Category: Town Board Minutes

September 8, 2021

     A regular meeting of the Madrid Town Board was called to order at 6:30 P.M. in the town office.

      Members Present: Tony Cooper, Garry Wells, David Fisher, Alex Smith, Kevin Finnegan, Bill Barkley -Hwy. Supt., Zoe Hawkins- Town Clerk.

     Also Present: Kevin Acres, Bob Henninger, Colin Nicol, Morgan and Jon Curtis, Steve Rookey, Tina Burke, Anna Campbell, and Dennis Moore. 

     Public Comment:  Bob Henninger came to discuss water quality issues on Caroline Street, due to waterline being a dead end. The water is often not clear, and has an Iron level 2.5 times higher than the states recommended iron levels. Tina Burke said she has a whole house filtration system, and has had to replace several appliances over the last couple of years due to the damage the water has caused. Bill has tried flushing the lines more frequently, to help with the issue. Water pressure is also a problem, due to the water being in 1 inch lines.  Bob said he has spoken with engineers who believe that a loop would help solve the problem. The ARPA money that is available to the town, can be used for infrastructure, and Bob suggested that be used to fix the water issue on Caroline street. Bill said he doesn’t have the man power or equipment to do this project,  and said a contractor would have to be hired. It will probably be a 3 or 4 year project. The board told Bill to begin looking into different options, and have something to report for this issue at the next meeting.

      Kevin Acres gave an update on county business, he said the census is back, and Madrid is up approximately 30 people.

     The planning board rescheduled their monthly meeting, to September 13^th, they are waiting on the County decision on the vet clinic.

     Anna Campbell suggested that the town should recognize the young person who cleaned the graffiti off of Bucks Bridge, as well as another young person who saved the life of his friend.

     Assessor: School Tax bills are out. Amy is meeting Erin Gratch, who is another assessor that is going to help her with the reval process. Amy is hoping to meet with her the 13^th, or the 20^th of September.

       MDMS: Anna reported that MDMS celebrated their 5^th year of live events this summer. They held 7 nights of live musicians and entertainment in the park. They had 0 covid cases linked to the summer series. Choosing not to serve hot foods was received well by the public. Musicians were proved to the Towns 4^th of July celebration, and the Libraries children event. All expenses were covered for 2021, and MDMS has a startup for 2022. There will be a 2022 winter series, January, February, and March dates will be announced. David has reached out to Boces, hoping to have students who need to do community service build the new band stand.  MDMS will hold a free prom formal wear even in March of 2022. Tony Signed a grant letter for MDMS. There was a motion made by the David Fisher, 2^nd by Garry wells to allow Anna to turn in bills for the youth program, for up to $400.00 per year. All were in favor of this.

     The board reviewed the monthly report, Kevin Finnegan made a motion, 2nd by David Fisher to acknowledge receipt of monthly report. All were in favor.

     The board reviewed the monthly Bills General #230-248, for $8,011.02, Anna asked for approval on bill #248 for $103.34  at the meeting , and the board agreed to add it to the monthly bills.  Highway #126-137 for $156,275.34,  Water #59-64 for $920.57, Sewer #57-64 for $2,023.68, Lighting #9 for $1,199.38, and Trust & Agency #9 for $5,208.50. Kevin Finnegan made a motion, second by Garry Wells to pay the bills. All were in favor.

     Communications: NYS Teamsters Council Health and Hospital Fund offering a one time funding of HRA accounts for eligible participants.

     Associations of Towns Dues for 2022, $800.00.

     Aquastore will be doing their 1 year tank inspections, October 8^th at 10 AM.

     NYS comptroller notice for an extra $683.54 on ARPA funds.

     Kevin Finnegan made a motion, second by Garry Wells promoting Constitution week September 17-23. All were in favor    

     Highway:  Jones and Smiths Corners Rd have been ground, and will have chip seal added.

      The generator at the sewer plant is having a charging problem, Bills general repair is working on it currently.

     The payloader is ready to be delivered, total balance due on it is $122,454.00 and this will be paid in cash.

     Bill sold surplus equipment on auctions international, for a total of $14,494.50.

     Salt is at $65 a ton, which is down from 71 per ton last year.

     Old Business: Looking into contracting with Potsdam Humane Society.

     Still waiting to hear from NYPA about LED lighting.

     Bill got a quote for a security system, of $5,385.84 from Barkleys lock and safe, he is waiting on one more quote before a decision is made.

     New Business: Looking at and considering budget for 2022, a meeting date will be set for this.

            Kevin Finnegan made a motion, 2nd by David FIsher to approve the minutes of the August 11, 2021 meeting. All were in favor.

     Next regular meeting will be Wednesday October 13, 2021 at 6:30 PM.

     Kevin Finnegan made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:24 PM.

     ____________________________

     Zoe Hawkins, Town Clerk

August 11, 2021

     A regular meeting of the Madrid Town Board was called to order at 6:33 P.M. in the Town Office.

     Members present: Tony Cooper, Garry Wells, Kevin Finnegan, Alex Smith, Bill Barkley Hwy. Supt., Zoe Hawkins- Town Clerk.

     Absent: David Fisher.

     Also Present: Allison Barkley, Dennis Moore, Collin Nicol.

     Public Comment: A letter has been sent, and accepted by the Housing Counsel to use up the remaining funds, and finish the current project.

     Plans for the Vet Clinic to be built have been submitted to the county.

     No Assessor report for July.

     MDMS: Audience numbers are good, 20-30 people are choosing to remain in or at their car  for their own safe distance and comfort. MDMS has AUG  11th and 18th as our last published Summer Series dates. We still have Aug 28th reserved for any make update or a late notice  special performance. MDMS has no current plans to host a fall dance or performances for September or rest of 2021.

      Attorney: Abstract done for the Hulls property, it has been sent to Bill Hulls attorney, waiting on closing documents.

     Allison Barkley came in to speak about getting Wifi, and an updated security system for the Community Building. Wifi would be good for community events so they could be streamed, and good for people who don’t have Wifi access at home. Bill is going to get 2 more quotes for a security system for the park to be reviewed by the board.

     Collin Nicol has some concerns with his water appearing dirty.  The Department of health says that the water has met its safety standards.

     The board reviewed the monthly report, Kevin Finnegan made a motion, 2^nd by Garry Wells to acknowledge receipt of monthly report. All were in favor.

     The board reviewed  the monthly bills, General # 202-229 for $7,477.16, Highway #115-125 for $16,307.60, Water #49-58 for $2,283.60, Sewer # 51-56 for $4,383.85, Lighting #8 for $1,278.65, and Trust & Agency #8 $5,208.50. Garry Wells made a motion to pay the bills, 2^nd by Alex Smith. All were in favor.

     Communications:  The town got The Bank note from Community bank to pay the interest/principal on the library loan, which is $7,000.00

     A letter has been written for the Library so they can get a apply for a grant to have the community room Kitchen remodeled.

     NYS Justice Court Fund for May 2021, Town- $1,074.00 and State- $2,336.00

     3^rd Quarter sales tax was $106,862.52 which is up $20,000 compared to 2020. $85,000 will go to highway, the remaining amount will go to the general account.

      The board members each received an invite to the rescue squad banquet on September 17^th.

      Highway: The county is paving County Route 30.

      The payloader is expected for delivery on 9/15.

      Power authority is going to repair all the roads that have been damaged from their equipment once the powerline project is complete.

     Bill has had all the surplus equipment placed on Auctions International.

     Bill, and the personnel committee will be interviewing people for the Highway dept. position.

     Old Business: A resolution to bond for the payloader for the town was approved if needed. A motion was made by Alex Smith, 2^nd by Garry Wells, all were in favor of this.  

     Ilya Kholodenko from NYPA has Tonya Dougal Pushing National Grid to get a cost & Data for the streetlights.

     ARPA money has been received, this can be used for roads.

     New Business: Considering Budget for 2022.

       Kevin Finnegan made a motion, 2^nd by Alex Smith to approve the minutes of the July 14^th, 2021 meeting. All were in favor.

     Next regular meeting will be Wednesday, September 8^th at 6:30 PM.

     Kevin Finnegan made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:29 PM.

____________________________

Zoe Hawkins, Town Clerk

June 9, 2021

     A regular meeting of the Madrid Town Board was called to order was called to order at      6:30 P.M. in the Town Office.

     Members present: Tony Cooper, Garry Wells, Kevin Finnegan, David Fisher, Alex Smith, Bill Barkley- Highway Supt. Zoe Hawkins- Town Clerk.

     Also Present: Anna Campbell, Jeff Gilson, Tammy Hawkins.

     Public Comment:  Housing counsel has stated there is excess money, enough to do one more project, the town has asked for an extension to complete the last project, and use up the remaining funds.

     Code Enforcement: Jeff Gilson said he has completed 18 permits so far this year.  Some of the properties he has cited owners for have begun to show some cleanup progress. No update on the proposed vet clinic.

     Assessor: Amy Hunt reported that Grievance Day was Wednesday, May 27 between 4pm – 8pm and all went well. We had a total of 3 grievances, which were all from SLIC. After she sent out all the “Change Notices”, she received calls and met with taxpayers. Amy was able to explain why their assessment increased and they appeared to be satisfied with my explanation. Amy thought she was going to have at least 1 in person grievance. He felt his assessment was too high for his brand new home. He gave me a list of comparable for review. She gave him the grievance paperwork and for him to return it to me filled out. She never received the paperwork back from him and he never came to grievance night.

     MDMS: CDC guidelines have been released, and the MDMS will adjust as guidelines ease requirements. Anna has a site visit planned with Josh and Bill Barkley and are hoping to move the picnic tables under the pavilion as little as possible. The fundraiser and sign selling is very successful, and the SLC grant funding has arrived. If there is any extra paving material available, Anna has suggested it be used to put some by the park shed doorway, to make it easier to roll equipment in and out of. MDMS is hoping to have a float in the 4^th of July parade.

     The board reviewed the monthly report. David Fisher made a motion, second by Garry Wells to acknowledge receipt of the monthly report. All were in favor.

      The board reviewed the monthly bills, General #134-168 in the amount of $13,661.86, Highway #88-102 for the amount of $27,253.93, Water #33-40 in the amount of $2,204.91, Sewer #35-40 in the amount of $1,745.80, Lighting #6 for $1,219.81, and Trust & Agency #6 for $5,208.50. Kevin Finnegan made a motion to pay the bills, second by David Fisher. All were in favor.

     Communications:  The Bassmasters are looking for donation for the 2021 event.

     NYS Dept. of Tax and Financial equalization rate for the 2021 assessment roll is, 84%.

     Justice court fund for the month o April 2021, The town received $567.00 and the state received $2,193.00.

     St. Lawrence One Stop Career center sent their summer youth work agreement, the town is waiting to hear back from the insurance company regarding this.

 Highway: Bill is waiting to hear back from the town accountant on if the town can bond the payloader, or if it should be leased.

     Bill wants to meet with the highway committee, and look into getting someone hired to learn the water and sewer, and other job duties that are required to work in the highway department.

     Bill updated his agreement for spending Highway Fund.

     The town is going to speak with the county about County Route 30, it is in poor shape, and cannot be maintained properly in the winter time unless the county paves it.

     The Crowned vetch was planted on the hill by the bridge, on 6/9/2021.

     Bill wants to look into getting a tractor, and a road side mower for the town.

     Bill spoke with Bob Henninger about his quality of water, and about giving him a Water inspection report from the department of health.

    Old Business: The Lawyer reports the transfer of the property from Bill Hull is moving forward, a new abstract is being worked on.

    New Business: The board is going to begin looking at and considering the Budget for 2022.

      Kevin Finnegan made a motion, 2^nd by Alex Smith to approve the minutes for May 12^th, 2021

     The next regular meeting will be on Wednesday, July 14^th 2021 at 6:30 P.M.

     Kevin Finnegan made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:55 P.M.

     _______________________

     Zoe Hawkins, Town Clerk

    May 12, 2021

     A regular meeting of the Madrid Town Board was called to order was called to order at      6:30 P.M. in the Town Office.

     Members present: Tony Cooper, Garry Wells, Kevin Finnegan, Bill Barkley- Highway Supt. Zoe Hawkins- Town Clerk.  Absent: Alex Smith, and David Fisher.  Also Present: Colin Nicol, Anna Campbell, Sammi Ibey.

     Public Comment: Sammi Ibey is helping with baseball at the park this year, and was wondering how to go about getting reimbursed for stuff she has bought. The board told her that she will need to submit her receipts to be reviewed for approval at the next board meeting. Sammi was also wanting to buy trophies for the kids, and stated she did a fundraiser, and raised  the money to pay for most, if not all of the total amount they will cost.

     The code enforcement officer gave an update, and said that he has issued 15 building permits so far this this year.

     The assessor reported that, Last month she was busy preparing for the roll of upcoming grievance, for the next month, she is going to be taking calls on taxpayers with questions on their assessments. While tax payers can make an appointment with her anytime, this month she is required to advertise additional days of availability by the state. Change notices have been mailed out.  Grievance day is Thursday, May 27, between 4 and 8 PM.

     MDMS: Anna reported that they will be setting up a “drive in movie style” parking for the audience, and have been given the go ahead to proceed from the Department of Health. Anna will be dropping off the COVID contact information to be put on file in the town offices. Anna said that the MDMS was approved for the full grant amount they had applied for. Fundraising has also begun, and there are yard signs printed for donors.

     The board reviewed the monthly report. Kevin Finnegan made a motion, second by Garry Wells to acknowledge receipt of the monthly report. All were in favor.

     The board reviewed the monthly bills, General # 101-103 in the amount of $ 12,032.68, Highway# 73-87 for $33,369.34, Water #26-32 for $1,238.72, Sewer #30-34 for $268.75, Lighting #5 for $1,368.10, and Trust and Agency #5 for $5,208.50.  Kevin Finnegan made a motion, second by Garry Wells to pay the bills. All were in favor.

     Communications:   Ruth Doyle sent an email, with terms in which the Coronavirus State, and Local Fiscal Recovery funds can be used for. This includes, economic impact due to covid, replace lost public sector revenue, provide premium pay for essential workers, and invest in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure.

     Atlantic Energy will now be the towns Energy Supplier. The bill will still be received from and paid to National Grid.

     Highway Report: Bill is looking into getting Crowned Vetch as a ground cover for the stone wall by the bridge. It is low maintenance, and will help keep the weeds down.

     The new Kubota mower has arrived, and there is no word on the payloader.

      NCC is coming on May 14^th to do an inspection on fire alarms, and signal system at the Town Barns.

     The board asked Bill to build more benches for the playground, and clean up the ground where the old bandstand was.

     Bill is looking into getting part time summer help from the county.

     Old Business:  Anna is going to meet with Amy Moulton about moving money into the MDMS account for the book program they assisted with last year.

     The old band stand has been completely removed.

     Tony met with NYPA about the LED light contract, and is awaiting a response from National grid. The town is hoping to have new lights by the end of 2021.

     New Business: Flowers have been planted at the Town sign.

     Ruth Doyle is going to be contacted, to see what is considered infrastructure, and if the Fiscal funds can be spent on equipment.

      Garry Wells made a motion, second by Kevin Finnegan to approve the minutes for the April 14^th, 2021 minutes.

     The next regular meeting will be on Wednesday, June 9^th, 2021 at 6:30 P.M.

     Kevin Finnegan made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:42 P.M.

     _______________________

     Zoe Hawkins, Town Clerk    

April 14, 2021

     A regular meeting of the Madrid Town Board was called to order at 6:30 P.M.

     Members Present: Tony Cooper, Garry Wells, Alex Smith, Kevin Finnegan, Bill Barkley- Highway Supt., and Zoe Hawkins- Town Clerk.  Absent: David Fisher

     Also Present: Collin Nicol, Bill Hull, Collin Loomis, Tammy Hawkins, Anna Campbell, Megan Moulton, Philip Paige.

     Public Comment: Megan Moulton was checking for the beautification committee on where to plant flowers, it was previously mentioned that the first layer on the stone wall recently cleared off by the bridge would be a good spot. For the second layer of the wall, Bill Barkley is going to get quotes on Junipers or something else low maintenance that will help keep the sumac from growing.

     Bill Hull wanted to see how the property transfer is coming along, Collin Loomis has been in contact with Bills attorney about this.

     Anna Campbell reported she will be doing a free prom clothing event in the old Waddington school.

     MDMS asks the board to assist with the costs of the MDMS  children’s  BOOK BUNDLE events. The receipts were submitted prior and have been paid from our MDMS account. Each year  for the past 2 years… we host 2 book bundles events…and each time there are nearly 50 children in our community enriched. This past year we made covid safe the bundles, they were placed in bags for safe pickup at the library. MDMS has $400 invested in this project and we have supplies for the rest of 2021 and for 2022. Would the town assist MDMS  with an amount that  Amy would transfer from the  town children’s  account to the MDMS account? Alex Smith made a motion, second by Garry Wells to allow a transfer of $400.00 or less.  All in favor.

     Anna reported about the new bandstand, Steve will be speaking with David and  the committee  with the goal of design decision later this week. The next big need of the project is the quick removal of the old band stand  to proceed. Work to begin as soon as possible for completion as our Project Leader and our Electrician  have summer  commitments. MDMS was gifted $250 of LED lighting for the stage. Alex Smith made a motion, second by Kevin Finnegan to have the current bandstand removed starting the week of April 19. All were in favor.

     MDMS was selected  to receive a grant that requires our summer plans to be submitted for the payment. We are soon under a time crunch to complete the requirements for the grant award payment.   Info is required on how we plan to proceed on our Summer 2021 event evenings.

     Anna said that, The Madrid Park has a natural lawn space that would be our MDMS responsibility to meet the limitation of 200 people or less at an event.   It is the grass area between the paved path to the playground and across to the water front.  It would begin at the band stand and go back to the far end of the pavilion.

     MDMS has cancelled any food sales and will not use the Park Community Building for foods or as  rain location to respect the need of social distance requirements. SLPEM Board has offered their Carriage Barn for any rain dates. All Covid safety and  safe distance requirements of  1/3 capacity requirements would be in place. We reduced our usual 10 summer nights to only 6 nights….with penciled in bookings for our Summer 2021. MDMS,  upon Town board vote  to proceed. Alex Smith made a motion, second by Garry wells to allow the MDMS to proceed. All were in favor.

     The planning board is working with the vet who wants to build a new clinic at the State highway 310 and county route 44 intersection. The county is involved with this.

     The board is going to request code enforcement officer, Jeff Gilson start submitting monthly reports, and attend board meetings.

     The library is now open by appointment.

     The board reviewed the monthly report. Kevin Finnegan made a motion, second by Alex Smith to acknowledge receipt of the monthly report. All were in favor.

      The board reviewed the monthly bills, General #78-100 for $8,141.58, Highway #58-72 for $8,067.90, Water #21-25 for $2,104.28, Sewer # 24-29 for $2,050.38, Lighting #4 for $1,514.18 and Trust & Agency #4 for $5,208.50. Kevin Finnegan made a motion, second by Alex Smith to pay the bills. All were in favor.

     Communications: The Justice court fund was $404.00 to the town, and $526.00 to New York State.

     Highway Report: Bill presented the updated proposal for the payloader, after the trade in of the current one for $100,000.00, the balance due will be $122,454.00. Alex Smith made a motion, second by Garry Wells to have Bill order the payloader. All were in favor.

     Bill also presented the current quote for a new Kubota mower, with a price of $15,475.32. Alex Smith made a motion, second by Garry Wells to order the new mower.  All in favor.

     Bill is going to be placing several items on the online auction site, including Single Axle dump truck, cab and Chassis, the old lawn mower, and other misc. items.

     The bleachers for baseball have been repaired, and repainted.

     There have been repairs made at the sewer plant, and the chlorine injection lines were replaced at the water plant.

     The docks have been put in, and Bill recommended the one be replaced. The board said to repair and maintain the current docks.

     The board directed the Highway Superintendent to pick up the sand and debris piles on the county roads in the hamlet.

     Old Business:  The Teamster documents have been signed.

     The town is waiting to hear back on getting the street lights upgraded to LED.

     New Business: The town offices will be open to the public, as of April 15^th.

     The community building will be open starting May 1^st for the use of Bathrooms, but reservations will not be taking for dates before the 4^th of July.

     Kevin Finnegan made a motion, second by Alex Smith to approve the minutes from the March 10^th, and 24^th  meetings. All in favor.

     At 8:14 PM the board went into executive session and came out at 8:28 PM with no votes taken.

     The next regular board meeting will be May 12, 2021 at 6:30 P.m.

     Kevin Finnegan made a motion to Adjourn at 8:29 P.m.

   ________________________

   Zoe Hawkins, Town Clerk