by David Flint
The New York State Constitution provides for an “aging” process whereby State bills must “age” on legislators’ desks for at least three days before final passage. Kind of like that, the Stephentown Town Board last month, following a public hearing on a new law providing for alternate members on the Zoning and Planning Boards, tabled its passage in order to allow a bit more consideration by Councilmen and the public. At this month’s Town Board meeting on Monday, the new local law was deemed to have aged enough, and the Board adopted it as Local Law #2 of 2011. The Board is now looking for civic minded people to fill the two unpaid positions. They passed another resolution authorizing the positions to be advertised, with letters of interest and resumes to be submitted by July 15.
The term of appointment is two years. Alternates serve with full powers on their respective boards whenever a regular member is absent or unable to participate on an application or matter before the board. They are required to attend all meetings if possible and to stay up to date on matters before the board. They must also complete all training required of regular members, but the cost of the training is provided by the Town.
Highway Department Bills
Going through the bills to be paid, Town Supervisor Larry Eckhardt noted that Highway Department spending for the month at $95,348 was more than usual. That’s because more than half of it was the second payment on the Town’s new road grader purchased last year. There is one more payment to go next year in the amount of about $54,000. In addition to that the Department has been busy getting 130 loads of gravel ($10,157) and purchasing oil, diesel fuel ($6,963), material for chip sealing and other needed parts for trucks and equipment.
Transfer Station Revenue Improves
In the absence of Councilman Mark Prescott there was no Transfer Station report, but Eckhardt said he believed that for the first time in a long time revenue from the Transfer Station exceeded the monthly fee from ERCSWMA. We are coming to a point, he said, where the charges at the Transfer Station are at least paying for the haulage rate.
Moore Hill Road
The Board passed a resolution indicating the Town’s intent to continue to maintain the right of way in front of the Kurkjian residence on North Moore Hill Road. This right of way existed both before and after the Highway Department two years ago straightened out that portion of the road, eliminating a dangerous curve. In order to do this the Town entered into an agreement with landowners to swap right of way for small pieces of land.
Welcome To Stephentown
Eckhardt said he had been talking with Kevin Doherty of the Montauk Sign Company in Stephentown about designing a welcome sign for the approach to the Town. Doherty had designed and constructed a sign for New Lebanon. It is made of a composite material designed to last a long time. He recalled that to get it placed took about two years to get the necessary clearance through NYSDOT’s regulations. His concerns about a sign would be that it be visible but not blocking anyone’s line of sight and also placed in a way that it won’t be blasted by snowplows. Eckhardt said he was thinking of four 4×6 signs to be placed somewhere on Routes 43 and 22 east and west. What should actually go on the signs has not been decided and is open for suggestions.
Madden Road Mess Addressed
Code Enforcement Officer Dean Herrick reported that he had recently sent a letter to the lien holder of record regarding the house on Madden Road that was complained about as an eyesore and health hazard at last month’s meeting. Since he had not received any response yet, the Board advised that other options be started if no response is received by July 1. Herrick suggested that neighbors might also write letters to the address he would give them in an attempt to shake something loose before then. If not, then a notice could be sent to the County and Herrick could direct that the Highway Department clean up the mess. The cost would be sent to the County and added to the tax bill.
Tinley Road Tiff
A complaint was received from a resident of Tinley Road regarding the NYSEG trucks that tear up the end of the roadway especially when it rains. NYSEG has a building there at the Route 43 intersection. Highway Superintendent Aldy Goodermote said there was not much he could do beyond continuing to put down cold patch that doesn’t last very long. He recalled that a few years ago when the County had the communications tower built on that road, there was talk of the County and the Town sharing the cost of paving the road, but with hard economic times that idea has gone by the board. Goodermote said the Town could ask NYSEG to contribute to a more permanent solution, but he was not optimistic on getting any result.
Other Business
In other business and notifications:
Eckhardt reported that Beacon Power is planning an open house on July 12 at their plant on Grange Hall Road to celebrate the completion of hooking up all 20 megawatts of frequency regulation to the grid.
Eckhardt reported that he and the Highway Superintendent had met with a Loss Control Specialist from NYMIR (New York Municipal Insurance Reciprocal) who recommended that the Board institute policies on Internet use, on sexual harassment and on requiring certificates of insurance from contractors.
Eckhardt asked that the Board recognize the services of Millie Smith who he said has been doing a “wonderful job” taking care of the Town Park at the intersection of Routes 43 and 22.
Eckhardt asked for recognition of Stephentown resident Rachel Gordon who has been named Valedictorian of the Berlin High School Class of 2011.
Eckhardt noted that both County sales tax and mortgage tax revenue to the Town is appreciably higher than last year – $59,880 for the first quarter sales tax, a 4.3% increase over last year; and $23,533 for mortgage tax, a 53% increase over last year. Eckhardt suggested the sales tax increase is probably due to higher gas prices while the mortgage tax increase comes from more people refinancing.
Eckhardt reported that the Rensselaer County Fair will have a Veterans Hall this year and submission of veterans memorabilia is being solicited. Both the Stephentown Veterans and the Historical Society are planning to submit displays.
Dean Herrick noted that Helen Kenyon Johnson of West Stephentown, who worked at Sykes Store for many years, will be celebrating her 100th birthday on July 8.
Councilman Bill Jennings reported that the Land Use Regulation Review Committee has held their second meeting and is making progress with a list of the top 10 things that need to be done.
The Town Clerk reported she had turned over the sum of $709.06 to the Supervisor for the month of May. The distribution from the office of the State Comptroller, Justice Court Fund to the town was $720.
The Board audited and approved claims in the amount of $27,869.32 from the General Account and $95,348.20 from the Highway Account.
The Board set their next regular meeting for Monday, July 18, at 7 pm.