Dy Doug LaRocque
The Stephentown Town Board met in a special session Monday, February 26, to re-affirm the appointment of David Cass to the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA). The Board made that appointment at its January organizational meeting, after some discussion concerning any prior conditions or qualifications. The ability of Mr. Cass to sit in decision of the dispute between Brian Baker and Tom Hanson concerning a trailer park expansion currently being undertaken by Mr. Hanson, is what brought this into play. The Board stated at its subsequent regular meeting on January 15 there were no conditions to the appointment, but that is being challenged by attorney Bill Better who is representing Mr. Hanson. Town Supervisor Larry Eckhardt introduced a new resolution Monday night, that specifically appointed Mr. Cass, retroactive to January 1 of this year, and clearly stated the appointment is made with no conditions attached. The resolution was approved by a four to one vote, with Councilman P.J. Roder casting the only dissenting ballot.
The ZBA has scheduled a vote on Mr. Baker’s appeal of the town’s permitting of the expansion for Thursday, March 1 at 7 pm. It is unclear how Mr. Better’s legal action filed earlier this month and returnable in early March, may impact this. At the Monday meeting the Town Board voted to continue to retain the law firm of Girvan and Ferlazzo to represent it in this matter. The Board also voted to appoint Supervisor Eckhardt as its Freedom of Information (FOIL) Appeals officer. Mr. Better has foiled the town for several documents pertaining to the expansion matter, which have been denied. He has since appealed that refusal and the town needed to appoint the Appeals Officer to rule on his appeal.
The only other matter on the agenda Monday night, was a request by Highway Superintendent Aldi Goodermote to purchase a new truck. Mr. Goodermote withdrew that request at this time to further study his budget status.