DRAFT

Town of Berkshire Board Meeting July 20, 2009

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The Town of Berkshire held its regular town meeting on July 20, 2009 in the board meeting room of the town hall.

The meeting was called to order at 7:03 PM by Deputy Supervisor Lillian Hoffmier and opened with the Pledge off Allegiance.

Members present were: Deputy Supervisor Lillian Hoffmier, Ronald Hartwig and John Stoughton. Also present was Highway Superintendent Karl Spoonhower.

In the absence of the Town Clerk, John Stoughton was designated to take the minutes of the meeting by Deputy Supervisor Hoffmier.

Approval of the June 15, 2009 minutes was made on a motion to accept by John Stoughton, seconded by Ronald Hartwig, and carried.

Privilege of the Floor

Dennis Dyer, representing the Berkshire History Buffs, asked the Town to add a rider to the insurance policy to cover Heritage Days to be held in September.

Linda Gardner asked if there was any truth to the rumor that one of the town trucks was ticketed for being overloaded. Highway Superintendent Spoonhower replied that it was true and that a special “R” permit is being applied for.

Reports

County Planning Board—Jim Lacey reported that a copy of Berkshire’s resolution asking that the County take the lead on dealing with infrastructure issues relating to natural gas drilling. Several site plans were also approved by the planning board. Tioga County is offering training sessions on natural gas drilling.

Highway Department—Karl Spoonhower reported that the roof has been completed on the town barn and that work has been started on Dimon Road.

Code Enforcement—Lee Virtue reported that 13 permits have been issued and that 4 complaint have been received. He is continuing to work with the lawyer concerning complaint letters.

Planning Board—No report Clerk—No report Dog Control Officer—No report

Justice Court—No report Assessor –No report Supervisor –No report

Old Business

Dog census has been completed. Next step is to correlate with Town Clerk for dog license information and issue letters to residents with dogs that are not licensed.

Town of Berkshire Meeting July 20, 2009

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A motion made by Ronald Hartwig, seconded by Lillian Hoffmier to add 2 additional street lights on Mill Street and 1 additional light on the southern end of Railroad Avenue per Resolution # 10 (attached) was carried. Town resident Linda Gardner questioned if a light district is going to be created. This issue will require further study.

Sidewalk Grant Update. Plan has been completed by the firm Bearsch Compeau and Knudson. The write up and sketches are due next week.

New Business

The need to create a new budget category for Justice Court fund payments was tabled until the August 2009 meeting.

A motion by Ronald Hartwig, seconded by John Stoughton to allow the Code Enforcement Officer to collect fees and issue building permits, if Town Clerk is unavailable, was passed. This new change will be publicized.

Board Concerns

Ronald Hartwig noted that we are paying about $16 per month to rent the water cooler and we could purchase one from Sam’s Club for $169. A motion to purchase a water cooler was made by Lillian Hoffmier, seconded by Ronald Hartwig and so carried.

Ronald Hartwig reported that REAP’s funding for administrative personnel runs out the end of August but will likely continue with volunteers.

Approval of Warrants

Ronald Hartwig made a motion to pay Highway Fund warrants item #’s 89 through 104 voiding item #91 totaling $26,200.89. This was seconded by John Stoughton and so carried.

Ronald Hartwig made a motion to pay General Fund warrants item #’s 95 through 107 totaling $22,492.74. This was seconded by John Stoughton and so carried.

Meeting adjourned at 7:47 PM on a motion by Ronald Hartwig, seconded by John Stoughton and so carried.

Respectfully Submitted,

John Stoughton, Acting Clerk