Walworth Town Board – Thursday, July 5, 2012

Auditor deems Town is in food fiscal condition
Supervisor Plant called to order a meeting of the board at 7:30 PM in the Walworth Town Hall. Meeting minutes from the June 21, 2012 board meeting were approved as presented and no public comment was offered. Under Correspondence, it was reported that the Town Clerk, Susie Jacobs, received a request from the Citizen’s Campaign for the Environment to peddle in the town to raise funds for their cause between the hours of 4:00 and 9:00 PM. The clerk has received complaint calls from residents regarding the group and as a result it was decided by the board that it is appropriate for the town clerk to not issue a permit, and therefore approved a motion to not renew.

A presentation from Raymond F. Wager, CPA, P.C. was given to the board regarding the town’s annual audit. Mr. Wager discussed the procedures, and reported having met with town-wide staff, reviewed financial statements, and internal operations. The unqualified opinion of the audit was reported as positive. He also noted that the 3 main financial funds [Highway, Sewer, and General Funds] were all in good shape, and reserve funds are being handled well. Overall, he reported that the audit went smoothly, the town employees were cooperative, and that the audit itself was positive. Lastly he noted that financially the town is in good fiscal condition and also that some minor procedural recommendations were provided from the audit findings. The board thanked Mr. Wager for attending and reporting the information to the town.

At 7:45 PM a public hearing regarding Proposed Local Law #7, a local law to override the tax levy limit established in General Municipal Law. No public comments were offered and the hearing was closed at 7:45 PM. The board then approved Resolution #73-12, the adoption of Proposed Local Law #7- the tax cap levy override.

The board also discussed and then further approved Resolution #69-12, the adoption of an amendment to the Town of Walworth Policy /Procedures and Procurement Policy.
During Committee Reports Councilman Yale made a recommendation to appoint Ms. Dennine Leeson to the Town Assessor position, with a term to expire on September 30, 2013. This was approved by the board.

Councilman Ruth reported having received a letter regarding a proposed library summer art programs, as well as local talent community concerts. The board was impressed with the general concept of the community programs and involvement and discussed the specifics of the requests. Councilman Ruth will get back to the group in order to iron out the details. He also reported that the Cemetery Clean-Up dates were scheduled for August 4th and 18th from 8:00 AM- 12:00 Noon, and is looking for community volunteers to participate. It was requested that anyone interested in helping please contact the town clerk. Lastly, Councilman Ruth reported that he received a letter requesting follow-up on a cat situation. The board agreed it would be prudent for the town to contact the health officer to inspect the home.

Councilman Pembroke reported that the high pressure line project is coming along nicely and should be complete by the next board meeting, and also that the project came in well under budget. He also requested that 3 sewer department employees be allowed to attend the Finger Lakes Water Works Conference, for a total cost of $75.00, and noted that the employees will receive Continuing Education credits for attending. The request was approved by the board.

Supervisor Plant shared a Proclamation to the Parks and Recreation for enhancing the lives of those who live in the community of the Town of Walworth, and further declared July, 2012 as Parks and Recreation Month. This was approved by the board. He also reported that Phil Williamson has received a complaint from a resident regarding the neighborhood retention pond, explaining that neighborhood kids are fishing in the pond and trespassing through backyards in order to arrive at said pond. After discussion the board agreed that this is not a town board issue, and if a resident is concerned about trespassing on property then it is the property owner’s decision whether or not to alert authorities or address the issue with the neighbors.

In other business, Engineer for the Town, Brendan Bystrak, of Labella Associates, P.C. reported having received an application for a fill permit for the property located at 3531 Dewpoint Road, noting the fill to be used is from their backyard pool installation. Mr. Bystrak then recommended the board approve the permit, and the board complied. The board also approved Resolution #73-12, to adopt the NYS Retirement System Standard Work Day & Reporting for Elected and Appointed Officials.

In other business the board discussed the memorial trees which were purchased in the past, prior to the town board ending the Memorial Tree Program 3 years ago. However, when trees die or plaques break or become weathered purchasers have come forward to the town requesting replacements, and it was noted by Supervisor Plant that the program is currently “costing taxpayer’s money” and also explained that the program was a great idea to begin with, however it was not well planned out or funded. Councilman Yale responded that he feels the town’s responsibility is to provide reasonable care, but unfortunately the town cannot continue to indefinitely fund replacements. Councilman Yale commented that “Living memorials are wonderful; however they have life cycles which do eventually come to an end.” He then made a motion to formally end the memorial tree program, which was approved by the board with one ‘nay’ vote from Councilman Pembroke. The board also approved the certification of a new electrical inspection company, Mr. Fritz Gunther.

No other business came before the board and the meeting was adjourned at 8:54 PM. The next regular meeting of the Walworth Town Board will be held on Thursday, July19th, at 7:30 PM in the Walworth Town Hall.
By Becky Block

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