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Minutes
October 13, 2015
The regular meeting of the Lee Town Board was held in the Town Hall, and was called to order at 7:33 p.m.
Present were: Supervisor John Urtz, Councilmen Karl Matt, Alan Trombley, Kevin Gallagher, and newly Board appointed Josh Szyper who is a candidate to fill the seat of the late Harold VanWagenen whose term was to expire 12/2017.
Also Present: Highway Superintendent Bill Baker and Town Attorney David Rapke.
The meeting opened with the pledge of allegiance.
The first order of business was the bid opening for snow removal at the Town Hall for the front loop, side parking area and entrances:
- Hillside Seasonal Services $2000
- John Allen 700
- Wright’s Lawn care $3850
A motion was made by Karl Matt, seconded by Alan Trombley and carried to accept the lowest bid submitted by John Allen subject to his submittal of the proper certificates of insurance.
Roll Call: Karl Matt – Aye Alan Trombley – Aye John Urtz – Aye
Kevin Gallagher – Aye Josh Szyper - Aye
A motion was made by Alan Trombley, seconded by Kevin Gallager 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 Josh Szyper - Aye
Audience Portion
Brian Mandryck, Commissioner of the Lee Fire District submitted the proposed budget for 2016 which shows an increase of over $73k. Mr. Mandryck reports there are 13 new members that need to be outfitted with various gear etc. They are also looking into the purchase of a new pumper to replace a 23-24 year old piece of equipment, and some engineering work to be done on the garage doors.
Old Business
Regarding the carbon monoxide detectors the town will be installing in various buildings, it was originally thought they had to be hard-wired, but they can be installed with 10-year batteries. The codes officer is looking into how many is needed in each building and at what height – we will then order and have them installed.
The water contract with the City of Rome is still ongoing – the Rome Council is meeting on the 28th and we will know more after that.
Contract entered into with Hudson Energy for:
-
Electric .0575/kWh 3 years
-
Gas .3490/therm 2 years
This will be a $20-25 thousand savings over the years.
New Business
The Town received correspondence from Mercy Flight, they are looking for landing zones in various areas and ask if we are interested in proposing a site in our jurisdiction; Board members are asked to think of any areas that may work out.
The Town has been approached concerning a NYS Early Warning Detection System by NYS Mesonet; they are asking the Town of Lee to host a weather station which they would like to set up off of Palmer Rd. This is a 33x33 sq. ft. area which is municipal land, but also NOCO land, so the other townships would have to be agreeable. Board members will review the information provided by the Program Manager, Jerry Brotzge from the University at Albany.
A motion was made by Kevin Gallagher, seconded by Alan Trombley and carried to accept the quote of $19,890 submitted by Mohawk Valley Materials, Inc. of Marcy, NY to install a 200’ long x 2’ wide x 3’ tall PA Fieldstone Wall with (3) pilasters at the Town Park. A previous quote of $38,391 was received and denied from Nature’s Accents of Penfield, NY for a similar type fence.
Roll Call: Karl Matt – Aye Alan Trombley – Aye John Urtz – Aye
Kevin Gallagher – Aye Josh Szyper – Aye
Highway Superintendent Bill Baker is working with Little League to remove the fence, level the ground at Little League #2 and replace with a new fence. There are plans to do Little League #1 next year. The Town will share 50% of the cost and it is proposed to be around $4-5000.
Supervisor Urtz asks Board Members to take a look at the current Procurement Policy and consider increasing the thresholds, this will be reviewed at the organizational meeting in January.
A motion was made by Kevin Gallagher, seconded by Karl Matt and carried to reappoint Salvatore Comito as a member of the Board of Assessment Review; term 10/01/15 – 9/30/2020.
Roll Call: Karl Matt – Aye Alan Trombley – Aye John Urtz – Aye
Kevin Gallagher – Aye Josh Szyper - Aye
Supervisor Urtz announced that the speed limit has been reduced on the portion by Stokes Corners to Lorena Rd. from 55 to 45. The proposed flashing light has not yet been installed.
Mr. Urtz also reported the County tax rate for the Town of Lee has decreased by 5.63 for 2016.
The clerk has set up a flu clinic for October 20th from 9:30 to 1:30 in the Town Hall, sponsored by Walgreens.
The office of the court has requested of the Board to have handicap accessibility for the courtroom to meet ADA standards and/or the installation of a handrail down the center where the stairs are. Supervisor Urtz states the tier at the top of the room is set up for handicap accessibility. He says if they would like the defendants to be able to stand at the bench, it would be too costly to renovate the courtroom; the alternative would be to move the court into the dining room where they would be on one level area. Councilman Kevin Gallagher suggested making a ramp at the exit door that leads into the courtroom from the side parking lot. More thought will be given to this.
Supervisor Urtz announced the 2016 Budget Summary key appropriations:
Employees received an approximate 2% increase.
General $881,058.22
Highway 1,039,984.70
Water 1,313,993.00
Fire District 299,072.05
Highway Superintendent Bill Baker questions if the decrease in the paving budget will adversely affect the CHIPS reimbursement, Supervisor Urtz stated that the paving work comes out of the improvement fund and will not be affected. He states the Board would like to see Type 7 used for paving, which is less expensive, rather than Nova Chip. Mr. Baker would like to see the Town continue to do what’s best for the Town’s roads whether it be in the developments or other roads.
Supervisor Urtz also explained the increase in the budget for the water department; the Health Department had cited the Town regarding the water tank, so repairs must be made estimated at around $300,000. Additionally, the Board plans to “loop” the water system, which he states was supposed to have been done in the 1960’s. The Town had engineer Dodson & Associate’s do a study on this in 2010. There are plans to loop from Stokes-Lee Center Rd. to Cemetery Rd. and from the southern end of Terra Bella to Hawkins Corners Rd. & Holmes Rd. This is in case there was a break or some sort of event, the residents would still have water. The projected cost for this is around $500,000.
Highway Superintendent Bill Baker reported that Gorman Brothers sealed the tennis and basketball courts. He also states that 2100 yards of millings were screened and hauled in from Rome.
Board Members would have decided to put up “No Sledding” signs at the Town Park for the season. Clerk will order 10 8x10 signs.
A motion was made by Kevin Gallagher, seconded by Alan Trombley and carried to hold a Public Hearing on the 2016 tentative budget 10/27/15 at 7:30 PM.
Roll Call: Karl Matt – Aye Alan Trombley – Aye John Urtz – Aye
Kevin Gallagher – Aye Josh Szyper - Aye
A motion was made by Karl Matt, seconded by Alan Trombley and carried to approve and pay the bills.
Roll Call: Karl Matt – Aye Alan Trombley – Aye John Urtz – Aye
Kevin Gallagher – Aye Josh Szyper - Aye
General - $
32,297.5332,222.53Highway - $ 67,083.34
Water - $ 3,041.69
A motion was made by Kevin Gallagher, seconded by Josh Szyper and carried to adjourn.
Roll Call: Karl Matt – Aye Alan Trombley – Aye John Urtz – Aye
Kevin Gallagher – Aye Josh Szyper - Aye
Meeting adjourned at 8:59 p.m.
