by Bea Peterson
The room was packed with HFCS students for the September 9 Village Board meeting, which began with the pledge of allegiance and a moment of silence to remember 9/11.
[private]Snow Street
Citing three unexpected expenses this year, plus a staff shortage at the Highway Department and the lateness of the season, the Board elected to put off the project to increase water pressure to Snow Street residents until next year.
The Village had budgeted $45,000 for the water line improvements. However the need to borrow $185,000 for repairs that must be done immediately on the Rogers Avenue water tank and to perform DEC mandated sewer line repairs near the River Road pump station as well and the unanticipated purchase of a new police cruiser had Mayor David Borge thinking that $45,000 could be used to reduce the amount of the loan.
Board members were adamant that Snow Street residents be assured, with a time frame, that the water line improvements will be done next year. The new time frame will give the Village an opportunity to look into possible grants for the project as well.
Unkempt Properties
William Grennan complained to the Board about the run down property near a house he owns on First Street. “That building affects the value of my property,” he said. Building Inspector and Code Enforcement Officer Ed Holland responded saying that the Center Street property owner, Mausse Said of Troy, has been scheduled to appear in Village Court three times regarding that particular house and has not appeared once. “After the next Court session, the building will be torn down and the expense charged to the owner,” he said.
Both Holland and Mayor Borge noted that the process to take care of these abandoned properties is long and tedious.
Holland added that he and the Police Department are frequently called to houses of absentee landlords. He further stated that some buildings are going up for auction and his hope is that local people will purchase them. In regards to other abandoned buildings, Holland said, “It’s a [financial] hardship for the Village to take them down.”
Holland also reported that several permits are currently in effect to improve some commercial properties.
Police Report
Assistant Police Chief Harold McClellan reported that from July 9 to August 12 the Department responded to 73 calls and assisted with 12 other calls. Twelve traffic tickets were issued, and the Department responded to nine traffic accidents.
Trustee Robert Downing, who is usually critical of the Department, commended Officer Martin Furciniti for the way he recently handled a domestic situation. McClellan responded that Furciniti commended Downing for his assistance in that particular incident.
Camping On Greenway
Assistant Chief McClellan reported that for three days, four to six people were camping on the Greenway. “We had no teeth to get them out of there,” he said. The Board immediately passed a resolution to put up signs on the Greenway noting there is no camping along the two mile path. They then passed a motion to have Village Attorney John Patterson create a law prohibiting camping and overnight stays on Village property, including the Greenway, unless there is prior approval for such from the Village Board.
Planning Board To Hear Corner Development Plans
Mayor Borge said the Planning Board has a full agenda for its Wednesday, September 17, meeting, which begins at 6 pm. At 7 pm Jeff Buell of Sequence Development will present his initial proposal for development of the Dougherty’s corner property.
Zoning Laws Meeting
The Board passed a motion to hold a public input meeting on the update to the Village’s Zoning Laws on Thursday, October 9, at 6:30 pm at the HAYC3 Armory.
Woods Brook
Mayor Borge noted that the passage of the NYS law including the Hoosic River as an Inland Waterway may pave the way for grants and funds for Woods Brook. He said he has also been in touch with U.S. Congressman Chris Gibson and the Regional Director for U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand for funding to study Woods Brook from its beginning and “not just treating the symptoms.” However, he noted, he has been advised that no funding for any projects will be available until after the November election.
Historic Markers
Mayor Borge said he has been working with Town Historian Phil Leonard to create markers similar to those once created by New York State years ago. These markers would be for the posts that were once the entrance to the Wood estate, denote the burial place of world famous artist Jose DeCreeft and recognize other community historical sites. Deputy Mayor Ric DiDonato suggested there may be funds available from Lakes to Locks for such signs.
Mayor Borge had a copy of the recent Rensselaer County Chamber of Commerce newsletter that had a very positive article on the Hoosick area. More copies will be available at the Hoosick Rising meeting.
The Mayor further reported that the solar panels at the Wastewater Treatment Plant are finally on line. No panels have been put on the Municipal Building to this point.
LED Lights
Borge said the Village owns 30 of the 500 street lamps in the Village. LED lights have been placed in the lamps in the parking lot across from the Library and in the municipal parking lot. “So far we have had no negative comments on those lights,” said the Mayor. The LED lights cost about $100 each and will save 80% on the electricity costs. NYSERDA has approved the Village’s application for the change. The Board approved spending $3,000 for the new lights. The Mayor added that national grid has no plans to upgrade their lights at this time.
Converting Vehicles To Propane
Representatives from Tornabene’s Auto Sales in Pownal, VT, addressed the Board regarding converting Village vehicles from gasoline to propane. They briefly outlined the process and cost, noting that grants and incentives are available. They agreed to do a free analysis of the Village’s vehicles and return next month with cost estimates. Board members appeared skeptical but interested.
Trustee Ben Patten said the Rogers Street water tank will be drained this week and repair work will start the week of September 15.
Trustee Bob Ryan said three families have requested participation in the 50/50 sidewalk replacement program.
Highway Superintendent Niel Stowell said blacktopping in Second Ward should be finished in a couple of weeks.
The Board approved the following motions:
• for Niel Stowell to attend the 2014 Public Works Training School in Saratoga Springs from October 20 to 22 at a cost of $245;
• for Mayor Borge to sign a proclamation by NYS Assemblyman Steve McLaughlin recognizing October as Anti-Bullying Awareness Month;
• to accept the resignation of Linda McGuire from the Zoning Board, and
• to appoint Donald Bradley to the Planning Board from 2014 to 2017 to fill a vacancy.
CiviCure Event
DiDonato said a benefit for CiviCure will be held at Brown’s Brewery on Saturday, October 11. It will be similar to the Building Wild event. Tickets will cost $10, with a chicken barbecue available and music. He hopes the event will be as successful as that previous event that benefitted the Agricultural Stewardship Association.
Bells Across America
Once again the Daughters of the American Revolution are asking communities to ring bells throughout the Country from 4 to 4:30 pm on Wednesday, September 17, to celebrate the start of Constitution Week. Mayor Borge said he would contact the Churches about ringing their bells.[/private]