THE R.A.P. SHEET
SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF AVOCA, PRATTSBURGH AND PULTENEY
Editor's Note: The Minutes of the Village and Town Board meetings appearing below have not been approved at the time this goes to press.

Town of Avoca

Minutes of the Avoca Town Board regular meeting July 18, 2007 called to order by Supervisor Wellington at 7:04 p.m.

Present were: Supervisor, Chris Wellington; Councilman, Doug Heinemann; Councilman, Francis Feely; Councilwoman, Wendi Hammond; Councilman, Ken Parsels; Attorney, Karl Anderson Jr.; Town Clerk, Kim Jackson; Highway Super., Dan Hamilton.

Others present are: Betty Mattison, Nelson Eaton, Debbie Koehler, Gretchen Hubbard, John Walsh and Pete Messmer from Steuben County Highway Dept.

The Avoca Town Board said the Pledge of Allegiance for the meeting.

Motion by Councilman Heinemann, seconded by Councilwoman Hammond accepting the minutes of the June 20, 2007 minutes of the regular meeting. All in favor. Carried.

Motion by Councilman Feely, seconded by Councilman parsels approving the following departmental reports for the month of June 2007. All in favor. Carried.

Town Clerk

Animal Control Officer

Zoning

Building Code

Motion by Supervisor Wellington, seconded by Councilman Parsels authorizing to pay the vouchers. All in favor. Carried.

Visitors: Deb Koehler was here to observe and give an itemized list of details of the first and second quarter of bills. Gretchen was here to observe. Nelson was here to observe. John Walsh gave an update as to what was happening in the county, Jeff Parker from Soil and Water has been looking at big ponds that were built back in the 50's and 60's are now in need of repair and it looks like that the cost will be the homeowners responsibility. The jail is 95% complete, training for guards will begin soon; the capacity with the old and new jail will be able to house 282 inmates. The health care facility is 50% done and should be finished by the end of August. The landfill has been burning methane from the landfill for years now and has earned $240 thousand dollars of carbon credits. The property tax sale was held today. Pete Messmer was here to discuss the problem about intersection at the top of Smith pond Rd. and Loucks Pond Rd. he went and looked at the intersection with Dan and he stated that there was definitely a liability at that intersection he felt that there should be stop signs put at all three corners.

Highway Super. Dan informed the board about things going on around the town. Dyer road has been worked we have 3" of gravel and 4-6 more to put on we replaced pipes on Dyer. By the 30th of this month we should be on Cook Rd. someone from Teitsworth has come to look at the loader and the town should get $40,000.00 for the old loader. The 87 Mack we don't use much so do we want to sent it to the auction. On behalf of the grant Dan called Albany and talked to Steve from DOT they are backed up and haven't heard back from them as of yet. Ken Isaman sent notice to the Town of Avoca about the problem with the intersection at Loucks Pond Rd and Smith Pond Rd. Dan contacted Steuben County about doing an engineer study to get the problem fixed. Bill Edwards came when Pete was there and stated he would donate the land around the intersection to make a better intersection.

Motion by Supervisor Wellington, seconded by Councilwoman Hammond authorizing that Dan takes the 87 Mack to the surplus property auction. All in favor. Carried.

Be it noted in the minutes that Kim gave a letter to the board stating she would be driving bus for a summer run that would run for six weeks and while she was off she declined her pay for those and that her pay be given to Mary Stamets the Deputy, and it wouldn't cost the town any money for Mary to work it would come out of the salary already given. The board decided that Mary would be paid at her regular hourly rate for the hours worked.

Update on building committee progress, the committee met on July 10, 2007 and got input from everyone that was at the meeting. Everyone agreed to move forward to see what if would cost to build a new building or renovated the old one and what price per square foot it would be for both options.

Motion by Supervisor Wellington, seconded by Councilman Feely and approved unanimously by the board members herein present, being a majority of the entire Town Board, that the following resolution and order is herby adopted.

Whereas, there have been concerns of the public regarding the intersection of Loucks Pond Rd and Smith Pond Rd and potential dangers to lives and property at such intersection due to lack of a clear sight distances, and

Whereas, the Town of Avoca Highway Superintendent has examined the intersection and advises the Town Board there is a need for increased traffic control devices at said intersection in order to minimize the danger of vehicular and pedestrian accidents, and

Whereas, the Town Board, after reviewing several options and having discussed the matter, has determined there is an acute danger to the public at said intersection and that there should be erected several traffic control devices in order to minimize the danger, now, therefore, it is

Resolved, and ordered by the Town Board that all traffic at such intersection of Loucks Pond Road and Smith Pond Road must stop in all directions, and that stop signs be erected at said intersection at Smith Pond Rd where it terminates at Loucks Pond Road; that stop signs be erected at both north and south intersections of Loucks Pond Road where it intersects with Smith Pond Road; that warning signs be placed before each stop sign approaching said intersection on Loucks Pond Road; that further enforcement of said stop signs shall be governed by the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law.

Motion by Councilman Heinemann, seconded by Councilman Parsels authorizing the appointment of Gary Calkins to sole assessor for the term of six years to run from Oct. 1, 2007 to Sept. 30, 2013. All in favor. Carried.

Motion by Supervisor Wellington, seconded by Councilwoman Hammond to go into executive session at 8;55 p.m. to discuss the response to the Comptrollers report. All in favor. Carried.

The board returned to regular session at 9:40 p.m. and adjourned.

Town of Prattsburgh

The regular meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Prattsburgh was called to order at 7:10 p.m. on Aug. 21, 2007 at the Town Hall, 19 North Main Street, Prattsburgh, NY.

The Call to Order was made by Supervisor McConnell and was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Present were: Supbervisor, J. Harold McConnell; Councilpersons Charles Shick, Stacy Bottoni, and Sharon Quigley; Highway Superintendent Chris Jensen; Water/CEO Les Babcock; Attorney John Leyden; Bookkeeper Bolores Billings, and Town Clerk Pamela Kula. Excused: Councilman David Hall.

Also present and welcomed by the Supervisor was Stiveie Kula, Donnie Snyder, Robert B. Coombs, George Applebee and Cricket Sugrue.

Approval of minutes

On a motion of Councilwoman Quigley, seconded by Councilwoman Bottoni, the following resolution was Adopted: Ayes 4, Nays 0 McConnell, Bottoni, Quigley, Shick.

Resolved to accept the monthly financial report as submitted by the Town Supervisor.

Communications: Supervisor McConnell read a letter received from the United State Department of Commerce in which they invite local government participation in the Update of Census Addresses. The board discussed this and decided that we do not have enough staff and/or funds to do this. A motion was made by Supervisor McConnell, seconded by Councilman Shick and it was duly resolved not to participate in this.

Supvisor McConnell said that he has received a letter from the Unified Court System regarding a required annual audit of the Town Justice Court records. McConnell appointed a committee consisting of Councilman Shick, Councilwoman Bottoni, and Councilwoman Quigley to perform the audit. They set a date for the audit for Wednesday, August 29, 2007 at 7 p.m.

Steuben County Self- Insurance Plan sent a letter regarding the cost of the 2008 Workers; Compensation Plan. Our cost will be $37,109.00. Councilwoman Quigley, seconded by Councilwoman Bottoni, made a motion and it was duly resolved to pay this bill by voucher in Jan. 2008.

Councilwoman Quigley, seconded by Councilwoman Bottoni, made a motion and it was duly resolved to hire Airport Paving to paint stripes in the parking lot at the town hall at a cost of $560.00.

Attorney Leyden explained the process for changing terms of office regarding the Town Supervisor, the Highway Superintendent, and the Town Clerk. He said that changing terms of office is subject to Mandatory Referendum. It is too late to do this for this year, and the next time it can be done is in the year 2009, which would make the terms of office changes (if passed at Election in 2009) effective for the first time in the year 2011.

Renew membership in association of towns for the year 2008

On a motion of Councilwoman Bottoni seconded by Councilman Shiek, the following resolution was adopted: Ayes 4, Nays 0; McConnell, Bottoni, Quigley, Shick.

Resolved that the Town renew it membership in the State of New York Association of Towns for the year 2008 at a cost of $799.00.

Vision Forum Committee Name Change.

On a motion of Councilwoman Bottoni, seconded by Councilman Shick, the following resolution was adopted: Ayes 4, Nays 0; McConnell, Bottoni, Quigley, Shick.

Resolved that the Vision Forum Committee is now named the Comprehensive Planning Committee.

Assessor Reappointment.

On a motion by Supervisor McConnell, seconded by Councilman Shick the following resolution was adopted: Ayes 4, Nays 0; McConnell, Bottoni, Quigley, Shick.

Resolved to re-appoint Diane Carney to a 6- year term as Town Assessor with a term expiration of Sept. 30, 2013.

Board of Assessment Review-Member Appointment.

Laura Underhill has moved from the Town of Prattsburgh and is resigning her position on the Board of Assessment Review. On a motion by Councilwoman Bottoni, seconded by Councilman Shick the following resolution was adopted: Ayes 4, Nays 0; McConnell, Bottoni, Quigley, Shick.

Resolved to appoint Vicki Kopylczak as a member of the Board of Assessment Review with a term expiration of Sept. 30, 2008.

Adoption of Local Law #3 of 2007-Bingo Law.

On a motion by Councilman Shick, seconded by Supervisor McConnell the following resolution was adopted: Ayes 4, Nays 0; Resolved that the Town Board of the Town of Prattsburgh does hereby daopt Local Law #3 of 2007, Bingo Law.

Kim Cunningham spoke to the board about the Rotary purchasing and placing Welcome to Prattsburgh signs at various locations throughout the Town. Kim said that the signs are 4' high and 5' wide and cost $1,300.00 each. She also showed the Board different pictures of the way the signs might look.

Town Justice Robert Coombs presented his monthly report to the Town Board. The Justice spoke of the recent Security Audit of the Town Court by the New York State Courts Department of Public Safety. Mr. Coombs said that they offered a few suggestions and will be sending a report regarding some other suggestions to improve security for all involved with the court.

Application for 2007 Justice Court Assistance Plan.

On a motion by Councilwoman Bottoni, seconded by Councilwoman Quigley, the following resolution was adopted: Ayes 4, nays 0; McConnell, Bottoni, Quigley, Shick.

Resolved that the Town Board of the town of Prattsburgh does hereby authorize the application for funds from the 2007 Justice Court Assistance Plan to purchase the following items, each of which were recommended by the Security Audit Team.

1. Signage advising the prohibition of weapons.

2. Handheld metal detector.

3. Additional funds to construct the court bench.

4. Alarm system for the Town Hall.

Sale of Old Town Hall

Whereas, the former town hall of the Town of Prattsburgh s currently vacant and is surplus real property for the Town of Prattsburgh.

Whereas, David Sherwood has expressed an interest in purchasing said real property; Now, upon motion made by J. Harold McConnell and seconded by Charles Shick, it was Resolved, that the real property situate at 15 Chapel Street owned by the Town of Prattsburgh, being the former town hall of the Town of Prattsburgh, i hereby no longer needed by the Town of Prattsburgh;

Resolved, that the Town of Prattsburgh shall convey said real property to David Sherwood for the sum on nine thousand dollars ($9,000.00) upon contract approved by the town attorney;

Resolved, that the Town Supervisor of the Town of Prattsburgh, be hereby authorized to execute said contract and all conveyancing documents;

Resolved, that the transfer of siad real property is authorized pursuant to Town law Section 64;

Resolved, that this resolution is subject to a permissive referendum as provided by law. This resolution was duty adopted by a majority vote of the Town Board as follows: J. Harold McConnell voting yes, Sharon Quigley voting yes, Stacey Bottoni voting yes and Charles Shick voting yes.

Sale of Laundromat Property

On a motion of Supervisor McConnell, seconded by Councilman Shick, the following resolution was adopted: Ayes 4, nays 0; McConnell, Shi c k, Quigley, Bottoni.

Resolved that the Laundromat property e sold to Air-Flo manufacturing for a price of $5,000.00

This sale is subjec to permissive referendum.

Constitution Week Proclamation

On a motion of Councilwoman Bottoni, seconded by Councilman Shick, the following resolution was adopted: Ayes 4, nays 0; McConnell, Shi c k, Quigley, Bottoni.

Resolved that the week of Sept. 17, 2007 through 23, 2007 is proclaimed as Constitution Week.

Highway Report: (Chris Jensen) Since our last meeting, we have been continuing the reconstruct project of Hotchkisss Road. This includes replacing bad pipes and adding gravel. We also have been regarding bad spots and all gravel roads. We have completed our chip sealing for this season which was about 8 miles.

We also replaced the 4'c60' sluice pipe on Nickles Road. The excavator has been cleaning ditch and replacing piped on Allis Road and Edwards Road.

We worked with Blades putting down black top in parking lot of Town hall and a patch over the new pipe on Nicles Road.

We also worked with JJ Covel taking down several dead trees in Town.

The County has started the Tuttle Road bridge replacement , so we have had 3 trucks and operators hauling material in an out for them.

The shop has been quit other than routing maintenance; we haven't had time for breakdowns.

Code Enforcement/Water: (Les Babcock) Issued 13 Building Permits as follows: 3 additions, 3 enovations, 3 decks, 3 garages or sheds, 3 met towers, and 1 new home. Issued 1 permit extension, 5 certificates of occupancy of certificates of compliance, 4 septic inspections, 17 building inspectiosn, 3 dig sfely notices, 5 property inspections about code issues, issued 2 apperance tickets, sent 1 property maintenance notice.

Water Dept... Tom and I attended water meeting at Hammondsport. Took care of garbage at Community Days. Looking into 5 new street lamps on Main Street. Worked on lamps in Park. Going to White Oak Nursery to see about getting some new trees.

Supervisor: (J . Harold McConnell) Supervisor McConnell mentioned that we have information available at the Town Hall regarding Hog Weed. Brochures were sent to us by the Department of Public Works and copies are available at the Town Hall.

McConnell said that the Town of Cohocton's Wind Farm construction began today. He said that we are waiting on completing our Road Use Agreement and our Host Agreement before construction can begin in the Town of Prattsburgh.

Harold stated that the Sept. 18 Board Meeting is the same night at the Primary Election. The Supervisor re-scheduled the Board Meeting to be held on Monday, Sept. 17, 2007 at 7 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Ingleside Christian Church.

Supervisor McConnell stated that he has talked to the State Police regarding the complaints on Flaherty Road. He said that he doesn't know what action was teken, but neighbors told him that it was very quiet at the last gathering held there two weeks ago.

The Supervisor also thanked everyone who worked and helped to make our 2007 Community Days a success.

Dolores Billings also said thanks to Mr. Geiss of Madison and Paul Realty for planting flowers in the baskets along Main Street.

Councilwoman Bottoni mentioned that she would like the Town Board to look into creating a Local Law authorizing registered ATV's and riders to be able to ride on the shoulder of Town roads. Councilman Shick stated that some places have sanctioned ATV clubs. Highway Superintendent Chris Jensen and Attorney Leyden will look into this.

Priviledge to the Floor:

Stevie Kula thanked the Town Board for their continued support of Community Days. He thanked Highway Superintendent Chris Jensen for the use of cones, and Code Officer Les Babcock for setting up the P.A. system and removing garbage, etc. Cricket Sugrue spoke to the Board with complaints about the traffic, etc. on Flaherty Road.

On a motion by supervisor McConnell, seconded by Councilwoman Bottoni, the meeting was adjourned at 4:40 p.m.

Town of Pulteney

The regular meeting of the Pulteney Town Board was called to order by Supervisor William Weber at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, August 8, 2007, at the Pulteney Town Hall with roll call followed by Pledge of Allegiance.

Present were: Supervisor William Weber; Councilmen Janet Stone; Councilman Richard French; Hi g hway Supt. George McIntyre; Town Attorney John F. Leyden; CEO/Watershed Officer Lauren Welch; Water Plant Operator Ken Forenz; Bookkeeper Helen Coombs and Town Clerk Donna Conley. Absent were Councilman James Fox and Councilman Robert Kemp.

Councilman French made motion seconded by Councilman Stone to accept the minutes of the July 11, 2007 regular meeting. All in favor. Carried.

Supervisor Weber gave general and highway profit & loss statements.

Councilman Stone made motion seconded by Councilman French to pay General Bills in the amount of $239.85 being voucher No. 151 on Abstract No. 7B; the amount of $1,789.00 being vouchers No. 152 to No. 156 on Abstract No. 8A and the amount of $1,126.09 being vouchers No. 157 to No. 168 on Abstract No. 8. Roll call vote: Councilman French, yes; Councilman Stone, yes; Supervisor Weber, yes. Carried.

Councilman Stone made motion seconded by Councilman French to pa y Highway Bills in the amount of $349.76 being vouchers No. 140 to No. 142 on Abstract No. 8A and the amount of $17,137.00 being vouchers No. 143 to No. 158 on Abstract No. 8. Roll call vote: Councilman French, yes; Councilman Stone, yes; Supervisor Weber, yes. Carried.

Supervisor Weber made motion seconded by Councilman Stone to pay Water District No. 1 Capital Projects Bills in the amount of $603,171.92 being vouchers No. 43 to No. 45 on Abstract No. 8. Roll call vote: Councilman French, yes; Councilman Stone, yes; Supervisor Weber, yes. Carried.

Chuck Franzese, PE and John Murphy, Water Project Manager gave their report on the water project. John Murphy noted the booster stations have arrived and have been placed, these buildings have all equipment inside of them ready to hook up to; the water is in the lines to just past Roff Hill on 54A and they have been pressure tested to just the other side of Boyd Hill on 54A. Everything seems to be going well.

Ken Forenz, Water Plant Operator noted the list on contractors would be put on the web site soon and he is looking into the coin operated machines for getting water in the cemetery.

Councilman French made motion seconded by Councilman Stone to receive and place on file Code Enforcement Officer's (CEO) & Watershed Officer's; Zoning Officer's; DC O Officer's and Justice's reports. All in favor. Carried.

Highway Superintendent noted they have put in sleuce pipe on Mill St.; hauled stone; fixed Chidsey Hill and Tobey Road and done some grader patching of roads.

Councilman Stone discussed what Lisa Stone and herself have been working on for the playground.

Supervisor Weber made motion seconded by Councilman French authorizing the Town Clerk to advertise for quotes for surface repairs of the tennis court. Roll call vote: Councilman French, yes; Councilman Stone, yes; Supervisor Weber, yes. Carried.

Supervisor Weber made the following resolution seconded by Councilman Stone:

RESOLUTION IN RELATION TO A RECENT GRANT AWARD FROM NYS DOT

WHEREAS, The New York State Department of Transportation has awarded the Town of Pulteney a $70,000 grant to offset the cost of a wheeled excavator to be utilized in the shared services program, and

WHEREAS, The Department of Transportation requires the Town of Pulteney to enter into an agreement with them,

THEREFORE, Be it resolved this 8th day of August 2007 that the Town Supervisor be and is hereby authorized to execute said agreement and sign all related documents.

Roll call vote: Councilman Stone, yes; Councilman French, yes; Supervisor Weber, yes. Carried.

Heat and motion sensor detectors were again discussed for the Town Hall. Supervisor Weber received an estimate from Empire Telephone regarding this matter. Attorney Leyden noted we need three quotes. Supervisor Weber will get more quotes for next meeting.

TVGA Consultants, group that is working on grants for us, sent Task Orders for the Board's consideration. Supervisor Weber had given them 5 areas of interest we would be interested in their help with. After reviewing their costs, the Board decided to have them work on only two of them at this time.

Supervisor Weber made motion seconded by Councilman French authorizing Supervisor Weber to execute the contracts with TVGA for their assistance in getting a grant for a wheelchair swing and sidewalks. Roll call vote: Councilman Stone, yes; Councilman French, yes; Supervisor Weber, yes. Carried.

Supervisor Weber made motion seconded by Councilman Stone authorizing Town Clerk to advertise for a public hearing at the September 12th regular meeting at 7:30 PM on proposed Local Law No. 3 of 2007 entitled "A Local Law Concerning Outdoor Furnaces". Roll call vote: Councilman French, yes; Councilman Stone, yes; Supervisor Weber, yes. Carried.

The Library contract for 2007 was discussed as not being done earlier in year. Councilman French made motion seconded by Councilman Stone authorizing Supervisor Weber to sign the contract between the Town of Pulteney and Trustees of the Pulteney Free Library Association. Roll call vote: Councilman Stone, yes; Councilman French, yes; Supervisor Weber, yes. Carried.

A letter received from Association of Towns discussed contacting our State Legislators regarding legislation currently under consideration by the Legislature pre-empting local authority over the siting of wind-farms in favor of the "stream-lined" state siting policy. It was suggested people write their Legislators individually instead of as a Town.

Councilman Stone made the motion seconded by Supervisor Weber authorizing Supervisor Weber to proclaim September 17-23, 2007 as Constitution Week in the Town of Pulteney as per the following

Proclamation offered from GU-YANO GA Daughters of the American Revolution asking for the week of September 17-23rd, 2007, to be declared "Constitution Week in the Town of Pulteney:

WHEREAS, Our Founding Fathers, in order to secure the blessings of liberty for themselves and their posterity, did ordain and establish a Constitution for the United States of America; and

WHEREAS, It is of the greatest importance that all citizens fully understand the provisions and principles contained in the Constitution in order to effectively support, preserve and defend it against all enemies; and

WHEREAS, The two hundred twentieth anniversary of the Signing of the Constitution provides an historic opportunity for all Americans to remember the achievements of the Framers of the Constitution and the rights, privileges, and responsibilities they afforded us in this unique document, and

WHEREAS, The independence guaranteed to American citizens, whether by birth or naturalization, should be celebrated by appropriate ceremonies and activities during Constitution Week, September 17 through 23, as design ated by Proclamation of the President of the United States of America in accordance with Public Law 915, now

THEREFORE, I, William Weber, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Supervisor of the Town of Pulteney, State of New York, do hereby proclaim the week of September 17 through 23 as CONSTITUTION WEEK In the Town of Pulteney, and urge all citizens to reflect during that week on the many benefits of our Federal Constitution and the privileges and responsibilities of American citizenship.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the Town of Pulteney, State of New York to be affixed this 8th day of August in the year of our Lord, two thousand and seven. All in favor. Carried.

Roll call vote: Councilman Stone, yes; Councilman French, yes; Supervisor Weber, yes. Carried.

Lisa Stone was present and wanted to compliment Don Darrin on the work he has been doing with the basketball program. All Board members agreed with the good job he has done.

Councilman French made motion to adjourn. All in favor. Carried.

Meeting adjourned at 8:25 PM.