by Judith Radford
The February regular meeting of the Grafton Town Board convened at 7 pm on Thursday, February 12. Following the Pledge of Allegiance and all of the usual procedural matters, reports were provided.
Herb Hasbrouck, Highway Superintendent, reported that they are working on the Town dump truck. He reported that due to the weather roads are breaking up but, other than that, everything is okay.
Code Enforcement Officer Tom Withcuskey reported that there are three new permits and 52 outstanding permits for 2008. He said getting rid of junk cars and cleaning up properties is going well. He also said all required State and federal reports have been completed and sent in to appropriate offices.
Sharon Lecce, reporting for the Rescue Squad, asked the Board why they granted themselves a raise when the Squad can’t get the amount of money they ask for. Supervisor Kirchner responded that she is pretty darn sure they got whatever amount was asked for in their budget request but that she would look into it further. This whole exchange seemed to provoke quite a bit of animosity within the audience. One audience member said that the people in the Squad can’t seem to get along with others. Lecce responded that all organizations have problems with different personalities. She then proceeded to report that there were nine calls for the month of January, 37.2 volunteer hours spent and 132 miles traveled. The Supervisor’s Report, Town Clerk Report and Dog Control Reports were all approved and can be seen at the Office of the Town Clerk.
Supervisor Kirchner reported there will be a trip by the Youth Committee to Guptill’s on February 27 at 6:30 pm.
There were three communications including a letter from Marcia Trask asking for use of the Senior Center and an email from Pat Brennan regarding cable service in the area. Anyone supporting cable service should call their legislators regarding Assembly Bill #AO1875. There was also a letter from the Rensselaer County Environmental Management Council dated February 5 regarding disposal of hazardous waste. They have offered to hold workshops on this topic if there is sufficient interest.
Supervisor Kirchner introduced a resolution appointing Michelle Thompson as the Youth Director for the Town of Grafton for the period 2/12/09 to 12/31/09. Chairwoman Messenger asked if the Board could be provided with a tentative schedule whenever one is available.
Kirchner appointing Hilda Goyer as the Town Historian for the period covering 2/12/09 to 12/31/09.
Under old business the issue of renovations to the Town Hall was again discussed. Bathroom work will involve notifying the Town Justices and making arrangements for them to use the Senior Center while the work is done. All work should be completed by June 1.
Supervisor Kirchner introduced a resolution adjusting the mileage reimbursement rate for the period 1/1/09 to 12/31/09 to 55 cents per mile. The motion was approved by a 5/0 roll call vote.
A resolution authorizing the Town Highway Superintendent to post all Town Roads as necessary to weather conditions was approved by a 5/0 vote.
Kirchner introduced a resolution approving the request from Marcia Trask dated January 26 to use the Everett Wagar Senior Center for a Quilting Group on March 7, a Bag Making Class on March 14 and an Embroidery Stitching Show/Class on April 3, 4 and 5. This was approved by a 5/0 vote.
Kirchner introduced a resolution changing the date of the March regular meeting from March 12 to March 19 at 7 pm. This was approved by a 5/0 vote.
Kirchner introduced a resolution authorizing the transfer of $1479.56 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 Route 2 – $140, Verizon Wireless Snyder Road – $619.78 and Reunion Power – $719.78. The motion was approved by a 5/0 vote.
A resolution authorizing several budget revisions, which may be seen at the Town Hall, was approved by a 5/0 vote.
Under Public Comment, a resident said there were problems with parking at the Senior Center. Board Member Fredricks said there should be no problems since the parking was just rearranged. He also said that employees of the Center should be parking behind the Baptist Church as can everyone else who is having a problem parking. After much discussion Kirchner said she would speak to the Senior Center Director about the situation. It was noted the Highway Superintendent and his crew have done a great job of keeping that road cleared.
There was no further comment. A motion was made and carried to pay all bills as audited. At 7:28 pm the meeting was adjourned in memory of Dolores Crandall, Christopher Roberts and Winston Sawyer.
For The Record
Several issues of note took place at the January Grafton Town Board regular monthly meeting.
Herb Hasbrouck, Highway Superintendent, reported that due to the large number of storms, there had been a lot of overtime and use of sand. He also said he was looking into building a separate room for tools that would be approximately 8 by 10 feet within the main part of the garage. The purpose would be to have more control over the tools as that room would be locked. He also suggested a computer inventory be made of all tools.
As a Fire Commissioner, Hasbrouck spoke about the need for a generator at the Senior Center so the building could be used as an emergency shelter. He reported that the Fire District had ordered cots and blankets for use in case of emergency. The Board was in complete agreement and will look into getting a generator or possibly getting a grant for one.
The Rescue Squad’s report was read by Supervisor Kirchner. There were eight calls in December totaling 22.9 volunteer hours and 127 miles traveled. The Supervisor’s Report and the Town Clerk’s report were both approved unanimously.
Old Business included information on the Grafton Town Hall renovations. Bids for completion of the work were to be due on January 16.
Supervisor Kirchner introduced Resolution #35 of 2009 naming the Grafton Town Hall, located at 2379 NY 2, as the official polling place for the Grafton Election Districts 1 and 2. The motion was approved by a 5/0 vote.
There were no budget revisions nor was there any public comment. The meeting adjourned after a motion to pay all bills was made and approved.