TOWN BOARD MEETING

July 21, 2014 Page 1 of 3

The regular meeting of the Richfield Town Board was held on Monday, July 21, 2014, at the Richfield Town Hall.  The meeting was called to order at 6:30 PM by Supervisor Enjem.  Other board members in attendance were Bond, Eckler, Palumbo, and Snyder.

James Franham, from AFLAC Insurance addressed the board.  AFLAC provides supplemental employee benefits.  It is not meant to replace the current health insurance but to cover out of pocket expenses not covered by other insurance.  There is no cost to the town; the cost of the insurance is in pre-tax dollars deducted from employees pay.  Motion by Palumbo, second by Bond to allow the supervisor to register the town in the program so the company can take the next step in the process.  Bond – yes, Eckler – yes, Palumbo – yes, Snyder – yes, Enjem – yes.

Motion by Enjem, second by Palumbo to pay claims as presented with the following stipulation.  Any bill presented for payment must be signed by three members of the board before it can be paid.  If a member of the board is concerned that a bill may not have the required three signatures, it will be pulled and discussed by the board to see if three signatures can be obtained.

Bond – yes, Eckler – yes, Palumbo – yes, Snyder – yes, Enjem – yes.

                                    A and B General                                 $ 3,306.57

                                    DA Highway                                      $    603.29

                                    DB Highway                                       $12,658.11

                                    SL Street Lighting                              $       81.73

                                    TA Trust & Agency                            $     816.60

                                    H Wind Project                                   $     327.25

                                                                                                $17,793.55

 Board member Snyder commented that it would be much easier if the claims were available to board members earlier rather than just before a meeting.  The clerk questioned if the $125.00 incorrectly charged to A7110.4 (Parks Contractual) was transferred back to that account.  The clerk did not put the weed eater charged at Aubachon on the abstract this month because it came coded to A2025, a revenue account.  The supervisor will get the correct account number and it will be paid next month.

Motion to approve minutes from June 16, 2014, by Enjem, second by Palumbo.  Bond – yes, Eckler – yes, Palumbo – yes, Snyder – yes, Enjem – yes.

Privilege of the floor:

A number of residents spoke against the proposed anti-blight ordinance, saying it could create a hardship for homeowners on fixed incomes, especially seniors.  One resident spoke that she did not want Richfield to become another Cooperstown.  Dan Sullivan reported that New York State is looking into establishing a “land bank” that may help in this type situation.

Nick Palevsky asked why he hasn’t received the rest of his FOIL documents from the Comptroller’s Office?

TOWN BOARD MEETING

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Board member Eckler informed the public that most of the board was not aware that the Daily Star was going to publish an article saying the town would pass the anti-blight ordinance.  Board member Snyder agreed with him and also stressed that board members did not receive an agenda until Monday morning.  It was suggested that the Daily Star be contacted to publish a retraction.

George Twitchell reported on the beach.  The bathrooms have been painted and the floors sealed.  Attendance is up over last year.  $1,325.00 has been turned over to the town supervisor so far.  Board members commented that the beach looks very nice this year and also asked the manager to make sure that beach employees know where all the permits, paperwork, etc. are kept in case of an inspection.

Dan Sullivan reported on “Climate Smart Communities.” If the town passes a resolution and sends it to the state DEC can check our utility usage to see if we can make any improvements and we will be eligible to apply for grants.  Climate Smart Communities may experience growth and be better places to live.  Northern Otsego County has applied for a $32,000.00 grant to help fund a biomass study.  There is a successful biomass business in Unadilla.

Lani King gave the board an architect’s drawing for a proposed pavilion at Bakers Beach.

Old Business

Jim Jordan has submitted a proposal for preliminary work for a possible addition to the existing town hall.  Supervisor Enjem and board member Palumbo will look into possible rentals in the town.  Palumbo is working with Larry Jouben on the beach release form.  The supervisor has checked with the Association of Towns, Attorney Merzig and the Office of Open Government concerning the board’s vote on not charging Nick Palevsky for his FOIL request.  According to the supervisor if we do not charge one we cannot charge anyone.  The board will discuss this next month.

Board member Eckler expects that the town will probably have the auditor’s report sometime next month.  Paul Palumbo asked the supervisor if there is any progress on having the comptroller’s office come for an audit and if a revised AUD has been submitted?  The supervisor’s office is working with the state on the AUD and the board will get a new copy when it is done.  Laurie Bond said she has spoken with the Comptroller’s Office and was told that the questions put to them by Supervisor Enjem did not warrant an audit. 

Board member Snyder asked about the deputy supervisor vacancy.  Supervisor Enjem replied that he is appointing William Seamon.  Fred Eckler read the section from the Town Law Manual that gives the power to appoint the deputy supervisor to the town board if the supervisor does not

Motion by Eckler, second by Bond and Snyder that in the future the proposed meeting agenda will be e-mailed to the board members by the Thursday before the Monday meeting.  Bond – yes, Eckler – yes, Palumbo – yes, Snyder – yes, Enjem – no.

Motion to adjourn at 8:20 PM by Enjem, second by Eckler.  Bond – yes, Eckler – yes, Palumbo – yes, Snyder – yes, Enjem – yes.

__________________________________

Monica Harris, Clerk

TOWN BOARD MEETING

July 21, 2014 Page 3 of 3

make that appointment within five days after a vacancy occurs in the office.  The office was vacant more than five days.  Motion by Eckler, second by Snyder to appoint Paul Palumbo as the deputy supervisor.  Bond – yes, Eckler – yes, Palumbo – abstain, Snyder – yes, Enjem – no.

There was a brief discussion about the agenda.  Board member Eckler asked why the board cannot have the agenda in advance of the meeting.  Paul Palumbo asked for topics to be put on this month’s agenda – that was not done.

Board member Palumbo reported that Carbonite is up and running, it will cost about $20.00 per month.  He will meet with town officials to implement the cloud backup for town computers.  Palumbo has also been meeting with Mark LaValley for the town web site.  He has received some information for the site from the clerk.