June 12, 2001

Berkshire Town Board meeting summary:

This is a brief synopsis of the June Town Board meeting. Official minutes willbe available after approval by the Board at the next scheduled meeting. For afull set of meeting minutes contact Mr. Skip Hartwig, Supervisor, or Ms. ConnieLiddington, Clerk.

Present were Mr. Skip Hartwig, Supervisor, and Board members Mr. Max Leonard,Mr. William Simmons, Mr. Richard Odom and Mr. James Cuerter, Sr.

Prior to the start of the June Board Meeting, public hearings were held on the proposed Cell Tower Ordinance and on the proposed adding of a referendum to the November ballot making the position of Highway Superintendent appointed rather than elected. The ballot would also allow for election of a Superintendent, but if the Referendum passes, the Town Board will select someone to fill the post.

There was little discussion on the Cell Tower Ordinance, which was passed into law by a unanimous vote of the Board later in the regular Board meeting.

The public expressed concern about making the Highway job appointed, reflecting a need for a better understanding of how this arrangement would work. Supervisor Hartwig suggested holding further public discussion meetings prior to the election in November. In the regular Board meeting, this Resolution passed by a 3 to 2 vote, Mr. Jim Cuerter and Mr. Bill Simmons voting against the proposal to add the referendum to the November ballot.

June Board Meeting:

Communications:

The April Planning Board minutes and the NYMIR (insurance) reports were given to the Board members. were distributed to the Board members.

Reports:

County Legislature: Todd Smith, Legislator, reported County expenses and revenues are within yearly targets. A surplus equipment auction will be held July 28, Cliff Newman, auctioneer. The tax foreclosure auction will be June 28. Contact the County Treasurer for more information.The new County Office Building is on schedule.Todd Smith and Peter Ward are both running for re-election.

Planning Board: The new Cell Tower Law is complete and the Mobil Home Ordinance will be updated next.

Town Clerk: No report.

Code Enforcement: Mr. Joe Cuerter summarized the month's building permit activities and junk car law enforcement. There are very few violations of the

junk car law remaining. Violation notices under the new Junk Law are being issued.

Highway Department: Turkey Hill Road construction is underway. Delivery of the new truck is expected this week.

Supervisor: Supervisor Hartwig reported that Town expenditures are on track for the year.The Town Newsletter continues to be popular, and the need for a second page is apparent. However, help is needed to accomplish the work to add a page. Anyone willing to help, contact Supervisor Hartwig. No additions to the Newsletter can be made without additional volunteer support.

Committee: The audit of the Justice is completed. The net result is that the financial records are adequately accomplished. Recommendations of the Committee are to: 1- issue receipts for all monies received. 2- Copy the Town Board on the 90 plus days cases report that goes to the State and 3- summary report all cases to the Board on a quarterly basis.

Old Business: The coal building will be advertised for sale in several newspapers and on the internet (if possible), with bids due August 14 at 7pm.

The decision on the fate other building (next to the Town Office Building) will be delayed for 6 months to attempt development of a plan to restore.

Landscaping of the south welcome sign was completed by Morning Light Landscaping at no cost to the Town. The north sign landscaping remains to be done. Donated funds are available for this work.

The ballfield restoration is essentially complete, including new infield dirt, dugouts and fencing. This project was completed using grant funds and lots of volunteer labor.

New Business: The Board passed a resolution increasing the budget by $10000 to allow making a $40000 down payment on the new truck (original budget called for a $30000 payment). Also, a Statutory Installment Bond for $74000 was authorized (approximately 4% interest) to pay the balance on the truck.

A proposal was made by Mr. Max Leonard to increase the salary of the Highway Superintendent by $3500 per year. The sum of $1750 was added to the budget (half of the $3500 for the remaining 6 months in 2001). The increase is subject to a Permissive Referendum, and a public hearing will be held July 10 at 7:15, followed by a vote at the Board meeting.

Petitions for the fall elections can now be circulated for signatures. See the Berkshire website Election page for details.

Public Comment: A calcium (dust control) spill occurred on Ford Road, possibly harming the trees in Maude Stimming's yard. Mrs. Stimmings presented the Board with photos.

A request was made for copies of audit reports, which Supervisor Hartwig said will be available in hardcopy, but not on the Internet at this time.