TOWN OF HUME
JUNE 8, 2011
A
regular meeting of the Hume Town Board, Allegany County, New York was held at
the Town Park Pavilion, 17 Park Drive, Fillmore, New York on June 8, 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, Bryce Bower, and Gregory McKurth; Historian
Rondus Miller; Highway Superintendent Kevin Peet; Water & Sewer
Superintendent Dana Potter; Attorney David Pullen; Deputy Town Clerk Susan
Bodnar; and Clerk Sondra MacEwan.
Councilman Austin moved that the Minutes of the May 11, 2011 meeting of the Hume Town Board be accepted as presented. Councilman McKurth seconded the motion. 5 ayes, 0 noes.
Gerald McGlynn addressed the Board. He complimented the 2010 Water Quality Report, citing the 24 million gallons pumped as “outstanding”. This segued into his research into the Marcellus Shale hydro-fracking situation facing the State of New York. He asked the Board to consider adopting a moratorium on allowing natural gas production using this method like the moratoriums adopted in areas such as the Town of Wales. He also told the Board that FCS has a team presenting this topic at the State Fair, and that they might do their presentation for the Board’s edification.
Councilman McKurth stated that the NYS DEC is the only agency capable of regulating this hydro-fracking practice with any studied response. Supervisor Ricketts added that any local regulation would lack impact, and it was agreed that local communities only have leverage in the debate by the regulation of roads.
Supervisor Ricketts announced a June 24, 2011 conference about Natural Gas Drilling in the Marcellus Shale Region. The New York State Association of Towns sponsors the conference.
Louie White has begun scraping the siding on the Museum in preparation of repainting.
Councilman Miller moved adoption of the following Resolution (6-A-11), and Supervisor Ricketts seconded the motion for adoption.
WHEREAS, the fire escape at the Town of Hume Museum is in disrepair and unsafe, and
WHEREAS, Code Enforcement Official Clair Beeman, approved the removal of the fire escape with the provisions that the upper floor be used for storage only and no other occupancy be allowed including but not limited to meeting rooms and assembly space,
THEREFORE, be it resolved that the fire escape at the Town of Hume Museum will be removed, the second floor exit door be blocked, and the use of the second floor be restricted to storage only.
Vote: 5 ayes, 0 noes. Resolution adopted.
Councilman Bower requested that the Board readdress the use of the Museum’s second floor at a later time, with the idea that alterations can be made to fully develop all areas for public use.
The basketball hoops behind the Museum were discussed. Concerns involved location, removal or updating, extension of parking, and unauthorized use. According to a letter from the Town’s insurance company, the area needs to meet some strict standards. The Building and Grounds committee will meet to review the site and develop recommendations.
Councilman Austin asked the Town to review their obligations regarding the old tennis courts adjacent to the Little League field.
Historian Rondus Miller reported that 4th-graders from around the county would meet at Fillmore Central School on June 20, 2011 to study area history.
She also reported that the History Club plans to present a plaque honoring Andrew Haynes to Fillmore Central School. Research for their presentation was done at the Museum.
The Towns of Hume and Caneadea held a joint Free Rabies Clinic on May 21, 2011. 39 cats, 63 dogs, and 1 ferret were vaccinated.
Councilman Miller moved that the DCO be authorized to conduct a Dog Enumeration, payment to be $1.00 for each dog identified as unlicensed during the enumeration and mileage costs. Supervisor Ricketts seconded the motion. 5 ayes, 0 noes.
The trailer for the skid-steer has arrived.
The current agreement with Tom Tomaszewski for gravel from Stone Spring Road will expire soon. Councilman Austin moved that the agreement be renewed at $15.00 per load with a term to run concurrent with the DEC mining permit dates. Councilman Bower seconded. 5 ayes, 0 noes.
Superintendent Peet hopes to have sidewalk maintenance and repairs scheduled this month.
The Board gave Superintendent Peet the authority to dispose of the old voting machines at his discretion.
Michael Pettit, an Engineer from Letchworth State Park, met with Town representatives to discuss the old canal ditch running behind Minard Street. The meeting was inconclusive. Superintendent Peet will remain in touch with the Parks and Recreation Department, which now oversees the old canal.
Repairs on the Caterpillar excavator ran over the estimates. Councilman Bower moved that the overrun of $2373.98 not be paid, and Councilman Austin seconded. 5 ayes 0 noes.
Ruth Reda submitted a Public Relations Concern report to the Town about the flooding of her property during heavy rains. Superintendent Peet will meet with her.
David Pullen suggested that the Town write to State representatives about the condition of State Route 19.
Councilman Austin moved that the Town of Hume adopt Resolution (6-B-11), and Councilman Bower seconded the motion.
RESOLUTION 6-B-11
WHEREAS, State Route 19 is a major thoroughfare within the Town of Hume, and
WHEREAS, the poor conditions of State Route 19 and the lack of maintenance to State Route 19 have a negative impact on the economy, commerce and general travel and safety in the Town of Hume,
THEREFORE, be it resolved that the Town of Hume urgently requests its State representatives to push for funding for the upkeep of State Route 19, and to seek an accelerated schedule of repairs to State Route 19.
Vote: 5 ayes, 0 noes. Resolution adopted.
There was lightening damage to the WWTP in May, and an estimate for repairs was turned in to the insurance company.
Superintendent Potter also reported that flow testing will resume shortly, the scheduled pumping of septic tanks has begun, and the service line to St. Patrick’s Cemetery has been replaced.
The Board approved the appointments of Nick Stenzel and Lucas Jackling as part-time summer laborers.
Superintendent Potter requested Board input concerning financing for repair to the driveway at the Water/Sewer Garage. Superintendents Potter and Peet discussed brine application for the sewer plant driveway.
Attorney David Pullen will research the right-of-way to the Sewer Plant.
Councilman Miller moved that the Supervisor be authorized to apply for a Highway Work Permit in order to do work on sidewalks along State Route 19. Councilman McKurth seconded the motion. 5 ayes, 0 noes.
Supervisor Ricketts informed the Board that in order to insure the Summer Recreation Program, background checks must be performed on all employees involved directly with the children. “Hold Harmless” agreements must also be signed for all participants.
Councilman Austin moved that the Town purchase Accident Insurance for the Summer Recreation Program with a cost not to exceed $2.75 per person. Councilman McKurth seconded. 5 ayes, 0 noes.
Councilman Austin moved that a dehumidifier be purchased for use in the Park Pavilion. Councilman Bower seconded. 5 ayes, 0 noes.
Councilman Austin moved that the following transfers be authorized; Councilman Miller seconded. 5 ayes, 0 noes.
From To Amount
SS1990.400 SS1990.400 306.40
Contingent Engineer
From To Amount
Fund Balance GIS Grant A1441.4 4739.30
Fund Balance Bookkeeper A1315.1 4000.00
Contingent A1990.4 Buildings A1620.14 1500.00
SIDEWALKS
From To Amount
Snow Removal Eq. Snow Removal Contingent 63.99
SM5142.2 SM5142.4
Alger Cemetery sent a letter to the Town requesting financial help.
Supervisor Ricketts moved that Alger Cemetery Association be allowed to purchase fuel from the Town pumps at the Town rate. Councilman McKurth seconded. 5 ayes, 0 noes.
At 9:20 PM, Supervisor Ricketts requested that the Board enter Executive Session to discuss pending negotiations. The Board returned to Open Meeting at 9:34 PM.
Councilman McKurth moved that the reports of the Supervisor and Town Clerk be accepted as presented, and that the bills as audited be accepted for payment. Councilman Miller seconded. 5 ayes, 0 noes.
(General -- $16512.22; Highway -- $58755.88; Fire Protection -- $620.54; Lighting; $1270.35; Sidewalks -- $1174.00; Sewer -- $8024.18; Water -- $3504.91)
Councilman Austin moved that the meeting be adjourned, and Councilman Miller seconded. 5 ayes, 0 noes.
Meeting adjourned at 9:38 PM.
The next regular meeting of the Hume Town Board will be Wednesday, June 22, 2011 at 7:00 PM, at the Town Park.
Respectfully
submitted,
Sondra
MacEwan,
Town
Clerk