Town of Lexington,NY - Board Minutes


Board Meeting Lexington Town Board October 7, 2008 The Regular Meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Lexington was called to order on October 7, 2008, at 7:00 P.M., by Supervisor Dixie Baldrey at the Lexington Municipal Building, followed by the pledge of allegiance. A moment of silence was observed in memory of Joseph Donnelly and Marjorie (Margie) Mead. PRESENT: Supervisor ............................... Dixie Baldrey Council Members.......……….........… Keith Mellott Paul Van Valkenburgh Lynn Byrne Town Clerk ……..…........................... Rose Williams ABSENT: Council Member Maurice Nelson OTHERS PRESENT: John Loftus, Assessor Georgette Krauss, Ann Marie Phelan, Charles & Judy Visich, Hana Verhoeven, Samantha Baker, Rebecca Scahill, Mike Ryan (Windham Journal Rep.), Glenn Howard, Matthew Dwon, Amy Simmons, and Mary Cline. Minutes RESOLUTION # 113-08 Accept the Minutes / Regular Meeting On a motion by Council Member Paul Van Valkenburgh, seconded by Council Member Keith Mellott, the following resolution was ADOPTED - Ayes 4 - Baldrey, Van Valkenburgh, Byrne, and Mellott Absent – 1 - Nelson Nays – 0 This Town Board resolves to accept the minutes of the regular meeting held on September 2, 2008 RESOLUTION # 114-08 Accept The Financial Report On a motion by Council Member Lynn Byrne, seconded by Council Member Keith Mellott, the following resolution was ADOPTED Ayes - 4 - Baldrey, Van Valkenburgh, Byrne, and Mellott. Absent – 1- Nelson Nays – 0 This Town Board moves to accept the Financial Report of September 30, 2008, as presented by Supervisor Dixie Baldrey. Revaluation Review Supervisor Dixie Baldrey said that in light of the economic situation, the market values, and projected decrease in state aid for next year, she would like to propose and discuss with the Town Board Members – halting the revaluation that the town resolved to do by Resolution #120-07 made on November 8, 2007 for 2009. A discussion was held regarding the revaluation for the Town of Lexington – whether to continue with the project or withdraw the resolution and stop it. RESOLUTION # 115-08 Rescind Res. #120-07 / Doing Revaluation On a motion by Council Member Keith Mellott, seconded by Council Member Paul Van Valkenburgh, the following resolution was ADOPTED Ayes - 4 - Baldrey, Van Valkenburgh, Byrne, and Mellott. Absent – 1- Nelson Nays – 0 This Town Board moves to make a motion to rescind Resolution #120-07 made on 11-08-07, which stated; “I hereby recommend that the Town of Lexington Town Board do the revaluation of the assessment of property in Town of Lexington for 2009.”; So Therefore, This Town Board will not be doing the Revaluation for 2009. Garage Roof Supervisor Dixie Baldrey said that the Town Highway Garage needs a new roof, and Councilmember Lynn Byrne suggested said that it should go out for bids. A discussion was held on the bid process that should be done for the repair of the roof. It was decided to do the two jobs separately, one for the new section and the other for the old section, so that it can be done before winter. Supervisor Dixie Baldrey will get estimates for the jobs. Next Meeting Supervisor Dixie Baldrey said that the next meeting would fall on the day of the General Election, and suggested having it the next day. Everyone agreed that the next meeting should be rescheduled for Wednesday, November 5th, at 7:00 PM. The Town Clerk will advertise it in the local newspaper. Voting Machines Supervisor Dixie Baldrey said that she wanted the Town Board Members to verify that Leon Goodrich and Charles Valk should set up the voting machine for the Town of Lexington for the General Election. They agreed that Goodrich and Valk should set them up. Columbia – Greene Humane Society Contract RESOLTUION # 116-08 Humane Society Contract On a motion from Councilmember Lynn Byrne, seconded by Councilmember Paul Van Valkenburgh, the following resolution was ADOPTED. Ayes 4 -- Baldrey, Byrne, Mellott, Van Valkenburgh Absent 1 - Nelson Nays 0 This Town Board resolves to renew the agreement with the Columbia Greene Humane Society, for a period of January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2009. Rescue Squad Concerns A committee is looking into some solutions to the problem of not having a EMT or Rescue Squad Members around during the day during weekdays. Council Member Lynn Byrne gave a report from the committee and they would be meeting again on Friday, October 10th. The committee was sending out letters to try to find volunteers to participate in the Rescue Squad. . Another option was to contract with a private ambulance service, which would be the most expensive; and the third option would be for the Town of Lexington to take over the Rescue Squad and hire an EMT, drivers, a bookkeeper, and whatever else that would be needed. The estimated cost would be anywhere from $250,000. to $300,000. per year to contract with a private co. or have the town take it over. Further discussion was held. Council Member Lynn Byrne said that she felt that after their next meeting --- the committee would be able to make a recommendation to the Town Board. Storm Water Project Committee / Appointment The Catskill Watershed Corp. is forming a committee to work with the developers in the watershed area to review the run off of the Storm Water Projects. Supervisor Dixie Baldrey said that the CWC has told Council Member Keith Mellott that he will accept the appointment. RESOLUTION # 117-08 Storm Water Coordinator On a motion from Councilmember Lynn Byrne, seconded by Councilmember Paul Van Valkenburgh, the following resolution was ADOPTED. Ayes 3 -- Baldrey, Byrne, Van Valkenburgh Abstain – 1 -- Mellott Nays - 0 Absent – 1 – Nelson This Town Board will support Council Member Keith Mellott to serve on the Committee for the Storm Water Projects. Internet Service Council Member Keith Mellott reported that Hughs.net has come to the Municipal Building to examine the area for the internet service, and they will contact Keith as soon as they have come up with the installation and monthly cost for the service. He hopes to have a price by the end of the week. Correspondence The Community Action of Greene County, Inc. sent a letter asking the town to assist in making their “Adopt a Family” Christmas program a success. Council Member Lynn Byrne said that she would take things to the high school if anything is left here. RESOLUTION #118-08 Supports NYSTCA Objection to Loss of Local Government Records Management Improvement Fund On a motion from Councilmember Paul Van Valkenburgh, seconded by Councilmember Keith Mellott, the following resolution was ADOPTED. Ayes 4 -- Baldrey, Byrne, Mellott, Van Valkenburgh Nays - 0 Absent – 1 – Nelson WHEREAS, the Local Government Records Management Improvement Fund was established through Chapter 78 of the Laws of 1989; and WHEREAS, this law provided for a $5 surcharge on every document recorded in the County Clerks Office throughout New York State; and WHEREAS, the revenues collected were dedicated to fund competitive records management grants administered by the State Archives; and WHEREAS, this grant program has had tremendous positive impacts in counties, towns, cities, school districts and special districts throughout NYS awarding $168 million to 8500 local governments since its inception; and WHEREAS, in March, 2008, a little known provision of the State Budget allowed $500,000 of these dedicated funds to be “swept” into the State’s general fund; and WHEREAS, an additional 6% of “unexpended” funds has now been reduced from grants awarded from this dedicated fund; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town of Lexington Town Board supports the NYS Town Clerks Association in asking the State Legislature to recognize that these funds are local funds raised by local clerks for local government and dedicated by the Senate and Assembly for a specific valuable purpose; and be it further RESOLVED, that the Town of Lexington support the NYS Town Clerks Association in requesting that no further “sweeping” or other transferring of money from this valuable dedicated fund be permitted, and be it further RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Governor Patterson, and the membership of both the Senate and Assembly of New York State. Concerns Mary Cline asked how many parcels were in the Town of Lexington, and the answer was: 1600 +/- parcels. A discussion was held on the parcels in the Town of Lexington and how they are divided up. Charles Visich asked what is going to happen with the taxes that the town pays in school tax. A discussion was held, and Charles Visich thought that the town should contact an Attorney to see if anything can be done. There was a discussion about how many students there are per town. Supervisor Dixie Baldrey explained part of the reason why the tax rate went up for the Town of Lexington – saying that it was because of a law suit that the Town of Hunter loss to NYC DEP regarding the sewage plant that is in the Town of Hunter/Village of Tannersville, which made the tax base drop for the Town of Hunter because of it. More discussion was held on the tax rate per thousand that was imposed on the Town of Lexington. RESOLUTION #119-08 PAY THE BILLS On a motion by Council Member Lynn Byrne, seconded by Council Member Keith Mellott, the following resolution was ADOPTED Ayes - 4 - Baldrey, Mellott, Byrne, Van Valkenburgh Absent – 1 – Nelson Nay - 0 Resolved that this Town Board, having audited the following General Fund Vouchers # 244 through # 278, inclusive, hereby, order them paid and directs the Town Clerk to draw Abstract # 10, General Fund, on the Supervisor for payment of $14,355.38. Resolved that this Town Board, having audited the following Highway Fund Vouchers # 110 through #124, inclusive, hereby, order them paid and directs the Town Clerk to draw Abstract #9 Highway Fund, on the Supervisor for payment of $51402.36. Resolution # 119-08 --- Continued Resolved, that this Town Board, having audited the following Special Lighting District Vouchers #9, hereby orders them paid and directs the Town Clerk to draw Abstract #10, Special Lighting District Fund, on the Supervisor for payment of $403.71. Adjourn Council Member Lynn Byrne made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Council Member Paul Van Valkenburgh. All agreed. Supervisor Dixie Baldrey adjourned the meeting. Respectfully submitted, Rose Williams, Town Clerk, RMC

Board Meeting

Lexington Town Board
October 7, 2008

The Regular Meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Lexington was called to order on October 7, 2008, at 7:00 P.M., by Supervisor Dixie Baldrey at the Lexington Municipal Building, followed by the pledge of allegiance.

A moment of silence was observed in memory of Joseph Donnelly and Marjorie (Margie) Mead.

PRESENT: Supervisor ............................... Dixie Baldrey

Council Members.......……….........… Keith Mellott

Paul Van Valkenburgh

Lynn Byrne

Town Clerk ……..…........................... Rose Williams

ABSENT: Council Member Maurice Nelson

OTHERS PRESENT: John Loftus, Assessor Georgette Krauss, Ann Marie Phelan, Charles & Judy Visich, Hana Verhoeven, Samantha Baker, Rebecca Scahill, Mike Ryan (Windham Journal Rep.), Glenn Howard, Matthew Dwon, Amy Simmons, and Mary Cline.

Minutes

RESOLUTION # 113-08

Accept the Minutes / Regular Meeting

On a motion by Council Member Paul Van Valkenburgh, seconded by Council Member Keith Mellott, the following resolution was

ADOPTED - Ayes 4 - Baldrey, Van Valkenburgh, Byrne, and Mellott

Absent – 1 - Nelson

Nays – 0

This Town Board resolves to accept the minutes of the regular meeting held on September 2, 2008

RESOLUTION # 114-08

Accept The Financial Report

On a motion by Council Member Lynn Byrne, seconded by Council Member Keith Mellott, the following resolution was ADOPTED

Ayes - 4 - Baldrey, Van Valkenburgh, Byrne, and Mellott.

Absent – 1- Nelson

Nays – 0

This Town Board moves to accept the Financial Report of September 30, 2008, as presented by Supervisor Dixie Baldrey.

Revaluation Review

Supervisor Dixie Baldrey said that in light of the economic situation, the market values, and projected decrease in state aid for next year, she would like to propose and discuss with the Town Board Members – halting the revaluation that the town resolved to do by Resolution #120-07 made on November 8, 2007 for 2009. A discussion was held regarding the revaluation for the Town of Lexington – whether to continue with the project or withdraw the resolution and stop it.

RESOLUTION # 115-08

Rescind Res. #120-07 / Doing Revaluation

On a motion by Council Member Keith Mellott, seconded by Council Member Paul Van Valkenburgh, the following resolution was ADOPTED

Ayes - 4 - Baldrey, Van Valkenburgh, Byrne, and Mellott.

Absent – 1- Nelson

Nays – 0

This Town Board moves to make a motion to rescind Resolution #120-07 made on 11-08-07, which stated; “I hereby recommend that the Town of Lexington Town Board do the revaluation of the assessment of property in Town of Lexington for 2009.”;

So Therefore, This Town Board will not be doing the Revaluation for 2009.

Garage Roof

Supervisor Dixie Baldrey said that the Town Highway Garage needs a new roof, and Councilmember Lynn Byrne suggested said that it should go out for bids. A discussion was held on the bid process that should be done for the repair of the roof. It was decided to do the two jobs separately, one for the new section and the other for the old section, so that it can be done before winter. Supervisor Dixie Baldrey will get estimates for the jobs.

Next Meeting

Supervisor Dixie Baldrey said that the next meeting would fall on the day of the General Election, and suggested having it the next day. Everyone agreed that the next meeting should be rescheduled for Wednesday, November 5th, at 7:00 PM. The Town Clerk will advertise it in the local newspaper.

Voting Machines

Supervisor Dixie Baldrey said that she wanted the Town Board Members to verify that Leon Goodrich and Charles Valk should set up the voting machine for the Town of Lexington for the General Election. They agreed that Goodrich and Valk should set them up.

Columbia – Greene Humane Society Contract

RESOLTUION # 116-08

Humane Society Contract

On a motion from Councilmember Lynn Byrne, seconded by Councilmember Paul Van Valkenburgh, the following resolution was

ADOPTED. Ayes 4 -- Baldrey, Byrne, Mellott, Van Valkenburgh

Absent 1 - Nelson

Nays 0

This Town Board resolves to renew the agreement with the Columbia Greene Humane Society, for a period of January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2009.

Rescue Squad Concerns

A committee is looking into some solutions to the problem of not having a EMT or Rescue Squad Members around during the day during weekdays. Council Member Lynn Byrne gave a report from the committee and they would be meeting again on Friday, October 10th. The committee was sending out letters to try to find volunteers to participate in the Rescue Squad. . Another option was to contract with a private ambulance service, which would be the most expensive; and the third option would be for the Town of Lexington to take over the Rescue Squad and hire an EMT, drivers, a bookkeeper, and whatever else that would be needed. The estimated cost would be anywhere from $250,000. to $300,000. per year to contract with a private co. or have the town take it over. Further discussion was held.

Council Member Lynn Byrne said that she felt that after their next meeting --- the committee would be able to make a recommendation to the Town Board.

Storm Water Project Committee / Appointment

The Catskill Watershed Corp. is forming a committee to work with the developers in the watershed area to review the run off of the Storm Water Projects. Supervisor Dixie Baldrey said that the CWC has told Council Member Keith Mellott that he will accept the appointment.

RESOLUTION # 117-08

Storm Water Coordinator

On a motion from Councilmember Lynn Byrne, seconded by Councilmember Paul Van Valkenburgh, the following resolution was

ADOPTED. Ayes 3 -- Baldrey, Byrne, Van Valkenburgh

Abstain – 1 -- Mellott

Nays - 0

Absent – 1 – Nelson

This Town Board will support Council Member Keith Mellott to serve on the Committee for the Storm Water Projects.

Internet Service

Council Member Keith Mellott reported that Hughs.net has come to the Municipal Building to examine the area for the internet service, and they will contact Keith as soon as they have come up with the installation and monthly cost for the service. He hopes to have a price by the end of the week.

Correspondence

The Community Action of Greene County, Inc. sent a letter asking the town to assist in making their “Adopt a Family” Christmas program a success. Council Member Lynn Byrne said that she would take things to the high school if anything is left here.

RESOLUTION #118-08

Supports NYSTCA Objection to Loss of Local Government Records

Management Improvement Fund

On a motion from Councilmember Paul Van Valkenburgh, seconded by Councilmember Keith Mellott, the following resolution was ADOPTED.

Ayes 4 -- Baldrey, Byrne, Mellott, Van Valkenburgh

Nays - 0

Absent – 1 – Nelson

WHEREAS, the Local Government Records Management Improvement Fund was established through Chapter 78 of the Laws of 1989; and

WHEREAS, this law provided for a $5 surcharge on every document recorded in the County Clerks Office throughout New York State; and

WHEREAS, the revenues collected were dedicated to fund competitive records management grants administered by the State Archives; and

WHEREAS, this grant program has had tremendous positive impacts in counties, towns, cities, school districts and special districts throughout NYS awarding $168 million to 8500 local governments since its inception; and

WHEREAS, in March, 2008, a little known provision of the State Budget allowed $500,000 of these dedicated funds to be “swept” into the State’s general fund; and

WHEREAS, an additional 6% of “unexpended” funds has now been reduced from grants awarded from this dedicated fund;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town of Lexington Town Board supports the NYS Town Clerks Association in asking the State Legislature to recognize that these funds are local funds raised by local clerks for local government and dedicated by the Senate and Assembly for a specific valuable purpose; and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Town of Lexington support the NYS Town Clerks Association in requesting that no further “sweeping” or other transferring of money from this valuable dedicated fund be permitted, and be it further

RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Governor Patterson, and the membership of both the Senate and Assembly of New York State.

Concerns

Mary Cline asked how many parcels were in the Town of Lexington, and the answer was: 1600 +/- parcels. A discussion was held on the parcels in the Town of Lexington and how they are divided up.

Charles Visich asked what is going to happen with the taxes that the town pays in school tax. A discussion was held, and Charles Visich thought that the town should contact an Attorney to see if anything can be done. There was a discussion about how many students there are per town.

Supervisor Dixie Baldrey explained part of the reason why the tax rate went up for the Town of Lexington – saying that it was because of a law suit that the Town of Hunter loss to NYC DEP regarding the sewage plant that is in the Town of Hunter/Village of Tannersville, which made the tax base drop for the Town of Hunter because of it. More discussion was held on the tax rate per thousand that was imposed on the Town of Lexington.

RESOLUTION #119-08

PAY THE BILLS

On a motion by Council Member Lynn Byrne, seconded by Council Member Keith Mellott, the following resolution was ADOPTED

Ayes - 4 - Baldrey, Mellott, Byrne, Van Valkenburgh

Absent – 1 – Nelson

Nay - 0

Resolved that this Town Board, having audited the following General Fund Vouchers # 244 through # 278, inclusive, hereby, order them paid and directs the Town Clerk to draw Abstract # 10, General Fund, on the Supervisor for payment of $14,355.38.

Resolved that this Town Board, having audited the following Highway Fund Vouchers # 110 through #124, inclusive, hereby, order them paid and directs the Town Clerk to draw Abstract #9 Highway Fund, on the Supervisor for payment of $51402.36.

Resolution # 119-08 --- Continued

Resolved, that this Town Board, having audited the following Special Lighting District Vouchers #9, hereby orders them paid and directs the Town Clerk to draw Abstract #10, Special Lighting District Fund, on the Supervisor for payment of $403.71.

Adjourn

Council Member Lynn Byrne made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Council Member Paul Van Valkenburgh. All agreed.

Supervisor Dixie Baldrey adjourned the meeting.

Respectfully submitted,

Rose Williams,

Town Clerk, RMC