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A Committee Meeting of the Johnstown Common Council was held on March 1, 2010 at 7:00p.m., in the Council Chambers, City Hall. 

PRESENT:
Sarah J. Slingerland                             :  Mayor
Bryan C. Marcucci                                :  Council Member-at-Large
Kay B. Cole                                          :  Council Member
Brett Preston                                        :  “                 “
J. Christopher Foss                               :  “                 “
Cynthia Lakata                                     :  “                  “
Susan Palmer Johnson                          :  City Attorney
Charles R. Kortz                                   :  City Engineer
Barbara Germain                                  :  Librarian
Michelle Jones                                     :  Senior Center Director
Bruce Heberer                                      :  Fire Chief
Gregory Horning                                   :  Police Chief
Leamon Steele                                      :  City Assessor
Cathy A. VanAlstyne                              :  City Clerk 

Mayor Slingerland called the meeting to order and led in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. 

ROLL CALL – all council members present. 

APPROVE MINUTES – the minutes of the February 16, 2010 Business Meeting were approved by a motion from Council Member Lakata and seconded by Council Member Foss.  Motion carried. 

CITY OFFICIAL’S REPORTS 

DPW – CHARLES R. KORTZ – the department has been keeping up with snow plowing and clearing streets.  Maintenance continues in City Hall and the DPW garage.  Sanitary sewers and catch basins are being readied for the spring season. 

Mr. Kortz was informed by the Fulton County Solid Waste that they will only have one clean up this year for each municipality.  Last year the City had a citywide clean up in the spring and fall.  After some discussion the Council decided to do the clean up in the spring for three consecutive days; Thursday, Friday and Saturday.  Thursday and Friday would be from 11am until 7pm.  Saturday would run from 7am until 1pm.  City residents will be able to bring items for the landfill to a site at the end of Prindle Ave., behind the senior center.  Mr. Kortz will contact solid waste to set up the dates.   

CITY ASSESSOR, LEAMON STEELE – today is the last day (3/1) to submit paperwork for all exemptions.  He will check on new construction next week. 

SENIOR CENTER, MICHELLE JONES – The first trip for the seniors will be to Rome, NY on March 14^th.  The Fulton County meals program will have a St. Patrick’s Day lunch at noon on March 17^th.  Reservations are necessary.  Irish entertainment will take place at the center on March 18^th at 1:15p.m. 

FIRE DEPT., BRUCE HEBERER – progress on the new fire truck is moving along.  The inspection should be the last week in March. 

The City has not had an Examining Board of Plumbers in several years.  This is a required Board.  There hasn’t been a plumber’s licensing exam given in the City of Johnstown in many years.  The Code’s Office has been accepting licenses from other municipalities.  The Board will consist of the City Engineer, Fire Chief, three master plumbers and one journeyman plumber.  The Board will be appointed at the next Council Meeting. 

POLICE DEPT., GREGORY HORNING – The surveillance cameras on Main St. are almost ready to go, just waiting for the server. 

LIBRARY, BARBARA GERMAIN – Storybook Sundae will be held on March 21^st at FMCC.  So far, they have received 49 baskets for the raffle.  The proceeds this year will be used to purchase books. 

BOND RESOLUTIONS – City Treasurer, Michael Gifford briefed the Council on the memo and two schedules he sent them concerning the bonds.(see attached)  We have a grant in the amount of $617,000 for the fire truck and the local share is $224,000.  The City is under a consent order to enclose the Maylander Reservoir at a total cost of $3.5 million.  If we don’t move ahead with this we are subject to stiff penalties.  There is a $350,000 grant that came from New York State.    The resolution for the loader will cover the cost of the loader.  Each resolution will cover incidentals relative to the cost of the projects.  Mr. Gifford also explained the schedules and the balance owed for the landfill closure and other bonds.  The landfill closure will be paid off in five years. 

RESOLUTION No. 26, 2010 was presented by Council Member Lakata to authorize a serial bond for the purchase of a new fire truck.  Seconded by Council Member Foss.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes:  Cole, Foss, Lakata, Marcucci, Preston
Noes: 0 

RESOLUTION No. 27, 2010 was presented by Council Member Cole to authorize a serial bond for financing the improvements to the water system.  Seconded by Council Member Preston.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Cole, Foss, Lakata, Marcucci, Preston
Noes: 0 

RESOLUTION No. 28, 2010 was presented by Council Member Foss to authorize a serial bond for the purchase of a bucket loader for the Department of Public Works.  Seconded by Council Member Preston.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Cole, Foss, Lakata, Marcucci, Preston
Noes: 0  

ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. Banners on Main St. for Women’s History – March 13^th

2. Women’s Symposium – FMCC – March 20^th

3. Wanda Burch Retirement Party – March 20^th – St. Patrick’s Lodge

A motion to adjourn was made by Council Member Foss and seconded by Council Member Lakata at 7:24p.m. 

Respectfully submitted, 

Cathy A. VanAlstyne
City Clerk