Granby Town Board Regular Monthly Meeting
March 11, 2009 DRAFT
7:00 P.M.
Supervisor Williamson called the meeting to order leading those present in the salute to the flag.
Present for the roll call: Supervisor Ed Williamson; Councilors: Carol Abbott; Sue Richardson; Ellen Nowyj; Matt Callen. Also present: Budget Director Bob Lyman; Sole Assessor Dave Roach and several residents. Highway Superintendent Lynn Moyer was excused. He was in Albany with many other Highway Superintendents lobbying for more CHIPs money for road repair.
Sole Assessor Dave Roach made a presentation stating that he will not make any adjustments on assessments this year unless there has been a change on the property such as a new house; an addition, removal of a building, etc. He commented that the housing market in Central New York is actually good.
Communications and Announcements
NYS Real Property Tax Office has notified the Town that Granby is at 100% equalization rate for 2009. The Town will receive $5.00/parcel (less 2% retained by the State) for a total of $15,126.30 for 3,087 parcels for maintaining its 100% equalization rate.
Town officials have received notice that AL Lee Memorial Hospital will close as a hospital on or about June 30, 2009. There is a plan being developed by Oswego Health to provide urgent care services at Lee Memorial.
Each Board member has been given a copy of the latest changes for the NYS and Local Retirement System. Unused and unpaid sick days may be given as a credit to a State Pension employee at retirement to give a slight increase in pension. This credit would alleviate the Town having to pay for accumulated sick days at retirement time.
On March 25, 2009 at the Town Board Preparatory Meeting, two representatives from Empower Corporation, JoAnne Gagliano and John Hecklau, will give a presentation and answer questions on wind power. The Town Clerk will submit an article to the Valley News inviting the public to attend. At a later time the Board will discuss wind power regulations with the Codes Office and the Town Attorney to establish guidelines and rules for individuals who may want to install a wind power unit.
There has been a question as to whether the newly appointed temporary part time Court Clerk could legally hold that position since the individual is also a member of the Planning Board. Both the Town Attorney and the Unified Court System, Fifth Judicial District have determined that there is no conflict of interest.
The Town presently owns several parcels of vacant land. The Board, Highway Superintendent, Town Attorney and Supervisor will look into the possibility of selling them so they will render tax revenue.
The new Dunkin' Donuts is currently under construction on State Rt. 3 by Cayuga Community College.
With the frost leaving the ground, the Town Highway Department will post roads for weight limits as necessary.
New Business
Supervisor Williamson has obtained 3 quotes for installation of new floor tile from the Town Hall front entrance to just past the ladies room as follows:
- Granby Discount Carpet: $1236
- House Works: $1320
- Quarry Tile $3300
A motion was made by Councilor Abbott, seconded by Councilor Callen to award the bid to Granby Discount Carpet at the stated bid of $1236.00.
Councilor Abbott aye Councilor Richardson aye
Councilor Nowyj no Councilor Callen aye
Supervisor Williamson aye
A motion was made by Councilor Richardson, seconded by Supervisor Williamson to authorize Highway Superintendent Moyer to dispose of old computer parts presently stored in the highway garage. The hard drives have already been crushed so old records cannot be retrieved.
Councilor Abbott aye Councilor Richardson aye
Councilor Nowyj aye Councilor Callen aye
Supervisor Williamson aye
Reports from Committees and Town Officials
County Legislator: Supervisor Williamson announced that the County Legislature meeting will be Thursday, March 12 @ 2:00 p.m.
Dog Control Officer: 14 complaints; 1 dog picked up; 1 released; 1 dog on hand.
Historian: John Snow, Jr. reported that 3 Tuesdays in a row people have come in with questions for the Historian and to help organize a scrapbook of Town History.
ZBA: there will be a public hearing regarding the possibility of changing part of Best Dr. from CIT zoned to residential/agriculture zoned.
Town Clerk/Tax Collector: Ruth Sheldon announced the resignation of Deputy Town Clerk Carolyn Suppes. She thanked Ms Suppes for her many years of service as Deputy Town Clerk; Deputy Supervisor to Jim Best, and to the Granby Community.
Youth Director: the Board has appointed a new youth director, Betty-Jo Dumas.
Highway Department: the highway employees have done a very fine job painting the highway garage and lunch room. More painting will be done as time permits.
Supervisor: registrations for the Tug Hill Training Day on March 27th have been sent in and paid. The Board may be looking into a new local law on outdoor furnaces.
Buildings: new tile flooring will be installed in the Town Hall entry
Justice Department: the department is catching up on old cases thus bringing in more revenue.
Planning Board: has finished work on the new Dunkin' Donuts on State Rt. 3. The company has obtained a building permit and construction has begun.
Payment of Town Bills
A motion was made by Councilor Nowyj, seconded by Councilor Abbott to approve payment of Town bills as audited for abstract #5 in the amounts of: $9,024.96 from General Fund; $22,835.86 from Highway Fund; $175.00 from Water District #3 (HW1); $7,547.70 from Water District #3 (SW3); $86.37 from Wilobob Lighting.
Councilor Abbott aye Councilor Richardson aye
Councilor Nowyj aye Councilor Callen aye
Supervisor Williamson aye
Dates of Upcoming Meetings
Meeting on Wind Power followed by the Preparatory Work Meeting: March 25, 2009 @ 6:00 p.m.
Regular Monthly Meeting: April 8, 2009 @ 7:00 p.m.
Adjournment
A motion was made by Councilor Richardson, seconded by Supervisor Williamson to adjourn the meeting. Passed unanimously. Time: 7:35 p.m.
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Town Clerk
