A regular meeting of the Jewett Town Board was held on August 13, 2003. Present were Board Members Mark Middleton, Thomas Hitchcock and Paul LaPierre. Also present were Superintendent of Highways Robert Mallory, Attorney for the Town Tal G. Rappleyea, Assessor Georgette Krauss, Town residents Jane Bostrom and Werner Pscherer, newspaper reporter Mike Ryan and the town clerk.

Minutes of the July 9,2003 minutes were approved as presented on a motion by Hitchcock seconded by LaPierre and carried.

The Supervisor's monthly report was given to the Board and bank statements were made available for review.

The Board reviewed the monthly written report of zoning officer William Dwyer.
Councilman LaPierre said a resident complained to him that he had to remove a vehicle from his property. The vehicle was used for storage of equipment used in his business.
The Councilman "it could have been screened. I think we need to look at some of these issues with a little bit of discretion."
The Board agreed to place Mr. Dwyer's name on the town's answering machine.

A motion was made by Flaherty seconded by Hitchcock and carried to accept the zoning officers report.

Courtesy of the Floor:

Georgette Krauss addressed the Board. She said she "was here because of the adoption of the Employee Handbook. I believe employee input is important and I don't believe it should be adopted without the right and privilege of the employees to review the handbook."
Supervisor Flaherty "this board met to develop the document at several meetings. The document is subject to change over and over. The draft is still not finalized, but the contractor suggested we adopt this manual as a result of our work. Subsequent to its being adopted the employees will have a meeting with the contractor to explain every page."
Councilman Middleton "the realty is this can be changed on a weekly or monthly basis. We are the individuals that are charged with the responsible of keeping the Town out of legal quagmires."

Courtesy of the floor was closed.

DEP land acquisition was discussed.
The acquisition is occurring between the Town of Ashland for 22.5 acres and the Town of Jewett for 149.9 acres. This was the Makely property on County Route 17. The owner is retaining a portion and land on the west side of County Route 17 is being deeded to individuals thus giving them larger lots.
There is a 120- day comment period.
Superintendent of Highways Mallory asked that a small piece, possibly a 100 by 100 right of way, be retained for a turn around directly across from Butternut Lane.
Attorney Rappleyea will work on this.
This item will be discussed again at next months meeting.

On a motion by Flaherty seconded by LaPierre and carried the Board approved an application to name a private road "Mountain View Estates Road" for 911 purposes.

A motion was made by Flaherty seconded by Hitchcock and carried approving Resolution #13. This resolution is the adoption of the employee handbook.
ROLL CALL: Aye 4 Flaherty, Hitchcock, LaPierre, Middleton.
Nay 0

Under correspondence:
Supervisor Flaherty informed the Board the "there are five towns on the mountain top seeking to form an ambulance district. We've employed the assistance of Assemblyman Hooker and Senator Seward."
A motion was made by Flaherty seconded by Hitchcock and carried approving Resolution #14. This resolution shows the Town's interest in filing a notice of intent concerning public safety.
ROLL CALL: Aye 4 Flaherty, Hitchcock, LaPierre, Middleton
Nay 0

Under other:

Supervisor Flaherty gave an update on the landfill. The Town of Hunter wanted to look into the building of artificial wetlands. Supervisor Flaherty stated he would have to temperately expose the Town to a liability of $44,000 to cover the cost of building the artificial wetlands with no guarantee it would be successful. If the project doesn't work 100% the Towns will not be reimbursed by DEC.
The Supervisor will keep the Board updated when more information is available.

Councilman Hitchcock asked the Superintendent of Highways to convey to the highway crew his appreciation for the nice job they did in three of the local cemeteries.

The Town is still looking for a Town Historian. The Town Clerk was asked to contact Doris Brooks and asked if she would be interested in the position.

Board members were in agreement for the Town to sponsor a Driver Safety Course. Councilman Hitchcock would like to schedule the course sometime in September for two days from 6 to 9 PM at a cost of $30 per person. The Councilman will finalize the details and let the Town Clerk know the dates in September. Individuals can then call the Municipal Building and sign up with the Town Clerk. This will be limited to 30 people.
The information will be broadcast on WRIP 97.7FM and the Town website.

The Town has received a sign and a certificate designating Miles Bridge on the Greene County Registry of Historic Places.

Correction and additions have been made to the web site and we will now be hosted by Peter Peters.

Councilman Middleton "I spoke with Birch Hill about black topping the parking lot. The estimated cost is $12,500." Birch Hill suggested that the bleeding caused by the excess oil can be blotted by putting down stone dust and rolling it. This could be done using our own manpower. Birch Hill could do this at a cost of $900.

Bills were audited and ordered paid. The general fund was $12,192.10 on abstract #8, claim numbers 165 to 189. The highway fund was $14,742.89 on abstract #8, claim numbers 120 to 132.

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 8PM on a motion by LaPierre seconded by Middleton and carried.

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Patricia Merwin Town Clerk