Village Board Minutes

January 17, 2007 (54)

A regular meeting of the Village Board was held Jan 17, 2007, 6:00 PM in the firehouse, 16 Saratoga Ave.

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

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

Motion by Trustee Lescault, seconded by Trustee Densmore approved the minutes of regular meeting and public hearing Jan 3, 2007 as typed.
Carried – 4 – 0

SPECIFIC REQUESTS

Sher Millis, resident and business owner of Studio Store on Main Street, appeared before the Board to express concern over the vandalism and harassment being perpetrated by youth on Main Street.  Ms. Millis asked the Board to enact laws that would hold the property owners responsible for disruptions taking place involving their tenants.  Ms. Millis distributed a Post Star article about similar laws in Hudson Falls.  Mayor Winslow expressed the Board’s wish to keep Ms. Millis on Main Street and noted the Studio Store was an improvement to downtown.  The Board will research the laws and police have increased patrols in the area.

CORRESPONDENCE

The paperwork has been received from the State Department of Transportation to collect the $100,000 grant from Senator Farley’s office for sidewalk and street improvements.

The Board received a letter from Ethel Meyer thanking the Water Department for helping identify the source of a water leak on Center Street.  She commended the DPW workers for their consideration, competence and thoughtfulness as well as their supportive suggestions when the leak was discovered to be on her property.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

CLERK – Clerk Colson was present, report for 1/17/06 read & filed.

Resolution #93 approved, adjustment to the water/sewer rolls.

TREASURER – Treas Fuller was present, report for 1/17/07 read & filed.

Motion by Trustee Lescault, seconded by Trustee Denno approved payment of abstract #16: Payroll $41,141.34; General $22,204.13; Water $583.16; Sewer $5,145.31; and Comm. Development $5,835.41.
Carried – 4 – 0

Motion by Trustee Lescault, seconded by Trustee Denno approved Board attendance at a luncheon with AMD (chip manufacturer) hosted by SEDC on Jan 23, 2007 at the cost of $30 per person.
Carried – 4 – 0

Treas Fuller has come to an agreement with Time Warner cable regarding shortening the franchise agreement to 10 years.  The Public Service Commission is working with Time Warner on changing some of the language and it will be returned to us for approval.

Treas Fuller asked the Board to consider bid specs for the garbage contract and contact Trustee Enekes with any suggestions as soon as possible.

FIRE DEPARTMENT – Chief Denton present.

The FD has been very busy with the ice storm and resulting power outages, but things are progressing.  Mayor Winslow noted that the Fire Dept and the EMS have set up a warming station at the firehouse for residents without power.

Trustee Denno noted that the Department of Homeland Security has called to verify our checking account information, which is a positive sign that we may be awarded the $154,000 equipment grant.

DPW/WATER/WWTP – Supt Lozier was present.

DPW has been cleaning up downed trees and clearing sidewalks.  They will also be repairing a fence at Jessup’s Landing damaged by a fallen tree branch.

BUILDING INSPECTOR – Insp Jacon was present, report for 1/4/07 – 1/17/07 read & filed.

Insp Jacon responded to public questions about progress with properties on Oak and Mill Streets.

Trustee Enekes questioned the status of removing sections of the Rite Aid fence to increase visibility.  Paperwork to be signed before removal is currently with the owners of Rite Aid.

ATTORNEY – Atty Avigdor was present, report for 1/17/07 read & filed.

Atty Avigdor referred to the proposed agreement with Avalon and Richard Vallone and was not satisfied with the omission of two paragraphs referring to insurance and licenses.  Trustee Denno will discuss with Avalon Associates.

OLD BUSINESS

Mayor Winslow assigned Trustees Enekes & Densmore to a committee to review the suggested Design Guidelines and Fence Ordinance and report back at next meeting.

The Board has considered the Tree Committee’s request to be recognized as an advisory committee to the Board and has decided not to change their status at this time.  The Board recognizes that the committee has made a significant contribution to the Village and encouraged them to continue to operate as a private committee and the Board will consider their requests and suggestions.

NEW BUSINESS

Mayor Winslow assigned Insp Jacon & Trustee Lescault to research outdoor wood furnaces and potential regulations.

The Board discussed survey requirements for additions to buildings.  The Board agreed to keep the current procedure, Insp Jacon has authority to require a survey before issuing a building permit if he feels it is necessary or the property lines are in dispute.

The Board discussed a request by the Corinth Library to hold a coin drop this summer.  The Board wishes to table the request while they consider alternatives to coin drops for fundraising.  Clerk Colson will prepare a list of organizations that held coin drops last year for the Board’s review.

Resolution #94 approved, hiring Robert T. Wessels as part-time Patrol Officer for a one year term at the part-time patrolman rate.

Resolution #95 approved, resignation of Michael Greene as part-time patrol officer as of 1/2/07.

PUBLIC COMMENTS, QUESTIONS & CONCERNS

Jim Hopkins, Russell Boggs, Fran Nichols & Paul Granger questioned the Board on the eminent domain proposition, changes in zoning and effect it has on the property.  The Mayor and Atty Avigdor encouraged people to visit the website to read the proposed zoning changes and obtain a copy of the eminent domain resolution from the Village Hall for more details.

Barbara Weatherwax asked for an update on negotiations with Philmet.  Mayor Winslow & Atty Paul Levine stated there is no other update than that there are negotiations.

Adrienne Hull & Ken Carter questioned the need for special council and the cost involved.  Mayor Winslow responded that the Board felt zoning specialists were needed and there were no numbers readily available at the meeting as to how much it cost.

Yvonne & Russ Melville both expressed their view that the proposed zoning would not prevent legitimate businesses.

Joseph Duguay expressed concern with eminent domain taking the property off the Village tax rolls.

June Shattuck asked if Philmet has paid their Village taxes.  Mayor Winslow stated they have not.  Jack Woods asked if they are the only property owner that has not paid their taxes, Mayor Winslow responded that Philmet not paying the taxes on the property could jeopardize the Empire Zone status of the property.

Dan Lescault, Tim Halliday, and Dennis Morreale questioned what other businesses had shown interest in the property, Mayor Winslow responded that inquiries had been made and that the businesses were informed that Philmet owned the property.

Joel Duguay expressed concern that a change in zoning would prevent other businesses from coming into the Village.

Jim Murray requested the Board consider all of the ramifications of potential tax increases.

Kate Halliday expressed her support of Sher Millis’ presentation and stated she would like to see the matter researched.

BOARD COMMENTS, QUESTIONS & CONCERNS

Trustee Enekes thanked the public for continuing to share their opinions.

Mayor Winslow requested an executive session to discuss pending litigation.

ADJOURNMENT

Motion by Trustee Denno, seconded by Trustee Lescault that Board adjourn to executive session as requested above, 7:40 PM.
Carried – 4 – 0

Board reconvened at 8:44 PM.

Motion by Trustee Densmore, seconded by Trustee Enekes that Board adjourn, 8:49 PM.
Carried – 4 – 0

Nicole M. Colson
Clerk