November 2008

BOARD MINUTES

President James Madison

1809-1817

 TOWN OF COLUMBIA

NOVEMBER 13, 2008

PUBLIC HEARING 2009 BUDGET

The Town of Columbia Town Board held a public hearing on the 2009 budget November 13, 2008.  Supervisor Weiss opened the meeting at 7:30 p.m. with the pledge of allegiance. Supervisor Weiss stated that the public hearing was advertised in the Evening Telegram.  The hearing was opened to the public for questions or comments.  With no questions the hearing was closed at 7:32 p.m.

 

REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING

    NOVEMBER 13, 2008      

 

The Town of Columbia Town Board held a regular monthly meeting November 13, 2008, at the town building.

   

MEMBERS PRESENT: Supervisor Weiss, Councilmen Keeler, Lynch, and Teletnick.

MEMBERS ABSENT: None

 

OTHERS PRESENT: Pat Woytowich, Clerk; Highway Supt., Aaron Smithson; John Murtha, Planning Board Chr.; 3 residents of the town

 

Supervisor Weiss called the meeting to order at 7:33 P.M.

A motion was made by Councilman Keeler, seconded by Councilman Teletnick, to accept the minutes of 10/9/08.

  VOTE:  All members voted aye.

 

A motion was made by Councilman Teletnick, seconded by Councilman Keeler, to accept the Supervisor and Town Clerk monthly reports.

  VOTE:  All members voted aye.

 

BILLS:  The Board audited the monthly bills.  A motion was made by Councilman Keeler, seconded by Councilman Lynch, to accept the following bills:

General Fund, #154 - #169 for $ 6,450.25

Trust & Agency, #11 for $347.13

Highway, Item 1, #28 - #31 for $ 6,603.64

Highway, Item 3, #87 - #93 for $ 1,191.27

Highway, Item 4, #57 - #63 for $ 30,743.14

  VOTE: All members voted aye.

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS:

-DOG CONTROL: DCO David Weiss spoke with the board regarding the nuisance law for dogs.  David stated that it does give him something that he can do when nuisance situations arise – otherwise he cannot do anything unless it is a dangerous dog

situation.  The local law seems to be working well in Richfield Springs.  The board thanked David for coming and directed the Supervisor to contact our attorney to begin the process for the local law.

 

-HIGHWAY: Aaron reported that

· Received letter of commitment from Stadium International – new truck will begin in December.

· Roads have been marked for winter.  Tree work has been done on Richfield Hill Rd.

· Crew is back to 8 hour days.  Temporary driver back for the winter

· Old two-way radios will need updating due to digital signal

· CHIPS paperwork completed and mailed to NYSDOT.

Letter received concerning St. Rt. 51 intersection in Cedarville

 

-PLANNING BOARD: John Murtha reported to the board

· Minutes of 10/15/08 distributed

· Re-certification of planning board members received

· Zoning commission plans to meet with the ZBA next week

Grant training report distributed

 

CORRESPONDENCE:

· Supervisor Weiss received letter from Herkimer County Historical Society requesting donation.  Discussion.  Voucher next meeting

· Herkimer County Humane Society letter with contract for 2009.  Fees will be increased for next year.

· Letter from Robert Lowery requesting speed limit on Rt. 51 entering Cedarville / caution light at intersection.

Letter from Todd Harter, Herkimer County Residency Engineer, stating that the town board should make a request for lowering speed limits on State Highways.

 

   A motion was made by Councilman Lynch, seconded by Councilman Keeler, to send a letter to the NYSDOT requesting a lower speed limit / caution light entering Cedarville from Rt. 51.

  VOTE:  All members voted aye.

Letter from NYS Comptroller regarding pension – benefits are secure.

 

NEW BUSINESS:  A motion was made by Councilman Teletnick, seconded by Councilman Keeler, to adopt the preliminary budget as the 2009 final budget.

  VOTE:  All members voted aye.

BOARD DISCUSSION:

Supervisor Weiss stated that because of low interest rates he renewed CD’s for 30 days.  Would like to check out other banks for better rates. Discussion followed.  A motion was made by Councilman Keeler, seconded by Councilman Lynch, to adopt the following resolution #08-14: RESOLVED:  The Town of Columbia Town Board herby authorizes the Supervisor to look at various banks for CD rates.

  VOTE:  Keeler, aye; Lynch, aye; Teletnick, aye;   Weiss, aye.

 

Supervisor Weiss stated that he checked about bonding the new truck. Rates are 4 – 5%. Discussion followed. A motion was made by Councilman Teletnick, seconded by Councilman Keeler, to adopt the following resolution #08-15: RESOLVED: The Town of Columbia Town Board hereby authorizes the Supervisor to transfer the CD due 12/2/08 from general fund to highway  to be used for purchasing the new truck.

   VOTE:  Keeler, aye; Lynch, aye; Teletnick, aye;   Weiss, aye.

 

A motion was made by Councilman Keeler, seconded by Councilman Lynch, to adopt the following resolution #08-16: RESOLVED: The Town of Columbia Town Board hereby authorizes the Supervisor to make the following budget transfers:

$2,000.00 from DA-5140.1 to DA-5140.4

$6,000.00 from DA-5110.1 to DA-5130.4

$25,000.00 from DA-5110.4 to DA-5142.4

   VOTE:  Keeler, aye; Lynch, aye; Teletnick, aye;  Weiss, aye.

 

Supervisor Weiss stated that for the 2009 budget he is planning $.50 per hour increase for the highway employees

 

Aaron stated that he has contacted Wheelock’s for 2009 trash days

 

INPUT:  The Board received input from those attending.

 

A motion was made by Councilman Keeler, seconded by Councilman Lynch, to adjourn.  The meeting was adjourned at

9:00 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,