The Regular Meeting of the Hartwick Town Board called to order at 6:30 p.m. The Pledge to the Flag was led by Supervisor, David Butler.
Present: Supervisor David Butler, Councilwoman Anita Briggs Jones, Councilman Kenneth Hotaling, and Councilwoman Julianne Sharratt (6:40 p.m.)
Absent: Councilman Delos Field
Also present: Attorney Lynn Green (7:00 p.m.); Highway Superintendent, Rusty Striesse; Administrative Assistant, Tavis Austin; Otsego County Representative, Pauline Koren; and others from the community.
MOTION: Councilwoman Sharratt moved to approve Abstract 4 and prepaid bills for the month ending March 31, 2012 in the amount of $55,258.97 from the following funds:
General $ 23,189.74
Highway $ 19,046.63
Library $ 1,098.42
Lighting $ 452.73
Water $ 2,553.54
Fire $ 8,917.91
Councilwoman Briggs Jones seconded, and the motion passed with the following votes: Supervisor Butler "aye", Councilwoman Briggs Jones "aye", Councilman Hotaling "aye", and Councilwoman Sharratt "aye".
MOTION: Councilman Hotaling moved to approve Town Clerk's Report for March 2012 showing income of $207.00, with Town's portion being $120.70. Supervisor Butler seconded, and the motion passed with the following votes: Supervisor Butler "aye", Councilwoman Briggs Jones "aye", Councilman Hotaling "aye", and Councilwoman Sharratt "aye".
MOTION: Councilman Hotaling moved to approve Town Justice Report for March 2012 with reported income totaling $3,700.00. Councilwoman Sharratt seconded, and the motion passed with the following votes: Supervisor Butler "aye", Councilwoman Briggs Jones "aye", Councilman Hotaling "aye", and Councilwoman Sharratt "aye".
MOTION: Councilman Hotaling moved to accept the Town Board Minutes of March 12, 2012. Councilwoman Sharratt seconded, and the motion passed with the following votes: Supervisor Butler "aye", Councilwoman Briggs Jones "aye", Councilman Hotaling "aye", Councilwoman Sharratt "abstain".
MOTION: Councilman Hotaling moved to accept the Town Board Work Session Minutes of March 19, 2012. Councilwoman Briggs Jones seconded, and the motion passed with the following votes: Supervisor Butler "aye", Councilwoman Briggs Jones "aye", Councilman Hotaling "aye", and Councilwoman Sharratt "aye".
Otsego County Representative, Pauline Koren:
- Upcoming Events: Beakman Boys at Milford Earth Fest on April 14, 2012, Brandau's Seed and Feed work session on backyard chickens April 21, 2012, Otsego County Planning recognition dinner for Terry Bliss at Christopher's in Oneonta on April 27, 2012 (RSVP).
- Other Announcements: Otsego County Local Law pertaining to Child Safety Zone is required to come off the books after being deemed unconstitutional.
- Copes Corners has reopened.
- April 25, 2012 Deb Rogers will speak "In Their Words" at the Foothills in Oneonta.
- Prom Dress Giveaway is underway at 6 Center Street in the Village of Milford Friday 3:30 to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Ms. Koren and the Board discussed the septic issue on County Route 11. The Board explained the steps taken to date, and the May 1 deadline for repairs.
- Ms. Koren announced she will be out of commission for several weeks during the month of May.
Highway Superintendent, Rusty Striesse, Report:
- Honing roads now
- Purchase price on excavator $60,000. Credit to date $23,600.
- Paving discussed: Toddsville Road, Scotch Hill Road to Manley Road, Petecwick/Pleasant Valley 12-15" sleuce and widen, and Weeks Road seal.
- Discussion of use of Chips Funds for paving and West Hill Culvert work.
- Winter road degradation - Tower's Road is a good example
- Sidewalks discussed
- Clegg's will be approached again regarding drainage issue. School Street catch basin to Library across County Highway 11 and replacement of Clegg piping to basin. Needs larger piping. Current 4" pipe not handling the load.
MOTION: Councilman Hotaling moved to direct Attorney Green to procure a Bond for the purchase of the excavator totaling $60,000.00. Councilwoman Sharratt seconded, and the motion passed with the following votes: Supervisor Butler "aye", Councilwoman Briggs Jones "aye", Councilman Hotaling "aye", and Councilwoman Sharratt "aye".
- The Board agreed to have Tavis Austin work with McManus Engineering to obtain an RFP for sidewalk cement work.
Administrative Assistant, Tavis Austin's Report
- Planning Board has been reviewing the Town's Sign Ordinance. Mr. Austin forwarded the Planning Board's recommendations on the Sign Law to the Board. Town Board to review recommendations and comment at the May Town Board Meeting.
- No news from Paraco, Suburban, or Mirabito regarding Community Center heating solutions.
- Delta Report is available.
- Alexander Thomas would like to be a part of the planning committee on park upgrades especially considering walking trails.
Supervisor, David Butler, Report:
- The Board reviewed Sue Ellen Parker's qualifications for Board of Assessment Review appointment.
MOTION: Councilman Hotaling moved to appoint Sue Ellen Parker to the Town of Hartwick Board of Assessment Review Board. Councilwoman Sharratt seconded, and the motion passed with the following votes: Supervisor Butler "aye", Councilwoman Briggs Jones "aye", Councilman Hotaling "aye", and Councilwoman Sharratt "aye".
- Hartwick Clean Sweep will be held on April 28, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Further discussion on purchase of Maintenance Truck. Attorney Green advised the Board not to purchase from a private individual. Chevy S10s at Bush's were discussed. Tavis Austin and Kenny will look at vehicles at Bush's.
MOTION: Councilwoman Briggs Jones moved to direct Tavis Austin to arrange for Tim West to go through vehicles and offer an estimate for repairs on the two Chevy S10s available for purchase at Bush's Used Vehicles. Councilwoman Sharratt seconded, and the motion passed with the following votes: Supervisor Butler "aye", Councilwoman Briggs Jones "aye", Councilman Hotaling "aye", and Councilwoman Sharratt "aye".
- Maintenance vehicle will be discussed further at the upcoming Work Session.
- Community Garden will remain in the same location.
- Receipt of letter from Mary E. Higgins.
Dear Town Supervisor Butler and Town Board Members:
In reference to the proposed agreement between the Town of Hartwick and Cooperstown Youth Baseball, as an adjacent property owner, I am requesting that any agreement include the provision for a chain-link fence on the northern boundary between my property and the Town property.
Due to the anticipated influx of individuals participating in and observing the activities of Cooperstown Youth Baseball, the school building and grounds can pose as a temptation for the curious.
Thank you for your consideration of this matter.
Sincerely,
Mary E. Higgins
Town Attorney, Lynn Green Esq. Report:
Attorney Green reported on his review of the Hartwick Conservation Committee's proposed Environmental Protection Law. Attorney Green reported the Law is premature, and the language needs revision. Attorney Green will continue to review laws banning hydrofracking unrelated to potable water supply.
Floor opened for Public Comment
Councilwoman Briggs Jones thanked the Beautification Committee for the fall bulb planting around the Hamlet. The spring blooms are beautiful.
MOTION: Councilman Hotaling moved to adjourn the Regular Town Board Meeting at 9:10 p.m. and enter into Executive Session to discuss a Personnel related issue. Councilwoman Sharratt seconded, and the motion passed with the following votes: Supervisor Butler "aye", Councilwoman Briggs Jones "aye", Councilman Hotaling "aye", and Councilwoman Sharratt "aye".
MOTION: Councilman Hotaling moved to close Executive Session and reenter the Regular Town Board Meeting at 9:22 p.m. Councilwoman Briggs Jones seconded, and the motion passed with the following votes: Supervisor Butler "aye", Councilwoman Briggs Jones "aye", Councilman Hotaling "aye", and Councilwoman Sharratt "aye".
MOTION: Supervisor Butler moved to close the Regular Town Board meeting at 9:25 p.m. Councilwoman Briggs Jones seconded, and the motion passed with the following votes: Supervisor Butler "aye", Councilwoman Briggs Jones "aye", Councilman Hotaling "aye", and Councilwoman Sharratt "aye".
Respectfully submitted,
Sarah McGuire, Town Clerk
