by Bea Peterson
Former Mayor Matt Monahan reported to the Hoosick Falls Village Board on Tuesday, May 11, on the conclusions of the Village Dissolution Committee. Monahan was a member of the committee that undertook the study through a grant starting in February 2012. Monahan said that after detailed and exhaustive study of each option the Committee’s final recommendation was not to dissolve the Village at this time. [private]The main concern in dissolution was the loss of police protection for the Village that would result. He said there is no provision in dissolution planning for Police Districts where the Department would serve the Village only. Overall, Monahan said, the study was a great success and provided valuable tools to improve shared services. He noted the grant has been exhausted. “I can’t thank the Village staff enough for their help and cooperation. It was a very trying, very difficult time for them because they didn’t know if they would still have a job when the study was over.” Monahan said that such a study hadn’t been done in 25 years and it shouldn’t be another 25 years for the next one to be done. He concluded that the best way for the Village to go right now is with the Revitalization Committee.
Village Trustee Ben Patten said he and Deputy Mayor Ric DiDonato serve on the Revitalization Committee. He said the Committee has had two meetings so far. He noted that it is an eclectic group of individuals. He said they are currently working on a mission statement. He is unsure if they will have some solutions for the Mayor by September. DiDonato, on the other hand, is optimistic the Committee will achieve its goal.
River Road Speeding
Donald Smith complained that River Road “is a jungle out there.” He said trailer trucks are traveling the road again and that cars are traveling the road at 50 to 60 miles per hour. He demanded a better police presence on the road. Assistant Police Chief Harold McClellan said he has patrolled that road on a regular basis.
Smith wondered when roadwork would start. Mayor David Borge responded that he hoped it would start this week. He said NIMO put two new utility poles in last week.
The Board approved the Mayor and Village Attorney signing a change order for a time extension for the Hoosic River Bank Restoration and River Road Improvements.
Street Sweeper Purchase
The Board agreed to purchase a 2006 used street sweeper from Joe Johnson Equipment, Inc. for $25,000, with a $5,000 trade-in of the old sweeper and with the Village being forgiven the rental fee of $5,990. The funds were from the Highway Department’s budget and CHIPS funding. By owning its own sweeper, the Village can sweep from spring to early fall. It will also be useful for sweeping up ground up paving material during the repaving process.
Bids
A bid of $655 was received for the old police car from Walloomsac Metal Recycling. The Board approved the bid as they were hoping any bid would be higher than $500.
Trustee Bob Ryan said Highway Superintendent Niel Stowell told him Walloomsac was also interested in buying the Village’s paper bailer, which is not being used. The Board approved putting the bailer out for bid.
Pump Problems
Pump problems are a continuing problem for the Wastewater Treatment Plant crew. Superintendent Dan Merrills said since the pumps are submerged there is no way to perform preventative maintenance and they have no information on the pump’s life span. He is hoping to replace the broken ones with a better quality pump. He said the pumping station at River Road is running on one pump. There is a problem with the pump motor on Kokely Avenue as well. The Mayor noted they recently had major pump problems at a cost of $11,000. That’s the bad news, he said. The good news is the insurance covered the cost. Merrills said the pumps are not made to handle stuff like pieces of 2x4s and bricks and clumps of rags that are coming through the sewer lines.
Daycare Water/Sewer Rates
Trustee Robert Downing recused himself from this discussion as his wife is a day care provider. Mayor Borge said daycare providers offer the community a unique service. They are required to meet State, County and Town regulations and they must complete a phenomenal amount of paperwork to stay in business. He proposed that the Board consider reducing the water and sewer rates for the three providers in the Village from the business rate to the home rate. The change for water would be $2.25 per 1,000 gallons lower for water and $2.40 for sewer. Trustee Kevin O’Malley said there are three good providers and they are important to the Village’s working families. The change was approved.
Solar Panels
Mayor Borge said 180 solar panels have been installed on the roof of the Water Treatment Plant. He expects national grid will be there within the next two weeks to hook them up. He said panels will be installed on the roof of the Municipal Building next. Monolith is offering the Village its choice of two small displays promoting the solar power. Borge said the community can vote on which display will be used.
Evening Under The Stars
HFCS kindergarten teachers Sarah Fleming and Sue Hale asked the Board for permission to hold an Under the Stars benefit for the Luke Hoag Fund on Wednesday, July 24, in Wood Park. The event would run in conjunction with the band concert and afterwards. There will be a bounce house, face painting and the painting of an Under the Stars panel for display throughout the community. After the concert the movie Peter Pan will be shown in the Park. They explained that Luke Hoag has an inoperable brain tumor and all proceeds will benefit the fund that helps with Luke’s medical expenses. The Board approved the request.
Armory Loan
John Conte said he was appalled the Village would use HUD grant money to finance the Armory. He said the funds were misallocated and the Village is throwing money away. He accused the Board of holding the meeting in secret. Board members explained that notice of the meeting was published in the Village’s legal publication as required by law. Conte said big events will never be held in the Armory and people will never be hired to work there. DiDonato responded that HAYC3 has a Board of Directors and presented a solid business plan to the Board. Board members believe it is a good investment in the community. McClellan added that the Village and the Police Department are on a strict budget and that HAYC3, through its drug and alcohol abuse program, funded a recent Police training program.
Water Problem
Debbie May of Carey Avenue said water from the road is coming down the hill and pooling at her mailbox and in her yard. “I want my yard back,” she said. She would like to be able to mow her grass. Trustee Ryan said he would look into it and call her.
Summer Help
Colby Davendonis, Bruce Seney and Sakan Sadowski have been hired as summer help to do a variety of tasks for the Village Highway and Water Departments.[/private]