February 12, 2013

The regular meeting of the Lee Town Board was held in the Town Hall, and was called to order at 7:34 PM.

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

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

Additionally, there were several Boy Scouts in attendance to work on their Community Badge.

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.

Supervisor Urtz announced the public portion of the meeting.

Boy Scout #1 asked the Board when the Town is going to start using salt.  Highway Superintendant responded that we do use salt, mixed with sand.  Supervisor Urtz stated that the Highway Dept. uses about 7000 yards of sand mixed with salt that goes on the roads throughout the winter.

Boy Scout #2 asks the Board what we do here.  Supervisor Urtz responded that business is conducted for the community, to outline and govern the services for the Township.  He mentions the Highway portion and various Boards and departments, such as Planning, Zoning, Water and Justice.

Rob Shauger of 5533 School St. asks the Board what the future plans are for behind the Highway garage with the excavating and digging.  Highway Superintendant Bill Baker responded that the Town has obtained a mining permit in order to get gravel out of there, which will be used to work on some of the Town roadways.  This will save the Town quite a bit of money.  Mr. Shauger asks if the Town has the ability to sell the gravel; Councilman Hetherington stated that we do have a Shared Services program, and the gravel could be bartered if needed.

Supervisor Urtz announced that the maintenance bond from Richard Alexander has been received and payment installation #5 has been sent.

Regarding the request from Highway Superintendant Bill Baker to classify Swamp Rd. as abandoned:  Swamp Rd is approximately 680' and is right off of Sulphur Springs Rd. just past the State woods.  From Willson Rd. south, was abandoned in 1964.  Town Attorney David Rapke explains the procedure, stating that the Highway Superintendant must file certification with the Town Board that the road has not been used in 6 or more years, it must then be filed with the Town Clerk and the Commissioner of Public Works.  Mr. Rapke states a Public Hearing is not required and that landowners have 1 year to challenge the certification that the road has not been used. 

Attorney David Rapke stated that he reviewed the paperwork submitted to him regarding Puppy Mills, but did not find anything in there that stated a clear definition to differentiate puppy mills from kennels in order for the Town to adopt a local law and add to the Zoning Ordinance.  Councilman Gallagher stated that he would see if the Tug Hill Commission could be of any help with this.

Attorney Rapke also announced to the Board that he has drafted an agreement that would be signed by residents to hold the town harmless if the resident chooses to allow the Town to dump wood chips, leaves, stumps etc.  Bill Baker states he will get a copy of the County's agreement as a sample.  Mr. Rapke will present another draft at the next meeting.

Highway Superintendant Bill Baker would like to hold off on the 2013 asphalt bids, as he is not planning on purchasing as much type 3 modified binder as in the past.  Mr. Baker is getting prices on micro paving as a comparison so this is tabled until next month.

A motion was made by Alan Trombley, seconded by Karl Matt and CARRIED to enter into agreement to Spend Highway Funds for 2013 - General Repairs $146,370.00; Improvements $250,000.00.

A motion was made by Karl Matt, seconded by Patrick Hetherington and CARRIED to appoint Jason Pare & Amanda Grimms as ad-hoc members for Planning Board, at the Planning Boards recommendation.  Term is ongoing.

The Planning Board has recommended some revisions to the Subdivision Regulations and has asked the Board to accept.  Ed Davis spoke on what was submitted to the Board such as the map size, which is the same size used by the County, and is recommended in order to be uniform.  Councilman Hetherington questions the item reading:  "Building envelopes shall be designated for each lot and each building envelope shall show the location of a percolation test."  Mr. Hetherington questions the term "building envelope" and also asks if there is a subdivision, if it is required that each individual lot has a percolation test.  Supervisor Urtz stated that it is required by the Department of Health to do individual lots.  The Board has decided they would like to take more time to read the revisions and also requests a definition of "Building envelope" be entered into the regulation guide.  A motion was made by Patrick Hetherington, seconded by Kevin Gallagher and CARRIED to TABLE.

Books for the Water Department, submitted by Debora Finster for the year 2012 were reviewed and accepted by motion made by Patrick Hetherington, seconded by Karl Matt.  CARRIED.

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 Patrick Hetherington, seconded by Kevin Gallagher and CARRIED to authorize their request and asks the LCFD to submit in writing, a request for monetary contribution for support towards the fireworks display and the hiring of bands for the parade.  The event will be July 5^th and 6^th of 2013.

Building Coordinator Peter Maio has suggested to the Board to consider changing the key codes to enter the Town Hall, as many key-holders are no longer working here and may have not turned in their keys.  Also, both entry doors seem to be in need of repair and would like the Board to contact someone that works on "Best" locks.  Bill Baker is also requesting working on the locks at the Highway garage, and suggests going to keypads which are used at both the Lee Center and Lake Delta Fire Departments and also the Trooper Barracks.  This system was spoken highly of by Ed Baker from LDFD, who explains each member has their own key code and a record is kept of who enters the building at any given time.  Mr. Davis has offered to find information on the vendor and submit it to the Town Clerk for further consideration.

Highway Superintendant Bill Baker requests of the Board the purchase of a generator, and gives the example of difficulty opening the garage doors during a recent power outage we had.  Mr. Baker will gather prices to submit to the Board in the future.

Councilman Patrick Hetherington presented to the Board his draft of advertisements for upcoming positions that need to be filled.

• Bid submittal for a three year contract (2013 - 2015) for landscaping for the Lee Town Park, Trooper Barracks and the Lee Town Hall.  Deadline at 2PM on March 12, 2013.
• Bid submittal for Lee Town Park Custodian for the 2013 season.  Deadline at 2PM on February 26, 2013.

Board members are in favor of the draft submitted.

Supervisor Urtz questions whether or not the advertisements should include that background checks are necessary.  The Town received recent notification from the Comptrollers office stating that those working with youth are required to have background checks.  This is not actually required by law at this time, but other townships have been criticized for not doing these checks.  Attorney Rapke will look further into this and revise the advertisements according to his findings.  A motion was made by Alan Trombley, seconded by Karl Matt and CARRIED to put out the bid advertisements for bid:

•·        Landscaping/mowing to be opened at 7:30 PM on March 12, 2013

•·        Park custodian to be opened at 5:30 PM on Feb. 26, 2013.

Highway Superintendant has presented an invoice received from "Docks, Decks & Steps" for work done building a pole barn that houses the fuel oil tanks and the receptacles for recyclables, but did not submit a signed voucher.  A motion was made by Alan Trombley, seconded by Patrick Hetherington and CARRIED to make payment of $13,425.00 pending receipt of voucher.

Harlan Moonen was in attendance and reported various training sessions and conferences.

Councilman Hetherington announces St. Joseph's Parish "Let it Snow" events which are being held every Tuesday until March 26^th, beginning at 6:45 PM.  There are many activities of various interests and Mr. Hetherington recommends attending to enjoy the local talents.

Councilman Kevin Gallagher announced his report of recyclables collected at the Highway Garage, which totaled approximately 3000 lbs. of materials.

A motion was made by Alan Trombley, seconded by Kevin Gallagher and CARRIED to approve and pay the bills, contingent upon receipt of voucher from Decks, Docks & Steps.

General     -       $    32,678.13

                                    Highway   -      $    29,117.50

                                    Water        -      $      2,201.87

A motion was made by Patrick Hetherington, seconded by Kevin Gallagher and CARRIED to adjourn.

Meeting adjourned at 8:48 PM.