TOWN OF WEBB – TOWN BOARD
REGULAR MEETING
May 8, 2012

Officials present:
Theodore Riehle, Supervisor
Michael Ross, Councilman
James B. Herron, Jr. Councilman
Kate Russell, Councilwoman
Mary Brophy-Moore, Councilwoman
Richard Frye, Attorney
Nanci T. Russell, Town Clerk
Also present: Kelly Hunkins, Kathy Smith, Ann Marie Greene, Leslie Leach, Jeannette Berkstresser, Reed Proper, Debra Dote, Greg O’Hara, Danielle Beckingham, Anne Payne, Bob Dellavia, Chris Prichard, Jay Lawson, Laura Cooper, Carolyn Trimbach, Fred Trimbach, Larry Murphy, Ed Weidman, Lori Zellweger, Tom Smith, Chris Holt, Lori Herron, Joanne Kelly, Chris Gaige, Mike Farmer, Barb Proper, Pamela Centola.

Supervisor Riehle called the meeting to order at 7:00PM with the pledge of allegiance.  He welcomed the members of the Assembly and reminded everyone to please sign in.

Presentations

Supervisor Riehle explained that the Board had 2 preliminary proposals presented to them at the Monday night Audit of Claims, which is a public meeting.  The 1st proposal was from St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center.  Robert Schofield, Chief Operating Officer reviewed the preliminary proposal that was offered to the Board.  St. Elizabeth’s would assume responsibility for the town of Webb Health Center upon approval by the NYS Dept. of Health. Transition of the staff

This would include:
Transition all staff, based on both their interest and qualification, to become employees of SEMC.  This would include all salary and benefits as currently offered at SEMC.  
Transition all Medical Staff providers to become employees of SEMC, to also include all salary and benefits.
All current patients at the Health Center would be notified of the change as per New York State Health Law.
SEMC will make all the necessary changes to the physical office space to bring to full compliance with the NYS Department of Health standards.
SEMC would make all the necessary changes to policies, procedures and work processes to bring them in line with current acceptable SEMC policies in order to meet all current state and federal regulations.
The Town of Webb would execute a lease for the space to be occupied by the Medical Center to operate the Health Center.
SEMC would anticipate hours of operation to be Monday – Friday 8am – 4pm.  Center would be closed on weekends and Holidays as recognized by the SEMC.
SEMC staff and resources would be utilized to maintain the interior space (as outlined in anticipated lease agreement).
SEMC staff and resources would be utilized to order and acquire supplies necessary for the operation of the Center.
It would be anticipated that the building owner would maintain the building’s exterior and infrastructure i.e. plumbing, HVAC etc.
The building owner would not have any responsibility for the operations of the Center
Medical Center would arrange for or provide Laboratory and Radiology services for the patient’s at the Center.  

The Town of Webb may continue with its current arrangement with any building occupants outside the parameter of the Health Center, such as the services in the lower level (HASCA). Although SEMC may offer those services to the patients of the center to the extent necessary, we do not wish to assume responsibility for that service.
SEMC does not have Dentistry as a listed service on our Operating Certificate.  To do so in order to maintain the current dental practice would require our compliance with a number of regulations that we are not familiar.  It would be our preference that the service be maintained within the building, but outside and independent of the Health Clinic.
There are also physical therapy services being provided within the Center.  In order for that to remain within the parameter of the Center, those providing the services would need to become employees of SEMC and SEMC would assume all responsibilities.  Such services in the community are essential.  The Town of Webb and the current physical therapy providers may wish to maintain this service elsewhere in the building.


If this is the direction the Town wishes to pursue the following steps would need to be taken:
File a Certificate of Need with the New York State Department of Health.  The Medical Center will not be permitted to assume responsibility until the State has approved this location as an extension clinic under our Operating Certificate. This will take at least 6 months
The Medical Center will need to address the building to insure it meets all the NYS Dept. of Health regulations
A lease agreement with the Town of Webb would need to be developed
Develop a communication plan to assure the community our intention to maintain the Center to meet the current and future needs of the Town of Webb and surrounding area.


The 2nd proposal was from Faxton St. Luke’s/ Adirondack Community Physicians.  Faxton St. Luke’s is a multi specialty group of 8 primary  care medical offices, hospitalist services department, 1 general surgery office, 1 orthopedic surgery office and 1 neurosurgery office comprised of approximately 65 physicians and mid-level providers and 120 support staff.

Given the volume data provided to Faxton St. Luke’s by the Town of Webb Professional Offices Situational Assessment prepared by Thomas Dennison in March 2011, the projected annual volumes for purposes of this proposal will be 4,000 patient encounters.

Faxton St. Luke’s would staff the office in the following manner:
    1 full-time physician position
    1 full-time Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant position
    1 per Diem Nurse Practitioner or Physician assistant position
    2 full-time nurse postions
    1 full-time clinical coordinator (administrative support for clinical staff) position
    2 full-time registration clerk/phone operator position.

Faxton-St. Luke’s would be interested in retaining Dr. Webster as the full-time physician until a replacement could be found.

The remaining support staff positions would be filled by the existing staff of the Health Center.  Staff would be interviewed and selected based on past experience and appropriate fit.  Any of the existing staff not offered a position with the Health Center would be provided the opportunity to bid on any open positions at other ACP sites that may be qualified for. FSLH offers competitive compensation and benefits and is confident the staff would be close or above their current package.

In times of providers/staff shortage, the Health Center will be supported by the providers and staff of the Boonville ACP Office as well as the other ACP offices as necessary.

Offices hours Monday – Friday 7:30am-5:30pm

Availability of office hours will be adjusted on community need and utilization
Weekend office hours will be evaluated and implemented accordingly during seasonal spikes in patient volumes

24/7 on-call coverage of office by providers available by phone via answering service.

A proposal to continue to maintain subsidized relationship with Centrex Clinical Laboratories. Radiology services analysis to be completed to validate whether or not services can be supported.  Digital imaging services currently available at Barneveld ACP Office.

As ACP multi-specialty group continues to grow and add more specialists, consideration will be made to rotate certain specialty providers to Health Center as appropriate.

Faxton-St Luke’s revenue projection is $360,000 in total, expense projection is $610,000 in total leaving a projected $250,000 annual subsidy from the Town of Webb.

FSLH is willing to make up-front investment to the Town of Webb community of $175,000 to make the Health Center Article 28 code complaint and provide the IT infrastructure necessary for an Electronic Medical Record medical office operation.

Target date for transition of operations is 90 days from executed agreement. File a Certificate of Need with NYS DOH, secure provider coverage, interview and hire support staff , completion of facility renovations, “Go live” on established target date.

Supervisor Riehle opened up the discussion to the Board members.  Councilwoman Russell commented that both hospitals felt that in some cases the staff pay would increase based on the pay scales at each hospital and the staff would maintain benefits and that was a concern for the Board. Councilwoman Moore was pleased that both hospitals would accept all insurances and walk-ins, both on call 24/7.  Councilman Herron thanked both Dr. Webster and Dr. Socash for their years of service to the Town and commented that change is scary but necessary.  The Board has been looking into health care for the town for a few years. And the Board will do what is best for the community. Councilman Ross feels the Board is very committed to health care for the community.  Supervisor Riehle followed-up with the comment that Dr. Webster will work with either group and work through the transition, it is sad to the Professional offices go but the Board realizes that the current model is not working and is outdated and both Drs. encouraged the Board to move forward.

The Board received a few questions from the audience:

Are the lab services being offered by St. Elizabeth’s open to the public or just their customers?  It is the Board understands it is open to the public just as it is now.

St. E’s offered more staff is that correct?  Yes

What is the cost to taxpayers now?  Approximately $450,000 a year.

Will the facility be opened during construction?  Yes

Will the subsidy that Faxton-St. Luke’s is asking for be looked at annually? Yes

Will the rent/lease be split with between the dentists?  Each entity is willing to pay for their square footage and their portion of electric, heat etc.

Is the lease agreement with Dr. Rintrona going to change?  The Board is concentrating on health care at this time.

Supervisor Riehle had spoke to Faxton St. Luke’s today and asked if they were willing to wave the subsidy at all and the answer was no.  Each entity will pay for phone and internet and cleaning services.  The biggest difference between each hospital is the subsidy charge and Faxton St. Luke’s would like the Town to be a partner without a say in the business.  Supervisor Riehle asked if the Board is ready to make a decision

Res. #77 St. Elizabeth’s Hospital lease agreement

On a motion offered by Councilwoman Russell, seconded by Councilwoman Moore the following resolution was
ADOPTED            Ayes -5        Nays -0
RESOLVED that the Town of Webb Town Board pursue a lease agreement and negotiate with St. Elizabeth’s Hospital for health care in the Town of Webb.  A public informational meeting will be held on May 15th at 7PM to answer the community questions.  

Attorney Frye will have to work on a lease agreement and work out al the details.

Greg O’Hara the chair person for the health care committee asked if either hospital would meet those needs that were asked for in the survey. Urgent care was a big concern in the survey.  Article 28 tells the Town what this building can do and not do.  This building as it is can not be an urgent care facility.  Both hospitals offered 24/7 care by phone.

Correspondence

Supervisor Riehle received a request from AT&T to modify their equipment on the National Grid tower on McCauley Mt. to improve service to users in the community.  APA has jurisdiction and the Town has an interest as does National Grid.

The Town received a request from KYAK (Kommunity Youth and Activity Center) asking the Town of Webb Town Board for any financial support the Town can give.  Their projected expenses for 2012 are $36,800.00 and income year to date is $13,464.00.  Chris Gaige spoke to the Board, their doors have been open for 5yrs, and it is a place for kid’s age12-20 to have a safe, dry alcohol free place to be at.  Contributions are down and grant money is also down.  The KYAK Board will like to keep the doors open until the end of the school year and then close for the summer, to help save money.  The Board is hoping for $5,000 for the short term to get through, long term they are asking if the Town Board if possible to make a line item in the budget to help fund the program in the future.  Councilman Ross asked Chris what they are exactly looking for.  They are looking for $5,000 from Kiwanis, the Community Foundation and anything the Town could provide would be appreciated.  Supervisor Riehle has spoke to Recreation Director Holly Armendola and she has indicated that she does have money in her budget to help out.

Res. #78 Kommunity Youth and Activity Center

On a motion offered by Supervisor Riehle, seconded by Councilman Ross the following resolution was
ADOPTED            Ayes -4    Nays -0    Recuse-1 Councilman Herron wife is an employee of KYAC
RESOLVED that the Town will give $2500 financial support to KYAC, to be taken out Youth Programs to help defray costs at the center.

Supervisor Riehle has received letters from Geoffrey Longstaff and Carol O’Neill expressing their displeasure with the boating situation with mooring on the sandbar off of Eagle Point and the disturbance it creates.

April 16th Audit of Claims

The regular meeting was canceled do to a lack of a quorum, members were out of Town and one member had a family medical scheduling conflict.  The Board passed a resolution to appoint B&L as the Construction Management consultant for the TOBIE II project.  A resolution was adopted on recommendation of the Highway Superintendent to accept the low bid from Viking Cives for the installation of the new wing and equipment for the new grader at $22,550, this was a request by Casey at this time because of the time lag in ordering parts for the job.  The Board also past resolutions to appoint Kent Massacar as the Assistant Operator of the WWTP and Shawn Smith MEO for the DPW.

Updates

East Side Pump Station is ready to begin.  The Notice to proceed has been signed and Central New York Construction should begin any day now.

William St. ext. final design should be done shortly.

TOBIE II – one easement has been received.  The Board should be going to bid shortly sometime in June and the APA permitting is being done for the Thendara portion.

Recycling truck should be arriving next week.  The original date was this week but the Town put it off due an employee conflict.

Res. #79 Surplus/mogul master

On a motion offered by Councilwoman Russell, seconded by Councilman Herron the following resolution was
ADOPTED            Ayes -5        Nays -0
RESOLVED that the Board declare a Mogul Master 9x18 drag, serial number 81809334 from the Snow trails dept. and a 1995 Galion Model 850 Grader from the highway Dept.

Res. #80 First Niagara Leasing

The Board received 4 quotes for the new Grader:

Lease Experts    3.599% annual payments of $48,260.30
Five Star     3.3% annual payments of $48,080.00
Key Bank    2.74% annual payment of $47,528.00
1st Niagara Leasing    2.62% annual payment of $47,420.35.

On a motion offered by Councilwoman Moore, seconded by Councilwoman Russell the following resolution was
ADOPTED            Ayes -5        Nays -0
RESOLVED that the Board authorizes the Supervisor to enter into an agreement with 1st Niagara Leasing Inc. for a 5 year lease purchase of the new John Deere 672GX Grader at an invoice amount of $225,300 with annual payments of $47,420.35 as approved in the 2012 budget.  The rate is 2.62 %., there is no penalty for paying off early and we take the possession of the grader at the end of the lease.

Res. #81 Historical Association/street light  WITHDRAWN

On a motion offered by Councilwoman Moore, seconded by Supervisor Riehle the following resolution was
Offered- installing a street light on Gilbert St. pole #6 to improve lighting at the Historical Assoc. Councilman Herron has not looked at it and either has Councilwoman Russell.
The motion was withdrawn by Councilwoman Moore.

Res. #82 Time Warner

On a motion offered by Councilman Ross, seconded by Councilwoman Russell the following resolution was
ADOPTED            Ayes -5        Nays -0
RESOLVED that the Board hold a public hearing on June 12th at 7PM to discuss the Time Warner Franchise agreement.

Res. #83 Monthly Rental of Excavator

On a motion offered by Councilwoman Russell, seconded by Councilwoman Moore the following resolution was
ADOPTED            Ayes -5        Nays -0
RESOLVED that the Town Board authorizes Tim Pylman, snow trails Dept. head to rent for 1 month an excavator for trail maintenance.  The cost would be $2800 a month and he does have this in his budget. The Board would like pictures taken of the machine when it arrives and pictures taken of the machine before it goes back

Res. #84 Budget amendment


On a motion offered by Councilman Herron, seconded by Councilman Ross the following resolution was
ADOPTED            Ayes -5        Nays -0
RESOLVED that the Town Board authorizes a budget amendment to establish a State Aid Revenue line in the amount of $23,430 for receiving a State Grant for Court Equipment also to increase Justice Equipment appropriation line in the same amount.

Supervisor Riehle thanked Pat Venetz for his time and effort that he put into this grant.

Res. #85 Main Street Grant

On a motion offered by Councilwoman Russell, seconded by Councilwoman Moore the following resolution was
ADOPTED            Ayes -5        Nays -0
Whereas; thriving small businesses are essential to our Adirondack communities; and
Whereas; such thriving businesses will be able to retain and create new employment opportunities, thereby strengthening our communities; and
Whereas; the Central Adirondack Partnership for the 21st Century (CAP-21) is fully committed to the economic revitalization of such communities;
BE IT RESOLVED, the Town of Webb hereby fully supports the application to the NYS Office of Homes & Community Renewal by CAP-21 for the purposes of establishing a regional Central Adirondacks Main Street grant program serving the towns of Indian Lake, Inlet, Long Lake and Webb.

Town Clerk

The Town Clerk has received the following liquor license renewals:
    Knotty Pine Restaurant
    4 Hipps LLC
    PKR Inc.
Josarah Inc.

The Clerk asked for a resolution for the Otter Lake Fire Dept. and the Adirondack Council Inc. to be able to sell raffle tickets in the Town of Webb.

Res. #86 Adirondack Council, Inc. /raffle tickets
On a motion offered by Councilwoman Moore, seconded by Councilman Herron the following resolution was
ADOPTED        Ayes -5        Nays -0
RESOLVED that the Town of Webb allow the Adirondack Council Inc. to sell raffle tickets in the Town of Webb for 2012.

Res. #87 Otter Lake Fire Dept/raffle tickets
On a motion offered by Councilman Herron, seconded by Councilman Ross the following resolution was
ADOPTED        Ayes -5        Nays -0
RESOLVED that the Town of Webb allow the Otter Lake Fire Dept. to sell raffle tickets in the Town of Webb for 2012.

 The Clerk asked for the following resolution for the Old Forge Fire Dept. and the Central Adirondack Assoc.

Res. #88 Bingo License/Old Forge Fire Dept.

On a motion offered by Councilman Herron, seconded by Councilwoman Russell the following resolution was
ADOPTED        Ayes -5        Nays -0
RESOLVED that the Town of Webb issue a Bingo License to the Old Forge Fire Dept. for 2012.

 Res. #89 Raffle License/Old Forge Fire Dept.

On a motion offered by Councilman Herron, seconded by Councilwoman Moore the following resolution was
ADOPTED        Ayes -5        Nays -0
RESOLVED that the Town of Webb issue a Raffle License to the Old Forge Fire Dept. for 2012.

Res. #91 Raffle License/Central Adirondack Association.

On a motion offered by Councilwoman Russell, seconded by Councilman Herron the following resolution was
ADOPTED        Ayes -5        Nays -0
RESOLVED that the Town of Webb issue a Raffle License to the Central Adirondack Association for 2012.

Councilwoman Russell

Councilwoman Russell has been unable to speak with Bob Card about the public bathrooms.

The McCauley Mt. committee has met with Nick Rose, Jennifer Hartsig and Jeanne White to discuss McCauley Mt. chalet. The meetings are coming along nicely with some good ideas and concepts.

Councilman Herron

Councilman Herron mentioned that the Recycling truck is coming and would like to have the voucher paid right away.  The Town is paying bills on the 21st of May.  This truck should make it easier for the guys picking up recycling and this truck should limit it to one run a day.  Councilman Herron mentioned the potential grant that would be a 50% refund for the town after they pay for the grader.  Councilman Herron will work with Nick Rose on getting that grant re-imbursement.
Councilman Herron spoke about the grader and how important it is to Casey’s snow removal efforts, to fix the old one would have been too expensive and not that easy to do.

Councilman Ross

Councilman Ross asked about re-educating the public on the recycling that the town started last July 2011.  One Bin, no bags campaign, all recycling (paper, cans, bottles, metal, glass) goes in one bin; plastic bags are no longer accepted with any recycling.  Recycling stickers are available at the Town Clerk’s Office.

Councilman Ross had an informational meeting with National Grid about the tower on McCauley Mt.  National Grid is the lead agency for any work that needs to be done on the tower.  National Grid needs to give permission along with the Town of Webb to anyone that needs to work on the tower.  AT&T has begun the process to upgrade to 4G on the tower and is looking for permission from the Town to do so.

Res. #90 AT&T

On a motion offered by Councilman Ross, seconded by Councilwoman Russell, the following resolution was
ADOPTED        Ayes -5    Nays -0
RESOLVED that the Town of Webb Town Board allows AT&T to have access to McCauley Mt. to modify their equipment to improve service to their users on the National Grid Tower.

Councilman Ross spoke about the audit that the Town had last year, the Visitor Information Center has been making changes to their policy on handling any money that comes through the office.

Res. #92 Bills
On a motion offered Councilman Ross, seconded by Councilwoman Moore, the following resolution was
ADOPTED         Ayes -5        Nays -0
RESOLVED that the Board authorizes all audited bills to be paid out of their respective accounts.

2nd payable in March
General    $97,872.60
Highway DR    $2,170.81
Highway DM    $1,076.53
Highway DS    $8,525.87
Water District $2,634.57
Sewer District    $1,609.44

1st payable in April
General    $165,152.47
Highway DR    $1,034.08
Highway DM    $4,904.94
Water District $3,446.50
Sewer District    $3,196.94

2nd payable in April
General    $107,359.12
Highway DR    $668.00
Highway DM    $3,672.38
Water District $1,908.21
Sewer District    $2,508.22

1st payable in May
General    $108,200.56
Highway DR    $252.00
Highway DM    $3,891.39
Water District $3,624.86
Sewer District    $4,706.40

Adjournment

On a motion offered by Councilwoman Russell, seconded by Councilwoman Moore, the meeting was adjourned at 9:10PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Nanci T. Russell, Town Clerk