HURON TOWN BOARD MINUTES - subject to approval.

REGULAR MEETING August 15, 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 August 15, 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 David Buisch, Russell Teeple, Lois Buckalew and Alan Traister.

Welcome

Supervisor Crane welcomed everyone.

Announcements

A public Hearing will be held tonight for Local Law #3 of 2011 (Change to a Single Appointed Assessor) at 7:30 p.m.

Correspondence

The following correspondence was received and filed:

•1. Received the estimate for 2011-2012 Retirement.

•2. Received a letter from William Reemtsen for Pre-Construction Documentation for Water District #6.

•3. Received the attendance sheet for Water 6/7 Meeting held July 22, 2011.

•4. Received a notice from Wayne County Board of Elections informing Town Clerk that there will not be a Primary Election held at the Town Hall.

Discussion of Correspondence

There was no discussion on the correspondence.

RESOLUTION #78-2011

Auditor Contract

On motion of Councilmember Teeple, seconded by Councilmember Traister the following resolution was ADOPTED - VOTE - AYES 5 NAYS 0.

RESOLVED, to give Supervisor Crane permission to sign the auditor contract for Water District #6.

Medical Insurance for Retirees

There is a retired Town employee interested in continuing medical insurance coverage through the Town, at their own expense. This has been tabled to the September Meeting.

State Park (East Side)

Building Inspector Gallant stated there have been a number of requests by the public for use of the Chimney Bluffs Park facilities for special occasions and inquired if the Town has a contact for such requests, suggesting it should be posted. Supervisor Crane will get the number to Roger.

Frog Crossing Signs

There have been two signs placed in designated areas. The signs were purchased by the State Parks.

E-Mail for Board Members

Councilmember's Buckalew and Traister will also be using the new email system.

Committee Reports

Councilmember Teeple

Deputy Highway Superintendent Reyn: Plow was purchased at the Auction for $2,900.00.

Quotes for the Slaght Road Bridge have been received:

MRB: $11,700.00

Lu Engineers: $5-8,000 Fee + 10%

$1800.00 Inspection

Discussion followed concerning the way to move the project forward: Closing the road would create a serious problem for school bus routing - in which case the school will need to be contacted ASAP. Temporary steel plate decking would facilitate use of the bridge until repairs are completed. There is also the issue of funding the project. (Discussion is interrupted in order to open the Public Hearing).

Open Hearing for Local Law #3 of 2011

Supervisor Crane opened the public hearing for Local Law #3 of 2011 at 7:31 p.m. Attorney Knauf gave a brief synopsis on the Local Law to change to a Single Appointed Assessor. The terms of the assessors would end December 31, 2011 and the law would not be subject to permissive referendum.

Open Discussion:

Dave Scudder: A 3- person board is becoming a thing of the past. There are a number of issues to be considered: Mandated training is no longer funded by the State, while training requirements have increased; finding assessors willing to work part-time with no benefits is difficult; the Town has gone through a number of assessors over the last 12-20 years. The transition will be difficult, but should be made. Of the total number of Assessment Boards in New York State, only approximately 20% maintain a 3-person board.

Jack McGuire: Feels that it would be a good idea- it would also save money.

John Widmer: Suggested the Town contract the work out as was done with the reval in 2007. He inquired about the cost of the 2007 reval, stating he felt they did an excellent job; as well as asking what the assessors are paid. There was some discussion involving criticism of the work done by the reval contractor.

Judi Buckalew: Felt that the firm did a very good job. She stated that having completed the required training courses, most of what she has learned, she learned from David Scudder and others in the Assessor's position.

Kathy Grandjean: Expressed concern that the Board is making a change before having a clear direction.

David Buisch: The Board is making the change to a single appointed assessor now because it is perfect timing, creating the least hardship on anyone. The Board has had lengthy discussions of future direction, but has made no final decision.

Supervisor Crane: This would not be a cost savings; she likes the idea of a 3-person board. The assessors are currently paid $35,514.00 and the reval of 2007 cost around $100,000.

Close Public Hearing

Supervisor Crane closed the hearing at 8:13 p.m.

RESOLUTION #79-2011

Local Law #3 of 2011

On motion of Councilmember Buisch, seconded by Councilmember Buckalew the following resolution was ADOPTED - AYES 4 NAYS1 ABSTATINED 0. Supervisor Crane voted no.

WHEREAS, Notice of a Public Hearing on proposed Local Law No. 3 of 2011 was published in the Times of Wayne County on July 24, 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 July 19, 2011; and

WHEREAS, the Local Law has been on the desks of all Town Board members since July 18, 2011; and

WHEREAS, adoption of proposed Local Law No. 3 of 2011 would not be a physical activity or project, and therefore is not defined by 6 N.Y.C.R.R. §617.2(b) as an "action" subject to the State Environmental Quality Review Act; and

WHEREAS, a public hearing was duly held on that proposed Local Law on August 15, 2011 at 7:30 PM before the Town Board at the Huron Town Hall, and all persons desiring to speak were heard;

NOW, on Motion duly made and seconded, it is

RESOLVED that, pursuant to the Municipal Home Rule Law, and as authorized by Real Property Tax Law §328, proposed Local Law No. 3 of 2011 is hereby enacted, and shall be filed with the Secretary of State.

Back to Committee Reports (Teeple):

Resume Discussion of Slaght Road Bridge:

Councilmember Buckalew stated that the Highway Department has income available that exceeds their budget, which can be used to fund the project. The general consensus was that use of temporary steel plating would facilitate use of the bridge and represent the least inconvenience. Deputy Highway Superintendent Reyn recommended acceptance of the MRB quote for the project.

RESOLUTION #80-2011

Increase Budget

On motion of Councilmember Buckalew, seconded by Councilmember Buisch the following resolution was ADOPTED - AYES 5 NAYS 0.

RESOLVED, to increase the budget in account number 2300DA by $12,000.00 and to also create and increase the budget in account number 3620401DA by $12,000.00.

RESOLUTION #81-2011

MRB Group

On motion of Councilmember Traister, seconded by Councilmember Teeple the following resolution was ADOPTED - AYES 5 NAYS 0.

RESOLVED, to accept the quote submitted by MRB Group.