DRAFT MINUTES FOR THE
TOWN BOARD MEETING
OF THE TOWN OF
SARATOGA,
30 FERRY ST.,
SCHUYLERVILLE,
NY
October 10,
2007
7:00 P.M.
Supervisor Thomas Wood opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance
at 7:00 p.m.
Roll call: Ruth Drumm, Town Clerk, called
the roll. Supervisor Thomas Wood-
present, Councilman Fred Drumm - present, Councilman Charles Hanehan- present,
Councilwoman Betty Koval - present, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin – absent.
Also present: Town Attorney William Reynolds, Deputy Town Clerk Linda McCabe, Zoning Officer Gil Albert, Highway Superintendent David Hall, Town Engineer Kenneth Martin, and other interested members of the public.
Recognitions/Presentations/ Bid openings/ Public Hearings:
Bid Openings: Proof of Notice having been
furnished by the Saratogian on
September
21, 2007, Supervisor Thomas Wood opened the following bids:
Item 4 Gravel – No bids (Highway
Superintendent Dave Hall will use the County Bid)
Screened Winter Sand – Tracy Materials, 301 Windy
Hill Road, Greenwich, NY, -$6.50/T.
– sole bidder
Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel -Main-Care Energy, P.O. Box
11029, Albany, NY, -$2.3420/gal. with a $0.2850/gal differential – sole bidder
#2 Fuel Oil:
v
Main-Care Energy, P.O. Box 11029, Albany, NY,
- $2.2241/gal. with a $0.2650 differential
v
Don Seymour’s Service, 265 Route 32,
Schuylerville, NY 12871, $2.1995/gal.
with a $0.24/gal. differential
Public Hearing: Proof of Notice having been furnished by the Saratogian on October 3, 2007,
Supervisor Thomas Wood opened the Public
Hearing on Local Law #6 amending the Subdivision Regulations by changing design
and construction standards for streets and highways at 7:13 p.m. No one came forward to speak. Supervisor Thomas Wood closed the public hearing at 7:14
p.m.
Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Councilwoman Betty Koval and seconded by
Councilman Charles Hanehan to accept the regular meeting minutes of September
10, 2007 as written. Supervisor Thomas
Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye,
Councilwoman Betty Koval – aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin – absent. Carried 4 – 0.
Town Clerk’s report for September 2007: Fees paid to the County Treasurer for Dog Licenses $105.75. Fees paid to the NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets for the spay/neuter program $63.00. Fees paid to New York D.E.C. for hunting and fishing licenses $3,356.14. Fees paid to the New York State Health Department for Marriage licenses $112.50. Dog license fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $259.25. Clerk fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $292.36. Total State, County, and Local Revenues received were $4,189.00.
Zoning Officer’s report for September 2007 report: 11 Building Permits, 11 Building Inspections, 2 COs, 4 complaints addressed, and 4 misc. issues were handled. A check for $1,519.60 was given to Supervisor Thomas Wood.
Dog Control officer’s report for September 2007: Supervisor Thomas Wood read the report from Ed Cross. He answered 37 complaints, took 4 dogs to the shelter, issued 8 warnings and 1 summons. He traveled 239 miles.
Town Court report for September 2007: Justice Jack Ditch reported that the following were closed: 79 Vehicle & Traffic, 9 Criminal/Penal Law, 4 DEC/ENCON, 1 Dog case, 1 DWI, 0 Town & Village Ordinance, 3 Small Claims/Civil, 2 Evictions, 2 Bench trials, 0 Divestiture Forms (case transfers) sent to County Court, 11 attended the Science of Speed School, 0 Defendants sentenced to probation, 75 hours of community service issued, 0 days of jail time issued, 1 Order of Protection issued, and $5,900.00 in fees were paid to the NY State Comptroller.
Justice Jack Ditch announced the appointment of Theresa
Meidenbauer as part-time court clerk.
Historian’s report: Sean
Kelleher reported that the office is working on the Surrender Week activities
for October 10 – 17. The schedule of
events includes:
v
THE WAR THAT MADE
SARATOGA: How the French and Indian War
Shaped the Battles of Saratoga Wednesday, October 10 (1 pm )
v
THE OFFICERS OF
"ONE OF THE FINEST ENGLISH REGIMENTS" Thursday, October 11 (1 pm )
v
SIEGE FIELD WALKING TOUR
Friday, October 12 (11:30 am)
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EXTENDED AUTUMN HOURS OF
THE SCHUYLER HOUSE AND SARATOGA MONUMENT Saturday & Sunday, October 13 and
14 (9:30 am to 4:30 pm)
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CANDLELIGHT TOURS OF THE
SCHUYLER HOUSE - Saturday, October 13 (6 – 9pm)
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BARONESS' HOME: Guided Tours of the Marshall House – Sunday,
October 14 (starting 3:00 pm)
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RIVER SIDE SIEGE FIELD
WALKING TOUR Monday, October 15 (11:30 am)
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RESEARCHING
REVOLUTIONARY ANCESTORS – Tuesday, October 16 (10 am)
v
230th ANNIVERSARY
COMMEMORATION OF THE AMERICAN VICTORY AT SARATOGA CEREMONY Wednesday, October
17 (Noon)
Surrender Week commemorations
partnership is lead by the Fort Hardy Committee, and includes the Historians'
Offices of Saratoga and Schuylerville, Old Saratoga Historical Association,
Saratoga National Historical Park, Schuylerville Visitors Center, and the
Schuylerville Public Library.
Assessor’s report: No report.
Supervisor’s
report: Financial report: General A
$1,129,236.46, General B $123,087.60, Highway Outside $309,330.68, Youth
Recreation & Services $1,424.96, Highway Equipment Reserve $45,202.60,
Building Reserve $1,012,645.63 and Fire Protection $0. September revenues were $266,794.60 and expenses were
$120,737.10. The September balance is
$2,620,927.93.
The
tentative budget has been received by the board and a third Budget Workshop is
scheduled for Thursday, October 25, 2007 @ 6:00 p.m.
Supervisor
Thomas Wood announced that Hazardous Waste Collection Day is Saturday, October
27, 2007 and registration forms must be to the Wilton town
hall by October 15th. Participation
is being limited to 50 registrants from the Town of Saratoga. Volunteers are needed for the event. Councilwoman Betty Koval, Supervisor Thomas
Wood, Jim Miers and Roger Sherman volunteered.
Additional volunteers are welcome, please contact Supervisor Thomas
Wood.
The public
commented on the following agenda items:
Bob Hathaway, Robert Hall, Malcolm Stiles, Bernie DeFelice, Lance Ingmire, Barbara Faraone, and Stephen Bodnar voiced their support of Catherine DeFelice’s job as assessor and asked for her reappointment.
Roger Sherman thanked the board for participating in the Hazardous Waste Disposal Day. He then stated that assessments were not raised equally as he was told and asked the board to change any wrong assessments to make them right.
Committee
reports:
Highway: Highway
Superintendent Dave Hall reported that the replacement of culverts on Fitch
Road will be done this month. Winter sand has been hauled for the season. The sand, gravel, and fuel oil bids are out.
He added that the old garage needs to be demolished down to the concrete.
Highway Superintendent Dave
Hall presented two quotes for siding that would match what is presently on the
new shed. He added that the money is in
the budget for the siding and doors.
The quote from Curtis Lumber is for $3,223.58 and the quote from Wiley’s
is for $3,280.29. A motion was made by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by
Councilwoman Betty Koval to authorize Highway Superintendent Dave Hall to
purchase the siding from Curtis Lumber for $3,223.58. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman
Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval –
aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin –absent. Carried 4 – 0.
Highway Superintendent Dave
Hall presented three quotes for garage doors as follows: Overhead Doors for $8,356; Adirondack for
$10,235 and Winchip for $7,989. He
noted that the Winchip doors do not meet the specifications. A
motion was made by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilwoman Betty
Koval to authorize Highway Superintendent Dave Hall to purchase the garage
doors from Overhead Doors for $8,356.
Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Charles
Hanehan – aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval – aye, and Councilman Michael
McLoughlin –absent. Carried 4 – 0.
Highway Superintendent Dave
Hall announced that he has hired Michael Marshall to fill the existing vacancy. He stated that Michael Marshall has six
years experience snowplowing and is qualified to operate the grader and
gradall. He added that he has a Class A
license also.
Landfill: No unusual conditions and all quality control data
is within acceptable limits.
Insurance: No report.
Youth: No report.
Buildings: Supervisor
Thomas Wood reported that the Building Committee met on October 3rd. The committee reviewed the information on
the corner school, the rehabilitation of the existing town hall and modular
construction costs. The next Building Committee meeting is tentatively planned
for October 31st.
Senior Citizens: Councilwoman Betty Koval
reported that the Quaker Springs Seniors met October 8th. A presentation followed lunch. Frank Pemberton, a Cornell Cooperative
Extension agent, discussed plant and lawn care for the fall.
Councilwoman Betty Koval reported
that the Schuylerville Seniors met on September 23rd. Supervisor Thomas Wood spoke updating them
on the status of the plans for a new town hall. On October 9th, Red Cross personnel addressed the seniors
explaining their services and inviting members to become volunteers. There are two trips scheduled. A bus trip to hear the Empire State Youth
Orchestra is planned for October 24th and on Nov. 28th; a
trip to the Williamstown Inn for lunch and a Christmas show is scheduled. The next meeting on October 28th a
representative from Wesley Nursing Home will make a presentation. The December 11th Christmas Dinner
meeting will be held at the Legion Hall and it will cost $16.00.
Committee to Honor Volunteer Firefighters &
Emergency Medical Service Workers: Sean Kelleher reported that the committee continues to
work forward while we await a decision on the new town hall. We met on
Wednesday, September 26th at 7 pm. We have determined that we
are still very interested in building a memorial to Firefighter and EMS workers
with an emphasis on Brian Myers Sr. at the location of the current Town Hall on
Ferry Street. The committee does not
feel like we are in a rush to put up a memorial but would like to do the work
in a first class manner. The committee
on behalf of the Town has ordered two bricks at the National Fallen Firefighters
Memorial to recognize the 10 year anniversary of Myers’ final call in the Town
of Saratoga. The committee is working on a flyer to encourage volunteers.
It will be sent out in the new residents’ package. We are also working
with a number of businesses to
try to get increased sponsors for new street signs to encourage volunteer
firefighters and EMS workers. Each department is reporting that they are
receiving new volunteers and we hope that our efforts have played a part in
raising the awareness of this issue.
National Incident Management System Committee
(NIMS): Jim Miers reported that work on the Reverse 911 system is going
smoothly. After the 1st of
the year, they will be taking alternate phone #’s, if you don’t wish to use
your home number. With winter
approaching, the committee is looking into warming sites. The next meeting is scheduled for October 18th
at 2:30 p.m. at the town hall. A
demonstration of ham radio capabilities will be given.
Quaker
Springs Fire Department: Stephen
Bodnar reported that the Quaker Springs Fire Department responded to 6 calls in
September. He reported that seventeen
firemen attended the September 15th farm rescue drill at the William
Hanehan farm. The firemen worked at the
Regatta. They have met with the
architect on the new substation and it was decided that any further work will
be done in the spring. A budget information
hearing will be held on October 16th. They will be participating in Fire Prevention activities at the
school on October 12th. An
October 21st smorgasbord is planned and a Halloween Party is planned
for October 27th. The new
Rescue Truck is scheduled for delivery in December.
General
Schuyler Emergency Squad: Supervisor
Thomas Wood announced that he has received a $50,000 check for them from
Senator Bruno.
Saratoga
Lake Association: Barbara
Faraone reported that their informational meeting will be held at Panza’s on
October 25th from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. She added that Sonar has been
used on the south end of the Lake with success. The middle will be done next year and the north end the following
year.
Old
business: None
New
business:
On a motion by Councilman
Fred Drumm and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan, the following Resolution
#07-117 – Screened Winter Sand Bid Acceptance was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm –
aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval – aye, and
Councilman Michael McLoughlin –absent.
Carried 4 – 0.
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga received bids
via solicitation of bids by public advertising for screened Winter Sand per
Specification TS 01-07, and Tracy
Materials, Inc., 301 Windy Hill Road, Greenwich, NY 12834 was the lowest bidder
for screened Winter Sand; therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to accept
the bid from Tracy
Materials, Inc., 301 Windy Hill Road, Greenwich, NY 12834 of $6.50 per ton for
screened Winter Sand providing the specifications in TS 01-07 are met.
On a motion by Councilman
Fred Drumm and seconded by Councilwoman Betty Koval, the following Resolution
#07- 118 – Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel Bid Acceptance
was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm –
aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval – aye, and
Councilman Michael McLoughlin –absent.
Carried 4 – 0.
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga received bids
via solicitation of bids by public advertising for Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel
per Specification TS 02-07, and Main-Care Energy, P.O. Box 11029, Albany, NY
12211, was the low bidder at $2.3420/gal.with a $0.2850/gal. differential;
therefore be it
RESOLVED by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to accept
the bid from
Main-Care Energy, P.O. Box 11029, Albany, NY 12211, for $2.3420/gal.with
a $0.2850/gal. differential for Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel, providing the
specifications in TS 02-07 are met.
On a motion by Councilman
Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Fred Drumm, the following Resolution
#07- 119 - #2 Fuel Oil Bid Acceptance was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm –
aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval – aye, and
Councilman Michael McLoughlin –absent.
Carried 4 – 0.
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga received bids
via solicitation of bids by public advertising for #2 Fuel Oil per
Specification TS 02-07, and Don Seymour’s Service, 265 Route 32, Schuylerville,
NY 12871, was the low bidder at $2.1995/gal., with a $0.24/gal. differential;
therefore be it
RESOLVED by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to accept
the bid from Don Seymour’s
Service, 265 Route 32, Schuylerville, NY 12871, for $2.1995/gal., with a
$0.24/gal. differential for
#2 Fuel Oil, providing the specifications in TS 02-07 are met.
On a motion by Councilman
Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilwoman Betty Koval, the following Resolution
#07- 120- Lead Agency Designation – Local Law #6 Amending the Subdivision Regulations by changing design and
construction standards for streets and highways was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm –
aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval – aye, and
Councilman Michael McLoughlin –absent.
Carried 4 – 0.
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga is proposing
to amend the Subdivision Regulations by changing design and construction
standards for streets and highways with Local Law #6 of 2007, and
WHEREAS, the approval of Local Law #6 of 2007 is an Action
subject to the provisions of the New York State Environmental Quality Review
Act (S.E.Q.R.) and the regulations promulgated to implement said Environmental
Quality Review Act, and
WHEREAS, the provisions of S.E.Q.R. require the designation
of a “Lead Agency” to determine the environmental significance of the Action,
and
WHEREAS, this agency has complied with the provisions of
S.E.Q.R. pertaining to “Lead Agency” designation, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga is
hereby designated the “Lead Agency” for the purpose of conducting the S.E.Q.R.
review of referenced Local Law #6 of 2007.
Supervisor Thomas Wood reported that the Short
Environmental Assessment Form (EAF) for Local Law #6 amending the Subdivision
Regulations by changing design and construction standards for streets and
highways was completed line-by-line at the agenda meeting on October 4th.
On a motion by Councilman
Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilwoman Betty Koval, the following Resolution
#07- 121 Negative Declaration – Local
Law #6 Amending the Subdivision
Regulations by changing design and construction standards for streets and
highways was
adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood -
aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye,
Councilwoman Betty Koval – aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin –absent. Carried 4 – 0.
WHEREAS, the
Town Board of the Town of Saratoga, Saratoga County, New York (the
"Town") is considering adoption of LOCAL LAW #6 OF 2007, amending the
Subdivision Regulations by changing design and construction standards for
streets and highways, and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Article 8 of the Environmental Conservation Law, Chapter 43-b of the Consolidated Laws of New York, as amended (the "SEQR Act") and the regulations adopted pursuant thereto by the Department of Environmental Conservation of the State of New York ("DEC"), being 6 NYCRR Part 617, as amended (the "Regulations"), the Town desires to determine whether this Action may have a significant effect on the environment and therefore require the preparation of an environmental impact statement; and
WHEREAS, the
Town has prepared an environmental assessment form for the Project (the
"EAF"), a copy of which was presented to and reviewed by the Town at
this meeting and a copy of which is on file in the office of the Town Clerk;
and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Regulations, the Town has examined
the EAF in order to make a determination as to the potential environmental
significance of Action; and WHEREAS,
the Action appears to constitute an “Unlisted Action" (as defined by the
Regulations);
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF SARATOGA, SARATOGA
COUNTY, NEW YORK AS FOLLOWS:
1. Based
on an examination of the EAF and based further upon the Town's knowledge of the
area and such further investigation of the proposed Subdivision Regulation
amendments and its environmental effects as the Town has deemed appropriate,
the Town makes the following findings:
(a) The action is described in the EAF;
(b) The action constitutes an "Unlisted
Action” (as defined in the Regulations);
(c)
No potentially significant effect on the environment is noted in the EAF
for this Action, and none are known to the Town;
(d) This Action will not have a significant
effect on the environment; and the Town will not require the preparation of an
environmental impact statement with respect to the Action; and
(e)
As a result of the foregoing, the Town has prepared a negative
declaration with respect to the Action.
2. The Town Clerk is hereby directed to file a negative
declaration with respect to the Action (said negative declaration attached
hereto); and a copy of the negative declaration shall be maintained in the
office of the Town Clerk in a file that will be readily accessible to the
public.
3.
This resolution shall take effect
immediately.
On a motion by Councilman
Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilwoman Betty Koval, the following Resolution
#07- 122 Adoption of Local Law #6 of 2007 Amending the Subdivision Regulations by changing design and construction
standards for streets and highways was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman
Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval – aye, and Councilman Michael
McLoughlin –absent. Carried 4 – 0.
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga has reviewed
the aforementioned changes and has determined their merit, and
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga has held a
public hearing and received input from the townspeople, now therefore be it,
RESOLVED by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to adopt
Local Law # 6 of 2007, amending the Subdivision Regulations by changing design
and construction standards for streets and highways. (Local Law #6 of 2007 is
on file in the Town Clerk’s Office – Local Laws.)
On a motion by Councilman
Fred Drumm and seconded by Councilwoman Betty Koval, the following Resolution #07-123 Appointing Victoria
Hayner as Sole Assessor was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm –
aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval – aye, and
Councilman Michael McLoughlin –absent.
Carried 4 – 0.
WHEREAS,
Victoria Hayner has successfully
completed the course of training as prescribed by the laws of the State of New
York and the rules of the State Board of Real Property Services and has
attained the designation of State Certified Assessor, and
WHEREAS,
Victoria Hayner has met all NY
State Qualification Standards for an appointed Assessor, and
WHEREAS, Victoria Hayner has experience having previously
served as Assessor for the Town of Charlton, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby appoints Victoria
L. Hayner as Sole Assessor from 10/1/2007 to 9/30/2013 at a starting annual
salary of $20,000.
Communications:
v
Thank
you note from Robert Park and Lance Ingmire to David Hall, Highway
Superintendent, the Quaker Springs Fire Department, Dick Rasmussen of the USDA,
and John Hamilton and staff, of the Saratoga County S, W & C District for their cooperation and support with the
dry hydrant on Trombley Road.
v
Thank
you note from Marlene Bissell of Hudson Crossing to the town for their
“in-kind” brush-hog work on the Lock Five Island, Hudson Crossing
Festival. Supervisor Thomas Wood
thanked the Highway Department for their help.
Privilege
of the floor:
Barbara
Faraone raised concerns regarding the Gong Property on Rt.
9P, Saratoga Lake. It is a mess
again. She added that he is building a
two-story garage in a residential area with no house. Town Attorney William
Reynolds stated that a garage is a customary accessory use to a house. Zoning Officer Gil Albert stated that he has
a plot plan for a house. Concerns were raised that the second story may be
lived in. Zoning Officer Gil Albert is
monitoring the situation.
Clarence
Fosdick added that it has been a concern of the ZBA that
garages are built and then they are used as a dwelling.
ZBA
Chairman Stephen Bodnar stated that a neighbor of Calvin Gong’s
recently went to the ZBA for a variance to build a garage and shed and the ZBA
granted the variance with a stipulation that it would not be used as living
quarters.
Highway
Superintendent Dave Hall noted that the power was out for four hours
on Saturday and the new generator kicked in and worked fine.
Upcoming
meetings:
v Budget Workshop – Thursday,
October 25, 2007 at 6:00 p.m.
v Building Committee meeting –
Wednesday, October 31, 2007 at 6:00 p.m.
v Agenda meeting – Thursday,
November 1, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.
v
Regular town board meeting –Thursday, November 8, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.
Audit the Bills: On a motion by Councilman Fred Drumm and
seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan the
following Resolution #07-124 - Approving the payment of bills in Abstract 10G
was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred
Drumm – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval – aye,
and Councilman Michael McLoughlin – absent.
Carried 4 – 0.
RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to authorize
payment of the bills listed in Abstract 10G (10/10/2007) in the following
amounts: General A $10,147.66, and General B $1,346.39, and Highway Outside
$17,605.87 for a total expense of $29,099.92.
A motion to adjourn
at 8:53 p.m. was made by Councilman Fred Drumm and seconded by Councilman
Charles Hanehan. Supervisor Thomas Wood
– aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan - aye,
Councilwoman Betty Koval – aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin - absent. Carried 4 – 0.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ruth Drumm
Town Clerk