In attendance at this months  meeting was Dick Howard, Mike Scott, Shawn Dunmire, Trisha Grover, Dick Kozlowski, Curt & Sue Rung, Alice Dunbar, Laura Manners, Larry Bedow, Jon Reitz, Theresa Baldwin, Paul Sadler, Jean Howard, Gary and myself.

Jon Reitz questioned the board the cost of this engineering study for the windmills.  Mike Scott explained the only cost is the initial cost to the lawyer.  The engineering company makes their money off from the windmill companies.

Curt Rung gave his Superintendent’s Report.  In addition to his written report he also reported that he had received a call from Chad Bugman questioning him about a road off from the Wells Road by Leonard Morseman’s.  Mr. Bugman was questioning if this road was legally closed if not he is looking at the town to reopen this road.

Curt’s written report was:

• The majority of the roads have been graded
• Ditched & graded shoulders on Pleasant Valley and some on Allentown Road
• Ditched on Monahan & Hydetown Road, Burdick, Emerson, Hicks
• Replaced crossover on Hicks Hill
• New crossover on Johnson Road by Herzogs
• Towns  Scio, Wellsville and Alma worked with the town to place a leveling course of blacktop on part of Harlen Ames Road.
• Mowed east side of town will complete the rest in July.
• Received a CHIPS check for $35,029.88

Laura Manners gave her Justice report to the Board.  She explained to the board what she can get from her grants that she applies for.  All items on the grant are only applicable for the Courtroom not the Town Hall.  She can apply for such items as, chairs, file cabinets, calculators, desks, bookcases, conference tables and improvements in the courtroom.  Laura explained to the board that she has applied for these things in the past and has received grants for them.  This year she is applying for new carpet and a security system.

Laura also explained to the Board that her position with the Village is up as of March 31.  She went on to explain to the Board that his will be a good thing for the town as the revenue from fines for the Village are a great deal more than they are for the town.

Dick Howard announced the following announcements:

• Reminder for the Public Hearings on Windmills- July 21 @ 6:00 p.m.- Town Hall, Main Street  (This is for Public Comments)
• District III Legislative Meeting at the Independence Town Hall on July 28th @ 7:00 p.m. (This is open to the Public)

Jane was appointed the Registrar of Vital Statistics.  This is one of the items that should have been done in January and was not.  The Board Dick & Jane decided to wait until they received a notice from the state saying it was expired.

The Board approved the 6-year plan for reassessments.  If you would like a copy of the 6-year report Alice would be happy to give you one.

There was discussion on open positions for John and Randy’s positions.  It is hard to complete the schooling for Assessors.  The majority of classes can be completed online though you do have to travel to Batavia for the test portions however; a couple  of the classes are week long events and if you have a full time job it’s hard.  At the moment we still have 3 assessors but this may be changing soon.  If John and Randy do resign the board will have to appoint assessors (if they can find anyone to do it).  It was mentioned going to an appointed assessor, only having one assessor.  This would have to go to a public vote.

Jon Reitz questioned why everyone gives a report to the board except the Assessor.  If Curt, Laura or Paul do not have a report one month the Board is questioning why they don’t.  They though in turn include the previous months information onto the current.  Alice stated to Jon the she doesn’t have to give a report.  The town board can make this a requirement though and I believe that they request one every month.  It was explained by Gary Dorrett, Teresa Baldwin and Jon Rietz that it is good practice to provide a report so that the tax payers do know what is going on.  There would way fewer complaints if these reports were given.  I guess in the meantime we can assume our assessors are not doing anything.

Paul Sadler gave his report to the Board.  There were 5 building permits issued.  Paul asked the board to set a Public Hearing for the Local Law #2 Providing for the Administration and Enforcement of the New York State Uniform Prevention and Building Code.  The Public Hearing was set for Monday, August 10 @ 6 p.m.  This is prior to the regular board meeting.

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