelves over the next few weeks. We will have an open house once we are all set.
5.
Superintendent Out of Town – I will be out of town on Friday, however Lori will be in touch with me through my cell phone. I will return in time for Saturday’s volleyball match.
6.
Events -
11/8 – National Honor Society Induction Ceremony – PAC – 6:00 p.m.
11/8 – FE Parent Group Meeting – FE – 7:00 p.m.
11/9 – OP/OE PTA Meeting @ OE – 3:30 p.m.
11/9 – Friends of Music Meeting @ MS – 7:00 p.m.
11/14-20 – American Education Week
7. Attachments -
a.
Fifth’s
Disease Letter
b.
ONTARIO
Town Board Meeting Minutes – 10/25
Att. a
November 3, 2004
Dear Parents and Guardians,
This letter is to inform you that we have verified cases of Fifth’s Disease in our school, in all grades. Fifth’s disease is a very common virus occurring in children 5-15. It usually starts as cold symptoms such as low-grade fever, stuffy, runny nose and/or headache. Then as these symptoms pass the child will break out with a bright red rash on cheeks. Then several days later it will spread to the rest of the body.
Once the rash appears, the child is no longer contagious. It is during the incubation period prior to the outbreak of the rash that the child is contagious. This period varies from anywhere between 4 and 28 days. During this incubation period the virus is easily spread from person to person through fluids carried in coughs, sneezes and even on eating utensils when shared. Usually if a person has already had Fifth’s Disease they develop immunity and are not likely to get it again. The rash may last between1 and 3 weeks and may or may not be itchy.
It is important for pregnant women to notify their OBGYN if there has been potential/actual exposure to the virus during its incubation period.
If you have any questions feel free to call Ontario Elementary School Nurse Lisa Walsh (524-1138) or your doctor.
Yours in education,
Lisa Walsh
Att. b
OCTOBER 25, 2004
ONTARIO TOWN BOARD MEETING & PUBLIC HEARINGS
A regular meeting of the Ontario Town Board was called to order by Supervisor Molino at 7:00 PM in the Ontario Town Hall. Present were Supervisor Joseph Molino, Councilmembers: Mark Brewer, Donald Camp, Ronald Fillmore (entered 7:15 PM), Donald Shears and Town Clerk Cathy Herzog.
Twenty-nine residents and visitors were present at portions of the meeting.
Mr. Shears led the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Notice of Public Hearings on the proposed 2005 Preliminary budgets and contracts for the Town of Ontario was posted and published in the Wayne County Mail on 10/14/04 and 10/21/04.
Mr. Molino opened a public hearing to consider the proposed 2005 contract with the Ontario Volunteer Emergency Squad (O.V.E.S.) at 7:01 PM.
Mr. James Goetz, President of O.V.E.S., noted originally they had asked for $20,000.00 to put in a fund because when they do third party billing they do not pursue people who don’t pay. After reviewing their budget he announced they felt comfortable withdrawing their request for $20,000.00 this year but would like to leave the option of support from the town open for the future. He stated they are in good shape this year.
Mr. Molino said “Thank you, we appreciate that very much.”
A motion was made by Mr. Brewer, seconded by Mr. Shears, to close the public hearing at 7:03 PM. 4 Ayes 0 Nays 1 Absent (Fillmore) MOTION CARRIED
Mr. Molino opened a public hearing to consider the proposed 2005 contract with Northeast Quadrant Advanced Life Support at 7:03 PM.
Mr. Robert Meddaugh, President of the Northeast Quadrant Advanced Life Support, stated their budget request this year was for $5,143.00, a slight decrease from 2004. They have seen an increase in call volume in Ontario. They too collect third party billing and the funds they are requesting are the bills they did not collect for their services provided to Ontario residents.
Mr. Meddaugh stated they are constructing a new facility in Webster on Publishers Parkway. They will also be putting on hourly paid daytime staff but will not impact the request for funds from the towns.
A motion was made by Mr. Camp, seconded by Mr. Shears, to close the public hearing at 7:05 PM. 4 Ayes 0 Nays 1 Absent (Fillmore) MOTION CARRIED
Mr. Molino opened a public hearing to consider the proposed 2005 contract for fire and ambulance service with the Union Hill Volunteer Firemen’s Association at 7:05 PM.
Mr. Brewer stated Union Hill covers both portions of Ontario and Webster. He gave a brief presentation of their budget request. Their request is for $88,000.00 up $2,000.00 from last year. He stated the number of calls to Ontario is up and that drives their budget.
A motion was made by Mr. Shears, seconded by Mr. Camp, to close the public hearing at 7:07 PM. 4 Ayes 0 Nays 1 Absent (Fillmore) MOTION CARRIED
Mr. Molino opened a public hearing to consider the proposed 2005 Ontario Fire District budget at 7:07 PM.
Mr. Brewer was concerned that no representatives were present because of the issue with the assessment of the Ginna Plant. He felt they needed to talk. The assessed value of the Fire District is known and that rate will not change but the Rural Fire Protection area could be different based on the outcome of the plant’s assessed value. The town has made offsetting entries in their budget and if the Rural Fire Protection contract has not the tax rate could go up or down.
Mr. Brewer stated that in the past they have balanced out their tax rates for the Fire District and the Rural Protection area. That may not happen with the budgets they have presented. For the audience, Mr. Brewer explained how the town handled the assessment issue and how it could impact the Rural Fire Protection area contract.
The deadline for amending the budget is the next scheduled meeting 11/8/04. Mr. Molino stated he would discuss it with them.
Mr. Molino asked for comments on the Ontario Fire District budget or the Ontario Rural Fire Protection. No one was present and no comments were made.
A motion was made by Mr. Brewer, seconded by Mr. Camp, to close the public hearings at 7:20 PM. 5 Ayes 0 Nays MOTION CARRIED
Mr. Molino delayed opening the public hearings to consider the proposed 2005 budgets for the General Fund, Highway, Library, Water, Sewer, Watershed Management Fund and Lighting District # 1 and # 2 until the scheduled time of 7:30 PM.
Recess: 7:20 PM
Reconvene: 7:30 PM
Mr. Molino opened a public hearing to consider the 2005 proposed budgets for the General Fund, Highway, Library, Water, Sewer, Watershed Management Fund, Lighting District # 1 and Lighting District # 2 at 7:30 PM.
Mr. Richard Clark, Lake Road, expressed his concern at the amount of fund balance, $978,000.00 being used to reduce the tax rate. He stated it took quite a few years to build up and he did not feel that it was necessary to use that amount. Mr. Clark suggested $250,000.00 less would still hold the tax rate stable.
Mr. Brewer explained that the difference this year is because of the Ginna Plant assessment issue and he hoped that it would be settled before the budget is adopted. If that happens they will be working with true numbers and not guessing. He agreed Mr. Clark’s figures would hold the tax rate equal. However, because of the revale this year and taking the Ginna Plant Assessment out the average home property value increased by about 10.5%. He calculated the tax rate would need to decrease by approximately sixteen (16) cents per thousand to be stable. He also noted $800,000.00 has been included in this budget for the Landfill Closure Project. Mr. Brewer stated we are using fund balance very carefully and he stated Mr. Clark has a valid point.
Mr. Herb Barbehenn, 1211 Paddy Lane, from the proposed 2005 Preliminary Budget information in the Wayne County Mail he felt that the tax rate decrease was phony. He stated as you pointed out we are looking at significant increase in tax levy. He asked what was the year to year budget increase from last year to this year? And what was the tax rate increase? He also asked how the taxpayer could see more detail on the budget.
Mr. Brewer stated the budget was a little deceiving because of a couple of reasons. One, the Landfill Closure Project costs which, he added, could be worse in 2006 than in 2005 because of the debt. He estimated that the debt payment will be approximately $225,000.00 per year for 20 years and that in the proposed 2005 budget they earmarked $150,000.00 for debt payment, a line item in the General Fund, for a starting step to get the tax rate adjusting for that expense.
Second, he noted the numbers are puffed up from use of fund balance. That is not the norm and $800,000.00 of that is for an offsetting entry for the Landfill Closure. We have always paid as we go but this year is different. He went on to explain how the issue of the Ginna Plant assessment has been handled in the budget. Hopefully their calculations will be neutral or beneficial to the taxpayer.
Mr. Brewer gave a comparison of 2004 and proposed 2005 budget figures for expenses, revenue and use of fund balance. He explained that the town tax rate is from the totals of the General fund, Highway fund and Library fund for a proposed general tax rate of approximately $2.35.
Mr. Robert Steele, Chairman of the Library Board of Trustees, stated he and Assistant Library Director, Nancy Obaid were here to answer any questions on the proposed 2005 Library budget.
He stated the increase is approximately 4.8% and is mostly for increased health care costs and wages. In 2004, the Library budget was $265,000.00. In 2005, it is $278,000.00.
Mr. Molino asked for comments on the Watershed Management budget.
Mr. Wilbur Longrod, Lake Road, noted on the Watershed Council letterhead that they were an equal opportunity employer. He asked if they were equal opportunity to the taxpayer? Equal to use the Watershed Management Council.
There was a discussion on the primary functions of the Watershed Advisory Council. All persons can go before the council but drainage problems on private property are not their responsibility.
Mr. Molino explained how the funds are used on a priority system to clear the main waterways.
Mr. Craig Litt, Ridge Road, asked if the Watershed Council would continue forever. He stated he felt that once the common areas are cleared and the flow is working correctly the town’s responsibility would be reduced in scope.
Mr. Molino stated he disagrees. He does not believe that the program will go away. He explained what the functions are of the Watershed Council. In addition he stated the Department of Environmental Conservation mandated a program called MS4. This mandates the town’s responsibility for maintaining ponds. He felt that council’s services would not diminish and that we could not let watershed issues get ahead of us
Mr. Litt stated the town should hold the private landowners responsible for the land they own.
Mr. Molino stated when Ontario was mainly farmland the farmers cleared the waterways so that they could farm their land. This has changed over the years with new development.
A motion was made by Mr. Shears, seconded by Mr. Camp, to close the public hearings at 7:55 PM. 5 Ayes 0 Nays MOTION CARRIED
Comments From the Public – None
Mr. Molino asked for approval of the minutes of the October 11, 2004 town board meeting. A motion was made by Mr. Camp, seconded by Mr. Shears, to approve the minutes with a change on page 2, paragraph 9, change after written mortgage commitment “by the next business meeting (10/25/04)” to “within 45 days”. 5 Ayes 0 Nays MOTION CARRIED
Correspondence – The Town Clerk received the following correspondence:
Correspondence – The Town Clerk received the following correspondence:
Tuesday, October 26th the New York State Comptroller will conduct a teleconference entitled “Using Accountability to Build Public Trust”
Tuesday, October 26th the Comprehensive Plan Committee will host a public hearing at Wayne Central School at 7:00 PM
Ad Council of Rochester is offering the Wayne County non-profit community free strategic consulting assistance information to apply for a scholarship. They are available in the Town Clerk’s office
NYS Office of Real Property Service has the STAR Administration Aid Allocation Schedule for review at their web site at
www.orps.state.ny.us
- Ontario’s administrative aid payment will be $3,492.52
Assemblyman Robert Sweeney responded to the Town Board resolution relative to changes in the collection of court traffic fine revenue – Legislation A.11845 repealed the provision and any revenue collected since the law went into effect will be returned
A motion was made by Mr. Camp, seconded by Mr. Shears, to accept and file the correspondence. 5 Ayes 0 Nays MOTION CARRIED
Old Business – None
New Business – A motion was made by Mr. Camp, seconded by Mr. Shears, to accept the Supervisor’s fiscal report for the month of September 2004 as presented. 5 Ayes 0 Nays MOTION CARRIED
A motion was made by Mr. Brewer, seconded by Mr. Camp, to accept the statement of probable costs from KR Applin & Associates in regards to the Town of Ontario Landfill Closure Project for an amount not to exceed $41,550.00 for hydrogelogic services, and to authorize the Supervisor to execute any contracts related to KR Applin’s proposal. 5 Ayes 0 Nays MOTION CARRIED
A motion was made by Mr. Brewer, seconded by Mr. Camp, to adopt a RESOLUTION
I. RED RIBBON RESOLUTION
I.
RED RIBBON RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, alcohol and other drug abuse in this nation has reached epidemic stages; and
WHEREAS, the three leading causes of death for teenagers are homicide, suicide and accident fatalities, and alcohol and drugs are primary causative factors in each category of death; and
WHEREAS, every day over 1,600 Americans die from alcohol, tobacco and street drugs and thousands more find themselves admitted to jails and prisons, hospitals, and psychiatric institutions; and
WHEREAS, the economic cost to businesses and taxpayers from alcohol and drug abuse exceeds $112 million in Wayne County each year, and $5.6 million could be saved by reducing drug abuse by just 5%; and
WHEREAS, it is imperative that visible, unified prevention education efforts by community members be launched to reduce the demand for drugs & alcohol; and
WHEREAS, the greater community and its representatives, both public and private, groups and individuals will demonstrate their commitment to drug-free, healthy lifestyles by wearing and displaying red ribbons during a week-long campaign;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Ontario Town Board hereby proclaims October 23 through October 31, 2004 Red Ribbon Week, and encourages our citizens to participate in drug and alcohol prevention education activities, make a visible statement that we are strongly committed to a drug-free community.
5 Ayes 0 Nays RESOLUTION ADOPTED
A motion was made by Mr. Camp, seconded by Mr. Shears, to adopt a RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION FOR WATERSHED MANAGEMENT AFTER PUBLIC HEARING
A Resolution having been duly adopted by the Town Board for the Town of Ontario on May 24, 1993 establishing a town-wide Watershed Management Benefit Area with an established unit fee and a budget cap of $95,000.00 per annum; and the Town Board by Resolution having directed a public hearing and a posting of a notice of such hearing as required by law to consider the raising of the watershed unit fee and removal of the budget cap; and public hearing on the proposal having been held on October 11, 2004 to consider the amendment to the May 24, 1993 Town Board Resolution establishing the Watershed Management Benefit Area No. 1; and all interested persons having been heard; and the Town Board having found it to be within the public interest to make such changes and it having found that the changes as proposed be approved subject to a permissive referendum in the manner required by law; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board having considered the matter and having heard all interested persons; and
WHEREAS, based upon the information submitted to the Town Board, it makes the determinations hereinafter set forth;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Ontario in the County of Wayne that it be and it hereby is determined as follows:
a.
The Notice of Hearing was published and posted as required by law and is otherwise
sufficient;
b.
All of the property and property owners within the Watershed Management
Benefit Area No. 1 are benefited thereby;
c.
All of the property and property owners benefited are included in Watershed Management Benefit Area No. 1; and
d.
It is in the public interest to make the changes described; and it is
FURTHER REVOLVED, that this Resolution is subject to a 30-day permissive referendum; and it is
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk of the Town of Ontario be and she hereby is authorized and directed to execute a certification with regard to the permissive referendum.
5 Ayes 0 Nays RESOLUTION ADOPTED
A motion was made by Mr. Camp, seconded by Mr. Shears, to authorize the Supervisor to execute the contract between the Town of Ontario and Mr. Matthew Mazura for the sale/purchase of 2019 Ridge Road in an amount of $69,133.45. 5 Ayes 0 Nays MOTION CARRIED
Policy Items - None
Policy Items - None
Budget Transfers/Adjustments - A motion was made by Mr. Brewer, seconded by Mr. Fillmore, to approve the following budget transfer/adjustment:
Highway Fund budget transfer of $58.75 from DA 9060.8 to DA 9055.8
Drainage budget adjustment to increase 960 expense SD 8540.4 $6,000.00 from 599/appropriated fund balance. 5 Ayes 0 Nays MOTION CARRIED
Appointments/Resignations – A motion was made by Mr. Brewer, seconded by Mr. Camp, to accept the resignation of Robert Pinkney from the position of Deputy Supervisor effective the date of his letter of resignation and direct the Town Clerk to send him a letter thanking him for his service and wishing him well. 5 Ayes 0 Nays MOTION CARRIED
Reports by Town Board Members – Mr. Shears reported the Comprehensive Plan Committee will hold a public hearing Tuesday, October 26, 2004 at the Wayne Central School Performing Arts Center. He also reported on the Library addition.
Mr. Brewer stated the board has several issues to discuss in executive session. He asked Mr. Matthew Mazura to stay.
Mr. Brewer thanked Mr. Shears and Mr. Camp for attending and assisting with the Haunted Hayride at Casey Park this past weekend. He also thanked Director of Parks and Recreation Bill Riddell and his staff, the members of Friends of the Park and all of the volunteers who made this a successful event.
Mr. Camp also extended his thanks to everyone who participated in the Haunted Hayride. He added this is such a great event and all of the proceeds benefit the park. He stated it was his pleasure to work with such great people.
Approval of Claims – A motion was made by Mr. Camp, seconded by Mr. Shears, to approve the abstract of claims for the month of October 2004 including voucher #2471 through # 2568 with a grand total of $84,348.59 and to authorize the Supervisor to issue payments for same. 5 Ayes 0 Nays MOTION CARRIED
Comments From the Public – None
Executive Session - A motion was made by Mr. Brewer, seconded by Mr. Camp, to adjourn for an executive session at 8:25 PM for and executive session for the proposed sale of real property, personnel matters pertaining to a specific person and pending litigation. 5 Ayes 0 Nays MOTION CARRIED
Reconvene - 9:30 PM
Adjourn - A motion was made by Mr. Brewer, seconded by Mr. Camp, to adjourn at 9:30PM. 5 Ayes 0 Nays MOTION CARRIED
Adjourn - A motion was made by Mr. Brewer, seconded by Mr. Camp, to adjourn at 9:30PM. 5 Ayes 0 Nays MOTION CARRIED
Respectfully submitted,
Cathy Herzog
Ontario Town Clerk
The above minutes will become official upon approval of the town board.
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