TOWN OF HUME

MARCH 10, 2010

 

A regular meeting of the Hume Town Board, Allegany County, New York was held at the Town of Hume Museum, 10842 Claybed Road, Hume, New York on March 10, 2010.  At 7:00 PM, Supervisor Dennis Ricketts called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

 

Officials in attendance included:  Supervisor Dennis Ricketts; Council members Bryce Bower, Christopher Austin, Gregory McKurth, and Daniel Miller; Water/Sewer Superintendent Dana Potter; Highway Superintendent Kevin Peet; Historian Rondus Miller; Town Attorney David Pullen; and Clerk Sondra MacEwan.

 

FUEL STORAGE STUDY

 

Four members of Brooks Hose Company attended the meeting. Their purpose was to clarify their non-participation in the Shared Fuel Storage Grant application, and to reconcile any misunderstandings with the Town.

 

Councilman Miller reiterated that the application was for a feasibility study. Fillmore Central School and the Town of Hume went ahead with the application without inclusion of the Fire Company.

 

Dennis Hall explained that the very short time frame had concerned the Fire Company, but that overall the Fire Company supported the Town.

 

Supervisor Ricketts stated that everyone was in accord.

 

HUME HAMLET CONCERNS

 

Helen Allshouse presented several concerns and questions to the Board. She focused on snowmobiles that were running on hamlet sidewalks and dogs that were wandering loose. She had questions about tree cutting, the placement of dumpsters, and doggie hygiene. She suggested that trees be planted between Hume and Fillmore.

 

Superintendent Peet will examine the possible placement of signs directing snowmobiles to stay off of sidewalks similar to those already placed in Fillmore.

 

Ms. Allshouse was informed that the Town of Hume does have a leash law requiring that all dogs be leashed and under control, and that a system to file a complaint with the Dog Control Officer is in place.

 

Councilman McKurth told her that the planting of trees for the beautification of the area was part of the Comprehensive Plan now being developed.

 

HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT

 

Councilman McKurth moved that the Superintendent of Highways be authorized to advertise for bids for asphalt and construction materials for the 2010 season. Councilman Austin seconded the motion. 5 ayes, 0 noes.

 

Superintendent Peet asked for the Board’s guidance on the ordering of salt under a prior agreement. The consensus was to finish the purchase agreement and to store the salt.

 

At 7:30 PM, Supervisor Ricketts opened the bids for the sale of the Dodge Truck.

           

Zachary Austin               $701.00

            Sulli Motors                          $1032.00

            Jesse Cox                              $1001.00

 

Councilman Miller moved that all bids be rejected because of the low offers, and Councilman Austin seconded. 5 ayes, 0 noes.

 

Supervisor Ricketts moved that the Dodge truck be sent to auction, and Councilman Austin seconded. 5 ayes, 0 noes.

 

Councilman Miller moved that a reserve price for the Dodge truck be set at $3000.00. Councilman Bower seconded. 5 ayes, 0 noes.

 

Superintendent Peet told the Board that the Internet Auction for the grader wing was yielding very low results, and asked that the Board allow the withdrawal from the auction.

 

Councilman Miller moved that the Superintendent be authorized to withdraw the grader wing from auction. Councilman Austin seconded. 5 ayes, 0 noes.

 

Estimates for the remodeling of Highway Shed doors had been requested. Two quotes were submitted:

 

            Brian Miller                $5800.00

            Dana Arnold              $7525.00

 

Councilman Austin moved that the lowest bid (Brian Miller) be accepted. Councilman Bower seconded the motion. 5 ayes, 0 noes.

 

Letters were received from both Senator Catharine Young and Legislator Daniel Burling stating that, while requests for funds for a bucket truck were important, that no funds were available at this time.

 

Supervisor Ricketts introduced a Resolution (Res 3-A-10) asking the State of New York to dedicate that portion of State Route 19 from the Wyoming County Line to the intersection of Allegany County Road 3 in the Town of Hume to the memory of Almond E. Fisher, WWII Congressional Medal of Honor recipient.

 

Councilman Miller moved that Resolution 3-A-10 be adopted, and Councilman Austin seconded. 5 ayes, 0 noes.

 

MUSEUM

 

Historian Rondus Miller asked the Board to develop a policy for the assignment of keys and access to Town Buildings. The Building Committee will work on this policy.

 

Only one proposal for insulating the Museum was received. More will be sought.

 

Councilman Miller told the Board that there was a cost overrun on construction of the Records Storage Room as well as a questioned bill for electrical services.

 

Councilman Austin moved that the bill for electrical installation (Claim #98)) be removed from the March abstract until further investigations were concluded, and Councilman Bower seconded. 5 ayes, 0 noes.

 

WATER/SEWER/PARKS

 

The Building Committee will stake out the proposed fence line at the Town’s Park and ball field, develop specifications, and seek proposals for the work.

 

Superintendent Potter asked how the funds from the sale of scrap metal were to be handled.  He was directed to turn them in to the Supervisor, and to keep a tally for future budgeting.

 

LEGAL TOPICS

 

Attorney David Pullen handed out a sample law about the assignment of responsibility for maintenance of sidewalks. The Board agreed that he should draft a local law making property owners outside the established Sidewalk District responsible for maintenance and snow removal.

 

SUPERVISOR’S AGENDA

 

Councilman Austin moved that budget accounts be established for the Records Storage Room funds and that $24000.00 be credited and debited appropriately. Councilman Miller seconded. 5ayes, 0 noes.

 

Councilman McKurth moved that budget accounts be established for Planning Grant funds and that $15075.00 be debited and credited appropriately. Councilman Miller seconded. 5 ayes, 0 noes.

 

Councilman Austin moved that $1000.00 be transferred from A1990.4 (contingent) to A1010.4 (Board contractual). Councilman Bower seconded. 5 ayes, 0 noes.

 

Councilman Miller moved that Margaret Mills be appointed 2010 Summer Recreation Director, and Councilman McKurth seconded. 5 ayes, 0 noes.

 

Councilman Austin moved that the Town of Hume join Southern Tier West at the Basic Level at a cost of $150.00 for the membership. Councilman Miller seconded. 5 ayes, 0 noes.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

Supervisor Ricketts moved that the Board enter Executive Session to discuss pending negotiations. Councilman Bower seconded. 5 ayes, 0 noes.

 

The Board entered Executive Session at 9:50 PM and returned to Open Meeting at 10:45 PM.

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

The records of the Justice Court were favorably audited, and the report filed with the Clerk.

 

Jean O’Connell and an associate will meet with Board members on March 12, 2010 to discuss needs and plans for further grant funding.

 

There was a brief discussion about maintaining the Town ball field.

 

BILLS AND REPORTS

 

Councilman Miller moved that the reports of the Supervisor and Town Clerk be accepted as presented, and that the bills be accepted for payment as audited. Councilman McKurth seconded. 5 ayes, 0 noes.

 

(General --$40604.15; Highway - $ $51055.43; Fire Protection - $163.13; Planning - $712.50; Sewer - $5207.29; Water - $6303.64)

 

Councilman Austin moved that the meeting be adjourned, and Councilman Bower seconded. 5 ayes, 0 noes.  Meeting adjourned at 10:55 PM.

 

The next regular meeting will be Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at 7:00 PM at the Museum.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Sondra MacEwan,

Town Clerk