1965-04-22 12
Regular Meeting April, 22,: 1965 ,
Present: w
John 0. Webster . Supervisor
N. Harwood Beaty Councilman
Theodore Turner Gaun"cilman
Curtin Lampson . Councilman `
Hammond Robertson', 'Jr; Councilman
The meeting was called' to order- at x:35 p "m,
The following visitors-were greeted by the Town Board;
Barbara MacFarland - League of Women Voters
Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Hall- -' Applicants for Mobile Home t
LeRoy Phillips - Chief of_Police
Bernard J. Codner.. -' Superintendent of °Highways
Thomas K. Flaherty - Superintendent of Queensbury Water
Bernie Zovistoski -, Reporter +6or, the Post' Star
Supervisor Webster declared the -public hearing open on the.
application _of Ronald B. Hall` to 'locate a Mobile Home outside of
a duly licensed Mobile- Home Court.
The clerk presented proof of publication-of the notice for the
hearing.
The application for the permit was read by the clerk. ,
With general approval of the permit by the Town Board and,with no
persons appearing in opposition to same; the hearing was clb.sed by
Supervisor Webster.
The minutes of April 8th and 15th were approved. j
Carried unanimously.
Supervisor Webster- submitted a report on the result of, the!-Special
Census recently conducted in the Town of Queensbury: A- tentative
figure of the trand total was presented at an amount of 12;050
residents counted.
Supervisor Webster presented the "Annual Report of the Supervisor"
which^, was received'' with wonderful appreciation of everyone present.
The Clerk proceeded to read the report as follows:
ANNUAL REPORT of the SUPERVISOR of the TOWN OF QUEENSBURY for the
year 1964
From the standpoint of long-range policy and future planning,
1964 was a year of decision for the Town of Queensbury. The
launching of the "701" master plan study of the Town Planning
Board, the preparations for centralization of our governmental
operations in connection with detailed studies for the new
town office building, and the successful first-year performance
of the Queensbury Water District reinforced the resolution of
the `Town Board to devise -ways to make the routine functions of
government more efficient and to search out the avenues that
may be open to us, now and in the future, for creating a
climate for healthy growth in this period of accelerating change.
Our Town Board is committed to the philosophy that the most
important function of government is to serve as the entity for
providing the services that the people want, are. willing to
pay for, and connot obtain so conveniently or economically by
other means. We believe also that the intention of all who
believe in Queensbury as "a good place to live should be
13
encouraged by reasonable ordinances.
PLANNING BOARD
The "701" Master Plan program received final approval during
the year and got under way early in 'the year. The seven-mem-
ber volunteer commission under the chairmanship .of George
Kushner has held both monthly and special sessions with members
of the professional consulting firm, Candeub Fleissing Associates,
and has devoted many other hours of study to the initial surveys
and maps that will be the basis for the final recommendations.
In addition; the Planning Board, which .now has the responsibility-
! for approving all new subdivisions in the town, has spent much
time with developers. Recommendations for a system of codes and
ordinances will be included in the Master Plan, but as an interim
step in line with action taken in neighboring communities, the
Planning Board developed and ordinance regulating mobile homes and
worked with the Town Bard on modifications before the final
adoption of the ordinance on July 23, 1964.
QU NSBURY WATER DISTRICT
Our -new water district and water system successfully passed
harsh tests during its first full year of operation. Supply
was adequate at all times during the severest drought in the
histroy of this area. The ability to operate under emergency
conditions was demonstrated during the December ice storm when
power was cut off for 65 hours and 1,170,000 gallons were pumped
with auziliary equipment alone.
The district was provided with a full-time superintendent and
another full-time employee. A truck was purchased, and radio-
equipped, and a second truck was authorized. The two-way
j radio system utilizes the local government band and message
E._ center -manned by the County Municipal Center. An addressograph
billing system was installed..
Financially, the water project, APW Ny 52G, was completed in
excellent condition and with a balance sheet more favorable
than our conservative estimates.
HIGHWAYS
The Highway Department, under the direction of Superintendent
Bernard J. Codner, hard-surfaced six miles of town roads and
surface-treated 16 additional miles, using a total of 114,500
gallons of oil.
Equipment purchased included a new Galion motor grader, a new
highway truck, a new pick-up truck and a new hopper spreader.
Purchase of a new 1965 F800 complete highway truck was
authorized.
A 15-acre gravel bed near the town refuse disposal area was
acquired by purchase.
An ordinance was adopted regulating operation of the town
refuse disposal area, which is supervised by the highway
department, and licensing truckmen who use the facility.
44
HIGHWAYS ,(continued)
As the subdivision of land continues at record levels,. the. . __ ;-.
town highway system grows annually, and our milage at year end
stood at 117 miles.
RECREATION COMMISSION
The first organized "Pilot" town recreation program was con-
ducted during the summer of° 1964 under the supervision of the
Commission. An evaluation has indicated that the project was
very worthwhile on an over-all basis, and in addition; the
Commission has gained much valuable information concerning
future activities. The members of this Commission, headed by
Lloyd Demboski, have..spent a great amount of time with the -
development .of this initial program and are to be commended
for their interest in our town.
CEMETERY COMMISSION °
The excellent care and supervision given to Pine View Cemetery . .
and the other town cemeteries under the direction of our
Cemetery Commission and the department staff headed by Super-
intendent Franklin Scoville, is a -source of real satisfaction
and pride. . It is comforting to feel that this same "'care will
always be given through the perpetual provisions of the Act
under which our Cemetery Commission was created.
A new office building and garage were authorized at Pine View
Cemetery to replace an existing frame structure that has out-
lived its usefulness.
OFFICE BUILDING °
Much time was spent during the year in reviewing the archi-
tect's proposals for a town office building to house the various
departments of town government and provide storage for town records.
It appears that a building adequate for our purposes can be con-
structed without a bond issue. Funds available for the project'now total
$152,599.99, including $47,810.00 in capital funds, and increase of
$1487.75 over the previous year and other reserve and surplus funds
of $104,789.99, made up principally from the proceeds of the sale.
of Route 9 frontage to the Cale Development Corporation.
MUNICIPAL COOPERATION
In long-range planning to provide for our needs in -the future the
Town Board has taken every opportunity to cooperate with other
municipalities and with appropriate state agencies.
Queensbury has joined in both the regional water resources survey
and the regional sewerage study.
ASSEMBLY POINT RESIDENTIAL ZONE !
Acting under a law developed by the Lake George Park Commission
and enacted by the State legislature, the first Residential Zone
within the Lake George Park was established at Assembly Point and
an ordinance to carry out these provisions was authorized. This
residential district will probably be the forerunner of any.
similar areas within the Lake George Park and others in Queensbury.
r _ 15
ASSEMBLY POINT RESIDENTIAL ZONE (continued)
Of even.more far-reaching significance, this method of zoning may
eventually be permitted by legislation in other areas.
SPECIAL CENSUS
Because of the -rapid, grawth of the ,town, -the Town Board deemed it
advisable to request during 1965, the mid=point between the 1960
and 1970 federal consuses, a special census. Since state aid is on
a per capita basis as shown by census figures, we can anticipate
financial gains.. The population count will also assist us in our
future planning.
SERVICES OF ATTORNEY
Once again, I want to publicly acknowledge the valuable assistance
given to our town government by County Attorney Albert E. Beswick.
Our needs for ,counsel and legal preparation seem..to increase annually
and his advice and cooperation has been a constant source of strength
throughout the year. ..
FIRE PROTECTION
Our five volunteer fire companies, and three emergency and rescue
squads, linked together under mutual aid, have continued to give the
people of the town superior protection .and service.
Although our fire companies are under contract 'with the town, and
not & department under town supervision, the dedicated work of the
hundreds of volunteer members of these five companies, and three
emergency and rescue squads, deserves recognition and commendation
in this report.
�-= TAXES
I
Probably the least understood aspect of our town government is
the distribution of real property taxes paid by property owners.
Although most taxes are now paid to the Town Receiver of Taxes
and Assessments, the majority of these taxes are collected for
school and county government pruposes and the town government has
no control over those budgets or tax rates in any way whatever.
The only tax over which the town government can exercise control is
the tax levied for town purposes and this is collected annually in
January in combination with the county -tax levy.
The Town of Queensbury tax rate is the lowest in this area.
The 1964 tax rate was $7.11 per $1,000 of assessed valuation, adding
this to the Fire Proteetion District tax of 82G per $1,000 of assessed
valuation (the oply other town-wide tax) , the total taxes on real
property collected for town purposes amounted to $7.93 per $1,000 of
assessed valuation.
This means that the owner of property valued by the Board of Assessors
at-�.r(sgy) ,$19 000, would probably pay less than $30,00` per year in
waxes to support all of the services of town government. An owner of
property valued at $15,000 would probably pay less than $45.00.
16 41
,
The error that many people seem to fall into is to measure
total taxes paid - for schools; for county government, such as
County Welfare, Sheriff and Jail, County Highways, Mental
Health,. _community Colledge ete. , as well as the town tax and
then measure these total taxes against tmm services when in
reality the town tax alone supports all town services.
For instance, this. $7.93 town tax rate per $1,000 of assessed
valuation provides the necessary: funds to' 'carry out the following
programs and services:
* The year around town highway program which includes the
maintenance of 117 miles of town streets and roads and
the construction of approximately 5 miles of hard sur-
faced roads annually, snow removal .operations and
Machinery and equipment repair and replacement.
The support, under contract, of our 5 Volunteer Fire-
Companies (Annual $5,000 each - $25,000).
* Care and upkeep of all town cemeteries including, of
course, Pine View Cemetery.
* Maintenance of the town refuse disposal area and
necessary supervision.
* Suppdrt of libraries (Crandall Library received
$6,300.00 in 1964) .
* Highway lighting traffic signals, signs and controls
(Annual cost under this item alone exceeds $7,000.00).
* Town Recreation Program
* Part time Police Department
* Services of-the Dog Warden
* Services of the Health Officer
* Justice Courts
* All other town services, and the expenses of operating
the government.
Any discussion of taxes and tax rates can be confusing. What —
I have attempted to show hereis that of the money paid for real
property taxes in our town, approximately 60% goes to support
our school systems and another 30% goes- to support the services of
county government, but over which the town government has no control.
The remaining 10% goes to support"-town services.
The diagrams on the following pages will illustrate this better
than any further comment:
(Charts were included in the report which would. be enlightjknj;ng ..
to any reader on the subject of taxes. The attached insert will
explain.)
17
RESOURCES
It becomes more apparent with each passing year that one of
our greatest resources and assets is the growing number of
people who serve the town without remuneration of any kind, as
a service to their community. This, of course, has been true
for some time with our Volunteer Fire Companies and our Rescue
Squads, and with agencies such as the; Cemetery Commission..
More recently the Planning Board and Recreation Commission
have added their members to- the growing list.
The dedication by so many to the welfare of our community is
a measure of civic pride and contributes in a large way toward
making Queensbury "A Good Place to Live". j
GROWTH
This report has dealt at some length with statistics relative
to taxes, town services and growth.
In summation, I giant to include this additional thought:
Our town tax rate is low and has, in fact, .declined slightly
each year for the past four years. We expect to maintain a
stable tax rate, balancing our projected growth in tax base
against -the cost of the added services this growth will entail.
An index of this growth is the number of building reports
filed during the year. They totaled 250, a 25% increase over
1963 which was a record year to that time.
Assessed valuation increased by $769,942.00, rising from
$25,389,560.00 to $26,159,502.00.
THE TOWN BOARD
i
Meetings of the Queensbury ,Town Board are open to the public.
The comprehensive and objective coverage of our weekly sessions
by Bernard Zovistoski, staff reporter of The Post-Star, and
the regular.-attendance of representatives of the League of
Women Voters have been welcome developements, and-we have
appreciated the interest in town affairs shown by both The
Post-Star and The Glens Falls Times, and the local radio
Stations.
THE YEAR AHEAD
As this summary of the activities cif your town government for
the year 1964 is being written, it is already 1965. Projects
already at advanced stages of planning, such as the Municipal
Building and the major extensions of our water system involving
• -some 5 miles of additional water mains in 1965 alone, together
with our decision to proceed with a program of expansion of
the water system to every other area of the town where it will
prove feasible, can only mean that 1965 will be another busy
and eventful year.
As our town continues its accelerated growth and change§, the
challenge for positive action on wide scale is enormous. I
believe that the town government will prove equal to this task.
Respectfully submitted,
John 0. Webster, Supervisor
A letter of response was received and placed on file from the
Post Office Department, Bureau of Operations, Washington, D. C.
The nature of the message had to do with a request for extended
Postal Service in the Town of Queensbury.
April 16, 1965
Queensbury Town Board
c/o Mr.. George C. Crannell, Clerk t
95 Dixon Road
Glens Falls, New York
1
Dear Sir:
As a property owner on Bay Road north of the Farm to Market
Road, I am writing at this time to register my objection to the
trailer court I understand is about to be started by Stranahan.
If there were certain minimum requirements which had to, be-met -
for such a project, then perhaps surrounding property would not
be devalued so much.
I would be a shame if, because of lack of foretl}ought and proper
controls, this whole area became a second "Bennettville."
I'm sure those of us who had interests to protect would soon
clear- out.
Very truly yours,
Norman C. Jeckel
President
TOWN OF QUEENSBURY
Warren County, New York
April 22, 1965
Mr. John -0. Webster - Supervisor
Dear Mr. Webster:
Following is the report on the properties which I inspected.
Eugene Faircloth - Mobile Court, Aviation Road.
Complaint to the Town Board regarding Court Yard condition.
I checked the premises 4-21-65 and talked to the owner -
apparently he heard of the complaint and did clear the grounds
of the litter. As you know this Court is far from an ideal- one
and never will present a pleasing..appearance unless the Mobile
Homes are rearranged with the proper distance between the units.
John Hughes - Contractor
erecting a dwelling on Coolidge Ave. , without permit.
Mr. Hughes was not at this site nor was he at home. I asked
Mrs. Hughes if she would have him complete the permit and - ,
mail -to you.
Gray Court Motel - Route 9
New addition and entrance to Office without permit.
R. E. Ruggles - contractor
Mr. Ruggles was not on the job at the time I called, I talked
to one of his men and requested him to have-Mr. Ruggles complete
the permit and forward to you.
19
(Building Inspector Report - continued) .
It appears that the awning being erected does.not have the proper
set back from the State Road right of way. The workman stated
that the owner was in New York City and he did not know her name.
Very truly yours
Arthur W. Monthie
Building Inspector
Supervisor Webster presented the following statement concerning the
Special Census, which has been recently conducted in the Town of
Queiensbury.
n
STATEMENT BY SUPERVISOR WEBSTER CONCERNING THE SPECIAL CENSUS
I would like to make a few observations regarding the Special Census
Just completed in the town, and in particular the preliminary population
figure of 12,030.
This 'is an increase of 22046, or over 20% in the past five years.
At this rate of growth our population-will increase over 40% during
the ten year period from 1960 to 1970.
I think we should be delighted and encouraged by these. figures. While
we all have sensed what has been taking place., we now know in fact
that we have a dynamic here in Queensbury, with an enormous growth
potential. And along this same line, it should be pointed out that
this growth in population has also been accompanied with record
commercial and industrial development.
-- This rate of growth certainly demonstrates in a very 'dramatic and
definite manner the growing confidence, shared by so many people, in
the future of our town - as a good place in which to live, but these
figures also place new responsibility upon our government.
These figures will be carefully weighed by the Town Board, and the
Planning Board, as well as other agencies such as our school systems,
but' l think it can be said now that this rate of growth presents a
challenge to us all. Growth requires municipal services and adequate
planning for these services. Growth requires schools and other related
facilities. And growth must be balanced with adequate commercial and
industrial development in order to maintain and continue a healthy
economic climate in our town.
The results obtained from this Special Census will greatly assist us in
various ways with our planning for the future. An -immediate benefit will
be increased per capita state aid in the amount of approximately
$120,000.00 during the next five years - aid which would not have been
available without -the special census. 11#s increased state aid will
reduce the amount of taxes on real property,.by that amount, and this j
alone will be of benefit to every owner of real property in the town.
I want to commend the town board for 'the forward-looking action taken
last year which authorized the census-; and others who
carried out the work in an efficient and-,courteous manner; and all of
our townspeople who cooperated' in this very worthwhile undertaking.
John 0. Webster, Supervisor
20
A report was received and placed on file to do with the sale of
wood from the dump property. ; Superintendent of Highways Codner,
reported that he has received $133.46 which has been turned over
to Supervisor Webster.
- April 14., 1965
Mac Solberger
Box 644
Glens Falls, N.Y. .,,
Town Board
Town of Queensbury
Chief of Police LeRoy Phillips
Request to be appointed Police officer for work at Glen Lake
Casino, Toomey' s Pavilion, Lake Sunnyside.
The. Glen Lake Casino had a Burn' s Detective Agency man three
nights, they let them go. Then Gilled me. They want me for the -
summer week ends and possible more.
They are well satisfied with the uniform I have similar to
the Sheriffs - I talked with Sheriff Carboy on- same - They request
to wear badge and credentials - There are times you are asked to
show them. ' It is possible that I'll get the Northway Inn to check
on a fes hours each week during the week. This is not -definite yet.
I have talked with four of the summer places and can get enough
for the full week.
If I get this appointment for the summer, I will be glad to
assist the Chief of Police at any event or any emergency that he
would want extra help. -
I have my own equipment. My car is equipped with a 2 way
radioA I have held a pistol permit since 11/19/56 no/c W-123
issued in Warren Co. I have had several years of experience and-
have been to police school. .
Also in my traveling in the Town would like the added right
to pick up all litterers seen throwing garbage, bottles, cans, --
etc, from cars - this act greatly grieves me -
If need to be all my rights could be put on credentials -
Thank you very much - Sincerely yours,
Mac Solberger
R With the lack of a recommendation from the Chief of Police, the
Town Board was in general agreement that there should not be any
appointment at this time.
The clerk presented applications to locate a Mobile Home outside
of a duly licensed Mobile Home Court. Mr. Reginald Rockwell and
Mr. Cyril Eggleston were the applications.
General discussion ensued to do with activity toward completion of
the Third Street Extension.
A letter was received and placed on -file from the engineer of the
Queensbury Water District, Mr. Joseph A. Kestner, Jr. , on the
subject�of construction of Well ,#4 at the- site of the present, -
• well field.
Councilman Beaty reported on the result of his activity toward
reaching an- agreement with Mrs. Martha Frieberger on acquiringa
section of land in the neighborhood of the present Well Field .of
-the Queensbury Water District. A final decission on bhe proposal
is expected in the near future.
21
A letter was received and placed on file from the Housing & Home
Finance Agency to do with the final completion of Contract #APW-NY-52G.
RESOLUTI23aO AUTHORIZE- PERMIT FOR MOBILE HOJIE
RESO ,
LUTTON N0. 84, introduced by Mr. Turner, seconded by Mr. Lamp son.
WHEREAS, Ronald B. Hall of 7 'Culvert' Streetr Glens Falls, New York,
has made application in accordance with paragraph 2 (c) , Section 4,
of- an ordinance of- the Town of Queensbury entitled ORDINANCE FOR THE
REGULATION OF MOBILE HOMES and MOBILE HOME COURTS IN THE TOWN OF
QUEENSBURY, _WARREN COUNTY, NEW YORK; to . locate_ a mobile home outside
iT o a 'du1y licensed mobile home court at property situated South End
of Richardson Street, near- bottom- of hill, and
�MEREAS, this' town' 'board has conducted a public hearing in connection
with said application and has heard all persons desiring to be heard in
favor of or against said application, and
WHEREAS, it is hereby determined that the facts presented in said
application and at said public hearing are sufficient to authorize
the issuance of the permit requested by said application, for the
following reason: The applicant demonstrated sufficient hardship
for the application. There were no persons appearing in ,opposition,
therefore be it
RESOLVED, that pursuant to the provisions of the above mentioned
ordinance, permission is hereby given to Ronald B. Hall -of 7 Culvert
Street, Glens Falls, New York to locate a_.mobile- home outside of a
licensed ..mobile home court .at property situated at South End of
Rithardson Street, near 'bottom 'of hill and that the Town Clerk is
hereby authorized and directed to issue such permit in accordance with
the terms and conditions of said ordinance.
�— Duly adopted by the following vote:
Ayes - Mr. Beaty, Mr. Turner, -Mr. Lampson, Mr. Robertson and Mr. Webster
Noes None -
RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE PUBLIC HEARING
RESOLUTION NO. 85, introduced by Mr. Robertson, seconded by Mr. Turner.
WHEREAS, Reginald A. Rockwell of 118 Meadowbrook Road, Glens Falls,
New:York, has made application in accordance with paragraph 2 (c) ,
Section 4, of an ordinance of the Town of Queensbury .entitled
ORDINANCE FOR THE REGULATION OF MOBILE HOMES and MOBILE HOME COURTS
IN THE TOWN OF: QUEENSBURY$ .WARREN_COUNTY, NEW YORK,- to locate. a .mobile
home outside of a duly-licensed .mobile home .court- at property situated
Moon Hill Road, 1/8 mile off Road, and
WHEREAS, it is hereby determined that said application complies with
the requirements of said ordinance, and
WHEREAS, it is hereby determined that the facts presented in said
application are sufficient to justify further consideration by this
-� board, therefore be it
RESOLVED, that pursuant to the provisions of the above mentioned a
ordinance, the town board shall conduct a public hearing on said
application on May 6, 1965, at 7:30 p. m. in the library of Queensbury
Junior High School, Aviation Road, and that the Town Clerk is hereby
authorized and directed to give proper notice, of said public hearing
in accordance with the provisions of said ordinance.
22
(Resolution No. 85, continued)
Duly adopted by the following vote:
Ayes - Mr. Beaty, Mr. Turner, Mr. Lampson, Mr. Robertson and
Mrs..Webster
Noes - None .
RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE PUBLIC. HEARING „
RESOLUTION NO. 8
6, introduced by Mr. Robertson, seconded by Mr.
Turner..
_. 40
WHEREAS, Cyrial Eggleston of 28 Pine Street, Glens Falls,, New York,
has made application in accordance with paragraph 7 -.(b), Section 4,
of an ordinance of the Town of Queensbury entitled ORDINANCE FOR
THE. REGULATION' OF MOBILE HOMES:AND: MOBILE HOME COURTS IN_THE TOWN
OF QUEENSBURY, WARREN.COUNTY, ...NEW,-Y.ORK j to- substitute .a mobile . -.
home_ outside _of_-a _duly licensed.-mobile home court at property
situated 28 Pine Street, Glens Falls 40, New York, and
WHEREAS, it is hereby determined that said application complies
with the requirements of said ordinance, and
WHEREAS, it is hereby determined that the facts presented in said
application are sufficient to justify further consideration by this
board, therefore be it
RESOLVED, that pursuant to. the provisions of the above .mentianed
ordinance, the ,town. board shall conduct a public hearing on sai
application on May 6, =1965, -at 7:45 'p. m. in the library of .
µ Queensbury Junior High School, Aviation Road, and that the Town.
Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to give proper notice -of
said public hearing in acctordance. with the ,provisions of said
ordinance.
Duly adopted by the following vote
Ayes Mr. Beaty, Mr. Turner, Mr. Lampson, Mr. R o bert s on and
Mr. Webster.
Noes - None_
RESOLUTION NO. 87, introduced by Mr. Beaty, seconded by Mr.
Robertson.
RESOLVED, that the Audit of Claims as listed in Abstract #65-4A
Numbered 401 through 415 totaling $1,392,85 is hereby approued..
Duly adopted by the following vote:
Ayes* - Mr. Beaty, Mr. Turner, .Mr. Lampson, .Nri Robertson .and >, ,,,
Mr. Webster.
Noes - None
On motion the meeting was- adjourned.
Respectfully submitted
George C. Crannell
Town Clerk