TOWN BOARD MEETING

February 18, 2013 Page 1 of 3

The regular meeting of the Richfield Town Board was held on Monday, February 18, 2013, at the Richfield Town Hall.  The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM by Supervisor Enjem.  Other board members in attendance were Bond, Domion, and Seamon.  Board member Snyder was absent.

Motion to pay claims as presented by Enjem, second by Bond.  Bond – yes, Domion – yes, Seamon – yes, Enjem – yes.

                        General A and B                                 $21,245.90

                        DA Highway                                      $24,048.68

                        DB Highway                                       $  4,940.00

                        SL, TA                                                $     603.47

                        H (Wind Project)                                $     271.25

                                                            Total                $51,109.30

Motion by Domion, second by Bond to approve minutes of January 21, 2013.  Bond – yes, Domion – yes, Seamon – yes, Enjem – yes.

Motion by Domion, second by Seamon to advertise for fuel bids for highway vehicles.  Bids will be opened at the March 18, 2013 meeting.  Bond – yes, Domion – yes, Seamon – yes, Enjem – yes.

Highway Superintendent Kress presented the annual “Agreement for the Expenditure of Highway Moneys” for the board to sign.  Paving this year will be on Brighton Road north of Route 20 and Below Road.

The computer used for the highway department has stopped working.  Motion by Enjem, second by Bond to authorize Superintendent Kress to spend up to $1,500.00 to replace the computer if the old one cannot be repaired.  Bond – yes, Domion – yes, Seamon – yes, Enjem – yes.

Highway Superintendent Kress asked Supervisor Enjem  if  he has set up the $40,000.00 reserve fund for bridges as authorized by the board on December 27, 2012.  It has not been done, but the supervisor said he will do it this week.

The CDPHP bill did not come in time for the meeting again so the board could approve the voucher for payment on the current abstract.  Motion by Enjem, second  by Bond to authorize payment for CDPHP when the billing arrives.  This is a one-time pre-approval only.  Bond – yes, Domion – yes, Seamon – yes, Enjem – yes. 

The clerk asked if the Supervisor has signed and returned the proposed change to the Herkimer County Humane Society dog shelter agreement; he did it this week.  The Otsego County Department of Health will hold a rabies clinic at the highway garage on April 4, 2013, at 6:00 PM.  Copies of the fire report were distributed.  The clerk reported on tax collection.  NYSEG sent a revised bill for the town hall that came after the abstract was done.  The board will leave the original billing and let NYSEG credit the difference to our account.

TOWN BOARD MEETING

February 18, 2013 Page 2 of 3

Supervisor Enjem reported that the county will come here to do NIMS training if we can get six people for a class.  If anyone from the public is interested they can contact the town.

County Rep McCarty reported that the county is challenging the MOSA appraisal; the sale of the Manor is being challenged in court; the Public Safety committee is appealing the safe gun act; a second round of bidding is being put out for a new county wide radio system.

New Business

Representatives from Casella Waste spoke to the board on the need for a contract between the town and Casella for the operation of the transfer site.  Casella would like to implement twenty-five cents per bag increase beginning on March 2, 2013.  Casella can accept E waste at the transfer site if the town submits paperwork to the state along with a one-time fee of $250.00.  E waste is TV’s, computers, monitors, etc. There will be no charge to town residents if the town gets a permit.  Motion by Enjem, second by Domion to approve the twenty-five cents per bag increase for  the small bag, fifty cents for the large bag  and apply for the E-waste permit.  Bond – yes, Domion – yes, Seamon – yes, Enjem – yes.  Casella will put a notice in the local Pennysaver notifying residents of the increase.

Old Business

Supervisor Enjem brought up the moratorium and Code of Ethics.  The clerk questioned if the Code of Ethics should have a public hearing.  The supervisor will check with the attorney.  Municipal governments are now required to have documents that will be discussed at a public meeting available to the public before the meeting.  The clerk did not receive a copy of either the Code of Ethics or Local Law # 1  until the night of the meeting, so no action should be taken at this time.  The supervisor said he does not want to have the public hearing until April; he will contact the school to see if we can meet there.

Ron Auger has asked to have his name withdrawn as a candidate for the BAR vacancy.  The board received a letter of interest from Barbara Petersen.  Board member Domion said that Petersen served on the Board of Assessment Review and would bring that experience to the town.  Motion by Domion, second by Bond to appoint Barbara Petersen to the BAR vacancy.  Bond – yes, Domion – yes, Seamon – yes, Enjem – yes.  The supervisor will contact Ms. Petersen.

Board member Domion suggested that the town start thinking about the beach operation this summer.  The old lifeguards should be contacted to see if they are interested and an ad put in the Pennysaver.

Privilege of the Floor

Lori Sawicki – Richfield - asked the board to explain what Barbara Petersen was appointed to.

TOWN BOARD MEETING

February 18, 2013 Page 3 of 3 

Dennis Bond – Richfield  - asked if the town can consider a white goods day.  Other communities have them.  The Town of Exeter has one twice a year.  The supervisor will call Exeter and get more information.

Larry Frigault – Richfield – presented the board with written material on wind turbine noise.

Motion to adjourn at 6:52 PM by Enjem, second by Domion, unanimous.

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Monica Harris, Clerk