Keeping The Current Ambulance On The Road Is Challenging
By Doug La Rocque
Last November former Town Supervisor Frank Higgins announced that State Senator Kathy Marchione had been instrumental in securing $150,000 in grant money for the Town to purchase a new ambulance. The grant, written by Grafton Rescue Squad Captain Joe Allain, has since been approved by the State Legislature and signed off on by Governor Andrew Cuomo. [private]Fast forward six months and according to Allain, the grant is still tied up with the NYS Dormitory Authority, the agency tasked with “dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s.” Allain said inquiries by the Senator’s office on behalf of the Town have not received a response. Allain told the Board that although the delays are causing concern, he has been assured the Town will get the money, he just doesn’t know when.
An even bigger concern to Allain is the readiness of the current ambulance. He reported the Rescue Squad just spent $500 on transmission repairs, and noted the vehicle has other mechanical issues and an ongoing electrical problem. Allain asked the Town Board to consider either purchasing or leasing a new ambulance. He said from the time the vehicle can be ordered to actual delivery can be up to six months, and in light of the grant, feels the Town Board should begin to move on the issue soon. He presented the Board with some basic figures, the cost of purchasing an ambulance outright pegged between 149 to 189 thousand dollars. He also is looking into leasing options, that could include a one-dollar buyout at the end of the lease, or an escape clause after one year, with a two percent penalty. The Town Board was receptive to investigating the options, with Councilwoman Allison Kirchner proposing a workshop meeting devoted to the topic. The Board agreed with her suggestion, and set Saturday, April 30 at 10 am as the date and time. Grafton resident Connie Alderman asked the Board to consider the wisdom of such a purchase, contending all too often the Rescue Squad has to rely on mutual aid from other districts or paid ambulance services. She cited the time she had to call the ambulance for her mother. While a member of the Rescue Squad responded in her private vehicle, the ambulance itself was delayed because of a lack of personnel. She said they had to rely on a paid ambulance service from Troy. Supervisor Ingrid Gundrum said she would like to hear all the public’s thoughts, and said the Board will welcome questions and informed comment at the workshop.
Condition Of Pond View Road
During the Highway Department report, Superintendent Herb Hasbrouck said some of its time lately has been taken up putting plows on and taking them off, due to the recent occurrence of winter like weather in April. He did say his crews have been laying down material on town roads in preparation for the annual spring grading and patching. The Board approved Mr. Hasbrouck’s request to spend $3,800 on four new tires for the Volvo grader, the current set described as bald and sometime flat. Hasbrouck also asked the Board to consider looking into a replacement grader, with Councilman Eric Buckley asking him to provide the Board with numbers, for both a purchase or rental. Pond View resident James Prazak asked the Board what can be done with the road, citing numerous potholes and wash boarding effect. He claims the wash boarding happened after the last storm. Hasbrouck explained plowing dirt roads when the ground is soft can cause the plow to literally bounce down the road, creating the effect. He said as soon as they can grade, it will be addressed.
New Appointees To The Board Of Assessment Review
The yearly expiration of the term of one of the five members of the Board, and two resignations created three openings. The Town Board passed resolutions to reappoint Chairman James Goyer to another five-year term, as well as John T. Casey and Jarrod Bouchard to the unexpired terms. The Board of Assessment Review meets on Grievance Day in May and possibly October to consider challenges filed by property owners to their assessed valuation. Assessor David Galarneau sent the Board a written report that he has spent most of his time the past month preparing for the defense against two lawsuits filed last year, contesting both the levels and the validity of the assessor’s changes to more than 900 property values. Galarneau also said he has spent time preparing for the planned full value reassessment in 2017. Supervisor Gundrum said the lawsuits and the so called “reval” are of concern to the Board, and they plan further discussions with the assessor.
Departmental Reports
Town Clerk Kathy Mason-Wagar reported her office took in $2,835 in revenues in March, with most coming from the recycling center. Building and Codes Enforcement Officer Tom Withcuskey mentioned there are now 15 new building permits out this year, with a total of 30 ongoing. He also mentioned he continues to monitor a number of junk cars and unsightly properties around the town. Dog Control Officer Jay Goyer credited social media with helping to return two lost dogs to their homes. He said putting it on Facebook worked wonders. He also reported he issued tickets to the owner of some troublesome dogs on Stuffle Street and spoke to the owner of an animal on Blue Factory Hill Road about his dog harassing people walking on the roadway. Youth director Noelle Goyer wanted to thank all those who helped make the Easter Party a wonderful success, and wanted it to be known the Grafton Youth would be assisting staff members at the Grafton Lake State Park with their annual Love Your Park Day on Saturday, May 7. The summer youth program is also looking for one adult and two youth counselors this year. Anyone interested may contact Town Clerk Kathy Mason-Wagar at the Town Hall. Councilwoman Lisa Dooley also mentioned the State Park will begin to charge a six-dollar admission on Saturdays and Sundays starting May 7. The beach typically opens for swimmers Memorial Day weekend.
Library Director Ronnie Tatro told the Board the Grafton Community Library has seen a pickup in both attendance and interest in a number of programs of late, citing among others the drop in time for children, special events such as “Book Jeopardy” and the monthly themed pot luck dinners. More information is available at the library or on its website.
The Board closed the night by approving vouchers totaling $48,108.08 and adjourning in memory of Grafton residents Phil Weeden and Allan Woods.[/private]