TOWN BOARD MEETING

February 17, 2014  Page 1 of 2

The regular meeting of the Richfield Town Board was held on Monday, February 17, 2014, at the Richfield Town Hall.  The meeting was called to order at 6:30 PM by Supervisor Enjem.  Board members in attendance were Bond and Palumbo; board members   Eckler and Snyder were absent.

Privilege of the Floor:  There were no comments.

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

                                    A and B General                                  $  7,460.95

                                    DA Highway                                        $  9,077.97

                                    SL Street Lighting                                $       90.23

                                    TA Trust & Agency                             $     588.30

                                    H Wind Project                                    $     932.50

                                                                        Total                $18,149.95

Motion to approve minutes from January 20, 2014 by Bond, second by Palumbo.  Bond – yes, Palumbo – yes, Enjem – yes.

Dan Sullivan reported on a meeting he attended for Keep  Mohawk Valley Beautiful.  KMVB welcomes volunteers.  The group may be planning a “cleanup day”  for the KMVB region.    Highway Superintendent Kress was asked if the highway department will be available to pick up bagged litter on town roads; yes, they will.

Councilwoman Bond has met with IDA officials and Jim Jordan.  She is working on having them come to the April meeting.

Lani King had nothing new to report on Bakers Beach.

The Highway Superintendent has received notice from Homeland Security that the town will soon receive slightly more than $16,000.00, the federal share of FEMA money.  The state usually contributes 12 ½ %, but that can change.

Motion by Bond, second by Palumbo to advertise for fuel bids.  Bids will be opened at the regular meeting of the board in March.  Bond – yes, Palumbo – yes, Enjem – yes.

The clerk distributed copies of the January, 2014 fire report.  Taxes collected as of February 13, 2014 – 1354 parcels, $898,946.74 flat tax, $125.90 penalties.  The Herkimer County Humane Society has sent an addendum to the 2014 contract.  The clerk asked the supervisor to sign two copies and send them to the Humane Society.

County Representative McCarty reported that the county has applied for intervener status funds for the proposed power line.  The county sales tax collection for December was $300,000.00 short of anticipated revenue, the snow removal expenses were over $200,000.00. RFP’s have

been sent out for garbage proposals.  The county has suggested that the Town of Richfield apply separately for intervener status.  We still have time to file.

TOWN BOARD MEETING

February 17, 2014  Page 2 of 2

Old Business:   One letter has been received for the Land Use Board of Appeals opening.  Councilwoman Bond suggested that since the Planning Board opening was not filled until we had a full board, we should do the same with this.  Councilman Palumbo agreed.

Motion by Palumbo, second by Bond to approve TBR# 002-2014, a resolution that “THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF RICHFIELD OPPOSES THE APPLICATION OF NORTH AMERICA TRANSMISSION FOR THE EXPANSION OF THE 345-KV POWER LINES AS PART OF THE NY ENERGY HIGHWAY PLAN AND THE ACCESSING OF ADDITIONAL LANDS BY THE EMINENT DOMAIN TO ACCOMPLISH THAT AIM.”  Bond – yes, Palumbo – yes, Enjem – yes.

Councilman Palumbo will work at getting information on a town website and bring that information to the April board meeting. 

The board discussed the need for a credit card.  Supervisor Enjem will not put the Quick Books charge on his credit card this year.  Motion by Bond, second by Palumbo to approve obtaining a credit card with a $500.00 limit, the card is earmarked for Quick Books only, subject to change if other circumstances require.  Bond – yes, Palumbo – yes, Enjem – yes.  Supervisor Enjem will be responsible for keeping the card safe.

New Business:  NBT has sent information on an insured cash sweep for amounts over $250,000.00.  NBT will put the money into a money market account, the town will earn interest and the money is insured.  The supervisor will get more information for the April meeting.

The supervisor would like to set an open meeting in June (not the regular board meeting) to discuss economic development.  He would invite our state elected officials along with county and local government officials and the public to attend.

Motion by Enjem, second by Palumbo that Lani King, Jane Feisthamel, and Rod Sluyter a serve as the Bakers Beach committee. Bond – yes, Palumbo – yes, Enjem – yes.

The supervisor opened the floor for public comment again.

Dan Sullivan – the Village of Richfield Springs and Canadarago Lake Association are developing comprehensive plans; the Town of Richfield should also

Keith McCarty – is there money in the budget for a comprehensive plan?  The Town of Springfield put in $25,000.00 and it took three years.

Carol Frigault to Keith McCarty – will the county put in a resolution opposing the power line?  McCarty believes so.

Leslie Weaver – the town should oppose the power line.  Check the deadlines

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Monica Harris, Clerk