PALATINE BRIDGE — Before the end of the Palatine Town Council’s December meeting last Wednesday, outgoing Council Member Marcia “Marcy” Matis left officials with a so-called “laundry list of things to do” containing incomplete items from prior years.

Among the unfinished tasks she cited included the following:

Leftover from 2009, the establishment of job descriptions. This would “come in handy” in dealings with the town historian, whose presence is desired at quarterly meetings;

Also from that year, a continuation of discussions with Palatine Bridge officials about shared services. Sharing currently is taking place with the village of Nelliston, although there was a question about whether a signed agreement exists between the town and village;

Follow-up on discussions initiated at the zoning board of appeals concerning an update to the town’s comprehensive plan/building permit fees;

Proposed revisions to town zoning laws;

From 2010, proposed amendments to the town’s wind turbine law, allowing exceptions for individual housing units;

Providing notification to the county Board of Elections that the town’s second justice position has been eliminated;

Continued discussions about the need for a new revaluation and public informational meetings to educate town residents;

From 2011, revisions to the employee handbook and the setting of an end date for the process;

The filling of vacancies on various town boards;

The need to comply with provisions of the state ethics law; and

Education of town officials about the hydrofracking process, issues and environmental ramifications.

— Linda Kellett