Northport Village Corporation

Board of Overseers

Minutes of Meeting: May 22, 2005

At 10:00 AM on May 22, 2005, President Huntoon convened the meeting of the Northport Village Corporation Board of Overseers in the Community Hall meeting room with Overseers Brockway, Crofoot, Spollett, Robbins, Metcalf, Allen, Treasurer Sheffield, and Clerk Lagner present.  The minutes of the April 10 meeting were accepted as amended by motion of Metcalf, seconded by Brockway.

The treasurer's report was accepted by motion of Robbins, seconded by Spollett, showing the following cash balances:

            General Government

                           Checking                    $74,689.82

                           Community Hall                 876.29

                           Petty Cash                            32.88

                             Total                          $75,598.99

            Water Department

                           Checking                    $48,817.82

                           Petty Cash                            30.72

                             Total                          $48,848.54

            Sewer Department

                           Checking                     $3,306.98

                           Petty Cash                           36.37

                             Total                           $3,343.35

Utilities: Dave Crofoot

1.      Flow violations in March and April were substantial, due to the rainfall. We have identified one serious source of the I & I problem, but others exist.

2.      The outflow pipe has been inspected, and no leaks were found.

3.      Chlorinating for the summer months began May 18. Cost of pumping the septic tanks increased.

4.      Dick McElhaney passed his water license.

5.      The electric bill is about 20% higher because the pumping stations had to be heated with electric heaters.

6.      If North Street is to be dug up to repair damage, then the committee feels that new sewer lines should be installed at the same time.

7.      DEP Issues: There is no grant money available right now. The DEP asked that priorities be established, which were listed as follows:

(1)   Fix the huge sources of I & I.

(2)   Make modifications to the present treatment plant.

(3)   Replace/repair the remainder of the sewer lines in the Village to avoid license violation fees.

(4)   Replace or lengthen the outfall pipe.

Fees: The DEP expects user fees to equal 2% of the household income for wastewater. Until that level is reached, the NVC would not qualify for grant money even if it were available. In NVC this would mean $547 per user. Metcalf moved, seconded by Brockway, that we accept the recommendation of the Utilities Trustees to increase the user rate for wastewater treatment to $549 (which is easily divided into thirds for trimester billing purposes). Voted. The meeting with the DEP will take place Friday, May 27. Spollett and Brockway will attend the meeting with Crofoot and McElhaney. The public meeting to address the increase in fees is scheduled for July, at the same time as the water rate hearing.

Manager Paige

1.      The merry-go-round in Ruggles park needs repairs. Mulch has been increased, but the equipment needs work.

2.      Repeated efforts to work with the town road commissioner Magruder to repair Main Street due to clogged storm drains have produced no results, although Magruder has assured residents he intends to work on it. Brockway will attend the Selectpersons' meeting.

3.      Problems with valves in the water lines have been discovered due to Lynch's installation contrary to the specs. $11,000 of money owed to Lynch will be held until these are cleared up. An accurate list of problems should be ready by the June 19 Overseers' meeting. The Board still did not authorize the release of the check, the final payment to Lynch. Treasurer Sheffield requested that in the future if moneys approved by signed warrants cannot be released, the warrant should be annotated and initialed by one or more Overseers.

Resident Concerns

1.      Cressey asked when the repair in Bayview Park was to take place. McElhaney will be seeking a permit for digging.

2.      Mary Jane, the daughter of Irene Coehler who died this past winter, has requested that a memorial service be held on August 8 in Merithew Square for her mother. Metcalf moved, seconded by Robbins, that we authorize the police officers to impose a parking ban for one hour before and up to one hour after this memorial service. Voted.

3.      Blair Einstein reported that there is enough money left in the playground fund (in Anne Einstein's memory), to repair the swings (seats and rubber coating on the chains) and the tire swing in Ruggles Park .

4.      No action taken on the Pleasant Street "Walk" owned by NVC. Further input will be sought from Bruce Smith and Gordon Fuller, abutters.

Facilities

1.      MMA recommendations are being taken care of.

2.      Maintenance issues of North Street , George Sreet, and Main Street were discussed. Paige was directed to go ahead and fix Main Street 's erosion, and Brockway will request that the Town share the cost. Robbins volunteered to seek road repair funding from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency).

Safety

1.      Parking space in the firehouse is not available. The village property on upper Griffin Street was suggested for parking the police car.

2.      Joan DeMeo requested that the police contract be dated from May to May so that the police always are working under a contract. Police working schedule begins on July 1 through September 5 (Labor Day).

3.      Life guard coverage should include the weekends of June 18 and 25, then full time from July 1 through the 28th of August.

Budget

After discussion, Metcalf moved, seconded by Allen, that the proposed 2006 budget be tabled. Voted.

The June 19 Board of Overseers' meeting will begin at 8:00 AM. The meeting was adjourned at 12:25 PM.