Grafton Town Board Action – September 2010

by Bea Peterson
At the regular meeting of the Grafton Town Board on Thursday, September 9, Highway Superintendent Herb Hasbrouck reported that ditching was completed on Babcock Lake Road and Kautz Hollow Road. He reported that 75 percent of the sand needed for winter has been hauled in. Hasbrouck is putting out a bid to rent a large chipper for a day or two to use on Dunham Road. Supervisor Allison Kirchner thanked Hasbrouck for all the work he has done.
Code Enforcement Officer Tom Withcuskey reported 19 building permits have been issued to date and there are 36 outstanding from previous years. He said next week the Browe house will be taken down. He noted the weather is very dry and residents should be very careful with campfires.
Quilting
The Board approved a request by Marcia Trask on behalf of the Grafton Quilt Group “Binding Friends” to use the Everett Wagar Senior Center on the fourth Thursday of each month from 3 to 7 pm for sewing purposes.
Candy Bar Bingo
On Friday, September 17, from 7 to 10 pm the Youth Commission will hold Candy Bar Bingo for young people ages one to 18 at the VFW/Fire Hall. Those under five must be accompanied by an adult. Supervisor Kirchner noted that the dance held previously had been very successful.
Rescue Calls
The Grafton Rescue Squad responded to ten calls during August. One call was fire related. Sixty-two and three tenths hours were expended and 185 miles traveled.
An email from former Eastwick correspondent Erin Hogan was read by the Board. She is now living in Wyoming and attending a local community college studying journalism.
Executive Session
At this point the Board invited Hasbrouck to join them in Executive Session to discuss a litigation issue. When they reconvened the public meeting 20 minutes later they had no comment on the executive session.
During the Public Comment portion of the meeting David Buckley commented on the stop work order he had seen on Sylvan Way. Withcuskey said it was put in place because he did not have the subdivision storm management plans. He received them at 4 pm Thursday.
Hasbrouck said all the paperwork on Sylvan Way has been filed and that project should be put to bed this fall.
Buckley asked about the $30,000 that Stonybrook was to give to the Fire Department. He was told the amount was $2,500 and it was in process.
Buckley asked the Board if they had decided on a new sole assessor, and they told him they had to have a budget first.
Grafton Resident Shelly Jacobs told the Board she thought they were doing a fantastic job and she was more than happy with the Code Inspector. “Grafton people are sick of hearing negative things about our Town,” she concluded.
Budget Schedule
A Budget Workshop was scheduled for Wednesday, September 15, at 7 pm.
On Wednesday, September 29, at 7 pm there will be a special meeting of the Board to adopt the tentative budget. At the regular Board meeting on Thursday, October 14, the Board will approve the preliminary budget and on Thursday, October 28, there will be a Public Hearing at 6:45 pm after which time the Board will vote on the 2011 budget.
November Meeting Change
Since Veterans Day is Thursday, November 11, the Grafton Town Board will hold its regular meeting on Thursday, November 18, at 7 pm.