TOWN OF HUME
NOVEMBER 12, 2008
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 November 12, 2008. Supervisor Craig E. Smith opened the meeting at 7:00 PM by leading the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Officials in attendance: Craig Smith, Supervisor: Council members Dennis Ricketts, Bryce Bower, Daniel Miller and Robert Beil; Historian Rondus Miller; Attorney David Pullen; Highway Superintendent Ron Paulsen; Water and Sewer Superintendent Dana Potter; Justice Fred Cwiklinski; Assessor Russell Heslin; and Clerk Sondra MacEwan.
Councilman Ricketts moved that the minutes of the October 28, 2008 meeting of the Hume Town Board be accepted as presented, and Councilman Bower seconded. 5 ayes, 0 noes.
Russell Heslin began his presentation by explaining the Aged Tax Exemption and the sliding scale of deductions to the Board. Allegany County has raised the income ceiling for this exemption to $19000.00. The Town must subsequently decide whether to adopt this raise. Any change would have to be done by local law.
Mr. Heslin then presented charts and comparisons of housing and land sales, noting the drop in the Town of Hume equalization rate to 96% in 2008 with an expected drop to 79% for 2009. He demonstrated how the sale price in relation to the assessed value affected the equalization rate.
Mr. Heslin stressed the need for a revaluation to raise the equalization rate back to the optimum 100%. Fiscal incentives to maintain a 100% equalization rate are in place: state aid, STAR reimbursements, shared services funding, and tax rates are all affected by the equalization rate.
The revaluation process would begin with data collection in 2009. This would include site visits, community briefing sessions, and re-computation of values using an established formula. The results would take effect with the 2010 tax rolls.
Mr. Heslin then answered questions from the Board and the public.
At 8:20 PM, Supervisor Smith opened the hearing concerning the application for a grant for the Community Development Plan. Grant writers Gary Rouleau and Thomas Lajewski from J. O’Connell & Associates were present, and Mr. Rouleau summarized the application process. The application is due by November 21, 2008.
There was a brief discussion on the benefits of developing a comprehensive plan for the Town.
Councilman Ricketts moved that the Public Hearing be closed; Councilman Miller seconded. 5 ayes, 0 noes. Hearing closed at 8:35 PM.
Attorney David Pullen presented a draft of Local Law #1 of 2008 that establishes the Town rules, policies and procedures for dog control.
Councilman Ricketts introduced a resolution for adoption of Local Law #1 of 2008 and the holding of a Public Hearing on said Local Law on December 12, 2008 at 7:30 PM. Councilman Miller seconded the motion. 5 ayes, 0 noes.
Historian Rondus Miller updated those present on the goals of Daniel Robertson’s Eagle Scout Candidacy project at the Museum. He is overseeing the installation of a flagpole and memorial site along with new sidewalks at the Museum.
She encouraged public use of the copied Northern Allegany Observer papers that have been an ongoing project at the Museum.
Several trophies were obtained from FCS and housed at the Museum, and plaques honoring Dee Victor Thomas were donated.
The Calendar Project of the county historical preservation group is slated for printing and an earlier than expected release date.
Western New York historians have begun formation of a new organization that will facilitate attendance, training, and sharing among local historians and historical groups.
Supervisor Smith stated that the new furnace for the Museum is expected to be installed and invoiced before the December meeting of the Board.
Superintendent Potter and Councilman Bower told the Board that the Fillmore Post Office was building an addition that would house a hydraulic lift mechanism. The engineer’s plan called for hooking into the Town sanitary sewer system.
Councilman Beil moved that the Town prohibit the connection to the Town of Hume Sanitary Sewer System by the Post Office for this construction project, and that the Contractor be sent written notice of the denial for connection. Councilman Ricketts seconded the motion. 5 ayes, 0 noes.
Superintendent Potter also reported that the connection to the Steve Tucker residence was completed, though with difficulty.
Militello Contractors have not contacted the Town about working on a sidewalk section on West Main Street. Because of the lateness of the season, that section will not be repaired until 2009.
Councilman Ricketts moved that the following list of transfers be authorized, and Councilman Miller seconded. 5 ayes, 0 noes.
FROM TO AMOUNT
A1990.4 A1110.4 $396.62
(Contingent) (Justice Contractual)
A1990.4 A1330.4 $74.99
(Contingent) (Tax Coll. Contractual)
A1990.4 A8540.4 $9500.00
(Contingent) (Drainage Contractual)
Councilman Miller moved that $1019.99 be transferred from A1990.4 (Contingent) to A1620.4 (Building Equipment [MRB/ Town-Library]). Councilman Bower seconded the motion. 4 ayes, 1 no with Councilman Beil being the dissenting voter.
Gary Rouleau told the Board that the permit application for work in Cold Creek had been submitted. Another “hitch” in the process came when DEC phoned E&M Engineers with another stipulation for the work.
Genesee Valley Estates, managers of the apartment buildings on Dugway Road, requested installation of a street light at or near the end of their driveway.
The Board decided to obtain a quote from RGE for the installation, and to further request from RGE a system-wide analysis of the lighting in Town districts.
MASONIC BUILDING
The Town Board toured the Masonic Building on Main Street after an offer from owner Howard Byer to sell or lease the premises to the Town.
Supervisor Smith polled the Board members on their reactions to the site as a possible Town Office Building. Members voiced divergent opinions.
After discussion, Councilman Bower moved that the Town not lease or purchase the Masonic Building. Councilman Miller seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote: Supervisor Smith aye
Councilman Bower aye
Councilman Beil nay
Councilman Ricketts nay
Councilman Miller aye
Motion carried.
Following further discussion, Councilman Ricketts moved that the Town not build new facilities or expend further funds to research the option of new construction at this time. Councilman Beil seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Supervisor Smith nay
Councilman Bower nay
Councilman Beil aye
Councilman Ricketts aye
Councilman Miller aye
Motion carried.
The Stardust has filed notice of their application to renew their liquor license.
A puppy picked up by the DCO was AWOL from the Granger kennel, but was eventually found and returned to its owner in the Town of Hume.
Councilman Ricketts moved that the reports of the Supervisor and Town Clerk be accepted as presented, and that the bills be approved for payment. Councilman Miller seconded. 5 ayes, 0 noes.
(General -- $20806.18; Highway -- $39440.00; Lighting -- $1247.94; Sewer -- $5535.69; Water -- $37272.67)
Councilman Ricketts moved that the meeting be adjourned. Councilman Miller seconded. 5 ayes, 0 noes. Meeting adjourned at 10:00 PM.
The regular December meeting of the Hume Town Board will be on December 10, 2008 at 7:00 PM at the Town Museum, Hume, New York.
Respectfully submitted,
Sondra MacEwan,
Town Clerk