by Judith Radford
On Thursday, November 13, the Grafton Town Board held its regular monthly meeting promptly at 7 pm. All members were present. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call and approval of last month’s meetings, Supervisor Allison Kirchner asked for department reports.
Superintendent of Highways Herbert Hasbrouck reminded everyone about the Johnson Road culvert collapse. He said the Department had been able to open the south side for limited traffic. He said the cost to replace the pipe will cost up to $400 per foot and they are trying to work that into the current budget. He also said that the Rensselaer County Highway Association had met and asked if Supervisor Kirchner could appoint someone from the Board to be qualified for NIMS. Kirchner volunteered herself for the duty. Hasbrouck also talked about the multiple grant the RCHA is working on. He said 80% of the cost will be met by the federal grant. He said Grafton would not be responsible for very much and the Board needs to make a decision as to whether or not the Town will opt into this project. Right now, they are planning three wash stations to be spread throughout the county. Currently one location being considered is Berlin Central School.
Tom Withcuskey, Codes Enforcement Officer, was absent, but Kirchner said he had reported that 53 building permits have been issued so far in 2008 with 35 of them being outstanding from 2007.
Supervisor Kirchner read the Grafton Rescue Squad report for October. There were 13 calls, 63.3 volunteer hours expended, and they traveled 327 miles.
The Supervisor’s Report and Town Clerk’s Report for the month of October were both approved unanimously. Copies can be obtained at the Town Clerk’s Office.
Supervisor Kirchner said there was no Dog Control report and for the Youth Commission, Kirchner reported there would be a trip to Guptill’s on November 21.
Supervisor Kirchner reported on communications received since the last meeting. A Notification from the Rensselaer County Bureau of Economic Development was received acknowledging their receipt of the proposed change to Local Law #2. It said that the proposal “does not have a major impact on County plans and that local consideration shall prevail.”
Under Old Business the following proposals were discussed: Local Law #1 of 2008 to amend Town Code Section 100-9 Buildings/Unsafe – a local law to amend the dollar amount for non-emergency demolition work; Local Law #2 of 2008 to amend Town Code, Section 125-11 Building Construction – Certificates of Occupancy – amending the Town Code to provide that the Building Inspector issue Certificates of Occupancy and Local Law 3 of 2008 to amend Town Code Section 209 to Add a Cold War Veterans Exemption – a local law to allow cold war veterans a limited county tax exemption effective March 1, 2008 for the 2010 tax rolls. Public hearings on these laws were held on October 30.
Supervisor Kirchner introduced Resolution #98 of 2008 setting the 2009 Town of Grafton revised preliminary budget as the Final Budget. The motion was seconded by Board Member Marie Claus. Following a roll call vote, the resolution was approved unanimously.
Supervisor Kirchner introduced Resolution #99 of 2008 adopting Local Law #1 of 2008. The motion was seconded by Claus and, following a roll call vote, the resolution was approved unanimously.
Supervisor Kirchner introduced Resolution #100 of 2008 adopting Local Law #2 of 2008. Board Member Barb Messenger seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously with a roll call vote.
Supervisor Kirchner introduced Resolution #101 of 208 adopting Local Law #3. The motion was seconded by Board member Ed Fredricks and approved unanimously.
Supervisor Kirchner introduced Resolution #102 of 2008, with Board Member Mike Crandall seconding, to authorize the transfer of $4,005.65 from the Trust and Agency Account TA30 (Escrow) to the General Fund account A2801 (Inter-Fund Revenue) to cover Planning Board consultant expenses in connection with the applications of Verizon Wireless, $2,110.31, and Reunion Power, $1,895.34. The resolution carried with a unanimous vote.
Supervisor Kirchner introduced Resolution #103 of 2008 authorizing numerous 2008 budget revisions. The motion was seconded and carried unanimously.
Board Member Marie Claus made a motion to pay all bills as audited. It was seconded by Fredricks and approved 5 to 0.
Former member of the Town Board, Margaret Claus, reported that people have been dumping washing machines, tires, etc., on Jay Hakes Road and wonders what can be done about it. Supervisor Kirchner said she would consult with the Town Attorney and do some research to see if she can find out what the Town can do. According to Claus, the dumping occurred sometime late Saturday night because the items weren’t there during the day and just appeared when the Clauses were leaving for church.
David Buckley, a non-resident of Grafton who owns property in the Town asked who is supposed to issue Certificates of Work Stoppage? Supervisor Kirchner said she was sure it was the Codes Enforcement Officer but would check the law to make sure.
Former Supervisor Tyler Sawyer commented that Board members are not obliged to respond to public comment. He also stated it costs the Town $150 for a consulting fee with the Town attorney.
There was no further public comment. Supervisor Kirchner made a motion to adjourn the meeting in memory of Laura MacDonald Robinson, Marjorie Wagar and Grace Hess. The meeting adjourned at 7:20 pm.