OCTOBER 14, 2008

Regular meeting of the Town board of the Town of Chester was held October 14, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. in the Town Municipal Center, Chestertown, NY.

Roll Call: Fred Monroe, Mike Packer, Stephen Durkish, Edna Wells and Karen DuRose. Mark Schachner ~ Attorney for the Town.

RESOLUTION #155: APPROVE MINUTES OF TOWN BOARD MEETING.

Introduced by Mr.Packer, 2nd by Mrs.Wells to accept the Minutes of the September 8 town board meeting. AYE 5 NO 0

Old business: (tabled until Mr.Schachner arrived - 8:45pm)

Road off Perry Road. Status of public right of way - (note see Resolution #164). Mr.Schachner explained the difference between abandoned and qualified abandonment.

Event planner - contract with chamber - Mr.Schachner will check on contract.

Response to APA comments on request for approval of zoning amendments - Tabled at this time. Supervisor Monroe felt that the staff is supporting it.

Bill Pepper and Shirley Salerno Schroon River flooding and erosion problem solution - Shirley Salerno attended meeting. Supervisor Monroe informed Mrs.Salerno that highway superintendent is still waiting to meet with Dave Wicks. Mr.Wicks will need to get a permit or a non-jurisdictional determination from APA and hopefully work can be done in the spring. An answer should be available at the next meeting.

Reminder that Budget hearing will be Wednesday November 5th at 7:00 pm.

New business:

Wayne LaMothe - grant application for water main extension to Peckham Industrial Park - Mr.LaMothe made recommendations (email Oct7) to the Town Board in regards to the application for Small Cities grant. Supervisor Monroe gave a background report on the creation of the Peckham industrial park. Peckham has an approved 17 lot sub division, which would he available for businesses. An obstacle is lack of municipal water.

Top priorities in the town are affordable housing and economic development ( businesses that would provide year round jobs with benefits).

A water line would benefit both the industrial park and would also go by an affordable housing area.

Mr.LaMothe explained that a Small Cities grant is available. Grant is for $400,000 which would probably not be enough for water main extension, approximately 7100‘ of line is needed. County would apply on behalf of the Town.

A preliminary engineering report would be needed before the middle of February to determine if running a line is feasible and cost.

Mr.LaMothe said application has to be a complete project - where additional funding would come from and if Peckham would commit to help with the extension.

Discussion on expanding the water district and what is required,

and if the pressure, tanks,wells, storage and hydrants would be adequate.

The application should include a letter of interest from businesses, showing an interest in the site (industrial park) and stating that lack of water is a problem.

Supervisor Monroe stated that a request in the past has been to extend the water line down to the area just south of the hamlet (drug store, etc.).

Mr.LaMothe reminded the Board that in Pottersville, the water was done in stages – one year a tank, the next year funds were requested to increase the main and then asked for additional funds a couple of times for other things in the water district. He suggested that this may be an option for the Chestertown water district.

Mr.LaMothe recommends that the town adopt a resolution stating that the most pressing Community Development needs are affordable housing and economic development.

Supervisor Monroe explained to Mr.Schachner what had been discussed with Mr.LaMothe. Board asked for Mr.Schachner’s advice on funding engineering report and if the surplus in the Chestertown Water district can be used. Mr.Schachner stated that “it probably can be, because a preparation of a map and report would be needed to expand water district and the water district fund can be used for that purpose”. Supervisor Monroe also said that the study would probably not be a full report. Mr.Schachner then was not sure and he will need to review the resolution establishing the fund, to see if the engineering report would be a legitimate water district expenditure.

(note: Mr.LaMothe said he would send up wording for the resolution)

RESOLUTION #156: PRIORITY PROJECTS FOR THE TOWN OF CHESTER ARE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

Introduced by Mrs.Wells, 2nd by Mrs.DuRose:

Priority projects for the Town of Chester are Economic Development and Affordable housing. The extension of the Chestertown Water line, which would run from the end of the existing water line down to the Peckham Industrial Park. This line would be passing by property which would be suitable for affordable housing.

AYE 5 NO 0

Discussion on retaining Jim Hutchins as engineer.

RESOLUTION #157: AUTHORIZE PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING REPORT.

Introduced by Mrs.Wells, 2nd by Mr.Durkish authorizing a preliminary engineering report to determine the viability of extending the water service to the Peckham Industrial park south of the hamlet of Chestertown. Paid for by the Chestertown Water district if possible and if not then funding will be from General Fund. Approximate amount around $10,000. AYE 5 NO 0

Discussion on how the preliminary engineering report would be paid for. Funds may be available in the Chestertown Water District, question as to if money could be used. If funds can be used, the budget could be amended.

The study should include the private distribution (Ross) system and Mr.LaMothe felt that be a separate component.

Councilperson DuRose inquired if the funds ($400,000) were a definite. Mr.LaMothe said that it is very competitive (application may or may not be accepted).

Supervisor Monroe will meet with Peckham Materials about help in building/construction of line and if they do have business prospects that would sign a letter of interest.

Resolution to create capital project fund in the amount of $20,000 for the construction of a playground. Source of funds: Donations. Code H2705. Appropriate $20,000 in H7140.2

Discussion on an employee donating their salary to a playground fund.

Discussion on raffles and having the necessary paperwork.

Check back in minutes to see if a Capital Project fund was ever created for a playground.

RESOLUTION #158: ADVERTISE FOR SALE 25 HP WELL PUMP.

Introduced by Mr.Packer 2nd by Mrs.Wells declaring that there is a surplus 25 HP well pump and advertise for bids. Bids to be opened on November 12 at 7:30pm. AYE 5 NO 0

Estimated cost to purchase Bobcat skid steer is $24,000. Discussion on whether or not to purchase a new bobcat at this time. Board would like to know what is the reason behind a new bobcat and how many hours on the existing machine. Request to have John West attend the public hearing on November 5.

Supervisor Monroe will also request to have North Warren Emergency Squad representative attend budget meeting in regards to their budget. Increase from $50,000 to $60,000.

RESOLUTION #159: SET DATE OF NOVEMBER 12, WEDNESDAY, FOR NEXT REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING.

Introduced by Mr.Monroe, 2nd by Mrs.DuRose to set date of November 12,Wednesday, at 7:30 pm for the regular Town Board meeting in November. Reason for date change is the second Tuesday in November is Veteran’s Day, a legal holiday.

AYE 5 NO 0

RESOLUTION #160: AUTHORIZE THE CHANGE IN BUDGET TO ALLOW FOR THE AMOUNT TO BE PAID TO WORD OF LIFE.

Introduced by Mr.Packer, 2nd by Mrs.Wells authorizing the necessary changes to be made in the 2009 budget to allow for the amount to be paid, $10,000 to Word Of Life for the agreed upon settlement. Decrease 9010.8 and add code A1030.4. AYE 5 NO 0

RESOLUTION #161: GRANT USE OF TOWN MUNICIPAL CENTER TO POTTERSVILLE METHODIST CHURCH TO HOLD FOOD SALE ON ELECTION DAY.

Introduced by Mr.Monroe, 2nd by Mrs.DuRose to grant use of the town municipal center to the Pottersville Methodist Church to hold a food sale on November 4, Election day.

Fred Monroe - AYE Mike Packer - AYE Steve Durkish - AYE

Karen DuRose - AYE Edna Wells - abstain

Highway superintendent, Gary Clark, stated that the D-6 dozer can be sold. It is in working condition and is no longer needed in the highway department. At some time in the near future the 1985 grader will need to be replaced. Gary has concerns over what the cost of repairs would be on the grader.

RESOLUTION #162: AUTHORIZE SALE OF HIGHWAY EQUIPMENT.

Introduced b Mrs.Wells, 2nd by Mrs.DuRose authorizing that the 1964 Caterpillar D6C Dozer is surplus equipment and can be offered for sale. Advertise for bids to be opened on November 12 at 7:30pm. AYE 5 NO 0

Superintendent of Highways, Gary Clark, informed the Town Board that at the end of October one of the highway employees will be retiring and he will need to hire someone to fill the vacancy. Posting of position will need to be done, because it is required by the Union.

Gary will meet with the highway committee prior to any hiring.

RESOLUTION #163: ORDER SIGN TO BE PLACED AT ETAN MOUNTAIN ROAD.

Introduced by Mrs.DuRose, 2nd by Mr.Packer to have a sign made and put up at the location of Etan Mountain Road. Sign will read:

Etan Mountain Road - Qualified Abandon.

AYE 5 NO 0

Creative Stage lighting - Supervisor Monroe will check on this.

RESOLUTION #164: AUTHORIZE PAYMENT OF ABSTRACT AND APPROVE BUDGET AMENDMENTS.

Introduced by Mr.Packer, seconded by Mrs.Wells, authorizing payment of abstract, budget amendments and approve claims paid prior to audit.

General fund $ 36,749.63 (451-509)

Highway fund 75,919.19 (172-192)

Chtwn water 1,134.39 ( 61- 68)

P’ville water 2,499.21 ( 56- 64)

Library 746.31 ( 51- 53)

Schroon Lk Pk 18.40 ( 3 )

Budget amendments to 2008 budget

Amend appropriations:

A1110.4 Court - JCAP Grant Expend +800

A1220.4 Spvr - contr expend +500

A6410.47 publicity - occ tax NYS ASSN fire ch conv +2,000

A6410.48 publicity - occ tax website - w/c c of c + 200

A6410.41 publicity - occ tax tourism promotion <-2200>

A7140.1 Dyn hill - pers srvc +2000

A7140.2 Dyn hill - equipment <-1000>

A7140.21 Beach - equipment <-1000>

A7140.41 Beach - contr expend + 200

A8010.11 Zoning - pers srvc - clerk/secy +3000

A8010.4 zoning - contr expend <-1000>

A8160.41 landfill - well monitoring +1500

A8810.1 cemeteries - pers srvc +2500

A1990.4 contingent acct <-7500)

AYE 5 NO 0

Motion by Mr.Monroe meeting was adjourned at 9:20 pm.

__________________________

Town Clerk