APRIL 10, 2007

Regular meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Chester was held April 10, 2007 at 7:30 pm in the Town of Chester Municipal Center, Chestertown, NY.

Roll Call: Frederick Monroe, Edna Wells and Karen DuRose. Mark Schachner - attorney for the Town. Absent Mike Packer and Frank Shaw.

Sand bids - one bid was received. Gilma Enterprises, Box 363, Chestertown, NY. Bid was for $1.40 per yard for bank run sand and to be screened at the Gilma Pit, Rt.8, Chestertown by the Town of Chester with the town’s own equipment.

RESOLUTION #39: ACCEPT BID FROM GILMA ENTERPRISES FOR BANK RUN SAND.

Introduced by Mrs.Wells, 2nd by Mrs.DuRose to accept the bid for bank-run sand from Gilma Enterprises, Inc. Box 363, Chestertown, NY.

Bid price of $1.40 per cubic yard for bank run sand, screened at the Gilma Pit on Route 8, Chestertown, by the Town of Chester with the Town’s equipment. AYE 3 NO 0

RESOLUTION #40: APPROVE MINUTES OF TOWN BOARD MEETING.

Introduced by Mrs.DuRose, 2nd by Mrs.Wells to approve the minutes of the March 13, 2007 meeting. AYE 3 NO 0

Privilege of the Floor:

Mindy Conway - request to start an Enrichment Program to expand Dynamite Hill, to include two playground sections for ages 2 to 5 year olds and 5 to 12 year olds, and also build a fitness trail. Funding provide by fund raisers, grants, and request donations from business owners. Town Board was in favor of the concept. Supervisor Monroe stated that a Capital Reserve fund could be started. Occupancy tax money may also be able to be used. Tabled to next meeting. Discussion on places that a playground could be located - Dynamite Hill or beyond the parking lot (south side) of town municipal center.

Barb Repp - inquired as to the completion of the decorative streetlights in Pottersville. Should be sometime this spring.

Also inquired as to the County paving schedule for the Olmstedville Road. Supervisor Monroe will check to see if it is on their schedule.

Welcome signs are in need of repainting. Supervisor Monroe will check with Mr.Jones.

Nicole Howe - stated that the playground in Pottersville still has the sand with prickers in it. Wood chips or rubber pieces can be placed down. Supervisor Monroe will speak to John West to obtain quotes.

Mrs.Howe request that Youth Center be included on the sign at Dynamite and also felt that a light needs to be at the bottom of the road going to Dynamite. Jason will check to see what repairs are needed on the light.

Old Business:

Tedeschi septic variance application resolved. Hearing not required.

It was determined, by the zoning office, after the March town board meeting, that a variance was not required and it was in compliance.

Status of Alder Brook Rd bridge replacement - Supervisor Monroe reported that they have had a meeting with Dave Wicks, Warren County Water and Soil Conservation and the engineer Jim Hutchins. A design has been approved. A bid package is being prepared.

In regards to the three year round residences passed the bridge, consideration is being given to build a very expensive temporary bridge, provide temporary lodging for the families (motel for a few days) and construct a foot path, so that the people can have access to their homes.

2007 Milfoil Program for Loon Lake – The Town received a $10,000 grant from the State (2 to 1 match – three year program). All sites have been mapped with GPS.

RESOLUTION #41: AUTHORIZE CONTRACT FOR 2007 WITH STEVE LAMERE FOR LOON LAKE MILFOIL REMOVAL.

Introduced by Mrs.Wells, 2nd by Mrs.DuRose authorizing contract for the continuing of the Loon Lake Milfoil removal for 2007 with Steve LaMere. AYE 3 NO 0

Schroon Lake Management Plan, milfoil program and lake levels above and below dam – Discussion on milfoil project. Grant is for $22,000 and again it is 2 to 1 match. 26 sites have been located in Schroon Lake. A bid process does not have to be done, because it is for professional services. Supervisor Monroe has suggested that consideration be given to doing a bid for the Schroon Lake project for 2008. Schroon Lake Association has already contracted with Steve LaMere for the Lake Management plan.

RESOLUTION #42: APPROVE TO HAVE STEVE LAMERE DO THE SCHROON LAKE MILFOIL PROGRAM FOR 2007 AND REQUEST THAT FOR 2008 A BID PROCESS BE DONE.

Introduced by Mrs.Wells, 2nd by Mrs.DuRose approve Steve LaMere for the 2007 Schroon Lake Milfoil removal program and for the 2008 program request that a bid process be done. AYE 3 NO 0

In regards to the Schroon Lake Management plan, Supervisor Monroe reported that the first estimate was $14,000. Dave Wicks offered to do the watershed assessment, at no cost to the three towns. This will then reduce the cost to about $10,800. Town of Chester’s share will be approximately $400 per year.

RESOLUTION #43: SUPPORT THE SCHROON LAKE MANAGEMENT PLAN AND APPROVE TOWN OF CHESTER’S PORTION FOR THE COST.

Introduced by Mrs.DuRose, 2nd by Mrs.Wells to support the Schroon Lake Management Plan and approve the Town of Chester’s portion for the cost. Approximately $400 per year. AYE 3 NO 0

Supervisor Monroe will check to see if a target level can be established that will work for both above and below the dam.

Nicole Howe’s pay rate - Mrs.Howe submitted a time sheet, which listed the number of hours for the various projects that she has been involved from March 16 to April 6. Tabled.

Pottersville Water District. Bill filed in Senate and Assembly to revise District boundaries - Supervisor Monroe reported that a draft bill was prepared and sent approximately two weeks ago.

Zoning amendments including accessory apartments – Subdivision and zoning amendments resolution to be sent to APA. (Certified copies)

Review of the Chesterfield Zoning Law in regards to accessory apartments. Discussion on size of space/building; attached to present structure or a separate building on the property; limited to family members or include non-family members that maybe in need of care; and concerns over such apartments/space being rented when the need for it is no longer.

RESOLUTION #44: AUTHORIZE ATTORNEY FOR THE TOWN OF CHESTER TO DRAFT PROPOSED ZONING AMENDMENT FOR ACCESSORY APARTMENTS.

Introduced by Mrs.DuRose, 2nd by Mrs.Wells authorizing Attorney for the Town of Chester, Mark Schachner, to draft proposed Zoning Amendment for Accessory Apartments. AYE 3 NO 0

New Business:

EPF $15,150 Grant received for the Loon Lake Septic System Improvement Plan – Supervisor Monroe reported that Dave Wicks has applied for a grant (on behalf of the Town of Chester) for the Loon Lake Septic System Improvement Plan. Grant was received for $15,150. A testing of the lake will be done to see if problems with septic systems exist. This will help maintain the water quality of the lake.

Discussion on restrooms for Loon Lake Beach area. The Town would need a variance, as there is no place to locate restrooms that would be 100’ from shore line or a large enough area to build septic system. Supervisor Monroe suggested that an engineer be hired to do the soil tests, reports, and design a system showing location and a back-up.

RESOLUTION #45: AUTHORIZE SUPERVISOR TO RETAIN AN ENGINEER TO DESIGN SEPTIC FOR LOON LAKE BEACH AREA AND TO DETERMINE WHAT WOULD BE REQUIRED FOR VARIANCE.

Introduced by Mrs.Wells, 2nd by Mrs.DuRose authorizing Supervisor Monroe to retain engineer, Jim Hutchins, to design a septic system for the Loon Lake beach area. AYE 3 NO 0

Scaroon Manor Phase 2 in tentative state budget – Gary West has been in contact with Supervisor Monroe in regards to Phase 2 of the project. Item was in the state budget, but is not sure if this was cut or not.

North Creek Ski Bowl T-bar available. Use of Occupancy Tax revenues – Supervisor Monroe has asked John West, Parks and Rec.Dept., to go and inspect the T-bar and see if it is something the Town may want to consider for use at Dynamite Hill. Supervisor Monroe also stated that if further improvements are done at Dynamite Hill, would it then be subjective to regulations (that are not currently required to compile with).

Cost for T-bar would be a small amount and Occupancy money could be used.

Water District and building maintenance truck - two quotes were received, both are under State Contract.

2007 Ford F-150 XL Reg.cab 4x2 $11,991 + DAS

2007 Ford F-150 XL Reg.cab 4x4 $15,091 + DAS

Funding for truck would be from both water district and also building maintenance.

RESOLUTION #46: AUTHORIZE PURCHASE OF 2007 F-150 FORD 4X4 PICKUP FOR WATER DISTRICT/BUILDING MAINTENANCE.

Introduced by Mrs.Wells, 2nd by Mrs.DuRose authorizing the purchase of a 2007 F-150 XL Reg.cab. 4x4 cost $15,091 plus delivery charge, under State contract. Truck will be used by water superintendent for both water districts and for building maintenance.

Funding will come from Chestertown and Pottersville Water Districts and Maintenance of Town of Chester Municipal.

AYE 3 NO 0

RESOLUTION #47: AUTHORIZE NICOLE HOWE TO MAKE THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE SPONSORING OF A TRIP TO THE BRONX ZOO.

Introduced by Mrs.Wells, 2nd by Mrs.DuRose authorizing Nicole Howe, Youth Commission Director to make the arrangements for the sponsoring of a trip to the Bronx Zoo. Benefit of the youth commission/building. AYE 3 NO 0

Carpet cleaning proposals - Three proposals were received:

Best Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning, 6 Brookshire Trace, Queensbury,NY 12804 $700

Rod’s Rainbow, 26 Fieldview Rd, Queensbury, NY $1600

North Country Janitorial, 188 Dix Ave. Glens Falls, NY 12801

$1,260

RESOLUTION #48: ACCEPT QUOTE FROM BEST CARPET.

Introduced by Mrs.Wells, 2nd by Mrs.DuRose to accept quote from Best Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning, 6 Brookshire Trace, Queensbury, NY 12804 in the amount of $700 for the steam cleaning of carpets in the Town of Chester Municipal Center.

AYE 3 NO 0

Supervisor Monroe reported that he has authorized Roger Schroeder to make the repairs to the parking lot lights. Not to exceed $1,000.

RESOLUTION #49: ACCEPT PROPOSAL FROM JOE KORAUS FOR OUTSIDE LIGHT FIXTURES INSTALLATION.

Introduced by Mrs.Wells, 2nd by Mrs.DuRose to accept the proposal from Joe Koraus, PO Box 49, Chestertown, NY for the installing of two light fixtures on exterior of Town of Chester municipal center. Labor and materials $550. AYE 3 NO 0

RESOLUTION #50: APPROVE REQUEST TOWN CLERK TO ATTEND CONFERENCE.

Introduced by Mrs.Wells, 2ND by Mrs.DuRose approving request of Town Clerk to attend New York State Association of Tax Receives & Collectors 2006 Annual Training Seminar in Syracuse, NY from June 10 - 13th , 2007. All necessary expenses for same to be a lawful claim against the Town of Chester. AYE 3 NO 0

RESOLUTION #51: AUTHORIZE PAYMENT OF ABSTRACT.

Introduced by Mrs.Wells, 2nd by Mrs.DuRose authorizing payment of abstract and approve claims paid prior to audit:

General Fund $ 80,442.05 ( 119-166)

Highway fund $ 39,875.62 ( 42 - 64)

Chtwn Water $ 1,063.57 ( 9 - 17)

P’ville Water $ 495.46 ( 12 - 20)

Library $ 1,746.24 ( 16 - 18)

Included in General Fund #166 Northern Car Crushers $1055.60

AYE 3 NO 0

Motion by Mrs.Wells, 2nd by Mrs.DuRose Town Board went into Executive Session at 9:15pm to discuss Word of Life assessment litigation, Maxam litigation, Nicole Howe‘s pay rate and Animal Control Officer status. Motion by Mrs.Wells, 2nd by Mrs.DuRose Town Baord resumed regular session at 10:00 pm. No action taken.