Chicken Law Tabled
Mayor Issues Strong Warning About COVID-19
by Doug La Rocque
Following the speakers, the Board debated the law for about 30 minutes. Trustee Craig Pine asked if perhaps the law should define a chicken, saying some might consider guinea hens for example, a chicken. “After all, they kind of look like a chicken and taste like a chicken.” The biggest point of contention however, was allowing chicken coops at multi-family dwellings.
Attorney Gilchrist made it clear, whether it is one, two or three families, the number of chickens is still limited to six, with no roosters. There was also concern that while one resident of the building might want to raise chickens, the others might not be in favor of it. Board members said they might be able to support the inclusion of multi-family dwellings in the law, so long as the owner was one of the occupants.
Keep Them Clean
Unkept chickens can become a problem, particularly with their smell. CEO Surdam said anyone who wants to raise chickens must apply for a yearly permit, that spells out the conditions that must be met. He said if they are not, the permit can be revoked. Other things he would look for in any inspection would be the proper setbacks from boundary lines and any body of water, unless such is fully enclosed on the property.
In the end, the Board decided it would close this public hearing and tabled the proposed law for more work. The Board hopes to introduce a revised version of the “chicken law” at its January meeting, with another public hearing set for the February gathering, and a possible vote to follow. Most Board members this night indicated they are in favor of the law, with the possible exception of Trustee Pine, who said he has reservations, but might grudgingly support it.
There Are Dark Days Ahead
At the very end of his monthly announcements, Mayor Allen spoke about COVID-19, in particular the rapid increases in the number of cases across the nation, the state and in Rensselaer County. He urged everyone to take the virus seriously and to wear masks and keep a 6 foot distance from other people as well, expressing his worries about what he labeled as COVID fatigue. He also spoke about the coming holiday season and winter ahead. He said that Vice President Mike Pence had recently said we were entering “a season of hope,” but that he disagreed. He feels we are entering “a season of sacrifice,” speaking in particular about forgoing many of the holiday parties and gatherings, limiting your time in public and outside of your home. He told all those logged into the virtual meeting, he understands how tough this is, but if we are to keep the virus under control until all those who wish to receive a vaccination are able to do so, and the virus is brought under control, it is a sacrifice we must make.
Blame COVID-19
The Mayor said the virus is also to blame for the delay in figuring out an alternative drinking water source for the Village, the current supply tainted with PFOA. Last summer, the NYS Departments of Health and Environmental Conservation, indicated the Village has five options, running from doing nothing and continuing to use the filtration system now in place, to pumping water in from Pittstown’s Tomhannock Reservoir. They hoped to have the initial report out late this past fall, but COVID-19 delayed the work. He expects to see that report in a few days, and that it will most likely be presented at the December 16 meeting of the Community Participation Work Group (CWPG). (Please see our story on the meeting to learn more about the times and how to access the online meeting as well.) Mayor Allen expects the state agencies will then give another 30 to 60 days for public comment, before settling on a particular option, probably sometime in the late spring.
Lewis Resigns From The Board
Trustee Vanessa Lewis announced she is stepping down because she has moved outside of the Village limits. She thanked everyone for their kindness, help and support during her time as a trustee. The Village will entertain applications for the open position, which Mayor Allen hopes to fill at the January meeting.
Other News And Notes
The Board approved the expenditure of $3,160 for repairs at the water treatment plant. FPI Mechanicals was awarded the contract as the only bidder. The Trustees also passed a resolution declaring the five properties the Village has purchased as part of the Woods Brook Buyout program as tax exempt, since they are now Village property. Mayor Allen said they are negotiating with two other land owners for a buyout as well. Demolition had been expected to begin this past fall, but again COVID-19 threw the proverbial “monkey wrench” into the works.
The Board authorized the Mayor to sign a Village Grant Administration Services contract with the firm of Barton & Loguidice. This covers grants impacting the Woods Brook Flood Mitigation, Hoosick River Greenway Northern Trailhead and Hoosick River Greenway Waterworks Road projects. It also approved a final contract with J Squared for the sewer project work and retained the law firm of Roemer Wallens Gold & Mineaux to handle labor negotiations. Local Registrar Marie O’Neil-Ferrannini, Deputy Registrar Judy VanDerkar and Subregistrar Denise McMahon were reappointed, retroactive to April of this year. The appointments are normally made at the reorganizational meeting, which was postponed because of COVID-19. A discussion about price changes for household garbage and adding costs for recycling was tabled once again.
The Mayor opened the meeting by urging all to support the annual Hoosick Area Churches Association (HACA) food drive, and drop off donations of new unwrapped toys for the Toys for Tots program. The donation box is at the Municipal Building. He also praised all those associated with Festival of Trees, that has many streets in the Village sporting decorated trees for the season. The Festival was also aimed at helping to draw people to the village for Small Business Saturday, which Trustee Deb Alter, the owner of Small Song, said was a busy day and that the word is getting out, Hoosick Falls is a place to be.