Special Village Board of Trustees Budget Meeting February 26, 2009


The Village Board of Trustees held a special meeting on Thursday, February 26 at 7:30 pm for the purpose of reviewing departmental budgets.

Police Department
Together with Police Chief Ken Sanford, the Board completed a detailed review of the proposed 2009/2010 budget for the Village Police Department. This department is under budget. The question remains as to whether or not the Village plans to hire a new full-time police officer to replace Officer Burchell, who was let go in November of 2008. Chief Sanford presented two sets of numbers, one reflecting the increase in salaries with addition of a full-time officer and one without. His recommendation to the Board is that they forgo hiring a new full-time officer and leave things as they currently stand.

DPW
DPW superintendent Jeff Voss led the Board through a review of the proposed 2009/1010 DPW budget. There was a brief discussion regarding the possible relocation of the DPW facility. Trustee Shaw commented that the recent lake management study had indicated that the storage of salt next to the water was an environmental hazard. She would like to see the facility relocated and the property sold for Village profit.
Mayor Stebbins responded that there are a number of problems with the DPW facility and that the Village Infrastructure Committee has been asked to review them and report back to the Board.

Water Department
Guided by Trustee Shaw, The Board reviewed the proposed 2009/2010 budget for the Water Department. Trustee Shaw suggested that the Board discuss the idea of adding a revenue fee to water bills in order to generate funds for capital improvements to the water system. She commented that adding a $5 quarterly service fee could bring in $12,000 for these improvements, which would reduce the amount that would need to be allocated for water in the Capital Budget.

Old Business
The Board voted unanimously in favor of postponing public hearings for

  • Local Law for Cold War Veterans Exemption from Real Property Taxation
  • Local Law regarding Peace and Good Order
  • Local Law regarding Changes to the Village Code with regard to SEQRA

until March 18, 2008. After some discussion regarding the “Clean Hands” law, they decided to wait to see a re-draft of the law from their attorney before setting a public hearing date.

The Board discussed a proposal to accept a parcel of land on Eagle Mountain Road as Village parkland. While the majority of the Board would like to see the land remain untouched as it is now, they also agreed that they would like to retain the option to add a bench or a path for recreational purposes. No action was taken.

New Business
The Board discussed the mandated New York State laws regarding the Village budget process. The following meeting dates were unanimously agreed upon:

  • Wednesday March 25 at 7:30pm to discuss improvements to the tentative budget
  • Wednesday April 8, 2009 at 7:30pm for a Public Hearing on the Tentative Budget

Additionally, a public hearing on the proposed Fence Law was set for April 8 at 8:30pm.

The Board voted unanimously in favor of extending the temporary employment of Jeanette Howell in the Village Office through May 2009.

The Board voted unanimously in favor of approving O’Brien and Gere’s contract increase of $10,900 for additional engineering and evaluations that must be completed as per the DEC.

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