The Town Board of the Town of Clayton held a regular meeting at the Village Municipal Building with the following present:

Justin Taylor, George Kittle, Donald Turcotte, Bonnie Rose, Robert Boulton, Kathy LaClair, Jim Yuhas, Nicole Cornaire, Alicia Dewey, Debra Taylor, Kimberli Johnston, Richard Barton, Lena Black, Keitha Huchzermeier, Michael Docteur, Mary Mascott, Amy Flack

The Town Board was called to order by Deputy Supervisor Taylor at 5:00 PM.

Public:

Mike Docteur, Co. Leg. stated he didn’t have anything for this evenings meeting however was here for any questions the Board may have.  Mr. Docteur did comment that the County is still working on the County Jail proposal; the Airport usage is up 50% from last month; he received a message from Rob Campany and is awaiting a work order for the Heritage Heights valve job.

Richard Barton spoke to the Board on the conditions of Corbin’s Corners Cemetery.  He is also seeking information in locating the Fetterly/Staring Family Cemetery at Spicer’s Bay.  Mr. Barton had given Board members a folder at our previous meeting in March showing the over run conditions.  (See attached.)  Mr. Barton is looking for support in cleaning up these cemeteries.

Board member Kittle stated he would look into possible funding for cleaning up the cemetery.

Minutes:

Motion by George Kittle, 2^nd by Bonnie Rose, to approve the minutes of March 28^th as written.  Motion carried.

Correspondence:

-                  Letter from Jeff. Co. Office of Fire & Emergency Management (NYSEMO) that the Governor would be asking the President to declare much of NYS a federal disaster are following the tremendous lake effect snow event & subsequent winter storm.  The County was notified it was denied however an appeal has been submitted.  (See attached.)

-                  On 3/16 received a Loss Prevention Report for Northeast Operations The Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection & Insurance Co.  They made recommendations for the Pool Boiler & Pool Boiler Room. (See attached.)

-                  2007 Chamber of Commerce Calendar of Events.  (See attached.)

-                  Notice from NYS Archives for a “Disaster Planning & Response For Records Managers”; “Preservation of Electronic Records” Seminar.  (See attached.)

-                  “Disaster Preparedness & Recovery” Seminar, Saturday 5/5, Martinsburgh Fire Dept.  (See attached.)

-                  Spring 2007 received from The Archives Associate.  (See attached.)

-                  Annual Banquet for the Clayton Volunteer Fire Dept., is Saturday, April 21^st.  (See attached.)

-                  Clayton Community Newsletter – winter 2007 issue.  (See attached.)

-                  Northern Regional Center for Independent Living- Focusability 2007- 4^th issue April.  (See attached.)

-                  Public Notice from US Army Corp of Engineers concerning application from Sam Rivoli for a permit to reconfigure & expand an existing marina, previously referred to as Remar Boar Works, now referred to as the Hotel St. Laurents.  (See attached.)

-                  Judge Clarence Giles March 2007 report.  (See attached.)

-                  Judge Clifford James March 2007 report.  (See attached.)

-                  Notice from NYS Tug Hill Commission Land Use Planning Workshop – Redlining Site Plan Submissions with Peter Vars, P.E., Wednesday , April 18^th at JCC.  (See attached.)

-                  Highway sent a notice they’ll be starting 10 hour days on Thursday, April 18^th.  (See attached.)

-                  Goodwill Booklet being readied.  Bill Monteith inquired if the Town would like to do a full page ad for $100 again this year.  Consensus – yes.

-                  Village Clerk advised us that the Village Board had reviewed the proposed resolution concerning establishment of training requirements for the Joint T/V Planning Board & Zoning Board of Appeals.  The Village Board had a change in the last “Resolved”.  Changed Zoning Administrator to Zoning Enforcement Officer. (See attached.)

-                  Town Clerk Kathy LaClair received a Letter of Resignation from Justin Taylor, as Town Councilman.  Clerk LaClair read the letter to those attending.  (See file.)  Motion by George Kittle, 2^nd by Donald Turcotte, to accept Justin Taylor’s resignation as Town Councilman at 5:27 PM.  Motion carried.

Motion by George Kittle, 2^nd by Donald Turcotte, to appoint Justin Taylor as Supervisor.  Motion carried. (Justin Taylor abstained.)

Supervisor Taylor thanked everyone for the confidence they have shown in him for leadership.  He stated he believes we have efficient town government, efficient employees work ethics and work efficiently with other governments.  Mr. Taylor is looking forward to serving in this capacity and for the betterment of our community.

Resolutions:

Resolution #31 of 2007 offered by Bonnie Rose, 2^nd by George Kittle, for the Town of Clayton to authorize continuation of pending Grants for the Clayton Opera House Renovation by New Supervisor.  Justin Taylor – aye, George Kittle – aye, Donald Turcotte – aye, Bonnie Rose – aye.  Motion carried.  (See Resolution Book.)

Resolution #32 of 2007 offered by Donald Turcotte, 2^nd by Bonnie Rose, to authorize continuation of pending grants for the Frink America-Brownfields Clean-up Program; Clayton Riverwalk-Frink Segment; and Town and Village of Clayton LWRP.                                

Justin Taylor – aye; George Kittle – aye, Donald Turcotte – aye, and Bonnie Rose – aye.  Motion carried.  (See Resolution Book.)

Resolution #33 of 2007 offered by George Kittle, 2^nd by Donald Turcotte, to approve filing a grant application with the Dormitory Authority State of New York “New York Economic Development Program” in the amount of $250,000 for the Clayton Opera House upgrades to electrical, flooring, windows & roof renovation project.  Justin Taylor – aye, George Kittle – aye, Donald Turcotte – aye, and Bonnie Rose – aye.  Motion carried.  (See Resolution Book.)

TIPAF:

            -           Mary Mascott discussed 3^rd floor project at the Clayton Opera House.  Originally the third floor was cut from the project however after review by that committee, it has been determined that logistically it made sense to it now.  Dirt & dust would be throughout the building and after completing renovations on the other floors it wouldn’t make sense to then start renovations to the third floor.  Therefore with funding available it was determined by TIPAF to go ahead and get figures for general construction, mechanical, plumbing & electrical.  This is being negotiated at this time however approval is needed for this change order by other partners such as engineers, legal, town & TIPAF.  This floor is part of the Community center of the building.

Motion by Donald Turcotte, 2^nd by Bonnie Rose, to approve change order.  Motion carried.

            -           Three (3) Phase Power:  Supervisor Taylor indicated that a bill for $8,500 for National Grid is included in this evening’s bills.  The Town agrees to go ahead and pay this bill and TIPAF has agreed to reimburse the Town.

Motion by George Kittle, 2^nd by Bonnie Rose, to advance payment of this $8,500 bill for TIPAF.  Motion carried.

            -           Formalize Relationship:  Supervisor Taylor indicated this was a good time to formalize this boards relationship with both TIPAF and CLDC.

            -           Opera House Sewer:  The sewer lines for the Opera House have been changed from the north side of the building to now exiting on the east side of the building.

Supervisor’s Report:

Motion by George Kittle, 2^nd by Bonnie Rose, to accept former Supervisor Cantwell’s March 2007 report.  Motion carried.

Bills:

Motion by Bonnie Rose, 2^nd by Donald Turcotte, to pay Abstract #4 in the amount of $469,565.21.  Motion carried.

Councilwoman Rose will review the bills in the future as former Councilman Taylor had done previously.

Power Choice:

Discussion of amount paid to National Grid this past year.  NYSEG Solutions has offered a potential savings for the town of approximately $1,800 - $6,430 a year.  Consensus that Jim Yuhas will expedite change over.

$600 Plan:

Supervisor Taylor indicated that advanced labor union discussions had taken place this afternoon.  Union representatives asked to have gym memberships included.  Board discussion and consensus yes as this promotes a healthy workforce.

Paddle Ball Court:

Keith Wood has looked at the possibilities and doesn’t feel the Town can utilize this at Rec. Park.

Rec. Park Fence:

Keith Wood has gotten an estimate of the fence and turf damage at Rec. Park caused by a car going through.  Estimate is approximately $3,300 ($1,500+ fence damage & $1,600+ turf damage).  A bill has been forwarded.

Rec. Park Ice:

Keith Wood has indicated there will be a four (4) day course on ice management in Lake George.  He would like to send Kenny Garnsey and registration would be $450 plus money for room, mileage & meals.  Consensus of the Board to send Kenny Garnsey to this schooling.

GI Cemetery:

Supervisor Taylor indicated that in the past the Town had no formalized agreements with mowers.  Supervisor Taylor will write letters of agreement.  He has talked with Mr. Heck would mows GI Cemetery and Mr. Heck will this year start 4/15 and work through 9/15 mowing and picking up debris.

Board Member Replacement:

Discussion by the Board to place an advertisement on the TI Sun .  those interested should send a résumé and letter of intent.  Responses by May 15^th.  Ad should include Town Board and Board of Assessment Review which have vacancies at this time; and Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals which at this time there are no vacancies, however we will start a file for future vacancies.

Wind Power Public Hearing:

The public hearing for comments on the Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement for the Horse Creek Wind Farm will be held on Thursday, April 26^th  at 7:00 PM.  Supervisor Taylor indicated that Town Board members might want to attend if possible.  Everyone in the Township was mailed a postcard stating the public hearings date & time and the website to visit for information.

Section 801 transition:

Supervisor Taylor has had discussions with Nicole LeVette, Mayor of 801 Housing.  The housing will cease from 801 on 1/31/08 and will then be private housing.  They’re now a member of Heritage Alliance.

Clayton Newsletter:

Supervisor Taylor indicated that the committee is now looking for articles/topics due 5/1 for the next issue that will be printed on 6/15.

Phinney Holdings Inc Easement:

Supervisor Taylor received a letter from the Village Board who had taken action on the request of Pat Phinney for an easement.   The Village approved this request at their last meeting.  Supervisor Taylor will send a letter of approval to Mr. Phinney for the easement to run a 2” waterline from Purcell Drive along the westerly side of the Town/Village Joint Highway Facility property according to conditions.  (See attached.)

Proposed Depauville Water:

Supervisor Taylor indicated that since the 3/14/07 Town Board meeting he had contacted Atty. Joe Russell for clarification as to whether the Town needed to take formal action to reject the petition to form the Depauville Water District.  Atty. Russell responded that there is no legal requirement for the Town Board to take specific action to reject the Petition.  Since to petition did not have the requisite signatures for the Town Board to proceed with district formation, there is no need to take any further action.  (See attached.)

ZEO Salary:

Supervisor Taylor indicated that negotiations of the ZEO IMA & salary have moved ZEO LaClairs' salary to be shared 50/50 at $24,500 per year starting retroactive to the first of this year.  Motion by George Kittle, 2^nd by Bonnie Rose, for ZEO salary to be $24,500 shared 50/50 with Village and retroactive to January 1, 2007.  Motion carried.

Administrative Clerk Salary:

Motion by Bonnie Rose, 2^nd by Donald Turcotte, to change Nicole Cornaire’s hourly wage to the administrative clerk @$11.55 per hour retroactive to January 1, 2007.  Motion carried.

Supervisor Taylor indicated that since this was not done at budget time, there is not enough budgeted under the Town Clerk’s account and the overflow this will create can come from the Supervisor  .1 or .12 account.

Revised Supervisor Compensation Proposal:

Supervisor Taylor gave the Town Board a proposal for his compensation for the remained of the year.  As Supervisor he proposes that he report to the Town Board and be completely responsible for the legal duties of supervisor and oversight of the town government.  That his salary would be $22,500 for the period of 3/29/07 thru 12/31/07; have a town cell phone with email and internet access for 24 hour communication; be reimbursed for normal, conference, training, mileage expenses etc.; continue on the $600 plan; and he would not be taking the health insurance.

Supervisor Taylor would be appointing an Executive Assistant/Clerk to the Supervisor that would work in the Town Office during normal business hours (40 hrs a week) and elsewhere when needed and address all inquires made to the supervisor, attend any meeting or function that he was not able to and any additional duties as required.  This person would report directly to him; the salary would be $22,500 for the period of 3/29/07 – 12/31/07 prorated based on hiring date; and would receive the standard full time benefits package effective date of hire.

Motion by George Kittle, 2^nd by Donald Turcotte, to accept the Supervisor proposal(s) as stipulated.  Motion carried.

At this time, Supervisor Taylor introduced Alicia Dewey, who will graduate from St. Lawrence on 5/20 with a 3.92 grade point average.  Ms. Dewey has previously worked as Deputy Town Clerk & Deputy Court Clerk in the Town of Orleans.

Permanent Relocation of Town Offices & Funding:

Supervisor Taylor indicated funding was available for looking at the feasibility of locating Town& Village Offices.  Bernier, Carr & Associates are drafting a design feasibility.  Need to look at whether it is feasible to stay here permanently or stay at the Town Hall.  We have to consider the accessibility of islanders and the fact we would need to move out of here to finalize offices and then move back again.

Planning Board Re-appointments:

Motion by Bonnie Rose, 2^nd by Donald Turcotte, to re-appoint Bud Baril (town appointment), re-appoint Larry Aubertine (joint appointment) and Phil Randazzo (joint alternate), to the Planning Board.  Motion carried.

Zoning Board of Appeals Re-appointments:

Motion by George Kittle, 2^nd by Bonnie Rose, to re-appoint Jim Kenney (town appointment), and David Storandt (joint appointment) to the Zoning Board of Appeals.  Motion carried.

Highway Report:

-                  Town personnel have completed CPR & First Aid classes.

-                  Have submitted a grant application for an Automated External Defibrillator.

-                  10 hour days start on 4/18.

-                  Annual Road Tour will be 5/4/07.

-                  Highway Supt. Boulton stated he had attended yesterday County Highway Supt. meeting.  There will be an increase in the “CHIPS” Revenue.

-                  Frink Remediation meeting – possibility of starting in August ’07.  There are somewhere between 17,000 – 20,000 tons to be removed.

-                  Strawberry Lane – Possibility now of starting this job around the 1^st of May.  This is complete re-construction from Rt.12 to Rt. 12E, also with curbing & sidewalks, including Brooks Drive.

-                  Pelo Road – might have time to paving this before starting Strawberry Lane.

-                  The County Highway will be paying their 1^st $20,000 a year for the grinder.  They have several County Roads to due this year.

-                  Lover’s Lane – will be done this year using the grinder.

-                  Wood Road – we will start grubbing back as soon as weather allows.

-                  Road Standards – We had adopted Jefferson County Highway Standards as the guidelines to go by.  The Town has been more stringent and Mr. Boulton would like to modify the written standards.  Looking to have this on the next agenda and Mr. Boulton will get the Board members a copy to review prior to the next meeting so they might take action.

-                  Chamber of Commerce Annual Boat Show – Boats will start moving in tomorrow.

-                  Moving Wall – again this is 6/20-6/25 and the command post and sign up sheet will be at the Highway Facility.  Stop by and sign up.  Security will also work out of this building.

Committee Reports:

George Kittle:  Acknowledged that he will be out of town for both the Annual Fireman’s Banquet and the Annual Road Tour.

Nothing to report on the Chamber as their meeting is tomorrow, however hoped that everyone will attend the Boat Show.

Nothing to report from the Youth Commission this time.

Donald Turcotte:  Depauville Sewer – Good report from Bill Moore.

Heritage Heights -  Valve arrived, however was the wrong ones had to re-order.  We’re now doing manually.  There also have been six (6) more lots sold and they’ll be in the district.

East Line Road – Ingerson’s are now ready to start building so they’ll be growth on this road.

Veteran’s Monument – They’ve reached their goal and have sold so far 279 pavers.  They also have secured a fly over for the dedication ceremony.

Depauville Community Center Asbestos Removal – There will be a time period that the Community Center will be off limits for public access.  Also they need boxes and help to pack up the books so that they are not contaminated.

Annual Fireman’s Banquet – Will be attending with Mary.

Annual Road Trip – Will be attending.

Bonnie Rose:  Hawn Memorial Library – Has received a grant, but amount is not known yet.

Paynter Senior Center – Minutes from February 15, 2007 have been received.

Paynter is also looking to do a “breakfast” in the months of May, July & August for additional revenue.

Joint Highway Facility – Stopped by today and everyone is cleaning up for the Boat Show.

Annual Fire Banquet - Regrets won’t be attending as she will be                                        out of town.

Annual Road Tour - Will be available for.

Supervisor Taylor:     Have now set up e-mail at the Town Offices for Don Turcotte.  Keith Wood is also working on setting up e-mail.

Town Clerk:  Assessor will be sitting with the roll on Wednesday 5/9 from 4-8 PM and on Saturday, 5/12 from 8 – noon.  Grievance Day is Wednesday, 5/23 from 3-5; 6-8 PM.  Grievance Day is also Town Board meeting and we will need to look elsewhere to have our eeting.  Town Board meeting will need to be advertised for change of location.

Motion by George Kittle, 2^nd by Bonnie Rose, to adjourn this regular meeting at 7:15 PM.  Motion carried.

Kathleen E. LaClair, Town Clerk