Town of Charlton

                                                Town of Charlton

Saratoga County

Town Board

 

January 14, 2008

 

7:30pm

 

The Regular meeting of the Town Board of Charlton, Saratoga County, New York held at Charlton Town Hall, called to order by Supervisor Grattidge at 7:40pm.

 

Present:  Councilman Gardner, Councilman Lippiello, Councilman Salisbury, Councilman Verola, Supervisor Grattidge, Town Clerk Brenda Mills.

 

Supervisor Grattidge lead the pledge of Allegiance.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES                             

A motion made by Councilman Verola seconded by Councilman Gardner, to accept the meeting minutes of the Town Board Special Meeting held on December 12, 2007.

 

Roll call vote:  Councilman Gardner: Aye, Councilman Lippiello; Aye, Councilman Salisbury: Aye, Councilman Verola: Aye, Supervisor Grattidge: Aye  Approved

 

A motion made by Councilman Gardner seconded by Councilman Verola, to accept the meeting minutes of the Town Board Special Meeting held on December 28, 2007.

 

Roll call vote:  Councilman Gardner: Aye, Councilman Lippiello: Aye, Councilman Salisbury: Aye, Councilman Verola: Aye, Supervisor Grattidge: Aye  Approved

 

A motion made by Councilman Verola seconded by Councilman Gardner, to accept the meeting minutes of the Town Board Special Meeting held on January 9, 2008.

 

Roll call vote:  Councilman Gardner: Aye, Councilman Lippiello: Aye, Councilman Salisbury: Aye, Councilman Verola: Aye, Supervisor Grattidge: Aye  Approved

 

 

ABSTRACT OF CLAIMS

 

A motion made by Councilman Verola seconded by Councilman Gardner to accept General Fund Claims No. 1001-1048 in the amount of $93,967.03 as set fourth in the abstract No.101, and to accept General Fund Claim No. 801 in the amount of $3,907.54 as set forth in the abstract No. 8801.

 

Roll call vote:  Councilman Gardner: Aye, Councilman Lippiello: Aye, Councilman Salisbury: Aye, Councilman Verola: Aye, Supervisor Grattidge: Aye  Approved

 

TOWN CLERK REPORT

 

Town Clerk Brenda Mills reported taking in $1430.25 for the month of December, $1,367.48 was disbursed to the Supervisor and $62.77 to disbursing agencies.

 

A motion made by Councilman Verola seconded by Councilman Gardner to accept the Town Clerks report as read.

 

Roll call vote:  Councilman Gardner: Aye, Councilman Lippiello: Aye, Councilman Salisbury: Aye, Councilman Verola: Aye, Supervisor Grattidge: Aye  Approved

 

 

SUPERVISOR’S REPORT AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

December Expenditures and Revenue:

 

 

Expenditures

Revenue

 

 

 

General

74,992.95

     68,864.42

Highway

40,660.51

50,929.00

Water Dist. 1

10,716.19

9,244.97

Water Dist. 2

647.77

63.72

 

 

 

Town Hall Project

 

 

Expenses

 

 

H-Fund

  129,528.64

0

 

 

 

WEB SITE ACTIVITY

The overall number of visits to the Town of Charlton Web Site during the month of December is: Entire site; 126,636 Average per day; 4,085, Page views; 105,269, Average per day; 3,395

 

SUPERVISORS REPORT

 

Supervisors Report read for December 2007:

 

For the month of December I attended 4 Town meetings and 11 County meetings.

Some of the highlights of the month:

-         Attended  meetings concerning the New Town Hall Project

-         Historical Society Annual Christmas Dinner

-         Worked with the Health Insurance Broker on Town Plan

-         The Board met with our financial consultant and reviewed the annual audit

-         The Board held a workshop with the Town Justices and Court of Administration 

 

Supervisor Grattidge also announced he filed a grant application with Saratoga County for a $4,000.00 reimbursement for expenses incurred for Party in the Park.  The Town was awarded $4,000 and the money was recently received.

 

SUPERVISORS ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Supervisor Grattidge announced that the Town Hall will be closed for Martin Luther King Day, January 21, 2008.

 

The Saratoga County Planning Board and Zoning Conference would be held on January 30, 2008.  The Town has several members that will attend.

 

The Town of Galway Planning Board will hold a Public Hearing on January 22, 2008 to consider the application of Sandra A. Leahy and Fred Sanders to subdivide land located at 4613 Sacandaga Road. 

 

 

COMMUNICATIONS

 

Supervisor Grattidge stated that the Board had requested that an internal audit be conducted.  Supervisor Grattidge read the highlights of the Annual Audit Report that was completed by Bob Fisher. The Departments that were audited were The Clerks Office, Highway, Tax Collector, Zoning, Town Justices, and Supervisors Office.  The auditor found no problems, and commended the individuals responsible for carrying out the day to day activities of the town.  A copy of the audit is on file in the Clerks office.

 

Supervisor Grattidge stated that the Town received an e-mail from Dale Delano about the equalization rate affecting the tax rate.   The issue is of concern to the Supervisor.  A copy of the letter is on file with the Town Clerk.

 

Supervisor Grattidge stated that he received a letter from Summit Risk Services regarding Selective Insurance and indemnification for the Schmidt & Schmidt claim.  They stated that Selective has no responsibility in the claim.  Supervisor Grattidge stated that he wants to look into this matter further.  A copy of the letter is on file with the Town Clerk.

 

Supervisor Grattidge stated that the Town received the Annual Evaluation of the MS4 program.  High marks were given in all areas that the Town is working on.  There are a few areas that work is needed on.   A copy of the report is on file with the Town Clerk.

 

DEPARTMENT & COMMITTEE REPORT

 

Councilman Gardner read the Department reports for the Highway Department, Constables, and Zoning Department. Copies of the reports are on file with the Town Clerk.

:

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION COMMISSION (ECC)

 

Chairman Marvin Schorr stated the Annual Roadside Clean up and Tree Give Away is scheduled for Saturday, April 26 2008.  If groups or individuals want to sign up, they should contact Marv Schorr.    Mr. Schorr questioned if anyone had heard of a hazardous waste collection.  Supervisor Grattidge said he has not heard, but he will look into it.

 

ANIMAL CONTROL 

 

Lee Bramer reported that he had 3 lost dogs, 1 found dog, 1 complaint of running dogs, 1 pickup to shelter, 1 sick muskrat disposal, 1 call regarding possible bobcat, 2 raccoon calls.  He urged residents to get their pets vaccinated.

 

HISTORIAN

 

Laura Linder stated that there will be upcoming Training Course by the Malta Historian at 7pm on January 17, 2008.    Mrs. Linder stated that Penny Heritage is the new President of the Charlton Historical Society.  She stated that the CHS is interested in knowing if the town is participating in Founders Day and Party in the Park, and the July concert.  This year will be the 40th Founders Day for the community.  The County Historian has called a meeting for January 30, 2008  regarding Town Resolutions and Planning for the 2009 event.  Bob Bullock is the new Commissioner of the NYS Quadricentennial Commission.  Mrs. Linder also stated that she will talk to her liaison regarding a flash drive for her home computer to put the Historian files on. She would also like to see about moving files from her home to Town Hall.

 

WATER

 

Councilman Lippiello stated that John Morgan has been in contact with companies to help solve the problems with the variable speed control for the pumps.  Once he gets the information, they will go over it with the Town Engineer and then meet with the Board..

 

E-GOVERNMENT & TECHNOLOGY BOARD

 

Councilman Lippiello stated that the new E-Government and Technology Board will meet on February 5, 2008 at 7pm.  They are working on an internet connection or hub for the constable’s office.

 

MOTIONS & RESOLUTIONS

 

Supervisor Grattidge that the Organizational Resolution numbered 1-56 has only 55 resolutions, and therefore will be renumbered 1-55.  The last resolution which was number 62 will renumbered to number 56.

 

Town Attorney Bob VanVranken brought to the Board’s attention a change to be made to Resolution number 56.  The change is to be made to 7th paragraph, which amended should read, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby authorize that upon the retirement of John P. Morgan, Jr. from his current service to the Town of Charlton as Town Water District Superintendent, creating in effect what becomes a second retirement from employment with the Town of Charlton, the Town will pay health insurance premiums for John P. Morgan, Jr. and his wife, Shirley Morgan, or the survivor of them, for the rest of their lives, The Town of Charlton will also pay for one  Medicare Part B (“gap insurance”) premium.  Upon the death of one of them, the Town will pay the survivor’s Part B coverage for the remainder of his/her lifetime.

 

 

A motion made by Councilman Lippiello seconded by Councilman Verola that Resolution No.56 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PAYMENT OF CERTAIN OF HEALTH INSURANCE BENEFITS TO CURRENT WATER DISCTRICT SUPERINTENDENT AND FORMER HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT JOHN P. MORGAN, JR.  be approved.

 

Roll call vote:  Councilman Gardner: Aye, Councilman Lippiello: Aye, Councilman Salisbury: Aye, Councilman Verola: Aye, Supervisor Grattidge: Aye  Approved

 

A motion made by Councilman Lippiello seconded by Councilman Verola that Resolution No.57 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER OF FUNDS

FOR ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR GALWAY YOUTH PROGRAMS be approved.

                     

Roll call vote:  Councilman Gardner: Aye, Councilman Lippiello: Aye, Councilman Salisbury: Aye, Councilman Verola: Aye, Supervisor Grattidge: Aye  Approved

 

A motion made by Councilman Verola seconded by Councilman Lippiello that Resolution No. 58 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER OF FUND NECESSARY TO PAY EXPENSES FOR HEATING FUEL IN THE  HIGHWAY GARAGE be approved. 

 

Roll call vote:  Councilman Gardner: Aye, Councilman Lippiello: Aye, Councilman Salisbury: Aye, Councilman Verola: Aye, Supervisor Grattidge: Aye  Approved

 

A motion made by Councilman Verola seconded by Councilman Salisbury that Resolution No.59 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER OF FUNDS

NECESSARY FOR REIMBURSEMENT TO HISTORIAN FOR ADDITIONAL

CONFERENCE AND MILEAGE FEES be approved.

 

Roll call vote:  Councilman Gardner: Aye, Councilman Lippiello: Aye, Councilman Salisbury: Aye, Councilman Verola: Aye, Supervisor Grattidge: Aye  Approved

 

A motion made by Councilman Verola seconded by Councilman Gardner that Resolution No. 60 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER OF FUNDS FOR TAX COLLECTOR’S  SOFTWARE SERVICE AGREEMENT be approved. 

 

Roll call vote:  Councilman Gardner: Aye, Councilman Lippiello: Aye, Councilman Salisbury: Aye, Councilman Verola: Aye, Supervisor Grattidge: Aye  Approved

 

A motion made by Councilman Verola seconded by Councilman Gardner that Resolution No. 61 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER OF FUNDS FOR ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR 4TH QUARTER WATER EMPLOYMENT TAXES be approved.

 

Roll call vote:  Councilman Gardner: Aye, Councilman Lippiello: Aye, Councilman Salisbury: Aye, Councilman Verola: Aye, Supervisor Grattidge: Aye  Approved

 

AUTHORIZATION OF SUPERVISOR TO  SIGN ANNUAL AGREEMENTS.

 

A motion was made by Councilman Verola and seconded by Councilman Lippiello to sign the agreement with Saratoga County for the cost of the Animal Shelter. 

 

Roll call vote:  Councilman Gardner: Aye, Councilman Lippiello: Aye, Councilman Salisbury: Aye, Councilman Verola: Aye, Supervisor Grattidge: Aye  Approved

 

A motion was made by Councilman Verola and seconded by Councilman Lippiello to sign the agreement with Charlton Seniors.

 

Roll call vote:  Councilman Gardner: Aye, Councilman Lippiello: Aye, Councilman Salisbury: Aye, Councilman Verola: Aye, Supervisor Grattidge: Aye  Approved

 

A motion was made by Councilman Verola and seconded by Councilman Lippiello to sign the agreements with the Town Attorney and the Attorney for the Planning Board.

 

Roll call vote:  Councilman Gardner: Aye, Councilman Lippiello: Aye, Councilman Salisbury: Aye, Councilman Verola: Aye, Supervisor Grattidge: Aye  Approved

 

COUNCILMAN REPORTS

 

Councilman Gardner thanked all the Department Heads and employees responsible for the audit results.  He thanked the Town Clerk for getting information regarding the power pole at the New Town Hall.  He also thanked Lee Bramer for the opportunity to work with him for two years, and also the Advisory Board that he has worked with for 2 years.

 

Councilman Lippiello welcomed Brenda Mills as the new Town Clerk.  He also echoed Bruce’s comments regarding the excellent audit report.

 

Councilman Salisbury thanked the employees for the excellent audit results, and expressed his appreciation to Marv Schorr for staying involved in numerous committees.

 

Councilman Verola congratulated everyone for the audit results.  She looks forward to working with her new liaison positions.

.

PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR

 

Laura Linder mentioned that the retirement party for Ron Gavin was a nice event and Ron was very appreciative.  She also mentioned that money is still being collected for the family of Bernie Schroeder.

 

 

Supervisor Grattidge adjourned the meeting of the Town Board at 8:40pm.

 

Respectfully Submitted

 

 

Brenda Mills

Charlton Town Clerk

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