In Memoriam
by Kieron Kramer
Among the seven resolutions passed at the Rensselaer County Legislature’s meeting on Tuesday, May 13, was one memorializing Berlin’s Joan deLeon, who died on April 4 of this year. [private]DeLeon was active in her community as a member of the Berlin Republican party, the Berlin Methodist Church, the Board of Trustees for the Berlin Town Library and a long term member of two book clubs. Her son, Richard, served on the Berlin Town Board for two years and the deLeons had a well known business in Berlin. The resolution says, “It is customary for this Legislative Body to pay honor and respect to persons who have had a great impact and influence on the citizens of this County during their time on this earth; it is with particularly deep sadness that we conclude this evening’s deliberations in honor of a truly respected member of the community.”
According to the resolution Joan deLeon was born in Brooklyn, New York, was a 1951 graduate of Huntington High School on Long Island and moved to Berlin from Greenlawn, NY, in 1969 with her husband Ralph and their children. Joan returned to nursing school in 1970 receiving her Licensed Practical Nursing certification and began working for the next 17 years for Dr. Henry Richmond in Bennington, VT. Joan left nursing to assist Ralph in running the family businesses.
The resolution says, “Joan will be missed by her family her husband of 62 years, Ralph; her five children, Renee (Richard), Ralph, Robin, Richard (Colleen), and Roger (fiance Victoria); her seven grandchildren and her 10 great-grandchildren. She was pre-deceased by her sister, Carol and one grandchild, Rachael.” The Clerk of the Legislature will transmit a copy of this resolution, suitably engrossed, to the family of Joan Beatrice de Leon.
R.M Bacon Contract Amended
A resolution authorizing an amendment to an agreement with R.M. Bacon of Hoosick passed unanimously. The County had entered into an agreement with R.M. Bacon, LLC for salting, sanding and snow plowing at the John Murphy Building, located at 69 Church Street in Hoosick Falls. Since the amount of the original contract has historically been below $5,000 it only required one quote, but the weather conditions during this winter season were especially harsh and required more sanding, salting and snow plowing services from the vendor so the County Buildings Department requested that the contract be amended to account for the additional costs. The amended contract provides for salt, sand and snow plowing services at the John Murphy Building to be purchased from R.M. Bacon in an amount not to exceed $6,000.
Contract For Highway Materials From Other Area Vendors
Bids for the purchase of gravel and ice control sand have been solicited and are acceptable to the County based upon the specifications. The desired agreements are for one year with a one year extension clause, if mutually agreeable, provided all vendors continue to meet specifications. Selection of the vendor, bank location, delivery, etc. will be based upon lowest cost and availability to the County.
The local vendors who have been awarded contracts – and the amounts they are not to exceed – are Troy Sand and Gravel, West Sand Lake – $20,000, Rifenburg Construction, Inc., Brick Church Road, Troy – $10,000, Polaro Sand and Gravel, Poestenkill – $20,000, R.M. Bacon, LLC, South Street, Hoosick – $5,000, William E. Dailey, Airport Road, Shaftsbury, VT – $5,000, William J. Hammersmith, Watson Road, Berlin – $5,000 and Petersburgh Sand & Gravel, William Jones Road, Petersburgh – $5,000.
More Money For Town Services
A resolution amending the 2014 Rensselaer County adopted budget and authorizing a contract renewal for USDA/State Education Summer Food Program passed at this session. The ten week USDA/State Education Summer Food Program is one hundred percent reimbursable and provides nutritious summer meals to children throughout the County. In accordance with United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) contract guidelines the County is allowed to extend the contract from June 23, 2014, to August 29, 2014. This resolution authorizes the extension and an increase of $75,146 to the original appropriation of $232,424 for a total of $307,570. These monies will be distributed to the various towns’ summer feeding programs, like the one existing in Berlin.
The County Engineer has been notified by the New York State Department of Transportation that the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) funding for Rensselaer County has been approved for the 2014-2015 State fiscal year. Rensselaer County has been authorized to receive a total CHIPS Capital balance of $2,953,318.56, which includes a cumulative rollover balance of $612,713.75 in funds unexpended during the 2013-2014 State fiscal year and an increase in capital apportionment of $149.81. This represents an increase in the CHIPS fund revenues of $612,863 for a revised total of $2,953,318. This money is distributed to municipalities in the County to improve transportation services for County highway system users.
New Dairy Princess
A resolution passed at Tuesday’s session says, “Fully in accord with its long-standing traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to acknowledge with profound respect and admiration, Abby Tarbox, who was recently honored by being named the 2014-2015 Rensselaer County Dairy Princess.” The Tarbox farm is located on Route 7 in Brunswick. Among many other endeavors the farm sells vegetables at a roadside stand on Route 7.
According to the resolution the Rensselaer County Dairy Princess is reviewed by a judging committee to insure that the chosen young woman can embark on an experience that is meaningful for her personally, enhances her community in some way and is consistent with the meaning of the dairy experience in her life. The award recognizes accomplishment, growth and the pursuit of multifaceted endeavors that involve young women who exhibit a knowledge of the dairy industry as well as a willingness to serve as a Dairy Ambassador while developing leadership skills and contributing to the dairy community. “The name of Abby Tarbox has been added to the roster of successful young women who have achieved the unique distinction of Dairy Princess; this merited award is tangible evidence of Abby’s high character and commitment, indicative of her future service to her community; and …This Legislative Body shall inscribe upon its records this tribute to Abby Tarbox, so that future generations may know and appreciate her admirable character, her many achievements and the respect and esteem in which she is held.”
The Clerk of the Legislature will transmit a copy of this resolution, suitably engrossed, to 2014-2015 Rensselaer County Dairy Princess Abby Tarbox.
New County Veterans Director
A resolution Tuesday confirmed the appointment of Peter Goebel as Rensselaer County Director Of The Veterans Service Agency. The untimely and unfortunate death of Robert Reiter of Stephentown, Director of the Veterans Service Agency of the Department of Unified Family Services, left a vacancy in that position. The County Executive has appointed Colonel Peter Goebel, US Army, Retired, as the Director of the Veterans Service Agency. Goebel lives in Nassau.
Mortgage Tax Distribution
A resolution providing for the distribution of mortgage tax was passed at this session. The Rensselaer County Clerk has paid the Chief Fiscal Officer $1,320,865.44 which represents the local share of mortgage tax collection for the period October 1, 2013, to March 31, 2014. This is an decrease of $532,478 over the same period last year and $382,034 less than the previous semi-annual period. The sum is due and owing to the cities, towns and villages of Rensselaer County. Municipalities in eastern Rensselaer County will receive the following amounts:
Current 4/1/13-9/30/13
Berlin $5,892.84 $16,365.54
Brunswick $170,504.97 $213,724.64
Grafton $22,052 $23,723.06
Hoosick $22,255.10 $37,458.61
Village of Hoosick Falls $4,560.63 $7,740.59
Nassau $23,490.23 $42,543.30
Village of Nassau $2,500.98 $2,879.189
Village of East Nassau $1,578.54 $4,476.36
Petersburgh $9,523.56 $12,892.95
Pittstown $47,826.58 $53,406.88
Poestenkill $36,329.88 $64,689.03
Sand Lake $73,683.52 $123,486.95
Stephentown $15,006.87 $24,290.08[/private]