NOVEMBER 5, 2008

Preliminary Budget meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Chester was held November 5, 2008 at 7:00pm in the Town Municipal Center, Chestertown, New York.

Roll Call: Fred Monroe, Mike Packer, Edna Wells, Karen DuRose, and Steve Durkish.

Louisa Sherman (?) from the Lake George Chamber - Requesting financial support for the Bed & Breakfast Tour brochures which includes some of the Bed & Breakfast in Warren, Washington and Saratoga. Some funding has come from county occupancy tax and the request is for $250 per business that is featured in the brochure.

Town of Chester has 3 Bed and Breakfast in the tri-fold brochure.

Tickets will be on sale for the tour and a portion of the proceeds will benefit local Habitat for Humanity programs.

RESOLUTION #165: APPROVE REQUEST FOR FUNDING OF THE BED AND BREAKFAST’S OF THE NORTH COUNTRY BROCHURE.

Introduced by Mr.Monroe, 2nd by Mrs.Wells approving the request of funding for the tri-fold brochure. Cost to the Town of Chester is $250 per business, which is a total of $750 and funding is to come from the occupancy tax. Code A6410.44.

AYE 5 NO 0

Preliminary Budget review:

Review of budget notes.

Kevin White - President of North Warren Emergency Squad - Mr.White explained why there was a $10,000 increase in their budget. Increase in calls, more paid staffing, and state mandates, along with increase in fuel.

Councilperson Packer inquired about the “rumor” that the increase of $10,000 was for a helicopter pad. Mr.White said no.

John West - request for new bobcat - Town Board decided not to purchase a new bobcat in 2009.

changes made from the tentative budget:

Decrease appropriated fund balance to $25,000.

A4540.40 Ambulance $60,000

RESOLUTION #166: AUTHORIZE INCREASE IN A4540.40 AMBULANCE.

Introduced by Mr.Packer, 2nd by Mrs.DuRose approving the 2009 budget request from North Warren Emergency Squad. Total budget $60,000. AYE 5 NO 0

New tax rate for General and Highway fund approximately will be $1.04.

Supervisor Monroe opened the Public Hearing at 7:59 pm.

No comments were received, as the only person outside of the Town Board was John West.

Supervisor Monroe closed the public hearing at 8:000pm.

RESOLUTION #167: AUTHORIZE ADOPTION OF BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2009.

Introduced by Mr.Packer, 2nd by Mrs.Wells:

WHEREAS, this Board has met at the time and place specified in the notice of Public Hearing on the Preliminary Budget for 2009, and heard all persons desiring to be heard thereon,

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Preliminary Budget, as amended and revised, and as hereinafter set forth, is hereby adopted, and that the several amounts stated in the column entitled Schedule A 1, Schedule DA 1, Schedule L, Schedule SF 1, and Schedule SW 1, be and they hereby are appropriated for objects and purposes specified and the salaries and wages stated in Schedule 5 of such budget shall be and hereby are fixed at the amounts shown therein effective January 1, 2009. AYE 5 NO 0

RESOLUTION #168: AMEND WATER WARRANT RESOLUTION #129.

Introduced by Mr.Monroe, 2nd by Mr.Packer to amend the Water Warrant Resolution #129, (RESOLUTION #129: APPROVE WATER RENT WARRANTS FOR 2008. Introduced by Mrs..Wells , 2nd by Mr.Packer to approve water warrant for Districts I and II:

Chestertown District $48,419.46 Pottersville District $24,925.93. )

from the August 12, 2008 meeting. Corrected water warrant:

Chestertown District $48,299.29 Pottersville District $24,554.77.

Correction to warrant was due to malfunction of meters and a bill being printed that does not have water service.

AYE 5 NO 0

Other discussions:

1. Charging small fee for use of Dynamite, town hall facility - auditorium, etc.,

2. energy audit for town hall

3. increase in rent for tenants

4. review of property owned by the town and if logging is a possibility - Supervisor Monroe will check

5. replace/repair broken windows in the building

6. Overtime in parks department - advertise for seasonal help

7. Review the permit to log

8. Tentative date for affordable housing committee - Nov.20 at 7:00pm

Motion by Mr. Monroe meeting was adjourned at 8:05pm.

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Town Clerk