Hearing On Water/Sewer Rates Draws Overflow Crowd

by Bea Peterson
It was standing room only for the regular monthly meeting of the Hoosick Falls Village Board on Tuesday evening, January 11. Residents and small business owners crowded the meeting room for the Public Hearing to review the new proposed water and sewer rates. Realtors Rick Tinkham and Kendal Baker, along with Ice Kreme Kafé owner Kevin O’Malley, challenged the Board’s decision to make the basic water and sewer rate for businesses double that of residences. Mayor Matt Monahan responded that businesses profit from their buildings, while residences do not. Susan Landry supported the businesses noting that many small businesses are barely making it in these times and adding another tax burden onto them would not help them survive. Tinkham and Baker noted they use very little water in their real estate offices. The discussion continued, and rates for industrial properties versus small businesses was brought up. The Mayor thought out loud that perhaps the basic charge would be the same for everyone, but water rates should be more for industrial use. The Board will take all the suggestions into consideration and come up with a new rate plan that will be available in the Village Clerk’s office on January 24. Another public hearing on the rates will be held on Tuesday, February 8, at 6 pm. Those at the meeting understood that if the business rate is equal to the residential rate then the residential rate will be increased to make up the lost revenue. As Deputy Mayor Paul Haynes pointed out, the operating cost for the water plant is $482,000, and the bond payment for the new plant this year is $227,000. Operating cost for the sewer plant is $523,000, and the bond for that facility is $218,000 this year. Those costs must be divided by the 115 businesses and over 11,000 residences to balance the Village budget.
The Board does not expect residences to see much change in their annual rate for water, sewer and trash. The water and sewer bond cost will be split over three payments, as will the trash cost. There will be an additional charge for gallons of water used per household. The more water a household uses, the higher the cost. Meters will be read three times a year, following the billing schedule that is already in place. The meter billing system will begin June 1, the start of the Village fiscal year. The first metered billing will appear August 1.
Parking Problems, Ice And Snow
The fifty minute hearing concluded and the Board then dealt with its regular business. Dan Thompson brought in photos of damage to vehicles parked on Fiske St. because of haphazard parking in a too small parking lot on that street. Mayor Monahan and Trustee Ann Bornt are well aware of the problem. On advice of the Village Attorney, John Patterson, it was suggested that Thompson approach the Planning Board and request they reduce the size of that parking lot for health and safety reasons. A letter of support from the Police Chief would help. The Planning Board could then hold a public hearing on the problem and then it could be brought to the Village Board for a public hearing, and a change in the local law could then be enacted at the March meeting. The next Planning Board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 19, at 7 pm. The Mayor said he would attend.
Louise Cuik brought pictures of the ice buildup on Mechanic Street near her home. It is so bad, she said, the post office will not deliver the mail. The Mayor said he would talk with Niel Stowell and Hoosick Highway Superintendent Bill Shiland about resolving the problem with a drain or culvert or whatever is necessary to eliminate the problem.
John Conte, a Mechanic Street resident told the Board three street lights are out in that area. He expressed concern over the Village dumping snow on the flats at the intersection of Mechanic Street and River Road. It becomes unsightly as it melts. The Board said they have permission from DEC to dump the snow there. Years ago all the towns and villages dumped the snow in the rivers. That caused environmental problems and is no longer allowed. Thus, other places must be found to put the excess snow.
Conte also complained about the wing plow filling in his sidewalk and driveway with snow when it comes up the street.
Truck Purchase
The Board approved the purchase of a 2010 van with 23,000 miles on it from DePaula Chevrolet. The van, which will be used by the Water Department, comes with an extended warranty and a roof rack. The cost is $20,420.
Trustee John Hickey requested new circuit breakers and commercial fans for the Village garage. He also said that the roof is leaking. The breaker and fan project will be put out for bid and awarded at the February Board meeting. The Board approved the rental of a street sweeper for May. The Village will borrow a chipper from Berlin to chip up the Christmas trees collected. Hickey noted that 281 tons of sand were recently received.
The Board approved a request to advertise for bids for fuel oil and diesel fuel.
Trustee Bornt reported that 15 trash receptacles were left out along Route 22 last week. She said they were all left out by renters. She said that if they are not taken in within 24 hours, the individuals will be fined.
The Village approved a contract with Corner Stone for telephone services. The new contract is effective June 1.
Grievance Day
Grievance Day, the time for individuals to air their Village tax concerns is scheduled for Tuesday, February 15, from 5 to 8 pm.
Polling Places
The polling places for the March 15 Village election are Ward 1 – the CEO building, Wards 2,3 and 4 – the Municipal building. Election inspectors are Doris Auernig, Esther Baker, Delight Cullen, Isabel McGuire, Joan Rogers, Alice Shiland, Vivian Smith and Paulette Sukuskas.
Agreement Signed Again
The Board approved the signing of an agreement between the Village and Alex Koks for the Restore NY grant funds. The Mayor said Koks has had a lot of ups and downs but hopes to close with a bank next week and to be able to build something in the Dougherty corner starting in the spring. The Village had signed an agreement with Koks years ago, the bank is asking for an updated agreement. “I hope he gets it [the funding],” said the Mayor.
Tethered Dogs
A public hearing on Local Law #1 of 2011 regarding dog regulations and restrictions will be held at 5:45 pm on Tuesday, February 8. That will be followed by the water/sewer public hearing and the regular meeting.
The Board went into executive session for “one quick personnel issue,” according to the Mayor.