Minutes of the Special Town Board Budget Workshop held on September 18, 2007 at 5:00 PM, at the Keene Town Hall. The following Board members were present: William B. Ferebee, Supervisor, Paul R. Martin, Robert M. Biesemeyer, Lawrence Jaques, Marcy Neville, Members on Council. Also present was Paula McDonough, Clerk to the Supervisor.

The Board while going through the different categories of the budget stated that all personnel would be receiving the same raise increase of 3%, without exception.

Mr. Jaques stated that he would like to discuss the Town Attorney at another meeting.

The Board would like Mr. Ferebee to contact the current BTI Company have them check in with the Town Hall more frequently, when they start, when they will be in the area treating the waters, and when they are finished. It was discussed that possibly they should post a small sign in their vehicles stating that they were BTI personnel.

The Bicentennial Budget was discussed. Mr. Martin, Chairman of the Committee stated that “seed” money was needed to purchase items to be sold to the public, as well as funds to hold the celebration. Fireworks at the Airport are one of the celebrations discussed. It was decided to put $20,000.00 in this line item.

The Town Board would like to have some control over the purchasing for the celebration.

The Board talked about the possibility of holding another Bulky Day in late October.

The idea of setting up a Reserve fund for repair the Cemetery Wall was discussed. Each year an amount to be decided upon would be put into an interest bearing account for this purpose.

The Board would like to meet with Bruce Reed, Superintendent of Highways and discuss his budget with him.

An Ad Valorem Tax for Water District #1 was talked about. This tax would encompass the entire water district to include vacant land that could be serviced by water. The Tax would be placed on the Town Tax bill in January, taxing on assessed value to pay the $44,000+ yearly debt payment the District is faced with. The annual water bill would then be lowered to cover the costs of operation only.

It was thought that Keene Water District #2 should be included to have an Ad Valorem Tax as well.

Mr. Martin would like to look into the matter of DOT contaminating our original water source, causing us to look into another source, costing us more money.

The Town Board discussed leaving the Town Board meetings back to two a month, or leave it as one.

The Nature Conservancy issue was discussed

Mr. Ferebee will contract the NYS DOT to find out the process of holding fireworks at the Airport.

Meeting was adjourned by Mr. Ferebee at 6:05.

Paula R. McDonough
Clerk to the Supervisor
9/18/07

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