Barrington town board 4/25/12

    Meeting:  The Barrington town board met Wednesday, April 25, for one hour and 30 minutes.
    Attendance:  All board members were present.  There were three members of the public in the audience.
    Action:  The board approved the highway department projects for this year.  Superintendent Steve Wheeler presented the board with the work he wants to see done, like hot patching and oil/stone applications.  He added he has budgeted $75,000 for diesel costs because last year the town spent more than the budgeted $65,000.
    • The board agreed not to renew the town’s B.J.’s membership for $50.  Supervisor Fred Wright said the town doesn’t purchase enough supplies there to make up for the cost.  He added, “if we need it, it’s worth paying the tax.”
    Discussion without action:  Planning board chairperson Sue Lange spoke about several proposed laws the zoning board has put together for noise, light, and adult entertainment businesses.  The board discussed the need for a light or noise ordinance.  Lange said the advantage of having a noise ordinance is that the sheriff’s office can enforce the law when responding to a complaint.  Clerk Joy Perry pointed out that last year the sheriff’s office responded to five noise complaints in Barrington.  Wright added that the board should have a chance to go over the proposed laws and meet with the zoning board.
    • The board discussed what would be the best way to send a questionnaire about hydraulic fracturing to residents.  Lange will create one that can be mailed out to residents, requesting a return response.  The town wants to get an idea of the residents’ stance on fracking.  Board member Bruce Castner suggested the questionnaire be sent out with the taxes in January.  However, the rest of the board thought that would be too late.
    • John Kuehn gave a report on the town’s coverage from New York Municipal Insurance Reciprocal.  He said the new premium would be $22,102, up $216 from the previous year.
Appointments/resignations:  Eileen Farnan was approved to be the agriculture board chairperson.
    Upcoming meetings:  The next Barrington town board meeting is Wednesday, May 23, at 7 p.m.