by Bea Peterson
At the beginning of the Hoosick Falls Village Board meeting on Tuesday, June 9, Mayor David Borge presented citations to Bill Bakaitis and Tom Demars in appreciation of their coolheadedness under adverse conditions. [private] According to members of the Rescue Squad and Hoosick Falls Fire and Police Departments, on June 16 Bakaitis and Demars, residents of the Wood Park apartments, were responsible for getting other residents out of the building calmly and safely when fire erupted in one of the apartments. They also assisted in getting many of them safely down the hill to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. “It could have been tragic,” the Mayor said. “It was not an easy day, but things worked out. Thirty-two people were impacted. Fortunately it was an 80 degree day in May and not a cold winter day.”
The Mayor further added that the response of the community was fantastic, from Rescue personnel to Police and Fire Departments and State Police to the Hoosick Area Church Association, to people who came up to him and told him they had space in their homes for people to stay. The Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation took in several people and one little dog. “We learned a lot from this event,” the Mayor concluded as he extended his appreciation to Bakaitis and Demars for their efforts during the event.
One Way Traffic On River Street Bridge
The NYS Department of Transportation has informed the Village that from June 22 through September there will be one way traffic on the River Street bridge while repairs are underway. It is expected that residents and trucks will try to avoid delays by using River Road and Hill Road. Hoosick Falls Police Chief Robert Ashe said his department will be monitoring those roadways on a regular basis. Mayor Borge asked residents to be cautious and not try to “beat the light” when crossing the bridge.
Looking For Other Test Results
The Mayor once again asked that residents who have had their wells or water tested for PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) to please share those results with the Village. Having additional results included will give a more complete picture of the impact on the community and may be helpful in finding funding, he added.
Borge said a pilot study verified that GAC filters will stop PFOA from entering the water system. These filters, he said, have a life span of 10 to 12 months at a cost of $275,000. The MRB Group estimates the overall total cost of a GAC system at the water plant may be $2.5 million with some installation involved. Some state and federal funds may be available for this project. So far over $20,000 in testing has been provided free by New York State. He concluded by saying the technology is there and usable to solve the problem, but it is not a quick process.
Meanwhile, DEC recently inspected the Wastewater Treatment Plant and found no issues. However, it was mentioned that within the next five years the plant will have to install a disinfection system of UV lamps for water returning to the River. The MRB Group is also looking for funding for this project, which is estimated to cost a half million dollars. On the bright side, installing this system may lead to an upgrading of the Hoosic River in the area, which is another lengthy process.
Grants
Mayor Borge said the Village has received a second grant from the Hudson River Greenway for $5,000 to be used for the next phase of the Village Zoning update.
As the latest State “grant cycle” is underway, the Board will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, June 23, at 6 pm to hear grant proposals from the MRB Group and Barton & Loguidice DPC (B&L). The Mayor commented that though the Wastewater Treatment Plant is new, over half the sewer lines in the Village are very old and need updating.
Village and Town officials recently met with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and the Army Corps of Engineers regarding submission of a Grant for a study of Woods Brook. “They were very supportive,” said Mayor Borge. “There are things to do further up the watershed that can improve what happens below,” he added.
Speeding On The Avenues
In response to a petition from residents on Richmond and Rogers Avenues, Chief Ashe said members of the department used radar to check the speed of cars going East and West on a Friday night and found cars were traveling from 21 to 35 miles per hour on those roads. In one section the cars were traveling between 18 to 21 mph. “Most people who live up there are following the limit,” said Ashe. He believes speed limit signs should be put up and, he added, his department will continue to put in appearances on those roads.
The Board approved a motion by Trustee Robert Downing to sign an agreement with County Waste for a period from June 1, 2015 to May 31, 2016 with a 0.7% increase over the previous year.
Trustee Karen Sprague commended the Town Council for their foresight in repairing the Town pool. “It looks beautiful,” she said. She encouraged residents to make use of the pool.
Trustee Ben Patten said 85% of the year end budget is completed and is looking good. He noted there had been a water main break that has been repaired. He said now that Charter may be purchasing Time Warner he will again be looking into a better deal for the Village, but the old contract still has a few years to run.
Deputy Mayor Ric DiDonato said he is looking into an ongoing maintenance grant for the Greenway.
Trustee Kevin O’Malley said he expects the new Municipal Building signs to arrive next week.
Building Inspector Mark Surdam said he is getting on top of things, including inspecting a two bedroom apartment with 10 people living in it. He is busy updating the computer system, issuing building permits, inspecting buildings and responding to complaints, though it is often two or three weeks before he can respond.
At Chief Ashe’s request the Board approved the appointment of Ryan Broderick and John Larabee as part time police officers starting in July. The Chief commended Niel Stowell and the Highway Department for the fine job they have done in making the two 5k races held so far this year clearly marked and safe.
A new policy has been put in place that should a water or other issue occur in a neighborhood, a police cruiser will be dispatched to announce that issue.
Mayor Borge corrected information regarding Mickey the Police dog. He is still in service to the Village and has helped out in a number of areas, the Mayor said.
Borge said a report from Community Service Director Gerry McAuliffe will be added to monthly reports. He said in May 400 hours were expended in weed-whacking, sweeping, painting the interior of the Municipal Building and much more. This service is a great benefit to the community, said the Mayor. Chief Ashe added that it benefits those performing the service as well in making them better citizens.
The Board approved the following motions:
• the Mayor signing an agreement with Rensselaer County Central Services to purchase propane. “We will take a look at propane for cars in the future and by signing this agreement we will be eligible for the best price,” said Borge,
• accepting a proposal submitted by Cottrell Associates for engineering services for a feasibility study of the Village Highway Garage at an estimated amount from $2,000 to $4,000,
• purchasing a new mower, with trade-in, for $9,099.30,
• appointing Bruce Rawlings Assistant Highway Superintendent and
• extending the appointment of Anthony Rice as Village Assessor until the end of December.
No bids were submitted for the removal of the old water treatment plant.
Mayor Borge said he had a well thought out letter from Haley Votra suggesting the Village participate in a program called Saturday’s Bread, which offers free community meals on a regular basis. Borge said he would share the idea with HACA, the food closet and the Fire Departments.
The meeting began with the pledge to the flag and a moment of silence in memory of Eleanor Fairbanks. [/private]