TOWN OF HUME

February 15, 2012

 

 

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 15, 2012.  Supervisor Dennis Ricketts called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM, and he led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

 

Town officials in attendance included: Supervisor Dennis Ricketts; Council members Christopher Austin, Bruce Hinz, Gregory McKurth and Daniel Miller; Highway Superintendent Kevin Peet; Water & Sewer Superintendent Dana Potter; Deputy Clerk Joanne Cockle; and Clerk Sondra MacEwan.

 

MINUTES

 

Councilman Austin moved that the minutes of the January 11, 2012 and the February 1, 2012 meeting of the Town Board be accepted with the following amendments to the January 11th minutes: Insert the time Highway Superintendent Peet left the meeting, and include the designated names in the resolution for signing checks. Councilman Hinz seconded the motion. 5 ayes, 0 noes.

 

COMMUNITY FORUM

 

Christopher Ernst of E&M Engineers was introduced to the Board and to Mike Fish who had questions and concerns about the Genesee River Channel. E & M Engineers did the engineering for the riprap in the River. An on-site meeting will be held at the River with Mr. Ernst, Mr. Fish, and Supervisor Ricketts.

 

Robert Walker of Walker & Marshall Insurance Company presented his firm’s proposal for renewal of the Town’s insurance coverage. The major change in the policy is a New York State requirement to put “Official” license plates on all vehicles and to insure them at the rate of a motor vehicle with “auto” liability coverage instead of under the general insurance.

 

COLD CREEK

 

Engineer Christopher Ernst updated the Board on the engineering studies ongoing at Cold Creek. He projected that the 2007 cost for the project of $250,000 would rise if the entire scope of the project (both above and below the RT 19 bridge) remained in the scope of the project. He also stressed the time frame for completing the study. Questions were raised by the Board during discussion; these included scope of project, access to the creek work areas, permits from DEC and Army Corp of Engineers, and in-kind contributions from the Town.

 

HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT

 

Councilman McKurth moved to approve the Mutual Aid Agreement between the Municipalities of Allegany County. Councilman Austin seconded the motion. 5 ayes, 0 noes.

 

During a discussion of the CHIPS funding for this year, Superintendent Peet listed his plans to gravel Flanagan road.

 

Superintendent Peet asked the Board to consider purchasing asphalt and construction materials for 2012 through the County Bid. The Board approved with cautions to uphold fair bidding practices.

 

FEMA has paid just over $8000.00 to the Town of Hume for damage from storms in April 2011.

 

Councilman Miller moved that the Highway Superintendent be authorized to advertise for sealed bids for 765 feet of sidewalk work. Councilman McKurth seconded. 5 ayes, 0 noes. Bids will be opened at 7:30 PM on March 14, 2012.

 

Discussion was held about the areas mowed by the Town and time and employee hours were estimated. Talks will continue.

 

DOG CONTROL OFFICER

 

Councilman Austin moved that the position of Dog Control Officer be posted and advertised as open, and that applications for the position be taken through March 13, 2012. Councilman McKurth seconded. 5 ayes, 0 noes.

 

MUSEUM

 

Deadline for the next issue of The Bee is March 15, 2012.

 

WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT

 

Eva Kosaski on Liberty Street in the hamlet of Hume has applied for connection to the Town Water System. She contacted Supervisor Ricketts about a payment plan to cover the $1000.00 tap fee. Later in the meeting it was agreed that no multi-payment plan be offered for the connection fee.

 

SUPERVISOR’S AGENDA

 

Darel Bower requested an application for summer employment for his son. No decision to hire summer help has been made.

 

Councilman Miller will contact J. O’Connell & Associates about preparing the Request for Proposals for an engineer to oversee the Park Renovation grant project.

TOWN CLERK’S TOPICS

 

Councilman McKurth audited the 2011 records of the Town Justice Court and reported all in order.

 

Councilman Miller audited the 2011 records of the Town Supervisor and Town Clerk and reported all in order.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

Supervisor Ricketts moved that the Board enter Executive Session to discuss ongoing negotiations. Councilman Austin seconded. 5 ayes, 0 noes. Executive Session began at 8:35 PM, and the Board returned to Open Meeting at 9:55 PM.

 

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

Councilman Miller moved that the Rural Water Association be asked to study the costs of operating the Hume Water System. Councilman Hinz seconded. 5 ayes/0 noes.

 

Councilman Miller will speak to Fillmore Central School about the Town ball field and the use of the field by Houghton College. He will also discuss the use of lime or paint for marking the field.

 

BILLS AND REPORTS

 

Councilman Austin moved to accept and pay the proposal of Walker & Marshall Insurance for 2012, and Supervisor Ricketts seconded the motion. 5 ayes, 0 noes.

 

Councilman Miller moved to accept the reports of the Supervisor and Town Clerk and to accept the bills for payment. Second by Councilman Hinz. 5 ayes, 0 noes.

 

(General $14447.88 #39-75; Highway $29176.28 #22-46; Fire $82287.06 #2-7; Lighting $1590.81 #2; Sewer $6675.86 #13-31; Water $4067.56 #22-46)

 

Councilman McKurth moved to adjourn the meeting; Councilman Austin seconded. 5 ayes, 0 noes. Meeting adjourned at 10:05 PM.

 

The next regular meeting of the Hume Town Board will be March 14, 2012 at 7:00 PM at the Museum.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Sondra MacEwan,

Town Clerk