New Lebanon Town Board Action – Complaints About The Zoning Officer

by Phillip Zema
At its February 8 meeting, the New Lebanon Town Board heard a number of audience members voice their concerns about Zoning Enforcement Officer Stan Koloski.  The residents claimed that he is difficult to work with, unfriendly, and irascible. One member said he “insults,” “degrades” and “demeans” others, and another claimed he “is a tyrant,” “rude” and “makes the laws.” There was also concern that the Town is not holding him accountable for neglecting his duties (e.g. failing to attend meetings or fulfill obligations).  The Board did not pass judgment, however, and it was brought to light that Koloski is going through a number of personal problems.  Moreover, since Koloski was not there to defend himself, the Board was hesitant to take sides.  Not wanting to act on hearsay alone, the Board will investigate the issue.  Bruce Baldwin proposed the idea of creating a deputy zoning officer so that in instances where the zoning enforcement officer could not fulfill his duties, the deputy would be employed.
Midtown Mall Block Grant
The New Lebanon Town Board recently passed a resolution that would enable the Town to apply for a $400k community block grant.  To ensure the grant goes through, Monte Wasch, the Town’s Deputy Supervisor, claimed the project needed a professional grant writer.  Accordingly, he asked the Board to set aside $4,000 to help fund the grant writing project.  Once the grant is received, however, the Midtown Mall owners will refund the $4,000.  The Board liked the proposal but was hesitant to approve the action. While it will likely grant the money, until those spearheading the project are ready to hire a grant writer, no money will be committed. The Board, therefore, will wait till next month to approve Wasch’s request.
Additionally, there were changes made to the development project. Originally, there were going to be 8 units built at the Midtown Mall; yet for legal and practical reasons, the project’s coordinators decided to create four single-bedroom and two double-bedroom apartments.
The Sidewalks Of New Lebanon
Both Fiona Lally, President of the Lebanon Valley Business Association, and Nancy Wolfe, Head of Darrow School, asked the Board to take advantage of a sidewalk grant.  In principle, the grant would help fund the creation of a sidewalk in downtown New Lebanon. They said sidewalks are part of the Town’s comprehensive plan, and they encouraged the Town to make the grant a top priority. In accordance with Lally and Wolfe’s requests, the Board made a resolution to proceed with the sidewalk grant.  The next step requires the Town to meet with Poughkeepsie-area transportation officials.
New Trucks
The Board gave Highway Superintendent Jeffrey Winestock the authorization to dispose of three older plow vehicles and purchase two newer ones.  The older, worn-out trucks will either be sold or traded in, and the Town will replace them with a 4X4 large plow truck and a one-ton pick-up.
The Board also passed a motion allowing for work to continue at the Town Hall. The Board, is planning a large renovation project for the Town Hall. Before that project begins, however, the Town will hold a public workshop that will explain what work needs to be done.  After that, a referendum date will be scheduled.
The Old Landfill Problem
The landfill on Old Post Road was also discussed.  The issue concerns whether the Town or county is liable for paying the $1.5m necessary to close the landfill. Town Attorney Jason Shaw and Supervisor Meg Robertson recently met with Columbia County officials, and the meeting was surprisingly cordial, they said. Robertson was optimistic that the county could be persuaded to pay the fee.  While both sides claim the other is liable, the county was the last entity to deposit waste at the landfill. Moreover, the Board mentioned that in 1981 there was an agreement that the county would cover the costs.  Nevertheless, the Board passed a resolution claiming that the Town is not liable for paying the $1.5m.
Other Business
The Town held a public hearing on a law that will create an Environmental Conservation Advisory Council, a committee that will provide suggestions to the Board. The Council will consist of 3 to 5 area residents, and, ideally, it will include a local youth (16-21 years old).
The Board agreed to remove language about overlay districts from the zoning re-write. As long as the re-write mentions the creation of overlays, any immediate zoning reform would be impossible.