by Gary Danforth
The regular monthly Town of Hoosick Board meeting took place Monday evening, April 13, in the Hoosick Falls Armory with Supervisor Marilyn Douglas calling the meeting to order at 7:01 pm. After the Pledge of Allegiance the minutes of last month’s regular meeting were accepted. Councilmen Mark Surdam, Mark Cottrell and Kevin O’Malley were present as was Town Clerk Sue Stradinger and Town Attorney Tom Kenney. Councilman Bob Ryan was absent.
The Town Clerk’s report was accepted with one death certificate, one building permit, 27 dog license renewals, 14 dog licenses, three marriage licenses, 195 garbage stickers sold and $885 in conservation fees collected. The Assessor’s report was in order as was the Court Clerk’s report and the Building Inspector’s report.
Dogs Still Missing
Under people to be heard, April Stevens and Laura Sagendorf addressed the Board, expressing concern over a recent issue with the Town Dog Control Officer and two missing dogs. According to the two women the dogs have not yet been returned to their owner, Ms. Stevens. The women expressed their concern that Matthew Beck was still in his position as Dog Control Officer, and they feared for the safety of other dogs. Supervisor Douglas said until the situation is resolved either she or Highway Superintendent Shiland would accompany Beck on calls and that further comment could not be made on the personnel issue until it is resolved.
Zoning Board Members
Bonnie Powers asked for clarification on the size of the new Zoning Board and was told there would be five members with one of the members possibly serving as Secretary to the Board. The Town Board passed a resolution appointing Daniel Douglas, Wally Sheffer, Jim Hoag and Marianne Zwicklbauer as new Zoning Board members with the latter serving as Board Chairperson. A fifth member will be appointed.
Caretaker’s Bridge
In response to another question, Powers was told that the new Caretaker’s Bridge, near the Barnett Homestead, will be a steel truss bridge, like the new Cottrell Bridge. It could be fitted with a covered bridge top and sides at a later date. The Board passed two resolutions concerning the Bridge. First they approved $189,000 for design fees and second, they approved $7,233 in additional work fees for the bridge. Douglas said all Town money spent for the bridge will be returned through the Federal Stimulus Package within 30 days of the Town paying the State. The one lane bridge will be built to support fire trucks, emergency vehicles and other heavy vehicles such as hay wagons. Douglas also said a bridge in White Creek will be put on the federal bridge reimbursement list and may be replaced in five to seven years.
Complaints Of Dogs
Chasing Livestock
Douglas said she was told by the Department of Agriculture and Markets, which handles dog licensing, that complaints from citizens about dogs chasing deer and livestock should be made to the State Police and/or the Department of Environmental Conservation and the Dog Control Officer, respectively.
Highway
Highway Superintendent Bill Shiland asked the Board for permission to advertise for stone for paving and calcium for road dust control. The bids will be opened at next month’s Board meeting. Shiland said he has 100 tons of salt left over from last winter’s supply. He will hold off purchasing more salt for next winter until later this year in the hope that prices will go down. Shiland also said that FEMA is expected to reimburse the Town almost $29,000 for salt, sand and overtime hours for workers related to the ice storm damage in December 2008.
Demolition Bids
The Board passed a motion for bids to demolish a condemned trailer and out buildings in Buskirk adjacent to the West Hoosick Fire Department. Since the property owner is deceased, the cost will be billed to the executrix of the estate. The bids will be opened at next month’s Board meeting.
Parade Highlighted
Town Historian Phil Leonard, with assistance from Charlie Filkins, submitted a picture board of the March 14, 2009, St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Leonard said the Town of Hoosick Museum has 185 members with 40 percent of those members living outside the Township. Ten newsletters are sent every year to members.
Woods Brook
Douglas said the Army Corps of Engineers will be meeting with Town officials at Woods Brook on May 13 at 1 pm.
The annual Town of Hoosick Baseball, Softball and Soccer Parade will take place at Wood Park on April 25 at noon.
The Board passed a motion accepting the posted Service Award points for firefighters from North Hoosick.
Councilman O’Malley said the Girl Scouts will be having a dance at the Armory on April 25. He will chaperon.
Councilman Cottrell said six street lights were reported out and they were in the process of being replaced.
Also, the Town is looking into arranging exhibits and displays on agriculture within the township.
There will be a dance at the Town skating rink/all purpose building on May 25 to raise money for tables and chairs to be used for future Town events. Tickets will be $10 per person and are not yet on sale.
Finally, the Board passed a motion to appoint Anna Luke, Emily Ciuk and Megan McEachron as lifeguards at the Town pool for the 2009 season.
The busy meeting adjourned at 8:15 pm.