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 Prattsburgh

The regular meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Prattsburgh was called to order at 7:00 P.M. on September 17, 2007 at the Ingleside Christian Church, Prattsburgh, N.Y.

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

PRESENT: Supervisor J. Harold McConnell, Councilpersons Charles Shick, Stacey Bottoni, and Councilman David Hall; Highway Superintendent Chris Jensen;

Bookkeeper Dolores Billings; and Town Clerk Pamela Kula. EXCUSED: Councilwoman Sharon Quigley.

ALSO PRESENT and welcomed by the Supervisor was Stevie Kula, Nancy and Carl Wahlstrom, Nancy Hall, and Kim and Glenn Lambertz.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

On a motion of Councilman Shick, seconded by Councilwoman Bottoni, it is resolved that the minutes of the August 21, 2007 Town Board Meeting are approved.

MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT

On a motion of Councilman Hall, seconded by Councilwoman Bottoni, it is resolved to accept the monthly financial report as submitted by the Town Supervisor.

AUDIT OF CLAIMS

On a motion of Councilman Hall, seconded by Councilman Shick, it is resolved that the bills be paid as audited.

VARIANCE REQUEST

The Town Clerk read a letter addressed to the Town Board from Doug Rysewyk who lives at 11 Pratt Street. Mr. Rysewyk requests a variance to build a carport between his property and Millie Day's property at 13Pratt Street. There will be a 5-foot opening between the two property lines. Included in the letter, Millie Day concurs with this request.

On a motion of Councilman Hall, seconded by Councilman Bottoni the following resolution was ADOPTED: Ayes, 4 (McConnell, Bottoni, Shick, Hall); Nays, 0.

Resolved to grant the above variance to Doug Rysewyk as requested.

Supervisor McConnell spoke of the bill received for services from the Finger Lakes SPCA for 2008. The cost is going to be $3,744.00. McConnell also read a letter received from Betty Walden who has a kennel, is State approved, and works under a Veterinarian in Canisteo. Walden states that she would be willing to provide the Town with services comparable to the services now provided by the SPCA. The Supervisor stated that he is just informing the board, and there is no need to make a decision about this right now.

JUSTICE COURT AUDIT

Supervisor McConnell stated that he and Councilwoman Bottoni met with Town Justice Coombs on Wednesday, August 29, 2007, and conducted an audit of the Court's records. McConnell and Bottoni both commented on the excellent and thorough record keeping done by Judge Coombs.

On a motion of Councilman Hall, seconded by Councilman Shick, the following resolution was ADOPTED: Ayes, 4 (McConnell, Bottoni, Shick, Hall); Nays, 0.

Resolved that an audit of the Prattsburgh Town Court's records has been completed, is accepted as presented, and will be forwarded to the State of New York Unified Court System.

SCHOOL CROSSING GUARD

On a motion of Councilman Hall, seconded by Councilwoman Bottoni, the following resolution was ADOPTED: Ayes, 4 (McConnell, Bottoni, Shick, Hall); Nays, 0.

Resolved that the Town enters into a contract with Richard Peer for School Crossing Guard Services for the 2007-2008 school year. Mr. Peer will work 2 hours per school day and be paid at a rate of $322.00 per month.

Councilwoman Bottoni gave an update on the Comprehensive Planning Committee. She stated that the committee has held two meetings since last month. They have been sorting information from the Public Surveys, and applying them to a draft plan. Also, they have been working on a Purpose Statement and a Statement of Rural Rights. Stacy said that at the next meeting of the Town Board, she will announce a date and location for a Public Informational/Educational meeting.

Supervisor McConnell scheduled the first 2008 Budget Meeting of the Town Board. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 2, 2007 at 7:00 P.M. at the Town Hall.

Highway Report: (Chris Jensen) Since our last meeting, we have finished with the gravel on Hotchkiss Road. We graveled Pinney Road. We graded Patch, Sturdevant, Sweeney, and part of Tuttle Road. We pulled shoulder on Williams and we are spot grading and adding gravel as needed in preparation of snow removal.

We have been cleaning ditch on Patch, Sweeney, and Williams Roads; changing pipes on Davis and Williams Roads; and stabilizing shoulders and lining ditch with Med Rip Rap on Williams Road.

We worked with A.L. Blades to put a black top overlay on McConnell Avenue, lower end of Fairgrounds Road, and Franklin Street. We also put gravel shoulders along the new black top.

The County is still working on the Tuttle Road Bridge, so we have sent trucks up to them as needed.

In the shop, along with normal maintenance, we have replaced the drag link on T-104 and inspected; replaced air tank and straps on T-204, and replaced 1 hydraulic hose on E- 115.

I have updated the list of Seasonal Roads that we will not plow for the 2007-2008 season. This list is on file with the Town Clerk.

Code Enforcement/Water: (Les Babcock) The Supervisor mentioned that Code Officer Les Babcock could not be in attendance at tonight's meeting due a water main break, and a possible gas leak on Pratt Street

Supervisor: (J. Harold McConnell) The Supervisor stated that the paving of the Town Hall parking lot has been done by A.L. Blades. He thanked the Highway Crew for their help in completing this.

Town Clerk Kula asked the Board if they wanted to set Halloween Hours. The Board agreed that the hours for Halloween will be on Wednesday, October 31, 2007 from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M.

Highway Superintendent Jensen said that he feels that the flowerpots along Main Street should be put inside during the Halloween festivities. He stated that the Highway Crew would be willing to help business owner's move the pots inside for the night.

PRIVILEDGE OF THE FLOOR: Carl Wahlstrom stated that he feels that the information written in the minutes of Town Board meetings is selective at times.

Glenn Lambertz stated that he is willing to stand around outside on Halloween night to monitor events.

There was some discussion about rules and regulations regardingATV and Snowmobile riding.

On a motion by Supervisor McConnell, seconded by Councilman Shick, the meeting was adjourned at 7:30 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, September 12, 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; Councilman James Fox; Councilman Robert Kemp; Highway Supt. George McIntyre; Town Attorney John F. Leyden; Water Plant Operator Ken Forenz; Bookkeeper Helen Coombs and Town Clerk Donna Conley.

Councilman French made motion seconded by Councilman Stone to accept the minutes of the August 8, 2007 regular meeting and the August 29th special meeting. All in favor. Carried.

Supervisor Weber gave general and highway profit & loss statements.

Councilman Stone made motion seconded by Councilman Fox to make the transfer from A1990.4 the amount of $235.43 to A1620.46 the amount of $49.06; A5010.4 the amount of $41.22 and A7510.4 the amount of $145.15. Roll call vote: Councilman Stone, yes; Councilman French, yes; Councilman Fox, yes; Councilman Kemp, yes; Supervisor Weber, yes. Carried.

Councilman Stone made motion seconded by Councilman Fox to pay General Bills in the amount of $78.30 being voucher No. 169 on Abstract No. 8B; the amount of $1,135.51 being voucher No. 170 on Abstract No. 9A; and the amount of $1,720.58 being vouchers No. 174 to No. 188 on Abstract No. 9. Roll call vote: Councilman Stone, yes; Councilman French, yes; CouncilmanFox, yes; Councilman Kemp, yes; Supervisor Weber, yes. Carried.

Councilman French made motion seconded by Councilman Kemp to make the transfer from D5130.2 the amount of $143.57 to D5132.4 the amount of $63.62 and D5132.43 the amount of $79.95. Roll call vote: Councilman Stone, yes; Councilman French, yes; CouncilmanFox, yes; Councilman Kemp, yes; Supervisor Weber, yes. Carried.

Councilman Fox made motion seconded by Councilman Kemp to pay Highway Bills in the amount of $402.95 being vouchers No. 159 on Abstract No. 8B; the amount of $43.76 being vouchers NO. 160 to No. 162 on Abstract 9A and the amount of $12,513.69 being vouchers No. 163 to No. 179 on Abstract No. 9. Roll call vote: Councilman Stone, yes; Councilman French, yes; CouncilmanFox, yes; Councilman Kemp, yes; Supervisor Weber, ye s . Carried.

Councilman Stone made motion seconded by Councilman Kemp to pay Water District No. 1 Capital Projects Bills in the amount of $1,073,248.34 being vouchers No. 46 to No. 47 on Abstract No. 9. Roll call vote: Councilman Stone, yes; Councilman French, yes; CouncilmanFox, yes; Councilman Kemp, yes; Supervisor Weber, yes. Carried.

Councilman Stone made motion seconded by Councilman Kemp to pay Water Operating Bills in the amount of $287.10 being vouchers No. 5A and 6A on Abstract No. 2A. Roll call vote: Councilman Stone, yes; Councilman French, yes; CouncilmanFox, yes; Councilman Kemp, yes; Supervisor Weber, yes. Carried.

John Murphy, Water Project Manager gave a report on the water project. He noted the main water line was completed as of September 11th. They have put in services to about a quarter mile north of Lakeside Restaurant; pressure tested to the French lot on W. Lake Rd.; have water in the main pipe to about the Yacht Club and the tank on Roff Hill; done roadside cosmetics to Fisher's property; NYSEG is changing the power for tanks on Roff Hill to the upper tank on Mill St.; the electrical contractors are doing underground work at the stations. He further noted about 86% is done money wise but the last 14% is not the easiest part of the job to be done.

Change Order No. 3 was discussed for installation of telemetry within the Master Meter Station to interface with Town of Jerusalem water system being $22,778.00 and to supply and install Telog datalogging device and associated electrical work being $1,515.00 for a total of $38,547.00.

Supervisor Weber made motion seconded by Councilman Kemp to approve Change Order No. 3 for the sum of $38,547.00. Roll call vote: Councilman Stone, yes; Councilman French, yes; CouncilmanFox, yes; Councilman Kemp, yes; Supervisor Weber, yes. Carried.

Ken Forenz, Water Plant Operator, noted that next Monday he will start excepting permits for water hook up but they cannot be turned on before approval of the health department. He further noted that a standard yard hydrant would be put in at the Glen View Cemetery instead of coin-operated machine at this time. He can lock the hydrant at night if it gets to be misused or there is a problem. He stated the contractors list and supplier lists will be put on the website.

Mike Sprague, Director of Officer of Emergency Services, discussed the $500.00 request from Environmental Emergency Services of Chemung & Steuben Counties for funding from the Town each year at budget time. He explained what is provided by the service and noted it is a two county not-for-profit incorporation. He also noted at this time there is a gauge at the head of Keuka Lake in Hammondsport that records and monitors data of Keuka Lake.

Councilman Fox made motion seconded by Councilman French to recess the regular order of business to open the public hearing on proposed Local Law No. 3 of 2007 "A Local Law Concerning Outdoor Furnaces". All in favor. Carried.

Town Clerk read the legal ad. Supervisor Weber opened the public hearing and noted what the law is for.

Public discussed: no grandfathering of systems already in, they would need a permit in so many days or be fined or be asked to remove them; wind factor; singling out outdoor furnaces from burning barrels, controlled burnings and inside woodstoves with smoke factor. Everyone spoke for or against the law that wanted to speak were heard.

Councilman Stone made motion seconded by Councilman Fox to close the hearing and resume the regular order of business. All in favor. Carried.

Donald Ballam, Spokesman of the Fire Commissioners for Fire District No. 2 was present to discuss Fire District No. 1 and what their lawyer had told them that need doing by the Town as they do not have a contract with them. There is also a problem with our ambulance corp. in that area for insurance coverage with no contract. Supervisor Weber noted they have a problem with our dispatcher and Yates County getting calls out. Mike Sprague also spoke on the subject. Fire District No. 1 being a contract district and the Town having control of the district was discussed. It was created when Fire District No. 2 provided service for a certain radius of the hamlet it could better serve but now with better equipment it can get to that area faster than the Branchport-Keuka Park Department can.

Supervisor Weber made motion seconded by Councilman Stone authorizing Atty. Leyden to draft a set of directions for the Board to follow at the next meeting relative to the situation with Pulteney Fire District No. 1, Pulteney Fire District No. 2 and ambulance coverage. All in favor. Carried.

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

Highway Superintendent noted they have done ditching, cold patching, working on the pickup and some of the men have worked in Urbana a couple of days.

Supervisor Weber discussed that any volunteer is considered an employee under workman's compensation while working on the playground.

Supervisor Weber had a list of minor repairs that need doing around the Town Hall and discussed hiring a handyman.

Randy Kelly volunteered to do these repairs at the Town Hall. Board approved.

Supervisor Weber noted the Union Contract for the highway dept. has been signed but we do not have anything as to health insurance participation agreement as yet and Helen is waiting for directions as to the deductions. He had 3 quotes for the heat & fire sensors at the Town Hall. No decision was made but the specs were given to Fire Chief Joe Schuck for him to review.

Councilman Stone noted she has received or been promised about $6,000 in donations so far for the playground and she is still working on them. She would like to hold off ordering for a couple of weeks more and possibly hold a special meeting.

The base contents were again discussed and asked if there was a yearly budget each year to maintain it.

TVGA's contract for $350.00 for completion & submittal of the CVS Caremark grant for a handicap swing was discussed.

Supervisor Weber made motion seconded by Councilman French authorizing the invoice of TVGA in the amount of $350.00 to be paid for completion & submittal of the CVS Caremark grant. Roll call vote: Councilman Stone, yes; Councilman French, yes; CouncilmanFox, yes; Councilman Kemp, yes; Supervisor Weber, yes. Carried.

Proposed Local Law No. 3 of 2007 was discussed. The Board can either adopt or not adopt the law or take it back to the Planning Bd.

Councilman Stone made motion seconded by Councilman Fox to take the information received tonight from the public hearing back to the Planning Board for them to review. Roll call vote: Councilman Stone, yes; Councilman French, yes; CouncilmanFox, yes; Councilman Kemp, yes; Supervisor Weber, yes. Carried.

A Bond Anticipation Note was discussed for the Water District in the amount of $100,000.00 to pay for the operations as we have no revenues at this time to pay them and the money will be paid back from water usage and water hookups.

Councilman Stone made the following resolution and moved its adoption seconded by Councilman Kemp:

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF UP TO $100,000.00 IN REVENUE ANITCIPATION NOTES OF THE TOWN OF PULTENEY WATER DISTRICT NO. 1

WHEREAS, there has been created within the Town of Pulteney a water district known as Town of Pulteney Water District No. 1 (herein "District");

WHEREAS, construction and installation of infrastructure and apparatus for District water operations is ongoing;

WHEREAS, it is contemplated that district water service will be operational within the last quarter of calendar year 2007.

WHEREAS, the District will necessarily incur operational and maintenance expenses in conjunction with the operation of the water system before water rates are billed and collected.

BE IT RESOLVED, by the Town Board, Town of Pulteney, Steuben County, New York, (the "Town") as follows:

Section I: For the object or purpose of paying part of the operating expenses of the District, there are hereby authorized to be issued up to One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) revenue anticipation notes (the "Notes") of the District pursuant to the provisions of the Local Finance Law.

Section II: The Notes are issued in anticipation of water rate revenue and it is hereby determined that the estimated revenue anticipated to be received commencing late in 2007 and continuing thereafter is in excess of the sums necessary to repay the obligation herein provided.

Section III: The proposed maturity of the Notes will not be in excess of two (2) years.

Section IV: An annual appropriation shall be made in each year sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the Notes as the same become due and payable each year. In addition, the full faith and credit of the District shall be and are hereby pledged for the punctual payment of the principal of and interest on the Notes as the same shall become due and payable. There shall annually be levied on all the taxable real property of said District, a tax sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on such Notes as the same become due and payable in each year.

Section V: Subject to the provisions of the Local Finance Law, the power to authorize the issuance of and to sell the Notes is hereby delegated to the Town Supervisor, as chief fiscal officer. The Notes shall be of such terms, form and content, and shall be sold in such manner as may be prescribed by the Town Supervisor, consistent with the provisions of the Local Finance Law.

Section VI: This resolution is not subject to a permissive referendum and is adopted in accordance with Section 39 of the Local Finance Law.

The question of the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly put to a vote on roll call which resulted as follows: Councilman Stone, yes; Councilman French, yes; Councilman Fox, yes; Councilman Kemp, yes; Supervisor Weber, yes. Carried.

Councilman Stone made motion seconded by Councilman French to open a checking account with the name of "Water District Operating Account" at M & T Bank with three (3) signatures on the account so if one is not available another can sign them. The three (3) names are: Councilman Richard French, Councilman Robert Kemp and Supervisor William Weber. Roll call vote: Councilman Stone, yes; Councilman French, yes; Councilman Fox, yes; Councilman Kemp, yes; Supervisor Weber, yes. Carried.

Proposed Local Law No. 4 of 2007 being "A Local Law amending Town of Pulteney Local Law No. 1 of 2003 entitled "Land Use and Zoning Regulations" was discussed. Atty. Leyden had prepared the Law with just the changes. Board discussed having it be the entire law not just the changes.

Councilman French made motion seconded by Councilman Kemp authorizing the Town Clerk to give a disk to Atty. Leyden of the present Local Law for him to add the updated changes. All in favor. Carried.

SPCA contract for dogs was discussed for 2008 in the amount of $1,092.00. Another means for dog control was also discussed.

Supervisor Weber made motion seconded by Councilman Fox authorizing Supervisor Weber to sign the contract with Finger Lakes SPCA, Inc., Bath, NY for dog services for the calendar year 2008 in the amount of $1,092.00. Roll call vote: Councilman Stone, yes; Councilman French, yes; Councilman Fox, yes; Councilman Kemp, yes; Supervisor Weber, yes. Carried.

Workman's Comp was discussed as to payment.

Councilman French made motion seconded by Councilman Kemp that Steuben County Self- Insurance Worker's Compensation Plan for 2008 be paid by voucher in January 2008 in the amount of $22,020.00. Roll call vote: Councilman Stone, yes; Councilman French, yes; Councilman Fox, yes; Councilman Kemp, yes; Supervisor Weber, yes. Carried.

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

Meeting adjourned at 9:55 PM.