Springwater was a busy place to be this week and while I did not make every event, I did get updates. Monday was Columbus Day and a legal holiday so the town board met on Tuesday evening. This was the board’s monthly work meeting but 18 residents sat through it and much was discussed.
Some important dates for all residents are as follows so please put them on your calendars as input is needed from the community:
Monday, Oct. 22, is the next regular meeting of the town board at 7 p.m. It is also the time for a public hearing on Local Law 3-2012 which deals specifically with authorizing the board to exceed the 2 percent tax cap necessary if the 2013 budget is passed. Also at this meeting the preliminary budget will be presented.
Monday, Nov. 5, is a special town board meeting at 7 p.m., devoted solely to a public hearing on the proposed budget.
Monday, Nov. 12, at 7 p.m. is a regular town board meeting where the 2013 budget will be adopted. It is also when a public information/input forum will be held on the proposed water and sewer rates. Residents of the hamlet and anyone affected by these increases are encouraged to attend this meeting. There will be no town board meeting on Nov. 26, so the board meeting on Nov. 12 is vital if you want information or care to add input on the proposed rate increases.
It was decided at the board meeting that the hydrants would be flushed this week. Since Lynn Holmes, superintendent of public works, cannot predict for certain if an emergency will arise that will change the schedule, both Wednesday and Thursday are designated dates. Town Supervisor Deborah Babbitt-Henry suggested that permanent dates be set up by the water department for the necessary flushing of hydrants, so that residents will know beforehand and can plan their household schedules accordingly. Watch for that information in upcoming water bills.
Some changes to the 2013 budget were discussed last week. Councilman Larry Gnau suggested reducing the proposed salary increase for the council members from $500 to $50.
Councilwoman Carolyn Tinney suggested deleting a line item of $55,000 for rehabilitation and replacement of park equipment even though that money currently is available and would not impact the budget increase. Her suggestion to set aside that money for the highway department’s proposed new building on Hudson Road or put it in the general fund to offset some other monetary need met with much discussion since technically the money is already in the general fund and is possibly designated only for park expenditures.
Springwater was a busy place to be this week and while I did not make every event, I did get updates. Monday was Columbus Day and a legal holiday so the town board met on Tuesday evening. This was the board’s monthly work meeting but 18 residents sat through it and much was discussed.
Some important dates for all residents are as follows so please put them on your calendars as input is needed from the community:
Monday, Oct. 22, is the next regular meeting of the town board at 7 p.m. It is also the time for a public hearing on Local Law 3-2012 which deals specifically with authorizing the board to exceed the 2 percent tax cap necessary if the 2013 budget is passed. Also at this meeting the preliminary budget will be presented.
Monday, Nov. 5, is a special town board meeting at 7 p.m., devoted solely to a public hearing on the proposed budget.
Monday, Nov. 12, at 7 p.m. is a regular town board meeting where the 2013 budget will be adopted. It is also when a public information/input forum will be held on the proposed water and sewer rates. Residents of the hamlet and anyone affected by these increases are encouraged to attend this meeting. There will be no town board meeting on Nov. 26, so the board meeting on Nov. 12 is vital if you want information or care to add input on the proposed rate increases.
It was decided at the board meeting that the hydrants would be flushed this week. Since Lynn Holmes, superintendent of public works, cannot predict for certain if an emergency will arise that will change the schedule, both Wednesday and Thursday are designated dates. Town Supervisor Deborah Babbitt-Henry suggested that permanent dates be set up by the water department for the necessary flushing of hydrants, so that residents will know beforehand and can plan their household schedules accordingly. Watch for that information in upcoming water bills.
Some changes to the 2013 budget were discussed last week. Councilman Larry Gnau suggested reducing the proposed salary increase for the council members from $500 to $50.
Councilwoman Carolyn Tinney suggested deleting a line item of $55,000 for rehabilitation and replacement of park equipment even though that money currently is available and would not impact the budget increase. Her suggestion to set aside that money for the highway department’s proposed new building on Hudson Road or put it in the general fund to offset some other monetary need met with much discussion since technically the money is already in the general fund and is possibly designated only for park expenditures.
Babbitt-Henry said that her office is currently attempting to find the paper trail needed to decide if the money set aside several years ago was solely designated for park expenditures. If it was not, then it may legitimately be used for other expenses, but at this time she cannot say for sure.
Town Clerk Jade Perkins also notified the town board that her office could forego $1,000 in money set aside for her part of the budget.
I did ask if the $55,000 is not included in the 2013 budget and it is found that the current park does not meet state regulations, “Would the playground specifically be closed for use by the children?”
Babbitt-Henry stated emphatically, “No it would not be closed. Money would be found ... (to remediate the situation) so the children could continue to play there.”
Babbitt-Henry also notified the town board that the Livingston County Board of Supervisors had agreed with a proposal from the Livingston County Real Property office to raise the income eligibility limits for senior citizens and persons with disabilities on the county tax portion by $500. Some information provided by Town Assessor Herb Humphrey was read into the minutes and his comments that he “did not think it was wise to raise the limits” now for seniors and persons with disabilities on the town portion of the tax bill by the same amount.
There are 1,661 taxable parcels in Springwater; 100 receive a veterans exemption; 34 senior exemption; 167 enhanced School Tax Relief (STAR) exemption; 577 STAR exemption; 42 over-65 exemption and 42 receive an exemption of 60 plus.
The meeting closed with several citizens voicing some of their concerns regarding the proposed pay increases in 2013, and concern for the park.
On Wednesday, the Springwater~Websters Crossing Historical Society hosted John Adamski. His presentation of “Butterflies to Buffaloes” — a program he originally put together for a scout presentation — was so well received, he added “Bears, Bulls, and Bucks.” Over three dozen people sat in the audience listening to him explain the wonderful photography he had taken of this area and during his travels to Colorado and Montana. The children were awed by the terrific pictures of beautiful butterflies and great mammoth elk and buffalo, and the many seniors present were stunned by the beauty of these creatures caught on film. Adamski provides his services free of charge to non-profit organizations and anyone who has an opportunity to see one of his presentations will leave with a greater appreciation for nature and the wildlife we see in our own backyards.
Saturday morning, 25 people attended the food handler’s course offered by the Livingston County Health Department at the Springwater American Legion. Many of the attendees were from our local churches and fraternal organizations.
On Saturday and Sunday, the Fall Hunter Safety Program was taught at the Springwater Rod & Gun Club. Twenty-nine youngsters attended the program and all passed according to Pat Hillyard, a longtime trainer for this course. This is the last Hunter Safety program for this year at the Springwater Rod & Gun Club.
The family of Robert Knudsen Jr. who held a benefit for him on Sept. 15, with the proceeds going to offset some of the medical expenses associated with his battle with brain cancer asked me to include this thank you to their “relatives, friends, and all that donated items to make the benefit successful. They also wish to thank all of the bands and DJs, Dave Wheeler and Smitty’s Pop & Hop Shop, and the radio stations” for their efforts on Bob’s behalf.
Friends are remembering Peter M. Lutz, 63, of Liberty Pole Road, who died suddenly on Oct. 7, as a talented man and good friend to all. His services will be held on Saturday, Oct. 20, at 4 p.m. at the Springwater Church of The Nazarene. Visitation is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 19, 5-7 p.m. at Church of The Nazarene. Our condolences go out to his family and many friends.
Have a great week and stay warm.
