PUBLC HEARING
A Public Hearing of the Board of Education of the Brocton Central School District, Chautauqua County, New York, was called to order at 6:30 pm in the cafeteria of said school district on February 11, 2015.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT ALSO PRESENT
Doug Walter, President John W. Hertlein, Superintendent
Mike Riforgiato Jason Delcamp, MS/HS Principal
Thomas DeJoe Sandy Olson, Elem Principal/Director of Special Education
Steve Smith Betty DeLand, Business Executive/District Treasurer
Beth Jagoda Linda Miller, District Clerk
Bob Mead-Colegrove Also: 40 Community Veterans and Public, 1 Staff,
Todd McFadden, Arrived late
President Walter called the hearing to order at 6:30 pm. Legion Commander Al Valentin led the group in the pledge to the flag.
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approve the agenda for the February 11th, 2015 Public Hearing without amendments.
Motion by: Mr. Riforgiato Seconded by: Mr. Smith
6 Yes Motion carried
Mr. John Hertlein welcomed everyone in attendance and explained the purpose of this hearing.
The hearing was turned over to Mrs. Betty DeLand, Business Executive, who shared a power point presentation regarding the Alternative Veteran’s Exemption for Real Property Taxation and its effect on the Veterans, school and community. Minor debate centered on the need for no more taxes and the need to acknowledge the Veterans for their dedication by serving in the armed services.
Mr. McFadden arrived at 7:18 pm.
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education adjourn the public hearing meeting of February 11, 2015 at 7:20 pm.
Motion by: Mr. Riforgiato Seconded by Mr. Smith
6 Yes Motion carried.
At this time, the Board moved to the Conference Room to conduct its regular meeting.
Brocton Central School
Board of Education Meeting
February 11, 2015
7:00 pm Regular Meeting
President Walter called the meeting to order at7:32 pm. The pledge to the flag was recited.
COMMUNICATIONS, REPORTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS
Additions/amendments to the agenda - RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approve the agenda for the February 11, 2015 without amendments.
Motion by: Mr. McFadden Seconded by: Mr. Smith
7 Yes Motion carried.
Communications of the Superintendent included an update on State budget. Mr. Hertlein spoke about the state budget and the fact that we are “held hostage” as the formula for allocations has not been released. He encouraged everyone to write, text, e-mail your Governor.
Updates were given on the After School Program, renting of the pool for birthday parties, enrollment numbers, and the acquisition of scoreboards for softball and baseball fields. The Village has graciously offered to donate the 4 poles and installation of them for the scoreboards. Along those lines, the Village also sent a crew to trim our tree outside the auditorium. The flag has been hung-up on the tree so now we are good! Thank you Village of Brocton for all you do for us.
The Administrators also updated the Board on the upcoming musical being held next weekend; the trap club; JCC electives for college credits; elementary intramurals, in addition to other items.
Our bowling team is traveling to Sectionals tomorrow after having a great season. Good luck to our bowlers.
Communications of the Business Executive included information concerning bond refunding; State Child Nutrition Audit on February 28th and a Budget Committee meeting set for February 19, 2015 at 6:00 pm.
Mrs. Miller, District Clerk, announced that petitions for seeking a seat on the Board of Education are available in her office. One seat expires on June 30, 2015 – Mr. Douglas Walter.
Under Board Committee Reports Mr. DeJoe handed out a proposed policy for the board’s review.
NEW BUSINESS: Personnel
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approve Kevin Hammill as a substitute teacher, substitute teacher assistant and/or substitute teacher aide.
Motion by: Mr. Riforgiato Seconded by: Mr. McFadden
7 Yes Motion carried.
OTHER BUSINESS
RESOLVED that the Board of Education upon the recommendation of the Superintendent adopts the following resolution regarding the Alternative Veterans’ Exemption from Real Property Taxation Under New York Real Property Tax Law Section 458-A:
WHEREAS, on December 18, 2013, Governor Cuomo signed Chapter 518 into law amending New York Real Property Tax Law Section 458-a; and
WHEREAS, New York Real Property Tax Law Section 458-a(2)(d) authorizes New York State School districts to conduct public hearings regarding the alternative veterans’ exemption from real property taxes; and
WHEREAS, New York Real Property Tax Law Section 458-a(2)(d), (i) requires a separate public hearing to consider whether to reduce or increase the alternative veterans’ exemption maximums as defined in 458-a(2)(a), (b) and (c); and
WHEREAS, the Board of Education of the Brocton Central School District held a 2nd separate public hearing February 11, 2015 to address the alternative veterans’ exemption; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Education of the Brocton Central School District wishes to grant an alternative veterans’ exemption in accordance with the provisions of 458-a(2)(d)(ii);
Now Therefore, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Education of the Brocton Central School District as follows;
Section 1.Pursuant to New York Real Property Tax Law Section 458-a(2)(d), the maximum veterans’ exemption from real property taxes allowable pursuant to New York Real Property Tax Law 458-a is established as follows:
(a) Qualifying residential real property will be exempt from taxation to the extent of fifteen percent (15%) of the assessed value of such property; provided, however, such (reduced or increased) exemption shall not exceed the lesser of six thousand dollars ($6,000) or the product of six thousand dollars ($6,000) multiplied by the latest state equalization rate for the applicable town within the Brocton Central School District.
(b) In addition to the exemption provided by paragraph (a) of this subdivision, if the veteran served in a combat theater or combat zone or operations, as evidenced by the award of a United States campaign ribbon or service medal, that veteran’s qualifying residential real property also will be further exempt from taxation to the extent of ten percent (10%) of the assessed value of such property, however, such (reduced or increased) exemption shall not exceed the lesser of four thousand dollars ($4,000) or the product of four thousand dollars ($4,000) multiplied by the latest state equalization rate for the applicable town within the Brocton Central School District.
(c) In addition to the exemptions provided by paragraphs (a) and (b) of this subdivision, if the veteran received a compensation rating from the United States Veterans’ Administration because of a service connected disability, qualifying residential real property will be exempt from taxation to the extent of the product of the assessed value of such property multiplied by fifty percent (50%) of the veteran’s disability rating; provided however, such (reduced or increased) exemption shall not exceed the lesser of twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) or the product of twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) multiplied by the latest state equalization rate for the applicable town within the Brocton Central School District.
Section 2.The school business official is hereby authorized and directed to transmit a copy of this resolution to the assessors of the municipalities within the Brocton Central School District.
Section 3.This resolution will take effect immediately for the 2015-2016 school tax year and will be in effect for subsequent school tax years in accordance with law and regulation, unless further or additional action is taken to the contrary.
Motion by: Mr. DeJoe Seconded by: Mr. Riforgiato
Discussion: Board members expressed their difficulty in making this decision.
6 Yes 1 No Motion carried.
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, hereby waives the requirement of a .333 winning percentage in league games in order to enter play-off competition, for the Boys and Girls Varsity Basketball teams for the 2014-2015 season.
Motion by: Mr. Riforgiato Seconded by: Mr. McFadden
7 Yes Motion carried.
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approve the CSE, CPSE and 504 recommendations as presented.
Motion by: Mr. Riforgiato Seconded by: Mr. Mead-Colegrove
7 Yes Motion carried.
QUESTIONS AND/OR STATEMENTS FROM THE BOARD: Mr. Delcamp spoke about our bowling team’s great season. They travel to Sectionals on Friday and wishes of “good luck” were extended. Mr. Delcamp also spoke about a recent program given to our students regarding internet safety.
Mr. DeJoe spoke about his recent trip to Washington last week.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing secretarial negotiations.
Motion by: Mr. Mead-Colegrove Seconded by Mr. Riforgiato
Time: 8:04 pm
7 Yes Motion carried.
REGULAR SESSION: RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, enter back into Regular Session.
Motion by: Mr. Smith Seconded by: Mr. McFadden
Time: 9:10 pm
7 Yes Motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT: RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, adjourn the meeting of February 11, 2015 at 9:11 pm.
Motion by: Mr. Riforgiato Seconded by: Mr. Smith
7 Yes Motion carried. ______
Linda L Miller, District Clerk