Town Board Minutes
February 23, 2010

Minutes of the Bi-monthly Town Board Meeting held Tuesday, February 23, 2010, at 5:30 PM, at the Keene Town Hall.  The following Town Board Members were present:  William B. Ferebee, Supervisor, Robert M. Biesemeyer, Marcy A. Neville and Lawrence Jaques, Members of Council.  Absent:  Paul R. Martin, Members of Council.  Also present:  Ellen Estes, Town Clerk.

The Chairman, Mr. Ferebee, called the meeting to order at 5:33 PM.

Resolution No. 72 – 10

Mr. Biesemeyer offered a resolution and moved its adoption.  Be it resolved, that at the request of the Highway Superintendent, authorization be given for him to advertise for bids for the purchase of sand.  This resolution was seconded by Mr. Jaques.

Roll Call Vote:

Mr. Ferebee:              Yes

Mr. Martin:                 Absent

Mr. Biesemeyer:       Yes

Ms. Neville:               Yes

Mr. Jaques:               Yes

Resolution No. 73 - 10

Ms. Neville offered a resolution and moved its adoption.  Be it resolved, that at the request of Ironman Lake Placid, authorization be given for the Town of Keene to submit a letter of support for their annual event to be held July 25th and permission be given for the issuance of a Highway Permit following proper application and proof of insurance.  This resolution was seconded by Mr. Biesemeyer.

Roll Call Vote:

Mr. Ferebee:              Yes

Mr. Martin:                 Absent

Mr. Biesemeyer:       Yes

Ms. Neville:               Yes

Mr. Jaques:               Yes

Resolution No. 74 – 10

Mr. Jaques offered a resolution and moved its adoption.  Be it resolved, that upon receiving proof of insurance, permission be given for issuance of a Highway Permit for the annual Run for Hope scheduled for March 20th and waive the $20.00 permit fee due to their non-profit status.  This resolution was seconded by Ms. Neville.

Roll Call Vote:

Mr. Ferebee:              Yes

Mr. Martin:                 Absent

Mr. Biesemeyer:       Yes

Ms. Neville:               Yes

Mr. Jaques:               Yes

Next was a brief discussion regarding the scheduled closing of the Moriah Shock Facility.

Mr. Ferebee said that the Towns in Essex County have been asked to adopt resolutions of support opposing the closing of this facility. 

Mr. Biesemeyer said he felt this was very politically unpopular, saying that if the Bureau of Prisons feels it necessary to scale back, it must be in the best interest of the taxpayer.

Mr. Jaques said he didn’t agree saying the closing would be economically hard on the area.

Ms. Neville said she would rather see the money be put into schools.

(see following resolution)

Resolution No. 75 – 10

Mr. Ferebee offered a resolution and moved its adoption. 

The Town Board of the Town of Keene hereby declares that the Town of Keene opposes the closing of the Moriah Shock Facility due to the economic and emotional impact that the closure will have, not only in the Town of Moriah, but in all the surrounding municipalities in the North Country.

This resolution was seconded by Mr. Jaques.

Roll Call Vote:

Mr. Ferebee:              Yes

Mr. Martin:                 Absent

Mr. Biesemeyer:       Oppose

Ms. Neville:               Oppose

Mr. Jaques:               Yes

Next was a brief discussion regarding the proposed removal of the Hurricane Fire Tower.  The Board decided to get the public’s feedback at the Public Hearing scheduled for Thursday evening before making any decisions to support or oppose.

Ms. Neville shared a press release with the Board on the usage of road salt.  She asked them and the Highway Superintendent to read it over and asked to have the topic put on next month’s agenda for discussion.

Mr. Ferebee remarked that the usage of road salt is down, saying he doesn’t understand why New York doesn’t adopt the “safe road” policy that Vermont uses.

Ms. Neville said it’s “ridiculous” how much salt is used.

Resolution No. 76 – 10

Mr. Ferebee offered a resolution and moved its adoption.  Be it resolved, that the Town Board enter into Executive Session to discuss personnel.  This resolution was seconded by Mr. Biesemeyer.

Roll Call Vote:

Mr. Ferebee:              Yes

Mr. Martin:                 Absent

Mr. Biesemeyer:       Yes

Ms. Neville:               Yes

Mr. Jaques:               Yes

The Board entered Executive Session at 5:44 PM.

Resolution No. 77 – 10

Mr. Jaques offered a resolution and moved its adoption.  Be it resolved, that the Town Board reconvene into regular session.  This resolution was seconded by Ms. Neville.

Roll Call Vote:

Mr. Ferebee:              Yes

Mr. Martin:                 Absent

Mr. Biesemeyer:       Yes

Ms. Neville:               Yes

Mr. Jaques:               Yes

The Board reconvened into regular session at 5:56 PM.

Resolution No. 78 – 10

Mr. Jaques offered a resolution and moved its adoption.  Be it resolved, that the following bills be accepted for payment, including those that were prepaid.  This resolution was seconded by Mr. Biesemeyer.

Roll Call Vote:

Mr. Ferebee:              Yes

Mr. Martin:                 Absent

Mr. Biesemeyer:       Yes

Ms. Neville:               Yes

Mr. Jaques:               Yes

(list of bills following)

General Fund bills                           No. G56 – G78                      $57,577.36

Highway Fund bills                         No. H18 – H21                          7,124.62

Library Fund bills                             No. L19 – L21                              813.49

Water Dist. #1 bill                             No. K7                                           890.72

Water Dist. #2 bills                           No. KV9 – KV10                       3,579.62

Resolution No. 79 – 10

Mr. Jaques offered a resolution and moved its adoption.  Be it resolved, that due to an overage in Cliff LaRose’s vacation time, a one time only authorization be given to move 45 hours into his accumulated sick time.  This resolution was seconded by Ms. Neville.

Roll Call Vote:

Mr. Ferebee:              Yes

Mr. Martin:                 Absent

Mr. Biesemeyer:       Yes

Ms. Neville:               Yes

Mr. Jaques:               Yes

Resolution No. 80 – 10

Mr. Biesemeyer offered a resolution and moved its adoption.  Be it resolved, that all business having been transacted, this meeting be adjourned.  This resolution was seconded by Ms. Neville.

Roll Vote Call:

Mr. Ferebee:              Yes

Mr. Martin:                 Absent

Mr. Biesemeyer:       Yes

Ms. Neville:               Yes

Mr. Jaques:               Yes

The meeting was adjourned at 5:58 PM.

                                                                                    Ellen S. Estes, Town Clerk

                                                                                    February 25, 2010

William B. Ferebee, Supervisor

Paul R. Martin, Councilperson

Robert M. Biesemeyer, Councilperson

Marcy A. Neville, Councilperson

Lawrence Jaques, Councilperson

 

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