December 13, 2011

The regular meeting of the Lee Town Board was held in the Town Hall, and was called to order at 7:36 PM.

Present were:  Supervisor John Urtz, Councilmen Kevin Gallagher, Alan Trombley, Patrick Hetherington, and Karl Matt.

Also present:  Highway Superintendent, Bill Baker and Town Attorney, David Rapke.

A motion was made by Alan Trombley, seconded by Kevin Gallagher and CARRIED to dispense with the reading of the minutes of the previous meeting.

Paul Phister spoke of more updates for the Bicentennial celebration; proposing the amount of money originally requested for events will probably be cut in half.  He also supplied the Board with a tentative schedule of events.

Bonnie Reynolds from Clinton NY, with Hydroweb of Oneida County and CEO of Spring Brook Farms, was in attendance to supply the Board with more information on hydrofracking and once again requesting the Town develop a moratorium or a ban on this activity.  Concerns of possible lawsuits were discussed.  Tanya Hantz was also present and stated there is a list of lawyers who will represent at no cost to the Town if a lawsuit should happen.  Town Attorney David Rapke advised this information should be in writing, naming the Town of Lee.  Councilman Patrick Hetherington suggests the Board meet for a workshop to discuss the information; scheduled for 7PM on 12/20/11.

A public hearing is scheduled for the hydrofracking issue for January 10, 2012 at 7PM.

A motion was made by Alan Trombley, seconded by Patrick Hetherington and CARRIED to enter in agreement with the County to spend highway funds for 2012 - General Repairs $160,000, Improvements $250,000.

A motion was made by Kevin Gallagher, seconded by Karl Matt and CARRIED to reappoint Dennis Sexton for a 7 year term on the Planning Board.

A motion was made by Alan Trombley, seconded by Patrick Hetherington and CARRIED to reappoint David Russell, Sr. for a 5 year term on the Zoning Board.

A motion was made by Alan Trombley, seconded by Kevin Gallagher and CARRIED to accept the resignation of court clerk assistant, Lisa VanTress, effective 12/31/11.

A motion was made by Karl Matt, seconded by Alan Trombley and CARRIED to have the decision regarding the appeal made by Bob Carrier/Legend Developers to build a single family unit be remanded to the Planning Board.  The motion states a vote must be made by all members after careful review of all criteria and policy in the Town Zoning Ordinance, and be decided no later than 1/31/2012, this decision will be final and binding.

A motion was made by Alan Trombley, seconded by Karl Matt and carried to TABLE the redraft of "Local Law #2 of 2011 - Brush, Grass & Weeds".

Highway Superintendant Bill Baker reported that Verizon is seeking permission from the Town to install fiber optic lines up Podunk Rd.  The main concern is if this would interfere with the water lines.  No decision was made at this point.

Mr. Baker also states the official road map is completed; the Board will review and make a resolution in January's meeting to accept. 

Water Superintendant David Piersall submitted a written request of materials he feels are necessary to purchase for the Water Department.  The Board will review the items and prices submitted to discuss and decide upon.

Highway Superintendent Bill Baker discussed how trees have been removed at the Town Park near the walking trail area and they are grinding the stumps.  It was also mentioned that a new fax machine has been installed at the Highway garage for both the Highway & Water to use to receive UFPO's.

Councilman Kevin Gallagher announced that he is working on information requested by the US Census Bureau.

A motion was made by Alan Trombley, seconded by Kevin Gallagher and CARRIED to pay the bills.

General     -       $   72,888.69

                                    Highway   -      $   16,777.53

                                    Water        -      $     3,976.84

A motion was made Karl Matt, seconded by Alan Trombley and CARRIED to adjourn. The December 2011 Town Board meeting adjourned at 9:13 PM.