TOWN OF HUME
JULY 11, 2007
A regular meeting of the Hume Town Board, Allegany County, New York was held on
July 11, 2007 at the Town Museum, 10842 Claybed Road, hamlet of Hume. Supervisor Craig Smith called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM, and he led the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Officials in attendance were: Supervisor Craig Smith; Council members Robert Beil, Bryce Bower and Dennis Ricketts; Attorney David Pullen; and Clerk Sondra MacEwan.
Councilman Ricketts moved that the minutes of the June 13, 2007 meeting of the Board be accepted as presented, and Councilman Beil seconded the motion. 4 ayes, 0 noes.
Seven residents of Dugway Road addressed the Board about problems involving livestock. Nancy Tucker, Bruce Tucker, Joan Bailey, Audrey Zilker, Tim Nichols, Olga Nichols and Betty Fegley identified two main problems: (1) poultry that roamed freely from the owner’s property onto the properties of neighbors causing mess and damage, and (2) a cattle raising operation that was called unsightly, odiferous, and a breeding area for flies that infested the neighborhood. The residents asked the Board to develop regulations to control livestock rearing in residential areas.
Supervisor Smith asked Attorney David Pullen what options were available to the Town. As possible solutions, Mr. Pullen cited (1) a local ordinance such as adopted by the Town of Amity, (2) investigation of agricultural district boundaries, and (3) adoption of zoning regulations. He stressed that enforcement of local ordinances was often difficult, and zoning implementation was difficult and time consuming. Although farming is historically a protected occupation, environmental, health, and safety issues could also be investigated.
Supervisor Smith directed Attorney Pullen to send a copy of the Amity Ordinance to the Town for consideration, and to look into Agricultural District and Caflo regulations that might apply to the Dugway Road situations.
At 7:35 PM, Supervisor Smith opened the public hearing to hear any comments on proposed Local Law No. 1 of 2007 entitled “A Local Law Establishing Policies Temporarily Limiting the Use of Certain Roads in the Town of Hume By Vehicles in Excess of Eight (8) Tons Total Weight.”
When no one was present to respond to the Supervisor’s request for comments, Councilman Beil moved that the hearing be closed, and Councilman Ricketts seconded. 4 ayes, 0 noes. Hearing closed at 7:40 PM.
Councilman Robert Beil formally introduced Local Law No. 1 of 2007 (Res. 7-A-07) and moved that the Town of Hume adopt said law. Councilman Ricketts seconded the motion.
Roll call vote tallied:
Dennis Ricketts Yes
Robert Beil Yes
Bryce Bower Yes
Craig Smith Yes
The Supervisor declared the law legally adopted, and ordered the Clerk and Attorney to file the law with the State of New York.
Superintendent Paulsen submitted the CHIPS report to the State.
The NYS Department of Labor inspected the Highway Department and Water/Sewer Department, and listed infractions to be remedied.
The Board edited the language of a Legal Notice drafted by Bond Counsel, and discussed the draft resolution submitted.
Councilman Bower moved that the Town adopt a resolution (7-B-07) stating that the Town, after due deliberation, found that the Extension and Consolidation of the Water District has no significant impact on the environment. Councilman Ricketts seconded. 4 ayes, 0 noes.
A resolution (7-C-07) was offered by Bryce Bower, and seconded by Dennis Ricketts, creating Extension No. 3 of the Town of Hume Water District and the Consolidation of Water District No. 1A with Extensions 1B and 2 and proposed Extension No. 3, in the Town of Hume, subject to permissive referendum.
Roll call vote tallied:
Dennis Ricketts Yes
Robert Beil Yes
Bryce Bower Yes
Craig Smith Yes.
The resolution was adopted, and is to be posted and published according to New York State statute for Permissive Referendums.
Supervisor Smith and Councilman Bower attended a meeting of the Allegany County Public Works Committee to urge a change in the Snow and Ice Contract that would turn the plowing of County Road 3 within Hume’s boundaries over to the Town of Hume. The request, although favorably considered, was tabled until the Town of Centerville could comment.
Henry Oldenburg contacted all the Board members, E&M Engineering, and the NYS DEC about his fears for property along Cold Creek. The DEC has indicated that a site meeting will be arranged for all concerned parties in the near future to look at the creek, it’s eroding banks, and possibly it’s confluence with the Genesee River.
Councilman Beil moved that Russell Heslin be reappointed Assessor for the Town of Hume for a term to commence October 1, 2007 and ending September 30, 2013. Councilman Ricketts seconded. 4 ayes, 0 noes.
Councilman Dennis moved that a transfer of $1887.27 from the Contingency Account to A8540.4 (drainage) be approved. Councilman Beil seconded. 4 ayes, 0 noes.
Councilman Beil moved that $5056.61 be transferred from DA5110.4 to DA5112.2. Councilman Ricketts seconded. 4 ayes, 0 noes.
The Hume Town Board and Town employees have been invited to the Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Christopher Rees on Thursday, July 19, 2007 at 7:00 PM at the Park.
Clerk Sondra MacEwan asked that a board member inspect Buck Steadman’s Junk Auto Business for compliance to local regulations in preparation for his annual permit application.
Clerk MacEwan told the Board that an electrical storm during the night of July 5, 2007 damaged phone lines and computers at the Town Offices. All equipment was back in working order by July 9th.
Attorney David Pullen informed the Board that in the Towns of Hume and Caneadea, as well as the Town and Village of Angelica, situations involving subdivisions not located on public roads are becoming a building inspection/code enforcement concern.
Mr. Pullen announced the availability of tickets to the Legislators’ Clambake and the Allegany County Senior Foundations’ dinner and concert on July 25, 2007.
Councilman Ricketts moved that the reports of the Supervisor and Town Clerk be accepted as presented, and that the bills be accepted for payment. Councilman Beil seconded. 4 ayes, 0 noes.
(General - $20444.25; Highway - $48400.61; Water Project - $696.00; Lighting - $1204.95; Fire Protection - $2502.93; Sewer - $1505.88; Water - $4385.60.)
Councilman Ricketts asked about the recognition plaque for community projects. It has been ordered, but not delivered. He also asked about the daily schedule for James Mills. The Water/Sewer Department will be contacted.
David Pullen retains his aspiration of building new law offices in conjunction with another community business or service at a location near the center of Fillmore. He inquired about the Town’s buildings at 13 N. Genesee Street, asking if they were presently used. The Board replied that the Water and Sewer Department uses those buildings at this time.
Preliminary approval has been given by the Fire Department for use of their facility for Town Justice Court.
Councilman Beil moved that the meeting be adjourned, and Councilman Ricketts seconded. 4 ayes, 0 noes. Meeting adjourned at 9:15 PM.
The next regular meeting of the Hume Town Board will be on August 8, 2007 at 7:00 PM at the Museum in Hume.
Respectfully submitted,
Sondra MacEwan,
Town Clerk