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A
Committee Meeting of the Johnstown Common Council was held on April 5, 2010 at
7:00p.m., in the Council Chambers, City Hall.
PRESENT:
Sarah J. Slingerland : Mayor
Kay B. Cole : Council Member
Brett Preston : “ “
J. Christopher Foss : “ “
Susan Palmer Johnson : City Attorney
Charles R. Kortz : City Engineer
Michael C. Gifford : City Treasurer
Leamon Steele : City Assessor
Bruce Heberer : Fire Chief
Gregory Horning : Police Chief
Barbara Germain : Librarian
Michelle Jones : Senior Center
Director
Cathy A. VanAlstyne : City
Clerk
ABSENT:
Bryan C. Marcucci : Council
Member-at-Large
Cynthia Lakata : Council Member
Mayor Slingerland called the meeting to order and led in reciting the Pledge of
Allegiance.
ROLL CALL – three council members present and two absent.
APPROVE MINUTES The minutes of the March 15, 2010 Business Meeting were approved
with a motion from Council Member Foss and seconded by Council Member Cole.
Motion carried.
CITY OFFICIAL REPORTS
DPW
City Engineer Charles R. Kortz reported the department has been busy sweeping
the streets. They are finishing installing the signs on the Rail Trail. This
was made possible through a grant and signs were required and approved by the
New York State Department of Transportation. The brush drop off site has been
open and very busy. They are keeping a tight control over the dumping. Curb
side brush pick-up should be completed around the 16th of April. The
Sidewalk Replacement Program applications are available on the website and in
the City Clerk’s Office. Mr. Kortz is working with D.O.T.; they are replacing
street signs on Glebe St., Chestnut St. and E. State St. as part of the stimulus
package. The closed Johnstown Landfill has a couple of buildings on the
property that should be demolished. We have done an asbestos survey. The cost
of removal will be about $5,000. We have no other demolition projects planned
for this year. We will need to have a resolution to put out to bid. The Phase
II Environmental Assessment found no contamination above DEC levels at the H&J
Leather and Gloria’s Restaurant site on N. Perry St. The developer is ready to
begin digging. The Engineer’s Office has opened an internet account on
Twitter. Any of the City departments can post information for residents.
Mapleton Tract – this is vacant land off of Pleasant Ave. that the City would
like to development into six lots. The lots on one side of the street would be
about 100’x130’ and 125’x130’. The other side the lots would be a little
smaller; 80’x132’. The city would maintain a 20’ easement. We would extend the
water and sewer and storm water, construct and pave the street and install
sidewalks and curbing. The size of the lots will fit in with the surrounding
neighborhood. Mr. Kortz would like to begin this summer if possible. Council
Member Foss thinks this is a good idea and we should make sure we sell the six
lots as individual lots, possibly to a developer who would build the houses.
The street may be renamed. Mr. Kortz estimates it will be between $80,000 and
$100,000 to do the work. City Assessor Steele said the houses should be
consistent in size. Mayor Slingerland asked the Council to look over the map
and lots. Mr. Kortz said the City should be able to request the gas line from
National Grid at no cost to the City. A couple of polls and street lights will
have to be put in. Mayor Slingeland added that we are working with the Water
Board on this.
SENIOR CENTER
Michelle Jones thanked Mr. Kortz for the great job his department did on
sweeping the parking lot at the center. The 50+ Club will hold their annual
Spring Bazaar on April 10th from 8:30a.m. – 2:30p.m. Census staff
will be available at the center on April 26th for anyone needing help
in filling out their form.
CITY ASSESSOR
Leamon Steele has a few of the senior STAR exemption forms unaccounted for. The
tentative roll will go to the County next week. Version 5 assessment software
may be installed in the future.
FIRE DEPT.
Chief Heberer reported his department is cleaning the fire house and continuing
Ward patrols. They don’t have many court appearances because they try to work
on voluntary compliance with residents. If they don’t comply, the City does the
clean up and charges back to the homeowner. Court is the last resort. On April
27th they are going out to inspect the new fire truck. If everything
tests ok, Wilde Fire will drive it back on April 30th. It should be
ready for delivery to the City in mid May.
POLICE DEPT
Chief Horning would like to have a resolution for the next meeting to authorize
taking down some obsolete signs. The old YMCA has a loading dock sign, S.
Market St. no parking sign by Conroy Gloves and one way on Sat. sign on Nicholas
St. Chief Horning would like to replace the flashing red light on Pleasant Ave.
with a stop sign. The light is costing the City money but the stop sign would
have the same affect but at no cost. Council Member Cole expressed some concern
with trucks coming up S. William and S. Market to get to the arterial; there is
no outlet. Chief Horning is not sure what they could do to worn drivers.
Alternate crossing guards are needed and Chief Horning has a few applicants. He
would like to appoint a couple of people.
FINANCE
City Treasurer Mike Gifford reported on the financial plan that is required to
be done annually and due the end of March. This must be done to maintain our
State aid. The 2009 year end is ok. Beyond 2010, we can’t anticipate an
increase in sales tax. In 2011 the tax roll becomes flat. Either we increase
property taxes or cut services. This is a warning that we cannot continue the
way we are. In 2013 the tax rate could be $22.20 compared to the current rate
of $16.36. This would be at 90% of our tax limit.
LIBRARY
Barbara Germain has set the Annual Landscaping Day for May 8th.
Census people are using the library for training. The proceeds from the
Storybook Sundae netted $9,700.
MAYORAL APPOINTMENTS – George Kline and Fredrick Franko were reappointed to the
Johnstown Zoning Board of Appeals. Lynn Knowlton and Terri Easterly were
reappointed to the Johnstown Planning Board. Terms will expire on March 31,
2013.
RESOLUTION No. 36, 2010 was presented by Council Member Foss to award the bid
from Monroe Tractor for a new bucket loader. The net price includes the trade
in of our old bucket loader. Seconded by Council Member Cole.
Ayes: 3
Noes: 0
Absent: Marcucci & Lakata
DISCUSSION
The Fulton County Board of Election has requested we change the polling place
for Ward 3 from Knox Junior High School to the First Baptist Church on 30A. The
new site has good parking, is handicapped accessible and can be accessed from
Fourth Ave. We will need a resolution for the change for the next meeting. We
will pay the church $100 for each election.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
·
The Citywide Garage Sale will take place on May
14, 15 & 16
·
Citywide Clean Up will be held on May 20th
and 21st from 11am-7pm and May 22nd from 7am-1pm.
A
motion to adjourn at 7:45p.m., was made by Council Member Foss and seconded by
Council Member Cole
Respectfully submitted,
Cathy A. VanAlstyne
City Clerk
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