Sept 11, 2001

Berkshire Town Board meeting summary:

This is a brief synopsis of the Sept. 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. William Simmons, Mr. Richard Odom and Mr. James Cuerter, Sr., Ms. Connie Liddington, Town Clerk and Karl Spoonhower, Highway Superintendent.

Communications:

AMERICORPS is a Peace Corp type program offering full time employment, with benefits, with assignments in the local area. Contact Supervisor Hartwig for further information.

The Berkshire Factory Store IDA agreement allows for PILOT of $8500 through 2004. After 2004, the payment increases by $2000 per year through 2019. Full assessment will be in effect after 2019.

Reports:

County Legislature: Todd Smith, Legislator, reported that the new County Office Building project has been de-railed by self-serving politicians, causing at least one year setback. A full report will be given at next month's meeting.

Planning Board: The proposed Mobil Home Ordinance will be presented to The Board in November.

Town Clerk: The petition against the Highway Superintendent salary increase had insufficient signatures to be considered valid.

Code Enforcement: Mr. Joe Cuerter submitted a summary of the month's building permit activities and junk car law enforcement.

Highway Department: Work being done on Ford Hill, Jewett Hill, Letter S and Ketchumville Roads.

There was a request to cut brush at the bridge below Stieglitz on Jewett Hill.

Dog Control: No report

Committees:

Oversight Committee: The audit of the Town Clerk will commence soon.

Highway Committee: The inventory of Town equipment is complete and vehicle repair records are done.

Supervisor: A report on CD status and interest was presented.

Expenses are at 73% of budget with the plan of 67%. Highway spending is at 67% versus a Plan of 69%.

The Berkshire Resident Action Group has gotten 501c3 approval and has a budget of about $2700 for community projects.

Old Business: The survey of Town Properties will be completed soon.

Talcott will install a well at the Town Office Building for approximately$2000 installed and hooked up.

The referendum to make the Highway Superintendent an appointed position will be on the ballot. As stated above, the salary increase will not be a referendum.

New Business: Ann Buck was unanimously appointed to an additional 6-year term as assessor.

The 2002 budget cycle has started. A tentative budget will be available in October.

Public comment: The Washburns, currently camping north of Town, said their plan is to construct a native American home at the campsite, and offered their facilities for Town activities.

A variance to the 150-foot frontage requirement for home construction was granted to Karl P. Spoonhower.