Village Board Minutes

April 6, 2011 (52)

Two public hearings and a regular meeting of the Village Board were held April 6, 2011 at 6:00 PM in the firehouse, 16 Saratoga Ave.

Mayor Winslow called the meeting to order.  Trustee Denno led the Pledge of Allegiance.

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

A public hearing having been duly advertised in the Post Star on March 29, 2011 was held April 6, 2011 re: proposed law establishing Second Street as a one-way street north between Oak Street and Palmer Ave.

PUBLIC COMMENTS, QUESTIONS & CONCERNS

Jim Murray voiced his support of the law as written.

With no further comment from the public, Mayor Winslow closed the public hearing at 6:03 PM.

Nicole M. Colson
Clerk-Treasurer

A public hearing having been duly advertised in the Post Star on March 29, 2011 was held April 6, 2011 re: the proposed 2011/2012 budget.

Clerk-Treas Colson presented the proposed budget to the public.  The overall increase in spending was $92,795, a 3.2% increase over 2010/2011.  Increases in the budget included a significant increase in contribution required to the NYS Retirement Fund, increases in utility costs, a 5% increase in health insurance costs and an increase in employee wages.  Major purchases in the budget included a sidewalk snow blower, the replacement of the first floor windows at the Village Hall and a truck for the sewer department.  The proposed tax rate is $5.50 per thousand, a decrease of $0.07 or 1.25% from the 2010/2011 budget.  Projected fund balance to be used is $244,246 which is $39,242 less than was projected to be used from fund balance for the 2010/2012 budget.  Clerk-Treas Colson also enumerated several items resulting in a projected increase of revenues of $99,509 over the 2010/2011 projected revenues.

The overall increase in spending in the water fund budget is $29,916 over 2010/2011.  There is a projected increase to Village water rents of $16 per year resulting in an annual rent of $204.  Outside Village users would see an increase of $32 per year, an annual rent of $322.  The sewer fund budget increase in spending is $4,126 over 2010/2011 with a projected sewer rent increase on $4 for all sewer users.  Inside Village sewer rent would be $262 per year, outside users would pay $386 per year.

PUBLIC COMMENT, QUESTIONS & CONCERNS

Jim Murray commented on the increase in fuel costs and stated he would prefer to see the tax rate increased to spend more money on improving infrastructure.

Bob Hudak stated he would like the proposed budget worksheets to be available on the website before the meetings.  Mr. Hudak also questioned the amount being spent on the Village Hall windows and if the leasing a truck for the sewer department may be a better option than purchasing.

Mayor Winslow thanked the Board and Department Heads for the work put into the budget process.  With no further comment from the public, the mayor closed the public hearing at 6:17 PM.

Nicole M. Colson
Clerk-Treasurer

A regular meeting of the Village Board was held 6:17 PM, April 6, 2011 at the firehouse, 16 Saratoga Avenue.

Motion by Trustee Lescault, seconded by Trustee Densmore approved minutes of March 9, 2011, March 16, 2011, March 18, 2011 and March 23, 2011 as typed.
Carried – 4 – 0

CORRESPONDENCE

The DEC has approved the reclassification of the reservoir dam from a Class B to a Class A.  This will help move the project of remediation forward in a less expensive direction.

The Board denied a request for funding from the Corinth Theatre Guild.  The Village is unable to fund all of the numerous requests for funding community programs it receives and does not wish to choose between them.

Corinth School has requested help removing the Castle Park playground.  Supt Lozier will work with school officials to coordinate a removal effort.

The Village has received a donation of $200 for flower planting in memory of Betty Bogle from her daughters Barbara Bogle Telasky and Maureen Bogle.  Clerk-Treas Colson will send a letter of appreciation.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

CLERK/TREASURER – Clerk/Treas Colson was present, report for 4/6/11 read & filed.

Resolution #71 approved, adoption of 2011/2012 budget as presented.

Copies of both Smart Growth Grant applications are on file at the Village Hall.

Resolution #72 approved, authorize payment to Harlan-McGee of $526.85 for rebid documents for JLP Project.

The Board approved moving the investments for the firefighter’s Length of Service Award Program to Morgan Stanley to be administered by Jeanne Forkeutis per the Clerk/Treasurer’s advice.

Motion by Trustee Lescault, seconded by Trustee Denno approved payment of abstract #20: Payroll $26,025.27; General $81,880.46; Water $8,190.50; Sewer $11,159.08; Community Development $526.85; and Capital Reserves $5,465.60.
Carried – 4 – 0

Resolution #73 approved, budget transfers.

FIRE DEPARTMENT – Chief Kelley was present, report for March 2011 read & filed.

Mayor Winslow congratulated the Chief for being re-elected by the Fireman’s Association, read the list of newly elected officers and thanked them all for volunteering.

A benefit basketball game involving the firemen and Corinth School faculty will be held Friday, April 8 at 6:00 PM.

DPW/WATER/WWTP – Supt Lozier was present, report for March 2011 read & filed.

Supt Lozier presented the Board with quotes from four companies for the inspection of the water tank.  Supt Lozier suggested hiring Underwater Solutions for $4150 to inspect the tank and clean up to 6-inches of sediment.  Underwater Solutions has done excellent work in the past for Luzerne and Hadley.  The Board agreed.

Motion by Trustee Lescault, seconded by Trustee Denno, approved publication in the Post Star of a bid opening to be held Wednesday, April 20, 2011 at 2:00 PM in the Village Hall for the purchase of a generator at the River St. pumping station.
Carried – 4- 0

Motion by Trustee Lescault, seconded by Trustee Densmore, approved publication in the Post Star of a bid opening to be held Thursday, April 21, 2011 at 2:00 PM in the Village Hall for the purchase of an articulating tractor with snow blower attachment.
Carried – 4- 0

Motion by Trustee Lescault, seconded by Trustee Denno, approved publication in the Pennysaver of notice of the leaf and brush pick-up scheduled for May 2 through May 16.          
Carried – 4 – 0

Supt Lozier stated on May 23 the DPW will begin their 10 hour work days, Monday through Thursday.

BUILDING INSPECTOR – Insp Jacon was excused.

ATTORNEY – Atty Auffredou was present, report for April 6, 2011 read & filed.

On April 28 the Planning Board will meet to continue their review of the site plan for Des & Dill’s restaurant.

OLD BUSINESS

No further update on GWUDI.

Resolution #74 approved, adoption of Local Law 1-2011 prohibiting parking of specialty vehicles on Village streets from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.  

Resolution #75 approved, adoption of Local Law 2-2011 establishing Second St. as one-way north between Oak St. and Palmer Ave.

NEW BUSINESS

The Board discussed the potential implementation of a Nuisance Law and asked Atty Auffredou to gather information on enforcement of the law for further evaluation.

Karen Saunders has expressed a desire to resign from the Planning Board, but has not submitted a written letter.  Clerk/Treas Colson will send her a letter.

Resolution #76 approved, appointment of Renee Baker to RLF/Grant Review Committee to fill term vacated by Melanie Denno ending 12/31/12.

The Board discussed potential dissolution in detail.  Board members expressed concerns with uncertainties related to dissolution and the Shared Services/Dissolution Committee’s recommendation to not dissolve.  Members of the Committee later stated they felt the public should vote.  The Board discussed educating the public before a vote was held and developing a memorandum of understanding with the Town to resolve some of the uncertainties involved.  Board consensus is to ask Michael N’dolo to attend the next meeting and establish a realistic time frame for developing a plan and setting a date to vote.

PUBLIC COMMENT, QUESTIONS & CONCERNS

Bob Hudak stated that any concerns about impact of dissolution on the EPCOR agreement could be addressed by setting the dissolution date after the agreement ends.

Jim Murray commented that a Nuisance Law would make Corinth a more attractive community to potential residents.

Dave Emery expressed concerns about the Village’s parking regulations.

BOARD COMMENTS, QUESTIONS & CONCERNS – none.

ADJOURNMENT

Motion by Trustee Lescault, seconded by Trustee Enekes, that Board adjourn, 7:56 PM.
Carried – 4 – 0

Nicole M. Colson
Clerk-Treasurer