Regular meeting of the Village of Carthage Board of Trustees

Held in the Board Room of the Carthage Municipal Building

November 21, 2011

Present: President G. Wayne McIlroy, Deputy President Michael Astafan, Trustees Kathleen Latremore, Linda Smith-Spencer and Rebecca Vary.

Guests: Ben Roggie and Tiffany Watts, Johnson Newspapers.

President McIlroy called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

Motion by Trustee Latremore and Seconded by Deputy President Astafan to approve the minutes of the November 7, 2011 Special Meeting as presented by the Clerk/Treasurer. Motion carried unanimously.

Motion by Trustee Latremore and Seconded by Trustee Vary to approve the minutes of the November 7, 2011 Regular Meeting as presented by the Clerk/Treasurer. Motion carried unanimously.

PUBLIC FORUM:

None.

CORRESPONDENCE:

President McIlroy read the email received from Pastor Robert Sly in regards to utilizing the Gazebo at Turning Point Park for gospel groups to sing in the afternoon throughout the summer of 2012 providing it is not reserved for another purpose. The board requested the Clerk/Treasurer to obtain a tentative schedule from Pastor Sly for their consideration.

Motion by Trustee Latremore and Seconded by Trustee Vary to approve Carthage Right to Life’s 29^th Annual Walk for Life on Sunday, January, 22, 2012 at 2:00pm which will follow the usual route of the eastbound lane from the Knights of Columbus Hall in West Carthage to the St. James Church on State Street in Carthage. Motion carried unanimously.

President McIlroy referenced the letter received from Andrew Lehman, Town of Croghan Supervisor regarding the Castorland Fire Co., Inc. and the Natural Bridge Fire District accessing fire hydrants effective January 1, 2012. This is due to realigning of properties for fire protection in the Town of Croghan which was formally provided by the Carthage/Wilna Fire District. President McIlroy previously requested the Clerk/Treasurer to respond to the letter and ask for a meeting with Mr. Lehman for further clarification of his request.

President McIlroy read the letter received from the Carthage Area Chamber of Commerce thanking the Village for their participation in the Holiday Parade 2011.

PUBLIC HEARING:

Proof of notice having been furnished regarding the public hearing to amend the Village of Carthage Code Section 150-32 (F) as the same relates to clothing allowance and longevity policies for the DPW Superintendent, Water Superintendent, Police Chief and Police Sergeant was called to order at 7:13 pm. President McIlroy explained the proposed amendment in greater detail. No one wished to address the Board on this law and on a Motion by Trustee Latremore and Seconded by Trustee Vary the hearing was closed at 7:15 pm. Motion carried unanimously.

Motion by Deputy President Astafan and Seconded by Trustee Vary to adopt Local Law #6 of 2011, to amend Section A150-32 (F) of the Village of Carthage Code. Motion carried unanimously.

OLD BUSINESS:

President McIlroy summarized the draft of the local law regarding dogs in public areas tailored by Attorney Gebo using the example from the City of Watertown. After considerable discussion, no action was taken therefore the Board asked the Clerk/Treasurer to hold this issue over until the December 5, 2011 Regular Board Meeting.

The board discussed the JCIDA Railroad PILOT agreement including other Municipalities adding this property back on their tax roll. No action was taken therefore the Board asked the Clerk/Treasurer to hold this issue over until the December 5, 2011 Regular Board Meeting.

NEW BUSINESS:

Motion by Trustee Latremore and Seconded by Deputy President Astafan to authorize President McIlroy to sign to Extend the Fixed Lump Sum Snow and Ice Agreement Between New York State Department of Transportation and the Village of Carthage for one year to expire on June 30, 2013 in the amount of $54,675.39. Motion carried unanimously.

Motion by Deputy President Astafan and Seconded by Trustee Latremore to purchase the KVS Payroll module as recommended by the Village Auditors and to process a budget transfer from A.1990.0400 to A.1325.0200 for an amount not to exceed $10,000.00. Motion carried unanimously.

Motion by Trustee Latremore and Seconded by Trustee Vary to close the Clerk’s office on Friday, November 25, 2011 and for employees to use Personal or Vacation benefit time. Motion carried unanimously.

The Treasurers Report was reviewed and there were no questions. The General Fund cash balance is $1,249,271.56 with Reserves of $149,839.72; Water Fund cash balance is $222,486.99 with Reserves of $46,774.24 and the Sewer Fund cash balance is $109,107.47 with Reserves of $30,443.43. Motion by Trustee Latremore and Seconded by Deputy President Astafan to approve the Treasurers Report as presented. Motion carried unanimously.

Motion by Trustee Vary and Seconded by Deputy President Astafan to approve the following budget transfers due to an increase in insurance costs A.1325.0435 to A.1325.0421 $126.00 and F.8310.0421 to F.1990.0400 $3,220.00. Motion carried unanimously.

Deputy President Astafan and Trustee Smith-Spencer reviewed the monthly bills and no concerns were noted.

Motion by Trustee Latremore and Seconded by Trustee Vary to approve payment of payrolls and bills as follows: General Fund P/R #A 28, 29, and 29A $21,129.85; Water Fund, #F 28 and 29 $3,571.05; Sewer Fund, #G 28 and 29 $2,874.59; Joint Fund, #J 13, $8,455.92 and General Fund Abstracts, $13,816.31; Water Fund Abstracts, $410.64; Sewer Fund Abstracts, $216.45; and Joint Fund Abstracts, $69,752.36. Motion carried unanimously.

PRESIDENT McILROY UPDATE:

President McIlroy stated that we still do not have a resolution for our Dog Control Officer Position. Civil Service will allow us to employ a Part-time Clerk, but they will not be allowed to handle dogs only process paperwork. He will continue to follow up on this issue. President McIlroy discussed the Time Warner Franchise Agreement and asked Attorney Gebo to contact Time Warner to set up a meeting to review the agreement. President McIlroy stated there will be a public hearing on December 19, 2011 at 7:10 pm regarding increasing the fixed asset policy limit from $750.00 to $2,500.00 per the recommendation of the Village Auditor. Finally, President McIlroy wished all present a Happy Thanksgiving.

ATTORNEY GEBO UPDATE:

Attorney Gebo provided updates throughout the meeting.

LIAISON REPORTS AND COMMENTS:

Trustee Latremore wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.

MEDIA QUESTIONS:

None.

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

Motion by Trustee Latremore and Seconded by Trustee Vary to enter Executive Session at 7:58 pm to discuss one personnel issue. Motion carried unanimously.  

Regular session resumed at 8:25 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT:

Motion by Trustee Latremore and Seconded by Trustee Vary to adjourn at 8:26 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.

Respectfully Submitted,

Kristy L. O’Shaughnessy

Village Clerk/Treasurer