VILLAGE OF CHAMPLAIN

BOARD MEETING MINUTES

JANUARY 4, 2011

Click Here to View Jan 2011 Budget Workshop Minutes

Public Comment

Mayor Martin asked if there was anyone here this evening who would like to address the Board. John Kevin Triller, who lives at 46 Elm Street, stated he gave the Board a letter earlier this evening requesting dissolution of the Village of Champlain, and asked that the Board schedule a public hearing in a timely fashion. Mayor Martin said the Board received his request, and he suggested that he and Mr. Triller meet to discuss this request.

Mayor Martin then said it was time to congratulate the winners of this year’s Holiday Decorating Contest. He commented that their efforts made the holidays much more enjoyable and the Village a more beautiful place to look at. It also shows that people take pride in their properties. He then turned the award presentations over to Trustee Gehrig. Trustee Gehrig said first place went to Louis and Debbie O’Lena on Prospect Street. She congratulated them on a great and beautiful job. Second place goes to Faye Martin who lives in the back apartment on the corner of Main Street and Ashline Drive. She said the front of the building was dark, but the back was all lit up. Ms. Martin said that Bob Barry made all of the decorations. She said Kenneth Taylor was the third place winner, and Shirley Taylor was here to accept the award. Trustee Gehrig said the Patrie’s on Prospect deserve an honorable mention, as their residence was quite beautiful too, as usual.

Report From Mayor Martin

1. He wished everyone a happy and prosperous New Year.

2. He congratulated the winners of this year’s Holiday Decorating Contest, and he thanked Trustee Gehrig for her time and effort during the judging process.

3. He said Christmas tree pick-up days will be held on Friday, January 14, 2011, and Friday, January 21, 2011. He said that the Village DPW crew will pick up any trees that are now at the curbside, and have already picked up between 30-40 trees. He also reminded residents there can be no ornaments or tinsel on the trees.

4. He reminded everyone there is no parking on the Village streets during the winter between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. due to possible snow plowing. The Board appreciates everyone moving their cars off the streets during this time of year.

Report From Trustee Gehrig

1. She again congratulated the Holiday Decorating Contest winners and commented that their efforts really made the Village look beautiful.

2. She reminded everyone that Zumba classes are being held on Monday’s at St. Mary’s School, and anyone interested are invited to join.

Report From Trustee Thomas Trombley

1. Trustee Trombley had nothing to report this evening. However, he congratulated all the winners of the Holiday Decorating Contest and thanked them for their hard work. He said it shows they have pride in their homes and Village.

Report From Trustee Gurzenda

1. He wished everyone a happy New Year and best wishes in 2011.

Report From Trustee Kim Trombley

1. She congratulated all the Holiday Contest winners and said the Village looked very beautiful this year.

2. She thanked the DPW crew and the Champlain Telephone Company for putting up the Village decorations.

Report From Clerk/Treasurer Munoz

1. She said the Board had been copied with the Revenue/Expenditure Report for December.

2. She said the January 1, 2011, water/sewer billing had been completed, with water totaling $58,554.93, and sewer totaling $99,079.85.

Presentation Of Warrant And Payment

Clerk/Treasurer Munoz said the following invoices need to be added to the warrant:

Champlain Telephone Co. A1490.4 $ 42.74
Champlain Telephone Co. A1410.4 $146.07
Champlain Telephone Co. F8310.4 $ 21.04
Champlain Telephone Co. G8120.4 $ 29.98
G.E. Capital A1410.2 $ 89.17
Juanita Munoz A1410.4 $ 48.59
Primelink A1410.4 $ 25.00
Sample Lumber Co. A1620.4 $ 60.20
Sample Lumber Co. A5110.4 $ 28.02
USA Bluebook G8130.2 $991.63
Valley Sanitation A5110.4 $ 90.00
Wal-mart A8510.4 $ 9.00

A motion was made by Trustee Gehrig and seconded by Trustee Thomas Trombley to approve Warrant #8 for Voucher #242 through #273 from the General, Water, and Sewer accounts in the amount of $19,196.82, including the additional invoices. Roll call vote as follows:
Trustee Kim Trombley Aye
Trustee Gurzenda Aye
Trustee Thomas Trombley Aye
Trustee Gehrig Aye
Mayor Martin Aye
Motion carried.

Report From Superintendent Sorrell

1. He said the Board had been copied with his report.

2. He said water meters had been read for the current billing.

3. He said the crew has been keeping the streets cleaned when necessary.

4. He said about 30 to 40 Christmas trees have already been picked up. The scheduled days for Christmas tree pick-up are January 14th and January 21st.

Mayor Martin said Superintendent Sorrell ordered and installed a smaller hot water heater at the wastewater plant. The new one is much more efficient, as the one that was replaced was quite old.

Correspondence

1. Letter to Jeffrey Oliver regarding water/sewer account for 36 Moore Street.

2. Correspondence from USDA regarding water plant security inspection.

3. FOIL request from John Triller for financial information of the Village.

4. Letter from Clerk/Treasurer Munoz to John Triller regarding his FOIL request.

5. FOIL request from John Triller for voter registration list and response from Clerk/Treasurer Munoz.

6. Invitations to Holiday Contest winners.

Mayor Martin asked about the USDA inspection that was just completed. Superintendent Sorrell said when a new water system is installed USDA has to inspect it periodically. They recently completed their inspection, and we passed with flying colors.

Old Business

1. GSA meter—There was nothing new to report on this issue.
2. Property tax cap—Mayor Martin said the trustees were copied with this information at last month’s meeting, and he asked if everyone has had enough time to review it. Trustee Thomas Trombley said there was not enough information to fully understand the proposal. Mayor Martin said the new governor wants to put tax caps on school and municipal taxes. Trustee Gehrig said the information we have is very vague and does not give specifics as to what would be capped. Mayor Martin suggested this item be tabled until more details are obtained, possibly after the upcoming State of the State address, and the Board agreed.

New Business

1. Mayor Martin informed everyone that Christmas Tree Pick-up Days will be held on Friday, January 14, 2011, and Friday, January 21, 2011. He reminded everyone to have the trees at the curb by 7 a.m., and they cannot have tinsel or ornaments on them.

2. Clerk/Treasurer Munoz read the following resolution:

RESOLUTION

POLLING PLACE AND TIME

2011 ELECTIONS

VILLAGE OF CHAMPLAIN

Adjournment

There being no further business to come before the Board this evening, a motion was made by Trustee Gehrig, seconded by Trustee Kim Trombley and carried, to adjourn the meeting at 6:55 p.m.

Donna Barcomb
Deputy Clerk