Minutes….The regularly scheduled monthly meeting of the Remsen Town Board was held on Wednesday, February 10, 2016 and called to order by Deputy Supervisor Duane Jones at 6:34PM at the Remsen Town Hall.

Members PRESENT:

Councilman Duane Jones

Councilperson Donna Hamilton

Councilman Robert Wilcox

Councilman Thomas Murphy

Town Attorney Tod Lascurettes

Members ABSENT:

Supervisor Roger Helmer

Highway Supt George Worden

Also present: Bonnie Allen, Harlan Moonan, Patricia Hill, Harry Lichtenberger Jr., Donald Helmer, Judy Helmer, Thomas Morris, and John Fox.

The minutes for the January 13, 2016 regular meeting were read and accepted.

Nick Polce was present and addressed the Board regarding a property on Route 12 in Remsen. Polce described the property as a nuisance due to a partially collapsed building and contaminated soil from an EPA spill. Harlan Moonan, NOCCOG, advised that the State formerly offered funds for projects with properties in similar conditions through the Brownsfield Program, but that there is no funding currently being offered. Moonan also suggested Polce contact the Oneida County Health Department to discuss the potential for injury or health hazards that the site may pose.   

Harlan Moonan, NOCCOG, was present to review announcements. Katie Malinowski has been appointed Executive Director of the Tug Hill Commission. There is a State Archives grant available for records storage, preservation, and maintenance. The Local Government Conference will be held on March 31^st at Jefferson County Community College.

Assessor, Tonya Brown, submitted a sales report for December.

Resolution #6-16 was offered by Donna Hamilton to authorize Supervisor Helmer to sign the contract with the Oriskany Police Department to provide court security for the Remsen Justice Court. Seconded by Robert Wilcox. Ayes –Jones, Hamilton, Wilcox, Murphy. Nays – 0.

Deputy Supervisor Jones stated that a letter was received from Martha Deming. Town Clerk Allen read aloud the letter concerning road conditions on January 26, 2016.

Information was provided to the Board from Mercy Flight. The organization is seeking donations. Councilman Wilcox noted that the budget has been adopted for the current year and that the Board may consider a possible donation next year.

Resolution #7-16 was offered by Robert Wilcox to authorize Supervisor Helmer to sign the contract with Patricia Scofield to provide Dog Control Officer services and Hurricane Kennels to provide kennel services commencing March 1, 2016 and ending February 28, 2017. Seconded by Duane Jones. Ayes –Jones, Hamilton, Wilcox, Murphy. Nays – 0.

A thank-you note was received from Garrie Jones for flowers that were sent during her recent illness and hospitalization.

Sue Bartholomew has asked if the funds that were included in the 2016 Town Budget for the Arts Center could be dispersed immediately due to the Arts Center’s need to demonstrate matching funds in a grant application.

Resolution #8-16 was offered by Robert Wilcox to authorize the dispersal of funds budgeted for the Remsen Arts Center immediately. Seconded by Donna Hamilton. Ayes –Jones, Hamilton, Wilcox, Murphy. Nays – 0.

Steve Boucher was present and addressed the Board regarding any interest on the part of the Town in purchasing the General Store/Soda Fountain building for use as a Town Hall. Boucher stated that he has addressed the Board on previous occasions and would like to know if there is any interest or if he should move forward with other interested parties. Boucher asked the Board to consider the possibility of passing a resolution to look for grant money in the near future.

Robert Wilcox offered Resolution #9-16 to pay the General Fund bills in the amount of $46,757.62 on #2-16 Abstract. Seconded by Donna Hamilton. Ayes –Jones, Hamilton, Wilcox, Murphy. Nays – 0.

Donna Hamilton offered Resolution #10-16 to pay the Highway Fund bills in the amount of $22,096.88 on #2-16 Abstract. Seconded by Duane Jones. Ayes –Jones, Hamilton, Wilcox, Murphy. Nays – 0.

Adrian Grenier, Codes Enforcement Officer, submitted a report for the month of January.

Kristy Allen, Town Clerk, submitted a report for January. A total of $177 in revenue was collected. The report listed annual reports filed and oaths of office filed.

Highway Superintendent, George Worden, was not present.

Patricia Hill, Historian, showed photographs and talked about the various diners and other eating establishments that have existed in the Town over the years.

A Motion was made by Councilman Robert Wilcox at 7:49pm to enter Executive Session to discuss a personnel matter relating to a specific office. Seconded by Donna Hamilton. Ayes –Jones, Hamilton, Wilcox, Murphy. Nays – 0.

A Motion was made to come out of Executive Session and return to Regular Session by Councilperson Donna Hamilton at 8:39pm. Seconded by Robert Wilcox. Ayes –Jones, Hamilton, Wilcox, Murphy. Nays – 0.

No action taken.

Deputy Supervisor Jones asked that the minutes reflect that the Town Clerk has reported that the Superintendent of Highways has not filed an oath of office. The Attorney has advised upon the failure of the Highway Superintendent to file within the timeframe prescribed by law the office has become vacant automatically. As the Board is not prepared at this time to appoint a Highway Superintendent, a special meeting shall take place on Monday, February 15, 2016 at 6:30pm at the Remsen Town Hall to consider personnel matters and such other business as shall lawfully come before it.