Village Board Minutes

July 2, 2008 (7)

A public hearing of the Village Board was held July 2, 2008 at 6:00 PM in the firehouse, 16 Saratoga Ave.

Mayor Winslow called the meeting to order and Supt Lozier read the Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll Call: Trustees Denno, Densmore, Enekes, and Lescault were present.

Mayor Winslow opened the public hearing and read the rules of public comment and the notice as published in the Post Star on May 13, 2008 re: Section 8 Agency Plan for 2008.  Mayor Winslow introduced Jim Mastrianni from Mastrianni Inc, administrators of the Village’s Section 8 Plan.  Jim Mastrianni gave an overview of the program.

PUBLIC COMMENTS, QUESTIONS & CONCERNS – none.

With no public comments, Mayor Winslow closed the public hearing at 6:10 PM.

Nicole M. Colson
Clerk

A regular meeting of the Village Board was held July 2, 2008 at 6:10 PM in the firehouse, 16 Saratoga Ave.

Motion by Trustee Lescault, seconded by Trustee Densmore approved minutes of regular meeting June 18, 2008 as typed.
Carried – 4 – 0

DECISION TO ADOPT SECTION 8 ANNUAL PLAN FOR 2008

Resolution #10 approved adoption of Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program Annual Plan for 2008.

SPECIFIC REQUESTS

Bev Towers, representing the Corinth Parklands Committee, addressed the Board about approval for a design change to the conceptual plan of the bandstand at Jessup’s Landing Park (JLP) for Phase 2 of the project.  The Board approved a design four years ago; the committee is seeking board approval of the new design.  The Committee is not asking for taxpayer money, the whole project should cost approximately $110,000 raised entirely without money from the Village budget through naming rights and donations.  Dennis Towers spoke regarding potential donors and the construction details of the project.  Trustee Lescault stated the operation & maintenance of the bandstand would cost the Village in taxpayers’ dollars.  The Board discussed with the Parklands Committee the need for more information including details of potential donors and pledged materials as well as a letter from the LDC outlining their willingness to act as receiver of donations and grant the money to the Parklands Committee.  Dennis Towers reiterated that if the donation money did not total $110,000 the project would be scaled down, no money would be requested of the Village.  Bob Hudak and Jim Murray, Village residents, asked the Board to get more details before making a decision.  Betty Bovee, Image Committee, encouraged the Board to support the design so that community celebrations can utilize the structure.  The Board tabled a decision until the Parkland Committee presents more structural details, donor letters and the Committee’s agreement with the LDC.

CORRESPONDENCE

Mayor Winslow read the schedule for the Independence Day celebration.

A letter from Hugh Farley informed the Board that he has secured a $350,000 capital grant for municipal infrastructure and façade improvements in the downtown area.  Mayor Winslow commented that the Senator has been good to the Village and that more details on how the money can be spent are forthcoming.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

CLERK – Clerk Colson was present, report for 7/2/08 read & filed.

Resolution #11 approved adjustment to the water/sewer rolls.

The Board scheduled a special Board meeting at 3:00 PM July 9, 2008 in the Village Hall.

TREASURER – Treas Fuller was present, report for 7/2/08 read & filed.

Motion by Trustee Densmore, seconded by Trustee Enekes approved payment of abstract #3: Payroll $52,142.59; General $72,158.15; Water $10,119.47; and Sewer $5,270.31.
Carried – 4 – 0

Resolution #12 approved budget transfers.

Treas Fuller informed the Board of recent computer problems and stated the computers at the Village Hall are all over 8 years old and in need of replacing.  Replacement cost for all three computers would be $1,630 plus installation cost, totaling approximately $2,000.

Motion by Trustee Lescault, seconded by Trustee Densmore approved purchase of three computers for the Village Hall at the cost of $1,630 plus installation.
Carried – 4 – 0

FIRE DEPARTMENT – Chief Kelley was present, report for June read & filed.

The construction of the pavilion at the firehouse should be completed ahead of schedule.

DPW/WATER/WWTP – Supt Lozier was present, report for June 2008 read & filed.

Supt Lozier will have an estimate of cost of road repairs at the next board meeting.

Supt Lozier will give Atty Auffredou the measurements for the no-parking zone on Hamilton for presentation to the Board.

The DPW has removed several dead trees on Village property and will get quotes for removal of trees on Oak and Walnut Street that are beyond DPW capability.  The Board decided it is within the Superintendent’s discretion to decide if a tree is on Village property, if a property owner disagrees, it is their responsibility to get a survey.

Motion by Trustee Denno, seconded by Trustee Lescault approved publication of the hydrant-flushing schedule for 7/28 – 7/31 in the Pennysaver News.
Carried – 4 – 0

The Town will be sending a crew to help the DPW with water lines on Eggleston St to reduce the inconvenience to the residents.

Resolution #13 approved to hire Paul Noxon and Benjamin Harris as part-time park attendants as needed at the rate of $9.25 per hour.

The Board discussed problems with dog owners in Pagenstecher Park not cleaning up after their dogs or keeping them leashed.  The Board will consider banning dogs from the park entirely at their next meeting.  The Board agreed to provide the park attendant with a cell phone in order to contact the Sheriff in the meantime.

Crosswalks will be painted when Supt Lozier returns from vacation.

Jessup’s Landing Park will be ready for the Independence Day Celebration, the lawns have been mowed and the gates will be open.

BUILDING DEPARTMENT – Insp Jacon was present, report for 6/19/08 – 7/2/08 read & filed.

Trustee Lescault questioned the Bldg Insp on the status of the violation on Walnut St; legal papers are pending.  Mayor Winslow asked about the house on Main St; Insp Jacon is meeting with the owner onsite.

ATTORNEY – Atty Auffredou was excused, Atty John Wright was present, report for 7/2/08 read & filed.

OLD BUSINESS

The Board decided to remove Village Code updates from the agenda until needed in the future.

The Board has a draft of the proposed garbage container law for review.

NEW BUSINESS

Jack and Dorothy Robinson have offered to donate their building at 244 Main Street, the former Community Insurance building, to be used as the Village Hall.  The only cost incurred by the Village will be legal fees and transfer costs as well as a few upgrades to meet accessibility requirements.  Mr. Robinson has stated that the community has supported his business for years and he wished to give back to the community.  The contents of the building: desks, chairs, office partitions, are part of the donation.  Treas Fuller gave an overview of the costs of running the new building versus running the current Village Hall and the Police Department building.  The Village plans to sell the current Village Hall, move the building inspector and Emergency Response Management office into the new building and continue to use the police department building as cold storage for the DPW.  The Board expressed gratitude for the Robinsons’ generous donation to the Village.

Resolution #14 approved accepting donation of 244 Main Street to the Village of Corinth.

Resolution #15 approved hiring Beatty Appraisals for appraisals of 244 & 260 Main St for $800.

Wally Estill, Planning & ZBA Secretary, has submitted his resignation.  The Board agreed to accept his resignation and thanked Wally for his service to the Planning Board and ZBA.

Motion by Trustee Denno, seconded by Trustee Lescault approved publication of advertisement for secretary to the Zoning and Planning Boards.
Carried – 4 – 0

Treas Fuller suggested handing over the responsibilities of the disbanded Revolving Loan Fund to the Grant Review Committee that currently reviews applications for the HOME grants.  SEDC no longer wants to be responsible for submitting recommendations of applicants.  The Board will discuss this with the Grant Review Committee.

PUBLIC COMMENTS, QUESTIONS & CONCERNS

Bob Hudak asked if a settlement has been reached with the fired police officer.  Mayor Winslow stated the insurance company is handling the matter, it has not been settled yet.  Mr. Hudak asked if the final assessment roll has been filed at the Town, Treas Fuller stated he thinks the final date is July 15. Mr. Hudak asked specifics of retention of Village records and documentation, which Clerk Colson answered.  Mr. Hudak also informed the Board about a radio interview with the Mayor of Lake George about their upcoming dissolution vote in March.  The interview said the State offered $250,000 per year for five years in debt reduction for consolidation.

Stan Hoffman asked Mayor Winslow if he has contacted National Grid about natural gas, the mayor had not yet.

Dennis Morreale stated he is concerned with the Board considering banning dogs from the park.  Mr. Morreale stated disallowing dogs only hurts the dog owners that follow the rules; he encouraged enforcement of the leash laws and clean up laws to punish violators.  Supt Lozier stated he is concerned with the Village’s liability if someone is injured.  Atty Wright stated liability would depend on individual circumstances.

BOARD COMMENTS, QUESTIONS & CONCERNS

Mayor Winslow requested an executive session to discuss matters leading to the appointment of a particular person.

Motion by Trustee Densmore, seconded by Trustee Lescault that Board adjourn to executive session as requested by Mayor Winslow, 7:35 PM.
Carried – 4 – 0

At 8:50 PM, the Board reconvened with no action taken in executive session.

Motion by Trustee Densmore, seconded by Trustee Denno that Board adjourn, 8:50 PM.
Carried – 4 – 0

Nicole M. Colson
Clerk