Document Type: Minutes

TOWN OF FORESTPORT
PUBLIC HEARING: PRELIMINARY BUDGET AND
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING MINUTES
WOODGATE FIRE HALL
12445 State Route 28, Woodgate, N.Y.
October 16, 2024 @6:15PM

PRESENT: Supervisor Entwistle
Councilman Addison
Councilwoman Abrial
Councilman Scouten
Councilwoman Verschneider
ABSENT: No members of the Town Board were absent.

RECORDING SECRETARY: Tracy Terry, Town Clerk

CALL TO ORDER:

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

LEGAL NOTICE:

PUBLIC HEARING PUBLIC COMMENT:
• Ron, from the Gallery asked why pages were missing from the budget. It was answered the blank form is from the state and includes pages for towns that have villages. Forestport does not have a village, so those pages stay blank and are removed from the town budget.
• Roy, from the gallery referring to the Bookkeeper to the Supervisor position line item has a typo been made? Supervisor Entwistle stated they have two Bookkeepers at least temporarily. The former Bookkeeper made $22/hour, and they are raising that over the next couple of years. The Assistant Bookkeeper is making $20/hour, and the rate is being increased to $25/hour. The Full-Time Bookkeeper is making $22.50/hour. The board will keep bumping that up. The long-term plan is for Jeff to streamline things for the town. He is training Vicky to do the Water, Sewer and Bookkeeping. Over the next several years, he will be doing the Water and sewer and Vicky the Bookkeeping. Maintenance is another one, the maintenance position was at $19/hour, and it would be hard to hire capable people for that job.
• Ron, from the Gallery asked what $32,500 was for the line item for the seniors was for. There is $11,000 for the trips and $20,000 for the pickleball court. There is a possibility for the pickleball court to be placed at Woodgate school. Glenyce asked if it was $13,000 for trips. Supervisor Entwistle stated they discussed it at $11,00 because she did a great job with the trips. She agreed on the $11,000. Ron also asked if there was money for the ski trips and it was answered yes. Buses are provided for the Gore trip, but not for the McCauley trips.
 NYS retirement line questioned- Supervisor Entwistle stated everyone employed by the town and who belongs to the retirement system here is a certain percentage that comes out of their check and the town has to match it. NYS tells the town what their contribution will be for the year. It is not exact, but the town puts that money into the budget.
 Ron asked if the Highway Superintendent’s salary was based on a 40-hour work week. The board does not consider Town of Webb when considering salaries but include the Highway Superintendents because the roads are similar, and Bill’s salary is lower. Elected officials have to be in the office long enough to do their work. He stated Bill has a new crew and has been training them and running one guy short on purpose. He plowed and put a lot more time in. Someone mentioned to him that Bill worked in some fashion seven days a week, 365 days a week. Like the water or sewer, readings have to be done seven days a week.
• Glenyce stated a 3% raise should be for the main income, not the other jobs.
• Supervisor Entwistle mentioned the tax rate for General, Highway, Fire and Ambulance is $2.18/per thousand. It is down from last year because last year between the codes and assessors; $26,000,000 assessed value was put into the tax roll. It is a direct result of Tony and Tonya working together to make sure everything is assessed properly and issuing building permits.
• Supervisor Entwistle stated it is likely the town will be going to some type of an ambulance district because it is hard to fund the ambulance with the town budget. He has done some preliminary numbers, if they gave StaR ambulance $100,000 and Old Forge $50,000, with a $100,000 house your taxes would go up $20.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Abrial and seconded by Councilman Scouten to close the Public Hearing.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED
ABSTRACTS:
GENERAL:
A motion was made by Councilman Scouten and seconded by Councilwoman Abrial to pay Abstract # 10, Vouchers #623- #680 in the amount of $37,120.03.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED
HIGHWAY:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Verschneider and seconded by Councilwoman Abrial to pay Abstract #10, Vouchers #256- #290 in the amount of $86,249.40.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED
WATER DISTRICT #1:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Abrial and seconded by Councilwoman Verschneider to pay Abstract #10, Vouchers #100- #105 in the amount of $1,623.86.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED
SEWER DISTRICT #1:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Abrial and seconded by Councilwoman Verschneider to pay Abstract #10, Vouchers #62- #67 in the amount of $547.92.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED
BUCKHORN WATER DISTRICT:
A motion was made by Councilman Scouten and seconded by Councilwoman Abrial to pay Abstract #10, Vouchers #26- #29 in the amount of $243.36.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED

TOWN CLERK MINUTES:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Abrial and seconded by Councilwoman Verschneider to accept the minutes from the:
September 18, 2024: Regular Town Board Meeting
September 24, 2024: Special Meeting: Tentative Budget and Woodgate School
September 30, 2024: Budget Workshop Meeting
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED

REPORTS
WATER DISTRICT #1
WATER DISTRICT #2
SEWER
TOWN CLERK REPORTS
JUSTICE REPORT
DOG REPORT
PLANNING REPORT- Nothing this month
PLANNING BOARD OF APPEALS
SUPERVISOR REPORT
DOG REPORT
A motion was made by Councilman Scouten and seconded by Councilwoman Abrial to accept the monthly reports.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED
NOCCOG: Lisa Bellinger went over the monthly announcements.

WATER:
• New Billing Software: The town is looking into new billing software. This could lead to text reminders, recurring payments, credit card payments, etc. There will be demos to see what everyone likes.
BUCKHORN WATER: A main valve was compromised, and it was replaced. Everything is good for the winter.
OLD BUSINESS BOARD:
• Budget: This will be approved at the regular November meeting.
• Comprehensive Master Plan: The committee is meeting tomorrow night at 6:30. They have had around 500 responses, and it is well above the normal response rate. They will be mapping out the focus groups. The survey data will be presented to see what the Comprehensive Plan will look like, and a final draft will be supplied in the early summer.
• Woodgate Building: The board is looking for ideas for Woodgate school. One option was to demo the building and build a pickleball court, pavilion and bathhouses. Jen stated there is money for these types of projects. You could be awarded close to 700,000 with 50% match. The project could be longer than one year.

NEW BUSINESS BOARD:
• Appointment for Eric Waldo
A motion was made by Councilman Scouten and seconded by Councilwoman Verschneider to appoint Eric Waldo, of Woodgate as a member of the Planning Board of Appeals.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED
Supervisor Entwistle stated they do a fantastic job on the Planning Board of appeals.
• Councilwoman Verschneider mentioned having Vicky Palen take the Notary class to become a notary. Supervisor Entwistle stated he will ask Vicky and see if she is interested.

NEW BUSINESS PUBLIC:

ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made by Councilman Scouten and seconded by Councilwoman Abrial to adjourn the meeting.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:52 pm by Supervisor Entwistle.
Respectfully submitted,

Tracy M. Terry

Forestport Town Clerk

TOWN OF FORESTPORT
Forestport Town Hall
10275 State Rte. 28
Forestport, NY 13338
2025 Budget Workshop Minutes
September 30, 2024 @ 6:30 PM
Members Present: Supervisor Entwistle
Councilwoman Abrial
Councilman Addison
Councilman Scouten
Councilwoman Verschneider- via ZOOM
Members Absent: No members of the Town Board were absent.
Other Town Officials Present:
Tracy Terry, Town Clerk

1. CALL TO ORDER:
The workshop meeting was called to order at 6:30 PM by Supervisor Entwistle.

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Supervisor Entwistle read the legal notice aloud.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Town Board of the Town of Forestport will be holding Workshop Meetings on: September 30, 2024, and October 1, 2024, at 6:30PM each evening, at the Forestport Town Hall, 10275 Rte. 28, Forestport, NY. The Workshops are being held to discuss the proposed 2025 annual budget.
Tracy M. Terry – Forestport Town Clerk

3.BUDGET DISCUSSIONS:
Fire Departments: They are getting a 5% increase.
Ambulances: Old Forge Ambulance will be going up to $31,350.00 and StaR will be getting $63,154.00. Discussion took place regarding Ambulance and Fire Districts.
Highway: The contract has the highway workers getting a 4.5% increase. Contractual will be staying the same as well as CHIPS. Machinery Contractual and Drug Testing/Uniforms has been increased. Snow removal Contractual has been increased. Highway Equipment will be getting a tractor for $148,000 from John Deere. They received estimates and this is the lowest pricing. The Highway department will also be getting a new Highway Truck. They were supposed to get a new one in 2020, but everything was cut that year because of COVID.
General: 3% raise across the board.
• Board of Assessment review was raised to $1,000 because they asked for a raise this year.
• Buildings and Grounds: Lucas is working 40 hours a week. The board is increasing the salary to what it should be. This includes the 20 hour a week helper and Dominic in the Summer.
• Highway Barn has $70,000 because the welding shed is rotted. $10,000 was added to the budget.
• Youth is at $23,000. Camp Nazareth $7,500, Summer recreation $3,000-$3,500, Ski program $2,500 and the Art program. Supervisor Entwistle mentioned the Camp part of the budget does not include the $50 the parents pay towards Camp Nazareth.
• Aide to Woodgate Woodgate and the Aide Society has been eliminated from the budget.
• Historical has the Planning and Codes records included in that.
• Aging: $32,500 includes the pickleball court.
• Planning has $34,000. This is for the Comprehensive Plan. Last year the grant covered it and this year it is the town’s responsibility.
• This year the Town Hall will be paid off.
• Boat wash was added to the budget. Jen Hartsig, the grant Writer is looking into someone doing educational materials for the boat wash station.
• The Public hearing for the Preliminary Budget is going to be October 16th at 6:15 at the Woodgate Fire Hall.
• Councilwoman Verschneider stated she would like to make some changes.
 She stated Tony is getting a 5% raise and would like to see it at 3%
 Only salary positions getting 3%, not the other jobs.

4. ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made by Councilman Addison and seconded by Councilwoman Abrial to adjourn the meeting.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED
There being no further business, the workshop adjourned at 7:17 PM.
Respectfully submitted,

Tracy M. Terry
Forestport Town Clerk

TOWN OF FORESTPORT
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
Tentative Budget and Woodgate School Property
WOODGATE COMMUNITY HALL
1200 Bear Creek Road, Woodgate, NY 13494
September 24, 2024 @ 6:30PM
PRESENT: Supervisor Entwistle
Councilman Addison
Councilman Scouten
Councilwoman Abrial
Councilwoman Verschneider
ABSENT: No members of the Town Board were absent.
RECORDING SECRETARY: Tracy Terry, Town Clerk
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 6:30PM pm by Supervisor Entwistle. Supervisor Entwistle read the legal notice aloud.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Town Board of the Town of Forestport will be holding a special Meeting to accept the Tentative Budget with a Public meeting following regarding the Woodgate school property on September 24th at 6:30PM at the Woodgate Community Hall, 1200 Bear Creek Road. The purpose of the public meeting is to get public input in regard to what the taxpayers would like to see done with the property.
BOARD COMMENTS:
The Supervisor stated the Tentative Budget has been given to the Town Clerk. The Workshop meetings are being held Monday, September 30th and Tuesday, October 1st at the Forestport Town Hall at 6:30P.M. The budget for 2025 has been started and if there are a couple public meetings, the board can get the publics input.
The Woodgate School belongs to the town. Seven years ago, it was used for Summer Recreation and since then, it hasn’t been utilized. One issue is there is no way to make the building ADA compliant. The playground equipment gets used and was installed in the mid 1990’s. Councilman Scouten suggested taking the building down and putting a pavilion in with grills. Councilwoman Abrial suggested trashcans. In the budget there is money for a pickleball court. If the budget passes with the money in there, could they put it in the Woodgate property that is more centralized. The other
option is to sell the property. Laurie Fessler, from the gallery stated this property is more centrally located for those who live in Otter Lake and White Lake. The Town Hall is in Forestport. The town does not have any property in Otter Lake. The board has passed a resolution deeding forever water rights to the Community Hall. The community Hall now has its own pump and electric. The Community Hall is handicapped accessible, and they are always looking for people to use it. Basic insulation, interior walls, siding, septic, drainage, plumbing and bathroom fixtures would be approximately half a million dollars. Since it is not ADA compliant, you can’t conduct a meeting or have the public use it. The Community Hall is owned by the library. The Presbyterian Church built the Community Hall for the Community. If they put a pickleball court or a pavilion next door, people could use the Community Hall. Supervisor Entwistle stated there could be a backup plan if the pavilion is rented and it rains. Is there enough room for a pickleball court and a pavilion? It was answered, yes. The septic is viable, you could have a public bathroom setup. Councilwoman Verschneider stated some of the women that play pickleball are construction workers and volunteered their services. Bob Whitehead, from the Gallery asked if there are community grants available. Supervisor Entwistle stated there are and he is having Jen, the Grant Writer look into them.
Supervisor Entwistle will be getting a quote for a demolition of the Woodgate School as well as someone to investigate the septic. He will also get an appraisal from Benn Realty. Kathy Whitehead, from the gallery suggested looking at a special needs/sensory playground. Supervisor Entwistle stated if they decide to sell there has been discussion that the Woodgate school cannot be sold. He has looked at the deed and the school board minutes and there is nothing stating that.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made by Councilman Scouten and seconded by Councilwoman Abrial to adjourn the meeting.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:55 PM by Supervisor Entwistle.
Respectfully submitted,
Tracy M. Terry
Forestport Town Clerk

TOWN OF FORESTPORT
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING MINUTES
WOODGATE COMMUNITY HALL
1200 Bear Creek Road, Woodgate, N.Y.
September 18 @6:30PM
PRESENT: Supervisor Entwistle
Councilman Addison
Councilwoman Abrial
Councilman Scouten
Councilwoman Verschneider
ABSENT: No members of the Town Board were absent.
RECORDING SECRETARY: Tracy Terry, Town Clerk
CALL TO ORDER:
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
ABSTRACTS:
GENERAL:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Abrial and seconded by Councilman Addison to pay Abstract # 9, Vouchers #550- #622 in the amount of $57,458.80.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED
HIGHWAY:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Verschneider and seconded by Councilwoman Abrial to pay Abstract #9, Vouchers #235- #255 in the amount of $135,226.13.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED
WATER DISTRICT #1:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Addison and seconded by Councilwoman Abrial to pay Abstract #9, Vouchers #87- #99 in the amount of $2,079.12.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED
SEWER DISTRICT #1:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Abrial and seconded by Councilman Scouten to pay Abstract #9, Vouchers #56- # in the amount of $344.52.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED
BUCKHORN WATER DISTRICT:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Verschneider and seconded by Councilman Addison to pay Abstract #9, Vouchers #26- #27 in the amount of $157.77.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED
PLANNING BOARD ESCROW:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Abrial and seconded by Councilwoman Verschneider to pay Abstract #9, Voucher #20 in the amount of $22.99.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED
TOWN CLERK MINUTES:
A motion was made by Councilman Scouten and seconded by Councilwoman Verschneider to accept the minutes from the:
August 21: Regular Town Board Meeting
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED
REPORTS
WATER DISTRICT #1
WATER DISTRICT #2
SEWER
TOWN CLERK REPORTS
JUSTICE REPORT
DOG REPORT
PLANNING REPORT- Nothing this month
PLANNING BOARD OF APPEALS
SUPERVISOR REPORT
DOG REPORT
A motion was made by Councilwoman Abrial and seconded by Councilwoman Verschneider to accept the monthly reports.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED
NOCCOG: Lisa Bellinger went over the monthly announcements.
SEWER: Nothing from the Board.
OLD BUSINESS BOARD:
•
Ambulance, Gary Staab: Gary introduced himself as the President of the Old Forge Ambulance. He stated last year’s budget was $550,000 and this year it has increased to $685,000. $375,000 is for paramedics and $310,000 is for operations. The amount of money received from Forestport contributes to one month of paramedic services. Danielle and Gary, both with Old Forge Ambulance discussed their needs for the ambulance services. Danielle discussed Mobile Integrated Health which should be started by the end of the year and is approved for next year. Supervisor Entwistle let them both know the board is just getting into the budget and realizes both the ambulance and fire districts bind. Don Frank, from the Gallery stated Excellus-Utica gives out grants every month. It does not cover salaries, but it does cover recruitment and training. Bob Whitehead, with StaR ambulance stated Oneida County needs to get involved. Supervisor Entwistle mentioned Politicians will be at the EXPO next Wednesday.
•
Woodgate Building and Tentative Budget Hearing: This is taking place at the Woodgate Community Hall on September 24th at 6:30PM. Supervisor Entwistle
stated t
he town board has no plans at this time to sell the Woodgate building. The Town Board is getting opinions from the public of what they would like to see done with the building.
•
Budget Workshops: The budget workshops are being held September 30th and October 1st at the Forestport Town Hall at 6:30PM. Supervisor Entwistle mentioned the budget workshops are so the board can go through the budget process. He will text Gary to let him know what the Preliminary number is for the ambulance this year.
NEW BUSINESS BOARD:
•
Retirements: Jim Pelno and Allyn Kelsey are both retiring and will be missed. Tomorrow is Jim’s last day, and Allyn’s last day was August 29th.
•
New Hires: Lucas Kafka is the new maintenance worker. Tony Tooke and Aaron Smith are the new hires for the Highway Department.
•
Bear Creek Road Spillway: The Town Board had Duane Frymire look into the spillway near bridge on Bear Creek Road to see if it is on the town’s right of way or not. The dam is within the right of way of the town, but the road was moved in 1947. At no point has the town taken care of the spillway. According to Duane, if the spillway collapses, the town would not be responsible for repairing or rebuilding it.
NEW BUSINESS PUBLIC:
•
Ron Davies brought up a couple questions regarding vouchers.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
A motion was made by Councilman Addison and seconded by Councilwoman Abrial to enter Executive session regarding a legal matter.
The Board returned from executive Session at 7:28 with no action taken.
ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made by Councilman Addison and seconded by Councilwoman Abrial to adjourn the meeting.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:29 pm by Supervisor Entwistle.
Respectfully submitted,
Tracy M. Terry
Forestport Town Clerk

TOWN OF FORESTPORT
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING MINUTES
WOODGATE FIRE HALL
12445 State Rte. 28, Forestport, N.Y. 13338
August 21, 2024 @6:30PM

PRESENT: Supervisor Entwistle
Councilman Addison
Councilwoman Abrial
Councilman Scouten
Councilwoman Verschneider
ABSENT: No members of the Town Board were absent.

RECORDING SECRETARY: Tracy Terry, Town Clerk

CALL TO ORDER:

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

ABSTRACTS:
GENERAL:
A motion was made by Councilman Addison and seconded by Councilwoman Abrial to pay Abstract # 8, Vouchers #477- #549 in the amount of $74,633.91.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED
HIGHWAY:
A motion was made by Councilman Scouten and seconded by Councilwoman Verschneider to pay Abstract #8, Vouchers #201- #234 in the amount of $90,086.19.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED
WATER DISTRICT #1:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Verschneider and seconded by Councilwoman Abrial to pay Abstract #8, Vouchers #83- #86 in the amount of $422.54.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED

SEWER DISTRICT #1:
A motion was made by Councilman Addison and seconded by Councilwoman Verschneider to pay Abstract #8, Vouchers #52- #55 in the amount of $4,218.57.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED

TOWN CLERK MINUTES:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Abrial and seconded by Councilman Scouten to accept the minutes from the:
July 21, 2024: Regular Town Board Meeting
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED

REPORTS
WATER DISTRICT #1
WATER DISTRICT #2
SEWER
TOWN CLERK REPORTS
JUSTICE REPORT
DOG REPORT
PLANNING REPORT
PLANNING BOARD OF APPEALS
SUPERVISOR REPORT
DOG REPORT
A motion was made by Councilman Scouten and seconded by Councilwoman Abrial to accept the monthly reports.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED
NOCCOG: John Healt, from NOCCOG went over the monthly announcements. Supervisor Entwistle thanked him for all their work with the new maps.

SEWER:
• Update on WWIP: One of the pumps needs work. Supervisor Entwistle reached out to Jack Dodson to see where they are with the project and is waiting on a response.
OLD BUSINESS BOARD:
• Town Road Map
 Presentation of the Official Map: There will be a copy at the Highway Barn, Supervisor’s office and the records room. There is a possibility for it to go on the website. John, from NOCCOG stated he may be able to get it smaller to be placed on the website per Ron Davies request.

 Letter from Bill Gardner: Supervisor Entwistle read the following letter aloud:

 Resolutions: Supervisor Entwistle read the following resolution aloud:

A motion was made by Councilman Scouten and seconded by Councilman Addison to accept the map presented as the official map for the town of Forestport.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED
Councilwoman Verschneider asked if the Old White Lake Road was on the map, and she thought it should be on the map. She thought the snowmobile club should own the road. Supervisor Entwistle stated he would have to see what the history of it is through Duane or Andy and invited Councilwoman Verschneider to his office to discuss it further.
• Senior recreation Trips
 Raquette Lake: the bus leaves the Town Hall at 9:15 on September 21st.
 Tug Hill Winery: The bus leaves the Town Hall at 9:15 on September 15th.
• Boat wash Update: Kyle Weaver, the Supervisor for the boat wash gave a little update and the importance of the boat wash for the lakes. There have been 29 motorboats, 18 pontoon boats, 16 kayaks/canoes and 8 jet skis that have been to the boat wash station. The hours are M-Thursday 9:45-2:15, Friday 9:45-6:15 and Saturday and Sunday 8:45-5:15. After Labor Day it will be just the weekend. Kyle stated people that have stopped in are expecting the boat wash to be open Thursday-Sunday after Labor Day. Councilman Addisson stated they can look at extending it to Friday by proposing it to the DEC. Councilwoman Verschneider asked what happens after the grant, who is paying for it and it was answered after the three years the DEC could take it over. Ron Davies stated no one is off the water at 2pm. Discussion took place regarding the tablet.
NEW BUSINESS BOARD:
• Sale of Highway Truck: A 2011 Sierra HD with a plow is for sale. They bought the new one and are getting rid of this one. If interested in looking at it, contact Bill Gardner, the Highway Superintendent.
• Bear Creek Road: the spillway that services White Lake outlet is in poor condition. Duane Frymire will be looking at this to see who is responsible. It will continue to deteriorate and may need to be replaced. If it’s in the town’s right away, the town is responsible.
• Woodgate School Property: Decisions need to be made about the property. A public meeting should be held to see what the public would like to do with the property. The amount of money to rehabilitate the property would be substantial. It has not been condemned, not ADA compliant, has a new furnace and needs new siding. MaryAnn Rubyor asked about historical and it was answered it doesn’t fit in that criteria. The parcel is approximately an acre and a half and comes with the caveat that the well on the property is forever deeded to the Community Hall. The school closed in 1977.

• Special meeting to accept Tentative Budget:
A motion was made by Councilman Scouten and seconded by Councilwoman Verschneider to schedule a Special Meeting to accept the Tentative Budget on Tuesday, September 24th at 6:30PM at the Woodgate Community Hall. Following the special Meeting, there will be a Public Meeting for the Woodgate School property.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED
• Workshops:
A motion was made by Councilman Abrial and seconded by Councilwoman Verschneider to schedule Workshop meetings for September 30th and October 1st at 6:30PM.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED
• Update on Tax Levy, Tax Rates: Preliminary speaking the tax rate should go down 11 or 12 cents a thousand. The Supervisor will have the Tentative Budget to the Town Clerk by September 30th. The total taxes collected are $658,962.00.
• After-school Art Program:
Councilman Addison had a meeting with Ashley regarding the program and he gave an update to the gallery regarding the program. He stated last year the registration was $25 a child without a definitive start and end date. They are accepting 15 children Kindergarten and up with $100 fee per child. The closest after-school program to this is in Boonville and they charge $40/day per child. He proposed the fee to $100 per child with parents buying supplies and providing snack days during the program..
A motion was made by Councilwoman Abrial and seconded by Councilman Addison to accept Summer Recreation from September 3rd-May 22nd.
4 ayes/ 1 nays- Verschneider/0 absent MOTION CARRIED

• 2nd Annual Forestport EXPO: Supervisor Entwistle stated the Town Clerk did a great job getting all this together by calling different organizations and getting more to attend this year. There will be a Mammogram van this year. The EXPO is taking place on Wednesday, September 25th from 10am-2pm at the Forestport Town Hall.
NEW BUSINESS PUBLIC:
• Gary Staab, Old Forge Ambulance: Gary, the President of Old Forge Ambulance Service gave an update. Their costs have been increasing and are asking for an increase. 17% of their calls year to date are from the Town of Forestport. The breakdown year to date is 13 -Forestport, 13- Woodgate, 2-Otter Lake. Danielle, with Old Forge Ambulance read a letter by NYS. She stated ambulance services are not considered an essential service. A new ambulance with no equipment is upwards of $300,000. This is a global issue. They formed a west Central Adirondack committee and would like to meet with the boards during budget time to look at their expenses.

EXECUTIVE SESSION:
A motion was made by Councilman Addison and seconded by Councilwoman Abrial to adjourn the enter into Executive Session.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED
The Board returned from Executive Session at 8:02 with no action taken.
ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Abrial and seconded by Councilman Scouten to adjourn the meeting.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:03 pm by Supervisor Entwistle.
Respectfully submitted,

Tracy M. Terry

Forestport Town Clerk