Town of
Wells
 
Established in 1805
 
Officials:
Town Supervisor - Brian E. Towers
Town Councilman - Deborah Taylor
Town Councilman - Jaret Welch
Town Councilman - Robert D. Wright
Town Councilman - Timothy E. Hunt
Town Clerk - Mari Wilson
Tax Collector - Martha Brown
Highway Superintendent - Clay Earley Jr.
Assessor - James Abbott
Water District 1 Operator - E. Joseph Wilson
Building Code Enforcement Officer - Jeanne Bramer
Animal Control Officer/Dog Warden - George Paige
 
Department Pages:


Introduction

Welcome to our website! 

     Established on April 1, 1805, the Town of Wells has followed many footprints. Progress has altered its initial appearance but the town's ability to sustain despite struggles remains in step with the first footprints made. Wells continues, a wonderful community that has retained the simple pleasures and family atmosphere of small town life. The town offers this website as a means of communicating important information and events with its residents and other members of the general public.  It is constantly being updated so check back often.



May
"Now every field is clothed with grass, and every tree with leaves; now the woods put forth their blossoms, and the year assumes its gay attire." Virgil


***   Community of Wells Memorial Day Service will be held Saturday, May 25, 9 a.m. at the Community Hall. Everyone is invited.   ***     Virgina Hosley Free Library celebrates 15 years Saturday, May 15. Come party at the Library from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m.   ***



Annual Water Report 2012

     The Town of Wells 2012 Annual Water Quality Report is now available to the public. The report may be viewed by clicking here.2012 Annual Water Quality Report (PDF - 3.8 MB)



NYS Firearms Disclosure Exemption Form

*NYS Firearms License Request for Public Records Exemption*

Pistol Permit Holder Exemption From Disclosure Form

     This form released by the New York State Police on February 15, 2013 allows a pistol permit holder to request that their name and address not be made public. Failure to apply for the exemption by May 15, 2013 leaves the name and address as a public record. A copy of the form may be downloaded by clicking on the following link: http://www.troopers.ny.gov/Firearms/Public_Records_Exemption/FOIL_Exemption_Form.pdf

     The form is also available at the Town Clerk's Office during regular office hours.        

Please complete the form and return to:

Hamilton County Clerk's Office

PO Box 204

Lake Pleasant, NY 12108  

    

Acceptable Recycling Items - County Transfer Stations Rules and Regs

List of items that will be accepted by the Hamilton County Solid Waste Department may be viewed by cliicking the following:  

Accepted Recycling Items for 2013 (DOC - 21.0 KB)

Click on the following link to access Hamilton County Rules and Regulations for transfer stations located in Lake Pleasant and Indian Lake:

Transfer Station Rules and Regs (PDF - 1.5 MB)


Congratulations to Wells resident Bob Megargle!
Hamilton County's 2013 Contributing Senior of the Year.


Tentative Assessment Roll Completed

NOTICE OF COMPLETION OF TENTATIVE ASSESSMENT ROLL

(Pursuant to Section 506 and 1526 of the Real Property Tax Law)

HEARING OF COMPLAINTS

Notice is hereby given that the Assessor of the Town of Wells County of Hamilton, State of New York, as required by Law has assessed the property in the Town of Wells according to its condition and ownership the First day of March 2013 and has completed the Tentative Assessment roll for the current year and that a copy has been left with Mari Wilson, Town Clerk, at the Town Clerk's Office, where any interested person may examine it until the Fifth Thursday in May 2013.  The assessor will be in attendance with the Tentative Assessment roll on:  Tuesday, May 7th between the hours of 6-10 p.m.; Monday, May 13th  between the hours of 6-10 p.m.;  Tuesday, May 14th  between the hours of 6-10 p.m.; and Saturday, May 18th  between the hours of 5-9 p.m. at the Wells Community Hall.  The Board of Assessment Review will meet on Thursday, May 30th between the hours of 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. pm at the WELLS COMMUNITY HALL to hear complaints in relation to assessments, on the application of any person believing themselves to be aggrieved.  Complaint forms are available at the Assessor's and Town Clerk's offices.  The Board of Assessment Review, according to Law can leave your assessment as is or reduce it.

James C. Abbott

Sole Assessor

assessor@townofwells.org

518-924-2781

(Link to 2013 Tentative Assessment Roll):

http://www.hamiltoncounty.com/municipalities/town-assessment-rolls


State Land Classification Time Line

     The recent state acquisition of the former Finch Pruyn and other nature Conservancy lands throughout the Adirondacks has generated interest by many local officials and regional organizations. The classifcation process of these lands will unfold over the summer months and include Public Hearings.

     Timeline the Adirondack Park Agency (APA) and the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) follow to classify land:

  1. APA issues a notice to commence the land classifications and declares itself "Lead Agency".
  2. APA staff will develop a "draft SEQR" documents and classification alternatives.
  3. APA staff will review classifications alternatives with the DEC staff.
  4. APA Board will review "draft SEQR" documents and authorize staff to proceed with the Public Hearings.
  5. APA staff will schedule and conduct Public Hearings.
  6. APA staff will access Public Comments and develop final "SEQR" documents in consultation with DEC staff.
  7. Staff recommendations will be reviewed by the Agency Board.
  8. Transmittal of final Agency Board recommendations to the Governor.

     For more information describing state land classification, click here: http://apa.ny.gov/stateland/definitions.htm


Dog Enumeration Begins in July 2013


Swimmng Pool Fence Regulations

SWIMMING POOLS REQUIRE A FENCE

     In accordance with NYS Law, ALL swimming pools 24-inches deep or more MUST be fenced.  Fence must stand four-feet high and be equipped with a self-closing lock INSIDE the fence.NYS Swimming Pool Regulations (HTM - 9.5 KB)


2013 Town Budget

Adopted by the Wells Town Board Nov. 12, 2012

2013 Town Budget (PDF - 4.3 MB)



Town of Wells Schedule of Events

2013 Town of Wells Schedule of Events 

 

     Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013:  Covered Dish Supper/Tree Burning, Wells Community Hall. Supper at 6 p.m. followed by tree burning. Bring a dish to pass Town provides rolls, meat and cheese platters, beverages and table settings. 

     Monday-Thursday, May 6-9: Clean Up Week. All items curbside by Sunday, May 5th. NO C&D.

     Friday-Sunday, July 19-21: Town-Wide Garage Sale

     Friday & Saturday August 2-3: Old Home Days, sponsored by Wells Improvement Group.

     Saturday, Sept. 21: Town Picnic, noon -5 p.m. Bring some hotdogs and a dish to pass. Pavilion, rain or shine.

     Saturday, November 30: Annual Tree Lighting/Craft Fair/Book Sale, Community Hall. Fair starts at noon, tree lit at 6 p.m.

    .



 
News:
Youth Basketball Clinic
July 06, 2013

     A two-day Youth Basketball Clinic will be held at the Wells Community Hall, State Rte. 30, on Saturday and Sunday July 6-7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

     The program's focus is on basic fundamental skill building, its goal to provide youngsters with the tools and guidance to improve their game. A variety of stations will be set-up to test skill levels and instructions will be provided by top area coaches.

     The clinic is open to boys and girls in grades five through nine. Reservations are required as space is limited to 40 youngsters.

     To reserve a spot, call Clinic Director Shawn Taylor, former Wells Central School head coach, at (518) 924-3572. Price is $10 per child to cover cost of an appearance by European professional Harley Fuller. Any unused portion of this revenue will be donated to the WCS Elementary Basketball Program.

      Fuller is a 23 year old 188cm point guard from Gloversville, New York. He began his professional basketball career a few years back in Germany.and currently plays professional ball in Argentina.

     Additional appearances will be made by former Siena College Basketball Coach Jim Zullo and former WCS Varsity Coach Randy Begeal.  The program promises to be a very exciting way for kids to learn about sportsmanship, ball handling and teamwork.

2013 Private Well Testing Program Scheduled
June 04, 2013

     The Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) will accept private well water samples for potability on the following dates:

         Tuesday, June 04         8 a.m.-12 p.m.

         Tuesday, June 25         8 a.m.-12 p.m.

         Tuesday,  July 2           8 a.m.-12 p.m.

          Tuesday, July 30          8a.m.-12 p.m.

          Tuesday, August 6       8 a.m.-12 p.m.

          Tuesday, August 27     8 a.m.-12 p.m.

     A well water testing kit may be picked up at the Town Clerk Office, 1438 State Rte. 30, during regualar office hours. Water samples are aralyzed for total coliforms, E. coli and chloride levels. The District is not a certified lab. Potability results are for information only, and are not to be utilized for legal purposes. Cost of the analysis is $15 payable by cash or check at the time the sample is delivered to SWCD..

     For more information, contact SWCD at 518-548-3991.

The Community of Wells Memorial Day Service Will be Held Saturday, May 25th
May 25, 2013

     "It is easy to take our freedoms and liberties for granted...the very things that deserve our gratitude the most."  (Author Unknown)

     As Memorial Day weekend unfolds, Town of Wells community members will take the time to honor the fallen heroes who fought to protect our freedom. A brief service commemorating the bravest among us will be held at the Community Hall on Saturday, May 25 at 9 a.m.

     A few solemn words and the laying of a Memorial Day wreath will take place at that time. Wells Central School Band members will participate contributing quality selections during the event. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Virginia Hosley Free Library Events Scheduled
May 20, 2013

     MOVIE NIGHT

     On Monday, May 20, the Virginia Hosley Free Library will present Steven Spielberg's Lincoln, a G-rated drama featuring an all-star cast.  The inspiring drama begins at 6:30 p.m.

     Complimentary popcorn and soda will be served and there is no cost for admission.  Donations are accepted.

     LIncoln focuses on President Abraham Lincoln's final four months wherein he pursues a course of action to end the Civil War and abolish slavery.  Running time is 150 minutes.

     HAPPY BIRTHDAY WELLS LIBRARY!

     The Library will celebrate 15 years of existence on Saturday, May 25. Everyone is invited to enjoy cupcakes, punch, etc. as well as live music entertainment by Arrows of the Word from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the library.

     Regular hours at the Virginia Hosley Free Library are Tuesday and Thursday, 6-8 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. For more information call Alice Megargle, 924-2220 or Edna Reu, 924-4207.

Spring Turkey Season Opens Wednesday May 1
May 01, 2013

     The 2013 spring turkey season opens Wednesday May 1 in all of upstate New York lying north of the Bronx-Westchester County boundary, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

Details for the Spring Turkey Season, May 1-31, 2013:

     Hunting is permitted in most areas of the state, except for New York City and Long Island.

     Hunters must have a turkey hunting permit in addition to their small game hunting or sportsman license.

     Shooting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to noon each day.

     Hunters may take two bearded turkeys during the spring season, but only one bird per day.

     Hunters may not use rifles or handguns firing a bullet. Hunters may hunt with a shotgun or handgun loaded with shot sizes no larger than No. 2 or smaller than No. 8, or with a bow and arrow.

     Successful hunters must fill out the tag which comes with their turkey permit and immediately attach it to any turkey harvested.

     Successful hunters must report their harvest within seven days of taking a bird. Call 1-866-426-3778 (1-866 GAMERPT) or report harvest online at http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/8316.html.

Did You Know...
May 01, 2013
     In 1867 the town passed a resolution levying a tax to raise an amount to erect a Hall of Military Record, not to exceed $20.

     Inhabitants also voted in favor of a $10 bounty on wolves and panthers.

     At that time Isaiah Morrison was Town Supervisor. Other officails included Road Commissioners John Gilman and William Petit; Town Clerk John Z. Bass; Town Justices Rose Whitman, Jacob E. Lobdell and Nelson Dunham; and Overseers of the Poor Richard Peck and A.J. Smith.

             (Excerpts are taken from the minutes of the Wells Town Board written in the years cited.)