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Regular Meeting December 10, 2001 Charlton Town Board Saratoga County New York
After the pledge to the flag, the invocation was given by Town Clerk Gail Hanchar.
At the regular meeting of the Town Board of Charlton, Saratoga County, New York held at
. . . . . Councilman Alan Grattidge
Motion made by Councilman Schroeder, seconded by Councilman Grattidge that the minutes of the November 12, 2001 Town Board Meeting and the November 26 Agenda Meeting be accepted as received:
Approved:
ABSTRACT OF CLAIMS:
General Fund: Abstract of Claims totaling $20, 426.57. Motion made by Councilman Schroeder, seconded by Councilman Grattidge.
Highway Fund: Abstract of Claims totaling $4,184.31. Motion made by Councilman Schroeder, seconded by Councilman Grattidge.
Water Fund: Abstract of Claims totaling $1,169.91. Motion made by
Vouchers for the month were #1085-#1190.
TOWN CLERK'S REPORT:
Gail Hanchar read the Town Clerk's Report. She reported taking in $94.77. Motion made by Councilman Schroeder, seconded by Councilman Grattidge. PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR (Agenda Items):
No comments.
SUPERVISOR'S REPORT AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:
November review of revenue and expenditures:
Major expenditures:
Major revenue:
Supervisor Acunto sent a letter to the architectural firm that has been selected for the new town hall project asking them to meet with us on January 28, 2002. As the date approaches, we will contact them again.
The Town Hall will be closed on December 24, 25 and 26.
The Highway Department has put signs up in Elmer Smith Park marking the boundary line between the town's property and Mr. Fox's land.
Most of the Town Board attended a meeting with the West Charlton Fire Commissioners regarding the traffic light at Routes 67 and 147. Supervisor Acunto has heard from Mr. Logan of NYS DOT. There is the possibility of putting a generator hook up at that intersection but there may be some legal issues that they will have to work out. Mr. Logan will be in contact with Larry Bascom, Chairman of the Fire Commissioners.
Our town insurance policy expires in February. Our current carrier is no longer writing municipal insurance. Supervisor Acunto had a lengthy meeting with Round Lake Insurance this morning. We are looking at three potential carriers. One of the biggest concerns is the constables.
On Wednesday, Supervisor Acunto will be attending a seminar in Glens Falls regarding cable TV and franchise renewals. We received a call from the Public Service Commission asking where we stood as far a contract with Time Warner. Supervisor Acunto told them nothing has changed in the past three months. The second extension of our contract expires the end of this month.
We do business with Central National Bank. We have received notification that they are merging with NBT Bank. A resolution will be passed authorizing fund transfers.
The hazardous waste collection in the early spring will be a joint effort with the towns of Ballston, Milton and Charlton. Marv Schorr stated that we may not get to do it when we would like because the outfit that does the collections is in great demand. The firm that you hire takes care of everything.
We have a town ordinance that was adopted in 1978 regarding parking on town road shoulders during snow removal operations. It is at the discretion of the highway superintendent to have these cars ticketed and towed away.
COMMUNICATIONS:
We received a notice that the town insurance carrier is no longer writing our class of business.
Several weeks ago we sent a request to Mr. Ritchey, Director of Saratoga County Public Works, requesting a speed reduction on Maple Avenue and Featherbed Lane. We have received notification that our request was forwarded to NYS DOT and they will inform us of their decision when their study is completed.
We received a letter from Time Warner informing us of a rate increase effective January 1, 2002.
Supervisor Acunto stated that the county is considering lottery machines at the harness track. The decision will be made by the Board of Supervisors in the near future. Supervisor Acunto asked for comments from those present. Councilman Lippiello asked about the amount that would go to the purses. Supervisor Acunto stated that out of every dollar, 90 would go to the winner. 15% of the 10 that is left would go to NYS, the other portion would go to the track, the lottery system and 1-1 1/2 would be split between the harness purses and the breeders. There are moral issues and the issue of the protection of the harness industry. Councilman Grattidge said he would support them being able to run an operation that would keep them viable. The casino, although troubling in some respects, is becoming a way of life whether you are purchasing lottery tickets or going to the track in the summer. If other tracks have these machines and this one isn't allowed to have them, it will basically be out of business. He would like to see them do other things because it is such a beautiful facility. Councilman Mitchell stated that she is not in favor of having casinos. She would like to see some help for the industry. Supervisor Acunto said we would not be talking about this if it hadn't been for September 11. Councilman Schroeder said he does not like the concept of a casino and that kind of gambling. Councilman Lippiello would hate to see the loss of the harness tack in Saratoga. It is sad that it will depend on casinos to keep the tradition of the harness track going. Supervisor Acunto stated that there is still some question whether they can curtail this activity during the month of August or at least during the hours of the racetrack being open. Marv Schorr said that he was opposed to stand alone casinos. He felt the idea of tying gambling to the track has a good benefit that the track will see. There is already gambling going on there. This would not be full casino gambling.
CONSTABLES:
They are working on a procedures manual. It should be ready for our review soon and for adoption sometime in February.
HIGHWAY:
They have been busy trimming trees. The last of the leaves were picked up last week. Cleaned up after one small snowstorm. They have one big tree to take down on Jenkins Road.
WATER:
The second pump should have been pulled today. It should take a couple of weeks to rebuild it. The first pump that was rebuilt has been working fine. The hydrants are all set for winter.
PLANNING:
Their next meeting is in January. They would like to have a joint meeting with the Town Board about the future of growth in the town. Are there issues we want to start addressing now for the future? They have been talking with the Planning Federation and are hoping to have someone come and attend a meeting.
ZONING:
Total collected for the month of November were $916.00.
ZBA:
Their regularly scheduled meeting is tomorrow night at 7:30 P.M.
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION:
They will be meeting in January on a Tuesday evening in order to meet with the zoning people. They would like to interview John Mesick regarding the plan for the village before we make a commitment with Synthesis.
Councilman Lippiello, as well as the rest of the Town Board, received a CD from Niagara Mohawk. They offer some funding for lighting, which may effect the plans of the Historic District Commission for the village.
HISTORIAN:
Our County Historian retired the end of November.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION COMMISSION:
Marv stated that Joe Miranda will be the representative from the Town of Milton for the hazardous waste collection to be held next year. The Town of Ballston still does not have a representative.
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER:
Lee reported he had one call for a dead raccoon. There was a dog bite case. There were 12 calls for complaints, etc.
RESOLUTIONS:
Motion made by Councilman Schroeder, seconded by Councilman Grattidge, that
Approved:
Approved:
COUNCILMAN REPORTS:
Councilman Schroeder - Wished everyone a safe and happy holiday.
Councilman Grattidge - Something will be started at the beginning of the year for the Party In The Park. Wished everyone a happy holiday season.
Councilman Mitchell - We will be setting a date for the deadline for the newsletter. It will be early in January. We want to put in an article on parking on the roads. Dot was saddened to hear of the passing of Vaughn Ward. She will be missed. Wished everyone happy holidays.
Councilman Lippiello - Wished everyone a safe and healthy holiday.
Supervisor Acunto wished everyone a happy holiday. He has placed a message on the web page. It is also posted at the town hall. Our new signs are here that will be going up at the entrances to the town.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR:
On behalf of his neighbors and himself, Marv Schorr expressed thanks to the highway department for the brush pick up during the summer and the leaf pick up in the fall.
Chris Hodgkins was present and was finishing up a merit badge. He has spoken with Councilman Schroeder about the possibility of an Eagle Scout project in town.
The next Agenda Meeting will be on Wednesday, January 2, 2002 at 7:30 P.M. at the Town Hall. The next Town Board Meeting will be on January 14, 2002 at 8:00 P.M. at the Town Hall.
Motion made by Councilman Grattidge, seconded by Councilman Schroeder, A Motion to adjourn to an executive session, be approved:
After everyone had the opportunity to speak who wished, the meeting was adjourned at
Respectfully submitted, |
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