Board Meeting- August 11, 2008
Mr. Howard called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. Board members in attendance were: Richard Howard, Jeff Harmon, Mike Scott, Shawn Dunmire and Dick Kozlowski. Also in attendance was Jon Reitz, Larry Bedow, Paula Clark, Tom Robinson, Theresa Baldwin, Paul Sadler, Lori Childs, Laura Manners, Paul Plants, John Day, Gary and I.
Mr. Howard made the announcement that anyone wishing to address the board or to attend the meeting that even though the meeting is started at 7 the first half hour the board members look over audits and minutes. There is no real discussion during that time.
Paul Plants of Plants & Goodwin approached the board concerning running a gas line along the town’s right-of-way from the Drum Road to National Fuel’s line on Zimmer Road. The board asked Mr. Plants to have a proposal written up and present it back to them.
Judge Manners sent the state $660.00 for fees collected. The town will be reimbursed their portion from the state.
Superintendent’s Report:
- Richburg Hill Road (Village Side)- Graded, raked and rolled
- Graded- Pangburn Road, Watson, Wightman, Johnson Road
- 1/2 tank of fuel was stolen out of a tractor while parked on the Watson Road
- Painted, labeled and installed gauges on both fuel tanks as required by DEC
- Graded, pulled ditches and shoulders on Wells Road
- Graded, pulled ditches and shoulders on Snowball Hollow Road (Scio?)
- Roger Hoshal is concerned about the amount of water in his yard since the town worked on the road
- Cleaned ditches on Dimmick and Barnes Road
- Placed new culvert on the backside of Richburg Hill
- Graded shoulders on Allentown and Drum Road
Also a lawyer called Curt concerning Jack’s accident this past winter, Curt stated that the only information that he could provide the lawyer concerning the accident would be bills. My question is why is there nothing else documented? Why were there not pictures taken of the road conditions? Now we have a he said/she said situation. I think the Town has lost one too many law suits.
Curt also stated that him and his crew needed to get the CHIPS projects done this year. He was concerned with the State budget cuts that if the town didn’t use the money and rolled it over till next year they would lose it.
Code Enforcement Officer- Paul questioned Jane if Bill Boeckman came in to get his building permit. Jane had no idea.
Dog Officer-Paul had to euthanize a dog that was discovered on the Hassard Road. Paul stated the dog had a large tumor on his head.
Mr. Scott has not been able to get in touch with Mosher’s concerning the property behind the Town Hall. The next step would be to file for eminent domain.
Mike Scott presented the board with a quote for a 190,000 BTU forced-air Bronco wood/coal stove for $2,995.95. Tom Robinson stated that would not be large enough for the town barns. Paul Sadler was going to get quotes on larger stoves for the next meeting.
There was also discussion on replacing the overhead doors at the shop. John Day (Overhead Doors) will stop and get a quote for the town to have these replaced.
The gas bills have gone down since the new ceiling was installed in the town barns, however; the board would like them to be even lower.
Mr. Kozlowski was also concerned about all the repairs to the equipment and questioned Curt if this was due to the employees being reckless. Curt replied that no this is just normal wear and tear on the equipment. Mr. Dunmire stated that this is what happens when equipment was not taken care of properly.
The town board received a letter from the state requesting the board do an audit of the judges books. Judge Manners stated the board can look at the books anytime they would like.
Mr. Kozlowski stated there should be a limit to the amount of time the public can speak at a meeting. He even went as far as to say that the public should sit through till the end of the meeting, then they can say their peace and the board can go home. Mr. Dunmire, Mr. Scott and Mr. Howard all felt that the public does have a right to speak at the meeting. They are considering setting aside a time at the meeting for public comments or even to have the public request prior to the meeting to be put on the agenda. Mr. Dunmire stated that he felt this was a good idea but if something came up later in the meeting and someone wanted to comment they should be allowed. They will make a motion on this at the next meeting.
