Letter to the Board

 

 
 

   

WALWORTH TOWN BOARD - REGULAR MEETING

 

18 OCTOBER 2007
Presiding Supervisor Plant called the regularly scheduled Town Board meeting, held at the Walworth Town Hall, 3600 Lorraine Drive, to order at 7:30 PM.

                                                 

Present:		Daniel Keyes    Councilman

Patti Marini

Councilwoman

                                                                                                        

	Suzi Hawkins-Mance
	Councilwoman
	Susie Jacobs	Town Clerk
Mike Frederes Highway Superintendent
George Schaller
Sewer Superintendent
Karen Ambroz
Assessor
Ed Parrone		Engineer
		Jacqueline Van Lare    Recreation Director
		Norm Druschel Building Inspector
Absent: Thomas Yale		Councilman

“CATCH A KID” AWARD:
Councilwoman Marini presented a “Catch a Kid” certificate to Hannah Welker for her quick thinking and actions in saving her little sister during an emergency.
 
 

MINUTES:

WHEREAS, the following claims submitted at the scheduled Town Board meeting of October 18, 2007, have been audited and approved by the appropriate Council members;
 
BE IT RESOLVED that the claims be paid on Abstract #10, numbered 1,355 through 1,489 in the following amounts:
 

GENERAL FUND	$ 548,241.03
HIGHWAY FUND	$ 38,716.64
WALWORTH SEWER DISTRICT #1	$ 17,689.25
BROOKSIDE LIGHT DISTRICT	$ 10.15
GANANDA LIGHT DISTRICT	$ 912.92
HARVEST HILL LIGHT DISTRICT	$ 632.01
ORCHARD VIEW LIGHT DISTRICT	$ 62.70
WALWORTH LIGHT DISTRICT	$ 540.72
WALWORTH CONSOLIDATED DRAINAGE	$ 1,921.00
WEST WALWORTH FIRE PROTECTION	$ 150.00
LINCOLN FIRE PROTECTION	$ 100.00
SELF INSURANCE FUND	$ 5,194.00

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the claims be paid on Abstract #10 numbered 155 through 179 in the following amounts:
 

TRUST & AGENCY

$ 24,238.02

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Council of the Town of Walworth adopt Resolution 57-07.  
 
Adopted this 18^th day of October, 2007, at the meeting of the Town Council.
 
Whereas ,  Friends of the Walworth-Seely Public Library raise money that enables our library to move from good to great -- providing the resources for additional programming, much needed equipment, support for children’s summer reading, and special events throughout the year;
 
Whereas, the work of the Friends highlights on an on-going basis the fact that our library is the cornerstone of our community providing opportunities for all to engage in the joy of life-long learning and connect with the thoughts and ideas of others from ages past to the present;
 
Whereas, the Friends understand the critical importance of well funded libraries and advocate to ensure that our library gets the resources it needs to provide a wide variety of services to all ages including access to print and electronic materials, along with expert assistance in research, readers’ advisory, and children’s services;
 
Whereas,  the Friends’ gift of their time and commitment to the library sets an example for all in how volunteerism leads to positive civic engagement and the betterment of our community;
 
Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Town Board of the Town of Walworth, Wayne County, New York, proclaims October 22-28, 2006, as Friends of the Library Week in Walworth and urges everyone to join the Friends of the Library and thank them for all they do to make our library and community so much better.
WHEREAS, alcohol and other drug abuse in this nation has reached epidemic stages, and the 15-24 year old age group is dying from these causes at a faster rate than any other age group; and
 
WHEREAS underage drinkers consume 12% of all alcohol purchased in the United States; and the vast majority of this alcohol is consumed in a
risky fashion (51% of 12-14 year-old drinkers binge drink; 65% of 15-17 year olds binge drink.); 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 Walworth Town Board hereby proclaims October 23 - October 31, 2007, Red Ribbon Week, and encourages our citizens to participate in drug & alcohol prevention education activities, making a visible statement that we are strongly committed to a drug-free community.
CEMETERY COMMITTEE ESTABLISHED:
Supervisor Plant reported that a Cemetery Committee has been established. The Committee liaison is Councilwoman Hawkins-Mance. Those serving on the Committee are as follows:  
Jean Johnson      
Susie C. Jacobs      
Joyce Gumina
Phil Williamson
Patty Anselm  
If anyone is interested in joining this committee, please contact Jean Johnson at the Town Hall.
 
FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS RESOLUTION 59-07:
Councilwoman Marini offered the following Resolution 59-07 and moved its adoption.
Seconded by Councilwoman Hawkins-Mance.
 
BE IT RESOLVED that the Account Clerk be authorized to transfer from
the following:
 
$72.00 from A1355.43 Continuing Education to A1355.44 Mileage Conferences
To cover cost of mileage to year-end.
$1,279.58 from General Fund Balance to A6989.41 to cover attorney costs for
Farm Land Grant Closing. Funds to cover transfer credited to A2770 Other
Revenue.
$52.00 from A5010.42 Office Expense to A5132.45 Drug Testing. To cover
bill of Newport Alliance.
 
 
FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS RESOLUTION 60-07:
Councilwoman Hawkins-Mance offered the following Resolution 60-07 and moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilwoman Marini.
 
BE IT RESOLVED that the Account Clerk be authorized to set up a budget in
Fund MS – Self Insurance Fund in the amount of $5,194.00. To transfer from
Fund Balance and set up expense line item MS9050.81 Unemployment Payments NYS.
 
PRE-PAY ATTORNEY BILL:
Supervisor Plant stated he has received an attorney bill for some litigation we’re involved in and if paid within 10 days, we could save some money. Supervisor Plant has requested a pre-pay approval.
 
Motion by Councilwoman Hawkins-Mance to pre-pay the attorney bill in order to be eligible for a savings. Seconded by Councilman Keyes.
 
 
TRI-BOARD MEETING:
Supervisor Plant stated that the Tri-Board would meet at Wayne Central School District on Thursday, October 25, 2007.
 
EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK MEETINGS WITH PAYCHEX:
Supervisor Plant reported that meetings have been scheduled for Wednesday, October 31, 2007 at 9:30 and 11:00 AM, for review of the new Employee Handbook. Karen Johnson from Paychex will be present to review the Handbook and answer any questions.
 
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Motion by Councilwoman Marini to enter into Executive Session to discuss pending or possible litigation. Seconded by Councilwoman Hawkins-Mance. Adopted: Vote Ayes 4 Nays 0 Time: 8:00 PM
 
RECONVENE:
Supervisor Plant reconvened the regularly scheduled Town Board meeting.
Time: 8:40 PM
 
2008 PROPOSED BUDGET REVIEW WITH DEPARTMENT HEADS:
Discussion ensued with the following departments presenting their 2008 proposed budgets:
Receiver of Taxes
Sewer
Town Clerk
Review of Budget
Supervisor’s Suggested Amendments
 
Time: 9:30 PM
 
 
 

A special meeting of the Ontario Town Board was called to order by Supervisor Joseph Molino at 7:00 PM in the Ontario Town Hall. Present were Supervisor Joseph Molino, Council members: James Switzer, Lori Eaton-Smith, Jason Ruffell and Stephen Tobin; Accounting Supervisor Lois Buckalew, Superintendent of Water Utilities, Sole Assessor Christine Luteyn, Library Director Sondra Hylen, Attorney for the Town Alan Knauf (entered 7:02 p.m.) and Town Clerk Cathy Herzog.
 
Sixteen residents and visitors were present at portions of the meeting.
 
Mr. Tobin led the Pledge of Allegiance.
 
The Legal Notice of Public Hearings on the proposed 2008 preliminary budgets and contracts for the Town of Ontario was posted on the Town Clerk’s bulletin board and published in the Wayne County Mail on 10/18/07 and 10/25/07.
 
Mr. Molino opened a public hearing to consider the proposed 2008 contract with the Ontario Volunteer Emergency Squad (O.V.E.S.) at 7:01 p.m.  
 
Mr. Switzer stated the O.V.E.S. has presented a zero (-0-) budget for 2008. He asked Mr. David Stark if they had enough funds to cover an emergency.
 
Mr. David Stark was present to represent O.V.E.S. He stated the Town has been good to them in the past and they did not anticipate any expenses that their revenue would not cover this coming year.
 
(Mr. Knauf entered the meeting at 7:02 p.m.)
 
A motion was made by Mr. Switzer, seconded by Mrs. Smith, to close the public hearing at 7:02 p.m.
5 Ayes 0 Nays MOTION CARRIED  
 
Mr. Molino opened a public hearing to consider the proposed 2008 contract with Northeast Quadrant Advanced Life Support (NEQALS) at 7:05 p.m.
 
Mr. Robert Meddaugh was present to represent NEQALS. He stated their budget request is up 5% over last year. The proposed contract amount is $7,335. He also noted this is the first year of a 3-year contract that they are proposing that includes a budget increase of 5% per year.
 
Mr. Switzer asked about changes in the location for their headquarters. He asked if there were provisions in the budget for moving their operation.
 
Mr. Meddaugh stated the rent is covered by revenues and that the new lease costs would be spread out to keep it within their budget.
 
There was a discussion about their temporary housing situation and the response time. Mr. Meddaugh stated the response time to Ontario has not changed. He reviewed their equipment and staffing.
 
A motion was made by Mr. Switzer, seconded by Mr. Tobin, to close the public hearing at 7:10 p.m. 
5 Ayes 0 Nays MOTION CARRIED
 

Mr. Molino opened a public hearing to consider the proposed 2008 contract for fire and ambulance service with the Union Hill Volunteer Firemen’s Association at 7:10 p.m.  
Mr. Christopher Bowen was present to represent Union Hill. He stated they have had a wonderful year with a influx of new volunteers. He stated there is nothing in the proposed budget that is out of the ordinary.
 
Mr. Switzer asked about remodeling plans. Mr. Bowen stated they have engaged an architect and are exploring their options. He noted renovations would be extensive in the current location.
 
There was a discussion on the land owned by the fire company on Route 104, future use of the building they currently occupy, and the timeframe for having the funds to renovate or build a new building.
A motion was made by Mr. Switzer, seconded by Mr. Tobin, to close the public hearing at 7:15 p.m.
5 Ayes 0 Nays MOTION CARRIED
 

Mr. Molino opened a public hearing to consider the proposed 2008 Ontario Fire District budget at 7:15 p.m.

Mr. Jeffrey Garland and Mr. Jerry Becker were present to represent the fire district and fire company. Mr. Garland stated the fire district held their annual public hearing on October 16^th. He stated, in the future, the annual public hearing will be held on the third Tuesday in October.

Mr. Switzer stated the 2008 proposed budget request is for $52,176. He asked about future use of property owned by the fire district on Knickerbocker Road. Mr. Garland stated the Department of Environmental Conservation is doing a free environmental review of that property.

There was a brief discussion on that parcel of land and about another parcel of land owned by the fire company on Brick Church Road. Mr. Garland stated the fire company is seeking legal council on developing different locations for storage of fire fighting equipment. He stated there is a legal issue because the property owned by the fire district is located outside the boundaries of the district but within the rural fire protection district.
A motion was made by Mr. Switzer, seconded by Mr. Ruffell, to close the public hearing at 7:18 p.m. 5 Ayes 0 Nays MOTION CARRIED
 
Mr. Molino opened a public hearing to consider the proposed 2008 Ontario Rural Fire Protection District at 7:20 p.m. 
 
Mr. Molino asked if there were any questions.
 
Hearing none, a motion was made by Mr. Switzer, seconded by Mr. Ruffell, to close the public hearing at 7:21 p.m. 5 Ayes 0 Nays MOTION CARRIED
 
Mr. Molino opened a public hearing to consider the 2008 proposed contract for the Business Improvement District (BID) at 7:25 p.m.
 
Mr. Switzer stated the budget request for 2008 is the same as last year, $1,494., and the proposed tax rate within the district is forty-nine (.49) cents per thousand. He stated the BID has received a Small Cities grant. They are in the process of conducting workshops to develop a Vision Plan for the business district and surrounding area.
 
A motion was made by Mr. Switzer, seconded by Mrs. Smith, to close the public hearing at 7:26 p.m. 5 Ayes 0 Nays MOTION CARRIED
 
Mr. Molino opened a public hearing to consider the 2008 proposed budgets for the General, Highway, Library, Water, Sewer, Watershed Management Fund, Lighting District # 1 and Lighting District # 2 at 7:30 p.m.  
 
Mr. Switzer explained the process the town board members considered when developing the budget. He stated they factored in the increase in the assessed value of the town and proposed a common tax rate (general fund, highway fund and library fund) of approximately $2.50 per thousand. He added the board applied $650,000. from fund balance.
 
Mr. Switzer stated the proposed budget meets the needs of the town and is a very prudent budget. He also attributed the lower tax rate to the town departments who, he said, did a great job presenting their budget requests. He noted, in addition to the $2.50 tax rate, the county re-levy or “add on” for workmen’s compensation and erroneous taxes will add about twenty (.20) cents to the tax rate.
 
Mr. Craig Litt asked what the fund balance will be if the budget is adopted as presented. Mrs. Buckalew provided estimates. There was a discussion on the percent of fund balance in the proposed budget and the remaining balance.
 
Mr. Litt expressed the opinion that the town’s general fund balance is too high and he suggested the fund balance be reduced over time in a reasonable manner.
 
There was a discussion on projects to consider funding in the future; the landfill closure project, drainage projects and the possibility of creating a capital reserve with funds from fund balance.
 
Mrs. Smith agreed that it would not be fair to the taxpayer to collect and hold excessive amounts of money in the fund balance.
 
Mr. Ruffell stated the preliminary budget could be refined before the final budget is adopted.
 
There was further discussion on projects that funds could be ear-marked for, determining policy to meet the goals of the town board in regards to how much fund balance is prudent, changes that could occur in the community that might have a huge impact on tax revenue, pilot payments and a tax stabilization fund.
 
Mr. Molino asked if there were any questions on the Highway and Library proposed budgets.
 
Mr. Molino asked if there were any questions on the water, sewer, watershed management funds and the lighting districts.
 
There were no comments.
 
A motion was made by Mr. Switzer, seconded by Mr. Ruffell, to close the public hearing at 7:46 p.m. 5 Ayes 0 Nays MOTION CARRIED
 
Agenda – A motion was made by Mr. Switzer, seconded by Mr. Ruffell, to revise the agenda and add the following items: a contract for services for records management work; an executive session at the end of the meeting for a personnel matter pertaining to a specific person, an executive session for tax assessment claims and a revision to the Supervisors monthly report from September, the agenda was approved as revised. 5 Aye s 0 Nays MOTION CARRIED
 
Comments From the Public – Mr. David Stark asked about the Department of Transportation (DOT) signal change sign on Route 104 at the intersections of Knickerbocker Road and Furnace Road scheduled for October 30^th.
 
Mr. Switzer stated a green globe will be added for the driver who felt it was safe to make a left hand turn if there is no oncoming traffic. He suggested this might replace the red arrow. There was a discussion on would this work and the lack of advance notice to the media by the DOT. Mr. Molino added this would allow drivers to go and not have to wait but the posted speed limit of 55 MPH could be a serious concern.
 
Correspondence – The Town Clerk received notification from the NYS Office of Real Property Tax Services that the annual distribution of STAR Administrative Aid for the Town of Ontario for the year 2007 will be $3,546.74.
 
A motion was made by Mr. Switzer, seconded by Mr. Tobin, to accept and file the correspondence.
5 Ayes 0 Nays MOTION CARRIED
 

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Old Business – Mr. Ruffell asked if, after the presentation by North East Biogas at the last workshop, would the Town Board like the Deputy Attorney for the Town to draft an amendment to the zoning law. He added not just for biogas energy systems, to open it up for other alternative energy systems.
 

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There was a discussion on the proposal by North East Biogas, alternative energy proposals within the Beh Industrial Park, allowable uses in the current law, distribution issues, current applications before the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Planning Board and looking into allowing alternative energies in the future..
 
Mrs. Smith stated she felt the three boards, town, planning and zoning boards, need to meet and discuss just what amendments to the current law they might like to consider. She did not want the town board to act without their input.
 
Mr. Kerkhoven, Chairman of the Planning Board, stated North East Biogas has already amended their proposal not to extend off their parcel. He added that application will be coming back to the Planning Board.
 
Mr. Ruffell state he would look into the issue further and get back to the board.
 
New Business - A motion was made by Mr. Switzer, seconded by Mr. Tobin, to designate Aqualogics Systems, Inc., 5 Dewight Park Drive, Syracuse, NY as a sole source vendor for control work at the Water Treatment Plant and Booster Stations, as requested by the Superintendent of Water Utilities in memorandum # 33-2007. 5 Ayes 0 Nays MOTION CARRIED
 
A motion was made by Mr. Tobin, seconded by Mrs. Smith, to declare surplus two (2) dell computers from the Town Clerk’s office and authorize the Supervisor to dispose of the per town policy. 5 Ayes 0 Nays MOTION CARRIED
 
A motion was made by Mr. Switzer, seconded by Mr. Tobin, to approve the quote from Badger Meter, Inc. (a sole source vendor) for the purchase of Orion System water meters, for an amount not to exceed $37,684., as requested by the Superintendent of Water Utilities in memorandum #34-2007. 5 Ayes 0 Nays MOTIION CARRIED
 
The legal notice to bidders for the Timothy Lane water, sewer and road improvements – material bid and for the construction of water improvements on Timothy Lane/NYS Route 104 were posted on the Town Clerk’s bulletin board and published in the Wayne County Mail on October 11, 2007. Bids were properly submitted and opened on October 25, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. in the Ontario Town Hall from: Ramsco, Vellano Bros., Villager, Western, NY Contractors, Upstate Utilities, Inc., 104 Contractors and R. Myers Contactors.
 
A motion was made by Mr. Switzer, seconded by Mr. Ruffell, to award the bids as follows:
Timothy Lane water, sewer and road improvements material bid to Ramsco Co. in a total bid amount of $44,932.16 and Timothy Lane construction contract bid to 104 Contractors Inc. for a total bid amount of $80,935. And to authorize the Supervisor to execute all relative contract documents and the Notice to Proceed, as recommended by the Superintendent of Water Utilities in memorandum # 35-2007. 5 Ayes 0 Nays MOTION CARRIED
 
Mr. Knauf reviewed and approved the contract documents for the bid.
 
A motion was made by Mr. Ruffell, seconded by Mr. Switzer, to approve a revision to the Supervisor’s September financial report for capital project H-76. 5 Ayes 0 Nays MOTION CARRIED
 
A motion was made by Mr. Switzer, seconded by Mrs. Smith, to approve an Independent Contractor Agreement for services for records management work, as budgeted and as presented by the Town Clerk. 5 Ayes 0 Nays MOTION CARRIED
 
Budget Transfers/Adjustments – A motion was made by Mr. Switzer, seconded by Mr. Ruffell, to approve the following budget transfers:
General Fund transfer of $1,500. from A 7180.1 to A 7310.1
Water Fund transfer of $30,000. From F 9950.9 to F 8340.4
5 Ayes 0 Nays MOTION CARRIED
 
Reports by Town Board Members – Mr. Tobin stated this was his first full cycle of involvement with the town budget as a town board member. He stated he appreciated the efforts, presentation and the good documentation that the department heads provided during the budget development.
 
Mr. Tobin stated he read that because of global warming and temperature changes that are occurring around the country that the Finger Lakes area will benefit in the grape growing and wine production industry. He also noted the fresh water that is available in the region will be a great asset in the future.
 
Mr. Switzer stated the Ontario Center/Ridge Road and Route 104 area looks very different with the demolition of five buildings. He thanked the Ontario Soccer Booster Club for their donation for the Community Center project. Mr. Switzer noted Tops Supermarket sold to Morgan Stanley Private Equity. He noted Ontario is fortunate that the local Tops store will remain open for business as usual.
 
Mr. Switzer thanked those that attended the three (3) board meeting hosted by the Wayne Central School Board and he stated he was pleased to see that the Ontario Town Board had the best attendance.
 
Mrs. Smith stated the Halloween event and chicken barbeque hosted by the Friends of the Park was very successful. She thanked the many volunteers who made it possible and she thanked the Wayne Soccer Booster Club for their presentation during those events of a check for $25,000. towards the Community Center project.
 
There was a discussion on the upcoming meeting schedule. The town offices will be closed Monday, November 12, 2007 for Veterans’ Day the next regular town board meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. in the Ontario Town Hall.
 
A motion was made by Mr. Switzer, seconded by Mr. Ruffell, to cancel the workshop scheduled for Monday, November 5, 2007 and schedule a special town board meeting on Monday, November 19, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. in the Ontario Town Hall, 1850 Ridge Road. 5 Ayes 0 Nays MOTION CARRIED
 
Comments from the Pubic – None
 
Executive Session - A motion was made by Mr. Switzer, seconded by Mr. Ruffell, to move into an executive session at 8:46 p.m. for an employment matter of a particular person and for assessment claims pending litigation. 5 Ayes 0 Nays MOTION CARRIED
 
Reconvene – 9:15 p.m.
 
Adjourn – A motion was made by Mr. Switzer, seconded by Mr. Ruffell, to adjourn at 9:15 p.m.
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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Present:  Daniel Keyes    Councilman
Patti Marini    Councilwoman
 Suzi Hawkins-Mance    Councilwoman
 Susie Jacobs    Town Clerk  
 Mike Frederes    Highway Superintendent
 Jacqueline Van Lare Recreation Director
Karen Ambroz Assessor
 Ed Parrone    Engineer
Norm Druschel Building Inspector
 
Adopted: Vote Ayes 5 Nays 0
 
HIGHWAY – WAYNE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT SALT & SANDING CONTRACT
ORCHARD STREET LIGHT REPLACEMENT DISCUSSION:

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Discussion: Norm Druschel, Fire Marshall, explained that the applicant has requested to do this burn in conjunction with the West Walworth Fire Department. He further explained that the pictometry does not show a home; after the home burned, everything was bulldozed to the back of the lot. Norm explained that there are brush and trees in the back yard that she is requesting to burn.
Councilman Yale requested to table the burn permit for 3937 West Walworth Road for input from the West Walworth Fire Department. Councilwoman Hawkins-Mance agreed.
 
 

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