May 8, 2012

The regular meeting of the Lee Town Board was held in the Town Hall, and was called to order at 7:33 PM.

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

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

The meeting opened with the pledge of allegiance.

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

Roll Call:  Karl Matt - Aye            Alan Trombley - Aye     John Urtz - Aye

                        Kevin Gallagher - Aye              Pat Hetherington - Aye

Public Comment:

Jake Strohl was in attendance and stated that the tree that was planted at the Town Park in memory of his father, Joe Strohl, was placed overlooking home plate on the hill.  The tree that is blocking the American Flag was thought to possibly be the tree dedicated to Mr. Strohl; Jake wanted to clarify that it was not the same tree.

MaryEllen Urtz requested of the Board permission to conduct a tour of the Lee Center Cemetery on Memorial Day weekend.  Supervisor Urtz replied that it is not necessary to get permission as it is public property.

Regarding the tree at the Town Park that is blocking the flag; Councilman Kevin Gallagher proposes that an additional flag be purchased and placed at a location to later be decided so that it can be seen by the ball players on fields that my not have a good view of the main flag.  Mr. Gallagher also suggests purchasing solar lights that attach to the flag pole, so there is no need for electrical work.  He states this would, in total, cost approximately $125.

Councilman Patrick Hetherington spoke stating he believed he spoke prematurely requesting that the tree be cut down.  He now proposes that tree be replanted in another area of the park, with the Highway Department to do the work. 

Councilman Karl Matt believes it is not worth the risk of the tree dying, given the cost of the tree.  The tree is said to be 8" in diameter and the highway workers are not professional arborists.

Supervisor Urtz commented by saying the flag was put in a central location in the park for all visitors, not for any particular organization to view and is not in support of moving the tree.

A motion was made by Kevin Gallagher, seconded by Alan Trombley and CARRIED to keep the tree in the location it currently is.

Roll Call:  Karl Matt - Aye            Alan Trombley - Aye     John Urtz - Aye

                        Kevin Gallagher - Aye              Pat Hetherington - Nay

Councilman Patrick Hetherington proposed the use of dedication markers for items such as trees in order to keep track of them for the future.  There were several ideas of types of markers discussed.  The main concern is that they are permanent, as past markers have now since disappeared.  A motion was made by Alan Trombley, seconded by Karl Matt and CARRIED to TABLE until there is more research done on types of markers available.

The Lee Center Volunteer Fire Department has made their request to hold its Annual Firemen's Field Day parade, be granted a waiver of the Lee Open Container Law, and be granted permission to have a Fireworks display.  A motion was made by Alan Trombley, seconded by Patrick Hetherington and CARRIED to authorize their request and to support the LC Volunteer Firemen with a total of $2700 contribution towards the fireworks display and the hiring of bands for the parade.  The event will be July 6^th and 7^th of 2012.

A letter was received from Joe Entelisano requesting sponsorship from the Town of Lee for the CNY Soccer League.  A motion was made by Karl Matt, seconded by Alan Trombley and CARRIED to support in the amount of $2741 for the 2012 season.

Roll Call:  Karl Matt - Aye            Alan Trombley - Aye     John Urtz - Aye

                        Kevin Gallagher - Aye              Pat Hetherington - Nay

Opposed:  Patrick Hetherington: stating he supports the program and would like to contribute to enhancements at the Park for their use, but is not in favor of the money to be used for registration purposes and referee fees.

A request was received from Derek Puma who is scheduled to host a car show on 9/01/12 as part of the Bicentennial celebration.  Mr. Puma's request was for sponsorship from the Town of Lee in amounts ranging from $25 to $100.  A motion was made by Kevin Gallagher, seconded by Alan Trombley and CARRIED to TABLE until additional information is provided.

Roll Call:  Karl Matt - Aye            Alan Trombley - Aye     John Urtz - Aye

                        Kevin Gallagher - Aye              Pat Hetherington - Aye

Councilman Patrick Hetherington proposes the purchase of (4) 12' permanent benches to be placed in the park at the T-Ball 1 and T-Ball 2 fields.  Currently there are no dugouts in these fields.  He found them at a price of $365.99 each.  Supervisor Urtz states he believes this would go against the Little League contract which states Little League is responsible for capital purchases, not the Town.  Councilman Hetherington responded that the benches would be for all visitors of the park to use, not strictly for Little League use.  A motion was made by Karl Matt, seconded by Patrick Hetherington and CARRIED to TABLE.

Roll Call:  Karl Matt - Aye            Alan Trombley - Aye     John Urtz - Aye

                        Kevin Gallagher - Aye              Pat Hetherington - Aye

A motion was made by Karl Matt, seconded by Alan Trombley and CARRIED to accept the stipulation # 2011001681 Verizon vs. Town of Lee and authorize attorney David Rapke to sign approval of Schedule A consent order to have reduction in special franchises to reduce tax assessment over the next 3 years.

Supervisor Urtz announced that this years Grievance Day will be on Tuesday, May 22^nd at 4:00 PM.

Highway Superintendant Bill Baker informed that the old highway garage is now leveled.  Much of it is being scrapped.  He also stated that 160 tandem truck loads of millings were taken out of the former Griffiss Base property.  This was given to the Town of Lee and will be used for future roadwork.

Councilman Kevin Gallagher stated he would like to hold the Keep America Beautiful program on Saturday, 5/19/12.  Bags and gloves can be picked up between 9-12 at the highway garage.

Councilman Patrick Hetherington announced that he has been trying to get an update on the Town road signs he has ordered.  It seems they may take up to 3 months.

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

Roll Call:  Karl Matt - Aye            Alan Trombley - Aye     John Urtz - Aye

Kevin Gallagher - Aye      Pat Hetherington - Abstained (has not reviewed)

General     -       $    25,389.99

                                    Highway   -      $    13,255.96

                                    Water        -      $      2,558.95

A motion was made by Kevin Gallagher, seconded by Alan Trombley and CARRIED to adjourn. The May 2012 Town Board meeting adjourned at 8:48PM.