DRAFT REGULAR MEETING - HALCOTT TOWN BOARD

�REGULAR MEETING - HALCOTT TOWN BOARD
DECEMBER 19, 2011 at 7:00 p.m.
TOWN OF HALCOTT GRANGE HALL �

MEETING opened with Pledge of Allegiance.

PRESENT: �Supervisor Innes Kasanof; Council members: Alan Reynolds, Walter Miller, Chris DiBenedetto, Alan White, Deputy Town Clerk Cindy Bouton, Highway Superintendent Russell Bouton. Public: Pete Ballard and Elana DiBenedetto.

Public hearing on 2% tax levy opened. No comments. Public hearing on 2% tax levy closed.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 21, 2011 BUDGET HEARING motion to approve the minutes by Councilman Walter Miller and second by Alan White. Vote: unanimous.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 28, 2011 motion to approve the minutes by Councilman Alan Reynolds and second by Chris DiBenedetto. Vote: unanimous.

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HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT�S REPORT: �

Ken Williams fixed back up truck. Other trucks good. County truck still being worked on. Hubbard Bridge looked at last week. County came over and looked at Hubbard Bridge and met with engineers out at the Hubbard Bridge. Bridge should be posted immediately for 3 ton limit. The beams are OK. Greene County said they would take care of posting it. Concern about fire trucks, sand trucks and fuel trucks. If bridge was 25 feet the county would take it over. Met with FEMA on the culvert on Townsend Hollow and Mead Rd.
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VOUCHER SIGNING: General Abstract #1211�vouchers #213, 216, 217, 220, 222-232 = $2,937.37. Highway Abstract #1211-vouchers #211, 212, 218, 219, 233-236=$1,336.18. MOTION to pay bills by Councilman Miller second by Councilman White. �Vote: Councilman Reynolds-aye, Councilman DiBenedetto-aye.

Supervisors report handed out and gone through. Town is hemorrhaging money before loan.

The following correspondence was read:

Russell Bouton, Highway Supt.

Town of Halcott

Re: Hurricane Irene/Tropical Storm Lee

Dear Russell,

Although time has passed, Sunday, August 28th, 2011 remains vivid in our minds. The amount of devastation received by Greene County from the destructive events of Hurricane Irene and tropical Storm Lee was enormous. It was distressing to watch helplessly as so many people lost so much. However, I couldn�t help but notice that during this tragedy and its aftermath, people were everywhere trying to help other people. It seems that the old saying about a catastrophe bringing out the best in people is really true; as it was in evidence anywhere you looked. Neighbors helped neighbors; fire, police and emergency service workers never stopped working; and town, village and county employees went over and above the call of duty. Not-for-profits agencies and businesses, food pantries and religious organizations pitched in from day one with all kinds of donations and even grocery stores, banks and local radio and television stations organized and accepted donations. In addition, help arrived from our neighboring counties, from throughout New York State and from New York State itself, especially DOT and Emergency Management. We even had people from other states come to help us, including Texas and Ohio.

May I begin by expressing my deepest appreciation for your thoughtfulness, your support and all your efforts on behalf of Greene County. The response received from the Highway Department of the Town of Halcott was immediate and incredible. It was amazing to see so many people helping each other, both during and after these fierce storms. As you know, we are still struggling, but we could not have survived this without your help and we are fully aware of the magnitude of your assistance. You handled vital and necessary tasks and you are to be commended with our sincerest expression of gratitude for all you have done. It took the inspiring and unselfish efforts of the staff of the Town of Halcott�s Highway Department to help us endure these forces of nature and we are extremely grateful to you.

On behalf of the entire Greene County Legislature, we here by extend our utmost thanks for the invaluable services rendered by the Highway Department of the Town of Halcott during this very difficult time. Your assistance was truly a blessing and your concern for all County residents was evident in your tireless efforts.

Sincerely,

Wayne C. Speenburgh,

Chairman

Greene County Legislature

Highway garage almost done. Looking great.

Starting tomorrow they will be putting the office back.

Proposed emergency plan submitted by Al Dubrava slated for 2012.

CLERK�S REPORT: $100.00 Grange rentals. Bank interest .14. Total to Supervisor $100.14.

Comments: Councilman Miller didn�t receive fax regarding specs. Supervisor Kasanof didn�t receive request.

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Next Meeting: � January 9, 2012 7:00pm. �Organizational meeting. Future dates for Regular board meetings January 30, 2012 and February 20, 2012. All are welcome to attend.

Motion to go into executive session by Councilman DiBenedetto, Second by �Councilman Miller. Went into executive session at 7:56 p.m.

MOTION TO come out of executive session to discuss a matter about a particular personnel �performance by Councilman Miller, Second by Councilman Reynolds All Ayes.

Motion to adjourn meeting 8:30 p.m. by Councilman Miller, Second by Councilman White. All Ayes.

Stacey Johnson

Town Clerk

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