Minutes….The regularly scheduled monthly meeting of the Remsen Town Board was held on Wednesday, July 8, 2015 and called to order by Supervisor Roger Helmer at 6:33PM at the Remsen Town Garage.

Members PRESENT:

Supervisor Roger Helmer

Councilman Duane Jones

Councilman Robert Wilcox

Councilperson Donna Hamilton

Highway Supt George Worden

Members ABSENT:

Councilman Charles Appleton

Attorney Tod Lascurettes

The minutes for the June 10, 2015 meeting were read and accepted.

Supervisor Helmer stated that the contract for Sam’s Business Service was postponed from the June meeting. Additional bids were sought; no bids were submitted due to the mid-season timing.

Resolution #27-15 was offered by Donna Hamilton to accept the contract from Sam’s Business Service to mow 20 times for a total of $5,000; additional times will be charged at a rate of $200 per time. Seconded by Roger Helmer. Ayes –Wilcox, Jones, Helmer, Hamilton. Nays – 0.

Supervisor Helmer asked Highway Superintendent George Worden if he had discussed the proper use of the time clock with the Highway Department workers. Superintendent Worden stated that a service representative from Simplex had come to service the time clock as it was not keeping proper time; it is 15-20 minutes slow. The serviceman cleaned the time clock, and stated that if the problem persists the clock will need to be replaced. Councilman Hamilton asked if the clock is working now. Superintendent Worden stated that the clock is working at this time. Councilman Wilcox asked if any quotes have been obtained for a replacement. Supervisor Helmer stated no quotes have been obtained.

Councilman Wilcox asked if there is a service contract. Secretary Bonnie Allen stated the contract with simplex is $400 a year and only covers inspecting the clock once a year, not repairs. Councilman Jones asked where the clock is located. Superintendent Worden stated the clock is in the break-room.

Councilperson Hamilton asked how the Summer Recreation Program has been going this year. Secretary Bonnie Allen stated the program is going well. Participation is around 20-25 kids per day. Brenda Rogers is the bus driver for all trips and swim days. 

Codes Officer, James Mason stated that two property owners are currently disputing a property line.

Kristy Allen, Town Clerk submitted two reports. A monthly report was submitted as well as a semi-annual report with an accompanying record of deposits for the first six months of the year.

Sue Martin, NOCCOG, was present to review announcements. The Executive Director of NOCCOG is retiring. Katie Malinowski is acting director at this time.

George Worden, Highway Superintendent, informed the Board that he called an Engineer on Tuesday of last week and scheduled for him to come on Thursday. The Engineer did not come. Worden stated that the bridge cannot be repaired and must be replaced because the bottom fell out up to the mesh and needs new steel. Worden stated he has contacted three individuals from the state regarding the bridge. Councilman Wilcox asked about installing a culvert pipe. Worden stated that it may be an option. James Clarke, Laberge, was present and offered to look at the bridge at no charge.

Harry Lichtenberger asked about the use of pre-castings to fix the bridge.  Worden said they will have to use a catch basin to avoid materials falling into the creek. Superintendent Worden said that money should be put in the bridge fund because of the bridge on Muthig Rd. Councilman Wilcox asked how many bridges are in the Town. Worden stated there are 3; Phelps, Muthig and Depot.

Patricia Hill, Historian, stated it is sad to see that the C.C. Bickens Car Show will not take place this year.

Supervisor Helmer stated that the Highway budget has not been decreased. The roads will be repaired and plowed by the Highway Department, as usual. Councilman Wilcox stated that the Board would not put the public in jeopardy by not caring for the roads. Supervisor Helmer stated that a used copier had to be purchased because the other copier was not repairable. No money has been spent on a new Town Hall, the Board is only looking into all options.

Steve Boucher was present and talked to the Board about a possible opportunity to either Lease the General Store or buy the entire commercial property he owns on Main Street. Much discussion occurred. Councilman Jones asked how much the entire property would cost. Boucher said he is asking $699,000, he has approximately 1.4 million invested in the property. Councilman Wilcox asked how large the space is. The store is 2,500 square feet, the entire property is approximately 6,000 square feet. Remsen Village Mayor Francis Stacy asked if there was room for expansion. Boucher said he would be willing to lease the Soda Fountain space and could be moved out if there was a need for expansion. There is a little over an acre of land. The building is heated by propane. There is a firewall between the two spaces and separate utilities. The building is on Village sewer and water and fully insulated as well as ADA compliant. A copy of the blue prints can be provided to the Board.

James Clarke, Laberge, stated that he has submitted a proposal for potential services Laberge may offer. The initial 6-8 weeks of preliminary work would cost $6,800.

Robert Wilcox offered Resolution #28-15 to pay the Highway Fund bills in the amount of $10,123.33 on #7-15 Abstract. Seconded by Duane Jones. Ayes – Wilcox, Helmer, Jones, Hamilton. Nays – 0.

Donna Hamilton offered Resolution #29-15 to pay the General Fund bills in the amount of $8,350.63 on #7-15 Abstract. Seconded by Roger Helmer. Ayes – Wilcox, Helmer, Jones, Hamilton. Nays – 0.