KENNEDY - The Town of Poland Board approved the minutes form the organizational meeting at their first regular meeting of the year. Cynthia Woodin had been appointed as deputy town clerk.
After many years of service, Joyce Ormond is resigning from the position. The board approved changing the pay for the town constables to a flat fee for calendar call night, and raised the hourly rate for other appearances.
Under legal business, Supervisor Jim Cooper informed the board that he had received a letter concerning property that had been deeded to the Town several years ago. A question has arisen whether the land actually belonged to the person who donated it. Cooper said that he had forwarded the letter to Town Attorney Paul Webb for further investigation.
NEW TRUCK PROPOSAL
Highway Superintendent Larry Mee told the board that he has been concerned about the oldest truck his department has been using. It is a 1989 and would need a lot of work. He has talked with the Town of Carroll, and they are buying a new truck to replace their 1997 model. Mee stated that he has an opportunity to purchase the 1997 truck for a very reasonable price, and would like a motion from the board to do so.
The newer truck is a 10-wheeler, and also equipped for plowing, which would make it more versatile than the one it would replace. Mee stated that he would have to make a commitment right away, or the vehicle would be put in the next equipment auction, where others could bid on it, raising the price. Mee said that he has funds in his accounts that he could use, because he purchased his stone out of last year's budget, which hadn't been done before.
Councilwoman Kathy Stanton asked to have clarification, since she feels that the board needs to be fiscally responsible to the taxpayers. Councilwoman Sandy Tompsett stated that the amount remaining in the budget at the end of last year was a very small percentage, well within the scope of fiscal responsibility.
Trying to budget to the exact penny, a year in advance, would be impossible. Too many unknown factors could influence costs and income during the year. Ms. Stanton said that she trusts Mee to know what he needs for equipment, but she wanted to understand what is required.
Mee said that he has requested that the board members visit the highway department to inspect the equipment to understand what his department needs. Ms. Tompsett asked if the Town of Carroll was replacing their truck because of problems with it. Mee replied that they replace their trucks more often, so that the one he has an opportunity to purchase is in good condition, that he has looked at it himself.
Cooper said that he felt it was a good idea to buy the truck from the Town of Carroll. Some of the cost would be recouped when the old equipment is sold at auction. Ms. Stanton said she would like to see an asset schedule and a replacement schedule. Mee answered that he makes one for the insurance company every year, and he would make her a copy. Ms. Tompsett made a motion to authorize Mee to make an offer to the Town of Carroll for their used 10-wheeler. The Board unanimously approved.
Mee stated that his department has been able to keep up with the storms so far. He has been keeping his salt and sand supplies replenished.
Cooper said that there has been a good response to the request for applications for the position of Code Enforcement Officer. The board decided that Cooper and Town Assessor Dennis Stornes would go through the applications to select the best responses, and then the Board will be involved in the final interviews.
FIRE DISTRICT
Councilman Norm Gustafson asked about how the fire district works. He was concerned that it could take the Kennedy fire department a longer time to reach the far side of the town than it would either Falconer or Frewsburg. Supervisor Cooper said he knew that Falconer sometimes responds to calls. He wondered if there was a reciprocation policy. It was suggested that might be a good idea to have someone from the Kennedy Fire Department come to speak to the Board about this concern. Supervisor Cooper suggested that they might want to get information from the county coordinator as well.
Town Clerk Barb Czerniak reported that the first days of tax collection have gone well. The local law for dog licensing has been filed with the state.
Councilwoman Stanton asked if the Board was going to revisit the dog control issue. There is a leash law within the downtown area of Kennedy. Ways of enforcing dog control issues were discussed. The Board agreed that the issue needs to be addressed.
OLD BUSINESS
Under old business, Councilwoman Tompsett reported on the Recreation Committee. A cross-country ski event is schedule to be held at Temple School on Jan. 22. The possibility of a sledding trip to Allegany State Park was also discussed.
Ms. Tompsett informed the Board that a logo has been designed by Cathy Kimball, of 2nd Look Graphics, for the brochures about the proposed Town Hall building project. Ms. Stanton said that she has been working on grant applications.
NEW BUSINESS
Under new business, Cooper presented to the Board his proposed adjustments to the 2010 budget. Funds were moved to balance the accounts. When moved within a department, the Supervisor can do so without Board approval. When moving funds between departments, the supervisor needs Board approval. Cooper went over all the adjustments, so the Board could understand them. Board members felt that the adjustments were reasonable, and approved the supervisor's adjustments.
The next regular meeting of the Town of Poland Board will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2011 at 7 p.m. in the Town Hall. Supervisor Cooper will be available at 6:30 p.m. to meet with residents about their concerns.