TOWN OF HUME
FEBRUARY 13, 2008
A regular meeting of the Hume Town Board, Allegany County, New York was held on
February 13, 2008 at the Town Museum, 10842 Claybed Road, hamlet of Hume. Supervisor Craig Smith called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Officials in attendance were: Supervisor Craig Smith; Council members Robert Beil, Bryce Bower, Daniel Miller, and Dennis Ricketts; Highway Superintendent Ron Paulsen; Water/Sewer Superintendent Dana Potter; Attorney David Pullen; Historian Rondus Miller; Town Justice Fred Cwiklinski; and Clerk Sondra MacEwan.
Councilman Miller moved that the minutes of the January 9, 2008 meeting of the Board be accepted as presented, and Councilman Ricketts seconded the motion. 5 ayes, 0 noes.
Superintendent Ron Paulsen explained the Expenditures of Highway Moneys document he had prepared for 2008. The Board accepted the plan.
Superintendent Paulsen requested clarifications on how to establish bonding requirements for Hauling Permits. He learned that requirements are set on a case-by-case application, and can be set on a cost per mile basis. The Superintendent must establish the pre-existing condition of each road affected by the planned hauling.
Helen Allshouse asked the Board to reconsider the closing of Liberty Street in the hamlet of Hume to through traffic. Supervisor Smith told her about the petitioning process that had led to the Board’s decision to block the road.
MRB Group engineer Carl Schoenthal itemized the findings of the architect and construction specialist who had visited the Hume Friends of Christ United Methodist Church building in December. In summary, the building could be converted to Town use if a considerable amount of money was spent to bring it up to present day codes for the intended use.
A lengthy discussion of requirements, costs, conditions and alternatives kept the Board occupied for over an hour.
Councilman Beil strongly supported the plan, and commented that the costs of new construction are prohibitive and the codes too stringent for this area.
Town Justice Fred Cwiklinski pointed out the new mandates from the Office of Court Administration concerning security and expressed his preference for new facilities that meet all current codes. He will provide information to Carl Schoenthal on the new mandates.
Supervisor Smith urged restraint because the decision will have a 30 to 50 year consequence to the taxpayers, and he suggested that alternatives be seriously considered.
Other topics considered included grant availability as well as referendum and legal requirements of undertaking a building project.
Supervisor Smith proposed that MRB prepare a preliminary project description/scope for new construction that meets departmental needs, and the Board concurred.
Another site visit to the Church was scheduled for Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 11:00 PM to help the Board visualize the manner in which the Church might be converted to Town use.
DCO Joan Wagner did not report any dog calls in the month of January, but wanted the Board to know that a hawk, injured by a truck, had been taken to a hawk rescue agency.
Historian Rondus Miller reported that the furnace at the Museum failed and had to be repaired. The Building Committee will meet with Ms. Miller on February 26th after the tour of the Church to consider specifications for a new heating system.
She also informed the Board that the Wide Awake Club is planning to tour the Museum and that the Skiff Library collection is on loan to the Museum. She presented a painting done by Nicholas Ricketts that represents the Fillmore Carriage and Bicycle Shop.
She reminded the Board that the Town of Caneadea will celebrate its 200th anniversary in March 2008.
The heavy rain and the unseasonable thaw caused pumping concerns for the Sewer Department, but Superintendent Potter told the Board the situation is leveling off.
During the summer season, Superintendent Potter hopes to check septic covers to tighten up the seals to prevent infiltration of rain and run-off.
Ethan Campbell presented his final report to the Board on his Eagle Scout candidacy project. Mr. Campbell supervised the construction of picnic tables and the installation of grills at the Fillmore Park. Supervisor Smith thanked him for his efforts, and signed the letter of completion to the Eagle Scout Review Board.
Having received a letter of request from FABA, Councilman Bower moved that the Town of Hume endorse 2008 Fillmore Fest and provide insurance coverage. Councilman Miller seconded. 5 ayes, 0 noes.
The Town of Hume’s grant application for work in Cold Creek was turned down by SEMO, apparently because of an inadequate cost/benefit ratio. Supervisor Smith, with the help of Engineer Chris Ernst, is appealing the decision, and has contacted Assemblyman Burling and Congressman Kuhl’s offices for assistance.
Councilman Beil moved that the Supervisor be authorized to hire a consultant at a cost not to exceed $1000.00 to help the Town apply for a permit from the DEC to remove gravel from Cold Creek. Councilman Ricketts seconded. 5 ayes, 0 noes.
Councilman Ricketts audited the Town Supervisor and Town Clerk’s records in early February, and found the records to be in order.
The Town and County tax collection period is underway with about 65% of the moneys having been collected to date.
Governor Spitzer has proposed a consolidation of tax collection services and assessment services as part of a cost-cutting plan. The Town Clerk’s Association is opposing the change in current law.
David Pullen called attention to the encroaching river along State Route 19 near the Culbert residence. He stated that the risk to that main thoroughfare is significant and that immediate action is necessary to maintain the integrity of the road. The Board concurred.
He requested that the Town Board write to the DOT and legislators to urge prompt action.
Councilman Ricketts moved that the reports of the Supervisor and Town Clerk be approved as presented and that the bills be accepted for payment as presented. Councilman Miller seconded the motion. 5 ayes, 0 noes.
(General -- $14144.90; Highway -- $21589.87; Lighting -- $1220.20; Fire Protection -- $72950.00; Sewer -- $1744.61; Water -- $2782.63)
Councilman Ricketts moved that the meeting be adjourned, and Councilman Bower seconded. Meeting adjourned at 9:30 PM.
A workshop site visit to the Hume Church is slated for 11:00 AM on Tuesday, February 26, 2008.
The next regular meeting of the Hume Town Board will be March 12, 2008 at 7:00 PM at the Museum in Hume.
Respectfully submitted,
Sondra MacEwan,
Town Clerk