HURON TOWN BOARD MINUTES - subject to approval.
REGULAR MEETING June 20, 2011
Call to Order
Regular Meeting of the Huron Town Board was called to order by Supervisor Laurie Crane at the Huron Town Hall on June 20, 2011, at 7:00 p.m.
Flag Salute
Supervisor Crane led the flag salute.
Roll Call
Upon roll call the following members were present: Supervisor Laurie Crane, Councilmember Alan Traister, Russell Teeple, David Buisch and Lois Buckalew.
Welcome
Supervisor Crane welcomed everyone.
Recognition of Highway Superintendent Charles Bush
The Town Board recognized Charles Bush for his 36 years of service to the residents of the Town of Huron and he was awarded a plaque and a certificate. Refreshments were served during a 15 minute break in the meeting to acknowledge Chuck.
Back to Meeting:
Correspondence
The following correspondence was received and filed:
1. Received a dogs running at large complaint from a resident on Crescent Beach.
2. A letter from the Department of State that Local Law #1 of 2011 has been received and filed.
3. A copy of a letter to Supervisor Crane from DEC in regards to the possible acquisition of approximately 500 acres in the Town.
4. A letter from the Office of Community Renewal to Supervisor Crane in regards to the Certificate of Completion of Project #565HR125-07.
5. A copy of a letter from Sheen Housing to Supervisor Crane in regards to the Access to Home Grant in Wayne County.
Discussion of Correspondence
#1 Councilmember Buisch inquired on the dog complaint; Supervisor Crane responded that Animal Control Officer Gary Mettler has been taken over to Crescent Beach to issue warnings to the individuals and were told that if he had to go back out there would be tickets issued.
#3 Councilmember Teeple expressed his concern about this letter. Following a discussion it was decided that the board would forward its concerns to the Town's Attorney to prepare a response and check the relevant section of the law.
Open Public Hearing for Local Law #2 of 2011
Supervisor Crane opened the public hearing for Local Law #2 of 2011 at 7:30 p.m. Attorney Reichhart gave a brief overview of the Local Law. Hearing was closed at 8:07 p.m.
Public Response:
Q: When will inspections begin again? A: Next year
Q: What are the procedures for inspections? A: Aerobic Systems will have maintenance agreements.
Q: What systems are being recommended? A: The Building Inspector will have suggestions for what would be best for each lot.
Q: If you have a system and it passes can you keep it? A: The board does not believe a standard septic system would pass with the new type of test that will be conducted.
Q: What is the cost of the system? A: Around $10-12,000 or more.
Q: Holding Tanks- It seems the residents will be held hostage to one provider. Can the town provide some help? Is there grant money available? A: There is no one from the town to provide this service and if that were to be done it would be an additional budget expense.
Q: What is the difference between a holding tank and a Septic Tank? A: A holding tank contains waste water and a septic tank contains septage.
Q: Can you use a boat to pump to the marina? A: That would be between the resident and the marina operator.
Q: Can you do a shared system? A: That would be up the homeowners and would require a multiple-user agreement subject to the Building Inspector's approval.
Some of the residents feel a terrible burden is being placed on them; that there are no services being provided to them.
Supervisor Crane referred to the recent blue-green algae outbreak noting high phosphorus levels from nutrient loading as the cause with resulting pressure on the Town from everyone around the bay to do something about it. Everyone else in the Town has had to comply with the septic law; Crescent Beach residents have not, until now. This needs to be corrected to ensure fair treatment of everyone in Town; and the bay needs to be cleaned up.
A resident spoke that Building Inspector Gallant is an incredible asset; he is understanding, responsive, and friendly. Councilmember Buisch suggested a meeting with the Building Inspector to address all of their concerns. It was suggested to invite Roger to the next Crescent Beach Association meeting so that he could answer some of the questions that were not answered tonight. Public Meeting closed.
RESOLUTION #56-2011
Make Negative Declaration and Enact Local Law #2 of 2011
On motion of Councilmember Buisch, seconded by Councilmember Buckalew the following resolution was ADOPTED - VOTE - AYES 5 NAYS 0.
WHEREAS, Proposed Local Law No. 2 of 2011 (the "Local Law") would amend the Town of Huron Septic Law, being Local Law No. 3 of 1996, as amended by Local Law No. 3 of 2001, Local Law No. 1 of 2002, and Local Law No. 3 of 2006, to require the installation, on Crescent Beach and in any other area that may be designated as an Alternative Septic System Area, of a holding tank, aerobic system, or other alternative septic system approved by the New York State Department of Health, whenever a and Local Law No. 3 of 2006, to require the installation, on Crescent Beach and in any other area that may be designated as an Alternative Septic System Area, of a holding tank, aerobic system, or other alternative septic system approved by the New York State Department of Health, whenever a new or replacement system is installed, or within two years of a failed inspection of an existing system; and
WHEREAS, the Local Law has been on the desks of all Town Board since June 2, 2011; and new or replacement system is installed, or within two years of a failed inspection of an existing system; and
WHEREAS, an Environmental Assessment Form ("EAF") was prepared for the Local Law, which the Town Board has reviewed; and
WHEREAS, Notice of a Public Hearing on the Local Law was published in the Times of Wayne County on May 1, 2011, and the Town Clerk also caused a copy of that Notice to be posted on the sign board of the Town maintained pursuant to Town Law §30(6) on May 1, 2011; and
WHEREAS, a public hearing was duly held on the Local Law on June 20, 2011 at 7:30 PM before the Town Board at the Board at the Huron Town Hall, and all persons desiring to speak were heard; and
NOW THEREFORE, IT IS RESOLVED, that the Town Board has considered the Local Law and its potential for environmental impacts; reviewed and considered the EAF, the criteria contained in 6 N.Y.C.R.R. §617.7(c), and other supporting information to identify the relevant areas of environmental concern; and thoroughly analyzed the identified relevant areas of environmental concern to determine if the Local Law may have a significant adverse impact on the environment, and finds that the Local Law would not have a significant impact on the environment, because:
1. Crescent Beach poses unique physical conditions, being sand bordered on the north by Lake Ontario and the south by Sodus Bay, and also being located in a Coastal Erosion Hazard area. These conditions make installation, maintenance and use of conventional septic systems difficult or impractical, and also make typical septic inspections more difficult or not reliable. Other areas of the Town may also have unique conditions.
2. The Town has investigated alternative septic systems that would be acceptable to the New York State Departments of Health and Environmental Conservation and minimize pollution, as well as alternative methods of septic inspection, that would be suitable for Crescent Beach and other areas of the Town which may also pose problems for traditional septic systems, and finds a holding tank, aerobic system, or other alternative septic system approved by the New York State Department of Health would be more protective of health and the environment than traditional systems on Crescent Beach, and possibly other areas of the Town.
3. Accordingly, the Local Law will prevent the introduction of pollution into the Town's coastal areas, thereby providing greater protection of water quality, fish, aquatic vegetation, natural resources and other facets of the environment in the Town.
4. Further, the Local Law would improve neighborhood character, and have a beneficial cumulative impact, by assuring that the waterways in the vicinity of residential uses are free from pollution resulting from inadequate septic systems, thereby improving recreational uses and property values.
5. The Local Law would not result in any identified negative environmental impacts or induce other actions, and is consistent with the Master Plan of the Town.
IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED, that pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act, a Negative Declaration shall be made and duly filed, and an environmental impact statement need not be prepared; and it is
FURTHER RESOLVED that, pursuant to the Municipal Home Rule Law, Proposed Local Law No. 2 of 20011 is hereby enacted, and shall be filed with the Secretary of State.
Water Fees-Matt Harper
Matt Harper expressed concern that he will be charged with Debt Service Fees by both the Town of Huron and the Town of Wolcott for the same residence; his house is located in the Town of Wolcott but his property extends into the Town of Huron. The Town Board adopted the policy regarding benefit charges for the financing of debt service for Town water districts in its April 2009 meeting. Attorney Reichhart was directed to review the matter with Assessor Scudder.
Justice Audit
Councilmember's Buckalew and Traister will set up times to come in and do the audit of the Justices.
Employee Handbook
Deferred Compensation was discussed as well as individuals working 30 hours a week to receive benefits. This has been adjourned until the July 18, 2011 Town Board Meeting. Workshop scheduled for Monday June 27, 2011 at 7:00 p.m.
CHAS
Town Clerk Vezzose spoke on Clerks Helping Area Soldiers; The Wayne County Town Clerk's/Deputies and Tax Collectors Association has formed a group called CHAS. The association will be celebrating Christmas in July this year. In lieu of exchanging gifts, the Clerks will be sending packages to our Soldiers overseas. We are asking our communities in Wayne County for help in filling the packages. The mailing of these packages will be sent at the expense of the Wayne County Clerks/Deputies and Tax Collectors Association. Packages will be located in your Town Clerk's office along with a suggested list of items. We are asking that you bring your items in by Wednesday July 13, 2011.
RESOLUTION #57-2011
Permission to Purchase Light for Flagpole
On motion of Councilmember Buisch, seconded by Councilmember Buckalew the following resolution was ADOPTED - AYES 5 NAYS 0.
RESOLVED, to purchase a commercial light for the flagpole at a cost of $159.00.
Committee Reports
Councilmember Teeple
Water District #6: In motion; waiting on easements.
Water District #7: Work has started on this project.
RESOLUTION #58-2011
MRB Budget Increase
On motion of Councilmember Teeple, seconded by Councilmember Buisch the following resolution was ADOPTED - AYES 5 NAYS 0.
RESOLVED, to increase the MRB Water District #6 engineering contract an additional $1702.81.
Councilmember Traister
Justice Monthly Report: Councilmember Traister moves seconded by Councilmember Teeple to approve the May monthly Justice court report. All in favor of this motion.
Historian: Historian Carol Flint gave her report. She has been asked by John Powell to copy pictures in the Town's possession, he wants to include in a second book. Councilmember Teeple moved, seconded by Councilmember Traister to allow John Powell to make copies of the pictures with the stipulation that the Town receive acknowledgement for the pictures.
Councilmember Buckalew
Assessors: Assessor Scudder reported that the BAR has adjourned; there were 159 cases acknowledged, 11 corrections, 49 stipulations and 99 BAR determinations. The roll has been turned in and notices have been sent out. Assessor Scudder asked Councilmember Buisch if he could maintain the link to the county website.
Councilmember Buisch
Receive & File Building Inspector's Monthly Fee Report: Councilmember Buisch moved, seconded by Councilmember Teeple to receive and file the Building Inspector's May monthly fee report. Motion carried.
Planning Board Minutes: Councilmember Buisch moved, seconded by Councilmember Traister to approve the May 2, 2011 Planning Board meeting minutes. Motion carried.
Zoning Board Minutes: Councilmember Buisch moved, seconded by Councilmember Teeple to approve the May 10, 2011 Zoning Board meeting minutes. Motion carried.
Building Inspectors Report:
Clerk to Building Inspector Donna Traister spoke on the Tech improvements; the Back Up System is here and BAS will be hooking it up next week. Implementation of the new e-mail service is in progress.
Supervisor
Town Clerk's Monthly Report: Councilmember Buisch moved, seconded by Councilmember Traister to approve the May monthly report of the Town Clerk. Motion carried.
Town Board Meeting Minutes: Councilmember Buisch moved, seconded by Councilmember Teeple to approve the May 16, 2011 regular minutes. Motion carried.
Supervisor's Month Report: Councilmember Buisch moved, seconded by Councilmember Traister to receive and file the May monthly Supervisor's report. Motion carried.
County Board Meeting: Supervisor Crane reported that the county board meeting will be tomorrow and they will be asking for an additional $50,000 for improving weed harvesting.
SBAA: Supervisor Crane met with SBAA on June 16, 2011 and no decisions have been made.
RESOLUTION #60-2011
Sign Contract with Labella for LWRP Consultant
On motion of Councilmember Buisch, seconded by Councilmember Teeple the following resolution was ADOPTED - AYES 5 NAYS 0.
RESOLVED, to authorize Supervisor Crane to sign the contract with Labella for LWRP Consultant.
RESOLUTION #61-2011
Transfers
On motion of Councilmember Buckalew, seconded by Councilmember Traister the following resolution was ADOPTED - AYES 5 NAYS 0.
RESOLVED, to approve the following transfers:
From 19904A (Contingency) to 1620403 (Bldg. Repairs) $142.51
RESOLUTION #62-2011
Pay Historian Flint's Voucher
On motion of Councilmember Buckalew, seconded by Councilmember Buisch the following resolution was ADOPTED - AYES 5 NAYS 0.
RESOLVED, to give Town Clerk permission to add Historian Flint's voucher for $368.49.
RESOLUTION #63-2011
Audit & Pay Bills
On motion of Councilmember Buckalew, seconded by Councilmember Buisch the following resolution was ADOPTED - VOTE - AYES 5 NAYS 0.
RESOLVED, to give permission to pay the following vouchers:
May 26, 2011
Vouchers 281-282 3,809.28
Capital Project #5 3,809.28
June 9, 2011
Vouchers #283-286 6,200.58
General 3,126.15
Highway 2,222.59
Trust and Agency 851.84
June 20, 2011
Vouchers 287-352 66,887.55
General 31,375.31
Highway 34,509.32
Capital Project #5 983.00
Sodus Bay Aquatic Weed 19.92
June 20, 2011
Vouchers 353-360 24,047.67
Capital Project Water #6 24,047.67
Adjournment
Councilmember Traister moved, seconded by Councilmember Teeple to adjourn at 9:58 p.m. Motion carried.
Next Board Meetings
Huron Planning Board will meet on July 11, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.
Huron Zoning Board of Appeals will meet on July 12, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.
Huron Town Board will meet on July 18, 2011 at 7:00 p.m.
Tammy Vezzose
Huron Town Clerk
