SPECIAL TOWN BOARD MEETING – FEBRUARY 1, 2007

Supervisor Gary Flaherty opened the meeting at 6:00 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag followed by a moment of silence. There were three board members present: Supervisor Gary Flaherty, Councilperson David Patzwahl, and Councilperson Carrie Bither. Councilperson Stephen August and Councilperson Virginia Nightingale were absent. There were 25 people in the audience.
Supervisor Flaherty said the special meeting is limited to three items: Litigation offer from the County, Tax Collector’s vacancy, and to vote on the Veteran’s Exemption.

RESOLUTION #36 – ESTABLISHING A DEPUTY TAX COLLECTOR POSITION
Motion made by Councilperson David Patzwahl, seconded by Councilperson Carrie Bither to adopt said resolution. 3-ayes, Motion Carried. Roll call showed: Supervisor Gary Flaherty-yes; Councilperson David Patzwahl-yes; and Councilperson Carrie Bither-yes. Resolution adopted.

MOTION: Supervisor Gary Flaherty made a motion, seconded by Councilperson David Patzwahl to appoint Charlotte Cowan as Deputy Tax Collector. 3-ayes, Motion Carried. Roll call showed: Supervisor Gary Flaherty-yes; Councilperson David Patzwahl-yes; and Councilperson Carrie Bither-yes. Motion Carried.
Supervisor Gary Flaherty read three options that the Town attorney, Lois Phillips gave to fill the position of the resignation of the present tax collector, Barbara Fischer, whose resignation is effective February 2nd, 2007.
Supervisor Flaherty said that Anita Crosby and Ann Pearce have expressed interest in being Tax Collector. Councilperson David Patzwahl asked that a decision be made at the regular monthly meeting in February on the office of tax collector. Councilperson Carrie Bither expressed her confidence in Charlotte acting as tax collector.

VETERANS EXEMPTION: Supervisor Gary Flaherty said that he is waiting for the town attorney, Lois Phillips, to write the Local Law on the veterans’ exemption, the town held a Public Hearing on said subject at the January 17th, 2007 meeting.

MOTION: AMENDMENT TO REOLUTION #36 - DISABLED AND LOW INCOME CITIZEN REAL PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION - Supervisor Flaherty said this would be an amendment to Resolution #36 (Senior Exemption ) passed at the January meeting. Councilperson David Patzwahl and audience participation requested definition of “disabled” and the percentage of the population this exemption would affect in our town. Supervisor Flaherty said that the deadline for filing for this exemption for this year is March 1st. Supervisor Gary Flaherty said that this exemption would apply to the school tax.
MOTION: Supervisor Flaherty made a motion, to adopt the resolution for Disabled and Low Income Citizen Real Property Tax Exemption. Councilperson Carrie Bither made a motion, seconded by Councilperson David Patzwahl to table Supervisor Flaherty’s motion until the February 12th, 2007, monthly meeting. 2-ayes, Motion Carried. Roll call showed: Supervisor Gary Flaherty-no; Councilperson David Patzwahl-yes; and Councilperson Carrie Bither-yes. Motion Carried

COUNTY ASSESSMENT LITIGATION SHARED DEFENSE PROGRAM - Supervisor Gary Flaherty read the Columbia County Board of Supervisors resolution concerning the shared defense program.
Discussion followed with those in favor of joining with the County and those against. The main concern was that the Town would be able to withdraw whenever it wants from the County-especially with any decision that is made.
Supervisor Flaherty read an e-mail sent by Councilperson Virginia Nightingale, who was unable to attend, expressing her concerns and a favorable motion towards joining with the County. Councilperson Carrie Bither and Councilperson David Patzwahl would like to meet with attorney Jason Shaw to discuss his strategy and communication with the Town before making a decision.
Those speaking were: Mrs. Tammy Flaherty, Mr. Robert Bartholomew; Mrs. Spee Braum; Mrs. Christy Ransford; Mr. Rob Ross; Mr. John Adams; Mr. Premo Medica ; Ms. Becky Meier; Mr. Paul Deres; Mr. Eric Finney;
MOTION: Supervisor Gary Flaherty moved to accept the offer from the County. Councilperson David Patzwahl made a motion, seconded by Councilperson Carrie Bither to table to decision until the February board meeting. 2-ayes, Motion Carried. Roll call showed: Supervisor Gary Flaherty-no; Councilperson David Patzwahl-yes; and Councilperson Carrie Bither-yes. Motion adopted.

ADJOURNMENT: Councilperson David Patzwahl made a motion, seconded by Councilperson Carrie Bither to adjourn the meeting at 7:15 p.m. 3-ayes, Motion Carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Charlotte L. Cowan, RMC
Canaan Town Clerk

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