Minutes

JANUARY 14, 2016

The regular meeting of the Town of Hartland, County of Niagara, State of New York, was held on the above date at the Town Hall, 8942 Ridge Road, Gasport convening at 7:30 p.m.

Members present:

Minutes

RESOLUTION 20-2016

MOTION by Councilman Reed, seconded by Councilman Grant to adopt the minutes of the January 4, 2016 meeting as presented.

Ayes:   5          Nays:   0          ADOPTED

Abstract of Bills

RESOLUTION 21-2016

MOTION by Councilman Snyder, seconded by Councilman Reed resolved that the following bills, as prepared by the Clerk and having been reviewed by the Town Board, be authorized for payment in the following amounts:

January 14, 2016

HIGHWAY REPORT:                                Read and filed

Superintendent Hurtgam reported that his crew is now on winter hours with a night shift schedule.

 Hurtgam met with a representative from Wendel to discuss a hosted GIS web map program.  The cost for the application is $ 3400.00.

RESOLUTION 22-2016

MOTION by Councilman Snyder, seconded by Councilman Reed to purchase the GIS program from Wendel.

Ayes:   5          Nays:   0          CARRIED

Hurtgam is working on the best plan for the Bobcat Excavator and the Ford pickup for trade, will have the numbers ready for the February meeting.

WATER REPORT:    Read and filed

ASSESSOR / CEO REPORTS:      Read and filed

Assessor Hartman reported business as usual with nothing new to report.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:         none

OLD BUSINESS:       none                                                                            

NEW BUSINESS:

Transfers

RESOLUTION 23-2016

January 14, 2016

MOTION by Councilman Reed, seconded by Councilman Snyder to approve the following transfers:

Supervisor Annable read the proposed resolutions for the 2016 Legislative Program from the Association of Towns.

January 14, 2016

Association of Towns

RESOLUTION 24-2016

MOTION by Councilman Snyder, seconded by Councilman Reed to approve the following resolutions as recommended by the Association of Towns:

1. Funding for Local Roads and Bridges; calls to explore alternative funding sources to address lower revenue derived from the gas tax sue to fuel efficient, hybrid and electric vehicles.

2. Adopt a Five Year Capital Transportation Plan; with sufficient funding to ensure the rehabilitation and integrity of our local roads and bridges.

3. Reform the Tax Cap Formula; to fund and/or eliminate state mandates, provide meaningful state aid, reform the real property tax system and address cost drivers in the provision of local government services/operations in order to provide lower property taxes for all New Yorkers.

4. Strengthening State Relations Mandate Relief & Revenue Sharing; to increase revenue sharing, program funding and technical assistance to localities.

5. Increase Justice Court Funding; calls to increase reimbursement fees to assist local taxpayers in funding justice court operational expenses and to modify the fine distribution formula set forth in the Vehicle and Traffic Law in an equitable manner to provide towns with the funding necessary to adjudicate Vehicle and Traffic law violations.

6. Amend the Electronic Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act; to improve the current law to help alleviate the immediate financial pressures faced by local government by creating a more stable and comprehensive, manufacturer-implemented electronics recycling infrastructure, which can be achieved by strengthening communications amongst stakeholders, clarifying key statutory provisions in their present rulemaking efforts and promoting the adoption of amendments to the Act to provide for year-round, no-cost collection of electronics, consistent with convenience standards for both rural and urban populations.

7. Neighborhood Stabilization and Maintenance of Abandoned Homes; to support legislation to address quality of life and public safety issues associated with abandoned properties.

8. Reform the Real Property Tax System; to define and enact a uniform, well-defined approach to exemption and taxable status date legislation and provide state funding for any state mandated or encouraged exemption programs and protect local property tax revenues.

9. State Assistance Needed for Communities in the Adirondack Park; to provide meaningful regulatory relief to communities within the Blue Line of the Adirondack Park so that actual economic development can take place.

   January 14, 2016

10. Preserve and Strengthen Home Rule; to strongly oppose any state initiative to weaken or eliminate New York’s long-standing tradition of home rule and local government authority.

Ayes:         5          Nays:   0          CARRIED

Full text of resolutions attached.

Clerk Boyler was directed to send a copy of this resolution with certification to the Governor, Legislative Leaders, Senate and Assembly-member.

Adjournment

RESOLUTION 25-2016

MOTION by Councilman Reed, seconded by Councilman Snyder that since there is no further business to come before the board, the meeting be adjourned at   8:10 p. m.

Ayes:   5          Nays:   0          CARRIED

Respectfully submitted:                                 

Cynthia S. Boyler

Town Clerk

Next scheduled regular meeting will be February 11, 2016