by Bea Peterson
At the Hoosick Falls Village Board meeting on Tuesday, July 16, Mayor David Borge read a letter from Amanda Patten’s second grade class at St. Mary’s Academy requesting improvements to the crosswalk markings on Parsons Avenue and Classic Street. The rather large beautifully printed petition was signed by all the students. Mayor Borge said, “The word is out; send a letter to the Mayor.” [private]Third grade student Gabriella St. Hilaire wrote a letter in May which led to some sidewalk improvements that were made this summer. In response to this new letter, the Mayor said he had talked with Highway Superintendent Niel Stowell and the crosswalk work will be done in August, before the youngsters go back to school.
The Board noted that the sign in the center of Main Street reminding drivers to stop for people in the crosswalk has been effective in slowing down traffic. It has been slightly
inconvenient for people parking in the same area, but it is helpful.
Hoosick Falls Pictures
The Mayor said the Town of Hoosick Historical Society has provided the Village with photographs of downtown Hoosick Falls over the years. He said he would like to have them framed and displayed in the meeting room and in the hallway. The Board gratefully approved a proposal from Parisi Designs on John Street to matte and frame ten photos for $100.
Year End Surplus
The Mayor summarized the Treasurer’s report, stating that the final report for the last fiscal year ending in May will be presented in August. He said the Village finished quite strongly and he expects there will be a surplus in all Departments. “Kudos to all Departments for the job they are doing to curb expenses,” he said.
Deborah Myers of Carey Avenue appeared before the Board again this month with photos of the water that is pooling in her yard after a rainstorm. She complained that something needs to be done and was disappointed Trustee Bob Ryan did not get back to her as promised at last month’s meeting. Both Ryan and the Mayor apologized and said they will follow up on it.
Woods Brook And Other Issues
Pam Benkoski addressed the Board about several issues. She brought up other faded sidewalk markings that are in the Village. She was concerned about vehicles parking too close to the corner of Hall and Main Streets. “It’s difficult and dangerous to pull out onto Main Street,” she said. As Hall is a one way street, drivers have no choice but to come out onto Main Street. Ryan said he and Stowell would look into it, as he has noticed the problem himself. Board members expressed concern about vehicles parked in the same spot for three days or more. Assistant Police Chief Harold McClellan said the registration on any vehicle that remains in one spot for three days or more is checked by the Department.
Benkoski went on to say that a tree had fallen and is lying over Woods Brook in the Hall Street area. She said railroad ties appear to be coming away from the retaining wall there and it is in much worse shape than it was a year ago. The Mayor said he and Stowell and Building Inspector Ed Holland would look at it. “I can give you a little bit of hope,” he said. He told them NYS Assemblyman Steven McLaughlin is sponsoring a bill to make the Wynantskill Creek an inland waterway. Borge asked the Assemblyman to include Woods Brook in the bill, and he agreed. Borge said the Town and Village have to do the paperwork and there may be no results before the summer of next year. Such a designation could mean there would be funding available for brook improvements. Benkoski responded they had been waiting for almost 30 years for some help, next summer didn’t seem that far away.
Laura Peabody-Sagendorf of the group Hoosick Has Talent requested the use of Wood Park for events on Friday, August 2, and Saturday, August 31. In conjunction with their Independent Peer Support program they would like to hold a Hoosick Has Talent event from 6 to 9 pm on August 2. They have already run four of these programs at the Immaculate Conception Church hall and hope the Park will give them more community exposure.
On Saturday, August 31, they want to hold a day long Wellness Fair with demonstrations by holistic healing practitioners, displays by local artists and informational exhibits by community entities, concluding with a Hoosick Has Talent program. The Board approved the dates. Mayor Borge said he hoped they were working with other community organizations and not competing with them.
Assistant Police Chief McClellan gave a report of the calls responded to by the Police Department during June. The Mayor mentioned that there was a very serious event recently that could have been very bad had it not been for Police intervention.
Trustee Ben Patten said the Revitalization Committee is moving in a positive direction. Deputy Mayor Ric DiDonato said the Committee is concerned with having the means to follow through on recommendations. Both were concerned their work would not be completed by the September date requested by the Mayor. Borge responded that he would rather have the job done well, not just meet a deadline. Holland said he would like to see some thought given to improving empty commercial buildings.
Ryan reported that the pre-construction process is underway for River Road. He said milling and grinding will begin next week.
Trustee Kevin O’Malley said the Zoning Committee has been unable to meet with Rensselaer County Chief Planner Linda von der Heide because she has been dealing with family illness. They hope to resume working with her soon.
Though many neglected properties have been mown by the Village, Board members were dismayed by the number of properties that are overgrown. Holland said the grass must be 10 inches high before the owner can be cited, then the party must come to court. They all agreed the time frame is too long and should be shortened so these issues can be addressed more quickly.
Though many landlords are in compliance, Mayor Borge reminded property owners to notify the Village Code Enforcement Officer or the Village Clerk in ample time when an apartment needs to be inspected.
The Board discussed possibly eliminating the parking spot on the corner of Wilder and Main Streets as it is difficult to see around a vehicle parked in that spot when pulling onto Main Street. Perhaps it could have a discharge only designation. Board members will review the issue and discuss it again in August.
New Sound System
The Board acknowledged with appreciation the gift of a new sound system from the Hoosick Historical Society. The Mayor said it will be beneficial for events in the Park.
Other Business
A bid for the paper baler was awarded to the one bidder, Walloomsac Metal Recycling, in the amount of $550. At the request of Police Chief Robert Ashe, the Board approved sponsoring Thomas Finn and Brandon Galligan for Police Basic Training.
The Board passed a resolution to continue membership in the Waypoint Community Lakes to Locks organization in the amount of $250. The organization is beneficial to the area from a tourism point of view.
Last year the Village was successful, through a study grant, in receiving a $30,000 grant to resolve wastewater infrastructure issues. Some issues remain, and the Board agreed to pay CT Male $1,000 to prepare a grant application for another $30,000. The Mayor noted that they may not be successful, but it was important to apply.
The next meeting of the Board will be Tuesday, August 13, at 6 pm.[/private]