New Playground Equipment Approved
Town of Marion Supervisor, Mrs. Jody Bender called to order a Town Board meeting at 7:00 PM. Public comment was offered, questioning whether or not the Marion Market and Variety Store on the corners of North Main Street and Buffalo Street is open yet. Supervisor Bender reported that the new store opened on June 1st and is selling a nice variety of goods including some staple grocery items, ice cream novelties, greeting cards, hardware items, and more. She encourages residents to patronize the new store, and is very impressed with the variety of items for sale and the attractiveness of the new business, which she noted is a real asset to the town.
Ms. Linda Culliton of Game Time Playground Equipment presented a bid for new playground equipment for the park. She explained that New York State has joined and is now participating in a 50 state contract, which offers a larger discount, and Ms. Culliton agreed to hold a 30% discount for the Town of Marion. The playground is slated to be built alongside the Fireman’s fields, behind the baseball diamonds. The playground will contain 3 slides with differing heights, with 4 climber apparatus and will contain no blind spots. Bordering, weed prevention, and ground cover options in addition to building alternatives were also discussed. In addition, it was noted that playground equipment increases property values, and improves quality of life. Ms. Culliton also reported that statistics show that children burn more calories in a half hour playing on playgrounds than they do in a half hour of physical education classes. Ultimately the board decided to have the Town employees dig out the area, and have the Game Time Playground Equipment crews build and install the purchased equipment, which will be purchased in hues of blue, red, and yellow. Supervisor Bender noted that the funding for the new playground will be paid through a CBGD Grant and will result in no cost to tax payers. This money was originally intended to be used towards the installation of new sidewalks throughout town, however the project was voted down through a public vote.
Supervisor Bender reported that the Town Clerk’s Office has been busy collecting water and sewer bills, and cleaning out records and also that tax collection is now complete. Supervisor Bender also acknowledged Highway Superintendent, Mr. Tim Boerman, for his additional work in preparation for the annual Memorial Day Parade.
Councilman Kauffman reported that discussions are continuing on the possibility of adding dug-outs at the baseball diamond as either a scout or volunteer project.
Councilwoman Lee reported that the Assessment Grievance Day passed with only 6 residents filing grievances with the Assessor.
Highway Superintendent, Mr. Tim Boerman, reported that the Highway Department has been busy with spring brush and road clean-ups, stripping trucks from the winter, ditching, vehicle maintenance, mowing and roadside mowing, maintaining baseball diamonds, and pavilion maintenance.
Mr. Jeffrey Cragg, Wastewater Treatment Plant Head Operator, reported that he is in the process of seeking bids for a new transfer switch.
Under correspondence it was reported that a letter was received from Avaya, regarding renewal of the Town Hall Phone Service contract. A letter was also received from the State of NY Department of Public Service informing the public that a new area code will be added to the 315 area code in the near future. A thank you letter was received from the organizers of the “Painting Our Town Pink for SIS 5K Walk and Run of 2013”, for the use of the park. The event raised $7,000.00 for the charity. A letter from the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance was received reporting the town’s equalization rate will be 98%. Additionally it was reported that the first quarter of 2013 sales tax distribution for the town was $76,979.00. A letter from the Marion Central School District reporting the Marion Central Board election results was also received and filed. Lastly letters from Time Warner Cable were received regarding programming changes.
Submitted reports received included the May, 2013 Town Clerk report; Justices Bonafede and Bender’s May, 2013 reports; Code Enforcement Officer’s May, 2013 report; Money Market reports for May, 2013; the Library Director report for May, 2013; the June, 2013 Library Calendar; and the 2012 Audit as presented from Mr. Ray Wager.
Approved resolutions were as follows:
• Meeting minutes from the May 6th and 13th, 2013 board meetings, were approved with one correction
• Amending Resolution #02182013 to include the $200.00 tap fee for Sewer Hook-ups
• Authorization to purchase a zero turn lawn mower in the amount of $7,299.00 from Erie Power Products
• Acceptance of a proposal from submitted by Lang Heating and Cooling for an air conditioner for the Town Hall in the amount of $2,995.00
• Authorization for the Town Clerk to receive Notices of Claims served upon the Secretary of State
• Authorization to approve a Port-A-John Rental Agreement with Brewer’s Septic Services, Inc.
• Authorization Policy for Recreation, Soccer, Baseball, and Basketball Receipts
• Authorization for Credit/Purchasing Cards policy
• Authorization of an Online Banking Policy Amendment of a proposal for services with Stuart Brown Associates for Joint Owls Nest Area Water Project in the amount of $4,000.00
• Authorization for Supervisor Bender to sign an amended agreement with the MRB Group for the Joint Owls Nest Water Project in the amount of $2,500.00
• Authorization for street closing for the Pioneer Gas Engine Association Parade and its annual show at the Marion Town Park from July 26-28, 2013
• Authorization for Supervisor Bender to sign a mowing agreement with the County of Wayne
• Adoption of the Northeast Quadrant Water District Phase 3 Lateral Restrictions; Conditions of Future Service
• Adoption of the Southeast Water District Lateral Restrictions; Conditions of Future Service
• Authorization for the Deputy Supervisor, Mr. Vern Bliek, to purchase new playground equipment from Game Time Playground Equipment in the amount of $29,214.19; which includes installation and building fees
• Payment of Claims
No other business came before the board, and the public meeting was adjourned at 8:47 PM. The next regular meeting of the board will be a Work Session, to be held on Monday, July 1st at 7:00 PM, in the Town of Marion Municipal Building. By Becky Block