Village of Hoosick Falls Board Action – Water Shortage Possible

by Bea Peterson
Though there is no shortage of water for the Village at this moment, Water Superintendent Jim Hurlburt told the Board at its Tuesday, July 10, meeting, “The water is down to 13 inches in one well, and that’s not good.” He added that if there is no rain by August 1, he would suggest water conservation practices be put in place, banning outside water use such as lawn watering and car washing.
[private]A motion to approve well cleaning was approved. Mayor Matt Monahan said, “It is not cheap, but it must be done every other year.” The cleaning will be scheduled for the end of August or early September.
A resident brought pictures of water in the basement of her home and water and snow issues near her home by a bridge in the Village. She said there was a spring that was capped off years ago but is not capped now. The Mayor said the spring will have to be researched.
Residents of Wilder Avenue addressed the Board regarding parking on both sides of the street near their home. They have a travel trailer, and backing it into their driveway is frequently a problem. At times they have been jackknifed in the road, blocking it. They are concerned that they would block emergency vehicles during such a time.
The Mayor said they will be looking at parking issues on Friday, and he would get back to them on Monday or Tuesday.
Another resident wanted to see Park Street potholes repaired and the road returned as a public way. Mayor Monahan said he couldn’t agree more. However, the Village doesn’t own the roadway, it is private property. He added that the Village has tried to purchase the property for a continuation of the Greenway and so far they have talked the owner down to $300,000.
Other complaints included dogs barking on Cummings Street and the sulfur smell from Saint Gobain’s. Deputy Mayor Paul Haynes, who is employed by Saint Gobain, said the odor is from the fuel they are legally permitted to burn. The quality of the fuel does meet all our permits, he said.
The Board approved a request by the Girl Scouts to do face painting at the band concerts.
The Mayor noted the Village has received correspondence from the St. Stanislaw Society regarding the 100th anniversary celebration planned for August 17 to 19. He said the organization donates a great deal of money to the community and should be congratulated for lasting 100 years. He said there will be a ceremony open to the public at 2 pm on the Sunday honoring members, along with several other events throughout the weekend.
Trustee David Borge reported that Code Enforcement Officer Ed Holland had completed 35 inspections, issued three certificates of occupancy, responded to over 30 complaints, had four court appearances and at least 20 people have come in to talk with him.
Haynes reported that a fence will be put around a portion of the waste water treatment plant in accordance with a suggestion from DEC. The cost will be about $600.
He added that street signs have been replaced and street lights repaired. Village Clerk Ann Bornt said if there are street lights that are out, she needs a pole number to report them to the utility company.
The meeting concluded with the Board going into executive session to discuss a personnel issue.[/private]