June 12, 2012

The regular meeting of the Lee Town Board was held in the Town Hall, and was called to order at 7:30 PM.

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

Also present: Town Attorney, David Rapke

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:

Jim Page of 6042 Sleepy Hollow Rd. spoke to express his concern about the Boards decision to keep the tree in the Town Park, which is obstructing view of the American Flag from certain areas of the park.  Mr. Page stated, in his opinion, that the Boards resolution to the problem, by placing another flag in the park, was "a cheap imitation of the real thing."  Mr. Page quoted the Pledge of Allegiance which states the "nation is indivisible", not the trees.  He asks the Board to reconsider removal of the tree.

Supervisor Urtz responded that this was not an issue in the 27 years that the flag pole has been there.  Mr. Urtz also expressed that the Board added another flag for all to enjoy.  Mr. Urtz asked the Board if anyone would like to make a motion to reconsider, no members chose to do so.  Councilman Hetherington stated that he stands behind his original desire to have the tree removed.

MaryEllen Urtz of 5773 Stokes Lee Center Rd. was in attendance to comment on the work done at Lee Center Cemetery.  Ms. Urtz expressed concern regarding the chemicals that were used to clean the stones, and provided the Board documentation of what chemicals can be harmful to stones of that age.  Councilman Hetherington suggested to Ms. Urtz that she possibly form a committee that would be willing to do proper maintenance to the monuments and the Board would consider their thoughts on a budget necessary for this.

Tabled item regarding the request for purchase of benches presented by Councilman Hetherington at last months meeting was re-addressed.  Supervisor Urtz stated by law the Town cannot make this purchase as it would go against the Little League contract for capital expenses.  Councilman Karl Matt stated that he would be in favor of this purchase if it were legal.  Councilman Hetherington asked Town Attorney Rapke whether or not this would be a legal expense.  Mr. Rapke responded that it would be legal as long as the Town Board approved.

It was mentioned by the Board that an official request was never received for this item by the Little League Association.  Art Benson, President of the Town of Lee Little League was in attendance and stated that he would prepare a request and submit it to the Board.

Councilman Gallagher reported that he has placed an order for 9 Revolutionary flag holders to mark gravesites at various Town cemeteries.  Mr. Gallagher and Mr. Hetherington will be looking further into dedication markers for trees, which was tabled at last months meeting.

Ed Davis of Felton Ave. informed the Board that the 100 year anniversary of Delta Dam is upcoming and requests the Board to split cost of a dedication plaque along with the City of Rome and the Town of Western.  There is an approximate total cost of $600 at present, which would be split between the 3 towns/city.  A motion was made by Karl Matt, seconded by Patrick Hetherington and CARRIED to support this expense.

A motion was made by Alan Trombley, seconded by Kevin Gallagher and CARRIED to enter into agreement with Oneida County for roadside ditching through December 2012.

It was announced that Victor Iverson has resigned from the position of park mowing, which was accepted at a special meeting held on June 2^nd.  It was decided proposals will be accepted for the mowing of the Town Park and the NYS Trooper Barracks for the 2012 season, beginning 7/01/12 and ending 10/31/12.  Bid packets will be available at the Town Clerks office or on the Town website and will be opened at 6:00 PM on June 26^th.

Art Benson, President of the Lee Little League requested permission to hold a "movie night" at the Lee Town Park on 6/16, which would have need for the park gates to be open later than usual.  The Board was in favor of this request and has told Mr. Benson he can lock up after the event.

Pillmore Drive:  There is stream erosion; the Town is in the process of discussing this issue with the State as to the Right of Way.

Councilman Gallagher announced that he has arranged with a company to power wash the Trooper Barracks, at their request.  The quote was approximately for $250.  Supervisor Urtz also mentioned the roof is going to be repaired.

Councilman Gallagher also suggested making a "Town Flag" to be placed on every other pole, when we line the streets with the American Flag.  He states the price is approximately 40 per flag if we purchased 25 flags.  There was some discussion amongst Board members and it was decided, although a nice idea, to not do this at this time.

Councilman Hetherington stated that the Park parking lots should be striped, with handicap areas, within the next week.

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 - Aye

General     -       $    32,132.52

                                    Highway   -      $   101,753.75

                                    Water        -      $      2,891.76

A motion was made by Patrick Hetherington, seconded by Alan Trombley and CARRIED to adjourn. The June 2012 Town Board meeting adjourned at 9:02 PM.