by Judith Radford
On Thursday, September 11, the Grafton Town Board held its regular monthly meeting starting promptly at 7 pm. Two members, Ed Fredricks, III and Mike Crandall were not present. Following the Pledge of Allegiance and the usual procedural matters Supervisor Allison Kirchner asked for department reports.
Reports
Superintendent of Highways Herbert Hasbrouck reported that the Highway Department is working hauling sand in preparation for the winter. He also said they are working on the ditches on Dunham Reservoir Road and are planning on repairing the road in coordination with the County Highway Department using a new cold coal mix. He said the County will be doing the paving and, in return, they will be able to use some of the Town’s equipment. This is experimental and how it works out will determine whether we use this material in the future.
Tom Withcuskey, Code Enforcement Officer, reported 42 building permits have been issued so far in 2008 with 35 of them being outstanding from 2007. He went on to inform everyone that this is the time of the year when residents could be installing new boilers, stoves or chimneys. A building permit is required for these installations.
Junior Rescue Squad Started
Donna Baldwin of the Grafton Rescue Squad reported that there were 11 calls during the month of August, 64.6 volunteer hours were expended and they traveled 288 miles. The squad also supported several local endeavors such as the Triathlon, Run for the Roses and the ROUSE picnic.
Baldwin told everyone about the new Junior Squad they have started in order to attract younger people into this valuable town service. The program is open to 15 and 16 year olds. Recruits will come to drills and meetings. They will not be able to ride along on a call until they are 16. Participants will spend 120 days in the program and will receive CPR training. The program will bring ROTC credit and one individual has already joined, Baldwin’s son. If anyone is interested, she asks that you either call the Squad or reach her at home. Her number is listed in the phone book.
The Supervisor’s Report for August and the Town Clerk’s Report for the month of August were both approved and copies can be obtained at the Town Clerk’s Office.
Supervisor Kirchner said the Summer Program was over and was extremely successful this year with Kathy Mason Wagar as Director. A quilt made by the children was presented to the Town by Kirchner. Councilwoman Messenger said she had visited the program during the summer and she wanted everyone to know the counselors were doing an excellent job and were genuinely interested in what they were accomplishing with the children.
Eagle Renewed
Supervisor Kirchner wanted to thank Pete Clemente for the beautiful job he did renewing the paint on the eagle in front of the Town Hall. Clemente is the individual who carved the eagle and donated it to the Town. He owns a wood carving business on Route 7 which is quite impressive.
A Wandering Goat
A report was received from Dan Wagar, the Grafton Dog Control Officer. There were 14 animal control issues during July and August. Anyone wishing to see the complete report may do so at the Town Hall. Issues listed varied from stray dog to a wandering pigmy goat on South Road.
Supervisor Kirchner reported on the following communications received since the last meeting:
ź a letter was received from the Grafton Trail Riders asking for a variance of the Town Code, Chapter 161, Mobile Home Park; a resolution will follow;
ź an email was received from Sherri Willis regarding a leak at the Senior Center.
Pick-Up Truck Purchase
The discussion regarding the purchase of a new pick up truck for the Highway Department continued. According to Hasbrouck, the base price for the new pick-up ranges between $18,346 and $27,164. He has received estimates from several dealerships and so far no one has been able to beat the original $18,346 price. He is still waiting for an estimate from Ford and Action.
Meteorological Tower
Supervisor Kirchner asked for Town Board approval of Resolution #90 asking for the waiver of the new tower application fee requirement under Town Code Section 213-20 regarding RP Wind NY (formerly Reunion Power) placing a temporary Meteorological Tower (MET) on property located off North Long Pond Way. The relief was requested to pay a co-location application fee of $1,500 rather than the fee for a new tower as listed in the Town fee schedule since the MET is temporary and will not be in place for more than two years. The resolution is based upon the recommendation of the Town’s wireless consultant, Richard Comi, who said the request is reasonable and has been granted for other wireless providers throughout the country. The resolution was approved in a 3/0 roll call vote.
Supervisor Kirchner asked for approval of Resolution #91 of 2008 regarding the purchase of Turn-out Gear from B-Lann Equipment Company in the amount of $1,156 with the provision that the Rescue Squad provide documentation to the Town Board that this equipment is New York State Health Department mandated. Three bids were obtained, and B-Lann was the lowest responsible bidder for the mandated equipment. The resolution was approved by a 3/0 roll call vote.
Supervisor Kirchner asked for approval of Resolution #92 of 2008 authorizing a variance of Section 161-14 of the Grafton Town Code for the Grafton Trail Riders. A copy of this resolution may be obtained at the Town Hall. The resolution passed 3/0 in roll call vote.
Supervisor Kirchner asked for approval of Resolution #93 of 2008 for several budget revisions/transfer of funds. This list can be seen at the Town Hall. The budget revisions were approved by a 3/0 role call vote.
Supervisor Kirchner asked for approval of Resolution #94 of 2008 authorizing the transfer of $3,027.27 from the Trust and Agency account TA30 (escrow) to the General Fund account A2801 (Inter-fund Revenue) to cover Planning Board consultant expenses in connection with the following applications: Verizon Wireless – $700 and RP Wind NY (Reunion Power) – $2,347.27. The resolution was approved unanimously.
Councilwoman Marie Claus made a motion to approve all bills as audited. It was seconded by Councilwoman Barb Messenger and approved unanimously.
Pig Farm
At the beginning of the public comment period Supervisor Kirchner reminded everyone that there is a five minute time limit per person.
A resident of Babcock Lake, Virginia Scrugski, appeared again at this month’s meeting to ask if a Board member had been appointed to work along with the Babcock Lake residents to determine what action should be taken to ward off the proposed “Pig Farm” proposed by former Town Supervisor Tyler Sawyer. Last month’s meeting was particularly stormy with many residents from Babcock Lake expressing their dismay at Sawyer’s seemingly inconsiderate move to start a pig farm on property located within feet of the lake.
Supervisor Kirchner said no one has been appointed yet and that the Board will have to take the issue up with the Town Attorney in order to see if the Board has any jurisdiction whatsoever over the matter. The issue was tabled until contact and determination can be made with Sal Ferlazzo, Town Attorney.
Supervisor Kirchner reminded all Town Board members of a Budget Workshop to be held on September 17, at 6 pm at the Town Hall.
Supervisor Kirchner made a motion to adjourn the meeting in memory of Edward Fredricks, Jr., Sadie Gardy and All of Those Who Lost Their Lives on September 11, 2001. The meeting adjourned at 7:35 pm.