State of New York
County of Fulton
Town of Caroga
Minutes of a Caroga Town Board meeting held Wednesday May 12, 2021 at the municipal building located at 1840 State Highway #10 at 7:00 pm with the following persons in attendance by roll call. The flag salute followed.
Supervisor Scott Horton - Here
Council Member John Glenn – Here
Council Member James Long - Here
Council Member Richard Sturgess - Here
Council Member Donald Travis - Here
Supervisor Horton, Council Members Glenn, Sturgess, and Travis were in the meeting room Council Member Long accessed the meeting remotely. Tor Shekerjian – Confidential Secretary to the Supervisor facilitated the ZOOM meeting. There were four persons in attendance at town hall and there were 23 people using Zoom. Supervisor Horton opened the meeting at 7:00 pm.
Mr. Shekerjian gave the rules and various ways to be recognized to speak using zoom.
Supervisor Horton asked for a motion to waive the reading of the minutes. The motion was made by Council Member Glenn and seconded by Council Member Travis. All board members were in favor of the motion.
Public Comment: Lynne Delesky named and thanked all the participants of the Adopt a Highway road side cleanup program on Saturday April 17th. Thirty bags of garbage were collected. She was thanked for doing the program again this year.
Department Reports:
Wheelerville Bike Trail – Jeremy Manning gave a brief trail report noting the trails were still somewhat soft, but in anticipation of nicer weather he stated that people could go up and ride and hike. He is looking to begin trail construction the beginning of June. A logo has been finalized; work is being done on a map. A sign for the road access point is also being worked on. He thanked people for their work on the trails and for the posting of the 911 sign. Mr. Manning introduced Matt Van Slyke board member of Adirondack Foothills Trails Alliance. He has been helping with marketing and setting up volunteers.
Mr. Van Slyke stated he and Chuck Schweitzer are lead board members of Adirondack Foothills Trails Alliance (AFTA). Mr. Van Slyke is here to help develop these trails that are unique and to give the town something to promote and be proud of and hopefully provide some economic development.
It was half past the hour and the Supervisor wanted to get on with the meeting.
Sole Assessor – Leigh Anne Loucks submitted a written report. Supervisor Horton stated that Grievance day was June 2nd and it would be held at the town office building from 4 pm – 8 pm. Grievances will be in person unless aggrieved parties request alternate measures prior to 4 pm on June 2nd. The Tentative Assessment Roll has been prepared and the Assessor is addressing issues that have arisen from valuation changes made prior to her appointment. She submitted a voucher for a Notary Stamp. The roll was filed with the Town Clerk on April 30, 2021. She met with a resident over a garbage issue on Sgt. Witzke Drive. For a copy of the full report contact the town clerk.
BTI – John Delesky was in attendance. He submitted a report dated April 30th. Mr. Delesky discussed a check list from the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). to make sure you are in compliance. Mr. Delesky printed out the check list for all of the five applicators. They returned the checklist affirming they were complying with the guidelines. Mr. Delesky wanted to work with Mr. Stedman to make sure that he was also in compliance.
Supervisor Horton suggested Mr. Delesky and Mr. Stedman come up with a time to meet. Mr. Delesky gave out his home phone number 518- 835- 2644 and noted he would like to know about any complaints about the black flies or BTI.
Mr. Stedman stated that Linda the Town Clerk did give him the checklist from Mr. Delesky. He will give Mr. Delesky a call.
Town Clerk/Tax Collector/Registrar/RMO – The Clerk, Linda Gilbert, submitted a written report to the board along with the monthly town clerk report. The Tax Collection books are ready to be audited. One board member has audited the books to date.
Code Enforcement & Sanitation – Anthony Fancher submitted a written report.
Council Member Glenn wanted to discuss an email he received from the Supervisor regarding how complaints are handled. This was later on in the agenda Supervisor Horton noted.
Dog Control – Dutcher No report.
Golf Course – Stedman/Groom/Centi/Councilman Sturgess. Mr. Centi gave a report comparing the number of golf memberships this year as compared to last.
Jerry Groom gave a verbal report on the Tee signs and conditions on the golf course.
Mr. Stedman reported on the work he has been doing on the golf course.
Council Member Sturgess reported that the bathroom building was delivered last week. They are not working due to technical difficulty. The plan was to have unisex bathrooms but both men and women have voiced opposition to that plan to Council Member Sturgess. The finer details still need to be completed in the restrooms. There is one toilet in each room so they are Americans with Disabilities (ADA) compliant.
Highway – Mr. Voght submitted a written report. He is working on Fulton Road. People were asked to slow down for the safety of the highway crew. The project should take about 60 days depending upon the weather. Funds may be rolled over in the next year so final top paving can be done on some of these roads. It was stated that there is still just a base on South Shore Road of East Caroga. Supervisor Horton stated it would be a ten-year process.
Lakes Management Program – Glenn/Harazin /Olm/Centi Council Member Glenn stated there was an informal meeting about the program last week. The harvester is ready to go. The deck will not be replaced this year due to the cost of marine plywood. There is a full complement of divers ready to go. Mr. Centi estimates they will start right after Memorial Day.
Lake Stewards Program – John Olm reported on getting the program started this year. He stated there are four stewards coming back full time the rate of pay is minimum wage $12.50. The budget will be reviewed.
RESOLUTION #2021-054 to appoint employees was offered by Council Member Glenn at the regular monthly meeting of the Caroga Town Board held on Wednesday May 12, 2021.
WHEREAS, John Olm named the following persons to be employees to work at the Boat Wash Station: Henry Younglove, Laurie Mott, Kaylee Stead, and one more person, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the persons named above will be paid $12.50 per hour for 40 hours working 7 days a week.
Seconded by Council Member Long
Discussion: Supervisor Horton stated not to exceed the budget. Expenses were discussed per the budget. The line item is $2,000.00 for contractual expense.
Adopted by a roll call vote as follows:
Supervisor Scott Horton - Aye
Council Member John Glenn - Yes
Council Member James Long - Aye
Council Member Richard Sturgess - Yes
Council Member Donald Travis - Yes
Town Hall Building – Council Member Travis discussed turning the ladies room bathroom into being handicapped accessible. “I have not received any bids from the plumbers that were supposed to do that.” Robert was asked to do the doors. Council Member Travis stated the striping of the parking lot would be done in house.
Supervisor Horton reported when the Phinney Group visited the building a couple of weeks ago the truss guy did a quick re inspection of our trusses. The Supervisor reported that nothing has gotten much worse. The entrance way may need more analysis as salt has damaged the trusses.
Supervisor Horton entered into a discussion on the costs to renovate the existing town hall building to bring it up to code. There may be a way to combine a town hall and clubhouse. The architect said there could be a savings of 1.3 million
Historian – Richard Nilsen noted the role of the municipal historian has changed over the years. They are not doing genealogy they are promoting the area. He does this through his stories and photos. Mr. Nilsen stated in combining buildings not to go over 10,000 square feet, then you would need a sprinkler system which would have cost the fire house another $150,000.00. And a tank would have cost another couple hundred thousand Supervisor Horton stated. Mr. Nilsen noted he also works for Paul Smiths inspecting boats. He stated the number of boats doubled last year and he is expecting the same thing this year.
PLRT Commission – Mr. Centi was asked by Millie Busch to take care of the flowers over by the Nick Stoner monument. He stated the PLRT would dress that area up with flowers.
Mr. Centi and Rachael Simonds reported on plans for the 2021 Youth program. Council Member Long emphasized the importance of this program to the many families that depend on this program.
Sewer Study – Council Member Glenn reported the preliminary proposal was delivered to DEC for an unofficial review. Supervisor Horton stated it is a complicated project. They have talked to the engineers about coming up with a low-cost system. Supervisor Horton stated it is too early to bring this to the public until DEC did a cursory review
Supervisor’s Report:
Supervisor Horton thanked Lynne Delesky again for her efforts on the road side clean up and asked her to do it again next year.
Fulton County Sheriff’s Department will be using the justice court space as a sub-station in Caroga. The area in the Judge’s chamber will again be utilized. A key to the outside door was given to Sheriff’s Department. Supervisor Horton stressed the importance of having their presence here in the summer with the golf carts going back and forth. The judge is in favor of this happening.
The Town Hall inspection by Phinney Design Group was discussed earlier in the meeting.
The Supervisor noted this came in late and he wants the board to take a look at the draft new code enforcement fees.
The Supervisor entered into a discussion on complaints received by the Town.
Old Business:
Ethics Board – Council Member Glenn again discussed the need to have an ethics board in the Town of Caroga.
The clerk received the original deeds and easement agreement relative to the Morey Road matter from Attorney Dunn. The Morey Road issue is done. Council Member Long gave kudos to Jeremy Manning who worked very hard when things stalled with Girvin & Ferlazzo. .
Supervisor Horton was hoping to bring the Parks, Lakes, Recreation, and Tourism local law (to the meeting) The Supervisor apologized to Mr. Centi. It has been a busy month.
New Business:
Designate person/persons to receive/have access to Workers Compensation Reports (see Correspondence) the Supervisor responded “it should be in a file.”
The Supervisor entered into a discussion on the old Nathan Littauer Hospital space and the possible uses: move the town clerk’s office there, or rent it out for professional office space.
Correspondence as placed on the agenda:
Fulton County Workers Compensation reports now being sent electronically
Joyce Barrett concerned about giving legal powers to the PLRT
Memorial Day Monday May 31. Caroga Transfer Station Closed but open Tues. June 1, 8 – 4 pm
3-part Broadband webinar by Tug Hill Commission May 12, 19, June 16
Black River Watershed Wednesday Webinars Various topics May 12 – June 30
Complaint about road conditions on the avenues from Beth Diana.
Nick Stoner Trailers fund raising for 2021.
Fulton Montgomery Regional County Chamber of Commerce. Summary of their activities and benefits as members.
Supervisor Horton entered into a discussion on having the Golf Course Clubhouse manager position salary.
Resolution 2021-055 To change the compensation package of the golf course clubhouse manager position from hourly of $18.00 per hour to salary at $720.00 per week was offered by Supervisor Horton at the regular monthly meeting of the Caroga Town Board held on Wednesday May 12, 2021.
WHEREAS, the board discussed the compensation for the golf course clubhouse manager position, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the compensation package of the golf course club house manager position from hourly of $18.00 per hour to salary at $720.00 per week.
Seconded by Council Member Sturgess
Adopted by a roll call vote as follows:
Council Member John Glenn - Aye
Council Member James Long - Aye
Council Member Richard Sturgess - Yes
Council Member Donald Travis - Yes
Supervisor Scott Horton - Aye
RESOLUTION #2021-056: To accept grievance complaint forms electronically was offered by Supervisor Horton at the regular monthly meeting of the Caroga Town Board held on Wednesday May 12, 2021.
WHEREAS, Section 104 of the Real Property Tax Law (RPTL) provides that a municipal corporation may, by resolution, determine that it is in the public interest for such municipal corporation to provide electronic real property tax administration; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board has determined that it is in the public interest for the Town of Caroga to provide for the electronic filing of complaints for the administrative review of real property assessments.
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, that pursuant to RPTL 104(3)(b), the Town of Caroga opts to allow the electronic filing of complaints for the review of real property assessments for the year 2021; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the Assessor is hereby directed to develop instructions for the electronic filing of complaints that meet each of the standards established by the Commissioner of the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, and to publish such instructions by a method reasonably calculated to reach complainants who wish to electronically file; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the option of filing complaints electronically shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, all other permissible methods for filing such complaints, including but not limited to in-person filing and filing by mail.
Seconded by Council Member Glenn
Discussion: Council Member Long thought executive order 202.15 supersedes it. He noted the BAR conducted their meeting electronically last year. Supervisor Horton stated this was not about Grievance day this was to allow property owners to file complaints, previously done in person. Council Member Long noted this was a public hearing and Executive Order 202.15 was extended to June 9th. Supervisor Horton stated this resolution allow the public to file electronically as well as in person and by mail. This resolution was presented by the Assessor for the Town Board’s approval.
Adopted by a roll call vote as follows:
Council Member James Long - Aye
Council Member Richard Sturgess - Yes
Council Member Donald Travis - Yes
Supervisor Scott Horton - Aye
Council Member John Glenn - Yes
RESOLUTION #2021-057 To enter into a highway mowing contract for $3.094.00 for the season 2021 to mow the county highways in town. 7.28 miles. Two mowing’s per season required was offered by Supervisor Horton at the regular monthly meeting of the Caroga Town Board held on Wednesday May 12, 2021.
WHEREAS, the Fulton County Highway Superintendent has proposed a contract to the town of Caroga to do certain road side mowing, and
WHEREAS, the contract amount is $3,094.00 for the season 2021 to mow the county highways in town, the mileage is 7.28 and two mowing per season are required.
Seconded by Council Member Sturgess
Discussion: Council Member Long stated the Highway Superintendent was not even aware of this dollar amount, however he did inform him of this not that many hours ago. Supervisor Horton was called by the Highway Superintendent and agreed he should have known about this ahead of time. It is the same amount he agreed to last year.
Adopted by a roll call vote as follows:
Council Member Richard Sturgess - Yes
Council Member Donald Travis - Yes
Supervisor Scott Horton - Aye
Council Member John Glenn - Yes
Council Member James Long - Aye
Supervisor Horton proposed another resolution after this agenda was sent out. In a discussion with the Town clerk, it was noted that a petty cash fund was never established for the golf course. They have one of $400.00 to make change.
RESOLUTION #2021-058 to establish a petty cash fund of $400.00 for the Nick Stoner Golf Course was offered by Supervisor Horton at the regular monthly meeting of the Caroga Town Board held on Wednesday May 12, 2021.
WHEREAS, the Clubhouse manage is responsible for the security and management of these funds, any time the balance of the cash funds exceeds $1,000.00 the cash fund excess monies will be accounted for and promptly submitted to the Town Supervisor, Town Bookkeeper, or in their absence the town clerk, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that a petty cash fund of $400.00 is hereby established for the Nick Stoner Golf Course.
Seconded by Council Member Sturgess
Adopted by a roll call vote as follows:
Council Member Donald Travis - Yes
Supervisor Scott Horton - Aye
Council Member John Glenn - Yes
Council Member James Long - Aye
Council Member Richard Sturgess - Yes
Council Member Sturgess was asked to propose the next resolution.
RESOLUTION #2021-059 to fund $750.00 for the Welcome Booklets was offered by Council Member Sturgess at the regular monthly meeting of the Caroga Town Board held on Wednesday May 12, 2021.
WHEREAS, last year the town donated $750.00 toward a welcome booklet, and he hoped the town could chip in the same amount this year, and
WHEREAS, a few people have been working on this, and actually got $1000.00 of funding through the chamber which opened this up to multiple counties and got 10,000 copies so it is going to Herkimer, Montgomery, and Saratoga, and
WHEREAS, the money was budgeted, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Caroga Town Board does here by move to fund $750.00 for the Advertising Booklet.
Seconded by Council Member Glenn
Discussion: Supervisor Horton noted the account it will be paid for in the budget is A6410.43 an amount of $750.00.
Adopted by a roll call vote as follows:
Supervisor Scott Horton - Aye
Council Member John Glenn - Yes
Council Member James Long - Aye
Council Member Richard Sturgess - Yes
Council Member Donald Travis – Yes
Council Member Long had a question from the Board of Assessment Review (BAR) Chair (for the last few years) Mark Ford about holding the BAR meeting remotely. He wanted to make it clear that member can participate virtually under 202.15. Supervisor Horton thought the meeting should be in person.
Council Member Sturgess was contacted by someone about the yearly funds given to the Nick Stoner Trailers.
RESOLUTION #2021-060 to release $2,500.00 to Nick Stoner Trailers was offered by Council Member Sturgess at the regular monthly meeting of the Caroga Town Board held on Wednesday May 12, 2021.
WHEREAS, last year the town donated $2,500.00 to the Nick Stoner Trailers, and now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Caroga Town Board does hereby move to release $2,500.00 to Nick Stoner Trailers yet again.
Seconded by Council Member Glenn
Discussion: the clerk asked what account that was coming out of A9010-80. Last year the town donated $3,000.00 this year it was cut to $2,500.00.
Council Member Long asked if this was budgeted. Supervisor Horton affirmed it was budgeted.
Adopted by a roll call vote as follows:
Council Member James Long - Aye
Council Member Richard Sturgess - Yes
Council Member Donald Travis – Yes
Supervisor Scott Horton - Aye
Council Member John Glenn - Yes
Supervisor Horton stated the last order of business was to pay the bills as presented for audit. There were three last minute bills for the golf course submitted and were being reviewed by the board. Supervisor Horton did not have the invoices in front of him to present to the board but stated they were each under $1,000.00. [In replaying the audio and reviewing the notes of the clerk no motions or seconds were made.]
Adopted by a roll call vote as follows:
Council Member Richard Sturgess - Yes
Council Member Donald Travis – Yes
Supervisor Scott Horton - Aye
Council Member John Glenn - Yes
Council Member James Long – abstain
At 9:38 pm Council Member Long made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Council Member Travis. All board members of board were in favor of the motion.
Submitted by the Town Clerk,
Linda Gilbert, RMC, CMC
General #’s 151 to 178 $11,417.51 Highway #’s 38 to 51 $34,908.89
Prepaid #’s 93 to 118 $30,528.73 General Park #’s 24 to 49 $165,364.16
Copyright © James McMartin Long 2017–2024