March 12, 2008

 

This regular meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Supervisor Keith Batman with the following present:

 

Supervisor:                   Keith Batman                        Highway Superintendent:  Ron Walter

Council Members:              Gary Goodnough                  Town Clerk:  Judith Rowlands

                                    Mark Malys                           Town Zoning Officer:  Mike O’Connor

                                    Greg Rury                             Court Clerk: Debbie Kellogg

                                    Gary Whitten                                    County Legislator: George Fearon

                                                                                    Guests: Keith Welch, Kate Pacelli

                                                                                   

GUESTS:

Keith Welch recommended that proper flag protocol be observed (light on flag at all times, or take flag down each night.)  Ron will check if the outside light can be angled to illuminate the flag; Building Committee members Mark Malys and Gary Goodnough will follow up.

 

MOTION:                   To accept the minutes of the February 13, 2008 regular meeting

as written. (Malys/Rury).  All in favor.  

 

REPORTS:

Supervisor Keith Batman reported that he would attend a Wind Seminar in Albany.  Economic

Feasibility of wind farms may depend upon current tax breaks rather than long-term profitability.

 

Cayuga County is looking into self-insuring for Workers’ Comp coverage, with a possible savings of

5-20% over the current carrier.  Consensus was that the town would be interested in this.

 

Keith proposed setting up three citizens advisory committees to look into wind farms, broad band

Internet connectivity possibilities, and emergency response/ambulance service available.  There was

discussion, and setting up the committees was approved.  Any Scipio resident interested in serving on

any or all of these committees please contact the Supervisor. It was decided to ask Fire Chief Wayne

Pettit to come to a board meeting again with records of emergency service provided.

 

Court Clerk Debbie Kellogg reported that she met with Mary Claire Donovan Frank, Special Counsel to

Supervising Judges, who would help with the new ticket-processing system.  They have received grant

approval of $1828.48 for some of the items applied for, such as Justice Bench, safe, software, and cash

box.  She plans to apply for another grant in September.

 

Highway Superintendent Ron Walter reported that we used more salt this year. There was discussion regarding purchase of a new truck, expected to be available next year.

 

MOTION:                   To authorize Ron to move forward with obtaining specifications for a new truck, keeping the old one as back up.  (Malys/Whitten).  All in favor.

 

Mark Malys reported that the Comprehensive Plan Committee met Monday and collated about 750-800 surveys to be sent out to town residents.  Extra copies are available at the Town Office, Post Office, and Nana’s Diner on Route 34B.   Completed surveys are to be sent to the Town or dropped off at the Town Office by April 4th . Mark recommended handicapped parking signs be put up in front of the town office. 

 

MOTION:                   To authorize Mark to look into the requirements for putting up handicapped

parking signs.            (Malys/Goodnough).  All in favor.

 

Gary Goodnough reported that Sunset Roofing has submitted an estimate for the salt shed repair. 

There was some discussion.

 

MOTION:                   That the town accept Sunset Roofing’s bid of $4982 to repair the salt shed.

                                    (Goodnough/Rury).  All in favor.

 

Town Clerk Dodie Rowlands reported on procedure for obtaining19% discount on Verizon cell phone,

available to all government employees.  Some upcoming events are Assemblyman Brian Kolb’s town meeting here on Sat. April 5th from 3:00-3:30 pm, Town Newsletter deadline Wed. April 9th, Clean Up Day Sat. May 3rd from 10 am – 4 pm, and Rabies Clinic Sat. May 10th from 1-3 pm.

 

County Legislator George Fearon reported that other phone companies are offering cell phone discounts for government employees, that Justices will be getting free computers in the near future, and that Verizon is moving toward broadband for those on main roads.  He also reported that the county would be considering legislation eliminating tax on heating fuel such as oil, propane, and wood.  This will reduce sales tax revenue to the county and towns, which will result in increases in other taxes, such as property taxes.  Anyone with opinions about this is encouraged to contact the county.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

Zoning/Code Enforcement Officer Mike O’Connor reported that Shell Wind’s temporary met tower application has been submitted, and further requirements have been met, so it is now complete.

 

MOTION:                   To approve the permit for one temporary met tower from Shell Wind Energy.

                                    (Malys/Rury).  All in favor.

 

COMMUNICATIONS:        

- NYS Coalition of Concerned Citizens’ letter on Article X and citing of energy facilities.

- NYS Office of Real Property Services Assessment ratio.

 

MOTION:                               To accept and approve the following vouchers for payment:         

                                                General:   Vouchers #   33-48                                                  11,617.31

                                                Highway:  Vouchers #  13-19                                            16,945.58

                                                TOTAL                                                                             28,562.89

                                                (Goodnough/Rury). All in favor.

 

MOTION:                   To go into Executive Session at 8:25 pm to discuss personnel and contract

                                    issues. (Malys/Rury).  All in favor.

 

MOTION:                   To resume regular meeting at 9:08 pm. (Malys/Whitten).  All in favor.

 

MOTION:                   To adjourn the meeting at 9:10 pm.  (Malys/Rury). All in favor.

 

The next regular meeting is scheduled for Wednesday April 9th  at 7:00 pm.

 

                                                            Respectfully submitted,

 

 

                                                            Judith Rowlands, Clerk