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1994-11-07 REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING NOVEMBER 7,1994 7:05 P.M. MTG#61 RES#550-572 B.H. 15-16 BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT Supervisor Fred Champagne Councilman Betty Monahan Councilman Dr. George Wiswall Councilman Nick Caimano Councilman Carol Pulver TOWN ATTORNEY Paul Dusek TOWN OFFICIALS Tom Flaherty, Jim Martin, Paul Naylor, Bruce Ostrander PRESS Post Star Supervisor Champagne-Called meeting to order. PUBLIC HEARING AMEND ZONING ORDINANCE TO CHANGE DESIGNATION OF PROPERTY OWNED BY ROBERT NEMER\PETER NEMER OPENED 7:06 P.M. NOTICE SHOWN SUPERVISOR CHAMPAGNE-I'll open the public hearing. COUNCILMAN CAIMANO-I want to see if anybody wants to talk about it first. COUNCILMAN PULVER-Is there anybody for or against? SUPERVISOR CHAMPAGNE-Anyone here care to speak for or against, Mr. Weller? JIM WELLER-I've been engaged by the neighbors to represent their application here tonight before the public hearing. It's for the rezoning of a piece of property that they own on Quaker Road across from Garvey Volkswagen approximately fifteen acres. It is currently zoned light industrial the application is that it be rezoned for highway commercial to ease the project of building an automobile dealership. SUPERVISOR CHAMPAGNE-Any other comments from anyone regarding the Nemer property? Hearing none, the Board any additions? COUNCILMAN CAIMANO-No. COUNCILMAN MONAHAN-I would just suggest maybe we would want to do this environmental impact statement and the resolution during the body of the meeting because it takes a long time. COUNCILMAN CAIMANO-Just close the public hearing now. SUPERVISOR CHAMPAGNE-Okay, we'll close the public hearing. COUNCILMAN CAIMANO-Let's put this on the rest of the resolutions. PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED - RESOLUTIONS TO BE PRESENTED AT RESOLUTION PORTION OF MEETING INFORMATIONAL MEETING WEST GLENS F ALLS WATER DISTRICT MAP PRESENTED TOM FLAHERTY, WATER SUPERINTENDENT-Made the following presentation to the Town Board regarding the West Glens Falls Water District. WEST GLENS F ALLS WATER DISTRICT - REPORT BY O'BRIEN AND GERE ENGINEERS INTRODUCTION The West Glens Falls Water District is a Town of Queensbury Water District located between Exit 18 on the Northway and the Glens Falls City line. The outline of the District in shown on Figure 1. The West Glens Falls Water District purchases water from the City of Glens Falls Water Department. The water is conveyed through a metered connection at Main Street and Thomas Street. The water pipes in the District are old and believed to be tuberculated (corrosion deposits) based on C-factor testing. There are also pipelines 4-inch and smaller. there are approximately 260 service connection in the District and currently there are no water meters on the service connections. BACKGROUND The West Glens Falls Water District recently reported positive total coliform test results to the New York State Department of Health (DOH). The DOH issued a boil-water order for the District until the water quality is improved. The water quality problem has been reoccurring for the past decade in the District. The problem is caused by insufficient chlorine concentrations in the water needed to suppress bacteria growth. The Town has attempted to get the City to increase the chlorine concentration but the City is unable to comply without causing problems in other parts of their water system. The Town of Queensbury has tried to improve conditions in the WGFWD through recent flushing of water mains. This flushing did not improve the chlorine concentrations in the District's water. The Town then provided two emergency interconnections to the Queensbury Consolidated Water District to provide a new source of water to the WGFWD and has increased the chlorine concentration in the WFGWD and eliminated the total coliform problems. This allowed the Town to apply to the DOH to remove the boil water order. The interconnections are at the locations listed in Option NO.4 described later in this report and shown on Figure 1. The interconnections have maintained a good chlorine concentration in the water sufficient to eliminate the coliform problems. The size and condition of the water pipes in the District are also a problem. The fire flow test in the District shows that the system does not meet current fire flow and pressure requirements. IMPROVEMENTS The improvements to the WGFWD have been developed as immediate and long range. Some of the immediate improvements have been undertaken as emergency connection to remove the boil water order required by DOH. The remainder of the immediate improvement should be completed as soon as possible. The long range improvements will address the fire flow requirements in the District. OPTION NO.1: Have the City of Glens Falls increase the chlorine concentration in the water provided to the District through the existing metered connection. OPTION NO.2: Install a chlorine booster station in the vicinity of the existing metered connection. OPTION NO.3: Install two metered connections between Queensbury Consolidated Water District and the West Glens Falls Water District. The existing connection to the City of Glens Falls would be closed and remain as an emergency connection only. OPTION NO.4: Consolidate the West Glens Falls Water District into the Queensbury Consolidated Water District. This would include three unmetered connections to the Queensbury Consolidated Water District pipeline. The existing connection to the City of Glens Falls would be closed and remain an emergency connection only. OPTION NO.1: Has been investigated with the City of Glens Falls. The City is unable to increase the chlorine concentration at the West Glens Falls Water District metered connection without causing problems in other parts of their water system. This option was eliminated from further consideration. OPTION NO.2: Would require the installation of a chlorine booster station at the intersection of Main Street and Thomas Street. This station would consist of a chlorine storage building and a injection manhole. This intersection is congested with heavy traffic and is fully developed. The Town would need to acquire land to locate the chlorine storage building. This acquisition of land may require the demolition of an existing house or structure. This would also include daily monitoring and maintenance of a chemical feed system remote from the water treatment plant. This increases the operating costs for the WGFWD. The total capital cost for the improvements of Option NO.2 is estimated to be $129,000. OPTION NO.3: Would required two metered connection to the QCWD. These connections would occur at the intersections of Luzerne Road and Richardson Street and south of Luzerne Road on Pine Street. Each connection would include a meter vault. The connection at Luzerne Road and Richardson Street would be piped at two locations. The first location would be to the existing 6-inch line on Richardson Street. The second location would require extension of an 8-inch water line west on Luzerne Road to Newcomb Street and connection to the 4-inch line on Newcomb Street. The water line on Newcomb Street should be replaced with a large line under the long range improvements. The connection at Pine Street will be extended south on Pine Street and connected to the 8-inch water line on Main Street. The existing connection to the City of Glens Falls would be closed and maintained as an emergency interconnection between water systems. There would be two Town meter facilities to monitor in lieu of the existing City meter. This option will also require the installation of residential meters at each user connection. This is a requirement of the Town for all users receiving water from the QCWD Water Treatment Plant. The total capital cost for the immediate improvement of Option NO.3 estimated to be $116,000. OPTION NO.4. Will require three connections to the QCWD (two emergency connections and one additional connection at a later date) and includes consolidation ofWGFWD into the QCWD. The emergency connections would occur at the intersection of Luzerne Road and Richardson Street and south of Luzerne Road on Pine Street. The long-term connection would be at Luzerne Road and Newcomb Street. The connections at Richardson Street and Newcomb Street would include tapping the QCWD line and connection to the existing water lines on the respective streets. The connection on Pine Street would be extended to Main Street similar to Option NO.3. This option will not require master meters since the WGFWD will be part of the QCWD. The option will require the installation of residential meters at each user connection. The existing connection to the City of Glens Falls will be closed and maintained as an emergency interconnection between water systems. The total capital cost for the immediate improvements of Option NO.4 is estimated to be $35,000. The long range improvements to address the fire flows in the District will be required under all of the options considered, above. These improvements are listed in Table 1. The improvements include replacing all pipelines smaller than 6-inch with new 6-inch pipe. The existing 8-inch line on Main Street will be relined. The total capital cost of the long range improvements under all the options considered has been estimated and included in Table 1. CONCLUSIONS Option NO.4 to consolidate the WGFWD with the QCWD is the least cost option. This option also provides three connections to the QCWD. The additional of the third connection will further improve fire flows to meet the long range needs of the District. The consolidation also meets the goals of the Town's long range plant for the water system. This plan is to consolidate the water districts in the Town to increase the efficiency of operating the districts and provide for future Town-wide improvements to the water system. RECOMMENDATIONS We recommend that the Town of Queensbury implement Option NO.4 to consolidate the WGFWD into the QCWD. As evidenced by the current emergency operation of the WGFWD on QCWD water, the chlorine concentration is increased. The Town should also implement the long range improvements within the district to improve fire flows. DISCUSSION HELD REGARDING REPORT MR. FLAHERTY-Noted that one of the problems the Town will have to face in the West Glens Falls Water District is the fact that it is costing more to buy water from the City of Glens Falls than is actually taking in revenues. The last increase in the West Glens Falls Water District was approximately 18 years ago, noting no matter what is done have to take action to generate action to generate enough revenue to operate the district. CHARLES DEMARS-Questioned why this has taken so long? Noted what they are saying they have been neglecting this area as far as fire. MR. FLAHERTY-Noted he wrote a report in 1982 outlining these conditions. MR. DEMARS-Questioned in 1982 could we have got inexpensive bonding or attachment to anything we have done as far as the water? MR. FLAHERTy-It's possible. MR. DEMARS-Questioned with the consolidation of this would all the property owners be absorbed into the Town municipal water system? Also would they be paying for any additional projects that's going to be contemplated within the Town of Queensbury? MR. FLAHERTY-If the district is consolidated in the Queensbury Consolidated Water District they will be liable for any additional cost in the overall district. MR. DEMARS-That would be Option 4? MR. FLAHERTY-Option 4. Noted they did a study and the assessed value of the West Glens Falls Water District would change the tax rate in the Queensbury Consolidated Water District approximately one cent, not trying to grab property into the district to generate revenue. MR. DEMARS-Questioned if it is better for the people and businesses that reside in that area to be thinking in terms of number four? MR. FLAHERTY-Noted he personally thinks it is. It provides that particular area with better quality water. It provides the most economical answer to the problem we have. JACK CRANNELL-Garner Street, Queensbury. Questioned if they went with Option 4, would they have to pay for the new plant? MR. FLAHERTY-Will share a portion of the cost. MR. CRANNELL-Questioned how much more a year it would cost the people in the district? MR. FLAHERTY-If you went with Option 4, the metered rate would probably go to the same metered rate that Queensbury water customers pay which is $1.30 a thousand gallons depending on how much water you use. MR. CRANNELL-Questioned if they have applied for federal aid? MR. FLAHERTY-Applied the first time, but missed the first round going to be applying again. MR. CRANNELL-Questioned if we did get the federal aid who gets the aid? MR. FLAHERTY-Understands it would be used to pay the improvements in the West Glens Falls Water District if it's consolidated in that portion of the water district which is the West Glens Falls Water District. BOARD OF HEALTH RESOLUTION ENTERING BOARD OF HEALTH RESOLUTION NO. 550, 94 INTRODUCED BY: Mr. Nick Caimano WHO MOVED FOR ITS ADOPTION SECONDED BY: Mr. Fred Champagne RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Queensbury hereby adjourns and moves into the Queensbury Board of Health. Duly adopted this 7th day of November, 1994, by the following vote: Ayes: Mrs. Monahan, Dr. Wiswall, Mr. Caimano, Mrs. Pulver, Mr. Champagne Noes: None AbsentNone RESOLUTION TO SET PUBLIC HEARING ON APPLICATION FOR VARIANCES FROM THE SANITARY SEW AGE DISPOSAL ORDINANCE FOR WILLIAM & ELIZABETH WETHERBEE WARD RESOLUTION NO.: 15, 1994 INTRODUCED BY: Mr. Nick Caimano WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION SECONDED BY: Mrs. Carol Pulver WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Queensbury is, by operation of Law, the Local Board of Health for the Town of Queensbury and, as such, is authorized under Chapter 136 of the Town of Queensbury On-Site Sewage Disposal Ordinance to issue variances to such Ordinance, and WHEREAS, William and Elizabeth Wetherbee Ward have applied to the Local Board of Health of the Town of Queensbury for two variances from certain standards of the Town of Queensbury On-Site Sewage Disposal Ordinance set forth in Chapter 136, Appendix A, such standards providing as follows: APPENDIX A TABLE I - HORIZONTAL SEPARATION DISTANCES FROM WASTEWATER SOURCES TO STREAM WELL OR LAKE OR WASTEWATER SUCTION WATER PROPERTY LAKE GEORGE SOURCES LINE (a) COURSE(c) DWELLING LINE AND TRIBS. Septic Tank 10' Effluent line to distribution box 10' and WHEREAS, Mr. and Mrs. Wetherbee Ward have indicated a desire to place the septic tank and effluent line three feet (3') from the property line rather than placing them at the mandated ten feet (10') distance, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Local Board of Health for the Town of Queensbury will hold a public hearing on November 21, 1994, at 7:00 p.m., at the Queensbury Activities Center, (reasonably accessible to persons with mobility impairment) 531 Bay Road, Town of Queensbury, Warren County, New York, to consider the application for the variances of William and Elizabeth Wetherbee Ward to place the septic tank and effluent line three feet (3 ') from the property line rather than placing them at the mandated ten feet (10') distance, on property situated on Cleverdale Road, Town of Queensbury, New York, and bearing Tax Map No.: Section 14, Block 2, Lot 19, and, at that time, all persons interested in the subject thereof will be heard, and BE IT FURTHER, RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk of the Town of Queensbury be and is hereby directed and authorized, when in receipt of a list of neighbors within 500 feet of the subject property, to publish and provide Notice of said Public Hearing as may be required by law, and authorized to mail copies of said Public Hearing Notice to the adjoining neighbors. Duly adopted this 7th day of November, 1994, by the following vote: AYES: Dr. Wiswall, Mr. Caimano, Mrs. Pulver, Mrs. Monahan, Mr. Champagne NOES: None ABSENT:None RESOLUTION ADJOURNING BOARD OF HEALTH RESOLUTION NO. 16, 94 INTRODUCED BY: Mr. Nick Caimano WHO MOVED FOR ITS ADOPTION SECONDED BY: Mrs. Carol Pulver RESOLVED, that the Queensbury Board of Health hereby adjourns and moves back into the Town Board of the Town of Queensbury. Duly adopted this 7th day of November, 1994, by the following vote: Ayes: Dr. Wiswall, Mr. Caimano, Mrs. Pulver, Mrs. Monahan, Mr. Champagne Noes: None AbsentNone DISCUSSION HELD COUNCILMAN CAIMANO-Noted that Mr. McCarthy from Urbach, Kalm, & Wedin has been advising the Board in the absence of a bookkeeper. Questioned since he may be a part of the discussions would it be advisable to pass a resolution, temporary order bringing him aboard as an consultant. The following resolution as passed. RESOLUTION HIRING URBACH, KAHN, AND WERLIN RESOLUTION NO. 551,94 INTRODUCED BY: Mr. Nick Caimano WHO MOVED FOR ITS ADOPTION SECONDED BY: Mrs. Betty Monahan RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Queensbury hereby authorizes the Town Supervisor to execute an agreement with Urbach, Kalm and Wedin such agreement to be effected today to provide services to the Town Board and the Town of Queensbury through the balance of this year to assist in matters relating to the budget as well as other accounting needs for the Town at a cost not to exceed the sum of $5,000.00 to be paid for from an account line out of the Accounting Department for the Town said account line to be one of the budgetary lines and an authorization of a transfer of funds will be made subsequent to this if necessary, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that any agreement entered into with Urbach, Kalm and Wedin shall indicate that Mr. McCarthy will be the primary contact person and consultant for the Town of Queensbury. Duly adopted this 7th day of November, 1994, by the following vote: Ayes: Mrs. Pulver, Mrs. Monahan, Dr. Wiswall, Mr. Champagne, Mr. Caimano Noes: None AbsentNone DISCUSSION NON PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS PAUL PONTIFF, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD INTERNATIONAL ARTS AND CULTURAL ASSOCIATION Mr. Pontiff-Spoke to the Board noting the different activities that their association is involved in. In 1985 the organization had an income of $3)19.00. In 1993 the organization had an income of $41,532.00. Expenditures went from $1,210.00 in 1985 to $46,056.00 in 1993. The growth has occurred not because of paid personnel, but because of dedicated volunteers. Provided Board members with budget. The community by virtue of dues supports the organization to the extent of 12 1/2 percent of the gross revenues. The sponsorship by corporate entities is 22.8 percent of the total revenues. The Town of Queensbury's contribution based upon this years budget of 1994 would be 2.2 percent at the thousand dollars. Understands the fiscal responsibility and concern, but to locked off the total amount in one year is very catastrophic problem for most organizations. For the International Arts and Cultural Association it is very difficult to survive without the thousand dollars, also noting it is very difficult to raise money on a voluntary basis. Requested the Board to reconsider. MIKE CLARK, CHAIRMAN OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE HYDE COLLECTION-Spoke to the Board requesting the Town Board to continue to provide its annual support for the Hyde Collection. Noted the appeal to the Board is based on the fact that the Hyde is an important attraction to the entire area. Receives support from the City of Glens Falls without the benefit of property tax income. Noted it is only fair for the Town of Queensbury whose residents use the Hyde as much as the people in the City should pay a share of the cost of maintaining this tremendous community asset. SUPERVISOR CHAMPAGNE-Questioned what portion of the $17,000 of the budget would you estimate.... MR. CLARK-Their total budget is the neighborhood of $800,000. COUNCILMAN CAIMANO-2.125 percent. COUNCILMAN WISW ALL-Concerned with the increase from $17,000 to $25,000. MR. CLARK -Noted it has been at $17,000 for four years. As a matter of policy the Board of Trustees this year decided to make the Hyde an admission free institution. The cash box, our donation reflected the fact that you don't have to pay. Basically the idea was to ask for a little more help. LISA SIMPSON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE CHAPMAN HISTORICAL MUSEUM- Thanked the Board for their generous support over the years to the Glens Falls Queensbury Historical Association which runs the Chapman Museum. Noted that due to the donation from the Town each year no Queensbury child is charged admission for school tours. Spoke to Board regarding brief history of fund rasing efforts in the last few years. Their goal is to not only generate income for a balance budget, but also to seek funding from a diversified base. Projected expenses for 1994-1995 is $132,670.00 while project income is $132,800.00 Museum membership is the primary source of income with over 600 members dues provide 18 percent of total budget. The museum has two fund raisers per year. The Spring Golf Tournament which is 6 percent of budget and Antique Show which is 8 percent of budget. Corporate donations bring in 12 percent and Grant money 8 percent. Revenues from museum admission, school programs and museum shop total 11 percent of budget. Noted that in the past the museum has received donations from Warren County which has been completely cut. The City of Glens Falls provides both money as well as nonprofit real estate tax break which provides 10 percent of the budget. Last year the museum received $17,000.00 from Queensbury which is 13 percent of the budget making it one of the most significant contributions received in a year. Noted over the past years the Chapman has gone through a series of budget cuts and down sizing staff and programs due to the continued decease in public donations, grant money, and government funds. Noted the loss of Queensbury's 13 percent of the budget in one year would be devastating to the Chapman. Requested the Board to reconsider their decision, also noted if due to budget constraints if it would be possible to be cut in increments over a number of years. FRAN CARTMELL AND STEVE SHEEHAN-GREATER GLENS FALLS SENIOR CITIZENS CENTER -Spoke to the Board regarding programs that are available for seniors through their center. Requested the Board to reconsider and possibly increase the amount of funding to the Greater Glens Falls Senior Citizens Center. In 1987 Queensbury allocated $5,500.00 to the Senior Center. In Glens Falls at that time there was 470 current active members from Queensbury. In 1994 receiving $500.00 current membership from Town of Queensbury stands at 605. Noted it is a 25 percent increase in memberships and about a 95 decrease in funding. Total membership is 2,016 with 605 of the members Queensbury residents. BRAD WILLIAMS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR GLENS FALLS INDEPENDENT LIVING CENTER AND PAMELA POLACSEK, COORDINATOR OF FUND DEVELOPMENT-Spoke to the Board noting the variety and number of services provided to persons with disabilities in Warren, Washington, and Saratoga Counties. Requested the Board to fund $4,500.00 to provide accessible home modifications to Town residents with disabilities who demonstrate financial need. These funds will only be used to subside the cost of material and labor for modifications. At this point based on previous experiences estimates that this would complete at least five projects with the requested amount. Receives only limited support from the Tri-County United Way. Hopes that the Board will see this as a worthwhile service and reconsider. Mr. Williams to send copy of budget to Board. PATRICIA THOMAS-VICE PRESIDENT BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF WARREN WASHINGTON COUNTIES AND THE TOWN OF MOREAU-Applauded the Boards efforts as a resident of the Town of Queensbury to keep the budget in line. Urged the Board to reconsider what is truly beneficial and necessary for the Towns continued quality of life. Spoke to the Board regarding the agency functions. The 1995 Expense Budget is projected to be approximately $90,955.00,50 percent of the money is raised through fund raising efforts and 50 percent of the money is raised through United Way and the New York State Division of Youth in Warren and Washington Counties, also contributions. The total matches for the agency is 60 matches, 32 which are Town of Queensbury residents which represents 53 percent of the total. There are 77 children on a waiting list, 17 are Town of Queensbury residents representing 22 percent of the waiting list. Urged the Town Board to continue to invest in its future by continuing to invest in its youth. RICHARD CAREY-RESIDENT OF TOWN OF QUEENSBURY, CHIEF OF POLICE CITY OF GLENS FALLS, MEMBER OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS GLENS FALLS AREA YOUTH CENTER-Present this evening at the request of Matt Congdon, Executive Director of the Youth Center. Spoke to the Board regarding the valuable services that Matt Condgon provides for the youth of the community. In 1994 the Town of Queensbury funded the Youth Center at a level of $ 3,000, requested that funding level be continued for the fiscal year 1995. The total budget for 1995 is $119,000, Queensbury's contribution just under 3 percent. Noted investing in the Glens Falls Area Youth Center really is an investment in our future. AL MARSHAL AND STEVE MEYER, TREASURER-LITERACY VOLUNTEERS OF GLENS F ALLS- Spoke to the Board regarding the services their organization provides to the residents of Warren, Washington, Saratoga Counties. The amount of money received from Town of Queensbury is approximately 9 percent of total budget. Noted they are a United Way Agency which puts restrictions on them. As a United Way Agency cannot do any personal fund raising during the United Way Campaign. Try to receive funding from as many resources as they can. Receive money from the State level and also get United Way money, fund raising on own. Have been commended by the Adult Literacy Education Program at the State level for the work that they do. Requested the Town Board to reconsider funding. VOLUNTARY ACTION CENTER-KIT HUGGARD, DIRECTOR OF VOLUNTARY ACTION CENTER-Spoke to the Board regarding the various services and organizations they work with throughout the year. Requested the Board to continue funding the same amount of $2,500.00 for 1995. GEORGE DALEY-QUEENSBURY VFW 6196 AND AMERICAN LEGION 1797-Spoke to the Board regarding the Veterans of Foreign Wars, noting they have been getting and allocation of $300.00 a year for a number of years from the Town of Queensbury. The VFW donates every year between $3,000 to $5,000 to all organizations, noted there annual Thanksgiving Dinner that they sponsor. Noted they do appreciate the Board for giving the $300.00 to the VFW and also to the American Legion. Requested the Board to give the $300.00 to the American Legion if they can. Stated if they can give to the Legion the Board can cross the VFW off the list if they wish. GLENS FALLS ASSOCIATION FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, RESIDENT OF TOWN OF QUEENSBURY-Spoke to the Board noting she is not requesting any funding from the Town. Noted her concern for the organizations being cut funding. Requested the Board to go home and search their hearts. COUNCILMAN MONAHAN-Spoke to the Board regarding this area being a great place to live. Believes we find the reason for it with the type of people that are sitting here. When you think of these organizations and the amount of volunteers that have given their time to make these organizations what they are today and to serve this community and the surrounding area, my hats off to you and God Bless you. 1. C. WILLIAMS-Spoke to the Board noting his concerns regarding the Board withdrawing funds from these organizations. Requested the Board to reconsider in the positive way. FIVE MINUTE RECESS OPEN FORUM DISCUSSION FIRE COMPANY AND RESCUE SQUADS SUPERVISOR CHAMPAGNE-Before we do that, I would just like to make a presentation here if you bear with me while I go through this and try and set the stage for the rest of the evening which maybe a good entree into what we're here for. Before we open discussion from the floor regarding the emergency services budgets, I would like to take a few moments and comment about how the Board arrived at its present position. But even before I get to that, I wish to take this opportunity to express the Board's appreciation for the excellent work done by the emergency services and to commend them for the outstanding service they provide to the residents of Queensbury and certainly they are dedicated and committed people. Recently I read an ad in a local paper that said quote "don't let politics undermine your excellent fire and emergency squad services." Honestly folks, this had absolutely nothing to do with the decision that this Board had to wrestle with during the past nine months. The issues had to do with dollars. Previously, funds had been directed to the emergency services to meet their needs to upgrade buildings and equipment. Next year, we plan to direct some additional funds to the highway, water and other departments that also have severe needs that must be met. We plan to expand the infrastructure of the Town to better position the Town for future economic growth and job development and I think you can all agree with that. As your Town Supervisor and your Town Board, we have limited choices on tax increase. It is not the Town Board's role to pick apart the fire company and EMS budgets, or to micro manage their business. However, it is our role to account for the expenditures of every dime that goes out of the door of Town Government. We are a Board committed to help set the level of service rendered to the community through advisory groups and other interested citizens, in serving Queensbury to become a better place to live and work. The board deliberately scrutinized every expense for every agency line by line to determine it's value to the overall organization's mission, and to the degree the expenditures directly related to fire fighting and rescue services. Again, these were tough decisions. We sought and prioritized line items that we felt needed to be funded at the 100% level while at the same time those were cut based on the criteria such as the previous actual expenditures compared to the proposed expenditures. Lets talk for a moment about where we've been with the emergency services in the Town. Again, I'll repeat we are very proud of our people who serve in the fire and rescue companies. We have provided them with the very best equipment and certainly the very best training that money can buy. No one will disagree with that statement. To get to where we are today took major investments on behalf of the town. We no longer have our fire fighters standing on the curb with hat in hand soliciting donations from the public. Those days are gone, thank God. We no longer have outdated, antiquated trucks and equipment. The mission of the previous Town Boards have been completed or at least nearly completed. Where are we today? We are now at a point where it's time for us to be more accountable to our taxpayers. The roaring eighties are over and the tight nineties are in. Now we must ask ourselves what level of service can the Town of Queensbury afford. The Board has engaged the services of a public accounting firm to assist in establishing a uniform accounting system to be used by all emergency services, step one. We believe that this is a start in improving the accountability for all the various services that we deal with. The Board is committed to funding the debt that exists among the emergency services. Further, the extent of the debt load by some companies has got the Board concerned. Trucks and state of the art equipment are up to date. However, the Board reserves the right to approve any future debt as requested by the agencies. This position is necessary due to the extended debt load by some companies and the concern of the Board for over leveraging company assets. Now, the next question is where are we going? Again, as with any business, we must insist on a long range plan combined with long range funding. Both activities must have rationale and criteria to justify the need. The questions remains who will manage these resources? Will the Town hold the funds or should the individual service organizations be responsible. The Board is looking at third party payment of ambulance service. Should you and I continue to pay heavily for insurance that covers the cost of ambulance service whole at the same time pay taxes to support this ambulance service that's a serious question. We need to look at how to reduce taxes by searching for other revenue streams. Further, we believe that through consolidating services and cooperative bidding, additional savings will be realized. To mention a few insurance for example, fall out gear, computer programs, grounds keeping and certainly the purchase of very basic equipment. If this Board has accomplished anything worthwhile in its effort to be fiscally responsible with all Town departments and contractors, it is evident that we have shed some light on economics within the emergency services. Let's talk about future planning. As with any business, again I say and repeat, this Board is asking for a strategic long range plan for buildings and vehicle needs. It is incumbent upon us to determine the capital needs of our emergency services by systematically coming to an agreement with the emergency services companies and the Town Board and we will do this. A capital spending plan that specifies vehicle depreciation, a time frame, building improvements and replacements must be part of this document. Lets work this plan together. Keep in mind folks that the Board has until November 21st, to adopt the Town's 1995 budget. There still remains much work to be done before that date and we will all agree to that. I'm sure that the emergency service's budget will come under full review following this night and Wednesday's night meeting we hope to see you all here again at Wednesday's night at the public hearing. Let's open it up to the fire companies and emergency squads and we'll here for you or anybody else. BRIAN LAFLURE-Before I read my prepared statement, I would like to applaud the Town Board for the statement that you just read Fred. SUPERVISOR CHAMPAGNE-Thank you. MR. LAFLURE-Had we heard that statement from you guys in the last weeks we would not all be in this room tonight, I think that's to bad. In deference to you Nick advertising pays off. It was very obvious that we got a lot of peoples attention with the ad's that we placed. We felt very strongly about that it was not something that we took lightly. It was not something that was done in anger it was something that we felt was done in need. COUNCILMAN CAIMANO-And in deference to you, I'm not getting paid for it either. MR. LAFLURE-Very good. That's why I went to the Chronicle first, I'm only kidding. Before I read my statement one more to you Nick, seeing you and I are on the lighter side. I am not nor am I planning to run for political office in Ward 3, I want you to keep that in mind. I still feel that the statement that I have developed to read to you tonight on top of what you have just read to us Fred, I still think needs to be read. You can take it in the context it is given cause I feel it is important. We too have agonized over what has happened in the last six months or eight months, don't feel that we are out there treating you guys, the guys on the other side of the fence because that's not the way it is. But, I feel I would be remised in not reading the things I want to say. SUPERVISOR CHAMPAGNE-As Ross Perot would say, we're all ears. MR. LAFLURE-My name is Brian LaFlure and I'm a resident in the Town of Queensbury. I've also been a member of the Queensbury Central Fire Company for twenty-two years. Tonight, I speak on my own behalf and not for other organizations represented here. I think it's important to give a short history of how we came to be at these crossroads for those who have not been directly involved. Back at the first part of this year we were contacted by the Town Board Fire Committee to participate in talks to look into the formation of a Town Fire Advisory Committee this is a clause in our contracts. Unfortunately after several meetings that were less than productive it became obvious to us that there was a hidden agenda for this committee. We tried to speak as honestly and up front as we could on this subject to help promote a better system for managing emergency services in the Town. We openly admitted to you the short comings in our organizations and in our bookkeeping systems. We worked with you to try and address these problems, we cannot go back in time. After it became apparent that the Town Board Fire Committee was not going to get its own way, such as the prevention of one fire company for purchasing a new vehicle the process was abandoned and not heard about again. This was too bad because there were ideas brought up which could be beneficial to the Town both operational and financially. During this time of conflict the Town Board members put a great deal of misinformation into the media. Their response to us about this practice was that they were well aware of the fact that whoever was in print first no matter its correctness would be most believed and if we didn't like it we could write a letter to the editor. At this time we as a group made a conscious decision not to wallow down in the mud and perhaps this was a drastic mistake. After a time passed it became time to start up talks on the 1995 budget process. We received correspondence from the town indicating their desire for information on our past and existing paperwork. This request included asking for our 1993 cash audit which they specially asked that we not do. We were given only a short time to run around and try to produce the statistics and numbers that they wanted. The first budget meeting we attended started out with us presenting our 1995 tentative budget which reflected a cut from our 1994 budget, Our 94 for budget which was a reduction from our 93 budget. From that moment on and in all further correspondence and talks the attitude of the board was one of perhaps a detective conducting a criminal investigation with hot lights and a rubber hose. All questions were of an antagonistic tone and we would leave these meetings wondering why we had just wasted another evening away from our families with the only thing gained was an increase in everyone's blood pressure. At this point, I think it's important to clearly define our existence in the structure of the town. Weare a fire company not a fire department. At a glance one might think there is little difference. This is true in what the general public might see day to day. A fire company is a nonprofit corporation that provides a service to the town just like a vendor or a contractor. That means that anything needed to do the job or the contract is paid for in our contract dollars. A fire department is a department of the municipality and is run just like another arm of the Town like Recreation, Assessor, Building and Grounds, etc. The obvious difference here is the major purchases like buildings, fire apparatus are bonded and the payments are made directly by municipality. This would also hold true for things like building maintenance and utilities. With this said, I'll reiterate that we as fire companies must have everything necessary to provide the service in the contract amount not shown elsewhere in the total municipal budget. This brings us to the point there seems to be a majoLwith the board and that is the term full funding. This definition was coined in the fall of 1988 which seems to be a magic time line for this discussion. During the negotiations in 1988 the Fire Committee and the Town Board, Ran Montes and Steve Bongos, determined that with the dramatic increase and the time commitment put on volunteers by increase activity and training needed to meet the ever growing scope of work thrust on these people that they should not have to expend their time raising funds to operate the fire company. The means to differentiate between operational or non-operational cost or is called now firemanic and non-firemanic expenses was described in detail to the public in an article printed in the Post Star by Sheila Magee Nason. After it was discussed in several public hearings during that budget process no one spoke against this change, and I have the minutes here with me to reflect that. This was the time frame of the so called dramatic increase in town fire budgets that this Town Board keeps referring too. At this time in contracts provisions were written to insure that firemanic and non-firemanic expenses were kept separate. We still follow that system and take great exception to the statement that your only cutting non-firemanic items from our budget this is impossible due to the fact that these items are not there. Items such as uniforms, soda, our annual banquet and all items not directly associated with the operation of the fire company are paid directly from our non-firemanic account system which receives its funds from the foreign insurance tax and our annual fund raising letter drive. We are very explicit in our appeal letter to our residents that their donations are used for this purpose. The usage of foreign insurance tax for firemanic purposes is strictly prohibited and monitored by the State. Your statement in the Post Star, that cuts are coming from non-firemanic items such as landscaping and professional services is ridiculous. The landscaping line item is our snow plowing of the firehouses and professional services is the ladder testing, physical's required by OSHA, and our audit which you require for us to provide to you in the contract. Also in this same article you point to the drastic change in 1988, 1989, what you don't say is the dramatic increase in response activity in that time frame. We've increased over forty percent just in the last two years. The last time, I will address in your press information is the statement that and I quote, "we've been telling them this for a year and this is not a surprise and if the public doesn't like what we're doing they'll throw us out." "But for years people have been calling for elected officials to do the job and that needs to be done with the budgets," another quote. These statements raise some very good questions. In going back through all Town Board minutes relative to the budgets since 1988 no one has spoken against the emergency services budgets. I have those minutes and a summary if you like to see everyone of those and how it went down. As for your statement, if we don't like it we can throw you out sounds very much like the attitude you expounded on from some of you to get elected. The issues are very basic and must be addressed before we can proceed. These issues included, who was the expert here when it comes to what is needed and what is not. By your own admission you are not experts in the fire field yet you feel confident having your secretary call the Department of Labor and get an opinion on what safety equipment we should have. Your attitude that it is not necessary to deal with regulations that concern all fire companies in this country is just unbelievable. In case you didn't notice volunteer fireman die. I was at the bottom of the ladder this August when the rescue crew looking for fire fighter McMurray came scrambling out. The look of despair in their eyes through their mask will haunt me for the rest of my life. If you think, I will jeopardize safety for your rendition of economics your very dissolution. Since the beginning of the year you have treated us as criminals the enemy when in reality we're on the same team here to provide a service to the residents of Queensbury. I personally have tried to assist with this project, but was met with your constant mode of hiding behind executive sessions and continuous violations of the open meetings law. It is unfortunate, but your micro-management method of management is also rapid in the rest of the Town Hall. Doesn't it bother you that the moral of this building is at its lowest ever. Weare at a serious crossroads in this Town. Your desire to be fiscally conservative is to be applauded, but you've become so engross in slashing these budgets you now miss the very basics. We work for you and you work for us. We would be most conducive to reopening talks on a non-confrontational vain perhaps with a mediator to work out a solution. We have offered our hand to you and now you must decide which path to take. If I could have the Board's cooperation, I have one letter that I like to read from another member of our organization who is not able to be here tonight and then I'll get out of your face. Dear Board Members: When people dial 911 they don't expect if we can handle the emergency that exist they expect someone to respond because the situation is beyond their means. Currently Queensbury Emergency Services has been ready to overcome many different types of emergencies which they have been called too. Through proper funding and dedication of well trained volunteers the Town of Queensbury has enjoyed a well prepared group of organizations ready to handle any type of emergency which demands their immediate response. Even with this in mind we should not forget that as technology changes we are faced with new challenges which place a greater strain on emergency services. As first Assistant Chief of Queensbury Central and a New York State Fire Instructor, I can attest to the fact that emergency services are faced with new challenges everyday which demand proper equipment, proper training and a need to be proactive instead reactive. An effort to continue this proactive attitude and commitment to better serve our community, I ask you to reconsider your proposed 1995 appropriation for Queensbury Central Volunteer Fire Company. Queensbury Central's a business just like any other business in this community and has to be run like a business. In business to stay competitive you must define your objectives, set goals and analyze costs associated with your objectives and goals in order to stay competitive. However, in the business of emergency services our competition or objectives are the possibility of death, destruction of personal property and the fear of the unknown all of which are very difficult objectives to overcome. Our goal is very simple to stay even with technology and be ready for the unexpected. Your propose figure of $321,000 will allow Queensbury Central to maintain basic essential services to our community, but will not allow us to remain proactive and meet our objective and goals for 1995. I ask you to meet with our representatives for what I believe will be a reasonable compromise in order to allow you to accomplish your goals and us to accomplish ours. Thank you for your time and consideration. That is signed by Dave Hatin, First Assistant Chief. I realize that some of things that I have said in my presentation may offend you we also have felt that same offense on our side, I think the time is now. As you have stated in your original statement Fred to knock off the foolishness let's get back to the table and accomplish what needs to be done to provide for our residents what they need and that's emergency services in this Town. Thank you. MIKE PALMER-Again, before I read my prepared statement I do want to fill you in that the statement was prepared long before the message was read tonight by Fred. Fred we do also accept your offer and your thanks for the duty that we do perform. We do it with much pride and it's nice to know that the pride is reciprocated from the leaders of this Town. Good Evening, Supervisor Champagne, Board Members, my name is Michael Palmer and I'm a member of the West Glens Falls Volunteer Fire Company, I am representing the membership at this time. Our presence tonight is to voice our extreme displeasure with the contract proposal for 1995 and the method by which it was formulated. This company has just completed 47 years of continuous service for the Town of Queensbury has plans for 47 more. The hurdles that have been crossed in that time the countless motor vehicle accidents, dwelling fires, calls for assistance, lives saved, property loss all we're just bumps in the road. The many man hours spent on public service, on fund raisers, fire prevention and education none of these could slow the steady progression and growth of this department, not until now. We fully appreciate the reality of the nineties times are tough, money is tight. We must all tighten the purse strings and be more fiscally responsible. The proposal made by the West Glens Falls Volunteer Fire Company reflected a reduction from the 1994 funding level and demonstrates our willingness to accept fiscal responsibility. However, we still have a business to run, lives and property to protect, and a service to provide. There are costs associated with the delivery of this service an arbitrary non-negotiated level of funding is just not suitable. Further funding costs should come from all facets of Town spending not just the fire and EMS budgets. We urged you to reconsider the offer of $165,000 which is $115,000 decrease from the 1994 funding level and negotiate with us a figure acceptable to both parties and still reducing the funding level from the 1994 level. Negotiating does not mean increase spending, in fact in this case it means a controlled steady decrease and\or leveling of funding. We are very proud of the service that we deliver and the accomplishments associated with it. We also know that Supervisor Champagne and the Board members take great pride and professionalism of their fire and EMS providers. Let's get back to the table and do this right. After all this is not about you and us this is about the precious lives of our community and the property they have chosen to locate in the Town of Queensbury. Thank you for your time. SUPERVISOR CHAMPAGNE-I think, I can make a statement here also that the budget adoption date, I guess is November 21. Consequently at the time when these numbers were put together, I think everyone at this table realized that there would be some future negotiations. So, I want all of you to be aware of that this was not cou-da-graw, but rather a means to get some things started and do some again closer analysis, I'm sure that will be happening. Anyone else care to speak? GILBERT BOEHM-As I see it there are eight different entities involved here. Three emergency and five fire companies. Are they represented on individual pages in this or they all lumped on one page? COUNCILMAN CAIMANO-Lumped. MR. BOEHM-I as an individual don't know what's happening. As the individual entities are requesting verses what your offering them. COUNCILMAN CAIMANO- To answer your question that's correct. COUNCILMAN PULVER-You can come to the Town Hall and we can give you that information. MR. BOEHM-In the newspaper there has been some indication that presumably they've been reduced by $462,000 is that still true? SUPERVISOR CHAMPAGNE-There are two way oflooking at this. One way was that we took out the vehicle fund. We took $166,000 out that we agreed with the various companies that we would either hold that... . PUBLIC-No agreement. COUNCILMAN PUL VER- That didn't agree. COUNCILMAN CAIMANO- They didn't agree. SUPERVISOR CHAMPAGNE-Excuse me, we do not have an agreement on that used the wrong choice of words. COUNCILMAN MONAHAN-We proposed. SUPERVISOR CHAMPAGNE-What we said we're proposing that. MR. BOEHM-I cannot take say, page 38 which says fire protection fund that represents all eight entities? COUNCILMAN CAIMANO- Yes. COUNCILMAN MONAHAN-You broke out the EMS didn't you? SUPERVISOR CHAMPAGNE-I'm not sure I don't have a copy of mine in front of me. MR. BOEHM-It says fire protection fund. I couldn't find a separate emergency one. I cannot therefore, take $462,000 and add it to the propose to come up with what they presumably requested can I or can I? COUNCILMAN CAIMANO-Wednesday night we will all have the budgets... SUPERVISOR CHAMPAGNE-I'm not sure this is the night that we want to get into dollars because I don't have my copy with me. MR. BOEHM-I have extreme difficulty understanding what's going on then. COUNCILMAN PULVER-Wednesday night is our budget meeting. SUPERVISOR CHAMPAGNE-Wednesday night will be the public hearing on the budget. COUNCILMAN MONAHAN-I think I know where Gip is coming from though. He is trying to find some basic information so he can think between now and Wednesday. SUPERVISOR CHAMPAGNE-Call me tomorrow will you Gil, I'll have my copy with me. MR. BOEHM-Okay, sure. SUPERVISOR CHAMPAGNE-Anyone else? TERRY BARTON-Captain Bay Ridge Rescue Squad also a resident of the Town of Queensbury. I will also applaud what I've heard coming from your side this evening. Personally, I think its given me a little uplift. Unlike my predecessors, I would like to appalled their remarks. I'll be brave and try to get away from my prepared remarks and make them a lot briefer. I think one of the things you've seen tonight looking around this room is what volunteers are all about caring obviously impassioned self-starters. We don't do what we do by way of vocation. We don't do what we do by way of paid political office. We do what we do by way of avocation. Often done at the expense of our relationships of those people we care about our sons, daughters, and friends. I hope this isn't necessary, but I've had the feeling as this process has gone on that there are some people that are of the opinion that there is political or personally gain here financially if it needs to be said it doesn't happen. Rather as...as possible we provide the best possible service equipment and training. If nothing else witness the growth to advance life support over the past several years. The buzz word certainly is accountability. In the beginning we said we welcome that again, we are also residents and taxpayers of the Town of Queensbury. This to me is not about dollars and cents it's about a process. Somewhere down the road it's going to be about dollars and cents, but the process is negotiation. Returning to accountability, accountability is a two way street. We treat our patients with dignity and respect these concepts also applied to this process. Beyond that there is a need for ferocity above board face to face communications we continue to offer that and expect the same. In the interim we will do what we do best and that is provide emergency medical services. I'd like to leave with you one closing thought. One of the ways that we judge ourselves is asked this question. If myself or somebody I cared about needed an ambulance or needed a fire department where would I want that to happen? I will tell you as I look around this room I would want to have it happen in the Town of Queensbury cause these folks will bust their backsides to get the job done until it's resolved. CHARLES T. MELLON, JR.-Chief of Bay Ridge Volunteer Fire Company and more importantly I'm also a resident of the Town and I have been for thirty years. I think as everyone's knows there has been a communication break down between the Town Board and the emergency services this year. I feel it is important to chronically detail specific items from this past year. This partially explains how we've got to where we are now. To begin with the Town Board was invited several times to visit our stations we offered to show our equipment and apparatus and hope to educate you in the services that we provide for the community and why we do what we do. Unfortunately you go only allocate one hour that was used for budgeting purposes. In addition Mrs. Monahan met with us in March for the same reason. On February 7th, Bay Ridge approached the Town Board to approve the purchase of a new rescue pumper. Nick stated that he would check with the other board members and get back to me about scheduling a meeting. Instead later the same day he sent me a memo stating that they couldn't possible meet with us for a month and a half. After explaining to him that the bid price would not be guaranteed for more than thirty days due to increase in material cost he offered to call the fire truck salesman. Nick told him that Bay Ridge has no right to even ascertain bids on the pumper until permission received by the Town Board, this was not true. Our contract with the Town requires that we have approval from the Town prior to the purchase. In addition, I presented a letter that was required by the Town Board the second which is probably twenty pages long why we needed the apparatus. One particular item that was discussed was the ISO rating. During the presentation it was mentioned that the ISO requirements in our fire district mandate a particular gallon per minute flow in each district. One board member was concerned that the possible decreased insurance rates might not offset the actual cost of this apparatus. After numerous delays by the board the purchase was finally approved at the April board meeting thanks in part to the perseverance of Doc Wiswall. During that same meeting the board failed to official hiring a consultant who was to evaluate the needs of the Town emergency services. The potential candidate withdrew his proposal after much sometimes heated discussion. A local paper reported April 29th that two board members had actually met with this person the previous week. Some board members also visited the Warren County Fire Coordinator for statistical information run totals, apparatus inventories, etc. Unfortunately some board members also chose to take those run stats and emphasize the few number of calls in one category. They were actually distorting the figures because they did not understand the State reporting perimeters even after it was explained to them at an April board meeting by our Assistant Chief David Strainer. In February a letter was sent by Nick detailing the formation of an Emergency Services Advisory Committee. The purpose was to bring some assemblage of control to what has become the largest part of our Town budget the quote said in the paper and in the memo. This insinuated the spending by the emergency services was out of control. On March 15th after attending a meeting of the general public and emergency services at the Town Hall this idea was again put on hold when a majority of those in attendance did not agree with the propose format. A propose format was to be distributed to all eight emergency service unfortunately future meetings have still not be scheduled and we are still waiting for an updated version of this legislation. In March a new article appeared in some of the papers that implied that there was quote "an unnecessary duplication of equipment in the Town". What were the qualifications of this board member to make this statement? Once again in March the newspaper article appeared that criticized the construction of a new fire station. Even though the Town Board approved of construction one board member who had voted for it instead chose to take a neutral stance when questioned about his opinion of the building. In September more press coverage denouncing the use of emergency warning sirens was publicized. The board stated that the use of sirens will be a subject of negotiations this year, to date we have heard nothing about this. October 28th, emergency services were notified of their allocated contractual amount less the apparatus fund. The use of truck was addressed at one of first joint meetings with the emergency services and the Town Board in either February or March. They were told that they cannot hold these funds or use them for anything except for emergency services by State Law. Also some of the amounts to be reduced included allowances for uniforms because they were part of non-firemanic items. Anyone who attended the funeral in Hudson Falls for one of our fallen fire fighters can truly attest to the fact that these are a needed item, I won't say anymore about that. The article in the October 29th edition implied once again that spending has drastically increased since the Borgos years they neglected to tell you all why that is. October 31st, correction Town Board Meeting proposed a 12 percent raise with the budget. Surprisingly an emergency meeting was held to cut these raises. If times are so tough here how could the idea of any raise let alone a 12 percent hike even be contemplated. Today's emergency services have changed dramatically in the past years, Bay Ridge fire calls have increased 45 percent. In addition the fire service has undergone numerous mandates by the State including, but not limited too OSHA physical's, personal fit testing of SCP A, hepatitis B vaccinations, blood born pathage in education, use of standard operating procedures, fire fighter accountability and overall fire fighter safety. It is important to keep public safety as the top priority if there are to be cuts they should be negotiated in good faith by both the fire and EMS companies and the Town Board. They should not first be played out in the local papers with one side of the story. Each company should negotiate their own budget figure. As far as the five fire companies should be talking in one room together concerning contractual agreements. There shouldn't be anymore playing one of us against the other which happened in our department several times. I think it's just important to give you a little incite of the other non-firemanic, actually some of these are firemanic details that Bay Ridge provides. Every year since 1965 Bay Ridge has provided fire prevention programs for elementary school children in Lake George and Queensbury Schools. Approximately 600 children tour the Bay Ridge Stations yearly. We assist the Fire Marshal with fire prevention programs at the Aviation Mall including the Queensbury Fire Friends Puppets and live demonstrations. We co-sponsor Boy Scout Troop 13 with Harrisena Church which is one of the most active in the Tri-County area. We provide meeting and polling places for the Town of Queensbury, meeting place for the Glen Lake Association, sponsor car washes for Harrisena Church Youth Group and numerous other community organizations. We provide quality fire and rescue capabilities for our community which helps to insure the quality of life in an ever changing environment in what can truly be called America's most dangerous profession. Thank you. SUPERVISOR CHAMPAGNE-Anyone else care to speak? GLEN GREGORY-I don't have a prepared statement, but I've got a little story I would like to tell. I've been in the company 34 1/2 years, 30 years on the Committee for Budget. I've seen it come from $8,000 a year to $280,000 what it was last year. In the meantime 30 years ago we owned two trucks. One homemade, eight pieces of fire gear. That went on for a number of years until we finally got a few more bucks out of the Town to buy more fire gear. To attest as a danger and a hazard of volunteer fireism. In 1977, Memorial Day, I had last rights when I responded to a car fire 19 weeks later I was out of the hospital a year later I was back in service again fighting fire. I instigated complete fire gear for every man in our company. I think every man in every company in the Town of Queensbury should have the best most update protective gear and apparatus people can afford to buy. I think through the years we've all proven we've done what we can do to manage our money. In fact this year our proposal was way below last year's budget and you people turn around and cut us again. I don't think it's fair to the people of the Town of Queensbury, fair to the fire and ambulance services. We're there to help protect your lives and the property of the Town and to do this we need proper protection and the best apparatus money can buy because this is the most hazardous occupation in the country this is a proven statement. Thank you. CONNIE GOEDERT-I just have a couple questions that when you gave your presentation. In our last meeting with the Town Board and Doc wasn't present and Carol wasn't present we stated to you that we were looking into billing people that we treated that lived outside of the Queensbury residence. At that time your response to us was that, no you didn't think that we were ready to look into this. In your presentation tonight you made a statement that you were looking into a paid service. My question to you is what's the difference on who gets paid? SUPERVISOR CHAMPAGNE-What I said was that the board has been looking into and will continue to look into the possibility of a third party payer. Which means the insurance company, I guess will be picking up the cost of the ambulance. MS. GOEDERT-Which is the same thing that we were saying to you, but you said the Town wasn't ready for that. SUPERVISOR CHAMPAGNE-Is that what we said? To be honest with you, I don't remember saying that because this is something that has been ongoing for sometime. We have done some research at Colonie where I'm sure some of you realize that they've moved in that direction. So we have been looking at it and if anyone of us said or if I said it, it was in error. COUNCILMAN PULVER-I'm looking at this, I think, I don't know just tell me this. But, your talking a paid service verses a volunteer service? SUPERVISOR CHAMPAGNE-That's not what I'm saying. COUNCILMAN MONAHAN-Connie your talking about reimbursement through a third party? MS. GOEDERT -I'm talking about us billing the insurance company for non-Queensbury residents for ambulance service. COUNCILMAN CAIMANO-Right. MS. GOEDERT-Which is the same thing a third party service would do. SUPERVISOR CHAMPAGNE-Exactly. MS. GOEDERT-You stated to us that the Town was not ready for something like that. SUPERVISOR CHAMPAGNE-Connie, I don't remember saying that, but if I said it I was in error. I said it personally myself? MS. GOEDERT-Yes. SUPERVISOR CHAMPAGNE-I stand to be corrected. MS. GOEDERT-So then we can go ahead and looked into this? SUPERVISOR CHAMPAGNE-Absolutely. You can do it, we can do it, we'll all do it. Excuse me though, not just non-Queensbury residents, but it could happen to Queensbury residents. MS. GOEDERT -Our figures show that a Queensbury resident is cheaper to use us than it is to bill the insurance per ambulance run. SUPERVISOR CHAMPAGNE-Okay, go ahead. COUNCILMAN CAIMANO- That's where this thing got screwed up. MS. GOEDERT-Yes, your right Nick it's two different issues. COUNCILMAN CAIMANO-It's two different issues and I think we got confused. MS. GOEDERT-My other question is to Mr. Dusek. We we're told that you were looking into the Town holding apparatus funds on whether or not that was legal of them or if they were able to do that? ATTORNEY DUSEK-I rendered an opinion a short time ago that the Town is not allowed to hold vehicle funds, you know set up a vehicle account. The comptroller's office has come out with an opinion one of the ways you could do it is by having a strict vehicle account within the fire company or rescue squad under contract and restrict it under contract. But, there is no authority to hold a vehicle fund by the Town for just a vehicle fund. UNKNOWN-That clause is already in our contracts it has been for five years. MS. GOEDERT -Am I understanding this correctly so therefore our apparatus funds will be turned over to us or is the Town still looking into some way of bucket funding them? SUPERVISOR CHAMPAGNE-We will continue to look into it. There maybe some other alternatives to support that funding to the Town. It may be a reserve fund it may be a capital project fund we don't know yet. All we're asking your side is to allow us to further investigate it. I don't believe that decision is final at this point. MS. GOEDERT-The budget questions that I have I'll leave until Wednesday night. But, just a little note in one of our other meetings Mr. Caimano you quoted to me the increase in our budget since 1987, I think you quoted that it was" 44 percent". I have a familiar bill here that we have in our household from what we were billed in 1987 to what we were billed in 1994. It shows a 47 percent increase and I only made four copies cause I want to cut down on our office supplies. COUNCILMAN CAIMANO-Connie, I guess it's useless to tell you I'm in advertising not circulation? MS. GOEDERT-Same pocketbook. COUNCILMAN CAIMANO- Thank you. SUPERVISOR CHAMPAGNE-With that anyone else? C. POWELL SOUTH-My name is C. Powell South. I reside at 29 Park View Avenue, Town of Queensbury. I have lived there all my life since I have been married for 47 years. When I became a member of Queensbury Central George Wiswall was 44 years younger, and George was a member of our fire company. Over the years I've worked very hard to make Queensbury a better place to live. When I think of that I also say, I helped make this community what it is today. I used to negotiate with the Town Board many of times but, I'm getting a little old for that and the younger generation should be doing it and they have been doing it. For the last four or five months I've heard reports at our company meetings where Fred said that we had to give back $10,000 then it was changed to 10 percent. When I picked up a week ago Saturday's paper, Fire Rescue Budgets Targeted, I became livid. Before I go any further I would like to thank the Town Board for rescinding fees for political signs. For you see I am the gentlemen with the signs on Park View Avenue. It took me quite a while to figure out what I wanted to do. I called our Treasurer. I said John what's been going on with the negotiations, he filled me in. I called our Chief. What's been going on with the negotiations, he filled me in. The more I read this article in the paper the more livid I became and thus I decided I would make a statement so I put up a few signs. One of them said, send them down the road from Nick's quote. Another one said, 10 percent Champagne from the 10 percent cut. Another said, I'd understand Pulver because its been reported that many times she says, I don't follow this I can't understand this. Then I put up another that said, jeopardizing Queensbury's fire protection and rescue services. I put up another sign that said, 27 percent Caimano because when I run it through the calculator with the percentage listed here that's what I come up to. I put up another sign that said, support not short change your local fire companies and rescue services. I had three or four close accidents over there with people stopping to read them including Councilman Wiswall with his Mercedes. COUNCILMAN WISW ALL-Paul Naylor. MR. SOUTH-A couple others, Paul Naylor. P AUL NAYLOR, HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT -I was riding with Doc. MR. SOUTH-I have received feedback from people that have stopped and looked at them signs that average somewhere between 8 to 9 to 1 in favor of the fire service. My signs took a big beating this weekend in the wind and rain and one of them I lost. That was the one that said, let's send them down the road. I said to my wife, I've got to find that. So today I ventured forth to Paper Cutter and bought a beautiful fuchsia pink show card. I penned on it, tell them negotiate not dictate. Gentlemen, I have changed my signs to say negotiate not dictate and I hope that this Town Board will set and realized the value that the fire services represent to the taxpayers of the Town of Queensbury. Thank you. COUNCILMAN WISW ALL-I want to thank Powell for not putting up a sign for danming me. Paul Naylor and I went out there it was a dark rainy morning we pretty near got run into. I finally went back the next day took my camera early in the morning and took pictures of those signs because I was afraid it was going to rain and they were going to get washed away. We should have something permanent to look at in the way of signs, but I haven't developed them yet Powell. Powell was there in his undershirt just got up having breakfast, I guess and came out we've been friends for many many years. He didn't resent me for taking his picture, but he wanted to know what I was going to do with them. They are still in the camera Powell, but I will have them developed for you so you can remember. MR. SOUTH - I just don't want all the young girls seeing the white hair on my chest. SUPERVISOR CHAMPAGNE-Okay, moving right along, John? COUNCILMAN WISW ALL-What fire company do you belong too? JOHN SALVADOR-All of them. Fred I'm the subject of third party payment. What is there in the law right now that would prevent any of these eight companies charging for response for their services. MS. GOEDERT-Our contracts. SUPERVISOR CHAMPAGNE-I defer that to the Attorney at large over there. I can only speak for the EMS service. That, I know for a fact we certainly can charge for that, the fire I have no idea. ATTORNEY DUSEK-I can't comment on that either we haven't had a chance to take a look at that aspect. MR. SALVADOR-Why would the Town want to prohibit them from charging if this is a way that they can meet what they feel is their budget? They need so much money to operate. Your only willing to grant so much that you think their services are worth. They can make up the difference with third party payment. SUPERVISOR CHAMPAGNE-I don't know John there is not an answer to that really. MR. SAL V ADOR-I think someone should look into that. COUNCILMAN CAIMANO-We will. SUPERVISOR CHAMPAGNE-We'll look at it. MR. SALVADOR - I understand in some communities out west the full cost of the response for taking care of a house fire is paid by the homeowners insurance. The fire company is a 100 percent private undertaking they charge for their services. Brian brought to our attention the fact that there is a difference between a fire department and a fire company. I can't help but feel that many times we listen here to all the problems we have and we're trying to stuff the square peg of a fire department into the round hole of a fire company and it doesn't fit. I really think maybe the Town should consider moving, I think you would like to you'd like to operate as though it is a fire department and yet they are fire companies they are independent operating companies. This seems to be an enormous conflict. I think everyone would be well served if the Town could move in a direction to where it was a fire department staffed by volunteers, I think everything would work out a little bit better. They do this in other communities we wouldn't be the first one to do this. SUPERVISOR CHAMPAGNE-Thank you. Anyone else care to speak? BRUCE LEVIN-I'm probably the only guy here that's not related to the fire department in anyway shape or form. The reason I came tonight, I guess I read the Post Star also, saw the ad that the fireman put in the paper. I came a couple of years ago to a Town Board Meeting, I must admit I'm not a regular participant. At that point it had to do with the public library and I feel strongly about the public library. I started to think about the fire services and one of the things that I know myself anyhow is this is certainly a good place to live, it's a great place to live, I think we'd all agree. One of the reason that it's a great place to live is because of these men and ladies that provide the fire service for us. Gosh, I know I sleep a lot safer at night knowing that they do respond and they respond quickly. My neighbor across the street a couple of weeks ago had an incident in their own home and there was a truck there it seemed like seconds faster than it took me to run out of the house after they had called. I guess from a private individual who is certainly interested in fiscal restraint and I think your doing a good job at that and I know you have awfully difficult decision to make. I heard the first part of the meeting, gosh I'm glad I'm not sitting up there tonight that's something that I certainly wouldn't want to have to decide. I would certainly encourage you and I guess from what I'm hearing here tonight for both sides to sit down obviously and come up with a plan to work for the residents of the Town, you, I, and the fire people. But, I think it's important you keep in mind that without these guys it would be awfully sleepless nights for most of us. We have a major investment out there to protect and they do a great job doing that for us. SUPERVISOR CHAMPAGNE-Thank you. RUSS CHADMAN-44 Maple Drive, Queensbury. Unlike a lot of the people behind me I'm a newcomer to the community. About five years ago I picked up my roots where I lived all my life and brought my children and wife here. It wasn't a decision that was made lightly we had been coming to this area for about 25 years. It's an area we chose because we liked what we saw and I'd like to see it stay that way. I'd like to see the Town be able to negotiate with the fire service and the emergency services in a vain that these are your neighbors. The service that is being provided is being provided by your neighbors. In the past I've been involved with negotiations and it's usually been with people that have wanted and demanded things couldn't give to those people. But, I think in this case a lot of those things have not been negotiated. I think these people do a good job. Until I moved here I had very little to do with fire departments as far as being a volunteer myself. My membership for the last two years I've learned a lot and I've seen these people donate a lot of time and a lot of their lives to these organizations. I just hope that they will be treated with the dignity and respect that they deserve. Actually, I'm somewhat bias because I'm a member of Queensbury Central. But, as a citizen of the Town of Queensbury I respect the job that you folks do up there cause I too pay taxes. But, I also know from the inside what these folks do and I'm pretty proud to be associated with them. Thank you. SUPERVISOR CHAMPAGNE-Do we have anyone else that cares to speak? Thank you very much. COUNCILMAN MONAHAN-I think maybe Fred before these ladies and gentlemen leave. COUNCILMAN CAIMANO-It's to late. COUNCILMAN MONAHAN-I've already stated my position to many of you. My feeling is that we have two figures. We've got the fire companies, EMS, we've got the Town Board. We're probably now in a situation to see where we can bring these figures together and achieve a good product. PUBLIC-Betty turn your microphone on nobody can hear you. COUNCILMAN MONAHAN-It is suppose to be on. Can you hear me? I have said this to some of you individually and now I will say it now so you know as I as one Town Board member feel, okay. I feel that you people have come in with a figure in some cases it's high, some cases that's why you'll see different fire companies we had different results, different EMS squads. I think the Town went down to more less rock bottom. I think we're now in a position to sit down and try and bring these figures together in some kind of a appropriate ground. SUPERVISOR CHAMPAGNE-We are going to take another couple of minutes while we catch our breath and regroup. FIVE MINUTES RECESS DISCUSSION HELD COUNCILMAN MONAHAN-Requested that the Lake George Opera Festival presentation be included into the record regarding their request for funding. November 7, 1994 Dear Mr. Champagne: Enclosed are supportive materials for the Opera Festival. I am a bit under the weather at the moment and unsure if! will be able to make it this evening. Unfortunately, as the only full-time staff person a substitute is unavailable. I believe the enclosed should shed a bit of light on our "contributions" to the area. I certainly hope the town will be able to sustain our support in the face of increasing demands for a piece of the pie. Best of luck and thanks for your support. Yours truly, Susan T. Davis, Executive Director RESOLUTIONS NEMER REZONING DISCUSSION NON-SIGNIFICANCE NEMER REZONING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MR. MARTIN-Impact on land. Will propose action result in a physical change to the project site? TOWN BOARD-No. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MR. MARTIN-Impact on Water? Will propose action affect any water body designated as protected? TOWN BOARD-No. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MR. MARTIN-Four. Will propose action any non-protected existing or new body of water? COUNCILMAN CAIMANO-No. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MR. MARTIN-Five. Will propose action affect surface or groundwater quality or quantity? TOWN BOARD-No. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MR. MARTIN-Six. Will proposed action alter drainage flow or patterns or surface water runoff? TOWN BOARD-No. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MR. MARTIN-Will propose action affect air quality? COUNCILMAN CAIMANO-No. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MR. MARTIN-Impact on plants and animals. Will propose action affect any threatened or endangered species? TOWN BOARD-No. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MR. MARTIN-Will proposed substantially affect non-threatened or non- endangered species? TOWN BOARD-No. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MR. MARTIN-Will propose affect agricultural land resources? TOWN BOARD-No. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MR. MARTIN-Will proposed action affect aesthetic resources? TOWN BOARD-No. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MR. MARTIN-12. Will propose action affect any site or structure of historic, prehistoric or palentological importance? TOWN BOARD-No. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MR. MARTIN-Will propose action affect the quantity or quality of existing or future open spaces or recreational opportunities? TOWN BOARD-No. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MR. MARTIN-14. Will there be an effect to existing transportation systems? TOWN BOARD-NO. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MR. MARTIN-l 5. Will propose action affect any community's sources of fuel or energy supply? TOWN BOARD-No. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MR. MARTIN-16. Will there be objectionable odors, noise, or vibration as a result of the proposed action? TOWN BOARD-No. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MR. MARTIN -17. Will propose action affect public health and safety? TOWN BOARD-No. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MR. MARTIN-l 8. Will the propose action affect the character of the existing community? TOWN BOARD-No. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MR. MARTIN-l 9. Is there, or is there likely to be, public controversy related to potential adverse environmental impacts? TOWN BOARD-No. COUNCILMAN CAIMANO-But, Betty you had a question didn't you? COUNCILMAN MONAHAN-That's when we go over to the other one. COUNCILMAN CAIMANO-I'll move the non-significance, no changes. SUPERVISOR CHAMPAGNE-I'll second it. Any further discussion, please vote. ATTORNEY DUSEK-You should probably give some sort ofa general reason supporting the determination in this negative dec. COUNCILMAN CAIMANO- There is no reason not, too. COUNCILMAN MONAHAN-Because the fact what we're doing is a rezoning action from light industrial one acre to highway commercial one acre we're not doing a project we're doing a rezoning. The maximum impact of highway commercial one acre we're not doing a project we're doing a rezoning. The maximum impact of highway commercial one acre developed out that way will not, I believe Jim correct, if I'm wrong any greater than light industrial one acre even at a build-out type of thing. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MR. MARTIN-Potentially less intense. ATTORNEY DUSEK-Do you want to put Betty's statement then in there? COUNCILMAN CAIMANO-Or mine that says there is no reason not, too. SUPERVISOR CHAMPAGNE-However you want to do it Paul. ATTORNEY DUSEK-If it's alright we will use Betty's. The following resolution was passed. RESOLUTION ADOPTING DETERMINATION OF NON-SIGNIFICANCE OF REZONING RESOLUTION NO.: 552,1994 INTRODUCED BY: Mr. Nick Caimano WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION SECONDED BY: Mr. Fred Champagne WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Queensbury is considering rezoning certain property owned by Robert NemerIPeter Nemer (Town of Queensbury Tax Map No. 109-3-27.2), and WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Queensbury is duly qualified to act as lead agency with respect to compliance with SEQRA which requires environmental review of certain actions undertaken by local governments, and WHEREAS, the proposed action is an unlisted action pursuant to the Rules and Regulations of the State Environmental Quality Review Act, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Queensbury, after considering the action proposed herein, reviewing the Environmental Assessment Form, reviewing the criteria contained in Section 617.11, and thoroughly analyzing the project with respect to potential environmental concerns, determines that the action will not have a significant effect on the environment, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Queensbury hereby finds that the proposed responses inserted in Part 11 of the said Environmental Assessment Form are satisfactory and approved, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Supervisor is hereby authorized and directed to complete and execute Part III of the said Environmental Assessment Form and to check the box thereon indicating that the proposed action will not result in any significant adverse impacts, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the annexed Negative Declaration is hereby approved and the Executive Director is hereby authorized and directed to file the same in accordance with the provisions of the general regulations of the Department of Environmental Conservation and mail a copy of this determination to all involved agencies. Duly adopted this 7th day of November, 1994, by the following vote: AYES: Mrs. Monahan, Dr. Wiswall, Mr. Caimano, Mrs. Pulver, Mr. Champagne NOES: None ABSENT:None DISCUSSION HELD Discussion held among Board members concerning certain uses that should not be included in the rezoning. It was the decision of the Town Board to amend the resolution to include those uses. The following resolution was passed. RESOLUTION AMENDING ZONING ORDINANCE TO CHANGE THE DESIGNATION OF PROPERTY OWNED BY ROBERT NEMER/PETER NEMER (TAX MAP NO. 109-3-27.2) FROM LI-IA (LIGHT INDUSTRIAL - 1 ACRE) TO HC-IA (HIGHWAY COMMERCIAL - 1 ACRE) RESOLUTION NO. 553, 1994 INTRODUCED BY: MR. NICK CAIMANO WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION SECONDED BY: MR. FRED CHAMPAGNE WHEREAS, Robert NemerIPeter Nemer petitioned the Town Board of the Town of Queensbury for a zoning change of their property (Town of Queensbury Tax Map No. 109-3-27.2) from LI-IA (Light Industrial- 1 Acre) to HC-IA (Highway Commercial- 1 Acre), and WHEREAS, on August 23, 1994, the Town of Queensbury Planning Board recommended approval of the petition, and WHEREAS, the Warren County Planning Board also recommended approval of said petition, and WHEREAS, a public hearing was held on this matter on November 7, 1994, and WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Queensbury has made a determination that the rezoning will have no significant environmental impact, and WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Queensbury has considered the conditions and circumstances of the area to be rezoned and has determined that the following uses should not be included as allowed uses as a part of this rezoning: public parking garage, drive-in theater, commercial boat storage\repair and sales, golf driving range, amusement center, recreation facility operated for profit. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town of Queensbury Zoning Ordinance is hereby amended to re-zone the property owned by Robert NemerIPeter Nemer (Town of Queensbury Tax Map No. 109-3-27.2) to HC-IA (Highway Commercial- 1 Acre), thereby authorizing all uses permitted under Section 179.23 of the Town of Queensbury Zoning Ordinance except the following uses: public parking garage, drive-in theater, commercial boat storage\repair and sales, golf driving range, amusement center, recreation facility operated for profit in such area, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this zoning is conditioned upon the filing of a Covenant of Declaration and Restrictions which indicates which uses the property can be used for consistent with what is allowed by this resolution and this Resolution of Rezoning will not take effect until such time as the Covenant is approved by the Town Attorney and signed by the Town Supervisor and filed or recorded as may be appropriate with the Warren County Clerk's Office, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the zoning map for the Town of Queensbury is hereby amended to provide for the rezoning of said lands, and the Town Clerk is authorized to arrange with the Town Surveyor to update the official Town Zoning Map to reflect this change of zone and send a copy of this Resolution to the Executive Director of Community Development for the Town of Queensbury, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Executive Director is hereby directed to mail or send a copy of this Resolution Amending the Zoning Ordinance with a letter advising that the Town of Queensbury Zoning Ordinance has been amended as set forth herein to the applicant, if any, Warren County Planning Board, The Town of Queensbury Zoning Board of Appeals, the Town of Queensbury Planning Board, the Director of Building & Codes, and any agency which was an involved agency for SEQRA purposes, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that pursuant to the requirements of Article II of the Town of Queensbury Zoning Ordinance and Section 265 of the Town Law, the Town Clerk shall, within five (5) days, direct that a certified copy of said changes be published in the Glens Falls Post -Star and obtain an Affidavit of Publication, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this amendment take effect ten (10) days after said publication. Duly adopted this 7th day of November, 1994, by the following vote: AYES: Dr. Wiswall, Mr. Caimano, Mrs. Pulver, Mrs. Monahan, Mr. Champagne NOES: None ABSENT:None DISCUSSION HELD COUNCILMAN MONAHAN-Questioned how the Planning Department keeps track of these kind of restrictions? EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MR. MARTIN-Noted they make a notation on the tax maps in the office that there is a resolution number to be referred to on that parcel. RESOLUTION APPROVING MINUTES RESOLUTION NO. 554, 94 INTRODUCED BY: Mr. Nick Caimano WHO MOVED FOR ITS ADOPTION SECONDED BY: Mrs. Carol Pulver RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Queensbury hereby approves the minutes of September 15th, 26th, 1994 and October 3rd, 12th, 13th, 17th, 21st, 24th and 16th, 1994. Duly adopted this 7th day of November, 1994, by the following vote: Ayes: Mr. Caimano, Mrs. Pulver, Mrs. Monahan, Dr. Wiswall, Mr. Champagne None: None AbsentNone RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING FRIENDS OF THE TOWN QUEENSBURY TO ACCESS THE TOWN OFFICES FOR LIGHTING OF THE HOLIDAY TREE RESOLUTION NO. 555, 94 INTRODUCED BY: MRS. CAROL PULVER WHO MOVED FOR ITS ADOPTION SECONDED BY: MRS. BETTY MONAHAN WHEREAS, the Friends of the Town of Queensbury on Friday, December 2, 1994, from the hours of 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., would like the opportunity to have a tree lighting ceremony at the Town Offices, and WHEREAS, the Friends of the Town of Queensbury would like to use the area of the Atrium in the Town Office building to serve refreshments that Friday evening during the lighting of the holiday tree, and WHEREAS, the Friends of the Town of Queensbury will sponsor this event using no funds from the Town of Queensbury, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town of the Town of Queensbury, hereby approves the use of the Town Office Building Atrium area, by the Friends of the Town of Queensbury for the use of serving refreshments within this area on the evening of September 2nd. Duly adopted this 7th day of November, 1994, by the following vote: Ayes: Mrs. Pulver, Mrs. Monahan, Dr. Wiswall, Mr. Caimano, Mr. Champagne Noes: None AbsentNone RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING TOWN CLERK TO SUBMIT PETITION FOR CHANGE OF ZONE FOR CRAIG SEELEY, CHARLES SEELEY & GLENN BATEASE TO TOWN OF QUEENSBURY PLANNING BOARD RESOLUTION NO. 556, 1994 INTRODUCED BY: Mrs. Carol Pulver WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION SECONDED BY: Mr. Nick Caimano WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Queensbury has previously approved a form entitled, "Petition for a Change of Zone" for rezoning matters, and has directed that the same be used for rezoning requests, and WHEREAS, the Town Attorney for the Town of Queensbury has recommended that any and all applications for rezoning first go to the Planning Department and Planning Board for recommendations regarding the same, and WHEREAS, following such recommendations, the Town Board of the Town of Queensbury will then review the Zoning Applications and take such other action as it shall deem necessary and proper, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Queensbury hereby authorizes and directs that the following application be submitted to the Planning Board for the Town of Queensbury for report and recommendation: CRAIG SEELEY, CHARLES SEELEY & GLENN BATEASE - Tax Map No.: 135-2-2, 14 + 1 Acres on Big Boom Road, Twin Channels Road, and East Branch Road, Queensbury, New York 12804, and BE IT FURTHER, RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Queensbury hereby indicates that it desires to be Lead Agent for the SEQRA review of this project and directs that the Zoning Administrator's Office notify any other involved agencies of this. Duly adopted this 7th day of November, 1994, by the following vote: AYES: Mrs. Monahan, Dr. Wiswall, Mr. Caimano, Mrs. Pulver, Mr. Champagne NOES: None ABSENT:None RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ADVISORY BOARD RESOLUTION NO.: 557, 1994 INTRODUCED BY: Mrs. Carol Pulver WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION SECONDED BY: Mrs. Betty Monahan WHEREAS, ~272-a of the Town Law grants Town government the authority and responsibility to undertake Town comprehensive planning and to regulate land use, and WHEREAS, the law further states that the participation of citizens in an open, responsible and flexible planning process is essential to the designing of the optimum Town Comprehensive Plan, and WHEREAS, Advisory Boards are authorized to be established in accordance with ~3-4 of the Code of the Town of Queensbury, and WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Queensbury desires to establish a Comprehensive Plan Advisory Board, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Queensbury hereby creates and appoints an 11 member Comprehensive Plan Advisory Board for the reasons set forth hereinabove, and BE IT FURTHER, RESOLVED, that the Comprehensive Plan Advisory Board be composed of the following individuals: 1) Mr. Dan Valente; 2) Mr. Paul Sokol; 3) Mr. Joe Roulier; 4) Mr. Leon Steves; 5) Mr. John Walker; 6) Ms. Karen Sommers; 7) Mrs. Laverne Fagel; 8) Mr. Nathan Gosline; 9) Mrs. Cathy Vilmar; 10) Mr. Richard Merrill; 11) Mr. Ronald Sparks; and BE IT FURTHER, RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Queensbury hereby makes particular note of the procedures that Advisory Board must follow, and the Executive Director shall provide each Board Members with a copy of Chapter 3 of the Code of the Town of Queensbury. Duly adopted this 7th day of November, 1994, by the following vote: AYES: Dr. Wiswall, Mr. Caimano, Mrs. Pulver, Mrs. Monahan, Mr. Champagne NOES: None ABSENT:None RESOLUTION SUPPORTING REPEAL OF NEW STATE RAFFLE REGULATIONS RESOLUTION NO.: 558, 1994 INTRODUCED BY: THE ENTIRE TOWN BOARD WHO MOVED FOR ITS ADOPTION WHEREAS, the State Legislature has recently enacted changes in New York State's raffle regulations, going into effect on January 22, 1995, such that the new regulations will require all municipalities to charge an annual license fee for groups to hold a raffle and a five-percent (5%) municipal tax on profits gained from each raffle, and WHEREAS, the new regulations will require, among other things, filing of complex paperwork with the municipal clerks after a raffle is held, including a financial statement detailing the number of tickets printed, sold, returned or retained as unsold, the price of the tickets and the market value of prizes award, and WHEREAS, the Town Board and the Town Clerk of the Town of Queensbury agree with what was reported in the November 2, 1994 edition of the Post-Star, as the Easton Town Board's contention that the new legislation "undermines the intent and ability of service organizations to generate revenue and creates additional unreasonable burdens for volunteers in their efforts to serve their communities," and the enforcement of such a law would be considered unreasonable, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Queensbury hereby determines that the new raffle legislation should be repealed, and BE IT FURTHER, RESOLVED, that the Town Supervisor forward copies of this resolution to the State Legislature, Assemblyman Robert A. D'Andrea, State Senator Ronald B. Stafford, Governor Mario Cuomo, and Congressman Gerald Solomon, and BE IT FURTHER, RESOLVED, that the Town Supervisor also petition the New York State Association of Towns and Warren County Board of Supervisors to work to repeal the legislation. Duly adopted this 7th day of November, 1994, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Caimano, Mrs. Pulver, Mrs. Monahan, Dr. Wiswall, Mr. Champagne NOES: None ABSENT:None DISCUSSION HELD COUNCILMAN MONAHAN-Recommended sending this resolution to the service organizations in Town in order for them to refer to this so they may send in their letters. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING INTERFUND ADVANCES RESOLUTION NO.: 559, 1994 INTRODUCED BY: MR. NICK CAIMANO WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION SECONDED BY: MRS. CAROL PULVER WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 9-A of the General Municipal Law of the State of New York, the Town Board of the Town of Queensbury is authorized to temporarily advance moneys held in any fund to any other fund, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Queensbury hereby authorizes the temporary advance of funds to the accounts or funds indicated, and in the amounts indicated, as set forth below: FROM: 01 - General Fund TO: 102 - Carey Road Ext. $ AMOUNT 2,000. 63 - Landfill Closure Reserve 92 - Landfill Closure CP 100,000. and BE IT FURTHER, RESOLVED, that the Town Supervisor, as Chief Fiscal Officer, is hereby authorized and directed to arrange for and accomplish the above-authorized transfers, and temporary advances, and BE IT FURTHER, RESOLVED, that the Town Supervisor, as Chief Fiscal Officer, shall keep suitable records and arrange for the repayment of the temporary advances as soon as available, and in the case of loans from funds generated from differing tax bases, the Town Supervisor shall also determine the amount of interest, if any, to be paid, upon repayment, with the amount of interest to be equal to the amount that would have been earned on the investment of moneys in the Fund making the advance, had the advance not been made. Duly adopted this 7th day of November, 1994, by the following vote: AYES: Mrs. Pulver, Mrs. Monahan, Dr. Wiswall, Mr. Caimano, Mr. Champagne NOES: None ABSENT:None RESOLUTION TO INSTALL STREET LIGHTS AT THREE (3) INTERSECTIONS ON PEGGY ANN ROAD RESOLUTION NO.: 560,1994 INTRODUCED BY: Dr. George Wiswall WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION SECONDED BY: Mr. Nick Caimano WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Queensbury is desirous of arranging for the placement of street lights at three (3) intersections on Peggy Ann Road, in the Town of Queensbury, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that a total of three (3) 150 watt sodium street lights be installed as follows at the following intersections with Peggy Ann Road: (1) BraydonfTomahawk (2) Bronk Drive (3) Quail Run/Lady Slipper , and BE IT FURTHER, RESOLVED, that the Town Supervisor of the Town of Queensbury shall make all arrangements through Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation, and BE IT FURTHER, RESOLVED, that payment for said lights shall be paid for from the Highway Safety Fund. Duly adopted this 7th day of November, 1994, by the following vote: AYES: Mrs. Monahan, Dr. Wiswall, Mr. Caimano, Mrs. Pulver, Mr. Champagne NOES: None ABSENT:None RESOLUTION TO AMEND 1994 BUDGET RESOLUTION NO.: 561,1994 INTRODUCED BY: Mr. Fred Champagne WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION SECONDED BY: Mr. Nick Caimano WHEREAS, certain departments have requested transfers of funds for the 1994 Budget, and WHEREAS, said requests have been approved by the Chief Fiscal Officer, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the funds be transferred as follows, for the 1994 budget: ACCOUNTING: FROM: TO: AMOUNT: 1-1990-4400 1-1310-2001 369. (Contingency) (Misc. Equipment) BUILDING AND GROUNDS: FROM: TO: AMOUNT: 01-1620-4300-22 01-1620-4070-22 500. (Utilities) (Equip. Repair & Maintenance) 01-1620-4300-24 01-1620-1070-27-27 1,000. (Utilities) (Clerk - Part-Time) 01-1620-4500-24 01-1620-1070-27-27 1,500. (Fuel Oil/Natural Gas) (Clerk - Part-Time) 01-1620-4400 01-1620-1410 2,000. (Misc. Contractual) (Laborer A - PT) BUILDING AND GROUNDS: FROM: TO: AMOUNT: 01-1620-1470 01-1620-1400-2 700. (Working Foreman) (Laborer A - Overtime) 01-1620-4020 01-1620-1470-2 1,200. (Cleaning Supplies) (Working Foreman- Overtime) 01-1620-1002 01-1620-1060-2 7. (Misc. Payroll) (Full-Time Clerk - OT) 01-1620-4791 01-1620-1410 500. (Equipment Maintenance) (Laborer A - Part-Time) 01-1620-4100-22 01-1620-1410 500. (Telephone) (Laborer A - Part-Time) 01-1620-4060-22 01-1620-1410 1,000. (Service Contract & (Laborer A - Part-Time) Warranties) 01-1620-2001 01-1620-1410 1,000. (Misc. Equipment) (Laborer A - Part-Time) 01-1620-4500-22 01-1620-1410 1,000. (Fuel Oil/Natural Gas) (Laborer A - Part-Time) PARKS & RECREATION: FROM: TO: AMOUNT: 01-7020-4400-000 01-7020-1910-0002 50. (Misc. Contractual) (Senior Typist -Overtime) 01-7020-4400-000 01-7110-1460-0002 1,200. (Misc. Contractual) (Mechanic-Overtime) 01-7020-4400-000 01-7110-1470-0002 1,800. (Misc. Contractual) (Working Foreman-Overtime) WASTE WATER: FROM: TO: AMOUNT: 031-8120-4300 031-8130-4400 900. (Utilities) (Misc. Contractual) WATER: FROM: TO: AMOUNT: 40-8310-13 20-0002 40-8310-2031 1,500. (Conf. Admin. Sec.) (Comp. H&S) 40-8310-13 20-0002 40-8310-4050 300. (Conf. Admin. Sec.) (Books, Pubs., Subs.) 40-8340-4291 40-8310-4820 500. (Meters) (Uniforms) 40-8330-4280 40-8340-1400-0002 2,500. (Caustic Soda) (Laborer A OT) 40-8330-1842 40-8340-1410 5,100. (Lab Tech) (Laborer "A" PT) 40-8330-1842 40-8340-1410-0002 40. (Lab Tech.) (Laborer "A" PT OT) 40-8330-4280 40-8340-1460-0002 1,000. (Caustic Soda) (Mechanic OT) 40-8340-1430 40-8340-1550-0002 2,000. (Laborer B PT) (Maint. Supv. OT) 40-8340-4291 40-8340-1570-0002 6,000. (Meters) (Maint. 2 OT) 40-8330-4280 40-8340-1580-0002 1,400. (Caustic Soda) (Meter Ser. OT) 40-8340-1430 (Laborer B PT) 40-8340-1590-0002 2,000. (w. Maint. Fore. OT) 40-8340-2001 750. (Misc. Equip.) 40-8340-2060 750. (Tools) 40-8340-4320 550. (Service Mat.) 40-8340-4330 8,000. (Equip. Maint) 40-8340-4400 2,000. (Misc. Contractual) 40-8340-2020 (Vehicles) 40-8340-2020 (Vehicles) 40-8340-4240 (Rep & Repl PT's) 40-8340-2020 (Vehicles) 40-8340-4310 (Hyd Maint.) LANDFILL: FROM: TO: AMOUNT: Landfill Reserve (Fund #63) Landfill Closure 500,000. Capital Project (Fund #92) and BE IT FURTHER, RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Queensbury hereby approves, authorizes, and directs that the 1994 Budget be amended as follows: la) Increase the amount in the General Fund Revenue Account #001-001-4789-1993 (AMG- HUD Grant Expense) by $22,500; Ib) Increase the amount in the General Fund Expense Account #001-6989-4421 (AMG- HUD Grant Expense) by $22,500; 2a) Increase appropriations in the General Fund Expense Account #001-9950-9102 by $25,000 (Transfer to Carey Road Project); 2b) Decrease appropriations in the General Fund Expense Account #001-9950-9002 by $25,000 (Transfer to Cemetery Fund); 3) Decrease Estimated Revenues in the Cemetery Fund Revenue Account #002-002-5031 by $25,000 (Transfer from General) 4a) $67,756; Increase Estimated Revenues in the General Fund Revenue Account #001-001-3001 by 4b) Increase appropriations in the General Fund Expense Account #001-1990-4400 (Contingency) by $67,756; and BE IT FURTHER, RESOLVED, that the 1994 Town Budget is hereby amended accordingly. Duly adopted this 7th day of November, 1994, by the following vote: AYES: Dr. Wiswall, Mr. Caimano, Mrs. Pulver, Mrs. Monahan, Mr. Champagne NOES: None ABSENT:None RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING RENEWAL APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE TO OPERATE AN AIR CONTAMINATION SOURCE INCINERATOR UNIT - AT PINE VIEW CREMATORIUM RESOLUTION NO. 562, 1994 INTRODUCED BY: Mrs. Betty Monahan WHO MOVED FOR ITS ADOPTION SECONDED BY: Dr. George Wiswall WHEREAS, the Town has received a renewal application for a Certificate to Operate - Town of Queensbury - Pine View Crematorium Emission Point No. 00001 and a copy of the same has been presented at this meeting, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Queensbury hereby authorizes and directs the Town Supervisor to execute and place the Town seal or, if necessary, the renewal application for the Certificate to Operate the Incinerator at the Pine View Crematorium presented at this meeting, along with any and all documentation necessary to effectuate the renewal, and to submit the same to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation along with any fees that may be associated with the application. Duly adopted this 7th day of November, 1994, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Caimano, Mrs. Pulver, Mrs. Monahan, Dr. Wiswall, Mr. Champagne NOES: None ABSENT:None RESOLUTION INCLUDING BIKE LANE ON NEW BRIDGE AT EXIT 19 INTERCHANGE RESOLUTION NO.: 563,1994 INTRODUCED BY: Mr. Nick Caimano WHO MOVED FOR ITS ADOPTION SECONDED BY: Mrs. Betty Monahan WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Queensbury is aware of plans to expand the bridge over the interchange at exit 19 ofInterstate Route 87, and WHEREAS, the need for this bridge widening stems from increasing traffic volumes and associated traffic hazards, and WHEREAS, the bridge also serves as a crossing for bicycles to and from the Queensbury Public School System and residential neighborhood areas on either side of the bridge, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Queensbury hereby supports the inclusion ofa separate and distinct bicycle lane for the purposes of providing safe and efficient movement of bicycles over the new bridge. Duly adopted this 7th day of November, 1994, by the following vote: AYES: Mrs. Pulver, Mrs. Monahan, Dr. Wiswall, Mr. Caimano, Mr. Champagne NOES: None ABSENT:None RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING INTERFUND ADVANCES RESOLUTION NO.: 564,1994 INTRODUCED BY: Mrs. Betty Monahan WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION SECONDED BY: Mrs. Carol Pulver WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 9-A of the General Municipal Law of the State of New York, the Town Board of the Town of Queensbury is authorized to temporarily advance moneys held in any fund to any other fund, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Queensbury hereby authorizes the temporary advance of funds to the accounts or funds indicated, and in the amounts indicated, as set forth below: FROM: TO: $ AMOUNT 01 - General Fund 910 - Landfill Fund $ 6,000. and BE IT FURTHER, RESOLVED, that the Town Supervisor, as Chief Fiscal Officer, is hereby authorized and directed to arrange for and accomplish the above-authorized transfers, and temporary advances, and BE IT FURTHER, RESOLVED, that the Town Supervisor, as Chief Fiscal Officer, shall keep suitable records and arrange for the repayment of the temporary advances as soon as available, and in the case of loans from funds generated from differing tax bases, the Town Supervisor shall also determine the amount of interest, if any, to be paid, upon repayment, with the amount of interest to be equal to the amount that would have been earned on the investment of moneys in the Fund making the advance, had the advance not been made. Duly adopted this 7th day of November, 1994, by the following vote: AYES: Mrs. Monahan, Dr. Wiswall, Mr. Caimano, Mrs. Pulver, Mr. Champagne NOES: None ABSENT:None RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING INCREASE FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES LANDFILL CLOSURE RESOLUTION NO. 565, 94 INTRODUCED BY: Mrs. Betty Monahan WHO MOVED FOR ITS ADOPTION SECONDED BY: Mr. Nick Caimano WHEREAS, the Town of Queensbury currently has a contract with Laverne Fagel for consultant services in connection with the landfill closure process and construction, and WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Queensbury is desirous of continuing that contract and continuing to have Laverne Fagel act as a consultant and therefore finds that it is necessary to increase the total amount that has been previously authorized to be paid to Laverne Fagel, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board of the Town of Queensbury hereby indicates its desire to continue with the contractual relationship on the same terms as currently as in the contract and hereby further authorizes an additional sum of up to $10,000.00 to continue the services of Laverne Fagel as an consultant with the understanding that if further funds are needed the matter must come back to the Town Board for further review, but at this time a further amount of $10,000.00 is allocated to be paid for from the same account that the consultant fees are currently being paid for from. Duly adopted this 7th day of November, 1994, by the following vote: Ayes: Dr. Wiswall, Mr. Caimano, Mrs. Pulver, Mrs. Monahan, Mr. Champagne Noes: None AbsentNone ATTORNEY MATTERS ATTORNEY DUSEK-Spoke to the Board concerning the Washington, Saratoga, Warren, Hamilton, Essex, County Board of Cooperative Education. Noted they have an arrangement whereby they use the Highway Department as a work site and they essentially give the Highway Department free services because Paul is giving them the work to do they are being trained in the work environment in terms of the type of work your doing. This is vocational type program that has been going on at no cost to the Town except the Town has gotten in a contract in October which would basically require the Highway Department to indemnify and hold harmless BOCES. Has discussed with Supervisor Champagne and Paul Naylor, Highway Superintendent. Requested with the Board's permission if they feel the same is to return the contract indicating in a letter that we think it should be the other way around and let them redraft the contract. TOWN BOARD-In agreement. ATTORNEY DUSEK-Noted he has one matter for executive session. DISCUSSION HELD SUPERVISOR CHAMPAGNE-Questioned the Board salaries, should they amend the previous resolution? SUPERVISOR CHAMPAGNE-Noted they concluded that they did not have a legal meeting last Thursday, therefore need to redo that particular motion relative to salaries for Board members. ATTORNEY DUSEK-Recommended the Board to adopt one of the following choices. One choice would be to ratify the action that was taken on Thursday, which is a reintroduction of the motion and its ratification form which would essentially leave everything the way it is. The other way is to pass a resolution that would essentially set another public hearing and authorize another notice for the budget procedure. COUNCILMAN WISW ALL-Move to ratify what we did last Thursday. The following resolution was passed. RESOLUTION RATIFYING RESOLUTION NO. 548,94 RESOLUTION NO. 566, 94 INTRODUCED BY: Dr. George Wiswall WHO MOVED FOR ITS ADOPTION SECONDED BY: Mr. Nick Caimano The motion is to ratify and reapprove the resolution that was offered at this past Thursday's meeting which authorized a budget amendment as well as a public notice to indicate certain salaries of Board members. Duly adopted this 7th day of November, 1994, by the following vote: Ayes: Mr. Caimano, Dr. Wiswall, Mr. Champagne Noes:Mrs. Pulver, Mrs. Monahan AbsentNone COUNCILMAN PULVER-I'm going to vote no. The reason is that on October 31st, I voted on this same motion and then the motion that they are voting on right now is different from the original motion that we all revoted and for me to vote differently would be to change my vote which I won't do. COUNCILMAN MONAHAN-Again after long discussion we arrived at those as a maximum they weren't set at that, but at the maximum they could be set at and I think they were worthy of discussion. DISCUSSION HELD EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MR. MARTIN-Spoke to the Board regarding the clerk in the Building and Code Office taking a two week extension on her disability. Noted that he needs further authorization to hire temporary help. It was the decision of the Town Board to pass the following resolution. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING HIRING TEMPORARY HELP BUILDING AND CODES RESOLUTION NO. 567,94 INTRODUCED BY: Mr. Nick Caimano WHO MOVED FOR ITS ADOPTION SECONDED BY: Mr. Fred Champagne Motion to hire someone for two weeks to back fill the position that is vacant in the office of Building and Codes up to forty hours a week up through November 21st, to be paid for from miscellaneous contractual account. Duly adopted this 7th day of November, 1994, by the following vote: Ayes: Mrs. Pulver, Mrs. Monahan, Dr. Wiswall, Mr. Caimano, Mr. Champagne Noes: None AbsentNone DISCUSSION HELD COUNCILMAN CAIMANO-Spoke to the Board regarding a memo received from Colleen Kimble regarding use of Town vehicle to attend a seminar in Syracuse. After further discussion the following resolution was passed. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING USE OF TOWN VEHICLE ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER ATTENDANCE AT CONFERENCE RESOLUTION NO. 568, 94 INTRODUCED BY: Mr. Fred Champagne WHO MOVED FOR ITS ADOPTION SECONDED BY: Dr. George Wiswall Motion to allow Colleen Kimble, Animal Control Officer to use Town vehicle for attendance at conference. Duly adopted this 7th day of November, 1994, by the following vote: Ayes: Mrs. Monahan, Dr. Wiswall, Mr. Caimano, Mrs. Pulver, Mr. Champagne Noes: None AbsentNone DISCUSSION HELD COUNCILMAN MONAHAN-Spoke to the Board regarding the hearing on the Supplemental EIS Statement on the North Queensbury Sewer District, noting Mr. John Salvador did an excellent presentation, requested a copy of it. Noted the extension of the written comment period to November 25th. Has received an invitation from Paul Hillman for Executive Director, Mr. Martin and members of the committee to visit a site where they are using the alum system that Mr. Salvador described. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MR. MARTIN-Noted he will be trying to get a meeting together of the Sewer Committee between now and the twenty-fifth for the purpose of pulling the comments together and submitting them as a whole. COUNCILMAN MONAHAN-Spoke to the Board regarding the landfill, noting the progress that has been made and that they are up to doing the geo-membrane. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MR. MARTIN-Spoke to the Board regarding the Open Space Committee regarding Hudson Pointe, noting he wrote the Board a memo. Noted there were essentially eight points raised. There was some good input example, who is going to maintain the facility, enforcement, what's the time table for it to be accomplished. Has passed the comments on to the Board and the developer is going to answer concerns, hopes to have a meeting within the next three weeks. SUPERVISOR CHAMPAGNE-Noted Alan Oppenheim has contacted him requesting to go ahead with the infrastructure. Mr. Oppenheim has requested if he were able to get a sign off from the committee would the Town be willing to agree signing off so they could proceed with the infrastructure? COUNCILMAN MONAHAN-Would have to see the document and ask Paul what he thinks of the document. SUPERVISOR CHAMPAGNE-Questioned the Board if there were any major conditions? EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MR. MARTIN-Noted there were conditions to be met. SUPERVISOR CHAMPAGNE-Requested Attorney Dusek to look into this matter. OPEN FORUM COUNCILMAN PULVER-There's a couple of things I want to say. A couple of things tonight with the emergency services here and I think we all heard a lot and we have to remember and the public has to remember and I think this, we have everyone left that wasn't involved with the emergency services is that what you heard was the way they saw it. Not the way we saw it at the time we were going through negotiations. Speaking for myself tonight, one thing I quote here's a quote from Dave Hatin's letter from Queensbury Central, he says in the quote they will be able to maintain basic emergency service with this budget. That was one thing I took out of there. Second, I am a taxpayer and not only a Town Board representative but a Mother. I have two children living in this town, I would never do anything to jeopardize emergency services for my children. I don't believe that the budgets that the Town Board has come through is going to create any hardship on these fire or EMS services. However, the name of the game is negotiations. You know, I know that as a politician, you have to negotiate. The other thing was, I was pleased to see them all come in here tonight but I really think we have to get the emotionalism out of this andjust get down, get real down to business, to brass tacks. That's it, that's really all I have to say except that when we did these budgets we started at zero and worked up and said, what is their debt? We're going to pay that off. What are their fixed expenses? We're going to pay that. What do they absolutely have to have as far as equipment? And we're going to pay that and that's how a lot of these sums were arrived at. We didn't just take an ax and start wielding at every number as they may make you think. So, that's all. Wednesday night, I hope you all come back because I imaging we're going to have another show. COUNCILMAN MONAHAN-And Carol, I think you can add that it was not done by any kind of percentages. It was looking at their actual details that they put in their budget. COUNCILMAN PULVER-It wasn't and we met with them on two occasions, we gave them ample opportunities to justify every number that they gave us. We did not compare one against the other, they are all different. They all have different debt structure, they all have different locations, buildings, different needs. Who needs a pumper? Who needs a, you know, who needs to drag their water? Whose got hydrants, whose this, whose that? So, everything was looked at an individual basis and you know, I believe what we came up with was fair and generous at the time that we came up with it. But, we'll see how it all comes out in the wash. COUNCILMAN CAIMANO-I thought it was interesting. It was fun listening, I hope we have another listening session on Wednesday. but Carol is right, you only heard one side and it was no sense getting into a smashing contest. Your comments were well taken. But, we feel the same way. When I moved here sixteen years ago, I thought we had great fire service. I don't think the fire protection I have today is any better, that doesn't mean it's bad, it isn't any better today then it was when I moved here sixteen years ago. But, I'm paying a whole lot more for it and that's all we're looking at, is numbers, trying to take the emotionalism out of it. You're welcome to look at all the numbers but suffice it to say that from my point of view as an accountant or at least an accountant trained person, there's one of those companies that's out of business. They are literally out of business only they don't know enough to roll over. They borrow money to pay off borrowed money. That's, that's crazy. It's crazy. COUNCILMAN PULVER-Meet me after John, I'll tell you. COUNCILMAN CAIMANO-They're out of business but they don't want to face it. COUNCILMAN MONAHAN-Fred, I think it would be good if that page of the budget that the public is getting had the EMS contracts and fire contracts.... COUNCILMAN CAIMANO-Separate. COUNCILMAN MONAHAN-They push too much stuff in together on that page. COUNCILMAN CAIMANO-I agree with that. COUNCILMAN PULVER-Well, you know what, I think maybe you would just like more copies of this to be around. SUPERVISOR CHAMPAGNE-I think so too. COUNCILMAN PULVER-This is, this is a very good SUPERVISOR CHAMPAGNE-Let it go just like that. I mean, it's very clear, spelled out. Gil, that's exactly what you're looking for right there. COUNCILMAN CAIMANO-Make a couple of hundred copies of those. COUNCILMAN PULVER-And I mean, the budget cuts that we're quoted in the paper and Gil, I think I said this to you, that everyone of the companies had requested truck fund money. This is money that they put into savings and this money is still in a line item we have on here called truck fund. So, although we were not giving it to them because they have shown us, several companies, that they can mismanage their truck fund money. They have spent it on other things. In their contract it says they can't do that but they have done it. We've decided as a Board that it would be better for us, for the Town to hold onto it. Not only, because they've mismanaged it but also because in the event these companies should go out of business for whatever reason, this money that they hold in these savings is their money. They can do whatever they want with it. The Town, it will never come back to the Town again. COUNCILMAN MONAHAN-No. COUNCILMAN CAIMANO-Yes, it is. COUNCILMAN MONAHAN-they can't do whatever they want, there's COUNCILMAN CAIMANO-Yes, they can. COUNCILMAN PULVER-What has to go for debt, we will not get it back. COUNCILMAN MONAHAN-I beg your pardon, there's an IRS, they can give it to other nonprofit's. They can't, they're restricted but it will not COUNCILMAN CAIMANO- They don't have to give it back to us. COUNCILMAN PULVER-We will not, the taxpayer will not get it back. COUNCILMAN MONAHAN-No, it is not, we don't have any claim on it. COUNCILMAN PULVER-Right, the taxpayer will not get it back. COUNCILMAN MONAHAN-Well, any money they've banked, it can go where they want it, as long as it's nonprofit or municipal or federal. COUNCILMAN CAIMANO-They are good squirrels by the way. They, a couple of the companies do very well at saving money and hording money and God bless them for doing that. But now they've got to use it wisely, that's all. ATTORNEY DUSEK-I feel compelled just to make sure the record is straight ont he issue of the funds. Should a fire company go out of business, it would be subject to a dissolution proceeding which in turn is subject to court order plus consent from the Town as to where the dissolution of funds go and the Attorney General's Office would also be involved. So, it's not the fire company that directs the funds, it's actually the court that directs the funds. COUNCILMAN CAIMANO-But the chance of it coming back to the taxpayer is not... ATTORNEY DUSEK-It would have to go to another fire company and chances are that it would go to a fire company or some institution in Queensbury. COUNCILMAN CAIMANO- The point is we don't want to get involved in the technicality of it. The point is that we're not thinking only in one direction we're trying to think of the financial end of it. COUNCILMAN MONAHAN-But, we have no guarantee that it would come back in the control of the Town. JOHN SALVADOR-Spoke to the Board noting his interest of the Town moving towards a Town Fire Department. Spoke to the Board concerning the Repeal of the New York State Raffle Regulations, noting believes the legislature did this to relieve these volunteer organizations of getting into the sales tax business. Questioned the status of the stormwater planning regarding the Park Commission Grant? EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MR. MARTIN-Has me with Mike White has gone over the task involved in doing the plan as they would like to have it done under the funding. Mr. White has mailed a written item by item description of each task involved and the group who should perform that task. Has forwarded the list on to the Board, noting the next step would be to have another meeting with Board Members and the Park Commission. COUNCILMAN CAIMANO-Questioned if the Town has received the grant? EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MR. MARTIN-Yes, haven't received money but has been earmarked for the Town. MR. SALVADOR-The Park Commission has talked about going into the business of redoing their wastewater regulations. They would like to have new wastewater regulations in place by the Spring of next year, noting the Town should get involved with this. MR. BOEHM-Noted when he listens to the fire companies and rescue squads has the feeling that there are eight individual...... Noted he feels there are possibilities for overlap or savings as a result of the fact that one could cover another area as well. COUNCILMAN CAIMANO- They have areas by law. MR. BOEHM-They are responsible for equipment in the area. A piece of gear in the adjacent area could cover that if it was one large fire company. COUNCILMAN MONAHAN-Noted that is something that the Town is looking at to see how this can be achieved. MR. BOEHM-Encouraged the Board to keep going in the direction they are going. RESOLUTION APPROVING AUDIT OF BILLS INTRODUCED BY: Mr. Fred Champagne WHO MOVED FOR ITS ADOPTION SECONDED BY: Mrs. Carol Pulver RESOLUTION NO. 569,94 RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Queensbury hereby approves the Abstract appearing on November 7th, 1994 and numbering 94424400 through 94447004 and totaling $287,597.20 is hereby approved. Duly adopted this 7th day of November, 1994, by the following vote: Ayes: Dr. Wiswall, Mr. Caimano, Mrs. Pulver, Mrs. Monahan, Mr. Champagne Noes: None AbsentNone Abstain:Mr. Caimano (000127 Glens Falls Post Star) RESOLUTION ENTERING EXECUTIVE SESSION RESOLUTION NO. 570, 94 INTRODUCED BY: Mr. Nick Caimano WHO MOVED FOR ITS ADOPTION SECONDED BY: Mr. Fred Champagne RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Queensbury hereby adjourns from Regular Session and moves into Executive Session to discuss one matter of litigation. Duly adopted this 7th day of November, 1994, by the following vote: Ayes: Mr. Caimano, Mrs. Pulver, Mrs. Monahan, Dr. Wiswall, Mr. Champagne Noes: None AbsentNone RESOLUTION ADJOURNING EXECUTIVE SESSION RESOLUTION NO. 571, 94 INTRODUCED BY: Mr. Nick Caimano WHO MOVED FOR ITS ADOPTION SECONDED BY: Mrs. Carol Pulver RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Queensbury hereby adjourns from Executive Session and moves back into Regular Session. Duly adopted this 7th day of November, 1994, by the following vote: Ayes: Mrs. Monahan, Dr. Wiswall, Mr. Caimano, Mrs. Pulver, Mr. Champagne Noes: None AbsentNone RESOLUTION ADJOURNING TOWN BOARD MEETING RESOLUTION NO. 572, 94 INTRODUCED BY: Mr. Nick Caimano WHO MOVED FOR ITS ADOPTION SECONDED BY: Mrs. Carol Pulver RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Queensbury hereby adjourns its Regular Town Board Meeting. Duly adopted this 7th day of November, 1994, by the following vote: Ayes: Dr. Wiswall, Mr. Caimano, Mrs. Pulver, Mrs. Monahan, Mr. Champagne Noes: None AbsentNone No further action taken. On motion, the meeting was adjourned. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, Darleen Dougher Town Clerk Town of Queensbury