Town of Walworth – Thursday, May 3, 2012

Supervisor Plant called to order a meeting of the board at 7:30 PM in the Walworth Town Hall. Meeting minutes from the April 19th 2012 meeting were approved, as presented. No public comment was offered.

At 7:45PM a Public Hearing for Proposed Local Law #1 regarding unsafe buildings was opened. No public comments were offered, and the hearing was closed at 7:47 PM. The board then proceeded to approve Resolution #50-12, Local Law #1.

At 7:50 PM a Public Hearing for Proposed Local Law #2 regarding noise was opened. Several public comments were offered from those in favor of the proposed law, and also from many more who were opposed. The change to the law cites changing the town code quiet hours from 7:00 AM until 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM until 11:00 PM. Those in favor of the new law included two individuals who have booked their wedding receptions at the Greystone Golf Club, and Walworth Lions Club President who scheduled a band at the Festival in the Park until 10:30 PM, unknowingly. Those who had planned their celebrations at Greystone had signed contracts from the establishment allowing them to have amplified sound until 11:00P M despite being past the town’s quiet hours, and appealed to the town board to allow for a pardon. Those who were opposed to the law were all residents, and save for one, were neighbors of the Greystone Golf Club. Common points made against the law were the fact that Greystone has, in the past, not adhered to the 10:00 quiet time, and the loud music on Friday and Saturday evenings from May through October interferes with sleep, and enjoyment of their own homes and property. It was argued that if the establishment wishes to host events past the quiet hours they should invest in upgrading their facilities to support the events. Many of these residents expressed their desire to live in the country was to get away from the noise and business of the suburbs and cities, yet they find it is now in their backyards. The residents asked the board pressing questions about the law, specifically “Why?”; “What was the impetus of this law?”; “Who does this benefit – does this benefit the entire community or just one entity?”; and “Was research done before this law was proposed?”, adding “Without data, it is just an opinion.” A petition with 117 signatures of residents against the law was presented to the board, which was called upon to enter the petition into the public record. One comment which was echoed by many in opposition of the law was “This impacts the entire community. A law should not be changed to support only a few.” Former Town Board member Suzi Hawkins-Mance addressed the issue, as well, remarking that she had visited the Downs Road area on Friday and Saturday evenings at the midnight hour, and loud noise was still emanating from the Greystone grounds. She suggested as an alternative that the board try to find a compromise. The hearing was closed at 8:14 PM.

Councilman Ruth motioned that the proposed law be tabled, in order to do further research, in hopes of possibly finding a compromise, and the matter will be readdressed at the next town board meeting. This was approved by the board with one nay vote.

At 8:00 PM a Public Hearing for Proposed Local Law #3 regarding property maintenance was opened. No public comments were offered, however Attorney to the Town, Ms. Denise Munson did recommend two changes to the law, if adopted, and the hearing was closed at 8:03 PM. The board then approved Resolution # 52-12, Local Law #3.

At 8:05 PM a Public Hearing for Proposed Local Law #4 was opened. The board rescinded the public hearing, due to substantial changes to the proposed law in order to re-draft it. The public hearing was closed at 8:06 PM. The board then approved Resolution #53-12, to rescind resolution #43-12. The board then approved Resolution #56-12 for Proposed Local Law #5 of the year 2012, with a public hearing to be held on Thursday, May 17th, at 7:45 in the Walworth Town Hall.

Councilman Yale made a motion to approve Highway Superintendent, Mike Frederes, to attend a Highway School Conference from June 11th through the 13th with a pre-payment registration fee in the amount of $100.00 was approved. He then shared the formal resignation of Town Assessor, Ms. Karen Ambroz. He reported that the town is engaging in conversations with the Town of Ontario regarding the possibility of utilizing shared services of the Town of Ontario Assessor. In an attempt to cut costs, only a full time clerk would be hired, with the assessor being contracted. The board then accepted the resignation, and further approved advertisement of the position should an agreement not be reached regarding the shared services agreement. Lastly Councilman Yale presented an Administrative Professionals Proclamation, in honor and in thanks of the professionals who serve for the Town of Walworth, which was approved.
Councilman Ruth thanked Mike Frederes, the Highway Superintendent and his crews on installing the cemetery steps, saying they look great.

Councilman Pembroke requested permission to send the Sewer Department truck and various other surplus items to the Palmyra Municipal Auction, which was approved by the board. He also reported for the Safety Commission that the sidewalk issue has been repaired and resolved.

Councilwoman Marini presented a Proclamation of thanks to the Walworth Lions Club, which has been servicing the Town of Walworth for 40 years, for all the things they have and continue to do for the town and its residents. This was approved by the board.

Resolutions approved included #54-12, awarding the bid for the Stalker Road Forcemain Replacement to G.P. Smith Excavating of Palmyra who had the low bid at $142,000.00. Resolution #55-12 awarded a bid for a Town Land Lease Agreement to the high bidder, Emil J. Weber of Ontario, NY who bid $768.00.

In other business the board had a discussion regarding whether to repair or replace the Town Complex Retaining Wall, concluding that the vendor who provided the replacement retaining wall which was installed last year will come out to look at it, and the board will seek pricing options for its repair. A decision regarding the reimbursement of the Town Clerk’s mileage vouchers was tabled again, for the board to meet with the Town’s Attorney for her counsel on the matter. The board also approved the pre-payment registration fee of $50.00 for Gene Bavis to attend conferences and training for the Planning Board. Lastly the board discussed the West Walworth Service Award Contribution. The original price quoted for the audit was short, and the town owes an additional $76.00. The board then approved the payment of the shortage for services rendered.

The board recessed the meeting to meet in Executive Session for a personnel issue at 8:24, and reconvened the meeting at 8:57 PM. No other business came before the board and the meeting was adjourned at 8:58 PM. The next regular meeting of the board will be held on Thursday, May 17th, at 7:30 PM in the Walworth Town Hall.
By Becky Block

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