New Leb Law To Abolish The Position Of Deputy Court Clerk Tabled

by Phil Zema
There was plenty to talk about at the New Lebanon Town Board meeting as those who attended the four-hour meeting witnessed heated discussions concerning Town liability issues, zoning violations, denigrating comments by a Claverack magazine and the Town Hall project. On the other hand, residents should be happy to hear that the Town is a viable candidate for a developmental block grant and that the Shaker Stone Barn restoration project was given a generous monetary donation.
Before the meeting there was a public hearing regarding a proposed local law, which would, as of January 1, 2010, abolish the position of Deputy Court Clerk. By abolishing the position, the Town would, in theory, save money. It was claimed that the Court Clerk could handle the necessary court duties, and it was in the Town’s best economic interest to pass the law. Some audience members argued that the position was needed and justified, especially since the clerk positions help generate thousands of dollars in Town revenue. During the discussion, it was made public that Diane Reynolds-Brown, the current Deputy Court Clerk, had brought a lawsuit against the Town. It was noted, however, that the case was dismissed. Supervisor Robertson stood by her claim that it was necessary for the position to be dissolved. The issue, however, was tabled and will be further discussed at the January 5 Organizational Meeting.
Time Cards
For the past several months, resident Leonard “Rocky” Brown argued that the Town needed to purchase time clocks and conduct background checks on Town employees. There may be cases, Brown argued, where people are injured by off-duty Town employees driving Town equipment (e.g. an off-duty worker in a plow truck crashes into someone); but if Town employees were required to “punch-in and out,” the Town would not be liable for any damages. Furthermore, a background check on Town employees would prevent the Town from hiring sex offenders or other dangerous felons. The Board investigated the issue and declared that all policeman or youth workers require a background check; yet for some positions, if the individual has paid his debt to society, the felony cannot be held against him. Furthermore, the Town is not obligated to institute time clocks, and even if it was, it would not be immune from various liability issues. The Board, however, decided to check its insurance policy to see if time clocks would make the Town more lawsuit proof.
A Slap In The Face
In its tourism edition, the quarterly magazine, Our Town, located in Claverack, NY, published several demeaning descriptions of New Lebanon. The magazine criticized the properties along Rt. 20 and, as the audience put it, made the Town appear to be an unattractive tourist destination. The Board’s response was that the Town ought to improve its public relations; accordingly, the Town should take measures to ensure tourists are made aware of New Lebanon’s attractions, such as its Shaker Village and scenery. Given the current state of the economy, better public relations are imperative, the Board claimed, as the Town is trying to attract more tourists and residents.
Zoning Violations
Mark Baumli, a New Lebanon resident who owns property on Rt. 20, voiced his displeasure with the numerous zoning violations occurring throughout the Town, especially those bordering his property. He implored the Board to take action, as these violations are unsightly and an impediment to economic growth (e.g. they reduce property values and discourage new residents). One of the repeat violators, whom the Board referred to as Mr. Ferguson, owns property bordering Baumli’s. Although repeatedly ordered to comply with zoning laws, there has been little change in his property’s appearance. In response to Baumli’s complaint, the Town made a motion to hold the violator in legal contempt.
Development Grants
New Lebanon is looking to grow as a community, and the Town is exploring ways it can promote further development. Accordingly, the Midtown Mall, located across the street from the former IGA supermarket, is a viable candidate for NY State grant money. While a number of grants could be used to enhance the mall, in so far as the State is prudent about how it uses its limited funds, it was advised that the Town start with a housing block grant. Lori Bashour, part-owner of the mall, stated that the grant would be used for the construction of eight apartments. These single bedroom apartments would be handicap accessible and affordable. Before the grant can be applied for, however, the Town must approve of the housing project. Accordingly, there will be a public hearing on January 11 at the American Legion Hall at 6:45 pm, and those spearheading the project will provide information regarding the grant and its effect on New Lebanon’s residents. The grant could be the first among many grants designed to help business development.
Landfill Closing Exchange
There was also discussion about the possibility of the Town being liable for expenses involved with closing a local landfill. Board members worried that the Town could be liable for as much as $1.4 million. This discussion soon became heated, as Board Member Bruce Baldwin and the Town Attorney Jason Shaw argued over what was said and established in previous meetings, especially those that occurred during Baldwin’s term as Supervisor during the 1980s. While it is far from certain that the Town will be monetarily responsible for the closure, the Board appeared committed to resolving the issue as soon as possible. The issue, accordingly, will be revisited by the Board in January.
Town Hall Project Takes Next Step
It was announced at this meeting that a public hearing on the New Lebanon Town Hall project will be held on Wednesday of this week, December 16, at 7 pm,   An architect will give a presentation on what work needs to be done. Ultimately, the Board will decide if a referendum should be held on the project. The hearing will be informative, and all residents were encouraged to attend.
The project to restore the Shaker Stone Barn near Darrow School was given a substantial economic boost. The project was awarded $400K, which should have a considerable impact on the restoration process.