by David Flint
Robinson Leads The Charge For Better Internet Connectivity
If the results of a community survey of public satisfaction with internet service in the area are any indication, Stephentowners definitely see a need for improvement. [private]Councilman Gerry Robinson reported at the Town Board meeting on Monday October 17 that he had received 198 responses to the Broadband Survey that was sent out to all 1,396 households in the Town. Most responded by mailing back the survey; others responded online via the Town website. Of those responding, 86% said that they are definitely experiencing challenges related to broadband availability.
Most said the biggest problems were the lack of competition – Fairpoint’s DSL or dial-up service being about the only game in town – and the very low speeds available. About half of respondents said there were also significant gaps in coverage. Asked how members in their household perceived their broadband service, about 60% said they were not satisfied and another 22% were only somewhat satisfied.
Respondents overwhelmingly said they wanted new and faster broadband technologies such as fiber-optic connections. They also wanted to see Stephentown have a comprehensive community technology plan to guide new developments over the next two to five years.
Robinson said that the survey, by documenting both demand and need, reinforces the case the Town is making to the Public Service Commission and to Fairpoint Communications for upgrading service.
The PSC in approving the recent merger of Time Warner and Charter Communications has stipulated that upgrades be made in rural areas. Robinson said that Stephentown wants to be sure that the Town is included in that “footprint” where improvements are made. Currently it appears that the Town is not in that footprint because the Town has never had cable service. Robinson is working to get that changed.
Fairpoint Communications has received federal money to upgrade internet service and they now have a four-year plan to swap in improved fiber-optic infrastructure. Robinson has met with Fairmont and Stephentown intends to get their share of that improvement. Robinson gave credit to Town Clerk Stephanie Wagar, to Alex Haley, to the Town Board and to PJ Roder and the Comprehensive Plan Committee for supporting his efforts in this initiative.
“It’s not like we’re begging,” Robinson said. He noted that both Charter and Fairpoint are receiving state and federal subsidies to make improvements. “We are just looking to get some of our tax money back through better services,” he said.
Bid Awarded For Snow Removal Snowplowing at the Transfer Station and Town Hall and shoveling and salting sidewalks at the Town Hall was put out to bid last month. Only one bid was received – from Terry Sykes. The bid was awarded to Sykes – $140 for each plowing at the Transfer Station and $60 for each plowing, shoveling and salting at the Town Hall.
Advertising For Positions A five-year term on the Board of Assessment Review has expired. The Board passed a resolution authorizing the Town Clerk to advertise for this position. Deadline for responding is November 18. The Board also passed resolutions authorizing the advertising of all appointed positions for the year 2017 and also for the contracted position of Cleaner for the Town Hall. Resumes and letters of interest are due to the Town Clerk by December 16.
2017 Budget Town Supervisor Larry Eckhardt reminded people that there will be a public hearing on Monday, October 24 on the Preliminary Budget for next year. The budget will probably be adopted by the Town Board at a special meeting on November 14.
The Preliminary Budget was put together at the Workshop meeting on October 10. It has been posted on the Town website (townofstephentown.org) and is available at the Town Clerk’s office.. The increase in the tax levy currently stands at 3.9% but Eckhardt said these are just preliminary figures and will probably change some “as we tweak the numbers.”
Kudos To The Town Clerk Town Supervisor Eckhardt said that at times he gets letters castigating a town official as totally incompetent “because they didn’t get what they wanted. It’s kind of nice to get a letter saying you did a good job.”
Such a letter was received from Bob Collins, Sr. of Chester, VT that read, “This letter is to highlight the professionalism of your Town Clerk, Stephanie Wagar, particularly in issuing of fishing and hunting licenses. Administrative rules and procedures are very complex and detailed and Ms. Wagar certainly excels. She represents the epitome of a Town Clerk and should be recognized by the Town government.”
Deposits And Spending The Town Clerk turned over the sum of $1,702 to the Supervisor for the month of September. The distribution from the Office of the State Comptroller, Justice Court Fund to the Town was not yet recorded. The Transfer Station deposited a total of $9,276.
The Board audited and approved claims in the amount of $12,234.92 from the General Account and $57,098.05 from the Highway Account.
The Board set a public hearing on the Preliminary Budget for Monday, October 24, a special meeting on the Budget for Monday, November 14 and its next regular meeting for Monday, November 21, all meetings to begin at 7 pm.[/private]