Ontario Town Board – December 3, 2012

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. with all Board members present; also in attendance was Amy Kendall, the Town’s Deputy Attorney. There were no comments from the public and the Town Clerk reported no correspondence.
- Reports – Jerry Santangelo, Highway Superintendent, submitted his monthly report, which stated that the Department worked on getting the rest of the snow plow equipment and routes ready for winter. Roadsides were mowed, shoulders were repaired, and road cuts were blacktopped. The Building Inspector/Code Enforcement Officer Edward Collins’s report showed that permits issued were running pretty close to last year’s total. Through November, Permit Fees totaled $22,040.54; the estimated value of construction was $10,113,149.50; Rec Fees were $11,900.00; the year-to-date Watershed Fees were $6800.00. The Assessor’s report processed 30 transfers in October, and there was 1 split involving 3 parcels. Exemptions are being reviewed.
The Library Director, Sandra Hylen, submitted her November report which included a sincere thanks to the Friends of the Ontario Public Library for their generous gift of a new multimedia projector. Among other things, there were 6 Adult Programs offered and 2 Youth Outreach Programs including a Lego Party and 7 sessions of Storytime. Economic Development Director William Riddell reported that Big Lots had their Grand Opening on Friday, November 16th.
The Business Improvement District and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce worked together to install new snowflake decorations for Main Street. Discussions continued with a local business owner on the possibility of developing additional self-storage units within the Town. Harbec will have its wind turbine done by 12/31. As Director of Recreation and Parks, Mr. Riddell reported that $250,000 has been received from NYS for the Town Park improvements, and the remaining $250,000 is in a secured bond. He also explained the Silver Sneakers fitness program sponsored by MVP Gold; $15,000 has been received this year. Those eligible must be in an age range of 62 and above, which is determined by the insurance company. Silver Fit is the fitness program offered by Excellus; this company gives Ontario $30 per trip, and allows up to 10 trips per month per individual. He expects to receive $15,000 – $21,000 from these programs in 2013. As of this date, there are 202 Silver Sneakers members. Upcoming events through Parks & Rec include Breakfast with Santa, 6 dates in December for Santa Claus’ Sleigh Schedule, and a Community Membership Drive in December through January 15th. There are 1734 current active members and 1936 total members (actual individuals).
– New Business – A motion was made to approve the Paid Holiday and Pay Schedules for 2013, which will be available to the public on the Town’s website. Paul Liess, Ontario Business Manager/Accountant, was authorized to make transfers within the budget for the period ending 11/16/12. The second reading of revised Policy 4050AR showed the recommended additional wording permitting Pay Before Audit to avoid late fees. There was a first reading of the revised Employee Handbook Section 200 – Employee Classification. The proposed change provides the exact wording for an exempt employee under the Fair Labor Standards Act. A motion was approved to accept the resignation of Sonyia VanPatten, effective 11/30/12; she was a clerk in the building department and did much of the watershed work.
– Three Boards Meeting – On December 10th at 7:00 in the Ontario Town Hall there will be a meeting of the Boards of Wayne Central School, Walworth Town Board, and the Ontario Town Board. Topics of discussion are as follows:
School Board – Facilities Preservation Project, Budget Development, Academic Achievement.
Walworth Town Board – Salt barn update, Town and County taxes.
Ontario Town Board – 2013 Budget and 2014 outlook, School/Community Service – Link between town & school needs, Greenway update, Economic Development update, Comprehensive Plan update, Drainage project.
The Board adjourned at 7:42 into Executive Session with no business conducted upon reconvening. The next regular Business Meeting will be on 12/17/12 at 7:00 p.m.
Submitted by Monica Deyo

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