Berlin Seeking A New Town Justice
By Doug La Rocque
Town Justice Christina Vanko informed the Town back in November that she was resigning due to health reasons. The resignation took effect immediately.
[private]Supervisor Jaeger said two people have expressed interest in being appointed to the position until a special election is held next November. The Board decided to advertise for more applicants, and hopes to make a selection at its next meeting, December 29. That is the date the lawmakers have set for the year-end meeting, combined with the monthly workshop. The meeting will start at 6 pm.
Winn Concerned About DEC Work On Wells
Water District 2 Commissioner Jim Winn told the Board some preliminary work has begun on the installation of water filters on the village water supply. This includes plans to upgrade the driveway and area around the pump house. These improvements are required to accommodate the large vehicles that need access to deliver and install the equipment.
Winn said he has some concerns. One of them centers around the north well. He said the Department of Environmental Conservations has plans to pull that pump and put another section in it, to create more pressure in the system. The carbon filters being installed will restrict some of the pressure in the system, but the changes will offset it and improve it. Winn said he questioned DEC about doing this work in the winter. He is worried that increasing the pressure on pipes under frozen ground and the potential it creates for leaks. He also said DEC plans to check the specifications on all the pumps. Winn further told the Board he has had conversations with state officials about “the cost of doing this, the maintenance of it, the longevity and who is going to maintain it.” He also said there is concern “that this is going to get dumped in the town’s lap.” Winn said the DEC promised to send Town Supervisor Rob Jaeger an e-mail addressing these concerns.
A Change of Vendor
And Holiday Hours
For The Transfer Station
While Tam Waste Management of Vermont will continue to remove the refuse from the Transfer Station, a new company has been picked to remove the appliances, batteries and such that are dropped off. The new vendor, Evolution Recycling, has promised the Town better pricing than the previous vendor.
The Station is modifying its hours for the Holiday Season. The facility will be open on December 24, Christmas Eve, from 8 am to 4 pm. They are closed on Christmas Day. They reopen on Monday, December 26 from 9 am to 5 pm. These hours are repeated for New Year’s Eve and Monday January 2. The facility will also be closed on New Year’s Day.
Department Reports
Highway Superintendent Jim Winn asked the Board to approve a revised version of the resolution they passed last month approving the new road inventory for the Town. Winn said that after meeting with DOT officials, some minor changes had to be made. He told Board members the department was able to handle the recent snow storm without any major difficulties, and that he is hopeful the Consolidated Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) money would be in from the State before year’s end.
Dog Control Officer Doug Goodermote said he had a few complaints about people not cleaning up behind their pets. He also had a small problem with barking dogs on Bly Hollow Road.
Codes Enforcement Officer Walt Yerdon warned people to be aware of the inherent dangers that come with choosing a real Christmas Tree, while Youth Commission Director Tammy Osterhout said all is quiet now, and that she has received several survey responses.
The Assessors reminded seniors now is the time to file on line or by phone for STAR Exemptions.
In new business, the Board re-appointed Maryellen Gillroy to the Zoning Board of Appeals and Supervisor Jaeger announced that thanks to an $8,000 grant secured by the town justices, work on the records room used for Town Court is underway. He also announced that ATT is near completion of upgrades to their tower on Goodermote Road. The Town has also leased the former Highway Department garage, at least through the winter, for $700 a month. [/private]