by Kieron Kramer
The Berlin Town Board may have sealed the fate of the Watipi Building at the Town Board meeting on Thursday, October 11, when it voted not to proceed with replacing the roof on the building. Since last month, when the first three bids were rejected, the specifications were changed and republished. Two bids were received to install 26 gauge, dark green metal roofing on the building. One was from Pro-Builders in Hoosick which bid $28,201. The other was from Burdick Building and Landscaping in Berlin for $12,620, a price that did not include plywood roof decking replacement which would be done as necessary and for an extra charge. The Board voted to reject both bids and reached a consensus that they would not sink any more money into the Watipi in expensive renovations. Since every building needs a new roof sooner or later the condition of the Watipi will eventually deteriorate.
[private]Instead, the Board decided on a stop gap measure that will give it time to give the building, or sell it at a nominal price, to some non-profit organization. The major leak in the roof is where the utility stack goes through it so the Board decided to remove the stack and patch the roof at that spot. Stopping this leak is necessary, according to Town Supervisor Rob Jaeger, because mold may grow again in the building. The Town spent $4,480 last fall to remove the mold that was in the building at that time so that people could use the building safely. Burdick Building and Landscaping will be asked to patch the roof. Burdick has seen the structure, and the cost will not necessitate a formal bidding process.
The only organization likely to take over the Watipi is the Taconic Valley Post #937 of the American Legion. A member of the Legion, Leonard Clapp, said that the Legion has never received a serious proposal from the Town about taking over the building. He implied that the Legion would seriously consider it but they would need to know “what strings are attached.” The strings were immediately forthcoming. Jaeger said that the youth in Berlin should still be able to use the space there as should the Berlin Senior Club. Deputy Supervisor, Board Member Tara Cinney added that the Town should also have the right of first refusal if the Legion were to sell the building. The Board agreed that they would develop a formal proposal to the American Legion. Jaeger will consult with Town Attorney Don Tate about the legal ramifications.
Jaeger said that Town Historian Sharon Klein has posted a history of the train station – the building now known as the Watipi – on the Town website (http://berlin-ny.us/). At one point Pam Gerstel asked about the $25,000 that Margaret Kinn had bequeathed to the Town, implying that it might be used on the Watipi. Jaeger replied that the money was not earmarked and could be used in any way the Board sees fit.
Water Districts
Reporting on Water District #1, which services the Taborton seasonal area, WD #1 Supervisor Leonard Clapp said, “We are closed down for the season – still working on it though.” This was picked up by Water District #2 Supervisor Jim Winn who said, “We are closed for the season but still working on it.” Then he added that he still hadn’t repaired the hydrant near the Fire House.
This theme ran through many of the reports that followed until it culminated in Ivan Wager’s report on the transfer station. Wager waggishly said, “We are still open and will be open until Thanksgiving, at least, in case someone needs to do some shopping,” He then reported that “Mike is leaving and Eddie will move up.” Wager is looking for a “call person” who can fill in when necessary but who may not work for long stretches. The call person must be over 18.
Tower, Tower Not Burning Bright
Code Enforcement Officer Allan Yerton said, “I got a call from Mr. Giumarra, and we’re close to getting ready to start up the Cherry Plain tower.” He was referring to the cell tower on the Doug Goodermote property in Cherry Plain on which Verizon is renting space for its cell phone antennas. He said Giumarra had called for a certificate of compliance. Yerton said he needed a letter from the engineer indicating that the equipment had been installed per code. “I think it’s going to be pretty soon,” Yerton said – something he has been saying for months now.
Youth
Reporting on the Youth Commission Tammy Osterhout said she is “waiting for the paperwork from the County,” referring to the process in which the County distributes State monies to youth development programs in the County. She is still planning on some winter activities and mentioned ice skating at Hudson Valley Community College or roller skating at Guptil’s. Osterhout is also considering a trip to the Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut in the spring.
New Court Clerk
At the workshop on September 27 the Board was informed that the Court Clerk, Jean Barber, is moving on. The Justices recommended Elizabeth Miller to the Board to fill the Court Clerk position. At this meeting the Board voted unanimously to appoint Elizabeth Miller as Court Clerk. Jaeger said that she has been “shadowing Jean Barber and has been attending Court sessions. Jean has done an excellent job,” Jaeger said, “She was very dedicated and organized, and the Justices are sorry to see her go.” Board Member Dean Maxon said, “Liz is an excellent choice.”
A Possible JCAP Grant
Town Justice Joe Rechen, who has successfully obtained Justice Court Assistance Program grants before, is applying for a grant of $30,000 to remodel the space that will be used for court sessions at the imminent municipal center on the former Berlin Lumber property. The money will help defray the costs of installing handicapped access like ramps and handicapped accessible bathrooms. There will also be a new entry door with a number pad lock for improved access for the justices and for Sheriff’s deputies. The grant will also pay for renovations to the Court room, like installing the Justices’ bench, that will bring it up to the specifications required by the State Unified Justice Court system. The Justices needed a resolution by the Town Board supporting the grant application. The resolution, written by Rechen, was read out loud, and the Board voted unanimously to approve it.
2013 Budget
Jaeger announced that the Board had begun working on the tentative budget for 2013 and that it was posted on the Town website. The department heads have put in their projections for next year, and the Board seemed shocked at how little money was available to meet the department heads’ requests. Jaeger determined that the Town could only raise $4,000 more than last year through taxes. We are being capped at 1% this year, he asserted. Why Berlin was laboring under a 1% cap when other municipalities have a 2% cap by State law was not made clear in Jaeger’s rant against Governor Cuomo’s tax cap law and his regional area economic development plans.
It’s a little ironic that people who feel taxes are an anathema should criticize a state law that holds the line against tax increases.
“We can’t absorb a 3% increase in fuel and blacktop costs,” Jaeger said. “The only way to run the Town is to raise [property] taxes; 2 or 2½% may be required next year,” he added. Councilman Richard deLeon said, “It’s either that or we cut and cut.” The Board didn’t want to apply for a tax cap override for the 2013 budget and determined that it is too late to do so now anyway. Thinking of the 2014 budget, Town Assessor Allan Yerton said, “A 3% increase in the budget would increase the [residents’ property] tax burden by less than ½%.” He added that the real tax burden comes from State, County and School District taxes.
Resident William Cruickshank said, “We have to start bringing some businesses into Town to replace Seagroatt’s and Cowee’s.” The consensus was that increasing the tax base may be the only answer. Cinney said, “We have to make it attractive for businesses to come here, and businesses need services.” Updated zoning regulations would also help. Hitting an optimistic note, Jaeger mentioned Green Renewable and the new Colonial Inn, businesses that have recently come to Berlin. He said, “It can be done – to keep our quality of life and still encourage business. It’s still the greatest place to live.”
In an interview after the meeting Jaeger discovered that he had miscalculated the amount Berlin could raise in taxes. Berlin would be able to raise about $9,000 more in taxes than last year – about a 2% increase. Although it’s a little bit of relief that’s still not enough to cover increased expenses, he said.
Odds And Ends
Tammy Osterhout announced that Auntie Jane Fitzgerald’s estate made a $500 donation to the Youth Commission from the proceeds from her estate sale.
Ivan Wager said, “On behalf of Shirley and myself, we’d like to thank the Town Board for the Certificate of Appreciation for our 50 years of service.” The Board, almost as one, replied, “No, thank you.”
Highway Superintendent Jim Winn reported that the Department has finished blacktopping and is catching up with grading. Small projects are being finished before getting ready for winter. He is still getting the final prices for the truck purchase that was considered at last month’s meeting.
Dog Control Officer Doug Goodermote reported that he received two “dog calls” this month – one from Bly Hollow Road and one from North Main Street. Other than that it has been quiet, he said.
Jaeger reported that Gerald Driscoll has been hired to clean the Watipi Building and the Town Hall.
Jaeger reported that the Town has received a check from NYMIR in the amount of $1,368.72. NYMIR, the New York Municipal Insurance Reciprocal, is an organization that 906 towns in the State use because it allows them to be self-insured.
The meeting ended with Billy Hammersmith informing the meeting that on September 17 debris was dumped on Route 22, Watson Road, Black River Road, Miller Road and Bly Hollow Road all the way to the top of the mountain. The vinyl siding, tarps, tires, toys and other debris that filled 40 garbage bags took Highway Department employee Mike Winn a half day to clean up, Hammersmith said.
Budget Public Hearing
A public hearing on the 2013 Budget was scheduled for 7 pm on November 8 before the regular Town Board meeting next month.
Corrections
In the last Berlin Town Board report this reporter inadvertantly promoted Leonard Clapp to American Legion Commandant. He was at one time. The American Legion Commandant now is Wally O’Neil. My apologies, Wally. – Kieron Kramer
And Bruce Hake, President of the Berlin Vol. Fire Co. Inc. wrote, “The Berlin town board news incorrectly states the fire department needs to use a commercial bank. That is not true. We are a private not-for-profit 501C3 corporation and not a municipal agency. I believe it should have named the Berlin Fire District, which is the taxing municipality.”[/private]