The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Brewery On The Walloomsac About To Start Production

eastwickpress — Sat, 18 May 2013 00:41:02 +0000

by Bea Peterson
It’s almost there. Garry and Kelly Brown’s dream of a brewery on the Walloomsac River in North Hoosick in the old Flomatic plant is very close to reality – very, very close. On Thursday, May 9, a tour of the plant showed all the equipment in place. Tour guide Gregg Stacy, Brown’s Vice President and Director of Marketing and Sales, said they were just waiting for some manufactured parts to arrive so they can begin brewing.
[private]The brewery, a labor of love, has been five years in the making at a cost of three million dollars. Stacy said Garry, working with Marty Miller, Peter Martin and several others, has done much of the work himself. He has found equipment on ebay, removed a floor and installed a new one to accommodate the vats that sit partway below floor level and built the stainless steel open fermenting tubs, for example.

The brewmaster can check out the brewing process on either level through this hole in the floor. (Bea Peterson photo)

The Browns, residents of Hoosick, opened Brown’s Brewing Company in Troy in 1993. It took three years of hard work to turn the River Street building, gutted by fire, into a fully operational craft brewery. It was the first brewery restaurant in the Capital Region and is New York State’s largest brewpub and the 25th largest in the Country. “That’s one of the reasons this project has taken so long,” said Stacy. “The restaurant has been so successful that it’s hard to find time to work on the brewery.” But work they must if they want to expand their beer sales. Ninety percent of the beer made at the pub is sold there. They currently brew 3,000 barrels of beer a year. When the new brewery is at capacity they will brew 20,000 barrels a year. A barrel holds 31 gallons.
Stacy finds it interesting that both Brown’s sites are on rivers and both are old buildings that have been restored.
The tour of the new facility began in the four vessel brewhouse where grain and water start the process. There is a hole in the floor that will have a stairway for the brewers to easily get from one level to the other. On Friday access near the vats was by ladder. On that level there is also a quality control lab and open fermenters that look like swimming pools. Stacy said this is a European and west coast style of fermentation, very much organic. On the lower level are the closed fermenters and the bottom of the vats that are upstairs. This part of the building has a removable roof making it easy to put in bigger vats. There is also a cooler and storage space. The building has its own well and waste water treatment plant.

The bottling facility is ready to go. (Bea Peterson photo)

The next stop was the bottle filling machines. Stacy said Brown purchased the bottling machinery from a west coast company. Popular in that part of the country are 12 ounce bottles that are shorter and fatter than the slim long necked bottles popular here. The least expensive route was to purchase new bottles and packaging. Hence, the new Brown’s beer will be in new style bottles.
The adjoining building, which we didn’t tour, will be used for storage, shipping and receiving.
The Browns have big plans for the future of the brewery. The first order of business, however, is brewing beer and getting it to the distributor. It will be distributed to Stewart’s, Hannafords and Price Choppers throughout the area. The goal is to distribute throughout New York, into Vermont and Massachusetts, but no further.
Brown’s is not hiring at the moment, and it will be a year or so before a tasting room is open. It will not have a restaurant. The landscape around the buildings is bleak. Stacy can already see how it will look in the future with attractive landscaping. There will be tables and chairs near the entrance to the tasting room. The tasting room itself will have a bar curved to match the open archway of the original building. The “boneyard” where extra equipment is stored will be used to grow hops and barley. With 40 acres, some on the other side of the River, there is plenty of room for expansion.
Still further into the future the building will have a hydro power plant, as it did originally. And solar panels will heat the water for brewing.

One day Brown’s Brewery will utilize the hydro-power of the Walloomsac River. (Bea Peterson photo)

A yeast brink was being welded last Thursday. May 9. Used yeast is stored and dried in it to be used again. (Bea Peterson photo)

These closed fermenters are ready for the beer to be brewed. (Bea Peterson photo)

The old Flomatic plant is now Brown’s Walloomsac Brewery. Note the new grain silo. (Bea Peterson photo)

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Stephentown Motocross Hearing Draws Huge Crowd

eastwickpress — Sat, 18 May 2013 00:31:12 +0000

by David Flint
Over 100 persons crowded into the Stephentown Town Hall Tuesday evening at a public hearing on Howard Commander’s proposed Motocross track. But those hoping to hear a decision after three years of talk will have to wait another week. [private]The hearing lasted for about 3½ hours during which 56 persons were heard, 24 speaking in favor of the track and 32 in opposition. At the end of it Zoning Board of Appeals Chairman Roland Barth announced that a SEQR Findings Statement would have to be prepared before the Board can vote on granting or denying the requested zoning variance. Consulting Engineer Michael Bianchino of CHA will assist the Board in drafting this statement, and a special meeting for the vote was set for Wednesday, May 22, at 7 pm.
The decision may hinge largely on the conditions for a use variance set in NY Town Law 267-b which the Board’s attorney, Craig Crist, read at the beginning of the hearing. The law states that, “No such use variance shall be granted by a board of appeals without a showing by the applicant that applicable zoning regulations and restrictions have caused unnecessary hardship. In order to prove such unnecessary hardship the applicant shall demonstrate…that…(1) the applicant cannot realize a reasonable return, provided that lack of return is substantial as demonstrated by competent financial evidence; (2) that the alleged hardship relating to the property in question is unique and does not apply to a substantial portion of the district or neighborhood; (3) that the requested use variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the neighborhood, and (4) that the alleged hardship has not been self-created.”
As Commander’s attorney Francis Roche acknowledged in his brief statement, there was nothing new to be offered at this meeting. The arguments from both sides have been pretty much exhausted over many months of deliberations. Roche believed that whichever way the Board voted, the courts would probably support their decision. The opposing neighbors’ attorney, Lewis Oliver, disagreed as usual. He thought the courts would definitely uphold their decision if they denied the variance, but he promised a successful Article 78 challenge should they grant the variance.
Oliver and many of those commenting in opposition were adamant that Commander has not met the four criteria above. They say he has not submitted financial documents proving hardship and that the little evidence he has submitted – a 2010 tax bill – shows he suffered a hardship of only $450 (his tax minus the income he got from leasing the land for agricultural use), and that hardship they say, self-caused by the noise from his own Speedway and Drag Strip, is not unique but applies to the whole neighborhood. Moreover, they believe it is clear that the noise, dust and traffic from a Motocross track would certainly change the character of the neighborhood. Commander bought the property, they argue, knowing that it was in a residential zone, thus more evidence his hardship was self-created.
The opposing neighbors also repeated their arguments that granting the variance would cause their property values to decline further and the Town’s tax base along with them. One abutting neighbor, Virginia Van Valkenburgh Powell, provided a real estate appraisal showing that the decrease in her property value would be 15% or $30,000 should the Motocross track be built. The noise from the Speedway and Drag Strip has increased considerably over the years, they said, and there is no compelling reason to increase it further by, in effect, expanding New Lebanon’s commercial zoning into Stephentown. They feared it would set a precedent and that the Motocross track would surely expand just as Commander’s New Lebanon facilities have. It would benefit a few and harm many, they said.
Roche and proponents of Motocross and of granting the variance argued that Commander had indeed suffered financial hardship by not being able to use the land for any profitable use. When he bought the land Roche said the law was very unclear on the concept of self-created hardship. Proponents said that the noise would be minimal – Motocross bikes are limited to 94 decibels – and that it would not alter the character of the neighborhood because noise has always characterized this area, even before the Speedway. Some argued that the property in question, adjacent to the Speedway, should never have been zoned residential. In any case, they believed that no laws are set in stone and the law does provide for change and variances to zoning.
What is needed now in Stephentown’s deteriorating economy, they said, is business and jobs and things for kids to do so that people will want to live here. They believed that the Speedway and Drag Strip have been good for New Lebanon and that the Motocross would attract people and bring revenue to Stephentown. They spoke passionately that it would be good for kids and families and young people would learn the value of work, teamwork, honesty, camaraderie, team building and responsibility and develop self-esteem and confidence. Other towns such as Southwick, MA, have demonstrated that you can have a successful Motocross track in a residential area and not drive out the neighbors. It would benefit many and harm few, they said.
Howard Commander himself had the last word. He noted that according to New Lebanon assessment records, people who have sold property in the area of the Speedway have always sold for considerably more than they paid when they bought. He noted, too, that he had spent years trying to get a Go Kart track in New Lebanon when many worried about the additional noise. When it was all done, the noise problem turned out to be of no consequence and now kids are having fun there. He would now like to see kids in Stephentown having fun on a piece of land that otherwise has no real use. Commander expressed exasperation at how long it has been necessary to keep fighting for this. “To go through this for three years, it’s just not right,” he concluded.

A crowd estimated at over 100 people attended the final public hearing of the Stephentown Zoning Board of Appeals regarding Howard Commander’s proposed Motocross park. Commander can be seen seated at the far right. Photo by Pat Flint.

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Village Of Hoosick Falls Board Action – HAYC3 Seeks $60,500 Loan From Village

eastwickpress — Sat, 18 May 2013 00:28:34 +0000

by Bea Peterson
All the chairs in the Hoosick Falls Village Board meeting room on Tuesday, May 14, were filled. Other people either stood against the walls or sat on the floor. Many of those attending the meeting were HFCS students completing their Government class assignment.
At the start of the third hour of the meeting Mayor David Borge began a discussion of the agenda item on Economic Development guidelines. He suggested the $10,000 cap limit be lifted and that each business approaching the Board for Economic Development funds be judged on its own merit. [private]He gave an example of a business person in the Village who wanted to start a second business here and needed funding. The person didn’t approach the Board because funds needed were over the cap. That person then started the second business outside the Village. He suggested that every applicant have an opportunity to speak to his or her request and that the business be looked at individually and judged on its merit. Trustee Ric DiDonato added that it was important that any business applying for Economic Development funding should present the Board with a legitimate and viable business plan. The Mayor also clarified that the Board can charge from zero to three percent interest for these loans.
Next Mayor Borge suggested that not-for-profits be eligible to apply for Development funds. Trustee Robert Downing raised the issue that not-for-profits are not tax paying businesses. Another question raised was a not-for-profit’s ability to repay such a loan. Mayor Borge said he had spoken with HUD (Housing and Urban Development), the originator of the Village’s grant money and the agency had no problem with either change. Though not mentioned at the meeting, neither issue should have been a problem as the Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation is a not-for-profit and it has been paying off a huge Economic Development loan to the Village for years and the precedent had been set. The majority of the Board agreed to lifting the cap and approved allowing not-for-profits to apply. Downing voted no to the changes.
HAYC3
The ink was barely dry on the changes when HAYC3 Executive Director Aelish Nealon asked the Board for a loan of $60,500 to make safety and code upgrades to the Armory. Her request was supported by Village Building Inspector Ed Holland and engineer Bill Cottrell.
Nealon said years ago that the Armory was a communal hub. “The community wants it to be that way again. We want everybody of all ages to use the building. We’ve been given our marching orders,” she said. “And that is to make the Armory a true communal place.” In order to do that the building must deal with several safety issues, such as easy egress from the lower level in case of fire. The lower level is not handicap accessible and is difficult for seniors to navigate. The building does not have a handicap accessible bathroom. There needs to be better exit signs, and the fire alarm system and fire hoses need to be upgraded.
A primary question was how HAYC3 could repay the loan. Nealon said HAYC3 had been operating in the black for several years now. She said every space in the Armory is rented. She added that they have grant funding but most of that funding must go back into the community. “What we don’t have is brick and motor grants,” she said. A big community desire is for a Food Co-op. If the building was upgraded and the Food Co-op in operation, then HAYC3 could apply for employment grants. “These necessary safety and code issues are stopping us from economic development,” said Nealon. The HAYC3 Board would like to get the Co-op going as soon as possible. Nealon added that she would not be comfortable having large parties or wedding receptions in the building until the improvements are made. Cottrell believes all the work could be done in three months. Holland believes it can be done within the price range presented to the Board.
No business plan was submitted with the request. Nealon said the HAYC3 Board was working on it and it should be ready by their meeting on May 28 or 29. Mayor Borge sensed some urgency in the request, and he suggested the Village Board hold a special meeting on June 4 to review the business plan and the loan request. The Board agreed.
When asked, the Mayor said the Economic Development Fund has two accounts. One has $110,000 in it and the other has $250,000. He said they would use the larger account if there was to be a loan. In answer to another question, he said almost all of the outstanding loans are being paid back on a regular basis.
Use For The Old Waterworks Building
Mayor Borge said he had been approached by Hoosick Falls Fire Chief Carlton Coon to use the old waterworks building as a training facility. At the moment the closest training facility is in Wynantskill. He said firefighter training is required and it is costly to take a truck that far, plus the time involved. The Police Department could also benefit from such a training facility. The Mayor said he has talked with Rensselaer County Safety Coordinator Kelly Paslow and he supports the proposal. He assured the Board the building will not be set afire. The training would involve getting people in and out of a building, for example. There is a hydrant nearby as well. Building Inspector Holland said the building is deteriorating. It will cost $30,000 to fix it up. Perhaps there are Fire Department or Police Department grants that would help with the cost. Otherwise the Village is looking at $20 to $30,000 to take the building down.
Since the site is near the Greenway and the Youth Ball Fields,there were concerns about when these training exercises would take place, especially when it was mentioned that departments in other towns might like to use the facility. Trustee Downing, who lives nearby, was very concerned about the hours and noise involved. When the subject of Police training came up he expressed concern about gunfire. He was assured there would be no gunfire. Since the Fire Chief was at a training session and unable to attend the meeting no action was taken on the proposal.
Letter Answered
HFCS third grader Gabriella St. Hilaire, a student in Mrs. Burdick’s class wrote a letter to Mayor Borge as part of a classroom assignment. The Mayor invited her to come to the meeting where she read her letter aloud. It was a daunting task in front of a very large crowd. In her letter she told the Mayor that the Town is very nice, but why doesn’t it have nice sidewalks. She said they aren’t safe and it is very difficult for her to ride her bike because the sidewalks aren’t smooth. The Mayor told her, “we’re going to fix the sidewalks.” He said the Village does have some money to fix some of the sidewalks because “we want everyone to be safe.” He said they will try to get some of them fixed this summer. He added that when the sidewalk is fixed he will contact her and she can come and put her initials in the corner of the new sidewalk. The Mayor said Highway Superintendent Neil Stowell doesn’t like it when people do that, but this time he “will let it slide.” He thanked Gabriella for her letter and said “one person can really make a difference.”
Pavilion At Ball Fields
The Town of Hoosick Youth Baseball and Softball requested permission from the Board to construct a 32×24 foot pavilion behind the backstop and in front of the Greenway at the ballfields. The permeant open structure would have a gravel floor and, possibly a metal roof. There would be picnic tables in it. It would provide shade, an eating area and a place to get out of inclement weather. It would be especially welcoming during tournaments. If the Board approved the request, it would be completed this season. The Board approved.
TV Station
At the start of the meeting the Mayor made several announcements. He said television channel 14 would be moving back to the Municipal Building from the Armory because of technical difficulties. He expects it will be back in operation within a couple of weeks.
Village Cleanup
Mayor Borge said he was very pleased with the Village Cleanup Day. He said over 200 volunteers and a lot or organizations were involved in a coordinated effort and they did a great job. He said people have told him they are starting to notice a difference in the appearance of the Village.
Tops
The Grand Union store will officially become a Tops Market during grand opening ceremonies on May 28. The Mayor said the company is committed to staying in the Village and that is a good sign.
He added that the HFCS budget is up for vote on Tuesday, May 21. “Please go, please vote,” he said.
He also mentioned that the Hoosac School has a group of volunteers in their Hoosac Cares program that are willing to help people in the community. To find out about the program contact the headmaster Dean Foster at headmaster@hoosac.org.
The issue of properties not being maintained came up. The Mayor stated, “we are not the Lawn Police,” but if properties are neglected they should be reported. He said if elderly or disabled or financially strapped people cannot maintain their properties to let the Village know because there are often agencies to help.
The Mayor said he has looked into refinancing the bonds for the water and sewer plants and he has been informed that the Village has got the best dealing going right now.
On Friday Monolith Solar will start putting solar panels at the Municipal Building and both water plants.
Downing reported that the recycling is paying off. The Village has a credit of $11,800 for recycled materials. Electronics can now be dropped off at the Transfer Station.
DiDonato reported that the Village website is being used more and more and more calendar events are being submitted. He said Pat Bakaitis has completed the clearing of the upper section of the Greenway.
Purchase Streetsweeper
Trustee Bob Ryan suggested the Village purchase a used streetsweeper instead of renting one. He said it was definitely within the Highway budget and would pay off in the long term. The Board agreed to advertise for bids for a used sweeper. Bids should be received by June 7.
Trustee Kevin O’Malley said there was a major water break on Hoosick St. that was repaired. The Mayor added that the repair under the railroad tracks went quickly once permission was received from the railroad. O’Malley, Trustee Ben Patten and the Mayor all commended Water Wastewater Plants and Highway personnel for working very well together and being very professional.
No Grease
O’Malley said there are issues of household grease plugging sewer line. He asked that residents not pour grease down the sink. Rags are another item that block sewer lines as well.
Revitalization Committee
The Mayor set up a Revitalization Committee and appointed Trustees Ric DiDonato and Ben Patten to serve on that Committee. Members are Dennis Casey, Ken Facin, Jim Martinez, Ellen Scott, Mark Surdam, Jackie Stroffoleno and Fr. Tom Zelker. The Mayor has given them a copy of the Economic Development Plan of 2005 for review. He said he hopes the group can come up with some ideas for the community no later than September.
A representative of LaBerge Group addressed the Board regarding upcoming NYS Main Street Development Grants. He said it is important for communities to link together to get any of the $30,000,000 that will be available statewide. His company is willing to work with communities to put together a regional plan or a greater Hoosick plan. He used the Town park and pool as an example. He said it is extremely difficult for small communities to get any of this money without outside help.
In other business the Board approved:
¥ a peddlers license for three months for Kyle DeGraff
¥ the appointment of Josh Magisano as permanent Assistant Water Treatment Operator
¥ the appointment of Holly Snyder as assistant Deputy Clerk on an as needed basis for data entry
¥ the appointment of Michael Gordon as a part time Police Officer
The Board went into executive session to discuss a personnel issue.[/private]

Another Public Hearing On The New Lebanon Sidewalks Project

eastwickpress — Sat, 18 May 2013 00:24:04 +0000

by Thaddeus Flint
The first public hearing on the New Lebanon Sidewalks Project, held at the Town Hall back in March, was so popular not everyone could get in. Some had wondered if it should really be considered a Public Hearing if only a tiny portion of the public could get in.
While the design firm behind the project, Creighton Manning of Albany, insisted that the requirements for a hearing had been met, New Lebanon Town Supervisor Mike Benson decided to hold a second hearing Monday night, May 13. This one was held in the high school gymnasium, which accommodated everyone, and nobody had to stand out by the bathrooms or in the parking lot like last time.
[private]This second hearing also was to be a bit different in that when residents asked questions there would be answers.
“The rules were somewhat restrictive,” admitted Benson of the first hearing. “This is a little bit more informal.”
Being more informal allowed the Board and Creighton Manning to answer questions this time – well at least to reply to questions. There is a lot of information on the project, but specific answers to specific questions were a bit more elusive.
According to Don Adams, the Project Manager from Creighton Manning, the sidewalks would run 1½ miles on the north side of Routes 20 and 22 from Lover’s Lane to the high school. There are four options, with the cheapest being to do nothing and the most expensive costing around $1.55 million. Funding is expected to come largely from the Federal Government which would cover 80% of costs. The remaining 20% was described as being “local,” with Columbia County possibly contributing 15% of that 20% and the rest being left for the Town of New Lebanon to pay for.
As with many public projects, it turns out nobody really knows the exact cost yet. NYSDOT funding is “uncertain,” admitted Adams, although he expects they will contribute something seeing as how it is their road and it will need repairing anyway. The DOT also doesn’t agree with the figures Creighton Manning has put together. Instead of $1.55 million, they are leaning closer to $3 million, which would then double the current estimates for resident responsibility.
Getting a feel for how residents as a whole view the project is difficult. There were decent numbers in attendance both for and against the project, although those against were a bit more vocal. It’s possible people against projects are also more prone to attending public hearings. Perhaps they talk louder too. How the Chatham Courier came to the conclusion though that “Most NL residents don’t want sidewalks,” as their headline proclaimed after the March hearing, is curious. At most there were around 80 people at that hearing. For a Town with a population that hovers around 2,000 that would give only a sampling of about 4% of residents if everyone provided their opinion, which certainly was not the case.
Some want better numbers, and for them there is no better way than holding a referendum.
“If the Town Board really listened to its constituent,” said resident Kevin Smith, “they would put it to a referendum.” This sentiment was echoed by many others in the room.
Will there be a referendum? “We haven’t made that determination yet,” said Benson.
Councilman Matt Larabee, however, had a made a determination. He welcomed a referendum. “Whatever they want, I will go along with,” he said he said of the residents.
Some then wanted to know how to go about forcing a referendum. “It’s in the Town Law,” pointed out Councilman Bruce Baldwin.
Some wanted more detail than that. Baldwin wasn’t going to look it up for them. “It’s so simple it’s ridiculous. Consult the Town Law,” he advised. “If the community wants a referendum they need to present it.”
“This is a democracy!” someone voiced. Actually American government is organized as a republic. If it were truly a democracy there would be a referendum on everything. “It would get down to [Town Clerk Colleen Teal] wanting to buy pencils and somebody will say ‘let’s have a referendum!’” said resident and former Councilman Monty Wasch. “Our referendums happen every two years; we elect these people,” he said.
This was why the Board was sitting there listening to the residents for the second time. “We are here as a Town Board to understand what our constituents want,” said Benson.
One thing most residents wanted was to save the middle turning lane. One plan would eliminate it in the hopes of “traffic calming,” which is the calm that happens as traffic backs up to Pittsfield because someone going south wants to get a lottery ticket at Stewart’s on a Friday night during ski season. Whether for or against the sidewalks, the public seemed most united when it came to saving the turning lane.
According to Phyllis Hulbert of the Lebanon Valley Protective Association, “Since that center lane went in our accidents there have almost gone to zero.”
Safety, in fact, was one of the key reasons for the plan in the first place. Former School Board Member Michael Brutsch recalls that the Town wanted the school’s support of the original project because it was to go from the high school to Shatford Park. Now it goes the other way. Resident Ruth Frambach questioned the wisdom of a sidewalk to the business district from the high school. “Put it only up to the park,” she said, “instead of downtown to the OTB.”
Joan Phelps, who runs the Theater Barn, would prefer that it go further west. Instead of kids walking to the OTB you could have OTB patrons walking to the theater. “New Lebanon is more than one mile long,” said Phelps.
Resident Tistrya Hamilton said that “making a nice walkable downtown will not be achieved by these plans.” For one, they currently lack any way of getting across the street safely. Crosswalks was another feature most people seemed to want.
Would there be crosswalks? Adams couldn’t give an answer. That would be up to DOT. Even if crosswalks were to be added, there would be no southern sidewalk to cross to and no crossing button to stop traffic whilst crossing.
Another question that keeps getting asked is who is going to be responsible for the maintenance of the sidewalks. The Town would have to decide on that, explained Adams. Since that hasn’t been decided some residents can’t decide if they want to support the project or not. It’s possible the Town would take care of them. It’s also possible that the responsibility would remain with the landowners who no longer owned the land. “If they no longer own it they shouldn’t have to maintain it,” was resident Patricia Burnell’s opinion, and it seemed to be a popular one. Both Tony Murad and Wasch, who are members of the Lebanon Valley Business Association and who both support the sidewalks, said that they would propose that the LVBA take on the responsibility of sidewalk upkeep.
Possibly the most sensitive issue is that of eminent domain. If the sidewalks go in and the center lane is saved, private property will be needed. While Adams maintains that market value will be offered not everyone necessarily wants such an offer in the first place. Residents could decline the offer, but then it would be up to a State Judge. Declining the Judge’s finding is possible for those with the money to fund such legal endeavours, and it could go finally to an appeals process.
In the meantime Ed Godfroy suggested that Creighton Manning mark out the exact boundaries of the sidewalks so residents could see exactly how it would impact their homes and businesses. Godfroy also noted that many of the big trees along the way might be impacted.
Adams said, “We think that’s a great idea,” but it would have to wait until after a meeting with DOT this Friday. It might also have to wait until after the Town Board makes a decision to pursue the project further. The Board believed there was a lengthy period of time before any decisions needed to be made. This turns out not to be true, and an emergency meeting has been scheduled for May 21 at 7 pm in the Town Hall.[/private]

Car Accident

eastwickpress — Sat, 18 May 2013 00:22:27 +0000

On Wednesday afternoon at 2:50 pm the North Hoosick Fire Department, Hoosick Rescue and NY State Police responded to an accident at the corner of Route 67 and Cobble Hill Road. A compact car making a left turn onto Cobble Hill Road was rear-ended by a Ford SUV. The collision pushed the compact into the utility pole, causing considerable damage to the front end of the compact. It was undetermined if there were any injuries. (Steve Bradley photo)

Berlin Town Board Action – Open House At The Berlin Municipal Center

eastwickpress — Sat, 18 May 2013 00:20:15 +0000

by Kieron Kramer
There will be an open house at the Berlin Municipal Center from 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday, June 8, so members of the community can tour the facility first hand and enjoy some of the activities that will be taking place. The open house was announced at the Town Board meeting on Thursday, May 9. [private]According to Town Supervisor Rob Jaeger, the Taconic Valley Soccer Club will be active on its new fields Saturday from 9 to 10:30 am. The soccer goal posts have already been moved to the fields in Cherry Plain. Also, on Saturdays the Our Valley Community Farmers’ Market (OVCFM) sets up tables to sell local foodstuffs and products. Tammy Osterhout, who administers the Berlin Youth Commission’s summer programs, has already set up the art and crafts area on the second floor of the Town Hall, and she will be present at the open house to show parents around and answer questions about the summer programs.
Jaeger said that there would be vendors present, and he hopes there will be musical entertainment. Food will be available, too, some provided by the FCCLA under Dianne Mosher’s leadership and some provided by the Town. The Town Board agreed to spend “a couple of hundred dollars” on food for the event. “It will be a good time to have everyone gather,” Jaeger said, “and to take people through the facility to see what we’ve got.” “Pray for sunshine,“ Jaeger added.
The Town Board meeting began at 7:30 pm sharp thanks to the “timekeeper.” The “timekeeper” is Kathy Jaeger, the Supervisor’s better half, who directed him to begin the meeting. “May 10, fifty years ago is the date we met,” said Supervisor Jaeger, “so much for that blind date.” They will celebrate their 44th wedding anniversary in August he said.
Miracle Dog
Dog Control Officer Doug Goodermote reported on a busy Sunday with a pit bull. At the request of the Dog Officer in Sand Lake to carry out a court order Goodermote picked up a pit bull with a cast on one of its legs. He took it to Sand Lake who didn’t want it. Then he took it to Pittstown and then to the Veterinary Clinic in Troy. Nobody took it there either. “No one wanted this dog,” he said, “so I got it.” Goodermote was told that the dog needed to have its leg amputated and was discouraged from removing the cast because it was expected that the leg would be putrid. Back in the kennel in Cherry Plain the dog ditched the cast overnight by gnawing at it and was running around the next day with, according to Goodermote, no leg problems at all. Like a bad movie the dog had been miscast.
There was a dog problem on Dyken Pond, Goodermote said. There had been a court order 2½ years ago mandating that the dog be tied up. “They thought the order had worn off,” he said. Goodermote went up and reinstituted the order. There have also been lots of calls on lost dogs, but most found their way home, he said. There was quite a “strong” showing at the rabies clinic, he reported, and moving the clinic down to the Municipal Center in Cherry Plain had no bad effect, he added.
At last month’s meeting, Goodermote told a story about a dog call incident at the Crowe home. “I was just trying to inject a little humor, “ he said. The reaction at the time by those in attendance indicated that the injection worked. Apparently not everyone thought it was funny. “I caught hell for it,” Goodermote said.
Hearing On Dog Law
The revisions to the Dog Law that Goodermote has been seeking for months have been formulated and will be presented in a public hearing at 7 pm on June 13 before the next regular meeting. Local Law #2 of 2010, dealing with dogs, will be revised and “an ordinance to enforce peace and order, restrain dogs and generally regulate dog owners responsibilities in the Town of Berlin” will be presented. Both documents will be accessible on the Town website (http://berlin-ny.us/) before the hearing.
Fire In Garage Burns Down House
Code Enforcement Officer Allan Yerton said he had been called to a fire at “the top of the mountain” where a garage burned and took the house with it. According to Yerton, the connection between the two structures was constructed without a firewall. “Sometimes people are bothered by getting a permit, but they could use a little advice,” he said.
As happens every spring Yerton reminded people that a swimming pool with two foot high walls must be fenced. A pool with four foot high walls need only have the ladder fenced. Both pools must have a motion sensor alarm. The alarm must be audible inside and outside the building so it is very loud and shrill. Outdoor hot tubs must be fenced unless they have a locking lid. Yerton said that 84 infant lives had been saved in NYS in the last two years because of these regulations.
Ready To Go
Tammy Osterhout reported that the summer youth programs will be ready to go once the young adults are signed up to supervise the crafts and activities. Osterhout will, of course, have crafts for the younger kids but also wants to provide crafts for the older kids. The crafts theme for them will be “recycling,” and Osterhout is looking for donations of plastic materials like lids and especially plastic rain gutters. She hopes that the gutters can be turned into flower boxes for the new Town Hall. The Board voted to appoint Caitlyn Hungerford, Courtney Kellar, Joseph Sweener Jr. and Amanda Cinney to work in the summer program. Osterhout would like one more appointee, she said, but these were the only people who approached her.
The Board voted to sponsor a local youth to the Youth to Youth TRACs summit. The cost is $425, and the money would come out of the Youth Commission budget. The fee includes transportation, a motel room and meals, Osterhout said. She also said that only one youth submitted a letter requesting sponsorship. Board Members Richard deLeon and Tara Cinney both thought it would be nice if the young person would come to a Board meeting to report on the experience and what they learned at the summit. Cinney said, “This is money well spent.”
Municipal Center Work
Only one proposal to renovate the public and staff bathrooms in the Town Hall was received. It was from Joe Burdick, and the Board voted to accept the proposal. The final cost was not disclosed at this meeting. The work will start on June 6, and the job should be finished by June 11.
There was an extended discussion concerning the purchase of a mower to mow the fields at the Municipal Center. Due to FEMA reimbursements Highway Superintendent Jim Winn has enough money in his fund to purchase the mower. He wants to buy a commercial grade Ferris mower with a 61 inch deck for about $9,200. Winn thinks that the size of this high quality machine will give the best value considering the size of the area to be mowed. He feels that the Town will have to be prepared to mow the fields that the Taconic Valley Soccer Club committed to mowing. Mowing expenses was one of the considerations of those opposed to the purchase of the complex in Cherry Plain. Board Members deLeon and John Winn were not convinced that spending $9,200 on a mower was worth it. Finally, the Board voted 3-1 to authorize the mower purchase with John Winn voting no.
At a prior meeting, Cinney had suggested a running account of the money spent from the Capital Fund and Justice Grant on the complex. Jaeger presented her and the Board with a written accounting which was not made public at this meeting. For their community clean up day the Seventh Day Baptist Church has offered to do maintenance work and painting at the complex on Saturday of Memorial Day weekend.
Energy Bids
At this meeting it was determined that if the Board wishes to receive a bid for diesel fuel from Eagle Energy, as had been suggested by Kent Goodermote a while ago, it will have to wait until next February to start the process. At present the Town is part of the County bid for diesel, which it buys from Main-Care Energy, and can’t withdraw at this time. Participation in the County bid seems to be automatically renewed, but next year the Town can notify the County and withdraw from the County bid if done so by March.
Cars And Guinea Hens
Board Member John Winn asked what could be done about the cars parked on the edge of Route 22 across from the former Town garage. He has been getting calls from people about them who consider them a hazard. Jaeger said there are about eight cars parked there. Yerton said that the cars were not only parked on the State right of way but that some were registered and others are collectibles so the Town’s junk car ordinance does not apply. However, Yerton will ask the owner if there is any way he can park the cars elsewhere. And, apparently, an accident almost occurred there when people stopped to watch the five guinea hens from the property cross the road.
Other Business
Ivan Wager reported that some containers at the transfer station need to be repaired. He also said that Ed Jones is on sick leave and may not be able to return. Wager does not want to replace Jones if he can come back.
Chairman of Assessors Allan Yerton reported that no one came to the first grievance meeting.
ZBA Chairman J. Nicholas Adams said that he had received two inquiries on two different properties.
Water District #1 Supervisor Len Clapp said that the seasonal water system is up and running and has passed the annual inspection by the County Health Department. Water District #2 Supervisor Jim Winn said there “was nothing new” in that system.
As Highway Superintendent Winn said that the Highway Department has been grading and patching. “The [Cherry Plain] Square has been patched up so we can drive over it,” Winn said, and material has been put down in spots. Fifty tons of blacktop have been used so far.
Public Comment
The only public comment was a presentation by JoAnn Kellar. It was, essentially, the same as the letter she sent to this paper shortly after the story on last month’s Board meeting was published on April 19. She may have felt compelled to make the presentation because her letter was not published in the following issues and she did not know that it had appeared in the paper the very day of this meeting. She was quite nervous reading her statement, which made it more effective. After she finished the audience applauded and Board Member deLeon said, “Thank you for your support; I really appreciate it.” Referring to the resolution passed last month affirming support for the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, Supervisor Jaeger said that 54 counties and 242 towns in the State “have done what we have done.”
Just The Facts
One of the things Kellar asked for from this reporter in her presentation was no opinions – ”the facts, just the facts” So here is a fact – there are 932 towns and 62 cities in New York State.[/private]

Grafton Town Board Action – New Bookkeeper Appointed

eastwickpress — Sat, 18 May 2013 00:14:58 +0000

by Alex Brooks
Grafton Town Supervisor Frank Higgins appointed Maureen Seel as the Bookkeeper for the Town of Grafton, and the Board approved the appointment. Seel is the Bookkeeper for Berlin, Pittstown and Stephentown. Higgins said he is very impressed with her command of the accounting software and her knowledge of Town finance.
[private]In a conversation with former Bookkeeper Carrie Minkler at public comment time, Higgins said he had decided to keep the bookkeeping operations “in-house,” meaning the bills and vouchers would stay at the Town Hall and the work would be done in the Town Hall. He also mentioned that there were about a hundred journal entries that should have been made in 2012 that were not made. Minkler asked if the books had been reconciled for 2012 and the report for 2012 readied to send to the Comptroller. Higgins said no, not yet, but Seel is working on it. A report on the Town’s finances for 2012 required by the Comptroller is overdue. Higgins thanked Minkler for her service to the Town during her time as bookkeeper.
The Comptroller’s Office did an audit of the Town’s books in December and January, but they have not produced their report yet.
Trail Riders Variance
A resolution was presented to give the Grafton Trail Riders a variance to allow overnight camping on their property at 29 Trail Riders Way for a total of 60 hours this year. The resolution was similar to last year’s variance, but instead of being confined only to the Over the Mountain event in late September, it allowed one night of camping in late July also, as long as the total number of hours when there are five or more trailers or RVs on the site does not exceed 60 hours.
Marie Claus saw this as an expansion of the permit despite the 60 hour limit being the same because it allowed two weekends rather than one. Rick Ungaro agreed, and when a vote was taken, Michael Crandall joined them in voting against it so the variance was not approved.
The Trail Riders Club had suggested that they split their hours into 16 hours for the Members Weekend, from 8 pm July 27 to noon on July 28, leaving 44 hours for the Over the Mountain Weekend, from 8 pm Friday September 27 to 4 pm on Sunday September 29.
The dispute seemed to center around whether campers arrived before 8 pm and whether that counts as part of their 60 hours. Neighbor Linda Laveway said trailers normally arrive for these events in the morning so the 8 pm start time for camping is misleading. The Club seemed to believe that what they do during the daytime is not camping, so it should not be included in the time allotted for camping. Code Enforcement Officer Tom Withcuskey tried to finesse this dispute by making the resolution say that the 60 hour clock starts running as soon as the fifth camping rig arrives, whenever that might be, but the Board wouldn’t accept that.
Jean Gaudet, an attorney who has been helping the Trail Riders with this matter, said she and the Club have been working closely with Code Enforcement Officer Tom Withcuskey to formulate a resolution that addressed everyone’s concerns, and the resolution had been vetted by the Town Attorney and even some State officials since the law governing campgrounds is a state law. She said she was very surprised that the Board would reject an agreement that had been worked out with so much consultation and preparation. “I’m surprised that you would not support Tom and the Town attorney after they put quite a bit of work into crafting this resolution,” She said there is no basis for denying this variance since it complies with the guidelines set out in the State law. She concluded by saying the Trail Riders are a group that has been in Grafton for 65 years and has been a good citizen and a part of the community all that time. She asked the Board to reconsider its action.
Payroll Improvement
The Board approved a change in the way it handles health insurance on the Town payroll. This is an option offered by the IRS which allows the Town to pay health insurance premiums with pre-tax dollars. Supervisor Higgins called it a “win-win” for the Town and its employees since it saves the Town a little money and also reduces payroll taxes for the employees.
Security Cameras
In response to ongoing concerns about security in the Town Hall, Higgins solicited three proposals for having security cameras installed in the Town Hall. The lowest bid was from ECB Business Communications for $2,380. The Board accepted the bid to have the cameras installed.
Departments
Code Enforcement Officer Tom Withcuskey said 11 building permits have been issued this year, and there are 30 outstanding permits from previous years.
The Rescue Squad responded to 16 calls in April, logged 69 volunteer hours in the ambulance and traveled 374 miles. Captain Donna Baldwin reminded the public to display house numbers prominently so the ambulance can find the house in an emergency and to check expiration dates on epi-pens and inhalers as it is the time of year when allergic reactions are more common. She said there are currently 13 members, and new members are encouraged to apply, as the busiest time of year is approaching with the opening of the State Park.
Assessor Craig Surprise noted that the Pictometry fly-over has been completed which will soon give him access to data needed for a revaluation. He also reminded the public that Grievance Day will be June 4, from 4 to 8 pm.
The Youth Commission Easter Egg hunt was attended by 75 children. Its Earth Day event was attended by 12 children. An indoor rock climbing event is planned for later in May.
The Dog Control Officer reported receiving nine calls in April. One lost dog is still missing, a black lab named Pearl. Four dogs were reported to be at large, two of which were impounded. There were three nuisance barking complaints and one complaint of “a rooster infringing on the rights of a dog.” The rooster was apparently harassing the dog so that the dog was scared to go outside in its own yard. Dog Officer Rick Bly said that although the rooster was trespassing on the dog’s property, “I have no statutory authority over chickens,” so he asked the neighbors to get together to discuss the problem.
Supervisor Higgins started to read out loud a document submitted by Grafton resident Michael Rootes, but stopped after a paragraph or so when he realized it was ten pages of dense scientific prose primarily about the government spraying toxic materials into the air. Although most of these allegations were poorly documented, the essay did point to one report prepared by the GAO for Senator Harry Reid about the military spraying aluminum particles known as “chaff.” This was invented in World War II to blind enemy radar and is still used today in combat situations. Air Force training flights sometimes spray “chaff.” This may be a problem near some of the Air Force practice ranges, but it is not clear why the Grafton Town Board needs to take up this matter.[/private]

New Lebanon Town Board Action – Town Will Not Take Over Road

eastwickpress — Sat, 18 May 2013 00:12:20 +0000

by Thaddeus Flint
Residents who live in the Covenant Circle development in New Lebanon might feel like they are running around in circles sometimes. One of those times was Tuesday night when the Town Board, at their monthly meeting, authorized a letter to the Covenant Circle Homeowners’ Association basically denying their request to have their road taken over by the Town.
[private]While the Town does not come out and say it will never take over the roadway, it does set down a lengthy list of requirements and conditions that must be met before the Town will consider it.
The letter, signed by Town Supervisor Mike Benson, states, “It appears that while there were discussions during the subdivision process about the possibility of the Town of New Lebanon accepting a dedication of the roadways, said highway dedication was conditioned upon the following: a) construction of the roadways in accordance with the Town Highway Specifications; b) certification by a licensed engineer that the constructed roadways met the highway specifications, and c) a formal offer of the roadways to the Town of New Lebanon by the developer. Unfortunately, none of the foregoing conditions were met by the developer or the homeowner’s association.”
A copy of the letter was first provided to the Town Highway Superintendent, Jeff Weinstock, who raised no objection to its content Tuesday. Copies were then provided to members of the Covenant Circle Homeowners’ Association who were in attendance. They exited the meeting with their letters without any comment.
At the February Board meeting Weinstock had been of the opinion that the road needed quite a bit of work. “It wasn’t built to Town specs,” pointed out Weinstock. Craig Trombley, who lives on Covenant Circle, had said, “We don’t have the money to do what needs to be done.”
Closing The Landfill
What needs to be done to permanently close the Town’s old landfill, however, might actually get done and without much money needed at all. A plan has passed two County committees and could go before the County Board of Supervisors as soon as June. When asked how much it will cost, Benson replied, “If I did this right, nothing. But the deal isn’t done yet.”
While the Town could be responsible for maintenance costs for some thirty years, a State grant has been applied for that could cover those expenses as well.
Town Hall Landscaping
In the meantime, before beautifying the dump, the Town will be beautifying its new Town Hall. Councilman Bruce Baldwin is working on some landscaping plans with Phyllis Stoller, who he described as a professional. “She knows her stuff,” he said. Maple Lane Nursery in Valatie has offered the Town wholesale prices on various trees and shrubs. A request by Baldwin for $1,329 to fund the landscaping was authorised with all in favor. Baldwin has set aside May 23 and 24 as planting days and asked that any members of the public interested in helping contact him before hand.
The Town of Stephentown seems to have already donated some trees. According to Baldwin, who is also working on flood and erosion planning, Hurricane Irene dragged some trees away from the Town’s northerly neighbor. “We are going to try and get Stephentown to come and get them back,” laughed Baldwin.
Tag Sale
The New Lebanon Historical Society will be hosting a tag sale Memorial Day weekend, and the Town Board graciously donated some surplus items from its very near history. “Just as long as we don’t get it back,” quipped Councilman Matt Larabee. A laptop, probably the only thing of any value however, will be added to the ever growing arsenal of cutting edge tools available to the Town’s Historian, Kevin Fuerst.
Art Car Parade
And finally, the Town Board unanimously endorsed the first Art Car parade and barbecue which will be put on by the Lebanon Valley Business Association sometime in the autumn. The first parade is expected to be rather small, but with Lebanon Valley Speedway onboard, the LVBA’s President, Fiona Lally, wrote that “they hope it will grow annually.”[/private]

The BCS Budget And Board Vote

eastwickpress — Sat, 18 May 2013 00:09:10 +0000

by Thaddeus Flint
The Berlin Central School District budget vote will be held Tuesday, May 21, at the Berlin Elementary School from 12 to 9 pm.
Voters will be able to cast their ballots either for or against the 2013-2014 budget of $17,861,948, which would be $423,000 more than the current year’s budget. The proposed increase to the tax levy is 1.95%.
[private]In comparison, neighboring districts show the following tax levies:
New Lebanon 0%
Hoosick Falls +2.67
Averill Park +2.99%
Chatham +3.6%
Brittonkill +4.94
Bus Purchase
Residents will also be able to vote on the purchase of a 66 passenger bus which would cost not more than $140,000.
Three Candidates For The Board
Finally, residents will get to vote on the people running for three open seats on the Berlin Central School District Board of Education. All three seats are three year terms.
What’s interesting about the School Board election this year is that it’s already over. Board Members John Nash, Bev Stewart and Alan Webster Jr. are not running for re-election. These three are known to residents as the “No” voters because they have continued to vote against a bond authorization which would fund a large repair project at the Elementary School, a project they see as fundamentally flawed.
Nash, Stewart and Webster Jr. were asked to comment on whether their refusal to run for re-election was decided together. Only Stewart chose to respond saying, “This was a not a collective decision between the three of us.” “I made the decision not to run again individually, based on what was best for my family,” added Stewart.
Since no other residents chose to run for a School Board seat, the new School Board members as of July 1 will be Rachel Finney from Stephentown, Jeffrey Paine from Grafton and Elizabeth Miller from Berlin. All three have already served terms on the Berlin School Board.
In 2011 Finney won a seat vacated by Board President John Green, who stepped down in November 2010. She beat Andrew Zlotnick of Petersburgh who then contested the election. Finney was replaced in 2012 by current Board Member Katie Fiske.
Miller served two terms and was replaced by Board President Jim Willis in 2011.
Paine served until he was beaten by Webster Jr. in 2010.[/private]

HFCS Budget Vote On Tuesday

eastwickpress — Sat, 18 May 2013 00:07:17 +0000

by Bea Peterson
Hoosick Falls Central School district voters will go to the school on Tuesday, May 21, from 9 am to 9 pm to vote on the 2013-2014 budget. The proposed budget is $21,794,527 with a tax levy increase of 2.67 percent. Residents will be voting on a school bus proposition that carries no tax impact.
Board Candidates
[private]Donald Scott, Richard Ferrannini and Rachel V. Boisvert are running unopposed for seats on the School Board. Scott could not be reached by phone for comment, but Ferrannini, who is running for a second term, said it has been a rewarding experience and he is happy to serve again. “There are a lot of positive things going on in the District,” he added. He said he is having a good time and serving is not a chore. Ric, his wife Beth and his two sons are all HFCS graduates. “I have a two year old grandson,” he said, “and I want the school to be ready for him.”
Rachel Boisvert and her husband Patrick and their daughter Kennedy have lived in Hoosick Falls since 2006. She is a deaf and hard of hearing specialist and teacher in Arlington, VT. She wants to serve on the Board, she said, because she is invested in the kids here and the community. She wants to continue the work that is being done at the school in pursuit of educational excellence. “They are doing fantastic work there,” she said. “The teachers and staff are so invested in the school, and I want to be part of that.” [/private]