Town of Lexington,NY - Board Minutes


Board Meeting - December 4th, 2007 The Regular Meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Lexington was called to order on December 4th, 2007, at 7:00 P.M., by Supervisor Dixie Baldrey at the Lexington Municipal Building, followed by the pledge of allegiance. PRESENT: Supervisor ...............................Dixie Baldrey Council Members......……..….......… Keith Mellott , Paul Van Valkenburgh, Maurice Nelson Town Clerk ......................................... Rose Williams Supt. of Highways …………………….Larry Cross ABSENT: Council Member …………… Lynn Byrne OTHERS PRESENT: Ralph J. Albino, Glenn Howard, Mike Ryan (Windham Journal Rep.), Nancy Kizyma, and Renee Van Schaack & Mark Vain from Greene Co. Soil and Water, and NYC DEP. Minutes RESOLUTION # 126-07 APPROVE THE PRELIMINARY BUDGET HEARING & MINUTES OF 11/8/07 On a motion by Council Member Paul Van Valkenburgh, seconded by Council Member Maurice Nelson, the following resolution was ADOPTED - Ayes - 4 - Baldrey, Mellott, Nelson, Van Valkenburgh Absent – 1 Byrne Nay – 0 This Town Board moves to approve the minutes of the Preliminary Budget Hearing held on November 8, 2007, and; It further moves to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting held on November 8, 2007. Financial Report Supervisor Dixie Baldrey presented the Financial Report for the Town Board Members to discuss. RESOLUTION # 127-07 APPROVE THE FINANCIAL REPORT On a motion by Council Member Keith Mellott, seconded by Council Member Maurice Nelson, the following resolution was ADOPTED - Ayes – 4 - Baldrey, Mellott, Nelson, Van Valkenburgh Absent – 1 Byrne Nays – 0 It is resolved, that this Town Board shall accept the Financial Report of October 31, 2007, as presented by Supervisor Dixie Baldrey. REASSSMENT CONSULTANTS Supervisor Dixie Baldrey said that she asked Assessor Georgette Krauss to explain the Consultant Fees that had been proposed to her for use in the revaluation from the Consulting Firms. Assessor Georgette Krauss explained that process and the cost of each, and what they all covered. The three consultants were: Appraisal Consultants …………. $14,000. GAR Associates ……………….. $98,000. Windham Appraiser …………… $45,000. Assessor Georgette Krauss said that she would recommend using the Appraisal Consultant at a cost of $14,000. because that is the lowest cost and felt confident with him because she has worked with him in the past. RESOLUTION # 128-07 APPROVE CONSULTANT / REASSESSMENT On a motion by Council Member Keith Mellott, seconded by Council Member Paul Van Valkenburgh, the following resolution was ADOPTED - Ayes – 4 - Baldrey, Mellott, Nelson, Van Valkenburgh Absent – 1 Byrne Nays – 0 This Town Board resolves to use “Appraisal Consultant” as the reassessment firm at the cost of $14,000, and they will work with Assessor Georgette Krauss to do the reassessment that has been set for 2009 for the properties in the Town of Lexington. Renee Van Schaack / Mark Vian Renee Van Schaack from Greene Co. Soil and Water, and Mark Vian from NYC DEP were at the meeting to report on the adoption of the West Kill Stream Management Plan and spoke briefly on the new plan that has been released for the Schoharie Creek. Year End Meeting Date The Town Board members decided that they would hold the Year-End Meeting on December 27th, 2007 at 7:00 PM for paying the bills and any other business that shall come before the board. Organizational Meeting Date The Town Board members decided to hold their Organizational Meeting for the new year on January 2, 2008 at 7:00 PM Aflac Supervisor Dixie Baldrey reported that the Aflac man has been to the Municipal Building here regarding his supplementary insurance to any interested person, and will be back again to talk to anyone that is interested. Name a Road / Echo Farm Drive RESOLUTION #129-07 NAME ROAD / ECHO FARM DRIVE On a motion from Council Member Keith Mellott, seconded by Council Member Paul Van Valkenburgh, the following resolution was ADOPTED Ayes 4 -- Baldrey, Nelson, Mellott, Van Valkenburgh Nays 0 Absent -- Byrne This Town of Lexington Town Board approves the naming of the following road as stated below; Whereas, the owner, Walter G. Crump, would like to have the name of “Echo Farm Drive” for his private road, which has access to Parcel #190.00-1-4, and is located off of Crump Hill Road. Greene Co. Youth Bureau Supervisor Dixie Baldrey said that she has received additional funds of $250.00 from the Greene Co. Youth Bureau because of unclaimed funds in the Greene County Youth Department. Negotiating Committee Supervisor Dixie Baldrey said that she would like to put a negotiating committee in place for the upcoming negotiations with the Highway Group. Supervisor Baldrey suggested that the town should have two or three from the Town Board and an outside member from the public. A discussion was held, and Supervisor Baldrey will be calling the Town Attorney to see what the criteria is for the negations ----- whether the town is allowed to have only two town board members or can they have more. Senior Bus Stop Approved Supervisor Dixie Baldrey said that the bus stop for Lexington seniors has been approved because they included the stop in the budget. It will be stopping at the Lexington Post Office Parking Lot and the schedule has yet to be determined. Flood Maps Supervisor Baldrey said that she received word from FEMA that the new Flood Maps have been reviewed and because of the few changes, they are not going to go through the expense of redoing the maps. The Planning Board would like to review the maps, so that will be done at their next regular meeting of December 11, 2007. LUCA – Local Update of Census Addresses The Census Bureau needs an updated address list, which will be critical to there enumeration process for the quality of the resulting census data. A discussion was on getting the addresses updated. With a letter addressed to Rose Williams, it says that you have 120 days from the date you receive your LUCA materials to complete your review and submit your address list changes. More discussion was held on who would do the update on the address changes. Written Agreement with Greene Co. / Salt Shed Supervisor Dixie Baldrey said that she had spoken with Supt. of Highways, Larry Cross, regarding a written agreement between the Town of Lexington Highway Dept. and the Greene County Highway Dept. There has always been a verbal agreement relating to the use of sand and the replacement thereof, and the Supt of Highways, Larry Cross, feels that it is difficult to work in this manner if you don't have something written down to refer to. A discussion was held and the three items in the letter stated: 1. Town of Lexington supplies the building and the loader in exchange for one load of salt (35 ton) from the County. 2. Any sand mixture the county uses will be replaced with an equal amount (price wise) of salt. 3. County will supply written records of amounts of sand mixture used. Decorate Tree on Front Lawn Supervisor Dixie Baldrey has been in contact with Eugene Constable because he said that he would be able to get Greene County with their bucket truck to come up and decorate the tall tree in the front of the Municipal Building with lights for Christmas. Many people offered to donate lights to the cause, so Eugene Constable said that he would be here on Wednesday, weather permitting, to decorate the tree out front with the kindness from Greene County and their bucket truck. Food Drive Supervisor Dixie Baldrey said that Jannel Mellott is holding a food drive as a Christmas Project for the food pantry in Jewett, so if anyone would like to donate towards the cause, there is a box in the hall at the Municipal Building and it will delivered to the Jewett Site on December 21st, 2007. Increase Dog Impound Fee Town Clerk, Rose Williams, received a fax from Dog Control Office, Bruce Feml, asking the Town of Lexington -- that because of increased costs, and as an incentive to comply with the Town of Lexington Leash Law, Mr. Feml recommended that the town should pass a resolution to increase the impound fee from $10.00 to 20.00 for the first impoundment of a stray dog, and any additional violations by the same dog during the same year would increase in $10 increments. The Town Board Members agreed with the recommendation. RESOLUTION # 130-07 INCREASE IMPOUND FEE / STRAY DOGS On a motion by Council Member Paul Van Valkenburgh, seconded by Council Member Maurice Nelson, the following resolution was ADOPTED - Ayes - 4 - Baldrey, Mellott, Nelson, Van Valkenburgh Absent – 1 Byrne Nay – 0 This Town Board resolves that the Town of Lexington will increase the Impound Fee for impounding a stray dog that is picked up within the Town of Lexington from $10.00 to $20.00 for the first impoundment fee, and, It further resolves that any additional violations by the same dog during the same year would be increased by $10.00 increments. Public Concerns Glenn Howard asked when the cell tower guys would be coming back to check out the site on Beech Ridge. Supervisor Baldrey said that she has an e-mail in to them and would have to contact them again to find out when they are coming, and Supervisor Dixie Baldrey told Glenn Howard that she would let him know when they are coming back again. Nancy Kizyma asked what the status was with the Lexington Hotel, and the other properties on Main Street that need something done to them. Nancy also asked if the Hotel can be sold. Supervisor Dixie Baldrey said that she would have to contact Hartnett again because he is supposed to be doing an asbestos testing of his house. They are working on the electric at the Hotel at the present time. Further discussion was held. Council Member Keith Mellott said that he had a call from Herman Jaeger saying that there was manure in the ditches on County Route 2, which backs up the water from flowing --- apparently there are horses on the road that roam and it fills the ditches after plowing, causing the water no where to run except across the road which makes for ice on the road way. The Town of Lexington Highway Crew has been there to clean the ditches out once already, and a discussion was held on what could be done to prevent this from happening. It was suggested that NYS DEC could help out with the problem because there are animals involved, and if they can't ---- maybe the NYC DEP could help. Supervisor Dixie Baldrey will follow up on the problem by calling someone. AUDIT THE BILLS RESOLUTION # 131-07 PAY THE BILLS On a motion by Council Member Paul Van Valkenburgh, seconded by Council Member Keith Mellott, the following resolution was ADOPTED - Ayes - 4 - Baldrey, Mellott, Nelson, Van Valkenburgh Absent – 1 – Byrne Nay - 0 Resolved, that this Town Board, having audited the following General Fund Vouchers #263-277, inclusive, hereby, order them paid and directs the Town Clerk to draw Abstract #12, General Fund, on the Supervisor for payment of $4,412.50. Resolved, that this Town Board, having audited the following Highway Fund Vouchers #140-153, inclusive, hereby, order them paid and directs the Town Clerk to draw Abstract #11, Highway Fund, on the Supervisor for payment of $11,554.51. Resolved, that this Town Board, having audited the following Special Lighting District Voucher # 10, hereby orders it paid and directs the Town Clerk to draw Abstract #10, Special Lighting District Fund, on the Supervisor for payment of $181.81. Adjourn Council Member Keith Mellott 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 - December 4th, 2007

The Regular Meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Lexington was called to order on December 4th, 2007, at 7:00 P.M., by Supervisor Dixie Baldrey at the Lexington Municipal Building, followed by the pledge of allegiance.

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

Council Members......……..….......… Keith Mellott , Paul Van Valkenburgh, Maurice Nelson

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

Supt. of Highways …………………….Larry Cross

ABSENT: Council Member …………… Lynn Byrne

OTHERS PRESENT: Ralph J. Albino, Glenn Howard, Mike Ryan (Windham Journal Rep.), Nancy Kizyma, and Renee Van Schaack & Mark Vain from Greene Co. Soil and Water, and NYC DEP.

Minutes

RESOLUTION # 126-07

APPROVE THE PRELIMINARY BUDGET HEARING & MINUTES OF 11/8/07

On a motion by Council Member Paul Van Valkenburgh, seconded by Council Member Maurice Nelson, the following resolution was

ADOPTED - Ayes - 4 - Baldrey, Mellott, Nelson, Van Valkenburgh

Absent – 1 Byrne

Nay – 0

This Town Board moves to approve the minutes of the Preliminary Budget Hearing held on November 8, 2007, and;

It further moves to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting held on November 8, 2007.

Financial Report

Supervisor Dixie Baldrey presented the Financial Report for the Town Board Members to discuss.

RESOLUTION # 127-07

APPROVE THE FINANCIAL REPORT

On a motion by Council Member Keith Mellott, seconded by Council Member Maurice Nelson, the following resolution was

ADOPTED - Ayes – 4 - Baldrey, Mellott, Nelson, Van Valkenburgh

Absent – 1 Byrne

Nays – 0

It is resolved, that this Town Board shall accept the Financial Report of October 31, 2007, as presented by Supervisor Dixie Baldrey.

REASSSMENT CONSULTANTS

Supervisor Dixie Baldrey said that she asked Assessor Georgette Krauss to explain the Consultant Fees that had been proposed to her for use in the revaluation from the Consulting Firms. Assessor Georgette Krauss explained that process and the cost of each, and what they all covered.

The three consultants were:

Appraisal Consultants …………. $14,000.

GAR Associates ……………….. $98,000.

Windham Appraiser …………… $45,000.

Assessor Georgette Krauss said that she would recommend using the Appraisal Consultant at a cost of $14,000. because that is the lowest cost and felt confident with him because she has worked with him in the past.

RESOLUTION # 128-07

APPROVE CONSULTANT / REASSESSMENT

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

ADOPTED - Ayes – 4 - Baldrey, Mellott, Nelson, Van Valkenburgh

Absent – 1 Byrne

Nays – 0

This Town Board resolves to use “Appraisal Consultant” as the reassessment firm at the cost of $14,000, and they will work with Assessor Georgette Krauss to do the reassessment that has been set for 2009 for the properties in the Town of Lexington.

Renee Van Schaack / Mark Vian

Renee Van Schaack from Greene Co. Soil and Water, and Mark Vian from NYC DEP were at the meeting to report on the adoption of the West Kill Stream Management Plan and spoke briefly on the new plan that has been released for the Schoharie Creek.

Year End Meeting Date

The Town Board members decided that they would hold the Year-End Meeting on December 27th, 2007 at 7:00 PM for paying the bills and any other business that shall come before the board.

Organizational Meeting Date

The Town Board members decided to hold their Organizational Meeting for the new year on January 2, 2008 at 7:00 PM

Aflac

Supervisor Dixie Baldrey reported that the Aflac man has been to the Municipal Building here regarding his supplementary insurance to any interested person, and will be back again to talk to anyone that is interested.

Name a Road / Echo Farm Drive

RESOLUTION #129-07

NAME ROAD / ECHO FARM DRIVE

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

ADOPTED Ayes 4 -- Baldrey, Nelson, Mellott, Van Valkenburgh

Nays 0

Absent -- Byrne

This Town of Lexington Town Board approves the naming of the following road as stated below;

Whereas, the owner, Walter G. Crump, would like to have the name of “Echo Farm Drive” for his private road, which has access to Parcel #190.00-1-4, and is located off of Crump Hill Road.

Greene Co. Youth Bureau

Supervisor Dixie Baldrey said that she has received additional funds of $250.00 from the Greene Co. Youth Bureau because of unclaimed funds in the Greene County Youth Department.

Negotiating Committee

Supervisor Dixie Baldrey said that she would like to put a negotiating committee in place for the upcoming negotiations with the Highway Group. Supervisor Baldrey suggested that the town should have two or three from the Town Board and an outside member from the public. A discussion was held, and Supervisor Baldrey will be calling the Town Attorney to see what the criteria is for the negations ----- whether the town is allowed to have only two town board members or can they have more.

Senior Bus Stop Approved

Supervisor Dixie Baldrey said that the bus stop for Lexington seniors has been approved because they included the stop in the budget. It will be stopping at the Lexington Post Office Parking Lot and the schedule has yet to be determined.

Flood Maps

Supervisor Baldrey said that she received word from FEMA that the new Flood Maps have been reviewed and because of the few changes, they are not going to go through the expense of redoing the maps. The Planning Board would like to review the maps, so that will be done at their next regular meeting of December 11, 2007.

LUCA – Local Update of Census Addresses

The Census Bureau needs an updated address list, which will be critical to there enumeration process for the quality of the resulting census data. A discussion was on getting the addresses updated. With a letter addressed to Rose Williams, it says that you have 120 days from the date you receive your LUCA materials to complete your review and submit your address list changes. More discussion was held on who would do the update on the address changes.

Written Agreement with Greene Co. / Salt Shed

Supervisor Dixie Baldrey said that she had spoken with Supt. of Highways, Larry Cross, regarding a written agreement between the Town of Lexington Highway Dept. and the Greene County Highway Dept. There has always been a verbal agreement relating to the use of sand and the replacement thereof, and the Supt of Highways, Larry Cross, feels that it is difficult to work in this manner if you don't have something written down to refer to. A discussion was held and the three items in the letter stated:

1. Town of Lexington supplies the building and the loader in exchange for one load of salt (35 ton) from the County.

2. Any sand mixture the county uses will be replaced with an equal amount (price wise) of salt.

3. County will supply written records of amounts of sand mixture used.

Decorate Tree on Front Lawn

Supervisor Dixie Baldrey has been in contact with Eugene Constable because he said that he would be able to get Greene County with their bucket truck to come up and decorate the tall tree in the front of the Municipal Building with lights for Christmas. Many people offered to donate lights to the cause, so Eugene Constable said that he would be here on Wednesday, weather permitting, to decorate the tree out front with the kindness from Greene County and their bucket truck.

Food Drive

Supervisor Dixie Baldrey said that Jannel Mellott is holding a food drive as a Christmas Project for the food pantry in Jewett, so if anyone would like to donate towards the cause, there is a box in the hall at the Municipal Building and it will delivered to the Jewett Site on December 21st, 2007.

Increase Dog Impound Fee

Town Clerk, Rose Williams, received a fax from Dog Control Office, Bruce Feml, asking the Town of Lexington -- that because of increased costs, and as an incentive to comply with the Town of Lexington Leash Law, Mr. Feml recommended that the town should pass a resolution to increase the impound fee from $10.00 to 20.00 for the first impoundment of a stray dog, and any additional violations by the same dog during the same year would increase in $10 increments. The Town Board Members agreed with the recommendation.

RESOLUTION # 130-07

INCREASE IMPOUND FEE / STRAY DOGS

On a motion by Council Member Paul Van Valkenburgh, seconded by Council Member Maurice Nelson, the following resolution was

ADOPTED - Ayes - 4 - Baldrey, Mellott, Nelson, Van Valkenburgh

Absent – 1 Byrne

Nay – 0

This Town Board resolves that the Town of Lexington will increase the Impound Fee for impounding a stray dog that is picked up within the Town of Lexington from $10.00 to $20.00 for the first impoundment fee, and,

It further resolves that any additional violations by the same dog during the same year would be increased by $10.00 increments.

Public Concerns

Glenn Howard asked when the cell tower guys would be coming back to check out the site on Beech Ridge. Supervisor Baldrey said that she has an e-mail in to them and would have to contact them again to find out when they are coming, and Supervisor Dixie Baldrey told Glenn Howard that she would let him know when they are coming back again.

Nancy Kizyma asked what the status was with the Lexington Hotel, and the other properties on Main Street that need something done to them. Nancy also asked if the Hotel can be sold.

Supervisor Dixie Baldrey said that she would have to contact Hartnett again because he is supposed to be doing an asbestos testing of his house. They are working on the electric at the Hotel at the present time. Further discussion was held.

Council Member Keith Mellott said that he had a call from Herman Jaeger saying that there was manure in the ditches on County Route 2, which backs up the water from flowing --- apparently there are horses on the road that roam and it fills the ditches after plowing, causing the water no where to run except across the road which makes for ice on the road way. The Town of Lexington Highway Crew has been there to clean the ditches out once already, and a discussion was held on what could be done to prevent this from happening. It was suggested that NYS DEC could help out with the problem because there are animals involved, and if they can't ---- maybe the NYC DEP could help. Supervisor Dixie Baldrey will follow up on the problem by calling someone.

AUDIT THE BILLS

RESOLUTION # 131-07

PAY THE BILLS

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

ADOPTED - Ayes - 4 - Baldrey, Mellott, Nelson, Van Valkenburgh

Absent – 1 – Byrne

Nay - 0

Resolved, that this Town Board, having audited the following General Fund Vouchers #263-277, inclusive, hereby, order them paid and directs the Town Clerk to draw Abstract #12, General Fund, on the Supervisor for payment of $4,412.50.

Resolved, that this Town Board, having audited the following Highway Fund Vouchers #140-153, inclusive, hereby, order them paid and directs the Town Clerk to draw Abstract #11, Highway Fund, on the Supervisor for payment of $11,554.51.

Resolved, that this Town Board, having audited the following Special Lighting District Voucher # 10, hereby orders it paid and directs the Town Clerk to draw Abstract #10, Special Lighting District Fund, on the Supervisor for payment of $181.81.

Adjourn

Council Member Keith Mellott 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