Two More Speeding Mishaps On Bly Hollow Road
By Doug La Rocque
Last November the Berlin Town Board petitioned the NYS Department of Transportation for a speed reduction on Bly Hollow Road. At the time the Town cited many drivers traveling at excessive speeds, resulting in numerous accidents over the past few years, two of which were fatal. At the February 11 meeting, resident Doug Goodermote reported there were at least two more incidents of vehicles leaving the road as the result of high rates of speed. No injuries were reported. [private]
At January’s workshop meeting, Town Supervisor Rob Jaeger read a letter from New York State that they were in receipt of the Town’s request and would study it as time permits. Goodermote told the Board that he had seen DOT workers taking measurements on the road, but no official word has been forwarded to the Town yet. Berlin would like to reduce the speed limit from 40 to 30 miles per hour. Even though Bly Hollow is a Town road, any reduction in the speed limit requires DOT approval.
Taking Action To Prevent a Freeze Up At The Town Hall
Town Clerk Anne Maxon reported the Town recently had to go outside of its normal fuel oil provider for fear of running out of fuel. She said she called Legenbuaer Gas and Oil twice to inform them their tank was nearly out, but neither time resulted in a delivery. The Town then called Morse Fuel Company of Stephentown to fill the tank and prevent a problem. After some discussion, Board members decided to look into putting the fuel oil contract out to bid again.
Another increase in price from Waste Management prompted the Board to pass a motion to change refuse removal providers. Town Clerk Maxon informed the Board that Waste Management had raised the monthly fee to $79 for every other week service. TAM Waste Management of Bennington, VT has told the town they can provide a four-yard dumpster for $70 dollars a month. The Board voted unanimously to make the switch.
Progress On An Eye Sore?
At the January Workshop meeting, the Board had a discussion about the dumpster left beside the old bank building by Hannan’s Waste Disposal of Wynantskill. A mishap that occurred while loading the dumpster forced the company to leave it there. Town officials have been pressing the Hannans as to when it can be removed, with little success. Now a second empty dumpster has been placed beside the full one. Hannan’s has told the Town it will have to be emptied into a second dumpster so repairs to the first can be made. As of meeting night however, there was no word as to when the transfer would take place.
A Concern About The Assessors Hours
Supervisor Jaeger brought forth what he labeled as some confusion over published hours for the Town’s three assessors and when they actually met with the public. Assessor Dave McNally told the Board they meet from 6 to 8 pm the first three Mondays of the month. Town Clerk Anne Maxon mentioned she has received several requests from the Town’s senior citizens for Saturday morning hours, at least between January and March, when seniors must re file for their annual assessment reductions. McNally indicated he would bring the request to the full board.
Departmental Reports
Highway Superintendent Jim Winn told the Board that with the lack of snow this winter, his crew has been able to do some more ditching, maintenance and brush cutting. He said the Town of Brunswick brought over their boom cutter, which they made use of on Miller, CC Dam and Bly Hollow roads. The Zoning Board of Appeals said they have two requests for changes, one resident referred by the Town, the other by the Planning Board. The ZBA is still looking for another member. Anyone interested may contact the Town Hall. Youth Commission Chair Tammy Osterhout said this is the quiet time of the year. She did say that because of a personal scheduling conflict, she would not be able to hold the Annual Easter Egg Hunt. She asked that if anyone else would like to coordinate the event, to please contact her. Dog Control Officer Doug Goodermote said it was a quiet month, with only one complaint to resolve on Bly Hollow Road. He asked for and received the Board’s permission to conduct a rabies clinic in the spring.
Supervisor Jaeger told the Board and the public that there would not be a workshop meeting in February. The next meeting of the Town Board is scheduled for Thursday, March 10.[/private]