HARTWICK TOWN BOARD
Work Session
November 21, 2011
The Work Session of the Hartwick Town Board called to order at 7:06 p.m. The Pledge to the Flag was led by Tavis Austin.
Present: Councilman Dave Butler, Councilman Delos Field, Councilwoman Juliann Sharratt, and Supervisor Patricia Ryan
Also present: Administrative Assistant, Tavis Austin; Conservation Advisory Committee Chair, Martha Clarvoe, William Claudy of Claudy Construction, Otsego County Representative Elect, Pauline Koren, and others from the community.
Absent: Councilman Kenneth Hotaling
MOTION: Councilwoman Sharratt moved to adopt The Town of Hartwick 2012 Budget with a total tax levy amount of $907,406.00. Councilman Butler seconded, and the motion passed with the following votes: Councilman Butler "aye", Councilman Field "aye", Councilwoman Sharratt "aye", and Supervisor Ryan "aye".
Supervisor Ryan offered clarification to the public regarding the water repairs at Countryside Trailer Park. The Town of Hartwick did not pay for the repairs. Bruce Hall had erred in invoicing the Town and has rectified the error. The invoice has been properly billed to the Estate - Attorney Tom Dietz.
Supervisor Ryan brought to the public's attention the error in the Town Crier's reporting on the Town's increase in its tax rate/1000. The Crier reported a 3.88% increase, which is incorrect. The increase in taxes over last year is 0.467%.
Clerk McGuire forwarded to Supervisor Ryan Resolution 11-D-2011 Allowance of Unused Sick Leave Credits, Affidavit, and copy of contract in which the crediting of sick leave to the employees is explained. Supervisor Ryan is to execute the affidavit. The effective date of Resolution 11-D-2011 is January 1, 2012.
Supervisor Ryan announced the Property Tax Limit documentation has been submitted to the New York State Comptroller's Office.
Supervisor Ryan announced the last day to submit bills for the year 2011 will be December 21, 2011.
Tavis Austin updated the Board on pending projects.
- FEMA - Hurricane Irene: Estimated return will be $31,556.00. Total storm related expenses are approximately $36,064.00. The Town's portion will be approximately $4,508.00.
- Community Center Roof: Project on hold due to Codes and egress requirements in classroom. Pending renovations may require change in egress.
- Community Center Heating: Full heating solution pending from McManus Engineering. Milk house heaters are an option. Basement asbestos issues may be avoided by moving heating system upstairs and locking down the basement area.
- Mr. Austin will look into the possibility of NYSERTA assistance with heating in the Community Center and will report in December on progress.
- Mr. Austin reported on "fuel" smell in the Community Center while the Cub Scouts were using the space. Tavis contacted and met Mirabito at the Community Center. Mirabito fixed disconnected conduits and smoke stack.
- Mr. Austin discussed with the Board the necessity to address Chief O'Brien's maintenance requests for Fire House #1. Tavis will provide an estimate from Oneonta Overhead doors for the replacement of first panel on door #1 and service doors. Tavis will also research the outstanding billing for weather stripping by Oneonta Overhead Doors. Tom Swatling is to commence work at Fire House #1 on November 22, 2011.
- Mr. Austin reported Exit and Not an Exit signs have been installed per Codes at the Community Center.
- Mr. Austin suggested cages be placed over thermostats at the Community Center.
- Mr. Austin asked the Board for direction on the Highway Garage Project and the acceptance or rejection of bids.
MOTION: Councilman Butler moved to reject all bids received for the Highway Garage Project and to rebid project in February of 2012. Councilwoman Sharratt seconded, and the motion passed with the following votes: Councilman Butler "aye", Councilman Field "aye", Councilwoman Sharratt "aye", and Supervisor Ryan "aye".
The Board discussed Retiree Health and Dental coverage. Discontinuation of benefits for Carol Niedialkowski and Mary Balcom was discussed. The Board agreed to have Supervisor Ryan mail letters to the above with notification of discontinuation of insurance as of January 1, 2012.
MOTION: Supervisor Ryan moved to mail letters to Carol Niedialkowski and Mary Balcom explaining the discontinuation of their health care coverage through the Town. Councilwoman Sharratt seconded, and the motion passed with the following votes: Councilman Butler "aye", Councilman Field "nay", Councilwoman Sharratt "aye", and Supervisor Ryan "aye".
The Board discussed heath care coverage for Richmond Field and Ed Rood. The topic was deferred to the December Town Board meeting.
The Board discussed Zoning Commission Dissolution and Reappointments.
MOTION: Supervisor Ryan moved to table further discussion on Zoning Commission Dissolution and Reappointments until December Town Board meeting. Councilwoman Sharratt seconded, and the motion passed with the following votes: Councilman Butler "aye", Councilman Field "aye", Councilwoman Sharratt "aye", and Supervisor Ryan "aye".
MOTION: Councilman Butler moved to re-advertise for Zoning Commission members. Councilman Field seconded, and the motion passed with the following votes: Councilman Butler "aye", Councilman Field "aye", Councilwoman Sharratt "aye", and Supervisor Ryan "aye".
The Board discussed the necessity to fill the vacancy in the Board of Assessment Review seat. Supervisor Ryan is to contact Jeff O'Handley and see if he is interested in a reappointment. The topic is deferred to the December Regular Meeting.
Upcoming meeting dates were reviewed.
December 12, 2011 - Regular Town Board Meeting 6:30 p.m. Town Hall
December 19, 2011 - Fire Commissioner's 7:00 p.m. Town Hall
December 19, 2011 - Work Session to complete impending tasks
December 26, 2011 - Water Commissioner's Meeting CANCELLED
December 28, 2011 - End of Year Abstract Audit 7:00 Town Hall
January 5, 2012 - Organizational Meeting 7:00 p.m. Town Hall
MOTION: Supervisor Ryan moved to close the Work Session and enter Executive Session to discuss a personnel matter at 9:40 p.m. Councilman Field seconded, and the motion passed with the following votes: Councilman Butler "aye", Councilman Field "aye", Councilwoman Sharratt "aye", and Supervisor Ryan "aye".
MOTION: Councilman Field moved to adjourn Executive Session and re-open the Work Session at 10:25 p.m. Councilman Butler seconded, and the motion passed with the following votes: Councilman Butler "aye", Councilman Field "aye", Councilwoman Sharratt "aye", and Supervisor Ryan "aye".
MOTION: Supervisor Ryan moved to appoint the Administrative Assistant, under "other personnel matters" as outlined in the job description, to serve as the direct supervisor of the Maintenance Worker. Councilwoman Sharratt seconded, and the motion passed with the following votes: Councilman Butler "aye", Councilman Field "aye", Councilwoman Sharratt "aye", and Supervisor Ryan "aye".
MOTION: Councilman Field moved to adjourn the Work Session at 10:35 p.m. Councilwoman Sharratt seconded, and the motion passed with the following votes: Councilman Butler "aye", Councilman Field "aye", Councilwoman Sharratt "aye", and Supervisor Ryan "aye".
Respectfully submitted,
Sarah McGuire, Town Clerk
