TOWN OF HUME

September 10, 2008

 

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 September 10, 2008.  Supervisor Craig E. Smith opened the meeting at 7:00 PM by leading the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

 

Officials in attendance: Craig Smith, Supervisor: Council members Dennis Ricketts, Bryce Bower and Robert Beil; Historian Rondus Miller; Attorney David Pullen; Highway Superintendent Ron Paulsen; Water and Sewer Superintendent Dana Potter; and Clerk Sondra MacEwan. Councilman Daniel Miller was absent.

 

MINUTES

 

Councilman Ricketts moved that the minutes of the August 12, 2008 meeting of the Board be accepted as presented, and Councilman Bower seconded the motion. 4 ayes, 0 noes.

 

EAGLE SCOUT CANDIDATE

 

Eagle Scout Candidate Daniel Robertson explained the support he had obtained for the construction of a flagpole and monument area at the Town Museum. He asked the Town to confirm that they would remove the old sidewalks and supply cement, gravel and topsoil.

 

Rondus Miller, Historian, suggested some design changes based on the absence of funding for sidewalk construction. The changes were accepted, and the Board confirmed their support and appreciation for Mr. Robertson’s project.

 

DOG CONTROL

 

Clerk Sondra MacEwan had prepared a comparison of dog licensing fees that the Board studied. She suggested that the local fees be raised. This would have to be done by local law or ordinance.

 

Councilman Ricketts moved that the Town raise the local fee to $5.00 for neutered and unaltered dogs, and a flat fee of $10.00 be added to purebred (multi-dog) licenses. Councilman Beil seconded. 4 ayes, 0 noes.

 

The Free Rabies Clinic was confirmed for September 26, 2008 at the Park Pavilion from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.

 

MUSEUM

 

Historian Rondus Miller recapped the busy week at the Museum that was highlighted by a visit from the Wide Awake Club.

 

She also explained that a 2009 Allegany County Calendar is being pulled developed by the Historic Preservation Group that will contain historical facts from all the Towns in the County. This group will meet at the Museum on September 25, 2008.

 

 

WATER, SEWER AND SIDEWALK DEPARTMENTS

 

Superintendent Dana Potter told the Board that plans are in place to finish the curb work on Minard Street, and to coordinate with the Highway Department to do sidewalk construction on West Main Street.

 

The Richardson & Pullen law office personnel sent a Thank You note for the work on the Minard Street sidewalk.

 

The Sewer Interconnection Study is complete. The Caneadea and Hume Boards met with MRB engineers to go over the result. Conclusion of the report: interconnection of the two systems was not recommended.

 

TOWN BUILDING

 

The first draft of plans for a new Town facility housing the Court and Town offices was delivered by MRB Group.

 

On September 9, 2008, a joint meeting was held with the Wide Awake Library Board of Trustees to discuss the feasibility of a combined facility.

 

Supervisor Smith appointed Daniel Miller, Dennis Ricketts, Bryce Bower and Fred Cwiklinski to serve along with himself on a dual Library-Town committee to continue study of this alternative.

 

There was debate on the definition of Open Meetings.

 

LEGAL TOPICS

 

David Pullen, after considering the Town’s present Dog Control ordinance and amendment, suggested that the Town repeal present statutes and adopt one cohesive local law. The Board agreed, and Mr. Pullen will prepare the document for the next meeting.

 

Questioned about Intergrow Greenhouses and their lapsing agricultural exemption, Mr. Pullen explained that discussions continue at the County level.

 

SUPERINTENDENT’S AGENDA

 

Agreements for financial support of the Fillmore Trooper satellite office have been returned from the Towns of Rushford, Centerville and Caneadea. Each has pledged $400.00 in annual support.

 

Councilman Ricketts moved that a transfer of $5937.93 from sidewalk unappropriated funds to SM 5410.4 be approved to cover work on the Minard walk. Councilman Beil seconded. 4 ayes, 0 noes.

 

Supervisor Smith recommended that the Town hire J. O’Connell & Associates as grant writers for the Town, with the period of engagement to begin October 1, 2008.

 

After discussion, Councilman Bower moved that the Town of Hume retain J. O’Connell & Associates on a quarterly, review-able basis, and add the first quarters invoice to the abstract for payment. Councilman Ricketts seconded the motion. 4 ayes, 0 noes.

 

Workshops for preparation of the 2009 budget were set for September 25th and October 2nd.

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

Councilman Beil moved that the Junkyard Permit application of Alden Steadman be approved. Councilman Ricketts seconded. 4 ayes, 0 noes.

 

District I legislator’s will hold a district meeting in the Town of Centerville on September 27, 2008 at 7:00 PM.

 

BILLS AND REPORTS

 

Councilman Ricketts moved that the reports of the Supervisor and Clerk be accepted as presented, and that the bills be approved for payment. Councilman Bower seconded. 4 ayes, 0 noes.  (General - $9639.40; Highway -- $9933.99; Sidewalk District -- $1159.00; Lighting -- $1312.93; Sewer -- $3062.63; and Water -- $1180.94)

 

Councilman Ricketts moved that the meeting be adjourned and Councilman Bower seconded. 4 ayes, 0 noes. Meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM.

 

The next regular meeting of the Hume Town Board will be October 8, 2008 at 7:00 PM at the Museum.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Sondra MacEwan,

Town Clerk