Jon Reitz questioned if board members are paid for months they are not present.  Dick Howard explained that board members are considered salary employees and get paid no matter what. Mr. Reitz also questioned why the revised assessments were not received from the Assessor’s Office.  Alice replied that she did not realize that she was suppose to send out revised assessments.  Mr. Reitz questioned Alice why this was, she had received the same letter from the lawyer that everyone else did.

The Justice Report was read.  There was a question from the peanut gallery whether or not Mrs. Manners has gone to training and was familiar with the increase in surcharges.  I went straight to the source for this information and yes Judge Manners is familiar with the new surcharges and they have been implemented.

What started out as a quiet meeting progressing along smoothly quickly turned tense between the highway superintendent and the “Highway Committee”. What brought this about? Dick Kozlowski questioned Curt why it took the men 60 hours to do the little bit of milling that was done on Blaine Road. (I thought we might have a donnybrook on our hands for a minute) This turned into a great deal of tension during the remainder of meeting.

Highway Superintendent’s Report:

• Millings on Blaine Road
• Cut brush on Harland Ames road
• Graveled Billings Hill Road and Claire Carrier Road
• 2 Culverts on Burdick Road were replaced
• Graded Bowker Road
• Worked on shoulders on Allentown Road
• Fixed bridge on Andrews Road
• Cleaned ditch behind shop
• Millings on end of Wells Road
• New cutting edge on loader
• New skid plates on under side of bucket
• Put crushed 3’s and 4’s on the seasonal part of Dimmick and then covered with screened bank run (at the request of the school)
• Graved and graveled by Hoshal’s on Dimmick
• Received three bids for hauling of Sand & Salt  (Jr. Green of Wellsville had the lowest bid at $5.34/ton)
• Curt made a point that bids should be in the paper earlier*
• County has brought approximately 1,400 tons of sand/salt
• Bought a 1995 1-ton Dump Truck from Andrews in Eldred for $4,000.
• Spoke with Guy James from the County DPW concerning the right-of-way for Paul Plants

The Code Enforcement Officer issued three building permits were issued for a total of $130.00.

Dog Control Officer passed their yearly inspection and had one run away dog.

The board passed a Resolution supporting the Cold War Veterans Exemption.  This exemption is for any service man/woman that served during the Cold War which is defined as September 2, 1945 to December 26, 1991 provided such property meets the requirements of the law and they have a honorable discharge.  Applications must be filed in the Assessor’s office by March 1 and must be accompanied by a copy of the member’s DD-214.  This exemption does not apply to school taxes.  The applicant cannot be receiving exemption under other veteran’s exemption programs.  The exemption is granted for 10 years and must be renewed annually.

There was more talk concerning the doors and new stove for the shop.  It was decided to put the doors out to bid.  I suggested to the board that they have specifics on their bid to make sure they were paying for what they really wanted and didn’t get stuck with underlying costs.  I found it interesting though that Mr. Howard said the board could still award to John Day (assessor) the doors even if he isn’t low bidder.  I’m sorry but as a tax payer, I want those doors awarded to the lowest bidder.  We might want to stress that to our board.  I’m not 100% certain but I would think there would be a conflict of interest anyways by awarding the job to John.  If he was an appointed assessor there wouldn’t be however; he is an elected official with the town.

Curt questioned why the highway fund still owes the general fund $25,000.  Michelle was not sure about this.  Didn’t the General Fund lend the Highway Fund $25,000 for the new grader?  Just wondering.

The town still has not requested a refund from Abbott Welding for the argon tank the Bob Sherwood has had for the last couple of years.  Why was this not done when it was discovered?  Why does everyone have to ask permission to ask for a refund for the town?

The town received a letter from the insurance company stating they want the town to fence in the yard at the town barns and if this is not feasible then install security cameras with night with night vision capability with continuous feed and digital recording.

Assessors Report- October 13, 2008

Town’s Budget as of October 13, 2008

Paul Plants of Plants & Goodwin brought in a copy of the plans for the gas line he would like to install along the town’s right-of-way from the Drum Road to National Fuel’s line on Zimmer Road.

Theresa Baldwin reported that someone has been driving their dirt bikes and 4-wheelers through the cemeteries.  She also stated that Christine Cole requested that she not mow between the town hall and their house.  They were concerned with paint chips.  Mike Scott requested Jane send them a certified letter requesting they attend the next meeting.

There was discussion that Betty Bartoo would longer be the Town Historian.  We will miss you Betty.  Mrs. Bartoo suggested that the board appoint Don Cady to the position.

Mr. Kozlowski questioned Curt if he had spoken to anyone from Groveland Correctional Facility concerning the prisoner work program.  Curt stated that the way he understood it someone from the Union had to be with the prisoners while they worked.  Mr. Kozlowski stated that this was not true and that he would call about the program.

Curt is putting out the bid the hauling of the sand and salt for the winter season.

Estimates from Overhead Doors were received.  The quotes for 3 doors were as follows:

• $11,164.52 with automated door openers
• $8,410.52 without automated openers

Curt stated the town should also look into replacing the windows in the highway garage.  Mike Scott suggested insulating around the windows for the time being.

No quotes were received for the new coal/wood stove for the shop.

The board received another complaint on the Ann Hampshire property.  The board advised Paul Sadler to issue her another ticket.  Paul stated that she was in court for the last complaint and was issued a fine.

Mr. Howard has received two letters of interest for the Town Councilman position.  They were from Ron Smith and myself.  The board is waiting on an official resignation letter from Jeff Harmon before an appointment is made.

Supposedly, the Town was awarded a $17,000.00 grant from the state.  Mr. Kozlowski says it was going into the CHIPS fund.  This is not possible though.  CHIPS funds is only for CHIPS programs.  I believe this grant was for the new ceiling in the town barn if this is so then it would be a Capital project.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Assessor Report September 2008

Highway Superintendent Report September 2008

Dog Control Officer Report September 08