On November 20, 2002 the Jewett Town Board held a discussion on the future of Jewett and took care of any regular business that came before the Board. Supervisor Flaherty opened the meeting at 4PM. Present were Board members Paul LaPierre, Thomas Hitchcock, Mark Middleton, several Town residents, Newspaper reporter Mike Ryan and the town clerk.

All Board members signed a letter of thanks and regret to be sent to Councilwoman Marilyn Haarklau who resigned the beginning of the month.

The Supervisor informed the Board that Mr. Sam Accardi would like to purchase about 1-½ acres on Little Timber Road from the Town. He owns seventy acres on the other side of the road. This would not cause any encumbrances to the Town road and the Town would have the rights to the topsoil. The acreage would have to be declared surplus and put out to bid.
This item was tabled until the Board has time to consider the options.

The Supervisor asked to advertise for vacancies on the Planning Board, Historian and Zoning Enforcement Officer. The position on the County Planning Board is also vacant. Normally the Town Board appoints this position from a Planning Board member.
Councilman Hitchcock stated that he would "like to know more about the County Planning Board position" before that position is filled. He asked for information on the duties performed by the members.
The County Planning Board position was tabled pending more information. Copies of the County Planning Board agenda and minutes are to go to all Board members.

Councilman Middleton, referring to the Zoning Enforcement Officer position asked if the Supervisor "had discussed this further with Mr. Bosworth?" "Because we're actually taking income from the man and I was just wondering if this isn't something we should put a little more consideration into." The Supervisor "in all honesty it's nothing he really wants to do." The position pays $2,500.00.
Councilman Middleton " I think it requires further consideration. It's not a lot of money but it may be a lot of money to Mr. Bosworth. Do we need to hear that from him or do we feel we can make that determination internally? We should have an Executive Session for discussion with Mr. Bosworth before we eliminate his job."
Councilman LaPierre "it would be courtesy to give him a heads up."
Councilman Middleton "I'm uncomfortable taking anyone's income away without some justification. It's almost a demotion without speaking with the party." The other Board members were in agreement. The Supervisor will speak with the Zoning Officer and bring the information to the next meeting.

A motion was made by Flaherty, seconded by Middleton and carried to advertise the Historian and Planning Board positions.

A motion was made by Middleton, seconded by LaPierre and carried to accept with regret the letter of resignation from Susan Neugebauer as Town Historian, Planning Board member and County Planning Board member.

The discussion was opened on "The Future of Jewett".

Councilman LaPierre proposed that "the Town look at expanding this site here rather than look for a new place and in so doing consider acquiring property across the road and relocate the highway department. That would free up the property occupied by the garage now for expansion of Town offices and public space. Perhaps create a public space where we could have community gatherings."

Oscar Newman asked for an overview.
Councilman LaPierre: "I think what we're trying to do is to get a feel for what we would like to see happen in the Town. Both in terms of the facilities for the Town administration and to meet the needs or the desires of the people who live in the Town in terms of amenities or an activity center."

Councilman Middleton: "One of the things driving this discussion is the fact the land is disappearing, at least land of a size and nature of which we are discussing is disappearing. If we don't think now to move to preserve that spot, wherever it may be, there may never be an opportunity for the Town to expand and provide something's for the people. I'd like to see us move toward acquiring some property for the future even if it takes us ten years to act on it. If we don't do so now it will be gone."
"Our demographics are changing. Jewett is a desirable place to live and more people are coming here on a full time basis. I believe that people today have the ability to work and earn a living and not necessarily be at that desk." He encouraged development of telecommunications and Internet capabilities.

Councilman Hitchcock: "My desire was to discuss where this Town is going because it hasn't been done before. The people in this community are changing in a very rapid way. It used to be that people moving here would get a piece of property and come for the peace and solitude. They didn't want to get involved."
"Now they want to know who their neighbors are, and I find that very wholesome. They want a sense of community. We, as a Town Board, should do all we can to facilitate that feeling."

November 20, 2002

Councilman LaPierre suggested that the next discussion meeting be scheduled for a Saturday morning so any interested part time people would be able to attend.

This discussion meeting was concluded at 5:40PM.

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Patricia Merwin Town Clerk