TOWN OF HUME

DECEMBER 12, 2001

A regular meeting of the Hume Town Board, Allegany County, New York was convened on December 12, 2001, at 7:00 PM at the Town Office building in Fillmore, New York.

Town officials in attendance: Theodore Hopkins, Supervisor; Council members Mable Howden, Craig Smith, Bryce Bower, and Carlton MacEwan; Paul Miller, Highway Superintendent; Rondus Miller, Historian; Dana Potter, Superintendent of Water and Sewer; David Pullen, Town Attorney; and Clerk Sondra MacEwan. Also present: David Rowley, Project Engineer; Councilman Elect Robert Beil; Bill Heaney; Ron Paulsen; and Thomas Bower.

Councilman Howden moved that the minutes of the November 14, 2001 meeting of the Board be accepted as presented, and Councilman MacEwan seconded. 5 ayes, 0 noes.

REGIONAL AFFAIRS

Bill Heaney, the Regional Affairs representative of Governor Pataki's administration for Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Allegany and Steuben counties, was present to address the Board. He explained his directive to be the "eyes and ears of the Governor" in this region of New York State. In discussion, the Board asked him questions about the State budget, the bidding process proscribed by New York State for municipalities, the CHIPS program and grant funding for the local river project. Mr. Heaney has offices in the Olean City Building.

PUBLIC HEARING

At 7:50 p.m., Supervisor Hopkins opened the Public Hearing to hear any comments on the proposed contracts for fire and ambulance services. One person was present to address the issues.

The proposed contracts are: (a) William P. Brooks Hose Company - $25600; (b) Brooks Hose Rescue Squad - $8500; and (c) Wiscoy-Rossburg Fire Company - $13700.

Tom Bower asked about the Board's role in overseeing the membership and operations budget of the fire companies. According to Board knowledge, such issues are the venue of the fire companies, although, to obtain an increase in funds from the Town, the respective companies would be asked for an overview of their budgets.

Councilman MacEwan moved that the hearing be closed, and Councilman Howden seconded. 5 ayes, 0 noes. Hearing declared closed at 8:20 PM.

Councilman Smith moved that the Supervisor be authorized to sign the contracts with Brooks Hose Company, Brooks Rescue Squad, and Wiscoy-Rossburg Fire Company. Second made by Councilman Howden. 5 ayes, 0 noes.

WATER IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

Supervisor Hopkins told the Board that a meeting with the attorney representing Gordnier Contracting was held in mid-November at David Pullen's office. Compromise solutions for Gordnier's compensation claims were formulated. Issues involved the cost of copper tubing, "delay of project" claims, unit pricing, assembled hydrants, sidewalk restoration quantities, and unmapped utilities requisitions.

After review of the individual items, Councilman MacEwan moved that a change order for $23,349.56 be approved for Gordnier Contracting to cover the unmapped technical issues, purchase of the hydrant tees and for unexpected excavation costs. Councilman Smith seconded. 5 ayes, 0 noes.

David Rowley reviewed an updated project budget with the Board.

Councilman Smith moved that the Supervisor be authorized to sign the Phase II intermunicipal agreement with the Town of Caneadea with the EFC suggested 30 year clauses. Councilman Bower seconded. 5 ayes, 0 noes.

HISTORIAN TOPICS

Rondus Miller, Historian, told the Board that she'd requested an evaluation of the insulation and furnace in the Museum. The roof, foundation, and flag pole also need attention.

She also told the Board that Nancy Gillette is publishing a book about W.W.II in northern Allegany County, and the proceeds from the sale will be used to place a flag/memorial on the knoll across from the Fillmore Hotel.

HIGHWAY TOPICS

Councilman Bower moved that the Highway Superintendent be authorized to advertise for bids for fuels for 2002, and Councilman MacEwan seconded. 5 ayes, 0 noes.

An offer of $150.00 was received from Lanny Clark for the purchase of the 1991 Chevy pickup. Councilman Bower moved that the offer be accepted; Councilman Smith seconded. 5 ayes, 0 noes.

Attorney David Pullen will research the creation of a new highway administration position, and the legalities of pay rates and schedules.

Superintendent Miller explained that a new Drug and Alcohol Policy Administrator will need to be appointed after the first of the year.

On behalf of the Board and the constituents of Hume, Supervisor Hopkins thanked Paul Miller for his years of service to the Town of Hume as Highway Superintendent. Board members extended their best wishes for his new career.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

At 9:30 PM, Councilman Howden moved that the Board enter Executive Session to review pending legal issues with legal counsel. Second made by Councilman Bower. 5 ayes, 0 noes. The Board returned to open meeting at 9:45 PM.

WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT

Superintendent Potter reported that Eastern Summit has begun the well house improvements. The Layne Christensen Company will raise the pump and check the bearings during these improvements.

System winterization procedures have begun.

ASSESSMENT REVIEW BOARD

Councilman Bower moved that Ronald Wilson be reappointed to the Board of Assessment Review for a term to run from October 1, 2001 to September 30, 2006. Councilman MacEwan made the second. 5 ayes, 0 noes.

The Board will examine the number of positions appointed to the Board of Assessment Review at a later date.

SUPERVISOR'S AGENDA

The Board agreed to table the matter of a temporary trailer hookup to the water and sewer system until January, 2002.

Councilman Howden moved that transfers to accounts from unappropriated funds be authorized; Councilman Smith seconded.

The Board approved a commendation to be issued on the retirement of Keith Barber, former Town of Hume official and Allegany Fire Coordinator.

Councilman MacEwan moved that the Supervisor be authorized to sign a lease for dog shelter premises, and Councilman Howden seconded. 5 ayes, 0 noes.

Supervisor Hopkins thanked Mable Howden for her 20 years of service on the Hume Town Board, and the Board members added their appreciation and best wishes.

BILLS AND REPORTS

Councilman Howden moved that the reports of the Supervisor and Town Clerk be accepted as presented, and that the bills be accepted for payment as presented. ( Highway - $134900.99; General - $17277.09; Sewer - $7046.26; Water - $14935.03; Special Districts - $1431.15; and Water Project - $88271.41). Councilman Bower seconded. 5 ayes, 0 noes.

Councilman Howden moved that the meeting be adjourned, and Councilman MacEwan made the second. 5 ayes, 0 noes. Meeting adjourned at 10:35 PM.

The next regular meeting of the Hume Town Board will be January 9, 2002, at 7:00 PM at the Town Offices.

Respectfully submitted,

Sondra MacEwan,

Town Clerk