By DEBORAH BUCK

For the C-S-E

FLAT CREEK — At its October 10 meeting, the Root Town Council unanimously voted to override New York State’s two percent tax cap for the 2013 budget year.

Although the adoption of Local Law #2 will allow the council to override the tax cap if necessary, it doesn’t mean that they will.

A public meeting, held to review the proposed local law, took place prior to the meeting. Supervisor Thayer stated the two major reasons the tax cap may be exceeded in the 2013 budget are the significant increase in the NYS Retirement Fund payment and the anticipated cost to construct a salt and sand shed. For instance, a house in the town assessed at $100,000 would see their taxes increase by $42-$45 per year.

During the public hearing, town Planning Board Member Vito Powylan asked Supervisor Thayer how long he expected this situation to continue. Thayer said he expects tax payer to see some relief by 2016.      

Andy Bell, of A. S. Bell Engineering, P.C., attended the meeting, presenting plans for the 200 by 80 foot salt and sand structure. Supervisor Thayer reported at the September 12 meeting that he had no communications with Bell for the past three months.

Bell was advised that he would have to lower his estimated cost for the building construction. He will continue to work with Councilwoman LuEmma Quackenbush and the building committee as the project progresses.    

During public comment, town resident Paul Toleno questioned what would happen with residents wishing to sell their homes, in the instance where past code enforcement officers didn’t close out their paperwork or issue COs.

Town Attorney Bob Subik responded that consent orders for a specified time period would be submitted in order to have property issues corrected.

Supervisor Thayer reported Dog Control Officer Rick Rickard issued and distributed all tickets for dog licenses not renewed yet this year (that were due in August). Please note a correction to this reporter’s article regarding the Sept. 12 Town of Root Council meeting, which stated “Town justice Tom Eriksen is in the process of issuing tickets to town residents whose dogs have not yet been licensed.” This was incorrect in that Eriksen does not issue tickets.

Supervisor Thayer discussed developing and implementing a “violence in the workplace” policy for the town; the town does not have such a policy in place and Thayer emphasized that it needs to.

The town’s recycling contract will expire on December 31; Scott Moxam, who owns On Time Waste Disposal, will accept the current contract rate for the 3-year renewal term. It was recommended to have the contract with an annual renewal with two additional options for renewal. Town attorney Subik will prepare a resolution to present for action at the town’s November 14 meeting.