The Chimney Rock Village Council met on Tuesday April 17, 2012. Councilor Senehi was not present.
Mayor Barbara Meliski called the meeting to order at 7:30 pm and asked for a Moment of Silence for Thoughtful Reflection and to remember the late Bob Burns, Council Member for many years, who passed away on Easter Sunday. She said he was a faithful member and that she could not remember him missing a meeting. He had been president of the CDA and Treasurer of the Fire Department.
The agenda was approved with no changes. There were no public comments on the agenda.
Finance Director Steve Duncan discussed the status of the budgeting process. Revenues are on track and maybe slightly better. Expenses also are on target. He had a situation that the Board needed to be aware of. During an audit at the County Tax office, it was discovered that the county had been collecting Municipal Service District taxes on several properties that were not in the MSD and should not have been levied the MSD taxes. This has been going on since 1997. Current laws only require the reimbursement for the previous 5 years. The County will reimburse the owners and bill the Village. Mr. Duncan said that, in the interest of honesty and fairness, he would recommend that the Village reimburse the owners for the monies that predated the 5 year time span that County is not reimbursing.
Mr. Duncan asked the Council to direct him to proceed with reimbursing the County and to investigate any additional reimbursements. Motion was made, 2nd, and approved
.
There was no Planning Board or Water report.
Mr. Whitman (Town Planner) reported on his discussions with the owners of Michaels. He feels sure that they will make efforts to improve the appearance but it may take more time than originally hoped for. He is working with the insurance company but has not reached a resolution. The owner of the Critters building had received the pictures that had been sent to him and he advised Mr. Whitman that he had not been fully aware of the extent of the deterioration and would be taking measures to improve.
There was no new business.
A reminder of the upcoming “Sale on the Trail”.
Also a reminder that Mr. Burn’s family had requested that any memorials should be directed to the Chimney Rock Fire Department. Mayor Meliski also asked for agreement to place a plaque in his memory in the Council meeting room. Council directed the Mayor to proceed.
Councilor Wald reported on the monthly meeting of the DOT Comprehensive Planning committee. He said the committee was creating a questionnaire to ask residents, business owners, workers, and visitors about their thoughts on the process. Councilor Wald proposed that the town mail these to local owners in an effort to get as much participation as possible. The number for the mailing was approximately 200 – 300.
Councilor Campbell asked the Council to formulate a resolution opposing Amendment 1 that is on the ballot in the May primary. He brought copies of several resolutions from other towns and had highlighted those portions that should not be too controversial for the Council to support. The Council asked Town Clerk Bill Whitman to craft a resolution and present to the Council for consideration.
Mr. Whitman reminded Council that those recently elected members that have not taken an approved Ethics Seminar needed to get that completed.
Next meeting will be May 15th, and a preliminary budget will be presented.
A motion to adjourn was made and approved.
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