Grafton Town Board Action – Winter Plowing

by Erin Hogan
Grafton Highway Superintendent Herb Hasbrouck reported that winter is now in session! He gave a run down on what’s going on in the plowing world. He reported that at the end of a few roads there were turn arounds made, not only to help the plows plow easier, but also to help school buses have a place to turn around that would be safer. There are various places across Grafton where buses are having a hard time turning around with all the snow, and Hasbrouck presented a list of places where turn arounds would be plowed for the buses.
Hasbrouck wanted to make people aware that on back roads, only when rain is forecast after a snowfall, he and his men will plow only a little on the center of the road. This way, when it rains, the snow will absorb the water and allow the plowers to plow everything off the road. By leaving that snow to absorb the rain, it cuts down on black ice making the roads safer to drive on, he said.
Roads
Resolution 81 of 2009 was adopted. It states that the Town of Grafton will not provide road maintenance on North Long Pond Road (from Second Pond to the end of the road), Johnson Road (from Horton Road to the trailer located on the east side of Johnson Road) and Clickner Road (the center section between Behuniak and Clickner Roads) until the Spring of 2010.
Grafton is continuing to work with the County on various projects, one being Dunham Reservoir Road. Currently there are some problems with piping and drainage on this road, but it’s “not the time of year to work on this issue” with all the snow. Hasbrouck reported that he met with an engineer, and it was decided that there is now a 7 ton weight limit on Dunham Reservoir Road until the weather allows for the road to be repaired.
Codes
Tom Withcuskey reported that there are 45 building permits. Also, he has kept busy by sending out letters to anyone who has junk cars or trash that needs to be tidied up. He wanted to remind residents that the burning laws are now in effect and if anyone wants to see a copy of what the laws are the Town Clerk has them available. Last, Withcuskey wanted to have people make sure that all heating implements are in good working order so fires can be avoided.
Dogs
Dog Control Officer Alison Kirby gave a verbal report about all things dog. All Board members shared that they’ve heard  good things about her work and everyone is pleased. Barbara Messenger said that she has gone over and above the call of duty. In the report, Kirby said that she’s learning a lot and working very hard. Most calls are about neighbor disputes and calls of missing dogs at Grafton State Park. The Board had discussion about whether her jurisdiction covered the Park or not. Supervisor Kirchner will look into this. Board Member Edward Fredricks told Kirby to “do the best with what you’ve got.” Overall the Board was “very pleased” with her work and encouraged her to keep it up.
Correspondence
Supervisor Allison Kirchner received a letter from Rensselaer County Civil Service dated December 2, 2009 asking for a sub payroll for all employees. The Supervisor mailed it back the next day fulfilling the request.
A memo dated December 7, 2009, was received regarding a Dog Shelter agreement. The Town has agreed was to use the Creekside Kennel in Poestenkill for the Town of Grafton Official Dog Shelter. Resolution 80 of 2009 allowed Supervisor Kirchner to sign the agreement.
Budget News
There will be four increases in the highway fund. These are General Repairs by personal service and contract by $9,000 and $20,000 respectively, machinery contract by $8,425 and snow removal by $15,000.  There will be highway fund decreases in machinery personal service by $23,425 and Perm. Improv. EQ by $29,000.
General fund increases will be for the attorney by $1,736 and medical insurance by $650. Decreases will be in Youth Programs by $1,736 and planning personal service by $650.