Village Board Minutes

March 26, 2009 (60)

A special meeting of the Village Board was held March 26, 2009 at 4:00 PM in the Village Hall, 244 Main St.

Mayor Winslow called the meeting to order.

Roll Call: Trustees Denno, Densmore, Enekes, and Lescault were present.
Also present: Supt Lozier, Chief Kelley, Clerk/Treas Colson & Deputy Clerk/Treas Lissow.

NEW BUSINESS

The Board has expressed that they do not wish to increase the tax burden to residents in the 2009/2010 budget.

Clerk/Treas Colson stated that based on the same tax burden as 08/09, the projected tax rate for the 2009/2010 fiscal year would be $5.68 per thousand.

The Board discussed Chief Kelley’s recommendation of preparing for the purchase of a new fire engine with a 3,000 gallon water capacity to replace the current 1985 tanker.  The estimated cost is $530,000 - $550,000 and would come from capital reserves. The estimated life of the truck is 25 – 30 years.

Chief Kelly also explained the need to purchase new extrication equipment. The current equipment was purchased in 1985 and is unwieldy and prone to breakage. In addition, newer vehicles have many more safety features which make a rescue difficult with outmoded equipment. The new equipment is a single hose hydraulic system which is easier to operate.  The estimated cost to purchase is $45,000 - $50,000 and could be covered by a FEMA grant.  Trustee Denno and Chief Kelley have attended a FEMA grant-writing course, but there has not been a notification when grant money  would become available for this project. Chief Kelley noted that the Town Board had also been given this information.

Chief Kelley noted that the fire department is rated on the updates to its equipment by ISO, an insurance organization. This rate affects homeowners’ insurance rates also.

The Board discussed Supt Lozier’s recommendation that the Lemont Ave. paving project be postponed. CHIPS funding can be carried over, so that funds would be available for the project next year. The Village currently has $50,000 in reserves for the project.

The Board expressed concern that there is not a sufficient amount budgeted for DPW equipment reserves. It was suggested that a decision on the amount be made at the end of the fiscal year to see what the fund balance total is.

Supt Lozier felt the snow equipment repair line item should be increased by $5,000 for rental of a sidewalk snowblower for times the sidewalk plow is not operable .He also stated his willingness to forego a projected 1% raise for himself.

The Board stated there would be no increase in Trustee or Mayoral wages.

The Board discussed increasing annual water rents for inside users from $140 to $164 and for outside users from $242 to $317.  They also discussed increasing annual sewer rates for inside users from $248 to $254 and for outside users from $372 to $378.

ADJOURNMENT

Motion by Trustee Lescault, seconded by Trustee Denno that Board adjourn, 6:30 PM.
Carried  4 – 0

Alice M. Lissow
Deputy Clerk/Treasurer