HARTWICK TOWN BOARD
Work Session
Held at Fire Hall #1
December 19, 2011
The Work Session of the Hartwick Town Board called to order at 7:00 p.m. The Pledge to the Flag was led by Councilman Kenneth Hotaling.
Present: Councilman Dave Butler, Councilman Delos Field, Councilman Kenneth Hotaling, and Councilwoman Juliann Sharratt
Also present: Administrative Assistant, Tavis Austin; Hartwick Fire Department #1 Chief, Robert O'Brien; Hartwick Fire Department #2 Chief, Mike Basile, EMS Captain, Debbie Clegg, Planning Board Member, Anita Briggs Jones, Conservation Advisory Committee Chair, Martha Clarvoe, members of both FD#1 and FD#2, and members of the community.
Absent: Supervisor Pat Ryan
Old Business
- The Board, Carol and John Niedzialkowski, Mary Balcom, and members of the community discussed Resolution 9-C-97 Retiree Life-time Benefits.
- The necessity/urgency of the Town to write a letter to Excellus including the Town's official Retiree Policy was discussed.
- Draft Resolution 12-A-2011 Retiree Health Benefits was reviewed by the Board.
Resolution 12-A-2011
Retiree Health Benefits
WHEREAS, the Town of Hartwick passed Resolution 9-C-97 on the 10th day of September, Nineteen Hundred and Ninety-Seven, and
WHEREAS, the State of New York allows a public employer to establish health insurance benefits for elected officials, and
WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Town Board of the Town of Hartwick to establish a policy as to the continuation of such benefits for retirees, and
WHEREAS, a retiree is one with 17 years of service who either retired or was elected out of office and who is considered to have departed in good standing with the Town, and
WHEREAS, Carol Niedzialkowski, Richmond Field, Edward Rood, and Mary Balcom have met the defined criteria as defined above, and
WHEREAS, Carol Niedzialkowski, Richmond Field, Edward Rood, and Mary Balcom have received said benefits to date, and
WHEREAS, the Town's policy manual does not provide for any future elected officials or employees to be covered, and
WHEREAS, the cost of such insurance continues to rise at a rate greater than the Town can support.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Resolution 9-C-97 adopted September 10, 1997 is modified as follows:
The Town Board of the Town of Hartwick hereby establishes a policy which allows for the continuation of health insurance benefits for those recipients listed above at a cost not to exceed a maximum of two hundred dollars ($200.00) per month, per recipient, for the remainder of their life under the insurance plan established by the Town. Any additional amount of premium cost in the future shall be the responsibility of the insured.
MOTION: Councilman Kenneth Hotaling moved to adopt Resolution 12-A-2011 Retiree Health Benefits. Councilman Butler seconded, and the motion passed with the following votes: Councilman Butler "aye", Councilman Hotaling "aye", Councilman Field "aye", Supervisor Pat Ryan (absent), and Councilwoman Sharratt "nay".
- Possible options provided by Bryon Morse (Kaatirondack Benefit Planning Inc.) for health insurance coverage of retiree, Carol Niedzialkowski, through Excellus BCBS were reviewed. The Board agreed to pursue Excellus BCBS Plan SB-HDHP-13 for Carol Niedzialkowsi.
New Business
- The Board discussed the necessity to modify Resolution 9-A-2011 Clean Air Grant. The NYS Department of Conservation requires responsibility of fulfillment of the Grant requirements be clearly defined in the resolution accepting the grant. The Board agreed to amend Resolution 9-A-2011 adding:
NOW BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Patricia S. Ryan, as Town Supervisor, or such person's successor in office is responsible for the fulfillment of the Town of Hartwick's responsibilities for the Clean Air Grant for NYSDEC.
Town of Hartwick
Resolution 9-A-2011
Authorization of Clean Air Grant Submission
WHEREAS, the Department of Environmental Conservation is soliciting grant applications for the New York State Clean Air Grant Program from municipalities and
WHEREAS, this resolution authorizes the signing of a grant application and upon approval of said request to enter into and execute a state assistance contract in connection with the New York State Clean Air Grant Program
WHEREAS, on August 8, 2011 the Town Board made motion and passed to sign application in connection with Clean Air Grant.
NOW BE IT RESOLVED, that Patricia S. Ryan, as Town Supervisor, or such person's successor in office, is hereby authorized and directed to file an application for funds from the New York State Clean Air Grant Program of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, in an amount not to exceed $2,300.00 (grant request), and upon approval of said request to enter into and execute a state assistance contract with the Department of Environmental Conservation for such financial assistance to this Town of Hartwick.
(Amended by addition of below text 12.20.2011)
NOW BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Patricia S. Ryan, as Town Supervisor, or such person's successor in office is responsible for the fulfillment of the Town of Hartwick's responsibilities for the Clean Air Grant from NYSDEC.
MOTION: Councilwoman Sharratt moved to accept Resolution 9-A-2011 Authorization of Clean Air Grant Submission. 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: Councilwoman Sharratt moved to amend Resolution 9-A-11 Clean Air Grant adding NOW BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED... Councilman Field seconded, and the motion passed with the following votes: Councilman Butler "aye", Councilman Field "aye", Councilman Hotaling "aye", and Councilwoman Sharratt "aye"
- The Board discussed the need to purchase annual $25 gift cards for all full-time employees. Town Clerk directed to purchase seven (7) gift cards and to distribute to full-time employees.
MOTION: Councilman Butler moved to adjourn the Town Board Work Session at 7:45 p.m. Councilman Field seconded, and the motion passed with the following votes: Councilman Butler "aye", Councilman Hotaling "aye", Councilman Field "aye", and Councilwoman Sharratt "aye".
Respectfully submitted,
Sarah McGuire, Town Clerk
