TOWN OF HUME
June 11, 2008
A regular meeting of the Hume Town Board, Allegany County, New York was held on
June 11, 2008 at the Town Museum, 10842 Claybed Road, hamlet
of Hume. Supervisor Craig Smith called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM and led
the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Town officials in attendance were: Supervisor Craig Smith; Council members Robert Beil, Bryce Bower, Daniel Miller, and Dennis Ricketts; Water/Sewer Superintendent Dana Potter; Highway Superintendent Ron Paulsen; Attorney David Pullen; Historian Rondus Miller; and Clerk Sondra MacEwan.
Councilman Ricketts moved that the minutes of the May 14, 2008 meeting of the Hume Town Board be accepted as presented, and Councilman Miller seconded. 5 ayes, 0 noes.
Superintendent Paulsen told the Board that the firm hauling clay from the pit on Claybed Road had posted a Performance Bond for $120,000.00.
Superintendent Paulsen asked the Board for approval to purchase a flail mower for mowing roadsides. Councilman Miller moved that the purchase of a flail mower at State bid price of $5054.00 be approved. Councilman Beil seconded. 5 ayes, 0 noes.
Councilman Bower asked about road patching, and Superintendent Paulsen responded that patching of mix pave areas will start on Thursday, June 12, 2008.
Councilman Miller suggested that the Town consider the purchase of locking fuel caps for all vehicles. Superintendent Paulsen will follow up on the costs.
Daniel Robertson presented a proposal for a project as part of his Eagle Scout candidacy program. The project involves installation of a flagpole area, landscaping, and repair of sidewalks at the Town of Hume Museum.
After discussion of details and funding, Councilman Ricketts moved that the Town approve the Eagle Scout project of Daniel Robertson as proposed. Councilman Bower seconded the motion. 5 ayes, 0 noes.
Ken Irwin delivered a petition from area residents asking for cleanup of several rundown properties in the Town. Pictures of various properties were included with the petition.
The Board discussed the procedures and laws in place that deal with property maintenance issues. The Board agreed to make the petition presented a formal matter of record, and to follow through with inspection and compliance requirements.
Rondus Miller, Historian, handed out information on a new heating system to answer prior questions from the Board, and asked for approval for purchase. Two proposals were received: Rinker Oil $6250.00, and Darel Bower $5975.00.
Councilman Ricketts at this point questioned the tax burden created by the Museum, and said that the subject of the Town owning a Museum be taken to the voters. He suggested that, at a minimum, the Museum might be closed during the winter months.
Supervisor Smith and Councilman Beil countered that as the building is Town property and items have been donated that require conservation, that it is the Town’s responsibility to maintain the property.
Rondus Miller inserted the fact that the State requires that each Town have a historian and provide office space for the performance of the historian’s duties.
Supervisor Smith moved that the Town accept the proposal of Darel Bower for purchase and installation of a new heating system at the Museum. Councilman Beil seconded the motion. Vote:
Craig Smith Yes
Bryce Bower Abstained
Robert Beil Yes
Dennis Ricketts No
Daniel Miller Yes
Motion passed.
Ms. Miller told the Board that Eric Richter has started his Internship at the Museum. He is indexing newspapers.
Superintendent Potter reported that the playground equipment arrived on June 10, 2008. Installation has not yet been scheduled.
Councilman Bower handed out a proposal for fencing changes at the Park from Triple S Security with a tag of $9927.75. A proposal from Northeast Fence is still expected.
Fillmore Central School has a contract for use of the ball field at the Park. It was recommended that the contract be renegotiated so that the school pays a more equitable fee for use of the grounds.
Councilman Ricketts moved that Alek Potter, Steven Benedict, and Caleb Thomas be hired as part-time seasonal laborers for the summer season. Councilman Miller seconded. 5 ayes, 0 noes.
The flushing of hydrants is about ¾ complete, with the remainder expected to be completed by the 15th of June. In July, the water tanks will be cleaned.
Councilman Bower moved that the Town relevy to the 2009 Town and County tax bills, any amounts remaining unpaid on water and sewer bills on September 13, 2008. Councilman Beil seconded. 5 ayes, 0 noes.
The Board upheld the Town policy of not shutting off accounts with arrears because there is a mechanism for recouping funds through the relevy to taxes.
Attorney Pullen had reviewed the letter alerting the Town of the cable franchise contract expiration in 2010. Nothing need be done at this time, but several options will be open to the Town during renegotiation.
The Board discussed the State examination of the employment of licensed professionals versus professionals retained or hired as employees.
Councilman Miller moved that the transfer of $6450 from unappropriated funds to A1620.2 for the architectural study be authorized. Councilman Bower seconded. 5 ayes, 0 noes.
Supervisor Smith told the Board that Houghton College would not have a swimming instructor available for the Summer Recreation program, but Jamie Myers was willing to fill the position through Town employment.
Councilman Beil moved that Jamie Myers be hired as Swimming Instructor for the Summer Recreation program at a salary of $12.00 per hour for four hours per week for three weeks, and Councilman Ricketts seconded. 5 ayes, 0 noes.
A site meeting will be held on June 20, 2008 at 10:00 AM at Cold Creek. The DEC and engineer Chris Ernst will join the Board to view the erosion problems and examine a proposed plan for correction.
Board members were asked to check their summer schedules, and to report back at the July meeting if there will be absences during the summer.
Councilman Ricketts moved that $1200.00 be transferred from A7510.2 to A7510.1 to cover the internship stipend of Eric Richter. Councilman Miller seconded. 5 ayes, 0 noes.
Clerk Sondra MacEwan told the Board that about ½ of the annual inventory of records is complete. The Town office is closed on Wednesdays to allow this inventory.
The Northeast Coalition meeting scheduled for June has been cancelled.
Tickets for the Allegany County Legislators’ clambake are available from district legislators.
Councilman Beil moved that the reports of the Town Clerk and Supervisor be accepted as presented, and that the bills be accepted for payment. Councilman Ricketts seconded. 5 ayes o noes.
(General -- $4151.06; Highway -- $107158.06; Lighting -- $1262.87; Sewer-- $3919.44; Water -- $2825.25)
Councilman Ricketts moved that the meeting be adjourned, and Councilman Bower seconded the motion. 5 ayes, 0 noes. Meeting adjourned at 9:10 PM.
The next regular meeting of the Hume Town Board will be on July 9, 2008 at 7:00 PM at the Fillmore Park Pavilion.
Respectfully submitted,
Sondra MacEwan,
Town Clerk