October 14, 2021 Regular Town Meeting (Draft)

CALL TO ORDER
Meeting was called to order at 7:01pm by Supervisor Peter Shrope at the Brighton Town Hall, 12 County Road 31 (aka Jones Pond Road), Paul Smiths, New York, on October 14, 2021
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was recited

ROLL CALL:
Present: Supervisor Peter Shrope
Council Members: Amber McKernan, Steve Tucker and Lydia Wright
Absent: Council Member Matthew Szeliga
Others Present: Paul Blaine-Code Enforcement Officer, Andy Crary-Superintendent of Highways, Elaine Sater-Town Clerk and two residents
Guests: None

REPORTS
HIGHWAY – Superintendent of Highways Andy Crary: Raked dirt roads, finished cutting shoulders on Keese Mills Road; mowed Town Hall and Garage; chipped Keese Mills and White Pine Roads; changed tire on 2013 truck and purchased a new tire; hauled tar for Village and Town of Tupper Lake; cleaned culvert from beaver activity on Keese Mills Road; patched Tebbutt Road; hauled 10 loads of grindings from Airport; worked on little sander; made dump runs; and one employee is on vacation.

TOWN CLERK – Elaine Sater: Total revenue to Supervisor as of September 30, 2021, was $452.00 from 5 certified copies of Vital Records and 1 Genealogical search, 1 Town Park donation, 4 Dog licenses: 2 renewed and 2 new (Tag #s 255 and 256), 4 Building Permits (BP#21-033 thru 036) and previous BPs renewed, 1 copy on the copier, and 3 Notary Signatures.
September 19 – Mailed Local Law #2-2021, ìProviding for the Administration and Enforcement of Uniform Code of Fire Prevention and Building Codeî, to the NYS Department of State, received notice that Local Law was filed on September 21.
September 30 – Posted notice of Special Meeting on October 7 at 5:30pm for Tentative 2022 Budget meeting, distributed Tentative 2022 Budget to Board members and Highway Superintendent.
October 1 – Purchased a DELL laptop computer from Best Buy; purchased a subscription for Office 365 Business version for 1 year from Staples Office Supply. Computer order from Dell on contract with cancelled twice and account is now being used by Town of Brighton in Monroe County.
TOWN HALL REQUESTS: None
TOWN PARK REQUEST: Saturday, September 25, Charland Family, 2 to 4pm; Saturday October 2 and 30, and Sunday, October 24, Paul Smithís College Rugby, 10am to 5pm for fields, and Saturday, October 30, Ormerod Family, 12 to 5pm for park area.
RECORDS MANAGEMENT: Shredding/disposing of 2014 and earlier documentation that has passed it retention period. Completed shredding Court documents from 2014 and older. Shredded insurance documents from 1969 to 2001.

HISTORIAN – Elaine Sater: Nothing to Report

TAX COLLECTOR – Holly Huber: Nothing to Report

TOWN JUSTICE – Nik Santagate: Supervisor Peter Shrope received a check in the amount of $4,221.00 for 42 cases disposed during September

CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER – Paul Blaine: Issued 4 building permits (BP#21-033 thru 036), renewed previous BPs; issued 1 Certificates of Occupancy BP#18-023, and 1 renewal for BP #17-012

ASSESSOR/DATA COLLECTOR – Roseanne Gallagher: Nothing to Report
Andy Crary said he still had a boat in the water if the Assessor still wants to go out on St. Regis Lake to collect data.

SUPERVISOR – Peter Shrope:
Charter Communications: Received notices concerning upcoming Spectrum changes dated September 10, 2021
AATV – On September 22 attended a meeting of the Adirondack Association of Towns and Villages in Tupper Lake, discussed Camp Gabriels and Debar Lodge properties. Need a Constitutional amendment to sell Camp Gabriels, NY Senate continues to pass a resolution, the Assembly will not forward as resolution for a vote.
Fiscal Stress Report: Received the Fiscal Stress notification from the NYS Office of State Comptroller based on the 2020 AUD, Town has 3 years of zero (0) Financial or Environmental stress
Budget: Update as of September 30, 2021, was distributed to Town Board. Revenue received $600 for 2 cemetery plots, $4,221.00 from the Town Justice, and $452.00 from the Town Clerk
NYCLASS investment interest received for September as follows: $2.36 for General Fund, Balance is $111,185.60 ($20,000 for Town Hall Roof); $.90 for Highway Fund, Balance is $42,372.56
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA): Looking into what funds can be spent on, possibly a well for Town Hall and Garage or a generator for shelter at Paul Smithís College, otherwise balance must be returned with interest

ACCEPT/AMEND MINUTES
Regular Board Meeting September 9, 2021
Motion made by Amber McKernan, second by Steve Tucker, to accept the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of September 9, 2021, with a discussion on how to spell “marihuana” with an “h” or a “j”, both are used by the State. Aye 4 (McKernan, Shrope, Tucker, Wright), Nay 0, Absent 1 (Szeliga)

Public Hearing Proposed Local Law #2 of the Year 2021 September 9, 2021
Motion made by Amber McKernan, second by Lydia Wright, to accept the minutes of the Public Hearing of September 9, 2021, for the proposed Local Law #2 of the Year 2021 “Providing for the Administration and Enforcement of the Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code”, as written. Aye 3 (McKernan, Shrope, Wright), Nay 0, Abstain 1 (Tucker), Absent 1 (Szeliga)

Special Board Meeting Tentative Budget 2022 October 7, 2021
Motion made by Amber McKernan, second by Lydia Wright, to accept the minutes of the Special Board Meeting of October 7, 2021, for the Tentative 2022 Town Budget as written. Aye 4 (McKernan, Shrope, Tucker, Wright), Nay 0, Absent 1 (Szeliga)

CITIZEN COMMENTS: None

BUSINESS

Paul Smiths-Gabriels Volunteer Fire Department Contract – Supervisor Peter Shrope: Received a five-year contract from the Paul Smiths-Gabriels volunteer Fire Department, need to schedule a public hearing.

Town Budget 2022 – Supervisor Peter Shrope: Town Board met on October 7 to discuss the Tentative 2022 Town Budget, it is ready for Preliminary approval and needs a public hearing scheduled

RESOLUTION #43-2021
PRELIMINARY 2022 TOWN BUDGET AND PUBLIC HEARINGS
Motion made by Supervisor Peter Shrope, second by Amber McKernan,
RESOLVED that the Town Board accepts the proposed Tentative 2022 Budget as discussed at the October 7, 2021, Special Meeting as the Preliminary Budget for 2022 with the following:
General Fund:
Preliminary General Fund Appropriations: $432,459
Estimated General Revenues: $43,984
Less General Fund Balance $49,812
Amount to be raised by Taxes: $338,663
and
Highway Fund:
Preliminary Highway Appropriations: $405,876
Estimated Highway Fund Revenue: $110,622
Less Highway Fund Balance: $40,000
Amount to be raised by Taxes: $255,254
and
Fire District: $103,327
and
Lighting District: $900
and
Total Preliminary amount to be raised by Taxes: $698,144
and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that two Public Hearings will be held on Thursday, October 28, 2021, at 7pm for the Fire Protection District Contract and followed by the Preliminary 2022 Town Budget.
ROLL CALL VOTE: Aye 4 (McKernan, Shrope, Tucker, Wright), Nay 0, Absent 1 (Szeliga)
RESOLUTION #43-2021 declared duly adopted.

Annual Contracts – Supervisor Peter Shrope: Received three annual contracts for renewal

RESOLUTION #44-2021 SARANAC LAKE VOLUNTEER RESCUE SERVICES 2022 AGREEMENT
Motion made by Supervisor Peter Shrope, second by Amber McKernan,
RESOLVED that the Town Board authorizes Supervisor Peter Shrope to sign a 1-year agreement with the Saranac Lake Volunteer Rescue Squad, Inc., to provide Rescue Services for the Town during 2022 in the amount of $30,894.
ROLL CALL VOTE: Aye 4 (McKernan, Shrope, Tucker, Wright), Nay 0, Absent 1 (Szeliga)
RESOLUTION #44-2021 declared duly adopted.

RESOLUTION #45-2021 NORTH COUNTRY LIFE FLIGHT SERVICES 2022 AGREEMENT
Motion made by Supervisor Peter Shrope, second by Steve Tucker,
RESOLVED that the Town Board authorizes Supervisor Peter Shrope to sign a 1-year agreement with the North Country Life Flight, Inc., to provide Medical Evacuation Services for the Town during 2022 in the amount of $1,500.
ROLL CALL VOTE: Aye 4 (McKernan, Shrope, Tucker, Wright), Nay 0, Absent 1 (Szeliga)
RESOLUTION #45-2021 declared duly adopted.

RESOLUTION #46-2021 SARANAC LAKE CIVIC CENTER 2022 AGREEMENT
Motion made by Supervisor Peter Shrope, second by Steve Tucker,
RESOLVED that the Town Board authorizes Supervisor Peter Shrope to sign a 1-year agreement with the Saranac Lake Civic Center, Inc., to provide youth activities for the Town during 2022 in the amount of $1,000.
ROLL CALL VOTE: Aye 4 (McKernan, Shrope, Tucker, Wright), Nay 0, Absent 1 (Szeliga)
RESOLUTION #46-2021 declared duly adopted.

Discharge of HUD Mortgage #92-04 – Supervisor Peter Shrope: Received a request to discharge a mortgage lien the Town has from the Brighton Housing Rehabilitation Program loans from 1992.

RESOLUTION #47-2021 DISCHARGE OF HUD MORTGAGE #92-04
Motion made by Supervisor Peter Shrope, second by Lydia Wright,
WHEREAS the Town of Brighton secured by mortgage dated September 1, 1993, for a Town of Brighton Housing Rehabilitation Program loan (HUD#92-04) in the amount of Twenty thousand dollars, $20,000.00, and such mortgage was recorded on January 31, 1994, in Book 434 of Mortgages starting at page 185 in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Franklin, and
WHEREAS, the mortgage contains a provision that the mortgagor will abide by all terms of the Note, and
WHEREAS the terms of the Note have been met including the completion of five years after the date of the Mortgage of September 1, 1998, to end without repayment of the principal or accrued interest, and
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Supervisor of the Town is authorized to sign and issue a Discharge of Mortgage for HUD Project #92-04, a mortgage dated September 1, 1993, in the amount of $20,000.00 as recorded on January 31, 1994, in Book 434 of Mortgages starting at page 185 in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Franklin, NY.
ROLL CALL VOTE: Aye 4 (McKernan, Shrope, Tucker, Wright), Nay 0, Absent 1 (Szeliga)
RESOLUTION #47-2021 declared duly adopted.

RESOLUTION #48-2021 DISCHARGE OF HUD MORTGAGES
Motion made by Lydia Wright, second by Steve Tucker,
RESOLVED that the Supervisor be authorized to discharge the remaining outstanding HUD Mortgages from the 1992 and 1994 Brighton Housing Rehabilitation Program loans as needed.
ROLL CALL VOTE: Aye 4 (McKernan, Shrope, Tucker, Wright), Nay 0, Absent 1 (Szeliga)
RESOLUTION #48-2021 declared duly adopted.

Cannabis (MRTA) – Supervisor Peter Shrope: Discussion was held concerning the Town’s options to “opt-out” of certain parts of the Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA); no action to be taken by the Town Board to “opt out” of having Retail Dispensaries and On-site Consumption Sites in the Town.

Tax Penalty Refund Voucher (#153-2021) – Amber McKernan: Reviewed the protocol for issuing a tax penalty refund to a taxpayer after a payment showed up in May with two different postage meter marks (January and May). The penalties were paid after a second notice was mailed to the taxpayer who was not aware that the first check was not cashed. Discussion was held as to the legality of issuing a refund to the taxpayer. Amber McKernan will get the actual envelope from the Tax Collector to determine if the post marks are from the United States Post Office or a private meter service. Amber McKernan will email the Tax Collector concerning this issue.

COMMITTEES:
Adirondack Regional Airport – Amber and Tom McKernan: Due to the warm weather paving is continuing on the runways. The work is being completed at night.

Park & Recreation – Peter Shrope/Amber McKernan: Port-a-potty will stay until Paul Smithís College Rugby is finished, after the 1st of November. Amber McKernan said that a lot of people driving though stop and use it, especially delivery trucks.

Assessment/BAR – Lydia Wright/Matthew Szeliga: The Town Clerk said that Tom Seymourís term on the Board of Assessment Review has expired as of September 30, 2021. Tom Seymour is appointed contingent on his acceptance of the position.

RESOLUTION #49-2021
APPOINTENT OF TOM SEYMOUR TO THE BOARD OF ASSESSMENT REVIEW (BAR)
Motion made by Supervisor Peter Shrope, Second by Lydia Wright,
RESOLVED that the Town Board appoint Tom Seymour to a five-year term on the Board of Assessment Review from October 1, 2021, through September 30, 2026.
ROLL CALL VOTE: Aye 4 (McKernan, Shrope, Tucker, Wright), Nay 0, Absent 1 (Szeliga)
RESOLUTION #49-2021 declared duly adopted.

CITIZEN COMMENTS:
Jeremy Asmus – Paul Smithís College: Land for trail is under easement; Adirondack Frontier is doing the paperwork to have access.

AUDIT OF VOUCHERS
RESOLUTION #50-2021 AUDIT OF VOUCHERS
Motion made by Lydia Wright, second by Amber McKernan,
RESOLVED that the Supervisor be authorized to pay the audited vouchers as listed on the abstracts as follows:
PREPAID FUNDS: Abstract #10 for Voucher #s 10A thru 10D for 2021 GENERAL FUND in the amount of $713.24 and Voucher #10C for 2021 STREET LIGHTING FUNDS in the amount of $69.65
GENERAL FUND: Abstract #10 for Voucher #162 through #182 for 2021 funds in the amount of $8,493.35, (Voucher #153 held for further review)
HIGHWAY FUND: Abstract #10 for Voucher #77 through # 92 for 2021 funds in the amount of $24,384.90
ROLL CALL VOTE: Aye 4 (McKernan, Shrope, Tucker, Wright), Nay 0, Absent 1 (Szeliga)
RESOLUTION #50-2021 declared duly adopted.

ADJOURNMENT
Motion to Adjourn at 9:10pm made by Amber McKernan, second by Lydia Wright, Aye 4 (McKernan, Shrope, Tucker, Wright), Nay 0, Absent 1 (Szeliga)

Respectfully Submitted, Elaine W. Sater, RMC, Brighton Town Clerk