Meeting of the Hadley Town Board, Thursday, November 8th at 6:45 PM held at the Hadley Town Hall, 4 Stony Creek Road, Hadley, N.Y. 12835
Members present: Supervisor: Jeffrey Trottier
Councilman: Arthur Wright James Brewster
Councilwoman: Colleen DeMarsh Susan Wilder
Also present: Attorney Raeann Johnson, Highway Superintendent: Joe Monica and Town Clerk: Pauline G. Smead.
A Public Hearing was advertised for the 2008 Budget at 6:45 PM
Supervisor Trottier stated that a meeting on the 2008 Budget had been scheduled for 5PM on Wednesday, November 7th and he attended but nobody else did. He contacted the Town Clerk at her home and he was informed that the meeting had been cancelled due that the Senior/ Community Center had passed and there was no need for the meeting and Deputy Supervisor DeMarsh had e-mailed him before lunch on Wednesday. He had not read his e-mails. Supervisor Trottier stated the Board was waiting to see if the Senior/ Community Center passed and it did but he wanted to discuss other areas of the budget before the Public Hearing was held. He asked the Board if they wanted to add more money to the tax levy, appropriations from the surplus. The Supervisor is well aware that there will be extra expenses with the Senior/ Community Center having passed but he wanted to know if the Board would like to make any changes in the budget lines for future expenses. He also wanted to discuss the Cemetery line as he wanted to acquire clarification to why that line had been added and inform the Public to why it is there.
Deputy Supervisor DeMarsh stated that she wanted to respond to the cancellation of the Budget Meeting last night. She stated that at the last Budget workshop, the Board was in agreement of the Budget and it was all ready for the Public Hearing. The Supervisor had e-mailed Deputy Supervisor DeMarsh scheduling a meeting for 5PM the day after the Election and she responded to ask why are we having another meeting when the Board already approved it? Supervisor Trottier responded by saying that he wanted to have another workshop if the Senior/Community Center was voted down, then Supervisor Trottier wanted to take more money out of Fund Balance and put it toward taxes. Election D ay, the Senior/ Community Center passed so the general consensus of the Board decided that the meeting was not necessary and she had e-mailed him around noon time and Supervisor Trottier stated that he does not have access to his e-mail.
Deputy Supervisor DeMarsh stated that he had responded to all her other e-mails prior to this one at the same e-mail address She stated that she did not get any response and waited until 2- 2:15PM and sent an e-mail to everyone informing them the meeting was cancelled. She stated that she was sorry and she wanted everyone to write down their preferred form of communication. She is an e-mail person and she will now send e-mail return receipts and if she does not receive a receipt she will follow with a phone call. She stated that she had called Councilwoman Wilder as she had called and left a message as she had forgotten the time of the meeting and she had a dentist appointment and she was informed that it was cancelled because the Senior/Community Center had passed and the meeting was null and void and she had called Mr. Ovitt as he does not have e-mail. Supervisor Trottier asked why she would call him and she stated that she knew he was attending the meeting.
Supervisor Trottier stated that, as Town Supervisor, he had called the meeting. Deputy Supervisor had asked him in the first message if he wanted the meeting cancelled.
She apologized for any lack of communications. Deputy Supervisor stated that it was not done intentional or vindictive.
Supervisor Trottier stated that he spoke to Councilman Wright and explained that he didn't feel it was vindictive and that we need to work as a team.
He stated that as a team, we need to communicate and a phone call would have been the right thing to do.
Supervisor Trottier asked the Board if there were any modifications to apply to the 2008 Budget before presenting it to the public.
The Cemetery line was added because the Cemetery is its own entity, they rely on the funds which are revenues from selling lots and also it is the Comptrollers Office suggestion which they informed the bookkeeper this was the way to precede with this account.
The Supervisor informed the public that this was a budget that the Town Board worked hard on including a lot of discussions and the tax levy for General is reduced by $22,000 and the tax levy for the Highway is increased by $35,000, the Lighting District levy will be increased by $2,000, Water District 1 levy is being decreased by $2,000, Water District 2 levy will be decreased by $3,000. Fire District levy is being raised by $5,000.
Public comments on the Budget:
James McCauley wanted to know if the Senior/Community Center was mainly funds from savings and also pertaining to Grants and such.
Supervisor explained that the funds for the Senior/Community Center were funds from a Capital Project which holds approximately $130,000 and the rest will be coming out of surplus.
Mr. McCauley wanted to know if the surplus is what the Town has in savings.
Councilwoman DeMarsh explained that at the last December meeting, funds are earmarked for Capital Projects set up with fund balance. For example $50,000 will be put in a Capital Project to repair the Old Corinth Road and possibly $10,000 for the Smead Memorial Park and things of that nature.
A certain percentage of the Fund Balance needs to be earmarked but a certain amount needs to be left in the Fund Balance.
Supervisor Trottier stated that he would be informing the Public at the Town Board meeting to what monies and CDs are out there, General Fund CD monies which make interest for the basic operation costs.
Councilwoman Wilder asked if they wanted to ad more to the levy.
Supervisor Trottier stated that it was his suggestion to apply more money from the surplus to the Tax Levy and to raise the appropriation Fund Balance up.
Councilman Wright stated that this is the second year in a row we have raised it up, last year was the most we had ever done and they used the same amount this year. He stated that they are already digging into the surplus more than they ever have.
He stated that Mr. Monica is completely out of money and they are using $17,000 for the Fund Balance and taking that amount out of the surplus. If the tax rate was virtually not staying the same, the Board would do it differently
Supervisor Trottier stated that the Levy itself has not gone up by much
Public Hearing closed
Mr. Monica informed everyone that the new truck was outside if anyone would like to see it.
Regular meeting of the Hadley Town Board 7PM
Motion was made by Colleen DeMarsh seconded by Susan Wilder to approve the transfer for General:
1.Transfer $20.85 from Code 1990.4 (Contingency) to Code 3510.4 (Dog Control) Additional Expense to Code.
2.Transfer$ 42.98 from Code 8010.2 (Zoning) to Code 8010.4 (Zoning) Moving monies from A.2 to A.4
3. Transfer $366.08 from Code 1990.4 (Contingency) to Code 8510.4 (Community Beautification) RE: Purchase of Flags. All Ayes
Motion was made by Colleen DeMarsh seconded by Arthur Wright to approve the transfers for Highway.
- Transfer $1,814.65 from Code 1990.4 (Contingency) to Code 5130.2 (Machinery) Additional expense to Code.
- Transfer $1,425.80 from Code 1990.4 (Contingency) to Code 5140.4 (Brush and Weeds) Additional Expense to Code. All Ayes.
Motion was made by Colleen DeMarsh seconded by Arthur Wright to approve the Debits for Hamlet Water 2.
- Debit Code 909 (Fund Balance) by $2,716.00 Credit Code 960 (Appropriations) Sub-Code 8310.1 by $2,716.00. RE: 160 Hours of Highway Labor charged to Water District 2(Payroll date of 007/25/2007 for Well Project.
- Debit Code 909 (Fund Balance) by $200.00, Credit Code 960 (Appropriations) Sub-Code 9030.8 by $200.00. RE: Social Security Tax on 160 Hours of Labor. All Ayes
Supervisor Trottier asked the Bookkeeper where this Fund Balance is.
He was advised that it is the balance of the whole fund the Highway Department charged the Water District for this payroll so the funds are coming out of the Water District to do this project so this will come to zero at year-end.
RESOLUTION # 114 was made by a motion from Colleen DeMarsh seconded by Susan Wilder
BE IT RESOLVED that the Hadley Town Board have audited all pre-paid vouchers and hereby have been approved. All Ayes.
General Abs. #40=$344.00 Sewer Abs. #21=$375.00
RESOLUTILON # 115 was made by a motion from James Brewster seconded by Colleen DeMarsh
BE IT RESOLVED that the Hadley Town Board have audited all vouchers and all have been approved for payment. All Ayes
General: $10,693.62 Highway: $22,922.92 Sewer: $886.14
SW1: $913.71 SW2: $1,941.02 SL: $2,500.56
Cemetery: $290.00 HO12: $83.11 HO15: $170,731.60
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Mr. Cartier stated that now that the Senior Community Center had passed at Election time that he suggests that a Generator be part of the plan for a warming shelter.
He was informed that they would definitely consider it.
Mr. John Hughes asked again about the Sam Smead Memorial Park and does the Town have any new information.
Councilwoman DeMarsh informed everyone about the process National Grid and she was informed that it was not a matter of "if "it was a matter of "when". They are waiting on two things, because they are a Utility's Company they have different procedures to follow. They are waiting for the Public Service Commission for a Section 70 Release, once that has been sent they have 90 days to respond with comments, if no response is sent it is deemed approved.
#2. They have to relieve the Trust. They have mortgages held on that not necessarily the Park but on some of their properties and they have to acquire a release on it. Then they have to come in front of the Planning Board and have the Mylar stamped then the Sub-Division will be complete and the Town will acquire the whole Sam Smead Memorial Park.
Mr. John Hughes asked if there was a possibility to have equipment for the children at the Whitewater Park on Dean Mountain Road
Councilwoman DeMarsh stated that possibly the Town could purchase one of those rock climbing apparatus. The Board will discuss this when they discuss the Capital Projects for next year.
Mr. McCauley complimented the Board about the Web Page. He stated that Colleen had done a good job updating it. His suggestion is to keep up constantly
Mrs. Midge Reib asked that the Senior Meetings be included on the Town's Web Page as it might increase the membership.
Mr. William Cartier thanked Supervisor Trottier for his efforts as it is the end of his term and thanked Councilman Wright for his style of running his campaign and thanked Supervisor Trottier for his services. He stated that whatever has transgressed prior to this he hopes that the transition will be a smooth start a new slate and a new attitude towards everything. He stated that the Town needs to be pulled back together and the Community would be better for it.
Supervisor Trottier stated that he had already approached Councilman Wright to meet and start the transition.
Included in the Board's folders: Supervisor's monthly report, Building Inspector's report, Santa Sprint Proclamation.
Town of Hadley Proclamation
Honoring Santa Sprint Day 2007
WHEREAS, Santa Sprint is a community service program project which began in November 1984 serving the needy children of the Hadley-Luzerne School district area during the Christmas holidays. This year, the program is being sponsored by the Lion/Lioness Club & the Hadley-Luzerne Parent Teacher Student Association (HLPTSA).
WHEREAS, the theme is "Kids Helping Kids". Each November, children participate in a walk-a-thon by getting pledges from their neighbors. The money is then collected and the top 40 money makers go shopping selecting age-related gifts for each child in need. Over the past 23 years, Santa Sprint has supplied gifts for over 2,750 needy children in this community.
WHEREAS, the Hadley-Luzerne Lions & Lioness prepare a yearly list of needy families. The families are carefully screened to assess their needs. Each family is assigned a 3 digit number. The family number is listed on the top of an index card with the sex & age of the child. The Santa Sprint shoppers are given a card for each child. The shopper selects a gift and writes the name of the toy or present with the price. If batteries are required, they must be included with the purchase. The shopper then takes the items to the cashier. Each shopper understands that an equal amount of money is to be spent on each child.
WHEREAS, the Lions & Lioness members work along with other community volunteers collecting non-perishable food items to prepare food baskets for all the needy families of that year. The toys and gifts that have been wrapped and bagged are given out with the food baskets to the families just before Christmas.
WHEREAS, The Town of Hadley proudly honors November 19th, 2007 as Santa Sprint Day 2007. The success of this program takes hard work and dedication from many volunteers and the Town of Hadley feels very lucky to have such a program available to families who may be going through a rough time in their lives. We look forward to and appreciate their generous efforts for years to come.
Highway Superintendent's report was verbal. Mr. Monica stated that it was leaf and brush pick up this past week. All went well.
Someone had asked at the last Town Board meeting if the scales had decreased the amount being collected at the Recycling Center. There has been a small decrease in volume but more money has been collected. This time of the year is a slow time.
The signs are up, handicap etc.
Associations of Towns meeting, who will be attending. Councilwoman Wilder is interested, Councilman Wright, Attorney Johnson and Councilman Brewster and possibly Mr. Thomas.
The Fulton County Contract needed to be signed for another year at the cost of $65.00 per ton.
The Supervisor signed it.
Councilwoman DeMarsh informed the Board that she had received a letter from Reality Check asking the Town to pass a resolution asking the stores in our community to not advertise the sale of tobacco products. After a long discussion, the Town Board decided to proceed.
RESOLUTION # 116 was made by a motion from Colleen DeMarsh seconded by Arthur Wright.
WHEREAS, tobacco use kills over 25,000 New Yorkers every year, yet is the ;leading preventable cause of death in our communities; and
WHEREAS, in New York State alone, the tobacco industry spends $516 million annually to market its deadly products; and
WHEREAS, every day, another 4,000 American children start to smoke, and another 2,000 become regular, daily smokers; and
WHEREAS, in New York State the average age at which smokers try their first cigarette is 14 ½; and
WHEREAS, tobacco advertising in retail stores has a powerful influence on teens, who are significantly more likely to smoke due to advertising than they are due to peer pressure; and
WHEREAS, research shows that kids are more than twice as likely as adults to recall tobacco advertising after two weeks than adult ; and
WHEREAS, outdoor and exterior-facing tobacco ads at retail stores are often seen by students walking to and from school; and
WHEREAS, retail stores are an integral part of our community;
THEREFORE, Supervisor Trottier and the Town Council of Hadley
PROCLAIM, May 31, 2008, ( also known as World No Tobacco Day) to be No Tobacco Ads Day in the Town of Hadley; and
Furthermore, from this day forth, for the health of all youth residing in the Town of Hadley, Request that all retail stores in the Town of Hadley voluntarily remove all exterior tobacco advertisements; and
Furthermore, form this day forth, Request that all retail stores in the Town of Hadley voluntarily remove all interior tobacco advertisements that are placed at child's eye level or near candy or toys; and
Furthermore, from this day forth, Request Hadley Retailers to continue to demonstrate their commitment to the health of the children of the Town of Hadley by reducing the overall number of tobacco advertisements in their stores. All Ayes
The Board was informed that Joseph Mastrianni had passed away. The public has been asked to make donations to the Leukemia Foundation. Mr. Mastrianni was the one to set up the Section 8 Program Assistance helping families in need. We need to take a donation.
Councilwoman DeMarsh informed the Board about the last Train Station meeting. She stated that what information they acquired from the meeting was that the Town of Hadley is not in the picture for a Train Station only a tax exempt status. She was very disappointed. The Town's Attorney and Councilwoman Wilder.
She stated that Corinth was a lot more interested in getting their own Train Station than trying to help Hadley get theirs. There will be another meeting held in December and she has a 50 page document she needs to review
She stated that there was another avenue the Town of Hadley can purse where we would have more friends as she had spoken to Mike Valentine from Saratoga County Planning and he has Saratoga County at heart.
Ms. Lanfear stated that there is a Grant from LWRP in the amount of 1.4 million dollars and Warren County would be the lead agent. The Grant would be $300,000 and $200,000 of this amount we would not have to match and it would be for the Train Station Parking Lot. $100,000 would be used for the Gateway and we have a 50% match on the $100,000 only which in-kind services and earmarked funds already budgeted will be used toward the match. This project and obligated funds will be within a two year time frame.
Councilwoman Wilder stated that the Town of Hadley needs to step up to the plate and inform everyone we do want a Train Station. Thurman has stepped up and have a Web Site and the businesses are all involved.
Mr. Cartier asked if the Train Station is built, who will own the Station and he was informed that we were in the early stage of this project and we didn't know.
Mrs. Maureen Wright stated that when the train had their last ride this fall, the Hadley General Store has extra people working for the day and they did not get one customer form the train group.
Mr. Cartier asked why tickets are not being sold at this Town Hall for train rides and the Town Clerk explained that nobody has supplied her with any. The last time she asked they informed her that Warren County sold them.
Town Clerk's report: Revenues: $2,715.00
Disbursements: DEC: $2,407.60
County Treasurer: $21.15
Health Dept: $22.50
Ag. & Markets: $12.00
Supervisor: $251.75
The Town Clerk asked the public if they knew anyone in need of a food basket for the Holidays. Elderly people, out of a job, anyone. Please call her to make the arrangement.
Also she informed them about HEAP. Please call to acquire the information.
The Town Clerk has received a resignation letter from James Bennett. Mr. Bennett is an alternate on the Planning Board. Deputy Supervisor stated that she wants to speak to him and wishes the Board not to accept the resignation.
Councilwoman Wilder stated that she had drafted a letter and it should be sent out to all members of the Planning Board asking for their schooling which is required by Law.
After a long discussion, the Chairperson of the Planning Board will be contacted to resolve this matte.
Supervisor Trottier stated that he would contact Mr. Bennett.
Councilwoman Wilder asked that possibly a letter would be sent to all members appointed to different positions and asked if they wish to be reappointed or maybe an ad in the Pennysaver stating that these positions will be opened on January 1st and if interested please send a letter of intent.
Councilman Brewster stated that there were no vacancies in those positions.
Councilman Wright stated that we should be a little more tactful about these appointments.
Mr. John Hughes asked about the Betty Suttlif's problem. Hud has been contacted and they will resolve this.
RESOLUTION # 117 was made by a motion from Arthur Wright seconded by Susan Wilder.
BE IT RESOLVED that the Hadley Town Board hereby adopted the Budget for the year 2008. A copy is available in the Town Clerk's Office. All Ayes.
Councilwoman Wilder asked about Governor Spitzer's proposal for the driver's licenses for immigrants.
Deputy Supervisor DeMarsh stated that she could draft a resolution from the one from the Town of Corinth if the Board so chooses stating that the Hadley Town Board is supporting the Saratoga County Clerk's ( Kathleen Marcione) by not providing licenses to immigrants.
This matter will be discussed at the Agenda meeting.
Motion was made by James Brewster seconded by Colleen DeMarsh to adjourn this meeting at 8PM. All Ayes
Agenda meeting: November 29th at 6PM
Next Town Board meeting: Thursday December 13th at 7PM.
Pauline G. Smead
Town Clerk
