Minutes of the Special Town Board Meeting held Tuesday, August 15, 2006, at 6:00 PM, at the Keene Town Hall. The following Town Board Members were present: William B. Ferebee, Supervisor, Paul R. Martin, Robert M. Biesemeyer, Marcy A. Neville and Lawrence Jaques, Members of Council. Also present were: Ron Briggs, Town Attorney and Ellen Estes, Town Clerk.

The Chairman, Mr. Ferebee, called the Special Meeting to order at 6:04 PM.

Mr. Ferebee explained that a wine seller would like to have wine tasting and sell his products at the Farmers Market on Marcy Field, but the Marcy Field Rules and Regulations prohibit the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages.

Resolution No. 178 – 06
Mr. Jaques offered a resolution and moved its adoption. Be it resolved, that permission be given for John Cameron to have wine tasting and sell his products at the Farmers Market on Marcy Field. This resolution was seconded by Mr. Martin.
Roll Call Vote:
Mr. Ferebee: Yes
Mr. Martin: Yes
Mr. Biesemeyer: Yes
Ms. Neville: Yes
Mr. Jaques: Yes

The next discussion was in regards to the Assessor vacancy. Everyone said that anyone they had spoken to about the vacancy were not interested in filling it.
This information turned the discussion to the issue of Sole Assessor.
Mr. Briggs explained to the Board their options regarding taking this matter to referendum and the different types.

Mr. Jaques made a motion for the Town Board to establish a Local Law subject to Permissive Referendum to switch from an elected Board of Assessors to 1 hired, paid Sole Assessor.
There was discussion about the 45 days for the public to file a petition opposing this local law.

Mr. Biesemeyer said he would rater see a Mandatory Referendum, which does not offer the petition to object.

Mr. Briggs asked what the problem with the assessing seems to be.
Ms. Neville and Mr. Jaques felt that the Board is too quick to follow the State’s lead.
Mr. Martin felt there was not parody between properties.

Ms. Neville suggested having a joint meeting with the Town Board, Board of Assessors and John Stack. She said she would like to get an answer on why the Town of Keene is compared with the Town of North Elba.
Everyone seemed interested, no action was taken.

Resolution No. 179 – 06
Mr. Jaques offered a resolution and moved its adoption. Be it resolved, that the Regular Town Board Meeting scheduled for the Second Tuesday in September be rescheduled to Wednesday, September 13th, 2006, due to a conflict with the Primary Election Day. This resolution was seconded by Mr. Biesemeyer.
Roll Call Vote:
Mr. Ferebee: Yes
Mr. Martin: Yes
Mr. Biesemeyer: Yes
Ms. Neville: Yes
Mr. Jaques: Yes

There was a brief discussion regarding options for rebuilding the cemetery wall.
Mr. Martin said he is further investigating the wall at Chase Twichell’s.
Mr. Ferebee asked if anyone had been through Wilmington Notch to see the cultured stone walls used there.
Everyone thought it was a good idea to look into the cultured stone.

Resolution No. 180 – 06
Mr. Jaques 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 Call Vote:
Mr. Ferebee: Yes
Mr. Martin: Yes
Mr. Biesemeyer: Yes
Ms. Neville: Yes
Mr. Jaques: Yes

The meeting was adjourned at 6:50 PM.

Ellen S. Estes, Town Clerk
August 18, 2006

William B. Ferebee, Supervisor
Paul R. Martin, Councilperson
Robert M. Biesemeyer, Councilperson
Marcy A. Neville, Councilperson
Lawrence Jaques, Councilperson