Several different issues were covered at the recent Town of Poland Board meeting. Under legal issues, the board went into executive session to discuss some personnel matters. After the executive session, Town Supervisor Jim Cooper informed the board that a BAN payment had been made on the new loader of $42,000 principal plus $2,700 interest on that day. A $40, 870 balance is left. Town Attorney Paul Webb said they needed to make a motion to renew the BAN for one year. The new interest rate was a decrease form last year. The motion was passed.
Randy Graham from Mayville Tremaine then gave a summary presentation on the Town's liability insurance coverage. It was a review for the board members so all the newly elected officials would be familiar with the coverage. Graham started with the property coverage, which is passed on replacement costs. He noted that this is updated every year. This policy contains a $1,000 deductible. After detailing the different coverage contained in the policy, Graham stated that for a slight increase in coverage, there was actually a decrease in the premium which the town pays. He reiterated that he would be glad to answer any questions members of the Board would have in the future concerning the coverage.
Following Graham, George Meier made a presentation representing Ross Innovative Employment Solutions. This company works on getting people back into the workforce. The program he talked about works with non-profits and government organizations using a work experience program and have people who are on public assistance work for one of these organizations to help work off their benefits. Ross Innovative Employment Solutions had a contract with the County to try to use this program, and told members of the Board that if the Town has any positions that need to be filled, they could provide someone, and the Town would provide supervision to document the work. The county would take care of the liability, and would also pay transportation if needed. The goal is to get people trained for a paying job, but it also is beneficial for the organization which is using the worker. The board agreed to study the idea and would see if it would fill any needs for the town.
Cooper reported that Kennedy Pride agreed to pay half the cost for portable facilities in Hallquist Park this summer. Since there will be several events in the park this summer, having a facility in the park was deemed a good idea. The board voted to agree to pay half the cost, and the equipment would be placed before the Flag Retirement Ceremony.
Supervisor Cooper reported that Southern Tier West had held its annual meeting in May, and he had been reelected as chairman. Not much other business was conducted. Councilwoman Kathy Stanton asked Cooper about whom to contact at Southern Tier West concerning the grant proposal she is working on. He told her to contact Richard Zink, the executive director.
The beaver dam situation is still a problem. While it appears that water levels across from The Pad on Route 394 have gone down, the water on Roland Swanson's property is still very high. Cooper stated that he has told Bill Berg of the railroad authority that he would like someone from the railroad to go with someone from the Town to be sure they are discussing the same areas of concern.
Work on the employee handbook is continuing. The board set up another meeting for 7 p.m., tonight in the Town Hall.
Stanton reported on the Town Hall /committee. They have had another meeting with Pete Sandberg of Harrington Sandberg, who brought an engineer to look over the current structure. They have been commissioned to do a study, which can be used to write a grant application for improvements. Ms. Stanton said that the study should be ready in July. They are working with the Kennedy Free Library to find a joint venture for grants or other funding sources for the improvements for both the municipality and the library.
Cooper noted that the Memorial Day parade and service had gone well. Many people have commented on all the wonderful participants in the parade, and the service at Riverside /cemetery had been quite moving. He specifically thanked Town Clerk Barb Czerniak for all the work she does to help things run smoothly. Cooper informed the board that he had made a $50 donation to the Falconer Central School Marching band, as is customary for their participation in the parade.
Work has begun for the new storage building for the Highway Department on Cemetery Street. The site has been prepared, and Sherwood Chapman and his workers will erect the new structure when the weather cooperates. CHIPS money could be used for the floor of the new building, if and when it becomes available from Albany. Cooper noted that he has received letters from the offices of state Sen. Cathy Young and Assemblyman Joe Giglio stating that while the budget process is continuing in Albany, the funds are still being delayed.
Highway Superintendent Larry Mee was attending state highway school so could not be present at the Board meeting. His department has been keeping up with mowing, and has shifted its schedule around due to the late State budget. Town Clerk Barb Czerniak reported that the Town's contracts with the Kennedy Free Library and the Humane Society have been signed. Town Assessor/Code Officer Dennis Stornes reported that the annual grievance day had been held, and he did not foresee any problems. He and his assistants have finished canvassing the town for code violations, and will begin to prioritize their lists.
Supervisor Cooper read a letter from Independent Health concerning a bridge rider for dependents up to age 26 on employee's health insurance policies. Since federal is due to change, Independent Health offered to have a bridge rider available for current plan holders. Since the Town has employees that could fall under this area, Board members voted to approve accepting the rider policy.
Cemetery caretaker Alan Short requested the small storage shed that had been used at Town Hall for use at Tucker Cemetery. This was approved. He has been working on foundations at the cemeteries, and will pour a foundation for the new memorial bench in Riverside.