The monthly meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Trenton was held at the Trenton Municipal Center, Barneveld, NY. Supervisor Mark Scheidelman called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. Present: Councilmen Shirley Poland, Betsy Mack, Bruce Kellogg, Joseph E. Smith; Highway Superintendent Art Hughes; ZOE Steve Hunter and CAC Chair, Jim Davis.
MINUTES: The minutes of December 14 meeting were approved as corrected. The minutes of the December 19, 28 and January 4, 2006 meetings were approved as written.
BOARD MEMBER CONCERNS: Bruce Kellogg suggested the board resurrect the Power Options Committee. He also would like the board to look in to the feasibility of a Recreation Center. Mark will add this topic to the agenda.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR: The Penn Mountain Snowmobile Club requested a referendum from the town allowing Penn Mountain to use our trails. The snowmobile club applied for a permit from Powell Rd to the spillway on the canal. The Town of Trenton has already been granted a permit for this area. Penn Mountain Snowmobile Club was asked to get a letter of the Towns agreement with this usage before the Canal Authority will issue them a permit. The Town of Trenton placed a rock in front of the south side gate to prevent motorized vehicles driving around the gate. Jim Davis, Chairman of the CAC, does not see a conflict with this multiple usage of the trail. Penn Mountain stated they would be willing to put in a ski trail along the shared trail. Scheidelman suggested the two groups have a meeting next fall to share ideas for opportunities to share in the next six to eight months. Councilman Smith moved to have the town send a letter of agreement to the Canal Corporation. Betsy Mack seconded the motion. Roll call: Poland, aye; Kellogg, aye; Smith, aye; Scheidelman, aye: Mack, aye. Motion carried.
Richard Marrazzo requested speed signs or some alternative solution be placed in Hayes Circle. According to Marrazzo other residents have shown interest in anchoring speed bumps or assisting with a solution. The residents are not sure who the offenders are. Art Hughes thought some signs were already in place. The town can put suggested speed limit signs. Hughes will take care of signs and Scheidelman will look into legalities of speed bumps to control excessive speed.
Larry Bogan and Joe DeTraglia gave an update on the South Trenton Community Hall. The contractor has finished repairs to stabilize the building. He also backfilled and will put the original stones back around. As per CEO Ken Cutlers request the group widened the ramp and entry, and railings will be added in the spring. The group questioned when the contractor would be paid. Scheidelman told them to have someone from the organization write a letter stating that the first phase of stabilization has been completed and the town can release the funds for repairs. The group is interested in having voting and the recreation programs back. Scheidelman stated that someone would need to contact the town by August to state their interest in having programs again.
06-14 GENERAL ABSTRACT: Motion by Mack, second by Poland to pay audited General Abstract 06-01-11 (1 – 54) in the amount of $181,308.25. Roll call: Poland, aye; Mack, aye; Kellogg, aye; Smith, aye; Scheidelman, aye. Motion carried.
06-15 HIGHWAY ABSTRACT: Motion by Kellogg, second by Smith to pay audited Highway Abstract 06-01-11 (1 – 23) in the amount of $24,485.76. Roll call: Poland, aye; Mack, aye; Kellogg, aye; Smith, aye; Scheidelman, aye. Motion carried.
HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT: Art Hughes requested the Town Board pass a resolution to advertise for a 2007 tandem axle multipurpose truck to replace the 1988 Plow and Sander. Scheidelman will check the budget to see if we have enough money in the budget. He will also look into options. Hughes stated if we got $10,000.00 for the old one it would be a lot. ***Put out to bid 2/8/06***
Attorney Tom Hughes arrived at 8:10pm.
Councilman Mack gave an update on the possibility of changing from Fleetcor to Champlain Oil. The county just started using Champlain Oil. They encountered some problems, primarily the same billing issues and surcharges. The County suggested Mack check back again in February.
Art Hughes reported that based on DEC regulations, all bulk storage tanks have to be regulated and monthly testing be performed. We are in compliance.
Highway Paving Report: There are still some questions on the mileage of roads in the Town. Downer Hill Road has approximately .3 miles of road that should be abandoned. Art will talk to the owners about abandoning it. Swamp Rd, off Powell Rd, should also be considered for abandonment. What is the Highway Standard for abandoning a road?
Prospect: Mayor Madeline Schnell was granted an extra year on their grant for sidewalks. She asked Art Hughes if he would be able to help them with this. Scheidelman asked for Art and Schnell to get together for details.
Wynn Rd: The Towns lease for dumping on the Glen Roberts property expired December 31, 2005. It was decided the town does not need to renew this lease.
Highway Dept. Hiring: Art Hughes has narrowed the choices down to two. Only one has stopped by to inquire.
M. Brown and P. Benson wanted to know if there was an update on Outdoor Furnaces.
P. Benson also questioned the status of Scott Sanborns business plans. She pointed out to the board that the proposed area is Residential/Agricultural. Benson stated some statistics from Marcellus. She requests the board consider equal protection and equal rights of others to be included in this possible ban.
Scott Sanborn: A meeting is scheduled for next week to discuss plans and possibilities.
At 8:15 pm, Poland moved to go into executive session to discuss possible litigation, seconded by Smith. Roll call: Scheidelman, aye; Kellogg, aye; Mack, aye; Poland, aye; Smith, aye. Motion carried.
Mack moved to resume the regular meeting at 8:49 pm. Kellogg seconded the motion. Roll call: Scheidelman, aye; Poland, aye; Kellogg, aye; Mack, aye; Smith, aye. Motion carried.
Smith moved to authorize the town attorney to commence a legal proceeding in Supreme Court against James Roberts, of Fish Hatchery Rd, for violation of a Zoning Ordinance. The motion was seconded by Poland. Roll call: Kellogg, aye; Mack, aye; Scheidelman, aye; Smith, aye; Poland, aye. Motion carried.
ZONING: ZEO Steve Hunter reported there were no new violations for Kocyba. He is meeting with him regularly. Hunter is waiting for the Planning Board on a definition of a Junk Yard. Scheidelman requested that an addendum be added to Hunters annual report for pending issues from 2004 and etc.
Tom Hughes reported that a court date was set for Monday January 30th, 2006 for the Powers case on Toad Hollow Road.
CODES: CEO Ken Cutler handed out his annual report to the board. According to Cutler we are up to date on Fire and Safety Inspections. We are following an every other year standards of 1984 for nonpublic assemblies. Smith questioned Foil requests. Cutler explained to the board how he documents a foil request in his report. After some discussion Scheidelman requested Ken keep track of hours paid for secretarial and computer assistance so it can be budgeted for next year. Cutler advised the board there would be a new Codes Directive coming out in June.
06-16 Motioned by Poland to accept proposed yearly salary for the Registrar of Vital Statistics. The salary will be $1000.00 for 2006 rather than a per item rate. Kellogg seconded the motion. Roll call: Scheidelman aye; Kellogg, aye; Mack. aye; Smith, aye; Poland, aye. Motion carried.
Scheidelman informed the board Boulder Consultants had the first rate increase in five years. He also noted we get twenty percent off these fees as per our 1988 agreement.
Bob Vanderzell requested a rate of $10.00 per hour from the board. Vanderzell will meet with Ken Morrison in March. The board decided to stay with the $9.00 per hour already approved.
06-17 Motioned by Smith, seconded by Kellogg, to move $55,000 budgeted to pay off the Highway Garage for this year to H5 - the Debt Service Fund. Roll call: Poland, aye; Smith, aye; Scheidelman, aye; Mack, aye; Kellogg, aye. Motion carried.
PLANNING BOARD CHAIRMAN: Scheidelman shared discussions with Dave Wilcox and Rick Allen concerning the open chairman position. Wilcox would consider the position if the board hires someone to be an assistant/secretary. Smith voiced concerns over “Acting Chairman.” He would like to see someone in the position for the long haul. Discussion ensued on the possibility of hiring an administrator of sorts. Several choices for Vice Chairman were also discussed. The board decided to set a work session time for further discussion.
COOMBS ROAD WATER DISTRICT: Work has stopped for the winter. All pipes are in; service is in, still need to fix lawns and ditching. Infrastructure is in. Individuals must hook in themselves. Scheidelman and Smith have a meeting with USDA Thursday. USDA has not released money yet. Scheidelman has to file more paperwork.
HINCKLEY SEWERS: Mack reported we have hired someone to do the grant for small cities for the Hinckley Sewers. Mack is sending her all the information. Once she has the information we will know the cost to write the grant. The estimated cost is between $750.00 and $950.00. The town needs to call and get more letters from the residents. Current letters are over a year old. The Grant is due March 31, 2006.
Mack called Rich LaBerge to verify if anything was being done about water on Glass Factory Rd. She has not received a call back.
RFP CONSULTANT: Discussion on proposals for consultant for Municipal Center Study was tabled for this meeting. Add topic to a work session agenda.
HIGHWAY GARAGE CONTAMINATION: The Town was billed for testing. We do not know if the new wells are in yet. Scheidelman will follow up on this.
RECREATION: There were no calls for the planned Ski Trip to Woods Valley for this Friday. The Trip was cancelled. A Ski Trip for Friday Jan 27, 2006 is still being offered. Bowling is still being offered.
EZ STOP: Tom Hughes reported that EZ Stop has been sued. He filed a complaint and served the County and gave the other copy of the complaint to the process server. If the owners are cannot be located Hughes can publish and motion for a summary judgment. The estimated time frame is six to eight weeks. Jack Marsh from the DEC met with Scheidelman. Of the quotes we received, we are not going to get the information we need. Marsh recommended we go back and request more test wells and a report on contamination if present including levels of contamination. The cost will probably be double initial quotes.
ADOPT A PLATOON: Anita Adams submitted a report to the Board. In summary, Monday packages were sent out to our new platoon. She put a letter from the Town in each box that was shipped out. The next shipment date is February 21, 2006. Mack reported Glass Hill has over $200.00 to use towards the next shipment so they would like to Sponsor next months shipment.
GREENBELT LOGGING: The committee wanted to take out wood when the ground is frozen. The weather has not cooperated.
HOME OCCUPATIONS: The board received input from the Planning Board and Ken Cutler on this issue. It was determined this subject needs to be a work session topic. Scheidelman will add this to the work session agenda.
GRANTS:
Fishing Dock: The DEC recommended we move it out for better-handicapped fishing accessibility. The Town needs to complete information on “as built elevations” to complete the permit. The report needs to be completed by a certified engineer and submitted to Steve Hunter.
Trenton Falls: Iroquois Grant for a trail from the Trenton Falls Parking Lot to the Trenton Falls Handicap Accessibility at the Gorge. Mack has called them and has not heard anything back.
Prospect: A grant to help the Village of Prospect purchase a 73-acre parcel for wells.
Hinckley: Should the Town look into a small cities grant for areas of housing improvements. Should the Town budget for a housing inventory. The last one was done ten or twelve years ago. There is grant money available do we want to pursue this.
Microfiche for Vital Stats: Scheidelman informed Squire to evaluate and formulate a plan for optional back up data as computers and software changes so rapidly. There is a Records Management Grant. Talk to other Towns and Kent Stuetz at Archives in the State Office Building for more input on this.
SCOTT SANBORN: Scheidelman has a meeting next Thursday at the State Office Building at 1:00.
WATER RUN OFF OLD POLAND RD: The board received a response from Kathy Carney thanking Art for his assistance with her problem and his work on the road.
TRENTON FALLS: The proposed dates for the Trenton Falls Gorge Trail to be open are April 22, April 23, April 29 and April 30th for this spring and October 7, October 8, October 14 and October 15th for the fall.
C & D Disposal: Hawkins and Hurlbut say it takes a little longer to take the debris to Humpf but they are really accommodating. If this continues the Town would save about $5000.00 per year.
SAMEL PROPERTY: Scheidelman will sit down with Steve this month.
HUDON/GROUND WATER: Scheidelman spoke with DEC in regards to Hudons November letter. DEC states it is not really our problem. Discussion followed in regards to having our engineer evaluate the situation in the event we are engaged in a legal battle. The Board decided to hire Boulder Consultants.
Roll call: Mack, aye; Scheidelman, aye; Kellogg, aye, Poland, aye; Smith, abstain.
BOLTON/FRANK: D. Frank asked some questions. Legally there is no violation. Variance overrules. Tax for non-living space will only change if still listed as non-living space at time of re-evaluation. The Town of Trenton has no Fence Law. Scheidelman to confirm with the Assessor that living space above garage is on the rolls.
OUTDOOR FURNACES: P. Benson shared some information on Outdoor Furnaces.
KAIN vs TOWN OF TRENTON: The Town received a letter informing us the case was dismissed in its entirety. Attorney Hughes enclosed a copy of Judge Shaheens decision.
LIBERTY LANE/RT 12 INTERSECTION: Latest update is the intersection is being designed, the light is going out for bid in March and the work will be done by June.
COUNTY COMPTROLLER/AUDITS: The County Comptrollers Office offers a program called CARTS where the County will come out with their staff and review financial records. Scheidelman suggests we have them come in and review our internal controls. He has concerns on how we handle cash, Community Ed and Recreation. This is a free service offered by the County. The Board decided to go ahead with the audit.
GIS WEB-BASED SITE: NOCCOG will be putting on a conference at the Town Municipal Center next Thursday at 7 pm.
MEALS ON WHEELS: On March 22, 2006 public officials will be delivering Meals on Wheels.
ATTORNEY: Tom Hughes reported he is working on things, but not a lot are done yet.
WEB MASTER: The web Master reported she is updating services through Digital Towpath. Jeanne requested departments send her info to publish on the web. She sent a proposal for updates to the Website Policy.
GREENBELT SKIING: Holland Patent School assigned primarily 2 individuals to be trained in the operation of the snow groomer.
SUPERVISOR: The supervisor reports we ended 2005 in better shape than he last thought. He moved $340,000 from the Bank of Utica (3%) to Adirondack Bank (4%).
ASSESSOR: Dean Burth requested the Town increase the exemption amount we give to Veterans to match what the County gives. Scheidelman requested Burth write up a proposal to raise the Town level to match the county level so it can be incorporated into local law. Discussion on Brascans assessed value from the State ORPS versus what Dean and Paul Nolan value it for.
TOWN CLERK’S REPORT: The board reviewed the December report detailing total revenues - $379.50 with the amount of $257.56 going to the Supervisor. The board reviewed the clerks’ annual report detailing total yearly revenues of $10,259.50 with the amount of $5965.16 going to the Supervisor.
ZBA: The Zoning Board has a meeting on January 17th.
PLANNING BOARD: Discussion set for work session.
COMMUNITY ED: Poland and Scheidelman attended a meeting Monday. Community Ed has scheduled another meeting for January 18, 2006. The committee is working on a Spring Program that is due out in February. The committee was asked to write up Job Descriptions and salaries and to develop a Mission Statement.
VACANCIES: Independent Board of Review and the CAC each have an opening. Kellogg and Mack are responsible for finding a couple of interested candidates.
06-18 FINANCE OFFICER’S REPORT: A motion by Smith, was second by Mack to approve the January 2006 Finance Officer’s Report with an ending balance of $704,619.25. Roll call: Poland, abstain; Mack, aye; Kellogg, aye; Smith, aye; Scheidelman, abstain. Motion carried.
OTHER BUSINESS: The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday January 17th, 2006 for Audits.
With no further business the meeting was adjourned at 11:34 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Katharine Squire
Town Clerk
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Regular Meeting
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