NYS Comptroller’s Auditors Returning
For Another Look At Grafton’s Books
By Doug La Rocque
In 2013, auditors from the New York State Comptroller’s Office spent several weeks going over the Town’s records, looking in particular at claims processing. The Comptroller said this visit is a follow-up that will consist of reviewing actions taken by Town officials in response to the previous audit’s findings and recommendations. The audit is expected to start within the next several weeks.
[private]Town Supervisor Ingrid Gundrum said she has received two inquiries about the status of drinking water in Grafton, as it relates to the PFOA concerns in Petersburgh and Hoosick Falls. One resident who lives near the Petersburgh town line asked if Gundrum could assist in obtaining information about ground water flows in the area. Gundrum said Codes Enforcement Officer Tom Withcuskey had the topographical information and forwarded it. Grafton does not have a municipal water system, and Withcuskey told the Board that anyone wishing to have their private wells tested should contact the Rensselaer County Department of Health. He did advise that there are only a few labs in the country that can test for PFOA and they are quite backed up.
Highway Superintendent Herb Hasbrouck briefed the board on the recent March on the Capital by a record number of Highway Superintendents. Using the theme, “local roads matter,” the Highway Association received assurance from the local state legislators that they would support a significant increase in Consolidated Highway Improvement Program monies, as well as parity between upstate and downstate funding. Hasbrouck also talked about the possible inclusion of funds for culverts, saying Grafton has such a project shovel ready on Jay Hakes Rd, and is hopeful of a state grant of more than $130,000 to pay for it. Councilman Eric Buckley joined Hasbrouck at the march. Hasbrouck was also the recipient of a letter from Cornell University’s Local Roads Program, saying that his attendance at this year’s program would mark his 15th year, and that he would be honored at next year’s school. Hasbrouck told the Board he would have a voucher ready for them to consider at their April meeting. In other Highway business Hasbrouck said the grader was down, and the part they need is obsolete. He is trying to track down the part to get the equipment operational once again.
Supervisor’s Report
Gundrum said she and Hasbrouck had met with County HIghway Superintendent Scott Gallerie and County Engineer Wayne Bonesteel to discuss shared services. She said she believes having the two highway departments helping each other will be beneficial to the Town. Later in the meeting, the Board approved a motion ratifying such cooperation. Earlier this year, the Board decided not to appoint a Town Engineer, in hopes they might be able to work out something with Mr. Bonesteel on an as-needed basis. Gundrum said the County Engineer has agreed to this arrangement. He could be very helpful to the Town with such things as the preparation of federal grant paperwork and project design.
Gundrum also mentioned she has been in communication with County officials about a program for shared energy services that could save the Town money on electricity, perhaps through solar power.
Another ad has been placed seeking three members of the Board of Assessment Review. Chairman Jim Goyer has expressed interest in being re-appointed, but the Town is still looking for two more people. The Board has scheduled a workshop meeting for Thursday, March 24 at 7 pm. Town Bookkeeper Maureen Seel will walk the board members through how the town budget works and what the financial reports mean.
Youth Committee member Buckley reminded all of the Easter Egg Party at the VFW from 2 to 4 pm on Saturday, March 19. Other participants in the event include Grafton Community Library and the Historical Society. All children in Grafton are welcome to attend. Buckley also mentioned the Board’s essay writing contest, of which the winner will receive a new bike. Buckley made note that some Board members are paying for tee shirts to recognize youth in the Town. The front of the shirt says Grafton Youth, with the words Grateful, Respectful, Adventurous, Friendly, Thoughtful, Outgoing and Noble of the back. The capital letters of each word spelling out GRAFTON.
Other board action included the passage of a resolution to extended the services of the Supervisor’s Secretary Joe Allain beyond the budgeted deadline of March 31. The money to pay for the remainder of 2016 to be resolved by standard fund transfers at the end of the year. Public comment period brought forth two speakers, one asking about the status of the case against Michael and Erica Costello in the matter of alleged animal abuse. Supervisor Gundrum commented the case may take a while to go through the courts, but there had been some movement on the confinement of a dog, cat and rabbit at the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society. It appears lawyers for all involved are working on a plan to foster the animals out of the shelter, and that a home for the cat has already been found. After presenting the Town with a bill in the neighborhood of $12,000 for care of the animals since their seizure in August, the Humane Society has suspended billing until the case can be resolved.
School District
Veterans Exemptions
Kate Brimmer of Grafton wanted to bring it to the Town Board’s attention that the Brittonkill and Berlin School district presently do not grant veterans exemptions on school taxes. She claims the Brittonkill Board this past week told her they tabled the measure in 2014, for what she says they described as a lack of interest. She is not sure why the Berlin District has not granted the exemptions. It is too late for either district to do so for this coming school year as the deadline for such action has pasted. She hopes enough public pressure can be brought to bear on the two districts in time to get exemptions in place for the for the 2017-18 school year. Hoosick Falls Schools currently grant the exemption. Students from the Babcock Lake area of the Town attend Hoosick Falls. Brimmer’s husband was a Korean War veteran.
Codes Enforcement Officer Withcuskey reported that there are 11 building permits out to date this year, with a total of 40 still pending. He said he has sent out a number of letters on junk vehicles and unsightly properties. If the recipients don’t respond within the ten-day period, they face tickets and fines. He also reminded all of the DEC burning ban that takes effect March 16 and runs to May 16.
There was no Assessor’s report, and Supervisor Gundrum expressed concern about the number of calls coming into the office. The Assessor David Galarneau is only present on Wednesdays. There was some discussion amongst the Board members about proposing an extension of his hours with him.
Rescue Squad Captain Joe Allain reported the ambulance responded to 11 calls last month, requiring Advance Life Support service from Mohawk Ambulance 4 times, and one Life Flight Helicopter transport. Grafton Merrymakers President Elaine Snyder reported the group meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month at the Senior Center, and that they are always looking for new members. Their first trip is to the Boston Aquarium on June 28. They also presented the board with a list of requirements to join these trips, something the Town Board has been seeking for a while.
The Grafton Lakes State Park sent in a report that they are moving forward with a new Nature Center at the north end of the parking lot, replacing the Shaver Road facility. There are also plans for a new parking lot by the boat launch. Town Clerk Kathy Mason-Wagar reported income to her office of $3,056.50 and the Board approved paying bills totaling $34,741 93. The meeting was adjourned in memory of Grafton resident Bill Baker, who was honored that morning by the Rensselaer County Legislature for his service in World War II.[/private]