by David Flint
At its meeting on Monday, September 18, the Stephentown Town Board decided to scrap contracts with uniform companies in favor of providing a stipend of $800 a year for each Highway Department employee for the purchase and maintenance of his own work clothing. After it was pointed out several months ago that bills paid to a uniform company appeared to be excessive, Town Supervisor Tom Sherman opted to try a different company. He found, however, that when you add up all the extra charges, both companies were charging a similar amount. Highway Superintendent Neil Gardner provided figures after the meeting that showed the new company was actually charging more than the old one. In any case, Sherman said that either company would have the Town paying between $6,000 and $9,000 a year on uniforms, an amount he characterized as “ludicrous.” The stipend will not be included in an employee’s paycheck and will not be taxable. It will be put in the budget each year with consideration for inflation.
Stephentown Seniors 40th Anniversary
The Stephentown Seniors have expended all but $545 of the $13,000 provided in the Town budget to subsidize their trips. The Board passed a resolution approving the usage of the remaining $545 toward the Seniors’ 40th Anniversary Party to be celebrated on September 27.
Purchase Order System
The Board continued its discussion about instituting a purchase order system. The system would use a pre-numbered form in triplicate, with each department having its own identifying letter. Sherman said it would enable him to have real time access to information on outstanding invoices, fixed assets and the amortization schedule for insurance purposes. Invoices would be matched with purchase orders and vouchers. Councilman Larry Eckhardt agreed, saying it would provide excellent checks and balances. Councilman PJ Roder said that the Board would first have to thoroughly revisit the Procurement Policy of 1993 before adopting a purchase order system.
Roads Evaluation And Equipment Inventory
Sherman commended Councilman Mark Prescott for the excellent job that he and Highway Superintendent Gardner did on the evaluation of all Town roads. The evaluation specifies the work that is needed on each of the roads and will be most useful in seeking grant money.
Sherman reported that the inventory of Highway Department equipment has also been completed and is available at the Town Clerk’s office.
Beds At The
Transfer Station
Councilman Roder advised that two concrete beds are needed at the Transfer Station for roll-off dumpsters. The Board passed a resolution authorizing the Town Clerk to advertise for bids to construct two 10’ by 24’ slabs six inches thick. The bids will be due on September 12.
Hazardous Waste Day
Sherman announced that ERCSWMA’s fall Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day will be held on Saturday, September 20, at the Nassau Village Hall from 9 am to noon. Persons bringing items should call ahead (686-7540) or register online (www.ercswma.org) to let ERCSWMA know what they are bringing.
Nora Way To Become Town Road
Sherman reported that the Board now has all of the deeds and other documents necessary to start the process for the Town to take over ownership of Nora Way in North Stephentown. He expected that might be accomplished by October.
Dog Control
Mark Prescott read Dog Control Officer Lynn Burns’ report. There were 4 calls received in the month, 3 dogs running free, 1 ticket issued and 3 new licenses. One report of abuse was handled by consultation with the owner.
Trash And Speeding On Newton Road
Jeannette Roberts complained to the Board that garbage and refuse has been strewn all along Newton Road, either from people losing bags on their way to the Transfer Station or willfully dumping their trash, including in one instance a couch, along the roadside. She also complained of people speeding and passing dangerously on the narrow road. Sherman said he would speak with the State Police about it.
Cemetery Needs Help
Elizabeth Hanlon, Secretary and Treasurer of the Garfield Cemetery Association, reported that the Association needs help because they are no longer able to properly maintain the cemetery from proceeds from their investments and plot holder fees. Supervisor Sherman and Councilman Eckhardt responded that although the Board does not currently budget any money for cemeteries, they recognize that Town cemeteries are an important part of our heritage and older cemeteries no longer have income from sales of plots. They said they would entertain a request for assistance submitted as part of the budget process which begins September 1. Any such requests should be supported by solid figures regarding the need.
Town Park
Councilman Prescott reported that work on restoring the landscaping at the Town Park at the intersection of Routes 22 and 43 is progressing. He expressed gratitude to Hankle Lumber of Hoags Corners for donating five yards of mulch to help with the project.
Deposits & Spending
The Town Clerk reported she had turned over to the Supervisor the sum of $718.68 for the month of July. The office of the State Comptroller has not yet provided the amount of the distribution from the Justice Court Fund for the month of July. The Transfer Station deposited a total of $4,894.
The Board audited and approved claims in the amount of $21,135.24 from the General Account and $24,650.59 from the Highway Account.
The Board set their next regular meeting for Monday, September 15, at 7:30 pm, to be preceded by a public hearing at 7 pm on a change in the local Dog Control law and another public hearing at 7:15 pm for a proposed local law on tax exemptions for Cold War veterans.