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A Business Meeting of the Johnstown Common Council was held on February 16, 2010 at 7:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers, City Hall. PRESENT: ABSENT: Mayor Slingerland called the meeting to order and led in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL – all council members present. RESOLUTION No. 20, 2010 was presented by Council Member Preston to amend the agreement for water to Fulton County Water District #1 to include two new buildings for student housing the college intends to build. Seconded by Council Member Foss. Discussion:
The name of the existing student housing was discussed. In the resolution and
the amendment the student housing was referred to as the Campus Green apartments
and the Campus View Student Housing. The current name of the housing is Campus
View Student Housing. The resolution and amendment were amended to read as
“Campus View Student Housing”. PRESENTATION – DRAFT ZONING LAWS Council Member Foss, Fulton County Planner James Mraz, David D’Amore and Chris Swatt, who served on the Zoning Advisory Committee, explained the process taken in comprising the draft amendments to the zoning ordinance.(see attached) Mr. Mraz said the committee met over a three-year period, fifty-four times. Thanks went out to all the members. Fire Chief Heberer said the new zoning ordinance will make the code officer’s job a lot easier. Everything is in black and white. The council will have time to review it and then it will go to the Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Appeals for their review. The Fulton County Planning Board will also need to review and approve. The City will hold a public hearing before it is voted on by the Council. Council Member Foss and Mayor Slingerland presented certificates of appreciation to Christopher Foss, Ruth White, Joseph Hanchar, David D’Amore, Chris Swatt, Jeffrey Niles, Robert Gallt, April Douglas, Maureen Rhodes and Richard Vedder. LIAISON’S REPORTS POLICE DEPT. – Council Member Lakata reported the department received 864 calls in January resulting in 52 arrests and 257 tickets. Fines totaled $4,422. The DARE Program graduated 48 students. FIRE DEPT. – Council Member Lakata reported the department received 58 calls including 3 structure fires, several medical assistance responses, 3 motor vehicle accidents and 2 carbon monoxide alarm responses. The Code’s Office issued 22 building permits with an estimated construction cost of $149,550 and $883 in fees collected. The department continues ward sweeps and handled 489 inspections and complaints. LIBRARY – Council Member Foss said the next book discussion will take place on February 19th at 10:30a.m. Musician Gary VanSlyke has become a regular at Story Hour, entertaining the children. The 14th Annual Storybook Sundae tickets are available at the library for $5.00 adults and $2.50 children. Baskets for the raffle are on display at the library. DPW – Council Member Foss said sand barrels are being filled and pot holes cold patched. Plowing is done when needed. Regular maintenance is being done at the City garage and City Hall. Vehicles are being cleaned. Storm sewers and sanitary sewers are being maintained. SENIOR CENTER – Council Member Preston said that the AARP Driver Safety Course will be held at the center on March 1st and 8th from 1pm-5pm. AARP also offers tax preparation assistance for seniors and appointments are necessary. The center is selling daffodils to benefit the American Cancer Association. SEWER BOARD – The Board met on February 10th and Council Member Preston reported the upgrade construction activity is continuing at a quick pace. The staff is working on completing the final submittals for the Green Innovation Grant Program. EFC has contacted Plant Manager Bevington asking permission to increase the award from $4.9 million to $6 million. Several other entities have opted out of the program and more money is available. Plant Manager Bevington gave a presentation on the 2009 Annual Report. WATER BOARD – Council Member Cole reported that the Board will meet tomorrow. ASSESSOR – Council Member-at-Large Marcucci reported the RPS will be updated on February 23rd. March 1st is the deadline for the STAR applications. The assessor will be attending training on land valuation schedules at the end of February in Albany. RESOLUTION No. 21, 2010 was presented by Council Member-at-Large Marcucci to set the 2010 transfer station permit fee at $20.00. Seconded by Council Member Cole. Discussion:
The price is the same as last year. RESOLUTION
No. 22, 2010 was presented by Council Member Cole to approve a loan under the
City of Johnstown Home Repair Program for applicant number JHR-014-09. Seconded
by Council Member Preston. RESOLUTION No. 23, 2010 was presented by Council Member Foss to advertise for bids for a new Four Wheel Drive Loader. Seconded by Council Member Preston. Discussion:
Council Member Lakata asked Mr. Kortz if he felt that enough vendors would be
reached by advertising in the Leader and Gazette. Mr. Kortz said there are many
dealers in our area and didn’t think it would be a problem getting a good
response. RESOLUTION
No. 24, 2010 was presented by Council Member Lakata to offer 10 Washington St.
for private sale. Seconded by Council Member Cole. EXECUTIVE SESSION – A motion at 8:05p.m., was made by Council Member Foss and seconded by Council Member-at-Large Marcucci to enter into executive session for discussion of sale of real property. A motion to come out of executive session was made at 8:13p.m., by Council Member Preston and seconded by Council Member Cole. RESOLUTION
No. 25, 2010 was presented by Council Member Lakata to accept an offer of
$1,500.00 from Thomas Tompkins for the purchase of a vacant lot SBL#174.7-13-32,
101 Gilbert St. There is a shed on the property. Seconded by Council Member
Foss. DISCUSSION Council Member Preston praised Mayor Slingerland for remarks she made at the recent Chamber Breakfast. ANNOUNCEMENTS March is Women’s History Month and banners will be hung on Main St. on March 13th for Women’s Equality. A motion to adjourn at 8:15p.m., was made by Council Member Foss and seconded by Council Member Cole. Respectfully submitted, Cathy A.
VanAlstyne
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