TOWN OF HUME
AUGUST 11, 2010
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 August 11, 2010. At 7:00 PM, Supervisor Dennis Ricketts called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Officials in attendance included: Supervisor Dennis Ricketts; Council members, Christopher Austin, Gregory McKurth, and Daniel Miller; Highway Superintendent Kevin Peet; Water & Sewer Superintendent Dana Potter; Historian Rondus Miller; Attorney David Pullen; and Clerk Sondra MacEwan.
Councilman Bryce Bower was absent.
Councilman McKurth moved that the minutes of the July 14, 2010 meeting of the Hume Town Board be accepted as presented, and Councilman Miller seconded the motion. 4 ayes, 0 noes.
Robert Ferris was present to ask that Board members meet with the Friends in Christ United Methodist Church representatives to discuss a property adjacent to the Town offices. The Board agreed to meet with the Church on September 9, 2010.
Ken Irwin was present to observe the proceedings.
Superintendent Peet reported to the Board that: (1) the paving on Weaver and Purdy roads has been completed, (2) the Allegany County bulldozer was used to work in Cold Creek, (3) the paperwork for CHIPS funding has been completed, and (4) driveway approaches have been finished along West Main Street where they were disturbed by the sidewalk construction.
Councilman Miller asked if vegetation could be planted on the banks of Cold Creek to stabilize the banks until funding for a more permanent solution is found. The application for funds to armor the banks remains delayed until the Hazard Mitigation Plan is enacted. No action taken.
Mr. Tomaszewski signed the agreement for gravel rights on Stone Spring Road.
Highway crew cleaned the drain near RGE of old wood and other debris.
The State Police aided Dog Control Officer Joan Wagner in capturing a dog reported as rabid. The dog, however, was only blind, disoriented, and exhausted. It was reunited with its owner.
A dog bit DCO Wagner while she was working for the Town of Caneadea. Shortcomings within the Workman’s Compensation Insurance system and the County Health Department became apparent when she was repeatedly turned down for medical care. Supervisor Ricketts pledged to write to State of New York legislators about the problems with State Workman’s Compensation laws.
A FYI postcard about local dog regulations will be mailed with the January 2011 property tax bills.
Josh Ballard installed a new “old” furnace grating in the floor; the furnace work, however, has not been completed.
Jim Mills was designated to mow the Museum lawn.
Deadline for the next edition of The Bee is August 16, 2010.
An MRB engineer visited Superintendent Potter to become familiar with the Town of Hume facilities and to prepare for a visit to the Board equipped with ideas for projects.
The old fencing and posts have been removed at the Park.
A transfer of water with the Caneadea system has been arranged for vacation periods.
Pavilion cleaning duties will be taken over by Water and Sewer personnel.
The Board discussed the transfer of responsibility for sidewalk construction from the Water & Sewer department to the Highway Department. Both departments will cooperate in projects.
No bids were received for the construction of a roof over the fuel tanks at the Highway sheds.
At 7:30 PM, Supervisor Ricketts opened the bids for the purchase and installation of overhead doors at the Highway sheds. 5 bids were received but with widely varied quotes. This led to a discussion of prevailing wage rates, and concern that some of the bids did not reflect those rates.
Councilman Austin moved that all bids be rejected, and that the project for Overhead Doors be bid again with a declaration included stating that prevailing wage rates must be met. Councilman Miller seconded. 4 ayes, 0 noes.
The budget process for the 2011 fiscal year has been started. Department heads have been asked to submit proposal forms.
Councilman McKurth moved that a Public Hearing be held on September 15, 2010, at 7:00 PM at the Park Pavilion to hear any comments on the proposed Comprehensive Plan for the Town of Hume. Councilman Miller seconded. 4 ayes, 0 noes.
A letter was received acknowledging the Town’s 100% valuation rate.
The Town of Barker asked the Board for a letter supporting Horizontal Shale Drilling in New York State. Councilman McKurth recounted his research into the topic, and posited that the DEC has insufficient regulatory ability at this time
Councilman Austin moved that the matter be tabled, and Councilman Miller seconded. 4 ayes, 0 noes.
On August 10, 2010, Clerk Sondra MacEwan and Deputy Clerk Susan Bodnar attended a training session for the new Internet Tax Collection program being instituted by the County.
The Records Room project is proceeding. A large batch of boxes and documents were moved from the second floor of the Museum to the cellar for processing.
Supervisor Ricketts moved that the Board enter Executive Session to discuss employee matters, and Councilman Austin seconded. 4 ayes, 0 noes. The Board entered Executive Session at 8:20 PM and returned to open meeting at 8:25 PM after a motion made by Supervisor Ricketts, seconded by Councilman McKurth.
Supervisor Ricketts moved that David Stenzel be compensated at the rate of $200.00 per week for the period of Dana Potter’s vacation absence. Councilman Austin seconded the motion. 4 ayes, 0 noes.
Councilman Miller moved that the reports of the Supervisor and Clerk be accepted as presented, and that the bills be authorized for payment. Councilman McKurth seconded. 4 ayes, 0 noes.
(General -- $8350.93; Highway -- $126475.57; Water -- $2018.25; Sewer -- $2405.00; Fire Protection -- $556.03; Lighting -- $1333.01; Planning -- $3510.00)
Supervisor Ricketts moved that the meeting be adjourned, and Councilman Austin seconded the motion. 4 ayes, 0 noes. Meeting adjourned at 8:26 PM
The next regular meeting of the Hume Town Board will be September 8, 2010 at 7:00 PM at the Museum in Hume.
Respectfully submitted,
Sondra MacEwan,
Town Clerk