Concerns About Bills To House Animals Seized By Law Enforcement Becoming An Issue
By Doug La Rocque
Dog Control Officer Doug Goodermote brought a concern before the Thursday, July 13 meeting of the Berlin Town Board, that is becoming an issue for many towns in Eastern Rensselaer County. How to put a lid on costs to hold these animals in a shelter, while the case is resolved in court. In 2010, NYS turned the licensing procedures for dogs over to municipalities, but at that time, no one really foresaw some of the pit falls. A recent case in Grafton cost the town about $14,000 to house a variety of animals at the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, and Stephentown is considering changes to its laws right now to protect the taxpayers from these mounting bills. There Supervisor Larry Eckhardt said two cases in court may also eventually cost the Town thousands of dollars. Goodermote asked the Town Board to consider making changes in their local law that would minimize the Town’s responsibility for these costs. The Board agreed it is something they need to look into. As to the rest of his report, Goodermote said they vaccinated 23 animals in a recent rabies clinic and that he dealt with a bird dog that got loose and created some issues, but that has been resolved.
Another item of concern was brought before the Town Board by Planning Board Chair Pamula Gerstel. Currently the Planning Board requires a public hearing for all lot line adjustments, including having the applicant send out notices about the hearing to the adjoining property owners. Area surveyor Fred Haley has questioned the need for such hearings, and recently presented the Planning Board with a copy of state law that says “there shall be no requirement of a public hearing on a Lot Line Adjustment Subdivision.” The provision attached to this says the proposed adjustment must meet all requirements, including any proposed changes requested by the Planning Board. If so, the adjustment may be approved by a majority of the Board present at the meeting, provided they have a quorum. The Town Board also took this under consideration for possible future action.
Dollar General To Open Soon
Building Inspector Allan Yerton says the new Dollar General Store plans to open on July 30 if construction remains on schedule. He said his periodic inspections on the site have found all issues to be in compliance. The store had requested permission to erect a larger than usual sign along Route 22, but Zoning Board of Appeals Chairman Nick Adams said the Board denied the request, noting the open line of site around the store, and that the chain’s typical sign should be sufficient.
The Board also discussed a number of other issues it has had on its plate, including the environmental review of the Sustainable Aquafarm facility’s request to expand its operation. The consultant from Clough Harbour plans to update the Planning Board later this month on her findings. If that Board approves, they will be sent on to the Town Board for consideration. The Town Board has assumed the responsibility of lead agency in the SAFE corporation’s request. Town Clerk Anne Maxon also noted that she has sent a letter to Michael Pasternak, the President on the group, about the state of disrepair the former Sedgwick Inn has fallen into. SAFE currently owns the property.
Supervisor Jaeger also reported that Kevin Young, the attorney representing Berlin in the issue of the former town dump, co-owned with the Town of Petersburgh, is going after the Traveler’s Insurance group to help pay for the cleanup costs associated with PFOA leachate, currently found to have been flowing into a nearby tributary of the Little Hoosic River. Travelers was the Town’s insurance carrier at the time the dump was in operation. The full degree of the cleanup that will be required will be determined by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. This may include a Superfund designation, which could become very costly to the two towns involved.
Yet another property of recent concern is the old bank building on Route 22. Town Attorney Don Tate has sent letters to the North Carolina based owners demanding that it be cleaned up, as yet to no avail. Supervisor Jaeger said the next step may well include legal action. As to the broken dumpster that has been on the site for more than a year, Town Clerk Maxon indicated Hannan’s Waste has told her it will be removed.
Departmental Reports
Highway Superintendent Jim Winn said the roadside mower the Board authorized him to buy last month was “sold out from underneath us.” He said he is still looking for a replacement for the Department’s current mower, which is no longer functional. He also indicated that beside the typical summer roadwork, they managed to pave 56 Road while working with the County Highway Department on the paving of Dyken Pond Road.
Winn also reported that Precision, the company that installed the PFOA filters at the Water District #2 pump station, had returned to start enclosing the piping. He also told the Board that he would not seek re-appointment to the position of Water District 2 Commissioner at the end of the year, meaning Berlin will have to find replacements to head both their water districts. Water District # 1 Commissioner Len Clapp told the Board earlier this year he would be retiring once the seasonal district is closed down for the winter.
The Transfer Station has had a few instances of after-hours visitors of late, equipment being moved and refuse dumped at the entrance. The Board discussed the possibility of installing security cameras at the facility to help catch whoever might be responsible. A recent container sent out for repair has also been returned by Tam Refuse Service with a new paint job.
Supervisor Jaeger reported he has been attending meetings with other town and Rensselaer County officials to discuss further shared services. He said one of the suggestions involved the various youth programs sponsored by each town. Currently each community in the eastern portion of the County runs its own separate program. The idea is that combining some of these neighboring programs might make them more successful and less expensive to operate. Governor Andrew Cuomo has been pushing for all towns, villages, cities and counties in the state to look at shared services for possible improvements and cost savings.
Town Clerk Anne Maxon reported local, county and state revenues of $5,058.50 and non-local revenues of $1,002.04. The Board will next meet in workshop session on Thursday, July 27.