Northport Village Corporation

Board of Overseers

July 3, 2005

Minutes

The July 3rd meeting of the Board of Overseers was convened at 8:00 AM by President Jo Huntoon. Present were Overseers Allen, Robbins, Brockway, Spollett, Metcalf, Crofoot, Treasurer Sheffield, and Clerk Lagner. The minutes of the June 19th meeting were accepted by motion of Brockway, seconded by Allen.

There was no treasurer's report.

Residents' Concerns:

1.      K. Vlodek: Asked about $20,000 in last year's budget set aside in the general funds for wastewater expenses to come. Sheffield responded that in the budget being prepared for 2006, that sum has been reduced to $10,000.

2.      Allen and Brockway have studied the water run-off problem on Sea Street in front of the Hahn, Block, and Smith cottages. A macadam berm was suggested, but the road may need to be re-pitched. Magruder will be asked to attend an Overseers' meeting. Block requested an article in the warrant.

Safety:

1.      Allen listed new signs needed as follows: No fishing (on the wharf on the swimming side); No boats (on swim float); No boats under wharf (on wharf). Paige will see about having signs made.

2.      A request has been asked about lengthening the outer swim float ladder. Because of the lack of depth at low water, this cannot be done. It was suggested that we look into a sling that could be used to lift someone out of the water who could not climb the ladder(s).

3.      A request for a 4 x 4 platform on the dock for the life guard, who, even with the higher lifeguard chair, cannot get a clear view of the swimmers over the high railing. Metcalf moved, seconded by Robbins, that we authorize Dick Brockway to construct a platform with an umbrella holder for the lifeguard and we will purchase the materials up to $200. Voted.

4.      Wearing apparel for the life guard will be purchased (sweat shirt, 2 T- shirts, and a hat).

5.      Vegetation interferes with sight lines at corners, especially Maple, Sea Street , and George St . It was suggested that the homeowners involved be consulted.

6.      E. Williams suggested that the life guard discourage the gathering of young people around her chair. This could be distracting.

Manager Paige:

1.      The repairs in Bayview Park are awaiting equipment to dig the trench and move the stone. Robbins moved, seconded by Metcalf, that we authorize Bill Paige to rent a machine to get the drain put in Bayview Park as soon as possible. Voted.

2.      Malones have again placed the rocks on the corner which Magruder pushed back because they were in the way of snowplowing. This problem will be addressed.

3.      The homeowner on the corner of Maple and George has taken another 2 feet of roadway for landscaping. Police officer DeMeo will put a note on the bushes and/or speak to the owners.

Utility Department:

1.      The June meeting did not have a quorum. High flows are still plaguing the village. The Granston pipes need to be replaced; it is hoped she will come to the Utilities Committee to discuss the problem. She is concerned with the scope of the work, and the damage to mature trees on her property.

2.      The committee requests a warrant article which would enable the Village to borrow up to $500,000 should the DEP find funds during the coming year.

New Business:

1.      Metcalf moved, seconded by Allen, that Blair Einstein be appointed chairman of the Nominating Committee. Voted.

2.      Lagner announced that the new filing cabinet purchased with money from an MBNA grant is in place, and now holds the minutes books and tapes of Village Government meetings. Thanks were expressed to MBNA, who made this possible.

3.      As it stands, there is no money in the budget for "Village Officials." Metcalf moved, and it was seconded, to add to the budget $1,100 for Village Officials ($600 to the Treasurer, and $500 to the Clerk). Voted.

4.      Metcalf read a letter in which she offered to purchase a Municipal Quit-Claim Deed on the Fielding property adjacent to her cottage. Metcalf would pay outstanding Village taxes and utilities, and would be taking on the legal problems (with Fielding, the Town, and the bank). The bank has a foreclosure sale scheduled for Wednesday. Metcalf then recused herself during the ensuing discussion. After lengthy discussion, Robbins moved that the NVC solicit bids for this Quit-Claim deed by noon on July 5. There was no second.

Allen moved, seconded by Crofoot, that Metcalf's offer to purchase the Quit-Claim Deed be accepted. The motion was defeated 2 Yes, 3 Nay.

Crofoot moved, seconded by Brockway, that the Village open for bidding until noon on Tuesday, July 5 the sale of the Municipal Quit-Claim deed on the property on 15 Maple Street Map U-5 Lot 100, with the minimum bid of $3,017.60, which must be accompanied by immediately available funds. Voted. Yes 4, opposed 1, 1 recused.

Crofoot moved, seconded by Spollett, to authorize the President of the NVC to authorize the transfer of a quit-claim deed for the appropriate, successful bid on the property on 15 Maple Street . Voted. 5 Yes, 1 Abstention.

5.      Metcalf thanked Lisa and Danny Webster for running the children's games on July 4. Metcalf moved, seconded by Crofoot, that the Overseers pay the bills incurred by the Websters for the running of the games. Voted. Sandy Jocelyn was also thanked for sitting all day in the hot sun selling hot dogs.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:35 AM.

Eleanor Lagner, Clerk

Note: The Village web site is up and running. Address: NorthportVillage.govoffice.com