by Bea Peterson
The Hoosick Falls Village Board meeting on Tuesday, June 12, began with a Public Hearing on Local Law No. 1. When the hearing closed, the Board voted to approve the Law which prohibits the burning of garbage, rubbish and refuse and regulates open burning and recreational fires within the Village. [private]Mayor Matt Monahan noted that New York State has a similar law but is not enforcing it. The Village, he said, will enforce this law. Those found breaking the law will be fined $250 and may spend 15 days in jail. Celebratory camp fires where untreated wood is used and other small fires are permitted. The Police Department will enforce the law, aided by the Fire Department.
A copy of the complete law is available for review in the Village Clerk’s office Monday through Friday.
What To Do, What To Do
Susan Landry, a fourth generation resident of Hoosick Falls, lambasted the Board for a half hour for not doing more to promote new businesses in the Village and for all the empty buildings. Who wants to stay here, she asked. She lamented the lack of volunteers to help improve the Village or to support the Rescue Squad. She was upset there were not more restaurants or places to shop or public events. She wondered why more people didn’t attend the Band Concerts, etc. We need something to draw in visitors, she concluded. Figure out a way to solve this, and let us help you.
The Board was extremely gracious. The Mayor told her the Board is doing what it can. “We have $165,000 to loan to folks qualified to start a small business,” he said. “We have loaned money to Windo-Therm, Nirvana and the Dougherty’s corner project,” he said. “We’ve invested in the community,” he added. “We’re making strides little by little.” As for events, he told her, there was the Village-wide Cleanup, the Town-wide Tag Sale, Pumpkinpalooza, the tree lighting when the shops stayed open in the evening and the Home Town Days carnival in August. He failed to mention the St. Patrick’s Day and Memorial Day parades and the many organization sponsored events held over the year throughout the Village. The Mayor mentioned that it is tough for businesses here, restaurants for example.
“If someone has a bad meal one time, they won’t try again. They never go back. There’s no second chance,” he said. He spoke of the old St. Mary’s building that is going up for auction. “It will take well over a million dollars to rehab that building,” he said. He also noted that a dozen or so people are working to re-establish a Chamber of Commerce type organization. Trustee Ric DiDonato said his wife, Suzanne, and Gail Delurey have spent hours decorating some of the empty storefront windows. “There are baby steps being taken,” he said. The Mayor added that there is a lot of stuff going on in the background. “We do hear you,” he told Landry.
Herb Loretan said he wished there was a better way to communicate to the residents what is going on in the Village. He suggested a mailing regarding events and information. The Mayor said that the Village already spends over $1,000 a year on mailing. Perhaps something could be put in with the bills, he thought. DiDonato said more information is being put on the Village website. They all realized that the internet is not available to everyone.
Old Problems
When asked about the house on Griffin Avenue, the Mayor and the new Building Inspector, Edward Holland, responded that considerable work was underway on the structure. “We have made great strides,” said the Mayor. “They have been to court for eight issues, and they are being fined $100 a day per issue. They will return to court on June 14.” The Mayor added that he is happy with the progress.
By a voice vote the Board unanimously approved having a barrier placed on Fiske Street to prevent cars on one side of the street from backing into cars parked on the other side of the narrow street.
The Board and the Building Inspector reaffirmed that all rental properties, apartments or houses, should be inspected before a tenant moves in.
Trustee David Borge reported that the Village Water Department is filling swimming pools at a reasonable cost.
Deputy Mayor Paul Haynes reported that in the last two months the Waste Water Treatment plant has brought in revenue of over $10,000. Dan Merrell has done a very good job of advertising our services, he said.
Police Chief Appointed
Hoosick Falls Police Chief Robert Ashe recently passed the Chief’s exam, along with several other officers. The job was open to these applicants. Ashe was the only one who responded. “He has been the Chief, and he still is the Chief,” said the Mayor.
Vehicle Changes
The Board agreed to sell the old vehicle used by the previous Building Inspector as the new Inspector is paid mileage to use his car.
The Village is also getting rid of two old police cars and is replacing one. The Department is purchasing a used 2006 Ford police car for $5,500. They will keep the Ford explorer and another car. The two that will be sold will cover the cost of outfitting the new used vehicle. The Department will now have three cars instead of four.
Greenway
The Board approved having stone dust put along the Greenway from the old Waterworks building up to the bridge on River Street. The Board will pay the cost and be reimbursed by the Greenway grant. The work is expected to be completed by September.
Waterworks Computers
The Board approved the purchase of three computers for the Waterworks plant in the amount of $9,935.12. Two are replacement computers, and one is for the new waterworks employee. Last year the plant was under budget, and the cost of the computers will come from the fund balance.
The Board approved CT Male Associates preparing a 2012 NYS Consolidated Funding application for a $30,000 grant for work on Lyman Street and the River Road pumphouse. Their charge is $3,100.
Matt Bornt, Joe Musca and Marcus Reynolds have been hired as summer help effective June 4.
The Mayor said the State Comptroller will be working with the Village for the next several weeks. “We haven’t had a visit from them in 12 years,” he said.
When asked, Mayor Monahan said he has heard nothing new regarding the Dougherty Corner. He said the last he heard, the bank was trying to work with the grant officials and that he would hear from them. That was three weeks ago, he said.
Trustee Robert Downing was asked about the ERC Community Warehouse move. He said nothing is settled yet. The Warehouse may be moving to Melrose, but he is not sure. He believes Dollar General is still interested in the property should the Warehouse move. He was also concerned about what arrangements the Warehouse will make to pick up discarded electronic equipment, since the Village is still part of the Eastern Rensselaer County Solid Waste Management Authority.
Consolidation Website
The Mayor handed out a press release outlining the progress of the Dissolution Study with Alternatives and the website where all the information can be reviewed.
Upcoming Events
Fourth Ward Playground Dedication, Tuesday, June 19, 6 pm
Hoosic River Ride, Saturday, August 25
Pumpkinpalooza, Saturday, September 29
The next Village Board meeting will be a week early. It will be held on Tuesday, July 7 at 6 pm.[/private]