4-15-07
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Northport Village Corporation

Overseers Meeting

April 15, 2007

 

 

Present: Overseers Peter Allen, Margaret Brockway, Linda Houghton,  Judy Metcalf, Judy Rohweder; Treasurer Julian Sheffield;  Clerk Elizabeth Wilson; Village Agent Bill Paige; Office Manager Paul Bartels; Dick Brockway, Elaine Smith, Sidney Block.

 

Meeting called to order at 9:00 AM.  by Marge Brockway.

 

Minutes for March 2007 meeting: Metcalf motion to approve; Allen seconded. VOTED.

 

Warrants were circulated for approval and signatures.

 

Village Agent

 

Bill Paige has expressed confusion over who is responsible for snow and ice removal from catch basins on Town roads in the Village.  He said the current agreement with the Town does not address ice removal from top of catch basins.  We may be able to amend the agreement to share the cost of ice removal.  Will find out about it by next meeting.

 

Winter Parking – Bill feels that there should be NO parking on Village streets during winter restrictions.  Metcalf will send a letter to a concerned citizen and let her know that we discussed the parking rules. Metcalf will look into amending the current winter parking rules and notification.

 

Causeway estimates are coming in.  Dean Brown is working on a multi-phase estimate.  He will have the first step proposal by the next meeting, which is a “Band-aid” which should last a couple of years. First step cost estimate is $1,000.  Roads are still posted for heavy loads, so work can not begin until heavy equipment can be brought in.

 

Dry Hydrant for fire protection – Motion to install Dry Hydrant at a cost of no more than $3,000 by Judy Metcalf, seconded by Linda Houghton. VOTED

 

Visitor’s Concerns

 

Elaine Smith expressed concern about renting her property because storm runoff damage.  She said that problem was created when construction of sewer lines was done a few years ago.  That changed the runoff direction.  Bill Paige said that the Town’s snow plow contributes to the problem by pushing large amounts of water and debris onto residential property.  She provided photos of the damage.

 

Elaine Smith requested assistance with the cost of the cleanup and fixing her house.  Brockway told her that the Overseers would have to review it but they need specifics as to what is to be done and at what the cost would be.

 

Sid Block – Sid Block read a report into the minutes about the Smith problem and runoff problems in general, with possible resolutions. 

 

Peter Allen suggested extending the “winter wall” on the Block property further away from the Smith property.  He also stated that property owners should take preventative action, knowing how property can be damaged by weather here off season. 

 

Financials

 

Julian Sheffield pointed out a lot of Road Maintenance and Water problem expenses.  Audits are done, they are finalizing now.  Need to talk about budgets.  Workers Comp Insurance for Government comes out of Insurance and Bonding but in Water / Sewer it comes out of Payroll Taxes. She wants to change that to Employee Benefits.

 

Communications

 

Residents Questionnaire will be inserted in the next Utilities Bill along with the notice for posting numbers on their house.  Motion to accept Spring Survey by Linda Houghton, seconded by Peter Allen. VOTED

 

Several revisions to the By Laws are being worked on by Judy Metcalf and will be ready for the next meeting.  A work session to go over line by line and have a couple of public meetings in order to have these adopted at the Annual Meeting. 

 

Facilities

 

Nothing reported.

 

Safety

 

Peter Allen still in search of lifeguards.  Tentative Police contract is ready.  Same wage as last year, but gas mileage should be increased to $75.00.  Motion to raise the weekly gas allowance to $75.00 by Peter Allen, seconded by Judy Metcalf.

 

Utilities

 

No license exceptions for whole year.  Finally scheduled April 18 and 19 for the Berry Company to come and video the sewer lines.

 

Discussion about $20 million bond proposed by the governor.  Will find out if we’re on the list.

 

UMO Capstone project is completed, will invite them here to give a presentation on May 4th.  Public is invited.  Utilities suggested an honorarium of $500; will submit written request after the presentation.

 

New Business

 

Yacht Club has requested a contribution for the Band Concert this summer.  Motion to contribute 1/3 for the Band Concert by Judy Metcalf, seconded by Linda Houghton. VOTED

 

Priscilla Granston letter 4/2/2007 – The Utilities will respond to the Utilities aspect.  Jo will respond.  The committee should address this by the next meeting.

 

Julian Sheffield proposed having educational sessions for the residents about weather problems for the Village.  Deal with weather emergencies before they happen.  Summer workshop.

 

Next meeting scheduled for May 13, 2007.

 

Marge Brockway moved to enter Executive session for personnel matter, seconded by Judy Metcalf.

 

Executive Session ended.

 

Moved by Judy Metcalf and seconded by Judy Rohweder that the Overseers should get clarification from Jo Huntoon about the intended raise approved at last month’s meeting; passed.

 

Moved by Judy Metcalf and seconded by Judy Rohweder that the Treasurer be instructed to present a written recommendation for payroll services at next meeting; passed.

 

Moved by Judy Metcalf and seconded by Judy Rohweder that the President communicate in writing to current employees about the possibility of moving the pay schedule to bi-weekly; passed.

 

Moved by Judy Metcalf and seconded by Judy Rohweder that Julian Sheffield’s appointment as bookkeeper be extended thru 7/1/07; passed.

 

Motion to adjourn at 11:30am by Judy Metcalf, seconded Peter Allen; passed.