September 8, 2015

The regular meeting of the Lee Town Board was held in the Town Hall, and was called to order at 7:32 p.m.

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

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

Unable to attend:  Town Clerk Sharon Mortis

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

Mr. Urtz opened up the meeting to the public for any issues on related town affairs that they would like to address to the board. There were no issues brought forth.

Old Business

The bid packet for snow removal at Town Hall needs to be executed for the bids to come due for the next Town Meeting on October 13, 2015. The advertisement for the bid opening would have to reflect bids must be received by the October 13^th date with the contract awarded by November 1, 2015. The dates of the contract would be from November 1, 2015 to April 30, 2016. Mr. Urtz asked if there were any comments or discussion.

A motion was made by Alan Trombley, seconded by Kevin Gallagher to go to bid for snow removal at Town Hall for the period November 1, 2015 through April 30, 2016 which includes plowing, snow blowing and shoveling of the circle, walks and stairs.

Roll Call :               Alan Trombley – Aye         Kevin Gallagher – Aye       Karl Matt – Aye                   John Urtz – Aye

City of Rome Water Contract:  The town has been having ongoing meetings with City of Rome officials regarding the water contract. The city has been working on the final numbers for the term that ends December 31, 2015. The city is also working on projected water rate increases for 2016 as part of the new agreement with the City of Rome. What the town has now as a result of lack of notification by the City is that the town was unable to include an increase in the water rate in the March billing.

Water rates will definitely be going up in October.  The rates need to be finalized when the Town knows what the increase will be through December, 2015. There may have to be another increase. A resolution is needed now so that the Town can include the rate increase in the next billing cycle.

A motion was made by Kevin Gallaher, seconded by Alan Trombley, to increase the water rates by $30 per year or $15 per billing cycle.

Roll Call:               Kevin Gallagher – Aye       Alan Trombley – Aye         John Urtz – Aye                   Karl Matt – Aye

New Business:

  Carbon Monoxide Detectors: The town became aware that New York State now requires carbon monoxide detectors in commercial buildings. The detectors need to be hard wired. The town is obtaining quotes for installation of these detectors in the Town Hall, Highway Garage, Highway Superintendent Office, and the Troopers station.  It is not believed that the buildings at the Town Park would require the detectors, but the Town will check on this.

Gas and Electric Pricing: The town is looking at gas and electric pricing for 2016 to see which company will offer the best rate. A fixed rate is preferred.

Insurance: Mr. Urtz is meeting with an insurance company on Friday that wants to give the town a quote. Other insurance companies have expressed an interest to provide a quote as well.

Town Highway Superintendent Bill Baker reported that the Town started hauling sand today. There is quite a bit of sand stockpiled in West Branch. The Town of Western sent three tandem trucks to help and the Town of Lewis is sending two trucks tomorrow to help. Lewis did not used to help, but the DEC shut them down because they did not have the proper paperwork to get sand. They wanted to know if they could get 2,000 yards from the Town of Lee. The town screened for an extra week to help out a neighbor until they get their permit situation straightened out.

Four miles of roads were stoned and oiled last Friday, 9/4/15. Four tandems from the county helped. The roads done were Streun Road from Point Rock to Stedman, Streun Road from Harris to Capron, Sulphur Springs Road to Streun Road N. for a mile and a half, and then Podunk Road from Streun Road S. for a mile. Mr. Matt asked if there was any difference between the two contractors. Mr. Baker has not noticed any yet, but time will tell on how the roads hold up.

Mr. Baker wanted the Board to be aware of an issue regarding a contractor that has been doing tree/brush work in the town at homes. He has been putting the brush to the curb for the Town to pick up and mulch. Highway Superintendent Baker spoke with Town Attorney Dave Rapke regarding this and the Town is not responsible for hauling away the contractor’s debris. Mr. Baker contactor and has now removed the brush. When someone hires a contractor to cut trees/brush, the contractor is to remove the debris. He would like to do a mailing to all Town residences explaining the policy for brush removal by the town. It can be put in the Sentinel, but not everyone receives a newspaper.

Councilman Gallagher reported that State Certified wood chips are now in at the Town Park around the swing sets and the slides. The new merry-go-round is in and the teeter totter should be in by the end of the week. Rubber chips were considered around the playground equipment, however, it was substantially more money.

John Urtz stated that the Town is looking at obtaining a wooden Sasquatch carving that is 8-9 feet high for the park.

The Lee Town Park bushes have been trimmed and cleaned out. It was noted there are some dead branches in the trees near the park. Mr. Baker will have the tree contractor trim them out.

The parking area at the Town Park needs some fill in one area and this will be taken care of and filled.

White Goods: Mr. Gallagher stated that the annual White Goods drop off is Saturday, September 12. Most items such as tires, batteries, TVs, electronics, etc. will be taken. No liquids or paint will be taken.

Tug Hill Commission: A representative from the New York State Comptroller’s Office will be in Boonville on September 21 at 7 p.m. to give a presentation on Budget Preparation for those interested in attending.

A Planning Board and ZBA training will be offered at the Lee Town Hall on October 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. She is in the process of working out details with the Lee Town Clerk.

In the next few weeks, invitations will be sent out to the third annual Tug Hill Legislative Delegation. All the Assemblymen and Senators from the region will be attending and are inviting Mayors and Supervisors to attend. If the Supervisor cannot attend, a representative can attend. It is being held on Thursday, October 3^rd at 6:30 at the Redfield Town Hall.

The salary survey continues to be worked on and is almost completed.

A motion was made by Karl Matt, seconded by Alan Trombley, to approve and pay the bills.

Roll Call:     Karl Matt – Aye             Alan Trombley – Aye         John Urtz – Aye         Kevin Gallagher – Aye

                           General     -       $     30,204.31

                                       Highway   -       $     53,341.35

                                       Water        -       $       3,216.88

A motion was made to adjourn the meeting by Kevin Gallagher and seconded by Alan Trombley. The motion carried to adjourn.

Roll Call:   Kevin Gallagher – Aye        Alan Trombley – Aye      John Urtz – Aye         Karl Matt – Aye

Meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.

Minutes by Deputy Town Clerk Kathy Piemonte.