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 13th, 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 13th, or the 20th of September.
MDMS: Anna reported that MDMS celebrated their 5th 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 4th 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, 2nd 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 8th 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.
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Zoe Hawkins, Town Clerk