The regular meeting of the Groveland Town Board was held on Thursday October 9, 2008 at the Town Hall.

Present: James C. Merrick, Supervisor; Burt Lyon, Bill Carman, Craig Phelps, Councilman; Greg Adamson, Highway Superintendent, Randolph Meyer, Town Attorney

Absent: Kevin Niedermaier, Councilman

Other Attendees: Frances Teitsworth, Roger Johnson

Town Clerk handed out monthly clerk report.

 Supervisor handed out the monthly financial report along with the Livingston County Board of Supervisor minutes.

 Supervisor called the meeting to order @ 7:59 PM

Motion by Phelps, seconded by Carman the audited bills be paid. General Fund vouchers numbered 276-303 for $39,407.15, Light District voucher number 10 for $552.21, Preferred Care voucher number 228 for $3,648.61, Highway Fund vouchers numbered 229-249 for $13,994.71. Motion carried.

Motion by Lyon, seconded by Phelps to approve the minutes of the regular meeting held on September 11, 2008 as written. Motion carried.

Motion by Carman, seconded by Lyon to accept the monthly financial reports submitted. Motion carried.

Old/New Business:

PRELIMINARY BUDGET – Supervisor had the public hearing notice read and opened the public hearing at 8:03 PM.  He explained the proposed budget that the rate remained the same of $3.60 per thousand assessed value, without cutting any services and able to give raises of 3% where needed. He stated the proposed county budget looks to have a 6% decrease. Phelps commented that the health care still seems on the high side. Supervisor has discussed this at the county level and is planning on towns to consolidate health insurance; so far the information shows it could save around 40%. He will provide the information once it is all compiled. Motion by Carman, seconded by Lyons to close the public hearing and adopt the budget as written.  Motion carried. Public hearing closed at 9:20 PM.

LOCAL LAW 2 -2008 BANNING WEAPONS – Supervisor had the public hearing notice read and opened the public hearing at 8:03 PM.  He explained the purpose of the law as the metal detector requires manning and cannot take a weapon away if we have no law. Starting January if law passed we will have the Sherriff Department man the detector. Motion by Phelps, seconded by Lyon to close the public hearing and adopt the local law as written. Votes: Phelps-Aye, Lyon-Aye, Carman-Aye, Merrick-Aye. Motion carried. Law will be effective once filed with Secretary of State.

LAKEVIEW CEMETERY – Frances supplied an inventory list. She stated that they have one banking account and some CD’s. Funds will be an end balance. She will plan to turn over at the end of the year when the annual report is filed and audit is complete. Frances says that once all forms are signed and sent in, the turn over could be a lengthy process. There are 200 plots open fore sale and 6 newly acquired acres for additional plots.

Supervisor mentioned that there are some items on the federal surplus list that might be a benefit to the cemetery.

Roger said that the cemetery board will meet and prepare a resolution of dissolving. The Town Attorney will look at all the paperwork and will report at the next meeting. Attorney also suggested that we will need the perpetual care agreements to know what was agreed with each purchaser.

The board suggested that they should meet with the Snyder Brother’s to learn the scope of their abilities. Town Clerk will schedule a meeting for next month.

HIGHWAY REPORT – Greg reported that the fall grading is almost done. The crew is getting ready to put salt equipment on, and then get ready to start tree removal on Barber Hill Road.

GLOW RECYCLE – paperwork discussed, and decided not necessary at this time.

SENIOR EXEMPTION & PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES – Supervisor presented the County sliding scales for Disabilities, Limited Income, and with Senior Citizens Income scale. The 50% level will rise from $18,500 to $19,500. The 2009 parameter are on the enclosed sheet. Motion by Phelps, seconded by Carman to do a resolution to accept the maximum eligibility for tax exemption to be increased to $19,500. Motion carried. See Resolution 7-2008

Motion by Phelps, seconded by Carman to do a resolution for Persons with Disabilities and Limited Incomes based on the sliding scale. Motion carried. See Resolution 8-2008

EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK – suggested too move to the next meeting and at that time cut out many portions that are not necessary for the town, before moving to a final draft. Once a final draft is created, Lyon suggests that we bring in the Justices for their review before any approvals.

DOYLE SECURITY- has been installed and training is available to all those who have key access to the building.

LINDA CLARK RESOLUTION – Town Clerk presented a sample copy. Supervisor made some suggestions and will be prepared for the next meeting. It was suggested that a December meeting for the presentation to the family would be a good time. All agreed, but will set the date at the next meeting.

RESIGNATIONS – Supervisor has received resignations from Amy Phelps and Jerry Malme both of the Planning Board. Motion by Lyon, seconded by Carman to accept the both resignations. Motion carried. This puts the Planning Board with only 3 members and 2 alternates.

FARMLAND PROTECTION GRANT- Since we have been awarded the $25,000 grant, it has to be utilized towards a Farmland Protection Plan, which in our case is about 70% of Groveland’s land, then put together a comprehensive plan. Supervisor has asked each

board member to come back with names of residents that would be interesting serving on a volunteer committee. Greg turned the contracts over to the Town Attorney for his review before signing.

 Motion by Lyon, seconded by Carman to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 9:20 PM.  The next regular meeting will be held on Thursday November 13, 2008 in the town hall.

Town of Groveland      ________________________

Dated October 25, 2008     Sandra L. Bean, Town Clerk