TOWN OF HUME
APRIL 13, 2011
A regular meeting of the Hume Town Board, Allegany County, New York was held at the William P. Brooks Fire Hall, 24 S.Genesee St., Fillmore, New York on April 13, 2011. Supervisor Dennis Ricketts called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Town officials attending: Supervisor Dennis Ricketts; Councilmen Christopher Austin, Bryce Bower, Gregory McKurth, and Daniel Miller; Highway Superintendent Kevin Peet; Water/Sewer Superintendent Dana Potter; Attorney David Pullen; Historian Rondus Miller; and Clerk Sondra MacEwan.
Councilman Austin moved that the minutes of the March 9, 2011 meeting of the Board be accepted as presented, and Councilman Miller seconded. 5 ayes, 0 noes.
The Hume-Sanford Springs water system was a complex topic of discussion among the nearly 30 residents present to meet with local and state officials. The system is in violation of State health requirements and must come into compliance.
Supervisor Ricketts introduced the panel assembled: Thomas Hull, Deputy Director of the Allegany County Health Department; Scott DeHollander, Engineer from MRB Group; Mark Hodnett, operator of the Hume Sanford Water System; Town Attorney David Pullen; and David Rowley, New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Water Supply Protection.
Attorney David Pullen was the first to speak. He explained that his research led him to conclude that the Hume-Sanford Springs is a Public Water System under State of New York laws. As such, it must meet prescribed standards.
Thomas Hull, Deputy Director of the Allegany County Health Department, described the areas where the Hume-Sanford system fails to comply with State regulations. This includes a spring subject to possible contamination, low water pressure that increases the chance of a health risk, and no licensed operator.
Mr. Hull concluded that the present users of the system have options to come into compliance. They can appoint an Administrative Board to direct operations, hire a licensed operator, and install a disinfection system. They can dig wells where lot size permits. They can connect to a water system that is in compliance with regulations.
Mark Hodnett, present operator of the Hume-Sanford system, spoke to the assemblage. He remarked on the information meetings held prior to this Town meeting, and underscored that the regulations being cited were in place by the State to protect the public.
He stated that it is “not logical” to repair or upgrade the present system when the Town of Hume already has a system in place and adjacent to the affected spring users.
Mr. Hull laid out these dates: System must install a chlorinated disinfection system by September 30, 2011, and be in total compliance by August 8, 2012. A letter detailing the remedial action required was mailed to users and was also available at the meeting.
Representing the New York State Department of Health, David Rowley of the Bureau of Water Supply Protection said that whatever the Hume-Sanford Springs’ community chooses to do, all state regulations must be met. The group needs to commit to a plan of action that aims them toward compliance. Failure to comply can result in fines to each individual using the Sanford Springs.
Scott DeHollander, MRB engineer, addressed the meeting. He explained that the September deadline for compliance could be met by connecting to the Town of Hume Water System. A temporary connection could be installed, and then a sequential implementation of domestic service and fire protection could start when funding was obtained. If grant funds became available, the permanent construction could commence to meet the 2012 deadline.
The floor was opened for questions and comments, and disparate opinions were voiced. Joyclyn Frost gave some background history on the Springs. Joel Stroud strongly urged the group to pull together to keep the present system. Others supported an interim connection to the Town of Hume. Costs were a major topic of concern. A meeting of the Hume-Sanford Springs users will be set.
The Hume-Sanford Springs discussion was closed at 8:40 PM, and attendees were asked to sign a sheet declaring their position.
At 7:15 PM, Supervisor Ricketts interrupted the Hume-Sanford discussion to review the Asphalt and Construction Materials tally of bids. The bids had been opened and tallied on April 11, 2011 at 9:00 AM.
Councilman Miller moved that the following commodities/services be accepted: Paving: Midland; Chip Sealing – Suit Kote and Midland. Councilman Bower seconded the motion. 5 ayes, 0 noes.
At 7:30 PM, Supervisor Ricketts again inserted a scheduled bid opening into the proceedings. Only one bid was received for the Track Loader: BobCat of Buffalo bid $36325.37.
Councilman Bower moved that the bid of BobCat of Buffalo be accepted, and Councilman Austin seconded the motion. 5 ayes, 0 noes.
The newest publication of The Bee is available at various locations around the Town. It can also be viewed or printed from the Town website.
Scott DeHollander reported that the inflow at the Sewer Plant has been monitored during both dry and wet conditions. Superintendent Dana Potter is taking some corrective action based on the analysis of the inflow. The system looks good for potential growth.
House Inspection notices have been mailed to all water system customers. This is in conjunction with the Cross Connection Control Law.
Urging the Town to take a proactive stance on this Law, Councilman Austin moved that each home, dwelling and business within the Town of Hume Water System be required to have a check valve/backflow prevention devise installed. Councilman Miller seconded the motion.
Councilman Austin further moved that the Water Superintendent be authorized to advertise for bids for the installation of the required devise. Councilman Miller seconded.
No vote taken. Further investigation and study is to be conducted.
Superintendent Peet needs further information on costs before determining the 2011 schedule for sidewalk repair or replacement.
Superintendent Peet submitted 3 quotes for the purchase of a trailer.
East Side Rentals $4696.00
LC Whitford $5900.00
Davis Trailer World $5186.00
Councilman McKurth moved to accept the proposal from East Side Rentals, and Councilman Austin seconded. 5 ayes, 0 noes.
White Goods Clean Up Day was set for May 7, 2011 from 8 AM until Noon at the Town Sheds.
Superintendent Peet told the Board that the Cold Creek permit has been renewed, but that strict regulations apply to the work that can be done. He will also check further into obtaining a permit to work in the Genesee River Relief Channel.
Riprap has been laid in the Genesee River along Route 19 by NYS in an effort to relieve the erosion problem.
The Univera Health Insurance should be in place by April 1, 2011.
The 2011 Town and County Taxes were settled with Allegany County on April 4, 2011. There was an 88% collection rate.
Registrations for the STW Government Conference should be turned in as soon as possible.
Councilman Austin moved that the reports of the Supervisor and Town Clerk be accepted as presented, and that the bills be accepted for payment. Second by Supervisor Ricketts.
5 ayes, 0 noes.
(General - $13562.71; Highway -- $19355.13; Parks -- $5116.84; Lighting -- $1267.30; Fire Protection -- $806.74; Sidewalks -- $3.98; Sewer -- $21140.71; Water -- $2687.09)
Councilman Austin moved that the meeting be adjourned, and Councilman Bower seconded. 5 ayes, 0 noes. Meeting adjourned at 9:50 PM.
The next regular meeting of the Hume Town Board will be May 11, 2011 at 7:00 PM at the Town Museum.
Respectfully submitted,
Sondra MacEwan,
Town Clerk