March 27, 2006

Commissioners: Harriet VanKleeck, Ernie DeWitt, Joseph Roddy, Carol St. Rose

Others: Terry Johnson, Supt., Patrick McDonough

Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m. on a motion by Harriet. Motion seconded by Joe.

Prior to accepting the February minutes, Joe would like to make one correction. The statement that Commissioner Roddy made about the sewer cleaner should read: Commissioner Roddy feels that Water/Sewer dept and the Highway dept. should go partners on a new or used sewer cleaner. A motion was then made by Joe to accept the minutes. Motion was seconded by Ernie.

Damage to Kilns: Terry informed the Commissioners that damage was done up at the Snyder Mine Property. Terry explained about two weeks ago almost three, some kids from Tillson Estates went up to the Snyder Mine property; they were upset because they had heard the Town was going to blow up the kilns and then take them down. Carl was there the day before filling in the kilns before the fence was put up. The next day he went back up there to finish the work and found the kids had chopped down trees, put garbage in the road and ripped down our posted signs. Carl reported it to the police. The Supervisor wants the police to find the kids that did it and have them charged for the damage. Terry stated that he gave the police a key that afternoon. They went up there and sat there until about 4 p.m.; the kids showed up again. The police called him and Carl; told him that he had three kids in custody, but that he was going to let them go. Carl told the cops no, that the Supervisor wants the kids arrested and charged. The police brought the kids to the station. He had to go there to sign a paper stating that he wanted them charged. The kids will have to go to family court because they are only sixteen. Carl told the kids that they will also have to pay for his time and the machines, because he could not do any work that day. The kids will be cleaning up the mess starting tomorrow; because they cannot be on town property by themselves, they will also pay our employees for their time. A short discussion followed. Terry then showed pictures of the damage done at the property to the Commissioners.

Reed Bed visit: Terry told the Commissioners that he went up to Hutterians to see their Reed Bed. Terry showed the Commission pictures of the bed and also explained each picture to them. The Hutterians reed bed has been in use for five years now. A short discussion followed.

Fee Increases: Terry informed the Board that he would like to discuss increasing the fees. The subject was discussed before but not fee were set. If they change the fee, a public hearing will have to be scheduled. The fees that he would like to increase are: water hook-up, the shut off fee and he would like to set a fee for door collection. There are customers in the district that actually hand Terry a check at their door. Currently, the fee for water hook up is $50.00 he would like to increase it to $250.00. The shut off fee is $20.00, increase it to $25.00, and he would like to set a fee for door collection. Joe stated, so there is no fee for door collection at this time. Terry said yes, and that is what he would like to discuss. He also checked to see what other businesses are charging. Time Warner charges $35.00 for collecting money at your door, and Central Hudson’s charge is $30.00. Joe thinks minimum charge for door collection should not be more than $40.00. Harriet said the fee should be $25.00; Ernie agrees. A short discussion followed. All Commissioners agreed to a $25.00 fee for door collection of water and sewer payment.

Billing Program – upgrade: Terry explained to the Commissioners that the billing program for water/sewer needs to be updated. The program that Theresa (w/s clerk) is currently using runs off of DOS, and it was purchased ten years ago. It is getting harder to get technical help from the company we purchased it from. The company is located in Mississippi and the programs they sell now run off of windows. Theresa has had two representatives from two different companies, come to show her their billing programs. One company sent her a quote, but she is trying to get two or three more. Joe asked if the billing program runs off the same programs as the town. Terry said no. Joe said he thought that the water dept. bought a billing program about two years ago. Terry said no, we bought a new computer. A short discussion followed. Theresa will get at least two more quotes before a final decision is made on a new billing program.

Vouchers submitted for approval of payment.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m. on a motion by Joe. Motion was seconded by Ernie.

The next meeting is scheduled for April 24, 2006, at 7:00 p.m. at the Rosendale Recreation Center, 1055 Rte 32.

Respectfully Submitted

Theresa Heinitz