VILLAGE BOARD MEETING MINUTES - JULY 28, 2008

   Mayor Skeet opened Committee meeting at 7:05 pm.

     Members present: Mayor Skeet, Trustees Peterson, Graham and Sobczak. Trustee Russ was absent.

     Clerk Thomas read a communication to the Board that she found in March 13, 1967 minutes regarding the viaduct. It stated that a letter was received “from Bernard F. Perry, District Engineer of the State Dept. of Public Works concerning maintenance of the underpass on Rt. 77 in the Village stating that the New York Central Railroad will maintain the superstructure and substructure of the bridge and that the N.Y. State DPW will maintain the pavement, the pumping station and the curbs.”

     Brief discussion was held concerning the 1967 communication and Board wondered about the possibility of locating the actual letter. Clerk will check the archives to see what can be found. Mayor Skeet said he would meet with the clerk to compose a letter to send to NYS Dept of Transportation regarding this information.

     Clerk Thomas also requested permission to purchase either a file cabinet or larger desk for Deputy Clerk Denise Beal, as well as mouse pad, calculator and misc. desk supplies. Board unanimously agreed to allow purchase of whatever is needed to get the Deputy clerk’s office space set up.

     Clerk informed Board that a copy of the Zoning permit for the Cold Storage Pole Barn, signed by Richard Reeves, and copy of the unsigned building permit that Mr. Reeves was supposed to have delivered to the Town Code Enforcement officer at the time, were both given to new Code Enforcement Officer Greg Martin. Mr. Martin determined that the building permit was incomplete. Mayor Skeet said he would speak with Councilman Sformo regarding the matter.

     Village Zoning Officer Darrell Ward joined meeting at 7:15 pm.

     Mr. Ward said he went to the Town of Pembroke building and introduced himself to Mr. Tuttle, Greg Martin and Clerk Andrea Davis. He said he would be meeting with Mr. Martin on Wednesday evening.

     Mr. Ward presented Board members with a Monthly Report. Among the items mentioned was contact with Ron Witkop of Genesee Heights regarding a temporary structure for storing a snow plow (no permit on file). Mr Witkop informed Mr. Ward that this building and other buildings at the same location would be removed as soon as possible.
     Mr. Ward has been in contact with granddaughter of James Murphy regarding the Murphy property on Allegheny next to the tracks, and asked that the property be maintained. She questioned him about tearing down the old trailer and if a new modular could be put in it’s place. Mr Ward is reviewing the zoning laws to see if this is a possibility and will stay in contact with her until these issues can be resolved.

     He also has sent another e-mail to Dr. Campbell regarding the property at 11 East Main and has received no response. The grass in front has been mowed at the property but no other maintenance has been done. He has printed out some of the pictures that Trustee Sobczak took and will be sending Mr. Campbell the pictures and a final notice to secure and maintain the property before the Board takes action in the matter.

     Some discussion followed regarding the method of delivery of the final notice, as Mr. Campbell previously refused a certified letter. Due to this fact, the Board suggested using a process server to deliver the letter. Mr. Ward will contact the local police agency where Mr. Campbell lives and see if they would serve the letter.

     There was also brief discussion regarding a dispute occurring between 9 & 11 West Main Street. An eye will be kept on the situation.

     Mr. Ward left the meeting at 7:40 PM.

     Mr. Joe Floss of Floss Insurance agency had arrived at 7:25 pm.
Mr. Floss addressed the Board regarding upcoming renewal of Village insurance. He mentioned that even with the addition of the two new buildings, the premium went down approximately 7%, saving the Village a little over $1000.00, due to a soft market. Upon being questioned he reassured Board members that all buildings and contents are insured to 90% of their replacement cost. Values of various Sewer buildings were discussed and it was mentioned that replacement values have not been updated in some time. If the Board finds that any values need to be amended, they can call and must give rationale for the changes.

     He also mentioned there is coverage included for loss of income and rental equipment in case of equipment breakdown is also covered. One thing he did mention that is not covered and would need a separate rider is “cyberliability” covering breach of electronic data.

     Board informed Mr. Floss they will review the policy proposal and determine whether or not to approve it at the next meeting prior to the due date.

     Mr. Floss left the meeting at 8:15 pm.

     Motion made by Trustee Graham and seconded by Trustee Sobczak to approve minutes of July 14th regular meeting.
                                                  Motion carried.

     Clerk reminded Board that the yearly in-house audit of the Court is due again. Mayor Skeet appointed Trustees Sobczak and Russ to handle the audit. Trustee Sobczak will contact Trustee Russ and Court Clerk Brandi Alexander to set up audit.

     Clerk Thomas informed the Board that Justice Court grant has been initiated, to include a phone system for the Village offices among other things for the Court. She requested the following resolution.

          Motion made by Trustee Sobczak & seconded by Trustee Peterson to move the following Resolution:
RESOLVED: The Village of Corfu Board of Trustees hereby authorizes Todd Skeet as Mayor of the Village of Corfu to prepare, sign and submit a grant application entitled Justice Court Assistance Program for equipment in the Village of Corfu Justice Court in an amount not to exceed $30,000, and to be the official representative acting in connection with the application and, as required, executing the contract.
     Voting Aye: Trustees Sobczak, Peterson and Graham.
     Voting Nay: None
     Trustee Russ was absent.
                                                  Motion carried.

State of New York}
County of Genesee}
Village of Corfu}

     I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct transcript of a Resolution adopted by the Village of Corfu Board of Trustees on the 28th day of July 2008.

                                                   Sandra S. Thomas
                                                   Clerk Treasurer

       
     Mayor Skeet gave Police Department report. He mentioned seasonal officer Jim Delacy is back for another three months after having been laid off for a week per Civil Service instructions. He also commented on the good relations between the Village officers and Genesee County Sheriffs and State Police.
     Mayor Skeet also informed the Board that he has interviewed an Emily Nelson, who is currently an Erie County Sheriff, who is interested in a part-time year round position. He felt she interviewed well and she appears to have a lot of training. She has a letter in to her Chief requesting a lateral to Genesee County Civil Service, which would make her available if the Board should choose to hire her. She has all equipment needed except badge and collar brass.

     Mayor Skeet also mentioned the lack of availability of current seasonal officer Bob Bramer. He has put in a minimal amount of time since hired for the position, which could be filled by someone who could dedicate more time to the Village.

     Motion made by Trustee Graham & seconded by Trustee Peterson to terminate Bob Bramer’s employment with the Village as a seasonal officer.
                                         Motion carried unanimously.
  
     It was mentioned that the DWI grant for the upcoming year has been turned in for funding. Also there will be a police meeting Tuesday, August 5th at 7 PM.

     In the Maintenance department it was reported that Maple Avenue is pretty much done, and that Village Maintenance department did a fantastic job.  Most everything was kept in-house and saved a considerable amount of money.  Potter Lumber has reported having some water problems since the paving so that will be looked into. The driveway entrances will be finished up and in 3-4 weeks, when the tar has had time to cure, the dirt and grass will be taken care of.

     Other maintenance plans are to continue on Creek cleanout. Mayor Skeet mentioned that Jesse Stocking and Jamie Waff have been working out well alongside Mike Smith.

     Clerk Thomas requested permission to pay invoice from Rock Construction for labor on the Sludge Storage building. Trustee Graham questioned a few unfinished details on the building, and brief discussion regarding those details and gutters ensued.

     Motion made by Trustee Graham & seconded by Trustee Peterson to pay Rock Construction for the labor on the Sludge Storage Building.
                                                  Motion carried.

     It was also mentioned that the Sludge Storage building is working great. It will allow more drying time for sludge, creating less hauling weight and frequency. Al Graham will check into having the dumpster removed to save on rental costs.
     Trustee Graham further reported on the Sewer Department that a D.O. meter for measuring ammonia has been purchased. He reported that they still aren’t positive where the high reading was coming from, but that it is currently about half what it previously was. He also mentioned they had a problem with filter that wouldn’t backwash, so a new actuator was put on.

     Paperwork for Buffalo Management Conference being held on October 15th was discussed.

     Motion made by Trustee Graham & seconded by Trustee Peterson to allow two Trustees to attend the Management Conference in October.
                                                  Motion carried.

     Brief discussion took place regarding correspondence received from Attorney Kevin Earl about voting procedures regarding the issue of Court Security. He reaffirmed that a motion must be passed by majority of Board (3 votes) therefore the prior motion regarding supplying Court Security for the Town of Pembroke was Not Passed due to only having 2 Aye votes.

     It was mentioned that Supervisor Tuttle from the Town of Pembroke has indicated that his Board were all on Board with Corfu providing Security, but a member of the Town Board indicated a different story.

     Trustee Peterson questioned if having provided the Town with financial requirements for Village Court Security constitutes an agreement. Some debate over the issue ensued and the subject was tabled for the time being.

     Motion made by Trustee Graham & seconded by Trustee Peterson to adjourn meeting.
                                                   Motion carried.

     Meeting was adjourned at 10:00 PM.

Sandra Thomas
Clerk Treasurer