Hoosick Town Board Action – Out Of Town Bookkeeper

by Bea Peterson
Margaret Casey told the Hoosick Town Board on Monday that she was disappointed that a non-Hoosick person was appointed Town Bookkeeper when so many local people need jobs. Cipperly responded that he had asked Laura Reynolds if she wanted the job and she said no. Casey replied, “Laura already has a job.” Cipperly said he reviewed several resumés, some from local people, and he felt Tyler Sawyer was the best qualified. He noted that bookkeeper is the one appointment the Town Supervisor can make.
Highway
“Winter has been good so far,” said Highway Superintendent Bill Shiland. He said he has met with FEMA officials twice and believes the Town will receive between $40,000 and $50,000 from FEMA as a result of Tropical Storm Irene. All the road and culvert work related to the storm is done, and eight trees were removed on Pine Valley Road. However, Shiland doesn’t believe the Town will see any of that money until next April, at least. Hoosick Falls Mayor Matt Monahan, who was at the meeting, thanked Shiland and his crew for their help in getting River Road reopened.
Town Clerk Sue Stradinger reported during November that she had collected a total of $17,997 in fees. Of that, $16,784 was for conservation licenses. She turned $1,672.50 over to the Town Supervisor.
Rates And Trash
As of January 1, Stradinger said, Washington County is raising its garbage sticker price to $2.25. Hoosick residents dispose of their non-recyclable trash in that County. That brought up another issue. Ike Powers told the Board there are tires being thrown along roadsides throughout the Town. He said there is a $2,000 fine for doing so, but no one has been arrested. He suggested instead the Town offer a $1,000 reward to anyone who reports someone dropping tires on the roadside.
Fire Departments
Mark Surdam and Louis Schmigel will be requesting a meeting with the North Hoosick Fire Department Board of Directors to discuss changes the Town is making in the contract with each Department. Schmigel hopes the meeting will include the Buskirk and West Hoosick Fire Departments as well. North Hoosick is the only Department that does not have a representative at the annual hearing on the Department’s budget. This year the Board will be asking for financial reports during the year from each Department.
Wall And Greenway
Town Historian Phil Leonard said the second phase of collecting names for the Veterans Wall in Wood Park is underway. So far he has received two names and the required $200. He said the forms are available on the Historical Society website and the Town website, as well as on Facebook.
The display board for this meeting was the second one on the new Greenway trail and what had been there years before. He said the saddest part was Thayer’s Pond. Years ago it was the big recreational site for the Town. People paid five cents to ride the trolly to the Pond, which was the first stop. Folks would picnic there. However, said Leonard, the landfill, built above the Pond, completely destroyed the waters.
Last Meeting
It was the last Board meeting for Town Councilman Bob Ryan. He has served on the Board for 20 years. During the public comment session, Ellen Scott and Margaret Casey both commended Ryan for his years serving the community. Scott said over the years, “Bob has participated in everything.” Surdam said Bob always stood up for what he believed in. He was a leader and a mentor and “We could agree to disagree.” Schmigel told Ryan he had spent 20 years at a thankless job and not many people could say that. Ryan had kind words for each of his fellow Board members but chided Cipperly for alienating former bookkeeper Janet DeLuca and Highway Superintendent Bill Shiland, saying there was still time to work with Shiland. Cipperly said he and Ryan both wanted what was best for the Town but in different ways. Ryan lost his bid for re-election in November to Bruce Patire.
The Board voted to purchase Enhanced Business Systems software for $6,000. This will enable the new bookkeeper to work more efficiently, and he will be able to email information to Board members in advance of the meetings
The Board appointed Robin Brownell as payroll clerk until the end of the year.
The Board Appointed Brent Acree as Recreational Director for the skating season. Working at the rink during the season will be Tyler Thurber, Evan Thurber, Molly Hyde, Julie Baker, Hunter Yavaniski and Emily Ciuk.
Organizational Meeting
The Town of Hoosick 2012 Organizational Meeting will be held at 6 pm on Monday, January 9, before the regular meeting.
The Board commended HFCS sports teams for their excellent sports seasons. The Football team won the Regional title, and the Girls Soccer Team won the State Title.