ILTB October 15 2019
Indian Lake Town Board discusses ambulance issues
By PETE KLEIN
INDIAN LAKE—When the Indian Lake Town Board met on October 15, ambulance service and the cost for it was a hot topic.
Joshua Wells and Alice Fish of the Indian Lake Ambulance Corps approached the board. Josh stated that the Ambulance Corp. wanted to keep the board up to date on everything that was discussed at the previous meeting concerning the billing policy of the Corp. He reported that they are investigating Legal Council and the goal is to resolve the billing issues by the first of the year. He also stated that he had met with Captain Tim Leach and Commissioner Bob Curry from Fire District# 1 concerning the runs that this Corp. have been making to Blue Mt. Lake. He stated that no agreement had been made and is hoping in the future to have this issue resolved soon. He stated this is a grave concern for the Ambulance Corp. especially when you start talking about budget. Josh stated that they would need to get together again soon to come up with a solution. He suggested that all three Boards sit down together, the Town Board, Fire Commissioner Board and the Ambulance Board, to come up with a solution. Supervisor Wells stated that he was going to reach out to the Fire District# 1 Commissioners to set up a date to discuss this. Discussion was held on the date. Bob Curry and Tim Leach stated that they would look at their calendars and come up with a date to hold the meeting, Supervisor Wells told them that he had November 6 or the 8 open.
Supervisor Brian Wells stated that this needs to be done legally and he has been in contact with the Town's Lawyers and waiting for more information. He stated that the Laws concerning this are extensive when it concerns Fire Districts and Fire Districts that have Ambulance Corps. and separate Ambulance Districts, he stated therefore we needed Legal Counsel.
Bob Curry stated that the Commissioners had tried to come up with some sort of compensation also stating that they would make it retroactive. Bob stated that they already had one agreement in place where the Indian Lake Ambulance would provide ALS and their intention was to make that agreement retroactive and the Indian Lake Corp. could bill them for the calls they made this year.
Supervisor Wells stated that the issue is not only looking back we need to figure out how to move forward. Supervisor Wells stated that there are a lot of hoops and we need to do this legally. Supervisor Wells stated that there are different solutions and the boards need to sit down and discuss what can work. He also stated that you are taking a District that is subsidized with tax payer's money and subsidizing their Ambulance service here (he stated that no one is denying anyone service anywhere) but, when Indian Lake Ambulance Corp. is out of this District responding to Fire District# l's District and we have to call in Johnsburgh to take Indian Lake's run, that is double dipping on Indian Lake tax payers.
Councilwoman Curry stated that it is not just the money, it is that our resources being out, and our personnel cannot respond in Indian Lake because they are responding in another District and Indian Lake District Taxpayers are not getting the services they are paying for.
Josh Wells stated as well that the agreement that was signed was for an ALS intercept agreement, which happens very rarely where the Indian Lake medic meets the Blue Mt. Lake Ambulance gets on the Blue Mt. Lake Ambulance. Josh stated that 90% of the time, Indian Lake Ambulance responds all the way to Blue Mt., therefore Indian Lake Medic is not meeting them on the road and getting in their Ambulance they are responding the whole way, this is not an intercept agreement.
ZONING ORDINANCE
Supervisor Wells told all that there would be no Public Hearing concerning the Zoning Ordinance. He did however state that a Resolution needed to be done as well as a SEQRA.
Supervisor Wells offered Resolution# 16 authorizing the Town to be the Lead agency. He stated this is confirmation of a Resolution that was made at the last meeting.
Supervisor Wells started reading off the SEQRA and realized they had not sent the full SEQRA. This was then tabled until the Thursday night meeting. Supervisor Wells made a motion to table the SEQRA. Seconded by, Councilman Rathbun.
BLUE MT. LAKE SIGN SEQRA
Supervisor Wells told all that we were not at the stage to do the Blue Mt. Lake SEQRA. He stated that we are waiting on the APA and Lake George and Lake Champlain regional Board.
APPOINT HIGHWAY PART TIME POSITION
Highway Superintendent James Roblee stated that he had not had time to do the interviews yet. This was tabled.
BARGAINING UNIT CONTRACT
Supervisor Wells made a motion to adopt the Bargaining Unit Contract for the years of 2020, 2021 and 2022. Seconded by, Councilman Clawson.
The board approved adopting the contract.
PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT REPORT FOR SEPTEMBER 2019
Bill LaPrairie reported September was a busy month for Parks and Rec with three events going on throughout the month the Antique show, the 90 miler and moose fest. For the 90 miler we set up tents, Barricades, garbage cans and stayed in Blue Mountain to help with the event, we took turns working at the barricades and shuttling people through town. When the event was over at 9 PM that night we did a teardown and cleaned up. For the Antique show we put cones and cans on the corners set up barricades, Put up signs and banners, put a fence on the school lawn for parking we cleaned up after the event was over. We did the same for moose fest put up signs and banners and cones for the school and cleaned up when done. We moved six picnic tables to the fire department for the pig roast and cleaned up after that was over. Tuesdays and Fridays, we do our Blue Mountain and Indian Lake garbage runs, Checking the dam and clean the restrooms now that the beaches are close. Both beaches were removed, signs taken down and all equipment put in storage, the water has been turned off at the Chain Lakes Beach and the system has been winterized, we had the Restroom in Blue Mountain pumped, now they will be good until next year's 90miler.
We had burials during the month at the Benton cemetery, we poured foundations for new stones, we had to put topsoil down and hay and seed, cleaned up after all the equipment work.
In Blue Mountain Lake we took out the loading ramp on Durant Road, hauling all metal to the transfer site, we cleaned out the Blue Mountain garage making numerous trips to the transfer site, we unloaded two new 30-yard bins at the Blue Mountain transfer site.
At the ski hut, we took delivery of a John Deere snowblower for the skating rink, installed the snowblower, took the mower deck off and put in storage, we sold our truck on Auctions International for $8100, helped load the truck and snow plow on trailer when the winning bidder arrived, changed the headlight on the GMC pickup, cleaned the van after summer usage, took the van to shop for inspection. A trip was made to Glens Falls for community action food pick up.
At the Health Center and Mealsite we started shampooing carpets, we worked on the weekends to get it done when the buildings are closed. The carpets had heavy staining from the blacktop that happened this summer, we used a professional extractor solution in our machine and were very happy with the results. Worked on the air handler in the Health Center, changed an aquastat control that was not allowing the unit to let the blower engage.
At Byron park we continued working on sanding and staining the pavilion ceiling. Finished replacing all lights in the log building, the building is now full LED.
Met with Susan and the architect at the library to discuss a new entranceway, looked up lighting prices for parking lot lights and made repairs to some of the lights inside, switching them from Standard to LED.
Mowed all town property, including cemeteries and the banks along the roadside at the Catholic cemetery and the shooting range.
Used mini loader and excavator at the put in site, hauled 12 loads of chips to put in sight after heavy rains washed out a 14inch trench down the middle.
Made a trip to Albany to pick up the snowblower for the transfer site loader, and a trip to Glens Falls to Dejana for a plow install on a 2019 pickup.
Met with appraiser at the commons, showed him the property and the property lines, went through all the buildings, measured barn for teardown.
Did Fire inspection with New York fire and signal in all town buildings. Started cutting our snowmobile trails.
WATER AND WASTEWATER REPORT FOR SEPTEMBER 2019
Kevin King, Water and Sewer Superintendent, reported testing was completed at all plants daily.
Samples required by DEC and DOH were submitted to the lab.
We had Mark Suozzo come up to the Indian Lake Water Plant to check the media in the filters. We wanted to know how much life we have left on the media because there is about 40,000 lbs. of media in the filters combined and it is expensive. With Mark we opened one of the filters and checked the depth of the media. Mark is going to investigate it, but he seems to think the media is in good shape, but we may need to just top off the filters as they lose a small amount of media over time.
We have several fire hydrants in both Indian Lake and Blue Mt. Lake that are too close to the ground or below ground at the break away flange. We are trying to get them raised up to the appropriate height. We ordered four extension kits and so far, have put three extensions on. We put a six-inch extension on the hydrant by Patricia Curry's house. We put a one-foot extension on the hydrant at the bottom of Blue Mt. hill, and a one-foot extension on the last hydrant on Maple Lodge Rd. We have several different kinds of hydrants and are learning that some are much easier to work on than others.
Hometown Sewer came up to the Indian lake Water Plant to haul sludge to the drying bed at the Sewer Plant. They then hauled three loads of sludge away from the Sewer Plant to Glens Falls.
Statewide Aquastore was here to fix the roof panels on the new water tank and to do some other maintenance. We drained the tank before they came. They pressure washed the tank inside and out, fixed the roof panels, checked the anodes, re-caulked all the seams, and replaced all the plastic caps on all the bolts. After they were finished, we had to let the tank sit empty for several days so the caulk could dry before we fill the tank back up.
Councilwoman Patricia Curry questioned Bill Laprairie, Department Head of Parks and Rec., concerning the resources that were used for the 90 miler and wondered if the Town was compensated for it. Bill stated they had done traffic control and it was in kind for the most part. He stated they had spent 6 to 8 hours in Blue Mt. Lake that day. Councilwoman Curry stated she didn't feel it was the best use of our resources, but if it helped, okay. Bill stated they didn't have enough people to cover it, so his department helped.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Darrin Harr gave the Chamber report.
Andy Coney, President of the Blue Mt. Lake Association, stated that their septic initiative was a success with 17 people taking advantage of it. He stated this was a grant the association had been awarded and it covered half the cost of the cleaning.
SUPERVISOR COMMENTS
Supervisor Wells made a motion to appoint Dan Fyffe as Assessor with the term of 10/1/2019 - 9/30/2025. Seconded by, Councilman Rathbun.
The board approved the appointment.
Supervisor Wells stated that he is working on information concerning the Electric Charging Stations.
Supervisor Wells stated that the Abanakee Dam is nearing completion. He explained that most of the holes had been poured and they were hand packing now. He stated there will be a video review soon with our Engineers there to watch it. He stated that there will be no signing off until we see the video and talk to the Engineers.
Councilwoman Stanton questioned if this would be LaBarge Engineers looking at this? Discussion held on getting another Engineering firm to come in and check it all out. Supervisor Wells stated that DEC should be there. He stated that he would make a call to be sure DEC Dam Safety is there as well.
Supervisor Wells told all that the Water/Sewer Systems had been inspected and the inspections were very good.
Wells stated he is still working on updating the Building Use Forms.
Wells stated that the Weed District Advisory Board is getting set up. He told all that Councilwoman Curry would be the Board Member liaison. He thanked her for taking this over.
Wells told all the he has a big file of complaints on Frontier.
Wells stated he had a woman come in and ask him to give recognition to Donald Liddle and Randy Delong on the good job they are doing. He stated they are doing a good job.
Wells told Kevin King he is setting up a meeting with Mayor Jeannette Barrett of Speculator. She would like to do a shared service agreement and a visit to our water and wastewater plants.
Wells stated that he and Kevin could throw together a simple letter of what licenses Kevin carries and for what plants etc.
Wells congratulated, Brenda Valentine for being named to the Governors North Country Regional Economic Development Council. He stated this is quite an honor.
Wells gave all an FYI concerning an upcoming Hamilton County Education Project on October 29. Councilwoman Sally Stanton gave an overview of the project. She explained they are looking at how to identify and consolidate resources for those who want to continue their education.
Wells reminded the Board that the Adirondack Towns and Villages would be holding their meeting soon.
Wells made a motion to continue with the Phase 2 project with Chazen concerning the Townsend property. Seconded by, Councilwoman Stanton and the full board approved.
OTHER TOWN BUSINESS
Councilwoman Stanton thanked all those responsible for the Fall Events both in Indian Lake and Blue Mt. Lake. Very good job.
Councilwoman Curry questioned two bills that were made out to Allison Lamphear. She also questioned the legality or professionalism of one of the bills. One of the bills was put on a paper plate which she finds very unprofessional, unethical and embarrassing.
Josselyn Bennett, Activities Coordinator, stated that Allison Lamphear had helped with the Corn Hole tournament and had hired the DJ. She stated that Allison had paid for it with her own money and that Josselyn had the Town reimburse her for it. Josselyn explained there was no contract, so she had made one up on the paper plate.
Councilwoman Curry stated that this is unacceptable and needs to be cleaned up in the future.
Editor’s Note: This story is based upon minutes provided by Town Clerk Julie Clawson.
Indian Lake Town Board discusses ambulance issues
By PETE KLEIN
INDIAN LAKE—When the Indian Lake Town Board met on October 15, ambulance service and the cost for it was a hot topic.
Joshua Wells and Alice Fish of the Indian Lake Ambulance Corps approached the board. Josh stated that the Ambulance Corp. wanted to keep the board up to date on everything that was discussed at the previous meeting concerning the billing policy of the Corp. He reported that they are investigating Legal Council and the goal is to resolve the billing issues by the first of the year. He also stated that he had met with Captain Tim Leach and Commissioner Bob Curry from Fire District# 1 concerning the runs that this Corp. have been making to Blue Mt. Lake. He stated that no agreement had been made and is hoping in the future to have this issue resolved soon. He stated this is a grave concern for the Ambulance Corp. especially when you start talking about budget. Josh stated that they would need to get together again soon to come up with a solution. He suggested that all three Boards sit down together, the Town Board, Fire Commissioner Board and the Ambulance Board, to come up with a solution. Supervisor Wells stated that he was going to reach out to the Fire District# 1 Commissioners to set up a date to discuss this. Discussion was held on the date. Bob Curry and Tim Leach stated that they would look at their calendars and come up with a date to hold the meeting, Supervisor Wells told them that he had November 6 or the 8 open.
Supervisor Brian Wells stated that this needs to be done legally and he has been in contact with the Town's Lawyers and waiting for more information. He stated that the Laws concerning this are extensive when it concerns Fire Districts and Fire Districts that have Ambulance Corps. and separate Ambulance Districts, he stated therefore we needed Legal Counsel.
Bob Curry stated that the Commissioners had tried to come up with some sort of compensation also stating that they would make it retroactive. Bob stated that they already had one agreement in place where the Indian Lake Ambulance would provide ALS and their intention was to make that agreement retroactive and the Indian Lake Corp. could bill them for the calls they made this year.
Supervisor Wells stated that the issue is not only looking back we need to figure out how to move forward. Supervisor Wells stated that there are a lot of hoops and we need to do this legally. Supervisor Wells stated that there are different solutions and the boards need to sit down and discuss what can work. He also stated that you are taking a District that is subsidized with tax payer's money and subsidizing their Ambulance service here (he stated that no one is denying anyone service anywhere) but, when Indian Lake Ambulance Corp. is out of this District responding to Fire District# l's District and we have to call in Johnsburgh to take Indian Lake's run, that is double dipping on Indian Lake tax payers.
Councilwoman Curry stated that it is not just the money, it is that our resources being out, and our personnel cannot respond in Indian Lake because they are responding in another District and Indian Lake District Taxpayers are not getting the services they are paying for.
Josh Wells stated as well that the agreement that was signed was for an ALS intercept agreement, which happens very rarely where the Indian Lake medic meets the Blue Mt. Lake Ambulance gets on the Blue Mt. Lake Ambulance. Josh stated that 90% of the time, Indian Lake Ambulance responds all the way to Blue Mt., therefore Indian Lake Medic is not meeting them on the road and getting in their Ambulance they are responding the whole way, this is not an intercept agreement.
ZONING ORDINANCE
Supervisor Wells told all that there would be no Public Hearing concerning the Zoning Ordinance. He did however state that a Resolution needed to be done as well as a SEQRA.
Supervisor Wells offered Resolution# 16 authorizing the Town to be the Lead agency. He stated this is confirmation of a Resolution that was made at the last meeting.
Supervisor Wells started reading off the SEQRA and realized they had not sent the full SEQRA. This was then tabled until the Thursday night meeting. Supervisor Wells made a motion to table the SEQRA. Seconded by, Councilman Rathbun.
BLUE MT. LAKE SIGN SEQRA
Supervisor Wells told all that we were not at the stage to do the Blue Mt. Lake SEQRA. He stated that we are waiting on the APA and Lake George and Lake Champlain regional Board.
APPOINT HIGHWAY PART TIME POSITION
Highway Superintendent James Roblee stated that he had not had time to do the interviews yet. This was tabled.
BARGAINING UNIT CONTRACT
Supervisor Wells made a motion to adopt the Bargaining Unit Contract for the years of 2020, 2021 and 2022. Seconded by, Councilman Clawson.
The board approved adopting the contract.
PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT REPORT FOR SEPTEMBER 2019
Bill LaPrairie reported September was a busy month for Parks and Rec with three events going on throughout the month the Antique show, the 90 miler and moose fest. For the 90 miler we set up tents, Barricades, garbage cans and stayed in Blue Mountain to help with the event, we took turns working at the barricades and shuttling people through town. When the event was over at 9 PM that night we did a teardown and cleaned up. For the Antique show we put cones and cans on the corners set up barricades, Put up signs and banners, put a fence on the school lawn for parking we cleaned up after the event was over. We did the same for moose fest put up signs and banners and cones for the school and cleaned up when done. We moved six picnic tables to the fire department for the pig roast and cleaned up after that was over. Tuesdays and Fridays, we do our Blue Mountain and Indian Lake garbage runs, Checking the dam and clean the restrooms now that the beaches are close. Both beaches were removed, signs taken down and all equipment put in storage, the water has been turned off at the Chain Lakes Beach and the system has been winterized, we had the Restroom in Blue Mountain pumped, now they will be good until next year's 90miler.
We had burials during the month at the Benton cemetery, we poured foundations for new stones, we had to put topsoil down and hay and seed, cleaned up after all the equipment work.
In Blue Mountain Lake we took out the loading ramp on Durant Road, hauling all metal to the transfer site, we cleaned out the Blue Mountain garage making numerous trips to the transfer site, we unloaded two new 30-yard bins at the Blue Mountain transfer site.
At the ski hut, we took delivery of a John Deere snowblower for the skating rink, installed the snowblower, took the mower deck off and put in storage, we sold our truck on Auctions International for $8100, helped load the truck and snow plow on trailer when the winning bidder arrived, changed the headlight on the GMC pickup, cleaned the van after summer usage, took the van to shop for inspection. A trip was made to Glens Falls for community action food pick up.
At the Health Center and Mealsite we started shampooing carpets, we worked on the weekends to get it done when the buildings are closed. The carpets had heavy staining from the blacktop that happened this summer, we used a professional extractor solution in our machine and were very happy with the results. Worked on the air handler in the Health Center, changed an aquastat control that was not allowing the unit to let the blower engage.
At Byron park we continued working on sanding and staining the pavilion ceiling. Finished replacing all lights in the log building, the building is now full LED.
Met with Susan and the architect at the library to discuss a new entranceway, looked up lighting prices for parking lot lights and made repairs to some of the lights inside, switching them from Standard to LED.
Mowed all town property, including cemeteries and the banks along the roadside at the Catholic cemetery and the shooting range.
Used mini loader and excavator at the put in site, hauled 12 loads of chips to put in sight after heavy rains washed out a 14inch trench down the middle.
Made a trip to Albany to pick up the snowblower for the transfer site loader, and a trip to Glens Falls to Dejana for a plow install on a 2019 pickup.
Met with appraiser at the commons, showed him the property and the property lines, went through all the buildings, measured barn for teardown.
Did Fire inspection with New York fire and signal in all town buildings. Started cutting our snowmobile trails.
WATER AND WASTEWATER REPORT FOR SEPTEMBER 2019
Kevin King, Water and Sewer Superintendent, reported testing was completed at all plants daily.
Samples required by DEC and DOH were submitted to the lab.
We had Mark Suozzo come up to the Indian Lake Water Plant to check the media in the filters. We wanted to know how much life we have left on the media because there is about 40,000 lbs. of media in the filters combined and it is expensive. With Mark we opened one of the filters and checked the depth of the media. Mark is going to investigate it, but he seems to think the media is in good shape, but we may need to just top off the filters as they lose a small amount of media over time.
We have several fire hydrants in both Indian Lake and Blue Mt. Lake that are too close to the ground or below ground at the break away flange. We are trying to get them raised up to the appropriate height. We ordered four extension kits and so far, have put three extensions on. We put a six-inch extension on the hydrant by Patricia Curry's house. We put a one-foot extension on the hydrant at the bottom of Blue Mt. hill, and a one-foot extension on the last hydrant on Maple Lodge Rd. We have several different kinds of hydrants and are learning that some are much easier to work on than others.
Hometown Sewer came up to the Indian lake Water Plant to haul sludge to the drying bed at the Sewer Plant. They then hauled three loads of sludge away from the Sewer Plant to Glens Falls.
Statewide Aquastore was here to fix the roof panels on the new water tank and to do some other maintenance. We drained the tank before they came. They pressure washed the tank inside and out, fixed the roof panels, checked the anodes, re-caulked all the seams, and replaced all the plastic caps on all the bolts. After they were finished, we had to let the tank sit empty for several days so the caulk could dry before we fill the tank back up.
Councilwoman Patricia Curry questioned Bill Laprairie, Department Head of Parks and Rec., concerning the resources that were used for the 90 miler and wondered if the Town was compensated for it. Bill stated they had done traffic control and it was in kind for the most part. He stated they had spent 6 to 8 hours in Blue Mt. Lake that day. Councilwoman Curry stated she didn't feel it was the best use of our resources, but if it helped, okay. Bill stated they didn't have enough people to cover it, so his department helped.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Darrin Harr gave the Chamber report.
Andy Coney, President of the Blue Mt. Lake Association, stated that their septic initiative was a success with 17 people taking advantage of it. He stated this was a grant the association had been awarded and it covered half the cost of the cleaning.
SUPERVISOR COMMENTS
Supervisor Wells made a motion to appoint Dan Fyffe as Assessor with the term of 10/1/2019 - 9/30/2025. Seconded by, Councilman Rathbun.
The board approved the appointment.
Supervisor Wells stated that he is working on information concerning the Electric Charging Stations.
Supervisor Wells stated that the Abanakee Dam is nearing completion. He explained that most of the holes had been poured and they were hand packing now. He stated there will be a video review soon with our Engineers there to watch it. He stated that there will be no signing off until we see the video and talk to the Engineers.
Councilwoman Stanton questioned if this would be LaBarge Engineers looking at this? Discussion held on getting another Engineering firm to come in and check it all out. Supervisor Wells stated that DEC should be there. He stated that he would make a call to be sure DEC Dam Safety is there as well.
Supervisor Wells told all that the Water/Sewer Systems had been inspected and the inspections were very good.
Wells stated he is still working on updating the Building Use Forms.
Wells stated that the Weed District Advisory Board is getting set up. He told all that Councilwoman Curry would be the Board Member liaison. He thanked her for taking this over.
Wells told all the he has a big file of complaints on Frontier.
Wells stated he had a woman come in and ask him to give recognition to Donald Liddle and Randy Delong on the good job they are doing. He stated they are doing a good job.
Wells told Kevin King he is setting up a meeting with Mayor Jeannette Barrett of Speculator. She would like to do a shared service agreement and a visit to our water and wastewater plants.
Wells stated that he and Kevin could throw together a simple letter of what licenses Kevin carries and for what plants etc.
Wells congratulated, Brenda Valentine for being named to the Governors North Country Regional Economic Development Council. He stated this is quite an honor.
Wells gave all an FYI concerning an upcoming Hamilton County Education Project on October 29. Councilwoman Sally Stanton gave an overview of the project. She explained they are looking at how to identify and consolidate resources for those who want to continue their education.
Wells reminded the Board that the Adirondack Towns and Villages would be holding their meeting soon.
Wells made a motion to continue with the Phase 2 project with Chazen concerning the Townsend property. Seconded by, Councilwoman Stanton and the full board approved.
OTHER TOWN BUSINESS
Councilwoman Stanton thanked all those responsible for the Fall Events both in Indian Lake and Blue Mt. Lake. Very good job.
Councilwoman Curry questioned two bills that were made out to Allison Lamphear. She also questioned the legality or professionalism of one of the bills. One of the bills was put on a paper plate which she finds very unprofessional, unethical and embarrassing.
Josselyn Bennett, Activities Coordinator, stated that Allison Lamphear had helped with the Corn Hole tournament and had hired the DJ. She stated that Allison had paid for it with her own money and that Josselyn had the Town reimburse her for it. Josselyn explained there was no contract, so she had made one up on the paper plate.
Councilwoman Curry stated that this is unacceptable and needs to be cleaned up in the future.
Editor’s Note: This story is based upon minutes provided by Town Clerk Julie Clawson.
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