Grafton Town Board Action – August 2010

by Bea Peterson
All members of the Grafton Town Board, Council members Ed Fredricks, III, Mike Crandall, Barbara  Messenger, Marie Claus, Supervisor Allison Kirchner, and Town Clerk Sue Putnam, were present at the Town Board meeting on August 12. Minutes for the July 8 regular meeting and the July 26 special meeting were approved as submitted, as were the Supervisor’s report and the Clerk’s report.
Highway Superintendent Herb Hasbrouck was not at the meeting due to a family medical emergency. Supervisor Kirchner reported that the Town crew has been busy ditching, cutting brush and spreading calcium for dust control on the roads.
Building Inspector Tom Withcuskey missed the meeting as well because of a death in the family. He reported that 14 building permits have been issued to date and that power was restored to the Browe property. Water to the property has also been restored through the donated time of plumber Joe Magisano. Assessor Craig Surprise and Assessor’s Clerk Helen Hemendinger reported they have an ongoing review of files and County sales underway and they are reviewing the new rules for reassessment.
Supervisor Kirchner said the Summer Youth Program was very successful and would conclude with a Pizza Party on Friday, August 13. A Back to School Dance will be held on Friday, August 20, at the VFW for students in grades two through eight. Parents are invited to attend with the younger students.
The Grafton Rescue Squad responded to eight calls last month for a total of 37.7 hours and 109 miles.
Frank Sbrega reported that the light on pole 449 was out. Board members noted other lights that were out as well. They will be reported to national grid.
David Buckley asked if an improved Town website could be included in the upcoming budget. Supervisor Kirchner said she and her husband have paid for the Town’s site, but, she said, the real expense is maintaining the site. Buckley said the Town had purchased two new trucks, perhaps the new website was not out of the question. In response to a question as to when the Assessor position would be advertised, he was told it will be advertised very soon.
Budget
Buckley asked when the Town budget would be discussed. He was told a Budget Workshop will be held on September 15. Mike Crandall pointed out that the public is invited, but it is a workshop for the Board and there will be no discussion from the floor. A tentative budget must be submitted to the Town Clerk by September 30. The preliminary budget will be approved at the October 14 regular meeting. A special meeting to adopt the budget will be held on October 28, with a public hearing on it at 6:45 pm.
Dan Browe thanked the Board and the Town for all they had done to help him and his family since their home burned to the ground on the fourth of July. “Tom Withcuskey has done a lot to help us,” he said. Supervisor Kirchner thanked him for his comments and said, “that’s what neighbors are for.”
The meeting adjourned in memory of Harold Babcock.