Grafton Town Board Action – Local Law On Subdivisions Passed

by Bea Peterson

On April 2 a Public Hearing was held on two proposed local laws. The first one dealt with a permit system for traveling over Town roads. The second proposed law enacted penalties for violations of terms and conditions of subdivision approvals. (These proposed laws were incorrectly described in the Grafton Town Board report in the March 27  issue of the Eastwick Press.)

At the regular Grafton Board meeting on Thursday, April 16, the Board declined to move forward on Local Law #1. Local Law #2 became Local Law #1 and was approved by the Board. The law deals specifically with subdivisions and penalties and fines involved for not following conditions set forth by the Grafton Planning Board. “This Local Law intends to prevent, among other things, the clear cutting of land which is specifically prohibited in buffer areas by the approved subdivision maps and other restrictions imposed as a grant of subdivision approval.”

During the public comment portion of the meeting David Buckley said he had been at the public hearing. He thought the law was a great idea, but he was disappointed more specific wording wasn’t added.

Culvert Work

Highway Superintendent Herbert Hasbrouck reported that the roads have dried out. The next problem, he said, would be dust control. He said he had talked with the County and two pipe companies regarding the Johnson Road culvert. He said the County will be doing work on Route 85, South Road, and it made sense to do both projects at the same time. The County will get the DEC permits, and the County equipment will be used for both projects. No date has been set for the work as it is still in the design stages.

Code Enforcement Officer Thomas Withcuskey said he had issued 12 new building permits and 48 permits were outstanding. He noted he was looking over properties as only one junk car is allowed on a property. 

The Rescue Squad responded to four calls, expended four man hours and traveled 91 miles.

The Clerk’s report was accepted as presented.

Town Supervisor Allison Kirchner said the Youth Commission held an Easter egg hunt on Saturday, April 11. The intention still is to have Councilwomen Claus and Messenger assist the Commission in planning future programs.

Supervisor Kirchner read a letter from Mark Wehnau of the Grafton Trail Riders requesting a variance from the Town’s code on Mobile Home Parks. He stated that riders have camped with their horses, and without charge, on Trail Riders’ property for over 59 years. The Club has built two handicap accessible bathrooms and have a County approved holding tank. Withcuskey said he would like the Club to have its well tested once a year. He would like to wait for results of the water test before making any decision. “We don’t want a Washington County Fair situation on our hands,” he said. He also said the Club has been very compliant with his requests in the past.

Kirchner read a letter from Rensselaer County Executive Kathy Jimino inviting school, village, town and County officials to a meeting on April 30 to hear committee reports on shared services. 

Another letter stated that the County has renewed its bid contract with Legenbauer Fuel & Oil for propane so the Town can make arrangements to purchase its propane with the company.

Kirchner also reported that the Town Hall renovations are coming along well and may be done a month ahead of schedule.

At this point in the meeting, 7:20 pm, the Board left the room and went into executive session to discuss a personnel matter and a financial matter. They returned at 7:35. No comment was made regarding the session.

The Board’s final business was to authorize the purchase of a portable heater for the recycling facility from the Grafton Volunteer Fire Company for $975.

A motion was made to pay all bills as audited, and the meeting was adjourned.