Town of Ontario – November 26, 2012

The regular business meeting was called to order by Supervisor Robert Kelsch; Councilman Joe Melino was absent. The minutes of the meetings of 11/12 and 11/19 were approved, and there was no correspondence from the Town Clerk. The monthly reports from Parks & Recreation and Economic Development were postponed until the next meeting.

– New Business – Supervisor Kelsch presented a motion to have the Supervisor sign the 2013 Snow & Ice Control Contract with Wayne County for winter maintenance by the Ontario Highway Department on the County roads within Ontario. The contract has been reviewed and agreed upon by Superintendent of Highways Jerry Santangelo, as well as by Town Attorney Alan Knauf. The County reimbursement for this service is to be $1139.70 per trip. The second motion, presented by Councilman Frank Robusto, authorized the Supervisor to sign the 2013 Senior Center Contract with the Wayne County Department of Aging and Youth for the Nutrition Site located in Ontario. This contract was reviewed by Director of Parks and Recreation William Riddell, and approved by the Town Attorney. Councilwoman Lori Eaton-Smith praised the program, noting that it provides a hot meal for those who might not have had one otherwise, and provides an opportunity for socialization as well.

– Budget Transfers/Adjustments – Supervisor Kelsch moved to amend the Ontario Justice Court’s 2012 Budget by increasing an account in the amount of $269.48, as requested by Business Manager Paul Liess on 11/16/12. These funds are offset by the receipt of funds deposited in the Ontario Justice Court’s 2012 Budget as revenue derived through reimbursement from New York State for the magistrates’ conference attended by Judges Higgins and Sucher. An additional motion would have authorized Mr. Liess to make transfers To/From the accounts noted on the Budget Transfer Request for the period ending 11/16/12. However, this motion was withdrawn and will be presented towards the end of the year. Councilwoman Eaton-Smith felt that to approve this action would have been premature.

– Policy Items – The first reading of the revised Policy 4050 AR showed the recommended additional wording permitting Pay Before Audit vouchers requiring time-sensitive payment to avoid late fees that are in compliance with the Town’s Procurement Policies 4050 AR and 4951 P. The revision included the statement that expenses by any department or officer of the Town of Ontario which total more than $10.00 shall be paid in accordance to Town Policy 4051 P.

– Information Forum – Supervisor Kelsch informed the Board that the County’s 2013 Tentative Budget Hearing will be held on December 4th at 7:00 p.m. in the Supervisors’ chambers in the Court House. The budget is showing a 3.24% increase in the tax rate; the rate for 2013 will be $7.76 per thousand of assessed value, compared to 2012’s rate of $7.54. $38,000,000 of the budget is designated for State mandates, and the Supervisor thinks that all possible cutting has been done. Councilman Robusto expressed his concern regarding the cost of maintaining a County Nursing Home, as it is showing a $2,000,000 loss. There are approximately 210 Long Term Care residents at the home, and this population is typically uninsured; the Rehab unit, which generates a profit, is servicing approximately 70 consumers.

– Comments from the public- Resident Jim Switzer has a concern regarding the intersection of Ontario Center Road/Route 350 and Route 104, stating that there exists an unsafe turn situation near Rite Aid. Since Rt. 104 is a State road, the Supervisor will check with NYSDOT to see if an improvement can be made.

– The Board adjourned at 7:40 for an executive session regarding employees’ compensation for 2013. They reconvened at 8:00 and agreed to finalize the current compensation figure of $16,605.46 at the Board meeting of 12/3/12. The upcoming workshop meeting on 12/10/12 at 7:00 p.m. will include a joint meeting of the Walworth Town Board, the Wayne Central School District Board of Education, and the Ontario Town Board. The main issues to be discussed with this group will be the 2% tax cap, and the problems relating to the compliance regulations necessary for receiving grant funding for various projects. Later in this meeting, the Board will discuss the Drainage Plan update, the major road culverts, and the Comprehensive Plan update. It was decided to postpone the discussion on the space needs within the Town Hall until the second business meeting in January. Other upcoming meetings will be held on December 3rd and 17th (business meetings), and a workshop on December 10th; all will be in the Town Hall and will begin at 7:00 p.m.
The Organizational Meeting for 2013 will be on January 7th at 7:00 p.m.
Adjournment was at 8:20.
Submitted by Monica Deyo

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