Town of Charlton

 

 

Town of Charlton

Saratoga County

Town Board Agenda Meeting

 

November 24, 2008

 

The Agenda meeting of the Town Board of Charlton, Saratoga County, New York was held at the Charlton Town Hall and called to order by Supervisor Grattidge at 7.35 pm.

 

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

 

Supervisor Grattidge announced that this meeting is to set the Agenda for the Regular Meeting of the Town Board on Monday, December 8, 2008.

 

Supervisor Grattidge expressed condolences for the family of Paul Struys, a Charlton Highway worker, who was killed in a traffic accident earlier this month. 

 

APPROVAL OF ABSTRACT

 

A motion was made by Councilman Verola and seconded by Councilman Salisbury to accept General Fund Claims No. 1812-1851 in the amount of $93,960.92 as set forth in the Abstract No.122.

 

Vote:   All Ayes, Zero Nays,   CARRIED

 

Supervisor Grattidge said that he gave the Town Board members copies of 2 internal transfers that need to be made.

 

 

COMMUNICATIONS

 

Supervisor Grattidge stated that the Sales Tax Revenue for November is $87,680 which remains to be stronger than last year’s revenue.  The Mortgage Tax is down this month to $4,385.

 

Supervisor Grattidge received a letter from David Gilmour of Gilmour Planning, whom he met with at the NY Planning Federation conference.  Mr. Gilmour expressed his interest in helping Charlton set policies to preserve historic character and local agriculture.

 

Supervisor Grattidge has been contacted by John Irving, Director of Community Human Services.  He would like to meet with the Town Board to discuss CHS programs.  He stated that CHS may be interested in contacting the Office of the Aging regarding offering Senior Transportation in Charlton.

 

The Town Board received a letter from Tax Collector Linda LaRue requesting that she be allowed to participate in the Town’s Health insurance plan as long as she remains an elected official.  She stated that she would pay 100% of the premiums.  The Town Board did not see any reason to deny the request.  Attorney VanVranken recommended that the Town Board get a letter from the Insurance Company confirming that they will allow part-time/elected officials to participate in the health plan.

 

The Town Board reviewed the most recent draft of the Park Ordinance and approved of the changes that have been made by the Parks Committee.  A few minor wording changes will be made by Attorney VanVranken.  A legal will be posted in The Gazette for a Public Hearing for approval of the new Ordinance.  The Public Hearing will be held December 8, 2008 at 7:15pm.

 

Highway Superintendent Mike Emerich requested authorization by the Town Board to purchase a new fuel management system from Northeast Petroleum Systems for $9,989.  The Highway Department has been approved for a member item grant to cover the cost of the system.  The system will provide an automated system of tracking fuel usage and make it possible for the Fire Departments to purchase fuel from the Town.  A resolution will be voted on later in the evening.

 

Supervisor Grattidge stated that the Town has received information regarding changes in the MVP Health Insurance plan.  Mike Emerich requested that before the Town Board approves the plan, they check into the MVP Tri-Vantage plan.  He feels that is would be a better plan for the employees.  The Board agreed to look into it.

 

Supervisor Grattidge stated that he had asked the Town Attorney to draft a letter to the Town Justices regarding appointing a Court Clerk by the end of the year.  The letter informs the Justices that the Town Board intends to appoint a Court Clerk by December 8th to begin by January 1, 2009, unless a negative response is received by the Justices.   The Town Board voted unanimously in favor of sending the letter.  CARRIED

 

 

MOTIONS, RESOLUTIONS, PROCLAMATIONS

 

A motion was made by Councilman Verola and seconded by Councilman Lippiello that Resolution #109 – A

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER OF FUNDS NECESSARY TO PAY CELL PHONE EXPENSES FOR HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT be approved.

 

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 that Resolution #110 – A

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER OF FUNDS NECESSARY TO PAY ADDITIONAL FUEL EXPENSES FOR HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT be approved.

 

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 that Resolution #111 – A

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER OF FUNDS NECESSARY TO PAY ADDITIONAL PAYROLL EXPENSES FOR THE HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT be approved.

 

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 that Resolution #112 - A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING UP TO $12,000 FOR THE PURCHASE & INSTALLATION OF A FUEL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM BY THE HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT be approved.

 

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

 

 

DISCUSSIONS

 

Supervisor Grattidge stated that the Assessor’s Office is in need of a new printer.  He has asked the Technology Board to look into the issue, and report back to the Town Board.

 

Supervisor Grattidge stated there will be a meeting with the Architect, Owners Rep and Bennett Contracting to discuss the Phase 2 fit-up contract on Wednesday November 26th at 10:30am at the New Town Hall.

 

Laura Linder gave the Town Board copies of the New York State Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial newsletter.

 

Supervisor Grattidge stated that at the next meeting, a resolution will need to be passed to bring on a full-time employee to the Highway Department.  Will LaRue who is currently a temporary employee will move up to full-time.

The Highway Department will probably need to hire another temporary employee.

 

 

Mike Emerich stated that he would like to purchase a new dump truck for the Highway Department.  The current truck did not pass the New York State Inspection because of problems with the frame.   The total cost of the truck listed on the State Contract is approximately $178,000.  He has looked into leasing the truck for 5 years with payments totaling $39,485 annually, with a zero dollar buy-out.  Councilman Gardner stated that this is a large amount of money to commit to and asked if there is other equipment in the Highway Department that would need to be replaced in the near future.  Mr. Emerich said that the Loader may have problems.  Councilman Gardner asked if the current truck could still be used.  Mr. Emerich said that he does not feel safe driving it or putting his men in it.  Councilman Salisbury said that he is not ready to make a decision tonight.  The Board would like more time to make their decision.

 

Supervisor Grattidge asked that after the meeting, the Town Board meet in Executive Session to discuss the Organizational Resolution with Attorney VanVranken.

 

The meeting adjourned at 9:00pm

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

 

Brenda Mills

Town Clerk

 

 

 

 

 

 
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