TOWN OF HUME
NOVEMBER 12, 2009
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 November 12, 2009. At 7:00 PM, Supervisor Smith opened the meeting and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Officials in attendance included: Supervisor Craig Smith; Council members Bryce Bower, Robert Beil, Dennis Ricketts, and Daniel Miller; Water/Sewer Superintendent Dana Potter; Historian Rondus Miller; and Clerk Sondra MacEwan.
Councilman Ricketts moved that the minutes of the October 14, 2009 and the October 27, 2009 meetings of the Board be accepted as presented. Councilman Beil seconded the motion. 5 ayes, 0 noes.
Historian Rondus Miller reported that Tiger Cub Scouts had visited the Museum, and during their visit, came across the Geo Cache item hidden there by James Sanders. The Geo Cache has created a lot of interest in the Museum and the Town of Hume.
She also commented on Eric Richter’s internship and a donation from Phil Main of a cast iron apparatus perhaps used in the Wiscoy dam or mill. She showed the Board an old picture of a sawmill in Granger.
Nancy Gillette and Rondus Miller demonstrated the creation of PDF documents from the old Observer newspapers. Projected on the wall, the pages could be searched by keyword, and the computer could “read” the items aloud.
Clerk Sondra MacEwan told the Board of the award from SARA of a $26371.00 grant for the construction of a records storage facility in the Museum. One meeting with SARA regional director James Tamarro had been held, and one scheduled for November to discuss the project.
Councilman Ricketts moved that requests for quotes for the construction be sought, and that the quotes be considered at the December 9, 2009 meeting of the Board. Supervisor Smith seconded. 5 ayes, 0 noes.
D& H Materials, Inc. is seeking a DEC permit for gravel mining on Purdy Road. The DEC application and map are available for inspection at the Town Office.
Superintendent Potter told the Board that the second water tank had been cleaned.
He reported that he’d met with Carl Schoenthal to discuss possible projects that might qualify for State and Federal stimulus funds. They will remain in contact on this topic.
A door at the Park Pavilion was vandalized, and Superintendent Potter is working with the State Troopers on the matter. The Board discussed safety and security measures, and suggested that Jean O’Connell and Associates be asked about possible grants in the security area.
Christopher Austin described the progress on the upgrade of the Town ball field at the Park. The base has been laid and most of the sod is down and growing.
Little League and Fillmore Central School have signed the agreements for the lease and for the improvements.
Councilman Beil moved that the Town adopt the sliding scale with an income ceiling of $12000.00 for the partial exemption from taxes for persons over the age of 65. Councilman Ricketts seconded. 5 ayes, 0 noes.
SUPERVISOR’S TOPICS
Councilman Ricketts moved that Kevin Peet be appointed as Highway Superintendent to fill out the term of retired Highway Superintendent Ron Paulsen. Councilman Miller seconded the motion. 5 ayes, 0 noes.
Supervisor Smith reminded the Board of upcoming meetings: a community meeting of the Planning Committee on November 14, 2009 from 9 AM till Noon at the School, and a contract negotiating meeting on November 17, 2009 at 6 PM at the Museum.
Miscellaneous
Councilman Miller told the Board that he believed it in the best interest of the Town and any future projects to hire a consultant for the preparation of cost estimates and designs.
There was a short discussion, but no action taken.
Councilman Miller moved that the reports of the Supervisor and Town Clerk be accepted as presented, and that the bills be approved for payment. Councilman Ricketts seconded. 5 ayes, 0 noes. (General -- $10481.37; Highway -- $6076.39; Planning -- $5059.50; Fire -- $314.26; Lighting -- $1336.22; Sidewalks-- $12.68; Sewer -- $6621.87; Water -- $38997.10)
Councilman Ricketts moved to adjourn the meeting, and Councilman Bower seconded. 5 ayes, 0 noes. Meeting adjourned at 8:10 PM.
The next regular meeting of the Hume Town Board will be December 9, 2009 at 7:00 PM at the Museum.
Respectfully submitted,
Sondra MacEwan,
Town Clerk