Stephentown

by Denise Wright
The Stephentown Board’s St. Patrick’s Day meeting began with a moment of silence to honor former town board member Gerry Robinson. Robinson focused on “improving local service opportunities, protecting Stephentown's unique rural environment, and increasing local jobs and amenities by encouraging economic development appropriate to the size, atmosphere, and well-being of our community.”

After the board approved the audit of claims and February minutes, the transfer station reported that a total of $5,581 was brought in for February. The new electronic containers have been updated at the transfer station and are now in place for residents.

In honor of Martin Luther King Day, Indivisible Stephentown is holding a food drive for the Stephentown Food Pantry now through January 31st. Nonperishable food items can be dropped off at the Stephentown Memorial Library or Dave’s Market during normal hours of operation.

Stephentown’s Food Pantry, located at the Federated Church on Garfield Road, has been in operation for 42 years and currently serves 50+ families every week, providing groceries and community support.

by Denise Wright

January 20th is a day to honor and remember the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The Stephentown Board honored the civil rights leader with a moment of silence at the beginning of their meeting that evening. It went on to pass numerous resolutions for town business.

After the approval of the audit of claims/vouchers and minutes, the transfer station was happy to report a combined total of over $13K for the months of November and December. The fire department reported that they had received 70 responses from residents interested in receiving 911 address signs. The department will send postcards to the interested residents with directions to a Google form about the signs. Information will also be placed on the fire department's website and Facebook page.

By Denise Wright
The December 16 meeting of the town board in Stephentown started with a presentation and discussion about the proposed Longroad Development LLC, ground-mounted 5 mW (AC) solar array on 26 acres of a 77-acre area located on New York Route 22. Improvements would include photovoltaic modules divided into three clusters (a south cluster, a middle cluster, and a north cluster); a sixteen (16) foot wide pervious gravel access road; concrete equipment pads; electrical equipment and lines; and fencing around each of the clusters. The project "consists primarily of existing agricultural land, with some forested areas outside the delineated wetland areas located on the western side of the parcel." The solar array would interconnect to NYSEG's existing distribution circuit, which runs along a former railroad bed on the western side of the parcel. Members of the Board voiced concerns about the decommissioning plan and the electrical inverters and lines. One member expressed that the amount planned was "a little small." Since so many questions were voiced and construction can only start once the plan is approved, the plan was to come back next month with answers to the Board's concerns.

The Stephentown Volunteer Fire Department is once again partnering with the Stephentown Senior Citizens, the Town of Stephentown, and the Stephentown Veterans to sponsor a Lighted Parade and tree lighting on Saturday, November 30th. This year the tree lighting at the Veterans Park will kick off the parade – the tree lighting will be held prior to the lighted parade.

by Denise Wright
The November 18th meeting of the Stephentown Board was lengthy and included a great deal of information that will benefit residents.

After the audit of claims and approval of the minutes from the October 21st meeting and November 4th public hearing for the 2025 preliminary budget, the transfer station reported a busy month, depositing $9,361. A new bin for electronics is being investigated but has to meet state specifications. More information will be shared at a future board meeting.

The fire department reported 16 calls for the month, bringing their total to 295 for the year. Members of the highway department have also been CPR certified. The department is also preparing for its blood drive on December 17th. There will be a slight change in the parade route this year for the November 30th holiday parade. It will proceed from Veterans Park after the 5 pm tree lighting, go over Route 43 to Grange Hall Road, and end at the fire hall. The hope is to have an excellent community event after the parade with refreshments and visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

The Stephentown Volunteer Fire Department is once again partnering with the Stephentown Senior Citizens, the Town of Stephentown, and the Stephentown Veterans to sponsor a Lighted Parade and tree lighting on Saturday, November 30th. This year the tree lighting at the Veterans Park will kick off the parade – the tree lighting will be held prior to the lighted parade.

by Denise Wright
The October 21st Stephentown Board meeting was brief but busy. After the audit of claims and the regular board minutes were approved, the minutes from the October 14th special board meeting, along with the tentative budget workshop meeting minutes, were also approved.

According to Supervisor Roder, the budget only required a few revisions. He stated that the pay component in the budget was increased to approximately 4% to be more competitive while the percentage increase will be 3%. Copies of the tentative and preliminary budget are available on the town website.

The transfer station reported that August was an extremely profitable month with over $18K in bags, stickers, C&D& Metal, tires, and electric items. September brought in over $9K. There will be an increase of $1,896 for the town with state/county fees.