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 Delos Field, and Councilwoman Julianne Sharratt
Absent: Councilman Kenneth Hotaling
Also present: Highway Superintendent, Rusty Striesse; Administrative Assistant, Tavis Austin; Hartwick Conservation Advisory Committee Chair, Martha Clarvoe; Hartwick Historical Association Representative, Gloria Waro; Otsego County Representative, Pauline Koren; Jill and Matthew Craig; Planning Board Co-Chair, Gregory Horth; Fire Chief, Robert O'Brien; Emergency Squad Captain, Debbie Clegg; and others from the community.
MOTION: Councilwoman Sharratt moved to approve Abstract 7 and prepaid bills for the month ending June 30, 2012 in the amount of $87,834.74 from the following funds:
General $ 53,751.55
Highway $ 24,122.99
Library $ 2,789.99
Lighting $ 452.73
Water $ 282.52
Fire $ 6,434.96
Councilwoman Briggs Jones seconded, and the motion passed with the following votes: Supervisor Butler "aye", Councilwoman Briggs Jones "aye", Councilman Field "aye", and Councilwoman Sharratt "aye".
MOTION: Councilwoman Briggs Jones moved to approve Town Clerk's Report for June 2012 showing income of $590.00, with Town's portion being $561.60. Councilwoman Sharratt seconded, and the motion passed with the following votes: Supervisor Butler "aye", Councilwoman Briggs Jones "aye", Councilman Field "aye", and Councilwoman Sharratt "aye".
MOTION: Councilman Field moved to approve Town Justice Report for June 2012 with reported income totaling $2475.00. Councilwoman Sharratt seconded, and the motion passed with the following votes: Supervisor Butler "aye", Councilwoman Briggs Jones "aye", Councilman Field "aye", and Councilwoman Sharratt "aye".
MOTION: Councilwoman Briggs Jones moved to accept the Town Board Meeting Minutes of June 11, 2012. Councilman Field seconded, and the motion passed with the following votes: Supervisor Butler "aye", Councilwoman Briggs Jones "aye", Councilman Field "aye", and Councilwoman Sharratt "aye".
Otsego County Representative, Pauline Koren:
Ms. Koren updated those present on the following topics:
- Weed spraying
- Bath Salts in Otsego County
- Fiber Optics/High Speed capability
- County Soil and Water Testing. Contact Otsego County Soil and Water for information.
- MOSA transition out
- Fire Departments and Worker's Compensation
- Bed Tax funds
- Otsego County Manor
- NYSERTA Grants
- Modification of Fire Inspection Fees at local campgrounds
Matthew and Judy Craig - Change of Speed Limit on NYS28 Corridor - County Highway 11C South to Dream's Park.
- Requesting DOT study to decrease speed from 45 mph.
- Many accidents.
- Petition submitted supporting change in speed limit
Town Board agreed to submit a letter to the NYS Department of Transportation requesting a study of speed/safety along the Route 28 corridor spanning from County Highway 11 access to Dream's Park. Carbon copies will be forwarded to Sen. Seward as well as County Representative, Pauline Koren.
Highway Superintendent, Rusty Striesse, Report:
- Cleaning ditches to prepare for paving projects
- Stamford DEC has been contacted regarding drainage on Clegg property
- Ms. Clegg informed the Town they will receive a letter from DEC shortly regarding the drainage.
- Jr. Bush would like water service to his property on County Highway 11. Mr. Bush would like the hydrant moved off his property.
Administrative Assistant, Tavis Austin's Report
- CHA Grant Submission. Mr. Austin informed the Board of the necessity to have more plans in place in order to be eligible for the CHA Grant. Examples: Farmland Protection Plan and/or design drawings for areas funding would target with ample Grant funding.
- CHA not looking at Hartwick as potential funding candidate at this time; however, there will be other funding opportunities during the year.
- Recommends: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Committee, Plans for items such as Farmland Protection and sidewalks. Meeting Grant requirements will cost a small amount of Town funds.
- Board discussed forming a 7 man committee - Comprehensive Plan Implementation Committee. The Board agreed to place an advertisement in the Daily Star requesting letters of interest from Town of Hartwick citizens for participation.
- Williamson Law Book (WLB). Tavis Austin, Doris Schlee, and Sarah McGuire have completed a two day introduction to WLB Accounting Software Application. Currently have reconciled March 2012 and are progressing with entries/reconciliations to current date.
- Health Officer has deemed 120 Gulf Rd. a non-health risk. Concerns with complainants' ability to remain anonymous were discussed. Councilwoman Sharratt suggested a letter be written to property owners outlining complaint received and offering information pertaining to refuse collection.
- New Town truck has been delivered. Water tank will be needed for watering in the Hamlet. Current system is not efficient.
- Letter from State pertaining to no left turn at Greenough Road entrance Northbound 28 was discussed. The State will not allow no left turn. State has agreed to relocate turn warning - to standard - closer to turn.
- Crosswalk at campground was discussed. It was agreed the State, County, and Town will have to work closely on this project.
- Library needs quotes on the replacement of 2nd entrance door and porch door.
Conservation Committee, Martha Clarvoe, Chair:
- Conservation Committee reminded the Board of the availability of a PPT presentation pertaining to hydrofracking. The Committee offered to air the presentation for the Town Board.
- Councilwoman Sharratt suggested the Committee work on helping those people in the area who would like to discontinue their lease agreements. Ms. Clarvoe is agreeable to researching available resources and making those resources available to interested parties.
- OCCA will soon have available maps providing current leases.
- The Coalition has not leased to date.
- The Board and Ms. Clarvoe discussed the State's decision and possible permitting through State Agency.
- Ms. Waro asked what would happen if a petition was submitted by Town of Hartwick residents requesting a moratorium containing greater than the required percentage of names. Ms. Waro also asked if constituents could sue the Town for not passing a moratorium.
MOTION: Councilwoman Sharratt moved to direct the Conservation Committee to gather available information for lease holders regarding steps and contacts to assist in termination of leases. Councilwoman Briggs Jones seconded, and the motion passed with the following votes: Supervisor Butler "aye", Councilwoman Briggs Jones "aye", Councilman Field "aye", and Councilwoman Sharratt "aye".
Supervisor, David Butler, Report:
- Cooperstown Youth Baseball Ground Breaking - July 11, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. Ballfield
- The Board discussed declaring the Bronco and E22 as surplus.
MOTION: Councilwoman Briggs Jones moved to declare Bronco and E22 as surplus equipment. It was further moved to allow for the vehicles to be put out to sealed bid with bids being opened on August 13, 2012. Councilwoman Sharratt seconded, and the motion passed with the following votes: Supervisor Butler "aye", Councilwoman Briggs Jones "aye", Councilman Field "aye", and Councilwoman Sharratt "aye".
- Sandlot Kids - Wednesday night pick-up baseball at Ball Field in Park.
Unfinished Business:
- John Basile presented the Board with options for heating at the Community Center. Town Board received spec sheets and pictures of system heating units and furnace.
MOTION: Councilman Field moved to accept John Basile's option #2 for heating at the Community Center. Project cost is $21,494.00. Councilwoman Sharratt seconded, and the motion passed with the following votes: Supervisor Butler "aye", Councilwoman Briggs Jones "aye", Councilman Field "aye", and Councilwoman Sharratt "aye".
Floor opened for Public Comment
- Debbie Clegg, EMS Captain, discussed concerns with CMT replacing the Hartwick EMS. Ms. Clegg also asked if the Board still intended to replace the aging ambulance citing NFPA standards. Dates were discussed - projected 2013 delivery and 2014 first payment.
- Ms. Gloria Waro announced Ice Cream Social this coming Friday at 3089 County Highway 11 - $2.00 donations will be requested. Funds will support the Historical Association.
MOTION: Supervisor Butler moved to close the Regular Town Board meeting at 9:45 p.m. Councilman Field seconded, and the motion passed with the following votes: Supervisor Butler "aye", Councilwoman Briggs Jones "aye", Councilman Field "aye", and Councilwoman Sharratt "aye".
Respectfully submitted,
Sarah McGuire, Town Clerk
