November 4, 2009

Minutes of the Public Hearing upon Preliminary Budget held Wednesday, November 4, 2009, at 5:30 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 was Ellen Estes, Town Clerk, who arrived late.

The Chairman, Mr. Ferebee, called the hearing to order at 5:52 PM.

The Board discussed the total increase in the 2010 Preliminary Budget, coming to the agreement that the amount to be raised by taxes is a 8.12% increase and that the increase in budgeted expenditures is .0039%.

Mr. Jaques explained that these figures are arrived at due to decreased income.

Mr. Biesemeyer, saying that the highway budget is the biggest part of the entire budget, suggested that one way to hold down increases is to not necessarily replace men that retire.

Mr. Jaques said he felt that the people shouldn’t be expected to pay for a Town payroll increase of 3% when there was no increase for social security. He said not to be surprised when he votes no on the budget saying this is why.

Mr. Biesemeyer defended the 3% increase saying it’s hard to live on that income without it.

Mr. Martin suggested that the budget be presented next year using an overhead projector.

The Board briefly discussed the highway budget.

Mr. Jaques said it is deceiving to look at the highway budget, Mr. Ferebee agreed, saying that’s because of the anticipated revenue and increases in the highway expenditures.

Ms. Neville stated that the proposed work, regarding space, will probably have to be done on the Community Center before the end of 2010.

Mr. Biesemeyer said he was informed that Little Peaks could pay as much as $300 per month.

Mr. Ferebee said that $25,000 is going to be put into a Community Center Capital Fund.

The next discussion was in regards to the Bi-Centennial.

Mr. Jaques said he thought some of the money raised during the Bi-Centennial was supposed to go back into the budget to cover expenses.

Mr. Martin again questioned the donation to the AuSable River Association.

Mr. Ferebee said this money falls under fees in the budget.

The next discussion regarded Water District #1.

Mr. Martin began by explaining that the freezing water line issue at the Boynton residence may be due to the water line being too close to the cesspool, saying maybe the Town should dig up the line and insulate it.

Mr. Biesemeyer said it’s not a good situation, but he has heard that the water freezing there is nothing new.

Mr. Ferebee explained the situation saying that the line to the first house which runs parallel to Boynton’s does not freeze. He said he is convinced that the problem is from the shut off under the Boynton’s porch to inside the house. He explained the history of what the Town has done and said he wanted to put in a frost free hydrant, but Lyman didn’t want that. He said the Town had fixed it for what was supposed to be for the last time, Lyman’s way, and that it froze again after that.

(discussion continued)

Mr. Jaques and Mr. Biesemeyer felt the Town should do no more.

Mr. Martin suggested that the Town should inform Mr. Boynton that from the shut off near the road to his house is his to maintain.

Mr. Ferebee will send a letter explaining the situation and the fact that it was gratis for the Water District to replace his line during construction.

Resolution No. 196 – 09

Ms. Neville 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 Mr. Jaques.

Roll Call Vote:

Mr. Ferebee: Yes

Mr. Martin: Yes

Mr. Biesemeyer: Yes

Ms. Neville: Yes

Mr. Jaques: Yes

The meeting was adjourned at 6:35 PM.

Ellen S. Estes, Town Clerk

November 10, 2009

William B. Ferebee, Supervisor

Paul R. Martin, Councilperson

Robert M. Biesemeyer, Councilperson

Marcy A. Neville, Councilperson

Lawrence Jaques, Councilperson