TOWN BOARD MEETING

January 20, 2014 Page 1 of 2

The regular meeting of the Richfield Town Board was held on Monday, January 20, 2014, at the Richfield Town Hall.  The meeting was called to order at 6:33 PM by supervisor Enjem.  Other board members in attendance were Bond, Eckler, Palumbo, and Snyder.

The board held a brief discussion on how many minutes an individual may speak during public comment time.  Board member Eckler again was in favor of a three minute limit.  Supervisor Enjem said the agenda is the supervisor’s agenda and in the town book it says five minutes. Board member Eckler asked to see where that is in the Town Law Manual The floor was open to public comment.  No one spoke.

Justice Bartle presented his books for the Town Board to approve.  Board members signed off on the books.

The motion to pay claims is not clear.  Motion by Enjem (?) to pay claims as presented, second by Snyder (?)  or Motion by Bond second by Eckler to pay claims as presented with the exception of vouchers #001 and #002 from the A fund.  Bond – yes, Eckler – yes, Palumbo – yes, Snyder – yes, Enjem – yes.

                                    A and B General                                 $  7,725.52

                                    DA Highway                                      $12,569.51

                                    DB Highway                                       $  2,726.25

                                    SL Street Lighting                              $       81.73

                                    TA Trust & Agency                            $     588.30

                                    H Wind Project                                   $     297.50

                                    SF Fire Contract                                 $47,925.00

                                                                        Total                $71,913.81   

Motion to approve minutes from December 16, 2013, December 30, 3013, and January 6, 2014. By Enjem, second by Bond.  Bond – yes, Eckler – abstain on 12/16 and 12/30, yes on 1/6/14, Palumbo -  abstain on 12/16 and 12/30, yes on 1/6/14, Snyder – yes, Enjem – yes.

Dan Sullivan and Geraldine Wong attended a sustainable economic seminar.  Geraldine Wong was unable to attend the board meeting, but provided a letter that Dan Sullivan read to the board.  After the reading board member Snyder asked why the board could not have copies of letters before the meetings so that they have time to review them.  Dan Sullivan will prepare a written report for the next meeting.

Highway Superintendent Kress presented the annual “Expenditure of Highway Moneys” for the board signatures.  The 2014 amount is $193,000.00.

The clerk reported that tax collections are coming in about the same as in past years, there will be a rabies clinic at the town barn on April 10, 2014.  The clerk presented board members with the 2013 clerk report.  The total receipts for 2013 were $20,836.24, the total disbursements were

TOWN BOARD MEETING

January 20, 2014 Page 2 of 2

$20,836.24.  The number of licensed dogs has been steadily decreasing since the mail census of 2010. 

County Representative McCarty has contacted the supervisor and informed him that Otsego County will apply for intervener funds for the proposed power line project.  The supervisor will contact the county to see if the Town of Richfield can be part of the application.  The western part of the Town of Richfield may be a likely route for the project.

Old Business:  Three applications were received for the opening on the Planning Board.  Motion by Eckler to table the appointment for this meeting.  There was no second.  Board member Palumbo asked if the position was advertised.  Yes, it was.  The board has received a letter of resignation from Richard Laurenzo for his position on the Land Use Board of Appeals. 

North American Transmission is setting up a meeting to get feedback from communities.

Our Hazardous Mitigation Plan has been approved by Otsego County.

Elaine King will act as chairperson for getting suggestions and pricing for the improvement of Bakers Beach.  Jane Feisthamel and Rod Sluyter have offered to be on her committee.

Board members Bond and Snyder will act as the committee to look into any development of the industrial site.  The supervisor wants them to have one more resident on the committee                            .

There are webinars on community block grants if anyone is interested.  JGS Recycling and Hauling from Green Island, NY, has sent us a letter of interest for our transfer site.  We have Casella now and they are doing a good job.

Board member Snyder suggested that Richard Laurenzo be thanked for his years of service to the Land use Board of Appeals; the clerk will send a letter.

Board member Eckler asked who is responsible if we have people serve on citizen committees and they get hurt.  We should check with our insurance agent before we move forward.  The supervisor will check on it.

Motion by Enjem, second by Palumbo to appoint Daniel Sullivan to the Planning Board vacancy.  Bond – no, Eckler – no, Palumbo – yes, Snyder – yes, Enjem – yes.

Motion to adjourn at 7:29 PM by Enjem, second by Snyder.  Bond – yes, Eckler – yes, Palumbo – yes, Snyder – yes, Enjem – yes.

___________________________ 

Monica Harris, Clerk

Board members – I have listened to the tape of the meeting numerous times; Mike has also listened.  We are unable to determine if there was an actual motion on the bills before Laurie made hers.