2013-08-19 - Mtg 33 REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 08-19-2013 MTG#33 279
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING MTG. #33
August 19, 2013 RES. 339-355
7:00 PM BOH 20
LL #4
TOWN BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
SUPERVISOR RONALD MONTESI
COUNCILMAN ANTHONY METIVIER
COUNCILMAN BRIAN CLEMENTS
COUNCILMAN JOHN STROUGH
COUNCILMAN TIM BREWER
PRESS
POST STAR
LOOK TV
TOWN OFFICIALS
TERI ROSS, ASSESSOR
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE LED BY COUNCILMAN JOHN STROUGH
1.0 RESOLUTION ENTERING QUEENSBURY BOARD OF HEALTH
RESOLUTION NO.: 339, 2013
INTRODUCED BY: Mr. John Strough
WHO MOVED FOR ITS ADOPTION
SECONDED BY: Mr. Tim Brewer
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Queensbury hereby moves into the
Queensbury Board of Health.
Duly adopted this 19th day of August, 2013 by the following vote:
AYES: Mr. Metivier, Mr. Clements, Mr. Strough, Mr. Brewer, Mr. Montesi
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
PUBLIC HEARING- SEWAGE DISPOSAL VARIANCE APPLICATION OF H.
THOMAS JARRETT
NOTICE SHOWN
PUBLICATION DATE: AUGUST 9, 2013
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- Tom the floor is yours
TOM JARRETT- Good evening, Tom Jarrett of Jarrett Engineers and I'm also the owner of the
property. It is a 16 acre parcel on the east side of Ridge Road and there's a three lot subdivision
proposed for that lot. Unbeknownst to me originally and subsequently I learned that a wastewater
variance for a setback for a setback to an Army Corps Wetland, not a DEC wetland, an Army
corps Wetland. I'm here tonight to ask for variances for two of the three lots, the wastewater
systems that are proposed 59 and 68 feet respectfully for lots two and three. In my opinion, more
importantly I think the variance request are straight forward, but more importantly I think there's
a big impact to the Town on this variance request because I think it really has import on many,
many applications that come before the Planning Board and this Board. I really don't think
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 08-19-2013 MTG#33 280
variances are required to be honest with you and I think that the bigger question that I would like
the Town Board to take up after they rule on these variances tonight. The reason I say that is the
Health Department standards for which is the genesis of the Town health standards specifically
says do not consider Army Corps Wetlands when you are considering setbacks to water supplies
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- To what?
MR. JARRETT- To water supplies, in other words setbacks for wastewater systems that
specifically says do not consider core wetlands, only consider APA and DEC wetlands
COUNCILMAN BREWER- Why does the corps flag them as wetlands?
MR. JARRETT- You have to flag Corps Wetlands on any project but normally there's no
setback for any structural or any wastewater system to a Corps Wetland. And the Corps will tell
you they don't have jurisdiction over structures or wastewater systems. But the Town staff has
interpreted that we need a 100 foot setback to a surface water body and they've interpreted that a
surface water body includes wetlands. Now interestingly, that site specifically has no surface
water. I can show you pictures of the wetland, there is no surface water; it is shallow ground
water during the spring, no surface water. So, I think we're in a catch 22 and a conundrum here
and I believe really that the intent of the regulations of the Health Department standards for sure,
the Corps of Engineer standards, and I believe even the Town standards was a setback from State
Wetlands, APA and DEC, not from Corps Wetlands.
COUNCILMAN BREWER- Does it specify at all Tom or just as Wetlands?
MR. JARRETT- In which standards?
COUNCILMAN BREWER- In our code, the code that we're going by
MR. JARRETT- It says, well if you read your code it says the 100 foot setback does not apply to
wetlands, does not list wetlands. Later on it defines surface water as including wetlands, so it's a
little bit inconsistent, little bit confusing. The whole thing is a little bit confusing, but I think it
really is an issue that needs to be taken up by the Town Board.
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- Army Corps Wetlands are considered waters that reach the
navigable water of the U.S., which would be Halfway Brook, which goes to Lake Champlain.
That's how they get their tag on it.
MR. JARRETT- Right, and Corps of Engineers Wetlands are much more inclusive than DEC
Wetlands, because DEC Wetlands are limited to larger size wetlands, 12.4 acres
COUNCILMAN BREWER- Army Corps is smaller right?
MR. JARRETT- Army Corps is any size actually
COUNCILMAN BREWER- Any size?
MR. JARRETT- Yeah, aggregate, can be any small pieces of wetland that aggregate
SUPERVISOR MONTESI-Well, John walked your property today, I walked it a couple of
weeks ago. I didn't find it to be wet but I'm just a novice
COUNCILMAN STROUGH-No, but I mean, your traditional wetlands, I mean, I didn't see it. I
walked that mowed path all the way back to where there's a stick with the double ribbons
MR. JARRETT- Right
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- Then I took one of the diagonals out towards Stonehurst, came
out, you know, over of the other side, that big willow tree, and then walked all the way over. I
didn't see any wetlands
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MR. JARRETT- Well, they are Corps Wetlands, they have been delineated officially
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- I mean not in the classic sense
MR. JARRETT-No they're not, they're not surface waters
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- Yeah
MR. JARRETT- They're shallow ground water in the spring of the year
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- Okay
MR. JARRETT- And that's the definition of an Army Corps Wetland, but it's not a surface
water, so I think there's a little confusion here and now interestingly if the Town is going to go
forward and require 100 foot setback to Army Corps Wetlands, I mean, every single project that
comes in front of you for wastewater or other projects as well, but especially wastewater need to
have Army Corps jurisdiction determination, meaning delineation; which adds a lot of time and
expense to every wastewater action
COUNCILMAN BREWER- I thought we did that, no we don't do that?
MR. JARRETT-No, you do not do that. You look for DEC Wetlands, but not Corps Wetland.
DEC Wetlands are published, they're matt; Corps Wetlands are not, they would need a
delineation on every project. Interestingly if you talk to the wetlands experts, many, many of the
road ditches around here and the small swales are wetlands, so it would be a jurisdictional
nightmare to be honest with you.
COUNCILMAN BREWER- Sure would. Well, could we have Bob look at that and see, I mean
if we don't have to do them in the future
MR. JARRETT- So, I suggest yes, I would make sense to look at it as a Board, what your real
intent is and make sure the reps are clarified to read the way you want them to read
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- Tom, I think we are going to have to have a workshop on this and
then at that point perhaps maybe some of your expertise, what you deal with on a daily basis
might be helpful for some input
MR. JARRETT- Glad to attend a workshop and help you with that
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- Okay. On to your problem
COUNCILMAN BREWER- Craig made the determination that you need this, or Dave did?
MR. JARRETT- One of the two, I think it was Dave that actually made the recommendation
COUNCILMAN BREWER- And he's going by wetland
MR. JARRETT- He looked up the Town definition of surface water and it included wetland. But,
the actual wastewater
COUNCILMAN BREWER- When you say surface water
MR. JARRETT- Surface water definition includes the word wetland, but if you look at the
setback requirements under the wastewater code it does not list wetlands
COUNCILMAN BREWER- But you said there's no surface water
MR. JARRETT- There is no surface water there
COUNCILMAN BREWER- So, how did he get to surface water?
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 08-19-2013 MTG#33 282
MR. JARRETT- I think he just looked at the definition, it said surface water automatically
includes wetlands. Well, that's not really true because there are no surface waters out there. I
think it's quite confusing, I think a workshop would be worthwhile
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- All right, what's the privilege of the Board?
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- Well, we have to have the public hearing, and I can't find the
setbacks for wetland in our code here
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- Okay, well Tom let's see what the public has to say. All right, is
there anyone from the public that would like to comment? Yes sir, please give your name
VINCENT SPERO- I own the property two houses up from the proposed location. I was under
the impression according to this letter that two homes were being built, but now I understand it's
going to be three homes. My first question is are they going to be single family homes, are they
going to be two family homes, are they going to be apartment type places? What type of
structures are they going to be?
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- I'm under the impression, talking to Tom, that they're single family
homes
MR. JARRETT- Zoning allows multi-family or single family and right now there is just three
lots, two on Ridge Road, one bordering Stonehurst
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- Okay, but that doesn't answer this gentleman
MR. JARRETT- I don't know actually what's going to be built to be honest with you. There has
been interest in single family homes so far
COUNCILMAN MONTESI-Explain how the third lot, where that's coming in because
MR. JARRETT- The third lot borders on Stonehurst, there's a 50 foot .... (not audible- talking
from the audience). It comes into that third lot that's being proposed. Two of the lots, one and
two border on Ridge Road
MR. SPERO- My property is approximately two acres, and where my property ends there is a
stream back there which is considered wetlands; it's marked as wetlands, always has been.
There's a stream that runs through there year-round. Of course, this time of year it's a little drier
and lower than it usually is, but in the spring-time it's very high. That water runs directly all the
way across, down through that property into Halfway Brook. So, anything going in the ground, I
mean it's very back there; you can't, if you go back there, especially spring-time you can't even
walk back there. All that water goes into the Brook, and naturally whatever you put in the ground
is going to go into the Brook. Now, as a neighbor I am concerned not only of the ecological
problems of that but we all get your drinking water from the ground there. We all have wells and
septics; we don't have any City water or anything there. So, naturally we're concerned about any
variance in moving waste closer to the wetlands, closer to the water there that's going to go into
Halfway Brook. I know the area very well, I've lived in that home for 26 years, I know the
woods back there, I knew the previous owners. You might go back there now and it might be a
little drier than usual but from the spring-time to mid-July, late-July, even now the stream runs
back there, you can go behind my house and see that it's a stream, it's not a big stream but it's a
stream and it runs directly across all through the woods, all the way down into Halfway Brook.
COUNCILMAN BREWER- Is it a classified stream or is it just run-off from... do you have any
idea whether it's a classified stream or
MR. SPERO- I know it's a stream, I know it was classified wetlands because we had a survey
done because a gentleman had bought that strip of land back there with that water and wanted to
build and they wouldn't let them because it was classified wetlands and they wouldn't let them
do anything with it. That's how I know it's wetlands, as far as what type of wetlands, whether
it's Army Corps Wetlands or
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 08-19-2013 MTG#33 283
COUNCILMAN BREWER- How far away is this from these parcels? The stream you're talking
about.
MR. SPERO- It goes right through the back, all the way into Halfway Brook. Now it dries up a
little bit in the back of the property that the gentleman was talking about, but its mush, its marsh.
Its marshlands mostly, you can't go back there without boots on. In the spring its water
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- Vincent, it appears from the design that I see here, the two houses
that their asking for on Ridge Road are very close to the road, and as a matter of fact, the septic
systems are in the front of the house. Is that right, Tom? I mean, that's what I'm reading. The
one that's in the back off of Stonehurst that system is also on the right or left hand side of the
proposed house. Pretty much away from the line that you're talking about in terms of a stream,
but in any event that looks like what the plan is
MR. SPERO- Those are my questions because I wasn't sure. I had no information, I was
originally was going to be buying the property but they were asking too much money and then
all of the sudden the property value dropped considerably and was sold, and no one knew about
it until we saw them digging some holes on the property, and I said what's going on here and the
fella who was digging, one of the fellas who was there near the digging said someone bought the
property and they are going to be building homes here. I said, well do you know are they putting
another development up or are they going to be single family, two family, what; because it all
matters what you put in the ground comes back at you. It's like what they did up the road, that
Moose Hollow development, that was beautiful acreage, beautiful woods. They tore it down and
put up rental houses and not only is it hard to look at but you have extra traffic, you have extra
waste, you have extra... I don't need to tell you what it does. I came to Queensbury because it
was and still is a beautiful place in the country, but it's turning into with all the development, its
turning into a small... it's going to be like Latham if they keep things up.
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- Vincent is your house across the street?
MR. SPERO- It's on the same side of the road
COUNCILMAN METIVIER-No, the same side
MR. SPERO- I'm at 972 Ridge, which is just two houses up
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- Okay, all right, I see it now
MR. SPERO- So, naturally I'm just concerned, I know someone has the right to buy the property
and build and build a house on it or two if they want; I can't say anything about that. I'm just
concerned about any kind of variance in wastewater and variances it bothers me because I think
of the wild life, I think, whether it's one year, five years or ten years that's going to seep into the
Brook, and wherever the Brook goes that stuff is going to go with it, and it's also going to seep
into the ground, you know where we get our water from. Naturally, I'm concerned and so are my
neighbors. I don't know if any of them are here, or could be here, but I wanted to come and find
out more about it because I didn't know anything about it until I got this in the mail, otherwise I
would have bought the property.
SUPERVISOR MONTESI-Well, Tom will come back up one the public has had their say and
try to fill us in.
MR. SPERO- Thank you very much for listening
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- Anyone else? Yes sir
DAVID BUTLER- I live at 37 Stonehurst Drive. The piece that their proposing is directly behind
my house and I can say that there is water back there. What the gentleman was saying prior to
me about that stream, he's absolutely correct, that stream pretty much runs all year-round. This
time of year he's right, it's probably no wider than that carpet is right in front of me. But, during
the spring-time that increases so large that we get a lot of run-off that comes down through my
back yard and goes right into the man's proposed lot. As far as standing water, there's actually
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standing water on my property. Most of the water shed that comes down through Stonehurst
Drive all goes down through the cul-de-sac and there's a couple catch basins there that's to catch
that water, and it drops it off into, if you're looking at my house it would be the left-hand side,
and there's actually cat tails there and that water is probably three or four foot deep. This time of
year it's maybe two foot deep and there's one small pond that my kids call the frog pond, and
there's frogs back there and that's probably got about two foot of water right now even as dry as
it's been. I don't know what the setback is off of my property where he's proposing and I would
like to see that plan because I heard Mr. Montesi say that the septic is going to be to the left side
of that property, that would be directly back from my house, which kind of connects towards that
wet water that's actually standing water in my back yard. The other thing is, the big thing, in the
spring-time the water does come off that creek so bad where they are building a new house, Mr.
Tynon's place right next door there's actually ducks in that front yard. So, the gentleman before
me is a 100% correct, there is a small creek that runs through there, it's a no-name creek, it
actually does flow into that water
COUNCILMAN METIVIER-Halfway Brook
MR. BUTLER- Yes, thank you, Halfway Brook. We've walked that property, and like I say this
time of year you can cross it, you can probably walk it, you are going to get wet feet, but in the
spring-time you're not going to cross it.
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- Is it running now?
MR. BUTLER- I haven't been back there. Two or three weeks ago when it was raining it was
running pretty good because I actually walked back past there then.
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- That stream is somewhere on this property?
MR. BUTLER- That stream actually if you are going down Stonehurst Drive and you come all
the way to the end where the cul-de-sac is
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- Yeah
MR. BUTLER- And you follow where that proposed driveways going and follow that driveway
all the way back until you hit that thick ridge of pines right there and you will see a trail that's
kind of like and old, overgrown trail, take that to the right and that's where that creek is. It's right
between, and I'm not sure of the lots, one, two and three. Is three the one on Stonehurst?
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- Yes
MR. BUTLER- It's between, three, two and one that stream runs right through. Three, two and
one; and I guess I don't have a problem with a house going back there but I'm really concerned
about the square footage of the house because most of the houses in Stonehurst are required to be
2,000 square foot or above, so I wouldn't want to see a smaller dwelling or a double-wide or
anything like that that could potentially bring the Stonehurst development properties down.
Because technically, whether you want to admit it or not, it's going to be connected to
Stonehurst. The other thing is my concern is depending on the placement of septic where that's
going to run into those water... because like I say when that creek overflows in the spring water
sheds across my back yard and goes into those little cut backs or whatever they've got that
maybe the Town set up or whatever was set when the development was set where all that water
catches in. Going out towards the left of my property I own six and a half acres out that way and
this time of year you can walk it, it's thick as thick can be and it's wet back there, there's snake
grass back there, there's cat tails, there's all kinds of stuff. In the spring you're not going back in
there, you're going to be up to your knees in mud, so it is definitely a wetlands, what it's
deemed, what kind of wetlands I don't know. The other thing is I'm also concerned if you put the
driveway in which way would the water shed from the driveway go and how would that effect
the stream, because that's a pretty long driveway just to get back to the woods. I'm estimating
probably about 125 to 150 foot just to where the woods actually gain, and what I'm envisioning
is this going to swoop around to the back part of my property and that's where the house will be
built. So, that's a pretty long driveway to be able to shed that much water, especially when
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you've got the water flowing down from Stonehurst because that's a pretty good grade coming
down Stonehurst Drive to where he's proposing the property.
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- Okay, Mr. Butler a lot of those issues are Planning Board issues.
MR. BUTLER- Okay
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- And for this subdivision, I believe he has to go to the Planning
Board at some point in time
MR. JARRETT- It is scheduled for late August with the Planning Board and ZBA
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- So, those kinds of issues need to be addressed and I'm sure Mr.
Jarrett will
MR. BUTLER- Okay
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- We're here just to look at the variance and what's being proposed
for the septic system not being a 100 feet away from an Army Corps of Engineer designated
wetland, which the applicant contests might be unfair to start with and it might be something that
this Board does want to look at. But, that's the only issue here, the variances for the septic
system, those other issues are totally valid but those are issues you want to bring up to the
Planning Board.
MR. BUTLER- Okay, will we get a letter in the mail?
COUNCILMAN BREWER- You should, yes, anyone within 500 feet
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- You should
MR.BUTLER- Okay, same thing, all right. Like I said, I don't have a problem with a house
going there, I just want to make sure that it's not going to decrease my property values and that
it's not going to take away from the beauty that's back there.
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- And all those are good questions
MR. BUTLER- All right
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- And the Planning Board usually tries to address those concerns
MR. BUTLER- Okay, good, thank you
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- Okay
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- Anyone else? Come up and just give your name
STEVE JOHNSON- (speaking from the back of the room) My name is Steve Johnson
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- Yeah, well it has to be recorded on the microphones
MR. JOHNSON- Steve Johnson from Hall Road. Just a point of information about the drainage,
I believe that Glen Lake drains into Lake Champlain. Am I in error?
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- Glen Lake, yes
MR. JOHNSON- Yes, okay. And so it would be federally regulated, would it not? Or were you
saying it was federally regulated or not?
SUPERVISOR MONTESI-What I said was generally the Army Corps designates wetlands
where they flow to the nautical waters of the U.S. So, if this flows into Halfway Brook, Halfway
Brook flows into Lake Champlain; those are the navigable waters of the U.S.
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MR. JOHNSON- Okay, all right, I wasn't sure
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- I mean, that's how they get their classification
MR. JOHNSON- Exactly, I wasn't sure if that was the designation you were talking about or it
was not covered by that regulation. So we are federally regulated in some sense, right?
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- Yep
MR. JOHNSON- Okay, thank you
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- Anyone else? Tom. Wait, one more
MIKE STEVENS- Hi everybody, I'm Mike Stevens and apparently I own the lot that the fella in
the green shirt said was a non-buildable lot, which I would like to correct it. I never finalized the
variances I went through, and that stream you keep talking about I believe part of that is what is
in the property because I'm behind all these people that comes from Stonehurst. What I'd like to
share with you, what I understood, because I had the DEC out there several time, I had to do the
delineation, the whole nine yards. They did insist that it was some sort of stream, they did all the
tests on it and everything, even though they called it a very minor, it is about as wide as that
(pointed to the rug on the floor). It has its good days and bad days but I've got about 12 hundred
feet of that and it cuts right through the center of my property pretty much. I think I've been in
front of this Board, I'm going to revitalize it pretty soon and I think I've got to re-due it in front
of the Planning, but that whole area when it was opened up and everybody was talking about the
stream some of the neighbors came because they were concerned about their drainage off their
property into the stream and it was brought up by the Planning Board be careful because you are
supposed to contain your own drainage and everybody kind of stop shooting the arrows. But it
was determined at that time, unfortunately for me, that they did call it a stream, whether I liked it
or not. They did the test
COUNCILMAN BREWER- Who called it a stream?
MR. STEVENS- The DEC. Yeah, they came up, I had to delineate it and do the whole thing
COUNCILMAN BREWER- Right
MR. STEVENS- And it does, I think, I've never seen it run everybody's saying and I've owned
the property for many, many, years. I don't keep track of it every day, but it never seemed that
active to me. As a matter of fact, when I bought it I didn't think it would have ever been called a
stream. But, what I wanted to point out to the Board was the soil kind of cuts low and then the
land kind of rises above it, if you've walked behind any of those properties. The soil, when I had
it tested and stuff, everything perked real good and it wasn't that far away from that cold stream.
I had good soil content and we checked 12 hundred feet up there and we had great percolation, I
wouldn't think, if a guy was cutting short on a septic it would not be a concern of mine that he
would have trouble. We really have good soil, and it was nice and high, the stream was all right,
I don't see where it would cause anybody and trouble, I seriously don't, and neither did the DEC
when he came down. So that's all I've got to say.
COUNCILMAN BREWER- Thank you
MR. JARRETT- I really can't disagree with most of what all three gentlemen said. There is a
stream running through the property and I think you see it on the plan. DEC has called it a stream
but they told me that it was unclassified because it is, in their opinion, intermittent. I've seen it
dry at least one time, but I also saw it running three seasons last year. So, it is a stream, it is, I
think, intermittent, it is small. It is not the subject of this setback; we are plenty far enough away
from the stream. The subject of this variance is Corps of Engineers Wetlands, which are a totally
different subject. The designs for the wastewater systems are taking into account the shallow
ground water, in other words, the systems are going to be raised so we actually have more
vertical separation, which is the key to treatment in a wastewater system, than is required by
Town Code. All we are asking for is horizontal separation relief to what is not a surface water,
that's the net question, or net variance request here.
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 08-19-2013 MTG#33 287
COUNCILMAN CLEMENTS- Tom, is there any DEC designation in there at all?
MR. JARRETT-No
COUNCILMAN CLEMENTS- Is it just the Army Corps?
MR. JARRETT- Just the Army Corps
COUNCILMAN CLEMENTS, Okay, DEC just said a stream is a stream
MR. JARRETT- As soon as you go east of the property, off of the property you get into the
Halfway Brook corridor then DEC is all over it; wetlands, stream, it is wet year-round, it is
standing water, but that's east of the property, it's not on, it may be right along the boundary but
it's not the subject of these setbacks.
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- Tom it looks like on the lot in the rear off of, I know it's not the
subject of the wastewater, but it looks like you created a retention pond and a weir to control the
water.
MR. JARRETT- All the run-off is being controlled on the properties and as close to the
driveways and houses as we can make them within standards, but they are shallow retention
infiltration areas in good soils.
COUNCILMAN STROUGH-Now that's not meant to be a pond or standing water though?
MR. JARRETT-No, no, no that's going to drain down within an hour I think it's about six
inches deep as I recall. Very broad and very shallow and it will drain very quickly.
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- Okay, and that's test pit number two where we didn't see
modeling until about 31 inches. Where is test pit number five?
MR. JARRETT- You're testing my memory
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- Yeah, well I kept looking and looking. I found two
MR. JARRETT- Three
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- Two, three, and another two
MR. JARRETT- I believe five is still on the front on the Ridge Road side, but I have to double
check that
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- There were five test pits?
MR. JARRETT- There were actually more than five, there were five at least on the front, on the
Ridge Road side
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- Four, three, two and one, I can't find five
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- Okay
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- Well
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- Test pit number five said that zero to six inches of top soil, water
seeping in 26 inches
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- Yeah, but there was modeling at 18
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- All right. Well gentleman, what's the feeling of the Board
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 08-19-2013 MTG#33 288
COUNCILMAN BREWER- I don't have a big issue with it but I would like to have a workshop
and see if we can straighten that language out in our code.
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- Well, two things I didn't get over on the Rockhurst side and I
didn't see that stream. I walked, evidently, the whole southern section but not where the stream
is.
MR. JARRETT- Could have been dry right now and it doesn't show typical bed and banks of the
stream
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- Yeah
MR. JARRETT- It is between three and one and two, as one gentleman said
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- Well, I also had a thought too that there not your classic wetlands
so I think goes in your favor. They are Army Corps of Engineer Wetlands and I'm not so sure I
fully understand that so maybe the workshop would be good. The other thing is too is we've
always try to impress on this on applicants did you do everything possible to reduce this variance
to the least possible variance that you could?Now what you're offering us is pretty much
traditional infiltration system beds where more efficient systems would be smaller dimensions
and reduce the variance, that's one thought I have too, and I don't know if I'm alone there but as
we go down the line maybe we'll see.
MR. JARRETT- I would, if I could jump in before the rest of the Board responds, we did add
extra vertical separation to add extra treatment as opposed to the standard minimum two feet that
the Health Department requires and the Town requires except around lakes, around lakes you
know the Town asks for three feet. We've gone to excess of two feet, I don't remember the
exact, I'd have to check the plans but I know it's more than two feet we designed. I'd rather go
there as opposed to adding a more complicated system or mechanized system, meaning pumping
or something of that nature.
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- Well, right now you're, I did have it written down here, what's the
linear feet of one of the runs, is it 25 feet?
MR. JARRETT- Sounds like it, I think 35 was one of them
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- 52 feet lateral length
MR. JARRETT- Which
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- To less end caps. I'm on sheet six of 10
MR. JARRETT- Okay
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- And that's where I see the length. So I see lateral length of 52 feet
and I see four laterals and their traditional system. I mean if we went to something a little bit
more efficient, I'm not talking pumping here, I'm just talking more efficient, you could reduce
this size of those laterals.
MR. JARRETT- If I go to a bed system, which means a tighter foot print, than the Health
Department says I have to pump it, which I prefer not to do, it adds
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- I don't think you have to in an Elgin system
MR. JARRETT- We could go to an Elgin, your right, we could go to an Elgin, we do not have to
pump an Elgin
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- And if you use an Elgin system there'd be less variance because
you could shift that, it's a smaller size to accommodate the same number of bedrooms in the
structure
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 08-19-2013 MTG#33 289
MR. JARRETT- I usually use Elgin's only where I have to but it sounds like I'm in that situation
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- Well, I don't know what the Board, It could be that I'm alone on
that
MR. JARRETT- I would offer that if the Board feels more comfortable that way, I understand
SUPERVISOR MONTESI-Well, Tom I'm of the opinion, I listen to the public, there were three,
and there seems to be some concern about this stream. I would like to, myself, before I vote on
this I'd like to get back there and look at this stream. That may delay you but that's kind of my
feeling, and only because that's what the public was concerned with
COUNCILMAN METIVIER- I would prefer to do that as well. Just give us some time. There's
no sense to rush this tonight with some questions
MR. JARRETT- If you'd like I can go out and show you where it is at some point if you wish
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- Okay
COUNCILMAN CLEMENTS- I agree also, although I think you've done a good job of running
the water off one way and the system the other way. Looks like you've done your due-diligence
MR. JARRETT- I appreciate that but I have no problem with you taking a look at this
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- Can we leave the public hearing open?
ROSE MELLON, DEPUTY TOWN CLERK II- You can close the public hearing and just not
act on it, if you want to do that
COUNCILMAN BREWER- We can leave it open also
DEPUTY TOWN CLERK, MELLON- Do you want to leave the public hearing open?
SUPERVISOR MONTESI-Well, we'd all like to go out and take a look at this
DEPUTY TOWN CLERK, MELLON- Okay
COUNCILMAN BREWER- We can leave it open until
COUNCILMAN METIVIER-Now if we leave it open and we get back together with him at a
workshop do we have to re-advertise?
DEPUTY TOWN CLERK, MELLON- I would think so, yes
COUNCILMAN BREWER-Not for a workshop
SUPERVISOR MONTESI-No, but you've got to have a public hearing
COUNCILMAN BREWER- To act on it you mean?
COUNCILMAN METIVIER- Yes
DEPUTY TOWN CLERK, MELLON- It's better to close the public hearing and just not act on
it and then if
COUNCILMAN BREWER- Re-open it, if we re-open it we have to
DEPUTY TOWN CLERK, MELLON- You have to re-advertise, yes
COUNCILMAN BREWER- Re-advertise. So why can't we just leave it open and not act on it
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 08-19-2013 MTG#33 290
DEPUTY TOWN CLERK, MELLON- You can, but not with having a workshop, it would be
COUNCILMAN METIVIER-Right, than we can't do a workshop, we'll have to have another
meeting on it
COUNCILMAN BREWER- Why can't we? It's not just on this particular system; it's a
contradiction in the code
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- I know, but Tim, I'm not interested in doing a workshop on that.
That could take a while. All I'm interested in is trying to,
COUNCILMAN BREWER- I'm not suggesting we do that
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- I know that, but that's going to delay him that much more. On this,
what we're asking on this side of the table is let's go out and take a look at this stream
MR. JARRETT- Within the next two weeks and have it on the next agenda
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- Yeah, that's what I would like to do
COUNCILMAN METIVIER-We could do that, if you can live with that that's fine
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- In the meantime, I will do a little bit more homework on this
Army Corps of Engineers stuff
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- And we can close this and re-open it again in a few of weeks
MR. JARRETT-Either way, either way you want to handle it is fine with me
COUNCILMAN METIVIER-Well, no if we're going to be back in two weeks don't close it.
Leave it open
SUPERVISOR MONTESI-All right
COUNCILMAN METIVIER- That will give the folks another chance to
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- Okay, all right
COUNCILMAN BREWER- Right, because if you close it... we have to re-advertise again
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- So, we're not going to act on it tonight Tom, we are going to leave
the public hearing open
MR. JARRETT- Fine
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- And
MR. JARRETT- So, I would be scheduled for the next regular Town Board Meeting?
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- In two weeks, yes
DEPUTY TOWN CLERK, MELLON- September 9th is the next one
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- I think its September 9u'
COUNCILMAN METIVIER- Yes, its September 9u'
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- And I think that's important because that's what the public had some
concerns about
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 08-19-2013 MTG#33 291
MR. JARRETT-No problem, I think it gives an opportunity to discuss the import of the whole
set of regulations too. John, if you wish to talk to, a member of the Corps was here, a
representative for the Corps was at the site and Deb Roberts was our representative delineating,
so you can talk to either one of them if you wish more information on Corps Wetlands
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- I know Deb
SUPERVISOR MONTESI-Who was here from the ....
MR. JARRETT- I think it was Kevin Bruce that was here, I would have to double check the file.
Deb would know who was here
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- Okay. All right, we are going to leave the public hearing open and
resume in two weeks.
MR. JARRETT- And someone is going to try to schedule a site visit, right?
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- Yes
MR. JARRETT- We'll coordinate that
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- I will coordinate that with my Town Board and give you a call
MR. JARRETT- I'd be glad to do that
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- Okay, thank you for your patience
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- Okay, Thank you. Okay, I need a motion to close the Board of
Health.
QUEENSBURY BOARD OF HEALTH
RESOLUTION ADJOURNING QUEENSBURY BOARD OF HEALTH
RESOLUTION NO.: BOH 20, 2013
INTRODUCED BY: Mr. John Strough
WHO MOVED FOR ITS ADOPTION
SECONDED BY: Mr. Anthony Metivier
RESOLVED, that the Queensbury Board of Health hereby adjourns its meeting and moves back
in regular session.
Duly adopted this 19th day of August, 2013 by the following vote:
AYES: Mr. Clements, Mr. Strough, Mr. Brewer, Mr. Montesi, Mr. Metivier
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 08-19-2013 MTG#33 292
2.0 PUBLIC HEARINGS
PUBLIC HEARING AMEND THE QUEENSBURY TOWN CODE BY ADDING A NEW
CHAPTER 128 ENTITLED, "HOURS OF USE OF TOWN PARK AREAS"
NOTICE SHOWN
PUBLICATION DATE: AUGUST 9, 2013
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- Is there anyone to speak to this? Tim this was your idea, right?
COUNCILMAN BREWER- Yes, Pliney has
SUPERVISOR MONTESI-Pliney
PLINEY TUCKER- What's your plans?
COUNCILMAN BREWER- Dusk to Dawn
MR. TUCKER- All the parks?
COUNCILMAN BREWER- Unless there's lights, and I don't think that any of our parks have
lights to play softball or anything else do they?
MR. TUCKER- I know the Hudson River Park gets used after dark because there are people on
the river with their boats. You are just going to discontinue that?
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- They are coming in and their docking at night?
COUNCILMAN BREWER- Their staying out on the river during the night?
MR. TUCKER- Pardon?
COUNCILMAN BREWER- Yes, that's what was asked, and talked about. I mean there's not
going to be somebody there with a watch at 8:15 and say get out, but the intent is to close the
parks after dark, yeah
MR. TUCKER- With the Hudson River Park I suggest that you talk to the County and you talk
to the man that donated the land because there was restrictions that came down the pike when we
accepted the land
COUNCILMAN BREWER- Yes, if we have the restrictions we can certainly look at them. I will
call Bob tomorrow and ask him to take a look, or Ron can or whomever, it doesn't matter
MR. TUCKER-Now, this includes all parks and neighborhood parks and everything else?
COUNCILMAN BREWER- Yep
SUPERVISOR MONTESI-Well, the list includes Gurney Lane, Jenkinsville, Hovey Pond,
Freedom Park, West End Park, Glen Lake Boat Launch Site, Hudson River Park, Meadowbrook
Preserve, Hudson Pointe Preserve and Feeder Canal Park.
MR. TUCKER- That's nearly everything ain't it?
SUPERVISOR MONTESI-Well Tim, explain, we've had numerous, numerous complaints of
neighbors and vandalism at the park
COUNCILMAN BREWER- Vandalism at several of the parks, West End Park on Luzerne
Road, Feeder Dam Park
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 08-19-2013 MTG#33 293
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- This is not just an idea that came out of no where
COUNCILMAN BREWER- Mainly the parks have had a lot of vandalism, a lot of destruction
and it's an expense that we should have to do time and time again to have a park. I mean, people
enjoy the parks, we appreciate that, they're there for the enjoyment of the residence but at some
point, I mean, I certainly wouldn't take my children down to the park at 10 o'clock at night or
nine thirty at night in the summer. I'm certain that if somebody is at the park and it starts to get
dark and they stay there the cops aren't going to be there to arrest them. It's just to try to prevent
some of the vandalism that we've had at the different parks.
MR. TUCKER- I hope it's going to work for you, but I've got an idea the people that vandalize
these parks don't give a damn when you close it.
COUNCILMAN BREWER- Oh, I'm sure they don't because they wouldn't do it if they did, but
at least it's a starting point where we have some way to go after the person who is down there
trying to destroy stuff
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- Tim, there was one other thing. The Sheriff's Department said to us
that we need to have regulations that say when will the park close; well we are telling you dawn
to dusk. Now they can go in there and enforce that, before they wouldn't. So that's part of the
reason for this.
COUNCILMAN BREWER- Let me give you an example Pliney, down at the Feeder Dam Park
we put trees in about six, seven, eight years ago. They were beautiful maple trees, they were
grown up they were this big around, and maybe they were twenty foot tall. Somebody, I don't
know who did it, but they started about six foot high and stripped every bit of bark of the tree
MR. TUCKER- Maybe it was the deer
COUNCILMAN BREWER- It wasn't the deer. Cement tables and benches, broke them apart, I
mean there's no call for, there's no reason for that.
MR. TUCKER- I know what you're saying, but here is a case of where the good people have got
to pay, well there's ladies in the place...
COUNCILMAN BREWER- I'm sorry
MR. TUCKER- You changing the time isn't going to change these guys from doing what they're
doing.
COUNCILMAN BREWER- Well, at least like Ron said we have some mechanism so the
Sheriffs' can put in force, hopefully.
MR. TUCKER- The next thing we'll have to hire a cop to patrol them so we can catch them
doing it.
COUNCILMAN BREWER- Well, I don't know if we'll go that far
MR. TUCKER- Thank you
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- Okay, any other... yes sir. Doug, are you still on the Recreation
Commission?
DOUG IRISH- I used to be, no I'm off but I did want to speak about it. I spent almost eleven
years on the Recreation Commission, part of it as Chairman. We always had a policy that the
parks were closed after dusk. It wasn't a regulation or Town Zoning Code or anything like that.
But, I tend to agree with Pliney that I think that to create a regulation that says their closed from
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 08-19-2013 MTG#33 294
dusk to dawn penalizes the people that actually do use them. The People down on Luzerne Road
that use that park after hours with their kids, I see them down there do that, fisherman use the
boat launch down on the Hudson River after hours. We had a couple of kids we caught
vandalizing Hudson River Park with their four-wheelers and things of that nature and for
whatever reason, I wasn't in favor of it at the time but the Recreation Commission and Town
Board decided that the kids involved were just going to get a slap on the wrist and nothing was
done about it. They were supposed to help us put the park back together, fix the fences and stuff
like that
COUNCILMAN BREWER- They did
MR. IRISH-But still, I mean that's the kind of stuff that you want to publicize
COUNCILMAN BREWER- ... Steve made...
MR. IRISH- Yeah I know, again I wasn't in favor of it at the time. I think it's time to start, I
know when my kids get in trouble they don't get out of it that easy. I think to pass a regulation
that says that nobody can use those parks from dusk to dawn penalizes the people that actually
enjoy it the most, for a couple of kids that are idiots, quite honestly.
COUNCILMAN BREWER- Sometimes they're not kids
MR. IRISH- That's true. I mean, and a lot of times there's drinking involved and some other
things, but I don't know that being strong handed to that point, and I can tell you this, the
Sheriff's aren't going to go down there more than once or twice and arrest anybody that they
catch.
COUNCILMAN BREWER- I don't think the intent is to go down there and chase everybody out
of there Doug, the intent is to have some kind of regulations so if there are people down there
causing problems we have a mechanism to enforce
MR. IRISH- There's already signage up, unless, I could be wrong here, but there's already
signage up that says those parks are closed after dusk.
COUNCILMAN BREWER- I don't think so, not all of them
MR. IRISH-Well, we paid for them once, so I don't know where they went
COUNCILMAN BREWER- I understand that
MR. IRISH-We paid a lot of money for signage down there about that. I think it's an education
program. I mean let people know that's what's going on. We actually had people from the
neighborhood down there in the West End Park that reported the kids that vandalized that after
we spend a lot of money on it.
COUNCILMAN BREWER- There's one lady that lives down there so scared to go out of her
house she won't go out of her house because of the kids that are down there too. I mean I can tell
you stories, I'm sure you've heard them yourself but... It's not right
MR. IRISH- Yeah, I just would hate to see, no, I know, but I hate to see the Town just say that's
it, we're done because the only one you're going to impact are the ones that want to use it not the
ones that want to vandalize it; they're going to show up any way. Thank you.
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- Yes sir
DOUG AUER- 16 Oakwood Drive. Interesting discussion, I take a little bit different tact than
Doug does. I was on the Recreation Commission when we actually took the park over from
DeSantis and we have a lot of problems down there and the one thing that I think that you're
doing that is good with this is that you give the police the ability to have probable cause. So this
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 08-19-2013 MTG#33 295
way if a neighbor calls and says there's a problem, something is going on over there. The police
can use discretion as to how to handle it. Otherwise, they don't have that
COUNCILMAN BREWER- Exactly
MR. AUER- You know you can't, I was an auxiliary police officer at a point in my life one of
things they drilled into us is you don't make your own laws. So, unless there's a statute on the
books then you can do something. I think that the police are generally smart enough to use good
judgment, if somebody's down there with their kids
COUNCILMAN BREWER- If somebody's fishing down there they certainly aren't going to
arrest them
MR. AUER- And as far as getting on and off that river with a boat at night, you really have to be
crazy to want to do that because there's a current down there and it's dangerous as hell so
COUNCILMAN BREWER- It's dangerous in the daytime
MR. AUER- It's bad enough trying to line a boat up on a trailer when you don't have a current,
at night it becomes an order of magnitude more difficult. From a liability standpoint, I think it
makes sense; I don't have a problem with it. Like I say, you're right Tim, we did have trouble
with people doing donuts down there, and when I was on the Recreation Commission I do
believe they made restitution on that.
COUNCILMAN BREWER- Three boys went down there and spend a whole day shoveling dirt
MR. AUER- Was that the same incident or was that a different one
COUNCILMAN BREWER- This was about, I want to say, four or five years ago
MR. AUER- This goes way back, this was like ten or fifteen years ago
COUNCILMAN BREWER-No, these were three high school kids and they went down and they
made restitution and they shoveled dirt and raked it. They paid for the sins of other
MR. AUER- Yeah, and sometimes they're lucky and they catch them and that's good. At least
you give the cops, if there isn't a local law that they can enforce, why do they want to go down
there? If somebody calls they have to respond, they dispatch and somebody responds.
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- Okay, thank you Doug. Anyone else?
PLINEY TUCKER- Have you had a lot of problems with the Hudson River Park?
COUNCILMAN BREWER-Not particularly Pliney, not necessarily that park itself but Steve the
Recreation Commissioner thought if we're going to do it lets do it all. Like we said, if there's
somebody down fishing the cops are certainly not going to drive down there and try to kick
somebody off the pier, tell them to get out of there and arrest them or anything. That's not the
intent.
MR. TUCKER- I just want to point out that my brother-in-law lives in the house right there at
the park and him and Mr. DeSantis got together and Mr. DeSantis has authorized him to arrest
anybody that's doing something they ain't supposed to be doing.
COUNCILMAN BREWER- Mr. DeSantis doesn't own that anymore
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- That's good though, that's helpful Pliney. That's a vigilante right?
MR. TUCKER- I'll tell you something with the Sheriff s Department, they won't arrest anybody
unless you swear out a warrant. Somebody's in the Recreation Commission has got to swear out
a warrant.
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 08-19-2013 MTG#33 296
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- Okay
COUNCILMAN BREWER- well, we'll try and see how it works
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- Anyone else? All right, what's the feeling of the Board, do you want
to vote on this? Close the public hearing
COUNCILMAN METIVIER- Yeah, I'll vote on it. I was thinking can you amend it and not say
dusk to dawn, put from 9PM to 5AM?
COUNCILMAN STROUGH-No, keep it dusk to dawn
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- Once you put hours in now you
COUNCILMAN METIVIER-Well, I'm just thinking because Doug brought up a good point,
you know some hot summer night and kids are out there; of course they should be in bed by nine
but whatever
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- Well, a hot some night stays light until what, nine or nine thirty
COUNCILMAN METIVIER- That's what I'm saying
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- I mean, but after sunset I don't think it's good to be out there for
whatever reason
COUNCILMAN METIVIER- All right, I'm fine with it. That's fine, that's fine
COUNCILMAN BREWER- I'll introduce it
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- I'll second
RESOLUTION ENACTING LOCAL LAW NO.: 4 OF 2013
TO AMEND THE QUEENSBURY TOWN CODE BY ADDING A NEW CHAPTER 128
ENTITLED, "HOURS OF USE OF TOWN PARK AREAS"
RESOLUTION NO.: 340, 2013
INTRODUCED BY: Mr. Tim Brewer
WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION
SECONDED BY: Mr. John Strough
WHEREAS, the Queensbury Town Board wishes to limit the hours during which
individuals may lawfully occupy Town Park and Recreation Areas in order to decrease vandalism,
vagrancy and other potentially illegal activities, and
WHEREAS, the Town Board wishes to therefore consider adoption of Local Law No.: 4 of
2013 to amend the Queensbury Town Code by adding a new Chapter 128 entitled "Hours of Use of
Town Park Areas"to provide such restrictions, and
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 08-19-2013 MTG#33 297
WHEREAS, this legislation is authorized in accordance with New York State Municipal
Home Rule Law §10, and
WHEREAS, the Town Board duly held a public hearing concerning such proposed Local
Law on Monday, August 19th 2013 and heard all interested persons,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the Queensbury Town Board hereby enacts Local Law No.: 4 of 2013 to
amend the Queensbury Town Code by adding a new Chapter 128 entitled "Hours of Use of Town
Park Areas," and
BE IT FURTHER,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby authorizes and directs the Queensbury Town
Clerk to file the Local Law with the New York State Secretary of State in accordance with the
provisions of the Municipal Home Rule Law and acknowledges that the Local Law will take effect
immediately upon filing with the Secretary of State.
Duly adopted this 19th day of August, 2013, by the following vote:
AYES: Mr. Strough, Mr. Brewer, Mr. Montesi, Mr. Metivier
NOES: Mr. Clements
ABSENT: None
LOCAL LAW NO. 4 OF 2013
A LOCAL LAW ESTABLISHING HOURS OF USE OF
TOWN PARK AREAS
BE IT ENACTED BY THE QUEENSBURY TOWN BOARD AS FOLLOWS:
1. PURPOSE AND AUTHORITY. Town Park and Recreation Areas suffer
significant damage from vandalism and other activities conducted after dark and may provide a
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 08-19-2013 MTG#33 298
convenient location for the conduct of illegal activities at that time. The purpose of this Local
Law is to limit the hours during which individuals may lawfully occupy Town Park and
Recreation areas in order to decrease vandalism, vagrancy and other potentially illegal activities.
It is adopted pursuant to New York Municipal Home Rule Law.
2. TOWN CODE AMENDMENT.
The Queensbury Town Code is hereby amended to add the following new Chapter 128:
CHAPTER 128. HOURS OF USE OF TOWN PARK AREAS
Section 128-1. Applicability. This Local Law shall include, but not be limited to, the
following existing recreation, park and playground areas as well as any such areas
whether established now or in the future, which shall hereinafter be known as "Town
Parks":
Gurney Lane Recreation Area
Jenkinsville Park
Hovey Pond Park
Freedom Park
West End Park
Glen Lake Boat Launch Site
Hudson River Park
Meadowbrook Preserve
Hudson Pointe Preserve
Feeder Canal Park
The provisions of this Section shall also apply to any parking lot or parking area adjacent
to a Town Park.
Section 128-2. Town Park Hours.
A. Hours of Use. Town Parks, as described in Section 128-1, shall be open to the
public daily from dawn to dusk which, for the purposes of this Local Law, shall mean
from the time of "apparent sunrise" to the time of "apparent sunset' as the same are
shown for a particular date in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Solar Calculator (see http://www.esrl.noaa.gov/gmd/grad/solcalc/), unless special
permission is granted by the Director of Parks and Recreation or the use is for an activity
sponsored by the Town. It shall be unlawful for any person other than Town personnel
conducting Town business therein to occupy or be present during any hours during which
a Park is not open to the public. In addition, any section or part of a Town Park may be
declared closed to the public at any time and for any interval of time, either temporarily
or at regular or stated intervals.
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 08-19-2013 MTG#33 299
B. Special Permission. Special permission may be obtained from the Director of
Parks and Recreation for use of a Town Park before or after the regular hours for specific
activities. Whenever any group, association or organization wishes to use a specifically
designated area of a Town Park for a particular purpose, such as a picnic, meeting, party
or theatrical or entertainment performance, before or after regular Town Park hours, a
representative of the group, association or organization shall first apply for and obtain
written permission from the Director of Parks and Recreation. The Director of Parks and
Recreation may adopt an application form, which may require an indemnity bond or other
security to protect the Town from any liability of any kind and to protect Town property
from damage. The Director of Parks and Recreation shall grant the permit if it appears
that the group, association or organization meets all of the conditions contained in the
application.
Section 128-3. Enforcement; Penalties
A. Authorizations. The Director of Parks and Recreation and police officers,
recreation attendants, playground directors, park guards, park superintendent, park
foremen and other persons designated by the Recreation Commission shall have the
authority to enforce the provisions of this Chapter. Such persons shall have the authority
to: (i) cause the removal from the Town Park of any person acting in violation of this
Chapter and (ii) seize and confiscate any article of property brought into a Town Park or
used therein in violation of this Chapter and (iii) take such other actions as may be
authorized by law.
B. Fines; Violations by Minors. Any person violating any of the provisions of
this chapter shall be guilty of a violation which shall be punishable, upon conviction
thereof, by a fine of fifty dollars ($50) for the first violation, two hundred fifty dollars
($250) for the second violation and nine hundred fifty dollars ($950) for the third and any
subsequent violation. In the event of default in payment of such fine, the violator shall be
subject to imprisonment in the Warren County Jail for not more than ten (10) days. In the
case of action or activity by any minor (herein defined as any person under the age of
eighteen (18) years), the term "person violating" as set forth in this section shall mean, in
addition to such person, the parent, parents or guardian or any other person having lawful
custody and control of such minor. Such parent, guardian or person having lawful
custody and control of such minor shall be considered separately and individually in
violation of this chapter.
C. Costs. Where such violator has removed, destroyed, damaged, defaced or
befouled the Town Park or any contents thereof, the cost of maintenance, repair or
replacement shall be charged to such person or group in addition to any fine.
D. Additional Penalties. Further use of Town Parks may be denied to violators of
this Chapter in addition to the imposition of fines and/or costs.
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 08-19-2013 MTG#33 300
3. SEVERABILITY. The invalidity of any clause, sentence, paragraph or
provision of this Local Law shall not invalidate any other clause, sentence, paragraph or part
thereof.
4. REPEALER. All Local Laws or Ordinances or parts of Local Laws or
Ordinances in conflict with any part of this Local law are hereby repealed.
5. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Local Law shall take effect upon filing in the office
of the New York State Secretary of State.
GLEN LAKE AQUATIC PLANT GROWTH CONTROL DISTRICT BENEFIT TAX
ROLL FOR 2014
NOTICE SHOWN
PUBLICATION DATE: AUGUST 9, 2013
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- Is there anyone here to speak to the Glen Lake... all right
DEAN BOUCHER- We would like to recommend that we've, as we have shared with the Board
that we increase from $132 to $146 a year for the tax district. We have met with the entire
association and it was approved to go forward with the Town. We really appreciate the help
we've gotten from the Town to set up the district and moving forward,just to enlighten you a
little bit Paul and I will both share that the treatment that we had this year was excellent and we
would really like to share some of our experiences which we are now with Sunnyside as well.
We think that our experience may help them decrease their cost as well. In addition to that,
Dream Lake at some point may need some help. I don't know that they could form a district as
we did, so they may need some funds from other areas. Going forward, I think our experience
may have helped other people. This is an ongoing process which is not easily achieved, and
every year it takes a major effort to go out and to survey and make sure that we have everything
together as we need to keep it clean and keep it clear. But, I will let Paul share, he's actually
brought some samples with him tonight
PAUL DERBY- A little show and tell (passed around to the Board Members a jar with samples
form the Lake)
MR. BOUCHER- What is he is showing is the milfoil and the Illinois Pond Weed which is in the
Lake which is being treated.
MR. DERBY- And these are babies and we did treat this year, and the treatment worked very,
very well. The Lake is as clean has it been in years, the nuisance weeds are way down. But, we
do have ongoing issues. What you see right there is the spaghetti string there is a baby Illinois
Pond Weed, that's one of our nuisance aquatic vegetation, the other whirly one, the green one is
Eurasian Milfoil, its brown on the bottom but has new growth on the top and if you look very
closely you can see the roots are starting to grow. That's how that spreads, and the other one
spreads by seeds. So even though this was a very successful treatment we do have hot spots in
the Lake that come back quickly, so part of the reason for the increase in the taxing amount is
because we want to try a different strategy. We used up our money this year, we had a very
successful treatment, what we'd like to do next year, maybe for the next two years, is do small
areas, the hot spots, the inlets, St. Mary's Bay, a couple of other areas, less than twenty acres. So,
this is less than 10% of the Lake, and our feeling is if we can get those hot spots under control
these weeds won't feed the rest of the Lake. So, in the long run it should hopefully actually
decrease the amount of taxes that we need, but we need to plan for our three year cycle which is
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 08-19-2013 MTG#33 301
about a hundred thousand dollars. So, if we increase, the way it works out, we could spend less
than twenty thousand and then in the third year we would have enough to do a whole lake
treatment if we needed, but if we don't than the money can be there, we can reduce the tax, so
that's the strategy.
MR. BOUCHER- Additionally, we are continuing to hand harvest, but it becomes rather
cumbersome trying to do that as you get into some of the denser areas. So, that's the real reason
we treat it as we do because we find that to be the most successful. Anything else to add Paul?
MR. DERBY-No, I don't think so
SUPERVISOR MONTESI-Well, you guys have kept really good communication with the Town
and your group. This is a small increase but it raises you $48,000 I guess a year, and that's what
you're going to need to do the treatments whether it's the chemical treatments or if you have to
do some hand harvesting. I applaud you
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- Mr. Boucher, originally you were asking for an increase per unit
to $152?
MR. BOUCHER-No, no, originally it was $132. First year we had it was only billed at $118, it
should have been $132 then and we are recommending we go from $132 to $146
MR. DERBY- There was a clerical error the first year, I think it was $112 or $118, so actually it
puts us a little behind. So, we went to $132 last year and we are kind of making...
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- All right, all right, all right, so it's no change in what we've been
proposing in having this public hearing on it. It's $146 right now
MR. DERBY- That's correct
MR. BOUCHER- That's correct
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- All right
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- All right, any members that would like to speak?
MR. BOUCHER- Thank you very much
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- Thank you
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- All right
COUNCILMAN METIVIER- You are going to dispose of them properly right Paul? (referring
to the Illinois Pond Weed and milfoil samples).
MR. DERBY- Yes I will
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- Tony, do you want to move this? Close the public hearing.
RESOLUTION ADOPTING GLEN LAKE AQUATIC PLANT GROWTH CONTROL
DISTRICT BENEFIT TAX ROLL FOR 2014
RESOLUTION NO.: 341, 2013
INTRODUCED BY: Mr. Anthony Metivier
WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 08-19-2013 MTG#33 302
SECONDED BY: Mr. Tim Brewer
WHEREAS, the Queensbury Town Board previously scheduled a public hearing concerning
adoption of the proposed Glen Lake Aquatic Plant Growth Control District Benefit Tax Roll for
2014 and filed the completed Tax Roll in the Queensbury Town Clerk's Office, and
WHEREAS, the Town Clerk posted and published the required Notice of Public Hearing
and also mailed copies of the Notice to all property owners within the Benefit Assessment District,
and
WHEREAS, the Town Board duly conducted a public hearing on Monday, August 19t1i
2013 and heard all interested persons,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the Queensbury Town Board hereby approves, confirms and adopts the
Glen Lake Aquatic Plant Growth Control District Benefit Tax Roll for 2014, and
BE IT FURTHER,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby authorizes and directs the Town Clerk to issue a
warrant to be signed by the Town Supervisor and Town Clerk commanding the Town Tax Receiver
to collect the sum(s) from persons named in the assessment roll and to pay the sum(s)to the Town.
Duly adopted this 19th day of August, 2013 by the following vote:
AYES: Mr. Brewer, Mr. Montesi, Mr. Metivier, Mr. Clements, Mr. Strough
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 08-19-2013 MTG#33 303
LAKE SUNNYSIDE AQUATIC PLANT GROWTH CONTROL DISTRICT BENEFIT
TAX ROLL FOR 2014
NOTICE SHOWN
PUBLICATION DATE: AUGUST 9, 2013
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- Okay, someone to speak for the Sunnyside. All right Bob
BOB HUNTZ- I live on Sunnyside Road and I am representing PALS, which is the Protective
Association for Lake Sunnyside. We are proposing also that we increase our tax rate for our tax
district, which was in existence for only one year, this year was the first year we collected some
taxes. We have run into some problems in trying to treat our Lake. Sometimes I'd like to accuse
Glen Lake of sending some of their milfoil over to us and getting into our Lake. I'm just kidding.
The plan as it was constructed when the tax district was set up was to treat the Lake with
chemicals and also hand harvesting, kind of in a three year cycle. We ran into a problem right off
the bat because the chemical that we have been using for about 11 years in Lake Sunnyside
called Sonar, it does kill milfoil, is not working nearly as good as it did initially when we first
started. In fact, the company that manufactured the product is called SePro Corporation, they
sent a representative up this week to take samples of the milfoil from our lake to take back to
their labs to do scientific research on to find out why it's not being as effective as they think it
should be. Of course, that leaves us with an awful lot of milfoil. If you've driven by Sunnyside
Road recently and taken a glance at Sunnyside Lake, you see a large section in the southern and
eastern part of the Lake where the milfoil has reached the surface and doesn't look very good.
So, our Association and Advisory Committee for the tax district met in the spring and decided
that we're not going to spend more money on the chemical that didn't work that well the last
time it was used and there is resistance among residence of using any chemicals in the Lake.
Everybody talks back about the days of DDT where everybody said there was no problem with
DDT and we all found out later there was a problem with DDT. So, constantly using chemicals
has become kind of a negative and hand harvesting is clean. If you take those weeds out of the
Lake, they're not putting nutrients in the Lake by decaying and that's a plus too, and no
chemicals are going into the Lake. The problem with hand harvesting is that it's very expensive
initially to get done. The Association again had a meeting over the summer and voted to increase
rather dramatically our tax rate for next year in order to build up a fund large enough so that we
can eventually do the hand harvesting in our Lake, complete hand harvesting of the whole Lake
the first time around. The estimates are that it will cost close to $50,000 to do that for our small
Lake. We have approximately $11,000 in the Town now that was collected this year, which we
have not spent, and with an increase we are hoping to have close to $30,000 next year. If we take
the taxes that were collected this year and next year put together we'll come to close to $30,000.
I had made an appeal to the County Board of Supervisors, I've made appeals to all of our elected
representatives at the State level, and national level to come to our aide with a little bit of
assistance so that we can get over this hump of this initial treatment of hand harvesting in our
Lake. So, our hope is that by next spring sometime we'll have $50,000 to do the hand harvesting
of the complete Lake. If it doesn't happen, we don't get any aide anywhere else we'll have to
wait another year in order to have $50,000, but then we can go ahead. Sunnyside Lake is not
going to look very good if that happens for another year, but we feel that is the best solution. The
Association, as I said, met during the summer and voted almost unanimously to increase the tax
rate for next year, it's not $95 per unit and they voted to go to $145 per unit, which percentage
wise is quite an increase. To put it in terms of homes, a home on the Lake taxes would increase
about $100 for next year, and a home off the Lake that's not a lakefront home it would increase
about $75 for that to happen. That is our plan at this point. I have met with the gentleman from
Glen Lake, and of course we compare our notes and what they're doing and what we're trying to
do. They're still treating with a chemical, which is very effective for their Lake, which is good.
We'll continue to look at all solutions, but right now our solution is to hand harvest...
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 08-19-2013 MTG#33 304
COUNCILMAN BREWER- Is that kind of strange that it works well on one lake but not
another?
MR. HUNTZ- Well, the chemical they're using is a different one
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- Different one
MR. HUNTZ- So, that's a possibility for us to look at that and see if that can happen. But, we'll
see.
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- All right, thank you
COUNCILMAN METIVIER-What do you think the Town for you to get the cost down if you
did a full hand harvest, in addition to the trucks that we usually provide
MR. HUNTZ- Yeah, the Town has been very helpful in the past, and when we have hand
harvested, they've allowed us to get the actual milfoil plants themselves taken down to the
landfill for deposit there, and have provided trucks for us to transport there. What else they could
do, I don't know?
COUNCILMAN METIVIER-Lets take it a step further and think outside of the box a little bit.
What about more boats, people resources?
MR. HUNTZ- Well, here's one, I'm glad you mentioned that because, one idea that the, you
know the hand harvesting requires divers
COUNCILMAN METIVIER-Right
MR. HUNTZ- Divers go down into the Lake and pull the plants out. While they're under water
they have to pull the plant out, try to get the roots and all, put it in a bag and, like an onion sack
water can flow through, put it in the sack, and when the sack is filled they bring it to the surface,
put it in the boat, dump it out, go back down, fill the sack up again. The gentleman who runs the
diving company, you know, if we could get some laborer, volunteer laborers, he said the milfoil
when it's pulled floats
COUNCILMAN METIVIER-Right
MR. HUNTZ- Goes to the surface, and he said we can come in and put a barrier around a large
area where the divers are working, they just pull the plants out, let them float to the surface, and
you have people on the surface
COUNCILMAN METIVIER- Skimmers
MR. HUNTZ- You know, skimming it off and putting it into boats and getting out. He said we'll
move much faster and get it done much quicker; that way it would save money. Whether the
Town could help us in any way with that process
COUNCILMAN METIVIER- I wonder if we could coordinate and effort, I'm going to through
the Fire Department in here, I'm looking at one right now, we have some boats, maybe
some...no, shaking your head (speaking to a South Queensbury Fire Member, Eric Lettus)
ERIC LETTUS- If you want to buy us one we will
COUNCILMAN METIVIER-Ha, ha, we're not buying you a boat. We can work on this, there's
definitely some resources. Why don't we even try to get some community involvement with
folks around the Lake and maybe a couple Councilmen
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- I'll help
MR. HUNTZ- We have done that
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 08-19-2013 MTG#33 305
COUNCILMAN METIVIER- Take a Saturday or Sunday
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- Count me in
COUNCILMAN METIVIER- I'm in, I mean seriously, we can figure this out
MR. HUNTZ- Good suggestion. We, in fact, when we hand harvested before we had people
from around the Lake who helped empty the bags, loaded it into the truck to get it away from the
Lake
SUPERVISOR MONTESI-When are you scheduled to do the hand harvesting this year
COUNCILMAN METIVIER- They're not going to do it this year
MR. HUNTZ- We're not going to do it
COUNCILMAN METIVIER-Now, at this point, this year would be a moot point to do anything,
right? It's too late in the season?
MR. HUNTZ- It is
COUNCILMAN METIVIER- Okay
MR. HUNTZ- Chemical treatments are more effective when they're done in the spring
COUNCILMAN METIVIER-Right
MR. HUNTZ- That's what most companies say, so no, we're not planning on doing anything this
year
COUNCILMAN METIVIER- So, I mean, we have some time, we can rally the troops, get some
thoughts together
MR. HUNTZ- Yes, I would be very interested in doing that if we could get some resources to try
this floating and skimming of the milfoil
COUNCILMAN METIVIER- Yeah, it's a great idea
MR. HUNTZ- Because I think that would move it ahead much faster
COUNCILMAN METIVIER- Yeah, I'm in
MR. HUNTZ- Good suggestion
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- Anyone else from the public to speak on Sunnyside
JOYCE FLOWER- I have a question
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- Okay
JOYCE FLOWER- So, chemicals are right out of the question for Sunnyside?
SUPERVISOR MONTESI-No, not necessarily I guess
MS. FLOWER- I missed the meeting totally. I'm sorry, Joyce Flower. I'm sorry, Bob, I've just
running back and forth to Massachusetts. So, chemicals is right out of the question?
MR. HUNTZ-No, for this year it is, but for the future we don't know
MS. FLOWER- I mean, I've been on the Lake I think its way past hand harvesting, I'm sorry.
My little canoe, my little kayak is not making it through that.
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 08-19-2013 MTG#33 306
MR. HUNTZ- Yeah, it is a problem in some places, I agree. If someone fell out of a boat where
the milfoil is rampant
MS. FLOWER- Forget it they'd drowned
MR. HUNTZ- They probably couldn't swim, they'd probably drown in milfoil because it is so
thick in those few areas.
MS. FLOWER- So, you think hand harvesting is going to do it next year?
MR. HUNTZ- At this point, I think so. I mean that's our plan to do that
MS. FLOWER- Okay, I mean, you heard what Glen Lake said
MR. HUNTZ- Yes
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- Well, you know, Lake George has had very good luck with hand
harvesting as well as other lakes
COUNCILMAN METIVIER- And they float it
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- But, Bob did not say he was not going to look into any chemical
use. As a matter of fact, he said that he's talking to the Glen Lake people about what they use
MS. FLOWER- Okay
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- So, you know, all doors are open
MS. FLOWER- Okay
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- But hand harvesting has been very successful elsewhere
MS. FLOWER- Okay
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- Okay
MS. FLOWER- All right, gotcha
COUNCILMAN METIVIER-Bob, Harris Bay Boat Company has a dredger that they will rent
out. Have you ever looked into that, would that work?
MR. HUNTZ- A dredger?
COUNCILMAN METIVIER- Yeah, it's a dredging device, and they use it, what they do
because they get a lot of silt and stuff in their areas, they get these massive bags and this machine
will dredge the area and it flows into these bags, and then somebody comes and they take the
bags away after they drain the water out of it. I wonder
MR. HUNTZ- I don't know anything about that, I've never heard of it
COUNCILMAN METIVIER- If you go on the Harris Bay Yacht Club website they say dredger
for rent. So, you might want to check with them and just ask if that's a possibility. I don't know,
I mean, I know they use that for silt to keep the, you know the silt that flows into there, out. But,
if it's pulling silt why wouldn't it pull weed?
MR. HUNTZ- It probably would, one of the problems with milfoil that makes is so prevalent
everywhere
COUNCILMAN METIVIER- Is the root
MR. HUNTZ- Is the fact that any piece of a milfoil plant can produce a new plant.
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 08-19-2013 MTG#33 307
COUNCILMAN METIVIER-Right
MR. HUNTZ- So, that's why you have to be careful when you're breaking the plant apart that
you get all of it out.
COUNCILMAN METIVIER- You know what I'll do, I'll run up there this week and talk to
them about that and see what that machine does; and I'll get in touch with you
MR. HUNTZ- I know there are machines that will
COUNCILMAN BREWER- We did that Tony, we did that on Glen Lake one
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- Yeah, that was dredging
COUNCILMAN METIVIER-Dredge
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- That was different, that was peat moss
COUNCILMAN METIVIER-But, I'll ask them
MR. HUNTZ- There are machines that will mow
COUNCILMAN METIVIER-Right
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- Well, Saratoga Lake tried that and didn't have very good luck
with it because of what you are saying Bob. All of the little pieces that get broken up and
scattered around the Lake and you make the problem worse.
MR. HUNTZ- What I've told you tonight is our plan, it doesn't mean it can't change. I has
changed... it may change again as we gain more information. See what is the best solution, but
that's our plan at this point and we would appreciate your support to continue that.
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- Anymore public comment on Sunnyside?
WESLEY BISHOP- I live on Sunnyside North and I've been in this for the long haul. I've lived
there since 1978 and I've seen all of the application that have been done, the hand harvesting,
everything else that's been done, and the way that the milfoil problem is at the moment I do not
believe that the hand harvesting is anywhere close to being a solution, and It's an extremely
expensive solution. What appears to work, and we've really never had the money to do this the
way it should be done, is to do a chemical application first, to knock the milfoil down to the
point where it can be hand harvested then for a lot less money, and you can keep up with it at
that point. The fact that the sonar that we're using is not working as well as it did when we first
started doesn't mean that there are not other chemicals, and there are several, renovate, aquathol
super K, which Glen Lake has used in the past. It just seems to me that we're throwing a lot more
money at the problem than a solution that's not as good
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- But, this argument is a good argument, Mr. Bishop, but it's the
one that you need to have with your other Sunnyside people and work out a strategy
MR. BISHOP- Absolutely, but I just think that raising the taxes that much more is not the way to
approach it and unfortunately I was not able to go to the meetings
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- Well, I would make an effort in the future to go to the meetings
and share your thoughts
MR. BISHOP- Yep, and I have been in the past, but this year for whatever reason
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- And Glen Lake whatever their doing I've never seen Glen Lake
look better
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 08-19-2013 MTG#33 308
MR. BISHOP-Oh yeah, it works, it has worked in Sunnyside too but we've never been able to
follow up with the hand harvesting the way that we should have.
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- Yeah, that might be the case, but this is the strategy argument you
need to convince the other members of PAL
MR. BISHOP- Yep
COUNCILMAN STROUGH-Not us
MR. BISHOP- Absolutely
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- We're here just to set
MR. BISHOP- It's just I needed to bring that up and I haven't had the opportunity and this
seemed like the last chance to actually voice it
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- Okay, All right
MR. BISHOP- Yes, Ma'am
JOAN BOVEE- 1 Lake View Drive, Queensbury. I agree with Wes whole heartedly, I've been
living there for 20 years, approximately, on Sunnyside and I haven't seen where the hand
harvesting has worked because we haven't done enough of it and now it's so far gone, we need
more than hand harvesting. I've talked to Dean about the Aquathol, he says works great. I think
we should use chemicals to knock it down like Wes said, and no, I didn't attend the meeting
either
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- Well, than you should
MS. BOVEE-Well, I know that
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- Because the majority rules, and if the majority of you wants to go
with Aquathol or some other substance that you think might be more effective than sonar than
that's the way you should go.
MS. BOVEE-Right, and I don't think our taxes should go up $95 more. I mean, I just don't have
it.
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- Again, that it isn't something the Town Board does. We just set the
thing up and then, you guys, the neighbors run that and set that rate. It's not something that we
set.
MS. BOVEE- And I have spoken at meetings before but my voice is not heard most of the time.
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- And now you are on television
MS. BOVEE- They don't see that raising our taxes... not everybody pays the same as I do. I just
don't think that's going to help. I don't think the hand harvesting is going to get done with the
money we have for the next three years. I think, I just want to give my opinion because it's the
way I feel
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- Okay
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- Okay
COUNCILMAN BREWER- You're entitled to it.
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- Thank you
MS. BOVEE-thank you
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 08-19-2013 MTG#33 309
COUNCILMAN BREWER- Thank you
MS. BOVEE- All right
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- All right
DAVE MEYERS- 7 Lake View Drive. I know that you've heard, maybe there hasn't been great
communication for Sunnyside, especially with the people with Glen Lake and their recent
experience and the fact that they just, the people with the sonar just took samples to see why it's
not working. Is it possible to table the raising of the taxes for next year until we take a look at
this new information and maybe present it at the next meeting or a time after we've had a chance
to discuss what some of this new information might relate for options for us for next year?
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- Well, there's certainly a chance but I don't think it's likely
because what we have here before us is the consensus of the meetings of the people of Lake
Sunnyside have had. Whether you have been part of that or not, I don't know. Dave what we
have before us is the consensus of the request to the majority of people around Lake Sunnyside.
Now, next year we do the same thing, every year. So, if this turns out to be excessive money and
you want to reduce it that's fine too. But, right now the plan is, as you've heard
SUPERVISOR MONESI- Bob
MR. HUNTZ- First, I'd like to say I wish people who spoke came to the meetings that they were
invited to. We sent mailings out inviting them to the meetings and with the list of the items that
were going to be discussed at the meeting including the tax rate, which was certainly on there.
Maybe to set their minds at ease a little bit as I said earlier what we're proposing is not set in
stone. In fact, I have been in touch with company that Glen Lake uses for their chemical
treatments, and I'm going to have a meeting with him shortly when he's in this area in a couple
of weeks, and we will be looking at the kinds of things that Glen Lake is doing, and we'll discuss
it among our Association again as to what we are going to do. As I gave you our plan, it's our
plan as of now and to set minds at ease about the tax rate, the proposal from the hand harvesting
company is that very expensive first year but then the cost of hand harvesting drops dramatically
year after year; to the point where I think if it goes as planned that in another three or four years
our tax rate would be less than it was this year to do the hand harvesting and maintain what we
have. The maintenance is not that expensive, it's the initial thing to get all that milfoil out of the
Lake initially.
COUNCILMAN BREWER- You have to get it under control
MR. HUNTZ- You've got to get it under control and maintenance is as most things are. Thank
you
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- All right, if there are no other comments we'll close the public
hearing
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- There is
ERIC SAGE- I'm on the Advisory Board for Lake Sunnyside myself. I've been deeply involved
in the process of trying to determine what's the best course of action in how to handle the
milfoil. Actually I've done a lot of research for the past five years, I have well over 100 hours
just scuba diving underwater, hand harvesting the plants, talking to AIM and other companies
that do the hand harvesting. There are several different options available to us like what Glen
Lake is doing. Take for example, if we don't do anything the Lake basically ends up like this
(presented photos to the Board Members). This is what happened to the Lake four years after we
used chemicals; the Lake within 150 feet to 250 feet of the shore was totally unusable. I mean
you couldn't swim in it or anything just the other lady said. If you are kayaking out there and
your kayak tips over it's a hazard, you could drown. But we do have the tax district and so that
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 08-19-2013 MTG#33 310
enables us to fairly distribute the costs to be able to manage the Lake. So then the question
becomes what's the best solution, do we just treat the Lake every three years with chemicals or
do we additionally do hand harvesting? From the studies that I have conducted what the results
suggest is that after about two years the Lake gets to where there's large portions of the Lake
which is unusable because the milfoil has been able to rebound so successfully. Now as Mr.
Huntz was explaining we don't know if it's specifically related to the chemicals that they used
last time or if it's because there is a resilience of the plant. The advantages of hand harvesting is
that we're able to make progress that can in the long run reduce the cost, so I did an experiment.
We applied the chemicals to the Lake and I took about a 20,000 square foot area where I had
removed the milfoil from that area. The following year I did an additional 40...actually I'm
sorry, they used chemicals in the Lake again, the following year after that I was able to add an
additional 40,000 square foot area where I was able to remove the milfoil. The biggest
observation that I found was that the original area where I had actually removed the milfoil there
was just occasional sporadic plants. It only took 10% of my time to manage it because I had
removed the milfoil, whereas 90% of my time was spent just trying to gain new ground. So, the
benefit of hand harvesting it takes several years to do, there's a methodical process to it, we can't
just go out there one time throw money at it and expect to solve the problem. So, in the Board,
and we've actually thought this through, and this is why we came up with this idea of if we can
increase the taxes to a reasonable amount we can actually gain some grounds in controlling this
plant in the long run and save money. So there are some distinct advantages to increasing the
taxes. So, pretty much that's what I have. Is there any questions?
COUNCILMAN STROUGH-No, but thank you for all your work.
MR. SAGE- Your welcome sir. One last thing, Mr. Metivier, yes, one the thing I've noticed
about hand harvesting, the ideal way of doing it is you have divers under water, they pull the
plants up and they let it go, rather than going through bagging and all that. And what we've
found is it takes about three people above the water for each diver to collect plants and put them
in the boats. So, yes if you can please find people that would be most beneficial, that will
seriously cut down the cost. That's all
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- Thank you
MR. SAGE- Thank you
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- Anyone else? Okay we'll close the public hearing.
RESOLUTION ADOPTING LAKE SUNNYSIDE AQUATIC PLANT GROWTH
CONTROL DISTRICT BENEFIT TAX ROLL FOR 2014
RESOLUTION NO.: 342, 2013
INTRODUCED BY: Mr. Anthony Metivier
WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION
SECONDED BY: Mr. Brian Clements
WHEREAS, the Queensbury Town Board previously scheduled a public hearing concerning
adoption of the proposed Lake Sunnyside Aquatic Plant Growth Control District Benefit Tax Roll
for 2014 and filed the completed Tax Roll in the Queensbury Town Clerk's Office, and
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 08-19-2013 MTG#33 311
WHEREAS, the Town Clerk posted and published the required Notice of Public Hearing
and also mailed copies of the Notice to all property owners within the Benefit Assessment District,
and
WHEREAS, the Town Board duly conducted a public hearing on Monday, August 19t1i
2013 and heard all interested persons,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the Queensbury Town Board hereby approves, confirms and adopts the
Lake Sunnyside Aquatic Plant Growth Control District Benefit Tax Roll for 2014, and
BE IT FURTHER,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby authorizes and directs the Town Clerk to issue a
warrant to be signed by the Town Supervisor and Town Clerk commanding the Town Tax Receiver
to collect the sum(s) from persons named in the assessment roll and to pay the sum(s)to the Town.
Duly adopted this 19th day of August, 2013 by the following vote:
AYES: Mr. Montesi, Mr. Metivier, Mr. Clements, Mr. Strough, Mr. Brewer
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
PUBLIC HEARING- PACHECO ROSS ARCHITECTS, P.C. FOR PROVISIONOF
FEASIBILITY STUDY BY SOUTH QUEENSBURY FIRE CO. INC AND
CORRESPONDING AMENDMENT TO BUDGET AND FIRE SERVICES
AGREEMENT
NOTICE SHOWN
PUBLICATION DATE: AUGUST 9, 2013
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- All right, John Strough and I spent some time with the South Glens
Falls Fire Company
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 08-19-2013 MTG#33 312
ERIC LETTUS- South Queensbury
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- South Queensbury, I'm sorry, South Queensbury Fire Company,
South Glens Falls yeah, well we were down there too. We toured their building, we talked about
some of their needs and concerns are and will be. We agreed to provide them the $5,000
necessary to have this feasibility study done on what they have, what they can potentially can
build or have. That's the direction we're going at this point. Open to the public
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- Maybe South Q would like to speak to it first and kind of explain
things. Eric or Ron, or Eric and Ron, because I'm sure the community's got questions so maybe
you want to outline where we are with the building. It does have problems
RON DUFOUR, CHIEF, SOUTH QUEENSBURY FIRE- We invited you guys down to check
out the building. We are running storage issues; we're running into high maintenance costs as far
as roof issues with the rubber roof. When we had the outfit come up we actually did find some
conclusions on the roof, we are in the flight pattern of the airport and they are telling us that the
fuels that are being excess dumped when they do take off is sitting on our roof and deteriorating
our rubber. So, they do have ways around this as far as putting the pea stone on and that would
absorb and evaporate before it would actually get to the rubber roof, beknownst to us. Other
issues are storage, like I said, we do keep our spare gear in the basement at this time. I know Mr.
Montesi and Mrs. Strough came down to check it out, they can probably tell you just as much as
we can that it's not really the proper place to be storing thousands of dollars' worth of gear. So
we're hoping this study that their doing will come up and we can use the building we have as far
as restoring it. The issues we had with that was we're running out of room as far as office space.
As people know, the times are getting more difficult in the fire service because we are doing
more and more paperwork ... so we're running into issues with our space. We did look at having
a contractor come in to renovate the office space and they were giving us quotes of like forty
grand. The problem is the building that the office space is in right now was built in the fifties and
to renovate it everything's got to come up to code and that's where the expense is coming. So we
want to get this outfit to come in and to just do an overview of our whole building. The first
building was built in the fifties, they put an addition on in the seventies and then we built the
bigger portion of the bigger bays and the kitchen area, and meeting room was built in 1990. So
hoping this outfit can come in and point us in the right direction, say you know, the building in
fifties can we work with it, can't we work with it, is it feasible to put money into it to bring
everything up to code or is it more feasible just to tear it down and start again
COUNCILMAN BREWER- Don't say that
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- Well, this study will identify, you mentioned some of the
problems, it will identify the problems, it will identify the quick solutions, what needs to be
done, what should be done first, about the approximate cost of it and then maybe some long-term
solutions to some of the problems of what might be down the road. So
SUPERVISOR MONTESI-Okay
COUNCILMAN BREWER- (bad audio- unable to pick up what was said)
SUPERVISOR MONESI- Mr. Winters you have a comment?
GEORGE WINTERS- I believe $5,000 is a waste of money. These people know what they want
or what they need. They are going to have somebody else come in there,just like if there is
something wrong with my house, I know what I need in my house. It's a firehouse, they know
what they need, don't waste our $5,000 on it.
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- Well, see it's not just saying what they need. They know what
they need, we all know that, what the engineering study will do is how they can remedy some of
these problems and the approximate cost of the remedying this.
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 08-19-2013 MTG#33 313
COUNCILMAN BREWER- Solutions George, we are looking for solutions
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- Yeah
MR. WINTERS- We are going to spend $5,000 for it
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- For solutions
MR. WINTERS- I can't believe it, thank you
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- Any other comments?
MR. DUFOUR- I want to reiterate on that, this outfit that we're looking into is their profession is
in the emergency service buildings. They do fire and ems buildings, they have done over 200
buildings. At this time, they have done over 80 of these assessments to go into buildings that
already pre-exist to try to manage what's viable with the building. I mean, we can come up here
tonight and say we need a three million dollar building and we don't want to do that.
COUNCILMAN BREWER- ... back home (microphone cutting in and out)
MR. DUFOUR- Yeah, exactly. We want these guys to tell us what's the best options for us and I
think $5,000 for having this outfit come in and they go through the building, I mean the nook and
the crannies. I mean, they spend, they got two or three guys come up for over a week and they go
through the building up and down, go over the roof, go over ventilation, go over
COUNCILMAN BREWER- They don't just look at the building and try to save space, they
structurally look at everything
ERIC LETTUS- To see what we can use again
MR. DUFOUR- Right, yes, to see what's usable. I mean, after this step is done then they come in
and they say, all right how many members you have, what do you do in this room, you know
COUNCILMAN BREWER- This is part of the step
MR. DUFOUR- Right, no, no this is just to tell us what is viable on our building
MR. LETTUS- What's good and what's not good
MR. DUFOUR- What's good and what's not good
COUNCILMAN BREWER- So they don't give you any kind of a solution for anything
MR. LETTUS- That's additional after we meet with the Town Board and the company again and
go over all of this and then we
COUNCILMAN BREWER- ... Get all of the answers and hold out for more money to get the
answers from them
MR. DUFOUR-No, no, no, no it's not the answers, it's not the answers, they are going to come
up and tell us what's viable on our building. Yes, exactly, they're going to come up and say, all
right this old section over here to renovate this is not worth putting the money into
COUNCILMAN BREWER- Can't we have our Building Inspector tell you that. I don't know, I
mean structurally ... I mean if they're not going to give us any kind of solution. I thought that's
what they were going to do is give us some kind of an idea as to what we can do
MR. LETTUS- Well, yeah, that $5,000 will say, yes we can take your building and make it
feasible for you guys. We need a clean room for the gear, we need a decontamination room. Our
building does not meet NFPA standards
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 08-19-2013 MTG#33 314
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- I mean, the old, the original building would be the basement cellar
MR. LETTUS- Was built in 1942
SUPERVISOR MONTESI-May not be feasible to renovate, it may not be, besides we're sitting
on somebody's property
MR. LETTUS- And that's the whole other issue
MR. DUFOUR- And this study is going to tell us that. It's going to tell us if it's feasible to use
that building or not.
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- And so if it isn't, than we are looking at a design that doesn't
include that part. I mean, there's going to be some alternatives for you and the Board to think
about
MR. DUFOUR- Right
MR. LETTUS- I just want to throw a couple more things out, when I took over as chief in 2005
we budgeted $10,000 a year to do maintenance in our firehouse. We're running out of$10,000 a
year in a commercial building doesn't really get you far. Two years ago we put $40,000 into our
kitchen when our roof leaked and all the water got down behind our block and ruined all of our
sheet rock. We did that out of our pockets, we scraped, we did whatever we could to make that
happen because we had mold and the insurance would not cover that because that's an act of
god. We need new windows in one section, it just blows through, a new front down. We put seals
year after year after year in the front door
SUPERVISOR MONTESI You had the drainage in the back that cracked the wall
MR. LETTUS- The drainage in the back, our footings in our kitchen and in our bathroom are all
pushing up through the floor. We've put money into that
COUNCILMAN BREWER- (problem with microphone- unable to pick up what was said)
MR. LETTUS- The steel structure might be. The most expensive part of a firehouse is the
apparatus bays. He's thinking our apparatus bays are savable to convert. But, at this point,
there's seven different additions have been put on our firehouse since 19, we incorporated 1947
the one section that was there that was donated to the fire service when they purchased the land,
the guy gave them in 49. I think it was built in 1947 so there's been seven different additions.
Every one of them additions leak. We have had Monahan's in there to put roof, fix roof, repair
roof, but he's at the point where the rubber is deteriorating, there's nothing more to do but put a
whole new roof on the whole firehouse. We have water that runs in our basement when it rains. I
can show everybody a video of that last storm we had
COUNCILMAN BREWER- I don't have a problem .... (unable to make out parts of what was
said) I misunderstood, I thought they were going to come in and assess it and say here's what
you can do to save some room
MR. LETTUS- Right, there's steps, there's steps to go through and the first step is this to know
what direction to go next
COUNCILMAN BREWER- Assess the building to see if it's structurally any good, the
electricity, the plumbing, etc. Then we'll go to step two and that will tell you what?
MR. LETTUS- Step two
MR. DUFOUR- Step two will bring us through the whole process of
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 08-19-2013 MTG#33 315
MR. LETTUS- Starting getting drawings, if that's the root, we are going to go to the Town
Board. You guys might come back and say absolutely not, then we're only out, the initial project
will cost around thirty grand, but the first stage right now is $5,000 to see what is valuable in our
building to reuse to exist where we stand.
MR. DUFOUR- The whole thirty grand will be the whole step of going from where we're at now
to
MR. LETTUS- Building a new station
MR. DUFOUR- Building a new station. That will be floor plans, a 3-D visual, the whole vine-
yards
COUNCILMAN BREWER- Have we ever done this before with any other companies?
COUNCILMAN METIVIER-No, we just build them new buildings
COUNCILMAN BREWER-No, I'm serious
MR. LETTUS- Well, you've had to
COUNCILMAN BREWER- I don't want to spend $30,000 to have somebody tell me that we've
got to build a new building
MR. DUFOUR- ... (unable to make out what was said with everyone talking at once) Yes, yes,
the $5,000 is just the study of our building, what the structure we have right now, is to have those
guys go through every nook and cranny
MR. LETTUS- Unless we bull doze it down and start all over, that's what we're not trying to do.
We're trying to
COUNCILMAN BREWER- Well, sometimes it cost more
MR. LETTUS- That's what we're trying to see
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- We're trying to salvage this building
COUNCILMAN BREWER- I understand that but essentially what they're saying is they're
starting the study so that they can end up with a new building. That's pretty much what they're
saying
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- Well, that not's the way we read it. What we said, we liked the
building, the building may need renovating
MR. LETTUS- But is it feasible to turn around and put $900,000 in this building to renovate it to
get it where it needs to be
COUNCILMAN BREWER- Or spend 1.2 million to build it
MR. LETTUS- When this whole ball started we actually approach us to buy our firehouse, and
we come talked to John and Ron and told them and their like, no there's no other place for you
guys to go, we'd like you guys to stay here.
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- Right
MR. LETTUS- It was an actual guy who was interested in buying our whole facility
COUNCILMAN BREWER- I didn't know that Eric, sorry
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- Okay, there's another comment. Keep talking guys
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 08-19-2013 MTG#33 316
JOHN SALVADOR- I'd like assurance that this firm that's going to do this study does not
qualify to do the detail work. Their doing a study and making recommendations to what has to be
done in detail, they should not qualify to do that work. There should be another bidders list.
That's one. Two, it's my understanding that the airport, which is in South Glens Falls Service
area
COUNCILMAN METIVIER- Queensbury
MR. SALVADOR- Does not pay a fire tax
COUNCILMAN BREWER- I don't think they are exempt
MR. SALVADOR- Right?
COUNCILMAN BREWER- (not audible)... I can't say for certain 100% John
MR. SALVADOR- John, Mr. Strough can you say for certain
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- They are exempt from taxes in general, but I don't know about the
district tax, John
MR. SALVADOR- Warren County Airport gets a fire service, and if they get a service they are
supposed to pay a tax
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- I'm not saying they do or they don't, I'm saying they are exempt
from the general tax category, but I didn't know about district tax
MR. SALVADOR- I'm talking about district tax
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- I don't know
MR. SALVADOR- It was my understanding years ago
SUPERVISOR MONTESI-What's the point
MR. SALVADOR- That they do not pay a fire tax
SUPERVISOR MONTESI-Let's say they don't so?
MR. SALVADOR- Well, there's a source of revenue that would help pay for this facility, a good
source and we're talking about expanding it. What more fire service might be required on an
expanded airport that this Town would have to take care of? Incidentally, the Airport is not the
only County facility that does not pay a fire tax, the Community College, the County Center
itself, the Nursing Homes. They don't pay a fire tax, they get a service and that's not right, but
that's another issue. Thank you
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- Any other public comment? Doug
DOUG IRISH- I kind of like where John was going with earlier with the fire tax, being able to
offset some of that as well as excluding the company that their looking at to come in there and
give them and idea of what they need to replace. I would even take it a step further and say that
they couldn't have any affiliation with anybody on the affiliation with anybody on the bidders
list. I think at least that makes it more palpable for people that are going to be footing the bill for
this thing in the long run. I haven't been in the South Queensbury building in probably 15 years
but back then it needed a lot of help, when I was on the Town Board. I know they've struggled
down there with that building, equipment, some other things, and I think it's probably one of the
few fire companies that we have in the Town that doesn't at least have a newer building. I'm not
saying that every fire department needs new buildings, but I also think that we could probably
look at some more cost effective ways to provide what they need down there. Their doing a lot of
different stuff with commercial buildings for pre-engineered butler buildings, things like that that
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 08-19-2013 MTG#33 317
don't cost anywhere near a million dollars and could probably provide them what they need for
storage and equipment and even an apparatus bay
COUNCILMAN BREWER- I think we are a long ways from that Doug
MR. IRISH- I agree, but I think to your point, I think there are some things that need to be done
first; and I do agree with John Salvador, anybody that does the pre-work for the fire department
probably should not be involved with any of the design work after that so
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- Anyone else
COUNCILMAN STROUGH-Now, do you think we are at the point where we need to get a
clarification from this company exactly what they are going to be doing or?
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- Yeah, sure
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- How does the Board feel?
COUNCILMAN CLEMENTS- I was under the impression that we were going to get a report
that said this is what they need to do. I didn't know this was going to go on further
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- Lets keep the public hearing open and lets not vote on this. Let's
get a clarification from this Company exactly what they're going to do
COUNCILMAN METIVIER- That's a perfect idea
COUNCILMAN BREWER- Do they have a representative that can come in and talk to us, Eric?
COUNCILMAN METIVIER- That's perfect. Can we do a workshop on that?
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- Okay, We're going to keep the public hearing open and in the
meantime we are going to have one of the representatives come from this Company and Talk to
us and probably the comments that John Salvador made about not being able to bid on the rest of
it, this Company may not be able to do that. I think you are design and build, wasn't that the
concept behind this Company? So, we may have to talk to them about that too. I mean, not that
that's unusual because design and build is what they've done in Queensbury Central
MR. SALVADOR- That's fine, that should not be a sole source contract. They should go with
competitive bidding
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- All right, we're going to keep it open, that's the decision of the
Board and we will meet probably in two weeks
ROSE MELLON- DEPUTY TOWN CLERK II- September 9u'q
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- September 9th
3.0 PRESENTATIONS
BRIAN BEAROR,YMCA:
• Thanked the Board for the opportunity to speak tonight.
• Shared information about the YMCA that people don't readily know. People think of the
YMCA as a gym and a swim. Explained that the YMCA is a lot more than that. Their
service area is all of Warren County, Northern Washington County, and Northern
Saratoga County. They service most of their participant at the 600 Glen Street location.
They also have nine after school care sites throughout the community. That program
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 08-19-2013 MTG#33 318
offers a place for children to go after they are released from school. They stay right in
their safe school. The YMCA staff goes to that location provides care after the school day
is over with for working families.
• The YMCA is a 5010 Non-Profit, what gives them that status is that no one is turned
away for their inability to pay. The YMCA gives away over $300,000 a year in
scholarships, they raise about $150,000. They have about 2,000 people that are served
through the scholarship program.
• Currently, there are 8,100 members, those are just members, not program participants.
They serve over 20,000 a year through YMCA programs, 3,500 members are residents of
Queensbury.
• Most of their subsidy are through the YMCA childcare program. The kids are part of a
cycle with the YMCA, they are with them for about 52 weeks out of the year, they are in
the after school care program during the school year and they transition into their
vacation fun clubs, when the schools are not in session, and then they go to the summer
session at the 600 Glen Street location.
• At the nine after school care sites they serve 170+ children in a given week, 40 are at the
Queensbury Elementary School. Forty one percent of the participants in the program are
on some sort of assistance. Our highest location for assistance is the Queensbury location
at 55%.
• Their summer day camp has 200+ kids, over 50% of those kids that are there are on
assistance of some sort.
• They have a large youth sports and aquatics program.
• Great programs for senior citizens.
• Shared their exciting new program entitled, "The No More Learning Gap". Explained
that during the summer time there is a learning gap with some students, generally
students who come from lower income households. The YMCA provides programs
during the summer so they don't lose, but actually gain. They are working in
collaboration with the City of Glens Falls and SUNY Plattsburgh on this pilot program.
Half of the day is spent on instruction at the Kensington Elementary School and then in
the afternoon the children are walked to the YMCA for enrichment programs. The
benefits of this program are already being seen. Currently, this program has 20 students,
all who have been referred by their guidance counselors and administration of schools.
There is a waiting list, but they are looking to expand this. Explained that any help from
the Town with this program would not only benefit the children and the school districts
but also aide the County when it comes to assistance long-term.
TERI ROSS, ASSESSOR-
Thanked the Town Board for allowing her to speak tonight on the Revaluation Project
and the Star Re-Registration
REVALUATION PROJECT:
• Revaluation Project was started on June 1St and it's a two year project. They are in the
process of taking pictures of every single property in the Town of Queensbury, at the
same time they are confirming the exterior conditions of the homes.
• Today they mailed 10,208 letters and property description reports to all residential
property owners in the Town. This report lists what the Assessor's Officer has on file for
each your home, such as number of bedrooms, square footage, the number of bathrooms,
the type of heat. What they are asking of homeowners is that they look at those reports
and make sure the information is correct, if not make the corrections and return it their
office. Please call 761-8243 with any questions. Stressed how vital it is that the
information they have is correct. This is the basis for the homes being valued for our
2015 project.
• There will be a public meeting this Thursday, August 22, 2013 at 7:00pm. They will be
going over the valuation methods that will be used for the revaluation project. They will
be going over the cost program and a comparable sale program. There will be instructions
on how to read the comparable sales sheet. Encouraged everyone to attend. If you cannot
attend this meeting but would like to set up a meeting please feel free to call the
Assessor's Office to set up a time.
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 08-19-2013 MTG#33 319
STAR RE-REGISTRATION:
• This year the State has decided to try to gather and put together a database of all the
property owners that are receiving the basic star exemption. This does not have anything
to do with our senior citizens with enhanced star, they do not have to do anything.
Starting September 3rd property owners are scheduled to receive letters from the
Department of Taxation Finance. There are over 5,500 basic star exemptions in the
Town of Queensbury. What this letter is going to tell you to do is to go on-line or call
them by phone. They will ask a few questions like the social security numbers of all the
owners of the property, you will need to confirm that you make less than $500,000 a
year, and to confirm your primary residence.
• For those who do not know this, you can only receive star once in New York State and
it's on your primary residence. You can own as many homes as you want but the one
you declare as your primary residence is the only one that you can receive star on.
Explained that there have been a lot of people who are fraudulently receiving star
exemptions on more than one home. The State is trying to put this database together in
order to catch them. There will be penalties such as fines or even loss of the star
exemption for up to six years for those found to be doing this.
• Explained that you cannot do anything until you actually receive your letter. You have to
register with the State by December 31St, 2013. If you don't you won't have a star
exemption on next September's school bill. It is very important that once you receive
that letter follow the instructions to register with them this one time. Please note: if you
are a new homeowner you have to report to your Assessor's Office to get the exemption.
Explained that this letter applies only to those who are already receiving the basic star
exemption. If you have questions about the registration please call the Department of
Taxation and Finance at 518-457-2036.
4.0 RESOLUTIONS
RESOLUTION SETTING PUBLIC HEARING ON APPLICATION
FOR MODIFICATION OF JUNKYARD LICENSE FOR
JERRY BROWN AND SBLB PROPERTIES II, LLC
RESOLUTION NO.: 343, 2013
INTRODUCED BY: Mr. John Strough
WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION
SECONDED BY: Mr. Tim Brewer
WHEREAS, in accordance with Queensbury Town Code Chapter 102 entitled, "Junkyards,"
the Queensbury Town Board previously approved a Junkyard License to Jerry Brown for Jerry
Brown's Auto Parts located on Lower Warren Street in the Town of Queensbury known as Tax
Map Parcel No.: 303.19-1-49 (Junkyard) and each year an inspection has occurred at such facility
and a renewal of the Junkyard License has been issued, including on June 22, 2012, and
WHEREAS, by application and letter to the Town Supervisor dated July 31St, 2013, Jerry
Brown and SBLB Properties II, LLC (Applicants) have advised the Town that over the last few
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 08-19-2013 MTG#33 320
years, SBLB Properties LLC, an entity owned by Steven Brown and Larry Brown, has acquired
several parcels immediately surrounding the parcel on which the Junkyard operates, known as Tax
Map Parcel No.'s: 303.19-1-48, 50, 51 and 58, and the Applicants have applied for a modification
to the existing Junkyard license in order to construct a building on one of these vacant parcels and
expand the Junkyard to include such parcels, and
WHEREAS, the Applicants received all necessary approvals regarding this proposal from
the Town's Zoning Board of Appeals on July 25th, 2012 and from the Town's Planning Board on
August 21, 2012, and
WHEREAS, before the Town Board may approve the requested modification to the
Junkyard License, it must first conduct a public hearing,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the Queensbury Town Board shall hold a public hearing on Monday,
September 911i 2013 at 7:00 p.m. at the Queensbury Activities Center, 742 Bay Road, Queensbury at
which time all interested parties shall be heard concerning the proposed modification of Junkyard
License for Jerry Brown and SBLB Properties II, LLC, and
BE IT FURTHER,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board further authorizes and directs the Queensbury Town
Clerk to provide 10 days notice of the public hearing by publishing a notice of public hearing in the
Town's official newspaper and posting the notice on the Town's bulletin board, and
BE IT FURTHER,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board further authorizes and directs the Town Clerk's Office to
send a copy of the notice to all property owners located within 500' of the subject area.
Duly adopted this 19th day of August, 2013, by the following vote:
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 08-19-2013 MTG#33 321
AYES: Mr. Metivier, Mr. Clements, Mr. Strough, Mr. Brewer, Mr. Montesi
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING HIRING OF KOLBI SEELEY
AS TEMPORARY, SEASONAL LABORER IN HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
RESOLUTION NO.: 344, 2013
INTRODUCED BY: Mr. Anthony Metivier
WHO MOVED FOR ITS ADOPTION
SECONDED BY: Mr. Brian Clements
WHEREAS, the Town Highway Superintendent has requested Town Board authorization to
hire a temporary, seasonal Laborer to work for the Town's Highway Department,
WHEREAS, funds for such position have been budgeted for in the Town Budget, and
WHEREAS, the Highway Superintendent has advised the Town Board that such temporary,
seasonal Laborer is Kolbi Seeley,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the Queensbury Town Board hereby authorizes and directs the hiring of
Kolbi Seeley to work as a temporary, seasonal Laborer for the Town Highway Department
commencing on or about August 26th, 2013 and concluding on or about November 22"a 2013,
subject to the Town successfully completing a pre-employment physical and background check
as reasonably necessary to judge fitness for the duties for which hired, and drug and/or alcohol
screenings, and
BE IT FURTHER,
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 08-19-2013 MTG#33 322
RESOLVED, that such temporary, seasonal Laborer shall be paid $10.00 per hour as set
forth in Town Board Resolution No.: 53,2013 to be paid from the appropriate payroll account, and
BE IT FURTHER,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board further authorizes and directs the Highway
Superintendent, Deputy Highway Superintendent, Town Budget Officer and/or Town Supervisor to
complete any forms and take any action necessary to effectuate the terms of this Resolution.
Duly adopted this 19th day of August, 2013, by the following vote:
AYES: Mr. Clements, Mr. Strough, Mr. Brewer, Mr. Montesi, Mr. Metivier
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING USE OF OCCUPANCY FUNDS
TOWARD LAKE GEORGE ASIAN CLAM ERADICATION PROGRAM
RESOLUTION NO.: 345, 2013
INTRODUCED BY: Mr. Anthony Metivier
WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION
SECONDED BY: Mr. Brian Clements
WHEREAS, by prior Resolution and Agreement the Queensbury Town Board provided in
the Town Budget for the Town's receipt of occupancy tax revenues from Warren County in
accordance with the Local Tourism Promotion and Convention Development Agreement
(Agreement) entered into between the Town and Warren County, and
WHEREAS, the Agreement provides that specific expenditure of the funds provided under
the Agreement are subject to further Resolution of the Queensbury Town Board, and
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 08-19-2013 MTG#33 323
WHEREAS, the Town recognizes the serious threat that invasive Asian clams could cause
to the ecology and water quality of Lake George and the economy of our region, and
WHEREAS, the Lake George Park Commission, Lake George Association and other
partners are undertaking a $600,000 control effort in the Fall of 2013 to continue to reduce and
ultimately eliminate the threat that this invasive species poses to Lake George, and
WHEREAS, the Towns of Queensbury, Lake George and Bolton and the Village of Lake
George are working to raise a total of$50,000 towards this important control effort ($12,500 each),
and
WHEREAS, the preservation of Lake George will continue to help to attract a significant
number of people to the Town of Queensbury and the general community, thereby serving as an
economic development tool for tourism in Queensbury and the surrounding area and therefore the
Town Board wishes to authorize the expenditure of$12,500 toward such control efforts with such
funds to be from Warren County occupancy tax revenues received by the Town, and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the Queensbury Town Board hereby supports the effort to control
invasive Asian clams in Lake George and therefore approves and authorizes the expenditure of
$12,500 to further the Lake George Asian clam eradication program, such funds to be transferred to
the Village of Lake George who is managing the funding for this effort, such funds to be from
Warren County occupancy tax revenues received by the Town and to be paid for from Account No.:
050-6410-4412, contingent upon the Town Budget Officer confirming that the Town has
unallocated occupancy tax funds available from Warren County, and
BE IT FURTHER,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board authorizes and directs the Town Budget to amend the
Town Budget and/or take any actions needed to provide for such payment, and
BE IT FURTHER,
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 08-19-2013 MTG#33 324
RESOLVED, that the Town Board further authorizes and directs the Town Supervisor,
and/or Town Budget Officer to take such other and further action as may be necessary to effectuate
the terms of this Resolution.
Duly adopted this 19th day of August, 2013, by the following vote:
AYES: Mr. Strough, Mr. Brewer, Mr. Montesi, Mr. Metivier, Mr. Clements
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXEMPTION OF RECREATIONAL TRAIL PARCEL
FROM TOWN TAXES
RESOLUTION NO.: 346,2013
INTRODUCED BY: Mr. Tim Brewer
WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION
SECONDED BY: Mr. John Strough
WHEREAS, the City of Glens Falls (City) has agreed to allow the Town of Queensbury
(Town) to extend a trail for passive public recreational uses on and through a certain parcel,
identified as Tax Map #315.-1-9.2, owned by the City and located within the Town of Queensbury
(the City Parcel), and
WHEREAS, extending the recreational trail through the City Parcel will enhance access for
Town residents to Hudson Pointe Park and allow the trail system to be extended in the future and
thereby provide recreational benefits to Town residents and the general public, and
WHEREAS, the Town Board has authority under Real Property Tax Law §406 to grant
exemptions from Town taxes, excluding Special District taxes, for parcels in the Town but owned
by other municipalities when such parcels are used for public recreational purposes, and
WHEREAS, the City Parcel is vacant and undeveloped and is intended to remain so after
the recreational trail is extended through it,
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 08-19-2013 MTG#33 325
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the Queensbury Town Board hereby exempts the City Parcel (Tax Map
#315.-1-9.2) from Town taxes, excluding Special District taxes, as long as the parcel remains owned
by the City and remains vacant, undeveloped and unused except for and subject to the License to the
Town permitting the public recreational trail to be established and maintained on it by the Town and
used by the general public, and
BE IT FURTHER,
RESOLVED, that the Town hereby agrees to pay all Special District taxes imposed on the
City Parcel or reimburse the City for such taxes during such period, and
BE IT FURTHER,
RESOLVED, that the exemption granted by this Resolution, and the Town's agreement
to pay Special District taxes on the City Parcel, shall expire immediately and automatically,
without need of further action by this Board, if the Assessor determines at any time in the future
that the City Parcel has been improved for, or is being used for, any purpose other than the public
recreational trail to be established by the Town or its current watershed use with no development,
or the License is terminated, or the City Parcel is sold, and
BE IT FURTHER,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board authorizes and directs the Town Supervisor, Town
Assessor, Town Budget Officer and/or Town Counsel to execute any required documents and take
any additional steps necessary to effectuate the approved exemption and payment of Special District
taxes on the City Parcel in accordance with the terms of this Resolution.
Duly adopted this 19th day of August, 2013 by the following vote:
AYES: Mr. Brewer, Mr. Montesi, Mr. Metivier, Mr. Clements, Mr. Strough
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 08-19-2013 MTG#33 326
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING GRANT APPLICATION FROM NEW YORK STATE
OFFICE OF COURT ADMINISTRATION FOR FUNDS
TO BE USED FOR TOWN COURT IMPROVEMENTS
RESOLUTION NO: 347,2013
INTRODUCED BY: Mr. Tim Brewer
WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION
SECONDED BY: Mr.Anthony Metivier
WHEREAS, the Town of Queensbury's Justice Court has advised the Town Board that a
Capital Improvement Fund Grant from the New York State Office of Court Administration (OCA)
is now available to provide funding to the Town for Town Court improvements, and
WHEREAS, the Town Board wishes to authorize an application for these grant funds up to
the maximum grant amount available,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the Queensbury Town Board hereby authorizes and directs the Town
Supervisor and/or Town Justices to apply for a Capital Improvement Fund Grant, up to the
maximum grant amount available, from the New York State Office of Court Administration(OCA)
to be used by the Town for Town Court improvements and take any further actions necessary to
effectuate the terms of this Resolution.
Duly adopted this 19th day of August, 2013, by the following vote:
AYES: Mr. Montesi, Mr. Metivier, Mr. Clements, Mr. Strough, Mr. Brewer
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 08-19-2013 MTG#33 327
RESOLUTION TO AMEND 2013 BUDGET
RESOLUTION NO.: 348, 2013
INTRODUCED BY: Mr. Ronald Montesi
WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION
SECONDED BY: Mr.Anthony Metivier
WHEREAS, the following Budget Amendment Requests have been duly initiated and
justified and are deemed compliant with Town operating procedures and accounting practices by the
Town Budget Officer,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the Queensbury Town Board hereby authorizes and directs the Town's
Accounting Office to take all action necessary to amend the 2013 Town Budget as follows:
From To
Code Appropriation Code Appropriation $
001-1990- 001-8020- Reimbursable
4400 Contingency 4711 Engineering 10,000
001-7110- 001-7110-
2070 Equipment 4824 Rec Programs 125
001-7110- 001-7110-
2080 Pool Equipment 4824 Rec Programs 1,200
001-7110- 001-7110-
1010 Salaries 4824 Rec Programs 6,000
Duly adopted this 19th day of August, 2013, by the following vote:
AYES: Mr. Metivier, Mr. Clements, Mr. Strough, Mr. Brewer, Mr. Montesi
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 08-19-2013 MTG#33 328
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ENGAGEMENT OF THE CHAZEN COMPANIES FOR
PROVISION OF DESIGN AND ENGINEERING SERVICES RELATED TO THE
GURNEY LANE POOL REPAIR/IMPROVEMENT PROJECT AND AUTHORIZING AN
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR SUCH PROJECT
RESOLUTION NO.: 349, 2013
INTRODUCED BY: Mr. Anthony Metivier
WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION
SECONDED BY: Mr. Brian Clements
WHEREAS, the Town of Queensbury's Parks and Recreation Director (Director) and
Recreation Commission have recommended that the Town Board authorize engagement of The
Chazen Companies (Chazen) for provision of design and engineering services related to needed
repairs/improvements to the Gurney Lane Pool, such repairs/improvements described as follows:
1. Demolition and removal of the stainless steel gutter system;
2. Demolition and removal of selected areas of the interior pool walls to repair and
replace compromised concrete;
3. Repair of any cracks in pool floor or other areas of concern;
4. Site work to include, but not be limited to, new concrete, fencing, grading, drainage,
landscaping, seeding, etc.;
5. Reinstallation of all necessary pool operations equipment (ladders, handicap lift,
diving board stand, water slide, etc.);
6. Installation of new pool entry door and diving board station and board;
7. Other improvements deemed necessary to be compliant with the New York State
Department of Health for public swimming facilities;
and
WHEREAS, Chazen has offered to provide the needed engineering services for an amount
not to exceed $20,940 as delineated in Chazen's Proposal dated August 13t1i 2013 and presented at
this meeting, and
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 08-19-2013 MTG#33 329
WHEREAS, the Queensbury Town Board previously established a Capital Reserve Fund
known as the Recreation Reserve Fund No. 61 (Fund#61) for future capital projects, and
WHEREAS, the Town Board wishes to authorize the withdrawal and expenditure of
moneys from Fund#61 for the needed engineering services, and
WHEREAS, in accordance with New York State General Municipal Law §6(c), the Town
Board is authorized to withdraw and expend funds from Fund #61 subject to permissive
referendum, and
WHEREAS, General Municipal Law §103 requires that the Town advertise for bids and
award the bid to the lowest responsible bidder meeting New York State statutory requirements and
the requirements set forth in the Town's bid documents and specifications,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the Queensbury Town Board hereby authorizes and directs engagement
of The Chazen Companies for provision of design and engineering services related to needed
repairs/improvements to the Gurney Lane Pool for an amount not to exceed $20,940 as delineated in
Chazen's August 13t1i 2013 Proposal presented at this meeting, and
BE IT FURTHER,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board further authorizes a transfer of appropriations in the
amount of $14,000 from Recreation Reserve Fund #61 to Appropriation #001-9950-9030-0061
Transfer to Capital Fund, and
BE IT FURTHER,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board further authorizes an increase in Revenue in Account
157-0000-55031 Interfund Revenue in the amount of$14,000 and an increase in Appropriation 157-
7110-4403 Engineering/Architecture for$14,000, and
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 08-19-2013 MTG#33 330
BE IT FURTHER,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board further authorizes and directs that payment of up to
$20,940 shall be paid to Chazen from 157-7110-4403 Engineering Architecture, and
BE IT FURTHER,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby finds that the withdrawal and expenditure for the
design and engineering services needed for the Gurney Lane Recreation Area Improvement Project
is an expenditure related to a specific capital project and items of equipment for which the reserve
account was established, and
BE IT FURTHER,
RESOLVED, that the Queensbury Town Board hereby authorizes and directs the Town
Purchasing Agent to publish an advertisement for bids for the specific capital improvements and
certain items of equipment related to the Gurney Lane Pool Repair/Improvement Project as
delineated in the preambles of this Resolution, and
BE IT FURTHER,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board further authorizes and directs the Town Purchasing
Agent to open all bids, read them aloud and record the bids as is customarily done and present the
bids to the Town Board, and
BE IT FURTHER,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board further authorizes and directs the Town Supervisor,
Parks & Recreation Director and/or Town Budget Officer to take all actions necessary to effectuate
the terms of this Resolution, and
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 08-19-2013 MTG#33 331
BE IT FURTHER,
RESOLVED, that this Resolution is subject to a permissive referendum in accordance with
the provisions of Town Law Article 7 and the Town Board hereby authorizes and directs the Town
Clerk to publish and post such notices and take such other actions as may be required by law.
Duly adopted this 19th day of August, 2013, by the following vote:
AYES: Mr. Clements, Mr. Strough, Mr. Brewer, Mr. Montesi, Mr. Metivier
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ADVERTISEMENT OF BIDS FOR PURCHASE OF A
NEW 3/4 TON REGULAR CAB 4X4 PICK-UP REPLACEMENT TRUCK FOR TOWN
WATER DEPARTMENT
RESOLUTION NO.: 350, 2013
INTRODUCED BY: Mr. Tim Brewer
WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION
SECONDED BY: Mr. Ronald Montesi
WHEREAS, the Town's Water Superintendent wishes to advertise for bids for the purchase
of a new, 2013 or 2014 3/4 Ton Regular Cab 4x4 Pick-Up Truck to replace a 1999 truck in the Water
Department as will be specified in bid specifications to be prepared by the Superintendent and/or
Purchasing Agent, and
WHEREAS, General Municipal Law §103 requires that the Town advertise for bids and
award the bid to the lowest responsible bidder(s) meeting New York State statutory requirements
and the requirements set forth in the Town's bidding documents,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 08-19-2013 MTG#33 332
RESOLVED, that the Queensbury Town Board hereby authorizes and directs the Town's
Purchasing Agent to publish an advertisement for bids for the purchase of a new, 2013 or 2014 3/4
Ton Regular Cab 4x4 Pick-Up Truck for the Town Water Department in the official newspaper for
the Town of Queensbury, and
BE IT FURTHER,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board further authorizes and directs the Purchasing Agent to
open all bids received, read the same aloud and record the bids as is customarily done and present
the bids to the next regular or special meeting of the Town Board.
Duly adopted this 19th day of August, 2013, by the following vote:
AYES: Mr. Strough, Mr. Brewer, Mr. Montesi, Mr. Metivier, Mr. Clements
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PITNEY BOWES DIGITAL MAILING SYSTEM
EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE AND SUBSCRIPTION CONTRACT
RESOLUTION NO.: 351,2013
INTRODUCED BY: Mr. Anthony Metivier
WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION
SECONDED BY: Mr. John Strough
WHEREAS, the Town of Queensbury's Town Clerk and Director of Information Services
have requested Town Board approval to enter into a Digital Mailing System Equipment
Maintenance and Subscription Contract with Pitney Bowes, and
WHEREAS, New York State Bidding is not required as the purchase price for such
Maintenance and Subscription Contract is in accordance with New York State Contract No.:
0403012-PIT pricing, and
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 08-19-2013 MTG#33 333
WHEREAS, moneys for such proposed purchase are included in the Town Budget,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the Queensbury Town Board hereby approves of the Digital Mailing
System Equipment Maintenance and Subscription Contract with Pitney Bowes in accordance with
New York State Contract No.: 0403012-PIT pricing for an amount not to exceed $772 monthly for
60 months, to be paid for from the appropriate account(s) as will be determined by the Town
Budget Officer, and
BE IT FURTHER,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board further authorizes and directs the Town Supervisor to
sign any necessary Purchase and/or Maintenance Agreement and any other needed documentation
in form acceptable to the Town Clerk, Director of Information Services and/or Town Counsel, and
the Town Supervisor, Town Clerk, Director of Information Services and/or Town Budget Officer to
take such other and further action as may be necessary to effectuate the terms of this Resolution.
Duly adopted this 19th day of August, 2013, by the following vote:
AYES: Mr. Brewer, Mr. Montesi, Mr. Metivier, Mr. Clements, Mr. Strough
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING JUDY FISH TO WORK IN
DEPUTY TAX RECEIVER I POSITION ON A PART-TIME BASIS
RESOLUTION NO.: 352,2013
INTRODUCED BY: Mr. Anthony Metivier
WHO MOVED FOR ITS ADOPTION
SECONDED BY: Mr. Tim Brewer
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 08-19-2013 MTG#33 334
WHEREAS, by Resolution No.: 236,95, the Queensbury Town Board established the
Deputy Tax Receiver I position as full-time and appointed Ms. Judy Fish to such full-time, overtime
eligible position, and
WHEREAS, the Town's Tax Receiver has annually reappointed Ms. Fish to such Deputy
Tax Receiver I position, and
WHEREAS, Ms. Fish has informed the Town that she intends to retire from full-time
employment effective September 30, 2013 but would consider returning to the Town should the
Town Board allow her to work in such Deputy Tax Receiver I position on a part-time basis, and
WHEREAS, the Tax Receiver has recommended that the Town Board authorize Ms. Fish to
return to the Deputy Tax Receiver I position on a part-time basis, to be paid at Ms. Fish's current
pay rate of$20.70 hourly, without benefits or leave accruals, and
WHEREAS, the Town Board wishes to authorize the appointment of Judy Fish effective
October 1, 2013 to such Deputy Tax Receiver I position on a part-time basis contingent upon Ms.
Fish's retirement from the Town consistent with the New York State Retirement System, and
WHEREAS, Ms. Fish shall work such days and hours as set forth by the Receiver of Taxes,
provided that such hours shall not exceed 40 hours in any work week and shall not exceed 1560
hours annually, and
WHEREAS, this is an appointive position of the Receiver of Taxes and is not part of the
Collective Bargaining Unit,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the Queensbury Town Board hereby authorizes the appointment of Judy
Fish as the Deputy Tax Receiver I on a part-time basis contingent and effective only upon Ms.
Fish's retirement from the Town consistent with the New York State Retirement System as of
October 1, 2013 with Ms. Fish to work the dates and times determined by the Receiver of Taxes
provided that such hours shall not exceed 40 hours in any work week and shall not exceed 1560
hours annually, and
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 08-19-2013 MTG#33 335
BE IT FURTHER,
RESOLVED, that Ms. Fish shall receive the hourly rate of $20.70 for hours worked and
shall not be eligible for employee benefits or leave accruals, and
BE IT FURTHER,
RESOLVED, that this appointment shall be in effect through December 31St, 2013, and
BE IT FURTHER,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board further authorizes and directs the Town Supervisor,
Town Clerk/Tax Receiver, Town Counsel and/or Budget Officer to complete and file any
documentation and take such other and further actions necessary to effectuate all terms of this
Resolution.
Duly adopted this 19th day of August, 2013, by the following vote:
AYES: Mr. Montesi, Mr. Metivier, Mr. Clements, Mr. Strough, Mr. Brewer
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AGREEMENT BETWEEN TOWN OF QUEENSBURY
AND QUEENSBURY UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT—HOSTING OF 2013 CROSS
COUNTRY EVENTS:
QUEENSBURY ADIRONDACK INVITATIONAL AND
NYSPHSAA STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
RESOLUTION NO.: 353,2013
INTRODUCED BY: Mr. John Strough
WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION
SECONDED BY: Mr. Brian Clements
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 08-19-2013 MTG#33 336
WHEREAS, the Town of Queensbury has received a request for funding in the amount of
$12,000 from the Queensbury Union Free School District which will be hosting two major Cross
Country running events on the Queensbury campus: the Queensbury Adirondack Invitational on
September 21St, 2013 and the NYSPHSAA State Championships on Saturday, November 9th 2013,
as well as a number of more local spin-off races, and
WHEREAS, such events are expected to draw thousands of participants and supporters to
the Town of Queensbury and the surrounding area's hotels and motels, restaurants, stores and other
businesses, thereby benefiting the general economy of the Town and all of Warren County, and
WHEREAS, by prior Resolution, the Queensbury Town Board provided for the Town's
receipt of occupancy tax revenues from Warren County in accordance with the Local Tourism
Promotion and Convention Development Agreement (Agreement) entered into between the Town
and Warren County, and
WHEREAS, the Agreement provides that specific expenditure of the funds provided under
the Agreement are subject to further Resolution of the Queensbury Town Board, and
WHEREAS, the Town Board wishes to provide funding to Queensbury Union Free School
District in the amount of$12,000 with occupancy tax revenues received from Warren County, and
WHEREAS, a proposed Agreement between the Town and the Queensbury Union Free
School District has been presented at this meeting,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the Queensbury Town Board hereby approves and authorizes funding to
the Queensbury Union Free School District in support of the School's hosting of two major Cross
Country running events on the Queensbury campus: the Queensbury Adirondack Invitational on
September 21St, 2013 and the NYSPHSAA State Championships on Saturday, November 9th 2013,
as well as a number of more local spin-off races, and authorizes the Agreement between the Town
and Queensbury Union Free School District substantially in the form presented at this meeting, and
authorizes and directs the Town Supervisor to execute the Agreement, with funding not to exceed
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 08-19-2013 MTG#33 337
the sum of 12,000 and to be provided by occupancy tax revenues the Town receives from Warren
County, to be paid for from Account No.: 050-6410-4412, and
BE IT FURTHER,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board authorizes and directs the Town Budget Officer to
amend the Town Budget and/or take any actions needed to provide for such payment, and
BE IT FURTHER,
RESOLVED, that such Agreement is contingent upon the Town Budget Officer confirming
that the Town has unallocated occupancy tax funds available from Warren County.
Duly adopted this 19th day of August, 2013, by the following vote:
AYES: Mr. Metivier, Mr. Clements, Mr. Strough, Mr. Brewer, Mr. Montesi
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
*DISCUSSION HELD BEFORE VOTE:
COUNCILMAN CLEMENTS: Questioned whether the first whereas states $13,000 should that
be $12,000?
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- It should be $12,000 yes.
COUNCILMAN CLEMENTS- Okay, I also wanted to comment on this an excellent use of
occupancy tax. For $12,000 this will generate over $100,000 for hotels and motels and even
more for the restaurants and the other activities around. I think this is a good way to spend this
money.
COUNCILMAN METIVIER- I just have one question, why on the second page the paragraph
that has to do with the Queensbury Little League. The middle big paragraph, what am I missing
here, I don't understand why they're involved in this? Is that a typo?
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- Yes, that is a typo
COUNCILMAN METIVIER- All right, so just strike that?
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- Yes
COUNCILMAN CLEMENTS- Should be Queensbury School District?
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- Yes, thank you for picking that up Tony
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 08-19-2013 MTG#33 338
COUNCILMAN METIVIER-No problem, and I will vote on it yes
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- So there's two changes in the resolution, one is the correction
from $13,000 to $12,000 in the first paragraph and then in resolved it's the correction to
Queensbury School District. I approve of the amendments and whoever seconded has to approve
as well.
COUNCILMAN CLEMENTS- I'll seconded it.
RESOLUTION APPROVING AUDIT OF BILLS—
WARRANT OF AUGUST 20TH,2013
RESOLUTION NO.: 354, 2013
INTRODUCED BY: Mr. Tim Brewer
WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION
SECONDED BY: Mr.Anthony Metivier
WHEREAS, the Queensbury Town Board wishes to approve an audit of bills presented as a
Warrant with a run date of August 15th 2013 and a payment date of August 201h, 2013,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the Queensbury Town Board hereby approves the Warrant with a run
date of August 15th 2013 and a payment date of August 20th, 2013 totaling $1,071,735.90, and
BE IT FURTHER,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board further authorizes and directs the Town Supervisor
and/or Town Budget Officer to take such other and further action as may be necessary to effectuate
the terms of this Resolution.
Duly adopted this 19th day of August, 2013, by the following vote:
AYES: Mr. Clements, Mr. Strough, Mr. Brewer, Mr. Montesi, Mr. Metivier
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 08-19-2013 MTG#33 339
5.0 PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR(LIMIT 4 MINUTES)
KATHLEEN SONNABEND- Spoke regarding a message she left for the Zoning Administrator
regarding her wishes for the public hearing scheduled for Wednesday night to be re-opened on
the Fowler Square variance; stated that she never heard back from him. She read a letter signed
by herself, David Thorne and Lara & John Currie appealing the Zoning Administrator's
determination that public hearing not be re-open for the vote this Wednesday night on the area
variances for Queensbury Partner's Fowler Square. A copy was submitted to Board Members
and a copy is on file in the Town Clerk's Office.
DOUG AUER-
• Complemented the Town Board on how they handled the H. Thomas Jarrett Septic
Variance.
• Suggested that the Town Board look closely at the training of the Zoning and Planning
Board Members. He stated that the decisions that are being made by these Boards are
being done in a cavalier manner. He said he would go so far as to suggest that the Town
Board ask for their resignations.
BOB VALERO- Worked on the Planning Board with Councilman Strough and Councilman
Metivier. Remembers that Councilman Strough was always extremely well prepared for these
meetings. Attended a recent Planning Board Meeting where he didn't feel a SEQRA was done
well at all. He stated that SEQRA is put in place for a reason and it should be handled properly.
PLINEY TUCKER- Questioned Councilman Brewer if the Highway Superintendent has told
him what roads he is going to pave in his ward?
COUNCILMAN BREWER- Yes, he gave him a list. Showed Mr. Tucker a copy of the list.
MR. TUCKER- Spoke regarding the Corinth Road Sewer District.
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- Asked why he is opposed to something that is progress for our
community? It is going to take care of the growth of our community and the ability to grow.
MR. TUCKER- What happens if it doesn't pay for itself
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- Then we won't do it
MR. TUCKER- Recommends that they withdraw a resolution that was passed at the last meeting
to finance the project
COUNCILMAN STROUGH- You mean the application for the grant?
MR. TUCKER- The Map, Plan& Report, because if they don't withdraw it he worries the Board
will state they have already spent the money to do this.
JOHN SALVADOR-
• Spoke on the jurisdiction issue on Lake George. Referred to a document from the Park
Commission's website talking about the rules for dock and moorings on Lake George.
Nowhere on these two documents does it state that any kind of a permit from the Town/
Local Government is necessary to do a dock or boat house on Lake George. He wishes
the Town Board would change the code to reflect that as other towns have done.
• He is hearing a lot of criticism about the Town's review Boards with regard to the Fowler
Square project. On Wednesday agenda this week for ZBA there's an administrative item
to re-affirm the vote for the Fowler Square project. He is concerned that there is no
provision in Town law for a zoning board to re-affirm one of its previous votes; they are
inventing a process. Stated that Warren County first denied this project back in December
of 2011. That denial was issued by the Warren County Planning Board, but the Warren
County Planning Department has now approved the project. Explained that a planning
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 08-19-2013 MTG#33 340
board is supposed to re-approve this not a staff person, but since there is no longer a
planning board there is no sense of sending a project to them. Is the County obligated by
law to have a planning board? Concerned about all of the issues with this project.
DOUG IRISH-
• Questioned resolution 4.3 entitled Resolution Authorizing Use of Occupancy Funds-Lake
George Asian Clam Eradication Program. Is it legal to gift that money, and is there any
impact on the Town of Queensbury for the Asian Clam Infestation?
• With regards to earlier comments from constituents, stated that it is incumbent upon
every board member whether your town board, planning board or zoning board, whatever
board you're serving on to understand the rules and regulations are for that board that you
serve. If you don't know than you don't act.
• Would like to see the Town Board change privilege of the floor, a couple of minutes
should be allowed to address the resolutions that are before this Board prior to them
taking action. States that the reason people are not coming to these meeting other than
being able to watch them on television is that they don't have an opportunity to have an
impact on what is being done unless it's a public hearing.
6.0 CORRESPONDENCE
DEPUTY TOWN CLERK, MELLON- Supervisor's Report for Community
Development/Building and Codes for July 2013 on file in Town Clerk's Office.
7.0 TOWN BOARD DISCUSSIONS
COUNCILMAN BREWER(WARD 4)-Nothing to Report
COUNCILMAN STROUGH (WARD 3)- Outlined the Animal Control monthly report. Jim
Fitzgerald does a great job.
COUNCILMAN CLEMENTS (WARD 2)-
• Met with Monty Liu regarding his rental property at 650 Glen Street. Mr. Liu has
promised to get it cleaned up and to meet with Councilman Clements on a weekly basis
to assess the progress. Councilman Clements will stay in contact with the neighbors as
well to make sure they are comfortable with the process.
• Left message with the Town's Engineer, Dan Ryan to schedule a meeting with him
regarding the storm water run-off problem with the house next to Dunkin Donuts on Glen
Street. Hopes to be able to resolve this along with the storm water problem the Rivers
Family is having on Phillips Street off of Dix Avenue.
• Attended an informational meeting put on Dunham's Bay Water Quality Awareness
Committee of the Dunham's Bay Association. Supervisor Montesi was the Master of
Ceremonies for that. Barbara Simms and the other Committee Members put on a very
professional presentation on detecting and solving water quality problems in Dunham's
Bay.
• Pleased to hear that our area is being advertised in New York City. There is an
advertisement for the Balloon Festival on a poster on a subway in New York City, it is
also on Iloveny.com
• Spoke regarding an article in the Glens Falls Business Journal regarding solar panels
being installed at the Stewarts Shops.
COUNCILMAN METIVIER(WARD 1)-
• Received an email from a gentleman who brought to his attention that the boat ramp on
Glen Lake has a Porta-John and it is not handicap accessible. Asked him to make a call to
the company to get one that is. After further thought, decided that it would be beneficial
to inventory all of facilities to make sure there is at least one handicap accessible Porta-
John at each park location.
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 08-19-2013 MTG#33 341
• Read an article about the new owner of West Mountain. Wished Spencer Montgomery all
of the luck in the world; in hopes that he can bring some life back into the Mountain.
Encouraged everyone to go online to Powder Magazine to read a fantastic article about
West Mountain.
• Attended a meeting regarding the Dunham's Bay Septic Maintenance District on
Saturday, August 10th There was one thing that Councilman Metivier would have liked
to discuss but didn't have the opportunity; in a situation where someone might not have
any room on their property to put a compliant septic system they could possibly
coordinate with a neighbor to put one septic system in for two or three houses. This might
solve some problems for some people.
SUPERVISOR MONTESI- Thanked Look TV and our sponsors for televising these meetings.
RESOLUTION ADJOURNING REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING
RESOLUTION NO.: 355, 2013
INTRODUCED BY: Mr. Tim Brewer
WHO MOVED FOR ITS ADOPTION
SECONDED BY: Mr. John Strough
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Queensbury hereby adjourns its Regular
Town Board Meeting.
Duly adopted this 19th day of August, 2013, by the following vote:
AYES: Mr. Strough, Mr. Brewer, Mr. Montesi, Mr. Metivier, Mr. Clements
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Respectfully Submitted,
Darleen M. Dougher
Town Clerk
Town of Queensbury