TOWN BOARD MEETING

November 17, 2014 Page 1 of 3

The regular meeting of the Richfield Town Board was held on Monday, November 17, 2014, 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, Eckler, Palumbo, and Snyder.  . The early start time was for advertised public hearings on both the 2015 budget and the 2015 “Fire and Ambulance Protection Contract”.

There is a concern that the retirement lines may not be funded adequately. Board members Eckler and Palumbo asked what A9065.8(Medi Comp) is for(it is for medicare).  It is not a line item on the budget but has had $1,828.03 charged to.  Is it a Quickbooks item that needs to be adjusted?

There were no comments on the budget from the public. Motion by Enjem, second by Snyder to close the public hearing on the budget at 6:30 PM.  Bond – yes, Eckler – yes, Palumbo – yes, Snyder – yes, Enjem – yes.

The board immediately opened the public hearing on the 2015 “Fire and Ambulance Protection Contract.”  There were no comments from the public.  Motion to close the public hearing at 6:31 PM by Enjem, second by Snyder.  Bond – yes, Eckler – yes, Palumbo – yes, Snyder – yes, Enjem – yes. 

After the second public hearing was closed the regular monthly meeting of the board was opened.

Privilege of the Floor

Retired Judge John Defino addressed the board about his concern for the election day problems between the election inspectors and the court.  The problem allegedly goes back to a court laptop that had something spilled on it on Primary Day by the election people.  The laptop was replaced by court administration; there was no cost to the town.  Board member Bond asked where the ruined laptop is now.  The supervisor will look into it.

Motion to pay claims by Enjem, second by Palumbo. Bond – yes, Eckler – yes, Palumbo – yes, Snyder – yes, Enjem – yes.  

                                    A and B General                                 $  27,812.61

                                    DA Highway                                      $  47,837.81 

                                    DB Highway                                       $138,512.22 

                                    SL Street Lighting                              $         81.73

                                    TA Trust & Agency                            $       547.83

                                    H Wind Farm                                      $       245.00

                                                                         Total               $215,036.86

Board member Eckler pointed out that a number of vouchers were not approved by the department head.  In the future all vouchers should have an approval signature.  He also felt that

TOWN BOARD MEETING

November 17, 2014 Page 2 of 3

the late fee/interest charged by Gustafson should be paid since the town was late paying the $5,900.00.  The town will pay the original $5,900.00 as per the contract.

Motion to approve minutes of the October 20, 2014, October 23, 2014, November 3, 2014, and November 6, 2014 meetings.  Bond – yes for October 20, 2014 and November 3, 2014, abstain for October 23, 2014, and November 6, 2014 due to absences; Eckler – yes, Palumbo – yes, Snyder – yes, Enjem – yes.

Dan Sullivan addressed the board on the Climate Smart program.  There are no liabilities if the town joins the program but will get the resources of NYSERDA to possibly reduce energy costs. He asked the board to consider adding the Town of Richfield to the Climate Smart program list.

Highway Superintendent Kress reported that there was a problem with the boiler that heats the garage and town hall last week. The burner is obsolete and he is waiting for a quote on a new one.   The town will receive all the CHIPS money we have coming, but it will not be until 2015.  We should be getting another check from the state for the 25% balance of local flooding costs from 2013.  The state has agreed to pay the entire 25% rather than the usual 12 ½ %, with the town being responsible for the other 12 ½ %.  The check will probably be between $4,000.00 and $5,000.00.

The clerk is ready to file the ”Standard Workday Reporting Resolution”, and informed the supervisor that the hours for the bookkeeper need to be turned in.  He will talk to the bookkeeper.

Old Business 

Copies of the proposed Anti-Blight Ordinance and Buildings Unsafe have been given to the Planning Board for review.  A letter has been sent to Senator Seward asking for assistance with the boat wash.  The same letter will be sent to other elected officials.

“Web Design” has submitted different styles to board member Palumbo.  He will give these designs to the other board members for review.

Motion by Enjem, second by Palumbo to make annual training per New York State regulations mandatory for all Planning Board members, Land Use Board of Appeals members, and the Land Use Officer.  Bond – yes, Eckler – no, Palumbo – yes, Snyder – no, Enjem – yes.

New Business

Supervisor Enjem and Dan Sullivan attended a CIDS meeting in Oneonta concerning grants.  He  gave a list of grants the town is looking for:  Bakers Beach, boat wash, Adam Helmer Run trail and the Ann Street Bridge.

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Board member Eckler asked why a requested transfer of funds of $2,000.00 from A1110.4 (Court Contractual) to A1111.1 (Court Clerk Personal Services) by Judge Bartle and approved by the board in May, 2014 has not been done.  The unexpended balance for each of these accounts is now off by $2,000.00.

Motion by Eckler, second by Palumbo, to rescind the motion made in June, 2014, to amend the 2014 A201 Fund Balance by $5,900.00 and move it to A1010.4(Town Board contractual) to cover the cost of the audit.  Bond – yes, Eckler – yes, Palumbo – yes, Snyder – yes, Enjem – yes.

Motion to adjourn at 7:28 PM by Enjem, second by Snyder.  Bond – yes, Eckler – yes, Palumbo – yes, Snyder – yes, Enjem – yes.

_______________________________

Monica Harris, Clerk