February 27, 2012: Town Board Minutes

Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Kirkland held at the Town of Kirkland Municipal Building, 3699 State Route 12-B, Clinton, Oneida County, New York on February 27, 2012, at 7:00 p.m.

Present:

Supervisor Robert J. Meelan

Councilman Michael D. O'Neil

Councilman Mark C. Lewis

Councilman Fred A. Lomanto

Councilman Anthony F. Arcuri

Supervisor Meelan called the regular meeting to order and asked all persons to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.

Dawn Burdick, Vice President, Clinton Youth Foundation, addressed the Board regarding additional support from the Town to keep the Jack Boynton Community Pool open. The Clinton Youth Foundation was created for the sole purpose of operating this pool. The Clinton School District owns the land upon which the pool and pool house were built by the Foundation and pays approximately $1,600 in liability insurance. School Board President Tim Elgren explained to the Foundation representatives that the District did not want to continue paying the insurance because of lack of funds and claimed that paying the insurance violates State Law. The Foundation was asked by the School Board to present a plan for the District to be removed from any liability and address issues relating to the pool's future. The Foundation considered possibilities of the District transferring the property to them or a third party. The Foundation looked into purchasing insurance and the cost ranged from $5,000 to $10,000. An alternative would be for the Town to own the pool and the Foundation would continue with the operation. The Town's insurance rider should be the same cost as the District incurred.

Dawn Burdick explained that repairs to the pool range from $350,000 to $450,000. Ben Fehlner noted that the pool passes all inspections and can open in June.

Ms. Burdick told Councilman Lewis that the sole reason that the Foundation wants the Town to take ownership of the land is because of the high cost of the insurance. Councilman Lewis suggested that the Foundation take ownership of the land and request additional funding from the Town. He noted that if the Town owned the land, repairs to the pool would increase in cost because municipalities are required to pay State prevailing wage.

Kevin Martin, Attorney for the Foundation, asked the Board if a resolution could be passed stating the Town is in support of keeping the pool open.

Supervisor Meelan noted that the Board would like to keep the dialogue open, but needed to discuss the proposed resolution with the Town Attorney. Mr. Meelan also told the Foundation that he is willing to talk with Tim Elgren.

Members of the Clinton Youth Foundation will return for the March 12th Town Board meeting.

Each Board member received a copy of four proposed Local Laws prepared by Attorney Hallak:

Local Law #1-2012 - Buildings, Unsafe and Unlawful

Local Law #2-2012 - Administration and Enforcement of the NYS Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code

Local Law #3-2012 - Fire Prevention and Building Code, Uniform

Local Law #4-2012 - Garbage, Trash and Littering; Property Maintenance. Board members will review and submit comments by the March 12th meeting.

Supervisor Meelan noted that CEO Michael Griffin and Building Inspector Kevin Griffin have reviewed and approved of the Laws.

Each Board Member received a copy of a brochure written by Richard Williams entitled "A Look at The Town of Kirkland - History, Government, Economy". The brochure contains colored pictures of the Township. Mr. Williams wanted to know if the Board was interested in purchasing colored copies for the 185th anniversary of the Town. Each brochure would cost one dollar.

Upon motion by Councilman O'Neil, seconded by Councilman Lewis the following resolution was presented:

RESOLVED, that the Town Board authorize Richard Williams, Town Historian, to publish 500 copies of his brochure entitled, "A Look at the Town of Kirkland".

Upon the roll call vote, five voted aye, none opposed and the resolution was declared adopted.

Board members approved the request of CEO Michael Griffin to purchase an Apple ipad 2.

A letter was received from Henry Toner representing the Clark Mills United Methodist Church located on Clinton Street. He requested that one of the handicapped parking spaces be eliminated.

All Board members agreed that the handicapped parking area should remain as indicated in the Town of Kirkland Code Book.

Board members discussed the proposal of Michael D'Aprix to use GIS based software to supplement the Town's website with maps. The proposal was discussed at the February 15th meeting.

Upon motion by Councilman Lewis, seconded by Councilman O'Neil the following resolution was presented:

RESOLVED, that the Kirkland Town Board accept the proposal of Michael D'Aprix from Dickinson College to use GIS based software to supplement the Town's website with maps, at no cost to the Town.

Upon the roll call vote, four voted aye, none opposed, Councilman Arcuri abstained and the resolution was declared adopted.

A motion was made by Councilman O'Neil, seconded by Councilman Arcuri to pay the bills as audited.

Upon the roll call vote, five voted aye, none opposed and the motion was declared carried. The totals were:

A - $45,331.20; B - $10,720.47; DA - $37,021.77; DB - $543.96; SS1 - $14,968.98; SS4 - $1,661.00

A motion was made by Councilman Lewis, seconded by Councilman O'Neil to enter into executive session to discuss police mediation.

Upon the roll call vote, five voted aye, none opposed and the motion was declared carried.

A motion was made by Councilman Lewis, seconded by Councilman Arcuri to adjourn the executive session.

Upon the roll call vote, five voted aye, none opposed and the motion was declared carried.

There being no further business to come before the Town Board, upon motion by Councilman Arcuri, seconded by Councilman Lewis the meeting was adjourned at 8:21 p.m.