Village of Hoosick Falls Board Meeting – Dispatch Agreement With County Approved

by Bea Peterson
At its regular meeting on Tuesday, October 12, the Village of Hoosick Falls Board approved a motion for the Mayor to sign the Dispatch Agreement with Rensselaer County. The Mayor noted that the Town of Hoosick contributed $5,500 toward the Village’s Dispatch operation this year. Next year it will contribute the same amount when the Village switches to the County service and pays an annual fee of $12,000. After next year, the Town will no longer contribute to the service as townspeople pay for the service through County taxes.
No Snowmobiles On Greenway
Earlier this year the Village Board agreed that no motorized vehicles would be allowed on the Village Greenway along the Hoosic River. At this meeting, with Trustee and Greenway representative Ric DiDonato in attendance, the Board agreed that no motorized vehicles, including snowmobiles, would be allowed on the Greenway. DiDonato said barriers and signs will be put in place to insure the prohibition. Mayor Matt Monahan said the Village has not received any snowmobile organization requests to use the trail.
Workers’ Comp Coverage
The Board approved a motion stating that all Village paid elected and appointed executive officers will be covered by Workers’ Compensation at a cost of $400 a year. As an example, the Mayor pointed out that had the Judge that was assaulted last year required medical treatment, he would not have been covered.
Bids For Water Main Tie-in
Mayor Monahan said there are four houses on Classic St. that are not tied into the new water main. “We can’t pay for them to be tied in,” he said, “but we can help them get the best price for the work to be done.” The Board agreed to advertise a request for bids with bids to be submitted by November 1.
Deputy Mayor Paul Haynes reported that the DEC has inspected the Wastewater Treatment Plant and found everything satisfactory. Revenue for the Plant is up so far this year. He said for the first quarter the Village’s general fund is in very good shape. He will speak to the Village Treasurer about an increase in the power charges at the Water Plant as it appears to be $35,000 higher than last year.
Greenway Meetings
DiDonato said the Greenway Committee will be meeting regularly on the first Thursday of the month in the Village meeting room at 6 pm. DiDonato said new members are always welcome. On the previous Sunday some new members had walked the trail. Preliminary plans are underway to hold a cross-country race around Thanksgiving time and, perhaps, caroling near Christmas time.
Holiday Decorations Over Church St.
David Borge requested permission for his son and neighbor, who elaborately decorate their homes on Church St. near Stewart’s, to be allowed to put a holiday greetings sign 18 feet in the air across Church St. Board members thought this was a great idea. Mayor Monahan suggested that the design of the planned sign be brought before the Planning Board for their review as this sign would be setting a precedent and standards should be established.
Veterans Wall
The Mayor read a letter from Memorial Wall Co-Chairman Phil Leonard stating that during this latest campaign over $28,000 had been raised. “Hats off to everyone involved,” the Mayor said. “This is a major achievement.”
The Board approved resolutions:
• allowing the Village Court to apply for a grant through the Justice Court Assistance Program;
• acknowledging the Court audit by Trustee Ann Bornt for 2008, 2009 to August 2010; Bornt noted it was a “good audit;”
• disposing of Village records with expired retention time.
The Board approved:
• a request from the new owners of the Sand Bar, Michael and Trisha Bloomer, to apply for a liquor license;
• a motion to change insurance brokers from Capital Insurance to Patriot Benefits; coverage will remain the same though the date of any plan changes will now match that of the Village budget year instead of the calendar year;
• a request from the Town of Hoosick for use of Wood Park on October 30 from 6 to 9 pm for the annual Halloween Parade.
The Board noted that the Hoosick Falls Police Department has received a Bureau of Justice Assistance Grant for $5,625 to replace expired bullet proof vests.
The Village will continue to use Cornerstone telephone service.
The Mayor noted that the Hoosick Area Church Association annual Community Walk to fight hunger will be held Sunday, October 17, starting at 2 pm from the St. Mark’s Church yard.
Leaf Pickup
Leaf pickup will be the first two weeks in November, November 1 through November 12.
The Board concluded the meeting and went into Executive session to address personnel issues. No resolutions resulted.