TOWN OF HUME
FEBRUARY 9, 2011
A
regular meeting of the Hume Town Board, Allegany County, New York was held at
the Town of Hume Museum, 10842 Claybed Road, Hume, New York on February 9,
2011. Supervisor Dennis Ricketts called
the meeting to order at 7:00 PM, and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Town officials in attendance included: Supervisor Dennis Ricketts; Council members Daniel Miller, Christopher Austin (late arrival), Bryce Bower, and Gregory McKurth; Highway Superintendent Kevin Peet; Attorney David Pullen; and Clerk Sondra MacEwan.
MINUTES
Councilman McKurth moved that the minutes of the January 12, 2011 meeting of the Board be accepted as presented. Second made by Councilman Bower. 4 ayes, 0 noes, 1 absent.
Assessor Russell Heslin explained a method employed by the State of New York to determine equalization rates. The CAMA system utilizes a broad geographical area to project the rates based on sale figures. Mr. Heslin showed how the equalization rate for the Town of Hume went from 105.87% after the revaluation in 2010, to 86.5% in 2011 because of the CAMA system.
On behalf of the Town, Mr. Heslin has been in contact with the State and regional Offices of Real Property Tax Services, pointing out to them the inequality of using areas such as Buffalo to compute Town of Hume equalization rates.
The Board approved his defense of the Town of Hume’s status, and Mr. Heslin will continue to pursue the issue and report the outcome of his meetings.
Highway Superintendent Kevin Peet asked the Board to consider the Inter-Municipal Agreement for Shared Purchase and Use Agreement that would provide for the purchase and use of a shoulder widener by participating municipalities and Allegany County.
Councilman Austin moved that the Highway Superintendent be authorized to sign the Inter-municipal Agreement for Shared Purchases, and Councilman Bowers seconded the motion. (Res 2-A-11). 5 ayes, 0 noes.
Superintendent Peet has been researching the Town’s responsibilities in maintaining the Genesee River Bypass Channel. He can find no clear provision beyond debris removal and seeding of the banks.
The Board expressed their desire to maintain the channel and the investment of hours and funds already expended. Supervisor Ricketts will arrange a meeting with the Allegany County DPW to discuss the channel.
There are mechanical problems with the sidewalk-clearing machine. The blower does not operate, and there may be drive train problems.
Attorney David Pullen told the Board that the section of Agriculture and Market laws pertaining to animal damage had been repealed in its entirety. The Town and the County no longer have any obligations to oversee animal damage cases.
Councilman Bryce Bower offered a resolution (2-B-11) introducing Local Law #1 of 2011, a law entitled The Town of Hume Cross-Connection Control Law, and proposed a Public Hearing be held on March 9, 2011 at 7:30 PM. Councilman Daniel Miller seconded the motion. 5 ayes, 0 noes.
MRB Group is working on the sewer capacity evaluation and flow project.
Supervisor Ricketts will send a letter to Darel Bower requiring that he connect his home to the water system on a separate and individual water line.
Allegany County is considering an efficiency study involving all municipalities that deliver water and sewer service.
A letter was received from Brian and Karly Casey concerning the plowing and repair of sidewalks. The Board discussed the letter and the plans for future construction and repair. It was resolved that plans for construction and repair will be made public. Supervisor Ricketts and Superintendent Peet will reply to the Casey letter.
Councilman Austin moved that the Town renew its membership with Southern Tier West at the Basic Level, cost of $150.00. Councilman McKurth seconded the motion. 5 ayes, o noes.
BidUREnergy did a comparison of electric rates for the Town accounts, and did a “bid” with different suppliers for comparative use. Energtix was the lowest bidder, with a projected savings of about $300.00 over the course of a year.
Councilman Austin moved that the offer prepared by BudUREnergy be rejected, and Councilman Bower seconded. 5 ayes, 0 noes.
The Cold Creek grant application remains stymied because of the Hazard Mitigation Plan. After March 1, 2011, the Town is eligible to resubmit an application.
Deadline for articles to be included in the next issue of the Bee is March 1, 2011.
There is a problem with the water heater at the Town Hall. A replacement cost has been requested.
The Board gave permission to install stair railings in the Museum cellar way.
The tax collection rate as of January 31, 2011 was 56%.
Councilman Greg McKurth audited and approved the 2010 records of the Town Clerk and the Supervisor on February 4, 2011.
Councilman Miller moved that the Supervisor’s and Town Clerk’s reports be approved as presented, and that the bills be authorized for payment. Councilman Bower seconded the motion. 5 ayes, 0 noes.
((General -- $13690.54; Highway - $18474.92; Walks -- $63.99; Fire Protection District -- $249.95; Lighting -- $1170.64; Sewer -- $2428.76; Water -- $3486.91)
MISC. AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Councilman Miller reminded the Board of the following meetings:
February 18, 2011 at the School at 3:30 PM – Parks Grant
February 22, 2011 at the Town Office at 1:00 PM – GIS Needs Assessment
Councilman Miller moved that the meeting be adjourned, and Councilman Austin seconded the motion. 5 ayes, 0 noes. Meeting adjourned at 9:15 PM.
The next regular meeting of the Hume Town Board will be on March 9, 2011 at 7:00 PM at the Town of Hume Museum.
Respectfully submitted,
Sondra MacEwan,
Town Clerk