TOWN OF HUME
OCTOBER 15, 2007
A regular meeting of the Hume Town Board, Allegany County, New York was held on
October 15, 2007 at the Town Museum, 10842 Claybed Road, hamlet of Hume. Supervisor Craig Smith called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM, and he led the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Officials in attendance were: Supervisor Craig Smith; Council members Robert Beil, Bryce Bower and Dennis Ricketts; Attorney David Pullen; and Clerk Sondra MacEwan.
Councilman Ricketts moved that the minutes of the September 12, 2007 and the October 3, 2007 meetings of the Board be accepted as presented, and Councilman Beil seconded the motion. 4 ayes, 0 noes.
Supervisor Smith told the Board that Superintendent Dana Potter attended a seminar at Southern Tier West. At this seminar, Superintendent Potter learned about new Department of Health testing requirements that will cost about $500.00 per quarter. Further details will be forthcoming.
Councilman Beil moved that the Town of Hume adopt the partial exemption from taxes for residents aged 65 and over at the $12000.00 limit with the sliding scale. Councilman Ricketts seconded. 4 ayes, 0 noes.
Councilman Bower moved that the Town of Hume approve and endorse an application for grant funds made by Justice Fred Cwiklinski to the Office of Court Administration. Councilman Ricketts seconded. 4 ayes, 0 noes.
Supervisor Smith told the Board that the grant application for work in Cold Creek is being reviewed by SEMO. Should it pass this level, it would then go to FEMA for consideration. The FEMA review could take as long as one year.
The Supervisor also told the Board that the contract for the Sewer Interconnection study has been signed by the State and returned to the Town. The Town can now submit invoices for reimbursement.
The Hume United Methodist Church building is for sale. The Board discussed the site as a possible option for Town facilities. Councilman Beil was in favor of the purchase while others were hesitant. Clair Beeman, Code Enforcement Officer, submitted a letter stating that any change of occupancy plans for the church would need to be examined by an engineer. No action was taken.
Councilman Beil moved that the Supervisor be authorized to sign the Amended and Restated Municipal Cooperation Agreement for Code Enforcement Services. Councilman Ricketts seconded. 4 ayes, 0 noes.
Paul Roth was present to reinforce his request that Merwin Road be paved. The Board replied that the Superintendent of Highways sets the schedule for paving, and that Merwin Road now is scheduled for paving in 2009.
The installation of a guardrail on Dugway Road was discussed. Options for determining the necessity of installing the guardrail were presented, including consulting with the Town Highway Superintendent and contacting the County Department of Public Works. It was recommended that Highway Superintendent respond in writing to Don Fegley when a determination has been reached.
A citizen’s petition asked for a crosswalk on Main Street, and for the placement of trash containers at major intersections. Supervisor Smith has not yet contacted the State about a crosswalk for Main Street, but soon will. The Board concurred that placing and maintaining trash receptacles was not the responsibility of the Town.
At 7:15 PM, Supervisor Smith opened the Public Hearing to hear any comment on proposed Local Law #2 of 2007 that regulates domestic animals within the Town.
Several residents were present for the discussion. A topic of concern was the enforcement of the law should it be adopted.
Councilman Beil moved that the Town adopt Local Law #2 of 2007, and Councilman Ricketts seconded. 4 ayes, 0 noes. Adopted.
Supervisor Smith declared the hearing closed at 7:35 PM.
The Public Hearing to hear comment on the proposed 2008 Town Budget was opened by the Supervisor at 7:35 PM.
The Supervisor told those present that the tax rate was down, due in part to an increase in the assessed valuation.
Councilman Beil moved that the 2008 Budget be adopted as presented, and Councilman Ricketts seconded the motion. 4 ayes, 0 noes.
Councilman Bower moved that Daniel Miller be appointed to fill the vacant seat on the Town Board until December 31, 2007. Supervisor Smith seconded the motion. 4 ayes, 0 noes.
Councilman Beil moved that the reports of the Supervisor and Town Clerk be accepted as presented, and that the bills be accepted for payment as presented. Councilman Ricketts seconded 4 ayes, 0 noes.
(General - $5841.73; Highway - $16264.02; Lighting - $1261.98; Sewer - $5228.77; Phase II Water Project - $66.00; Water - $21610.97)
Councilman Beil moved that the meeting be adjourned; Councilman Ricketts seconded. 4 ayes, 0 noes. Meeting adjourned at 8:00 PM.
The next regular meeting of the Hume Town Board will be November 14, 2007 at 7:00 PM at the Town Museum.
Respectfully submitted,
Sondra MacEwan,
Town Clerk