Grafton Town Board Will Seek Bids For A New Ambulance
By Doug La Rocque
It was 10 days ago that the Grafton Town Board meet in special session to discuss the state of the Rescue Squad’s aging vehicle and got a lot of feedback about the situation of emergency medical services in the town and in Eastern Rensselaer County in general. [private]Some questioned the wisdom of purchasing a new vehicle, when by the numbers reported by Rescue Squad Captain Joe Allain, they were unable to respond to about 25% of the calls to date. The problem, in addition to the old vehicle, is a lack of trained volunteers to staff the calls.
At the regular town board meeting Monday night, Captain Allain asked the Board to consider requesting proposals for a replacement ambulance. He assured the Board the $150,000 grant from New York State is still forthcoming, he is just not sure when. Town Supervisor Ingrid Gundrum backed him up on that, telling those in attendance that she has spoken with the New York State Dormitory Authority, the state agency charged with making sure all the paperwork is correct and in place. They told her “the grant approval is complete; it is now just a matter of semantics.” The Board agreed to allow the Rescue Squad to go forward with the requests, but made it clear, this is in no way binding on the Board to take any action on the purchase of a new vehicle at this time. During his report to the Board, Mr. Allain noted the Squad received 11 calls for assistance in April, and was unable to respond to one of them, relying on assistance from a paid ambulance service. He said the calls ranged from illnesses to fire and vehicle accidents and transports. He also noted that some members of the Squad had recently completed some specialized training.
A Trashy Situation
On Grafton Roads
During the public comment session, it was brought out by Cathy Goyer there was a continuing problem with someone dumping trash along Babcock Lake Road, near the first sharp curve. Codes Enforcement Office Tom Withcuskey pointed out this has been happening for a couple of years now, and in fact he witnessed one person throwing trash out the window of a vehicle, followed them home and warned them to return and pick up the refuse or face a violation that carried a fine of up to $5,000. Other roads mentioned in the meeting as having a similar problem are Johnson Road and Martin Dunham Road. Withcuskey asked that anyone witnessing such dumping call him with their information and he will investigate, a sentiment echoed by the Board.
Goyer also questioned several accounting items in the Town documents of recent months, and Supervisor Gundrum said she would review those items and get back to Goyer about them. She thanked Goyer for bringing what some Board members labeled as clerical errors, to their attention. Supervisor Gundrum also noted in the correspondence report they have received FOIL requests for the April operating statement and abstract of paid bills, as well as a review of the January and February 2016 paid vouchers. It was not revealed who has filed these requests for information.
Withcuskey said he has been working with the family of Councilman Eric Buckley, members of the community and a number of area businesses to put on a concert in the Town Park in July. The featured performer would be well known local vocalist Kim Buckley. A date has not yet been set, but Withcuskey points out that between donations of time and money, the event would not cost anything to the town.
Some dogs on Stuffle Street running loose and menacing continue to be a problem brought forth in Dog Control Officer Jay Goyer’s report. He said he has twice ticketed the owner of the animals, Samantha Herrington, and promises to take whatever steps are necessary to correct the situation. Supervisor Gundrum also noted that the latest inspection of Goyer’s equipment and services was found to be satisfactory and in compliance with all Ag and Market guidelines.
Gundrum also reported there is a temporary agreement in place to provide foster care for all the animals involved in the ongoing animal abuse case against Michael and Erica Costello of Old Road. The Supervisor noted this includes the horses and other animals seized last August, some of which have been housed at the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society. The Town has so far been charged $12,000 for those services, but several months ago the Society did agree to suspend billing.
Summer Youth Program
Kathy Mason-Wagar said the summer youth program is set to run from July 11th to August 12th this year, with 25 to 30 campers expected to participate. The program runs Monday through Friday from 9 am to 2 pm, and includes a number of visitors and speakers each day, as well as time spent at Grafton Lakes State Park in the learn to swim program. Any parent looking to enroll their child may contact Mason-Wagar at the Town Hall. Councilwoman Allison Kirschner reported that Terason Hunt was the winner of the Why I Love Grafton Essay Contest. The prize was a mountain bike donated by members of the Town Board. Youth Commission Chairwoman Noelle Goyer told the meeting they participated in last Saturday’s “I Love My Park Day” at Grafton Lakes and that the newly designed youth program t-shirts are now available. Supervisor Gundrum noted that the TRACS/ youth to youth Parent Volunteer organization will make a presentation at the June meeting. The group works with youth in the Berlin School District to promote community service and pro-social alternatives to many problems, especially drug use among their peers. The program is seeking Town sponsorship of two members’ attendance at the annual TRAC’s Eastern State Conference.
Highway Superintendent Herb Hasbrouck noted recent rains have seen his crew doing grading work on Town roads. He also noted that road signs on Roxborough Rd and Johnson Road have been erected or corrected, and that the summer flags on the poles along Route 2 through the Town are being placed.
Grafton Lakes State Park Manager Melissa Miller gave a report to the Board about summer plans at the park, that include newly renovated rest rooms and the construction of a new nature center. Miller also noted this facility would be available for use by such town groups as the Historical Society, The Youth Commission and the Library.
Codes Enforcement Officer Withcuskey reported there has been an increase in the number of building permits issued, 25 so far this year. He also noted that two of these are for new home construction. He also noted that he has received cooperation about the cleanup of bank owned property on Mill Road and continues to work on the situation at another residence on the same road. Supervisor Gundrum announced that the new and recently re-appointed members of the Board of Assessment Review have completed their county mandated training and are also set for Grievance Day later this month. Town Clerk Mason-Wagar reported that her office turned over receipts of $3,752.50, and the meeting was adjourned in memory of Jay Hakes Rd resident John Marra, Sr.[/private]