Response To NYS Comptroller’s Audit:
Water District #2 Revises Practices
By Doug La Rocque
At the regular monthly meeting of the Berlin Town Board, Berlin Supervisor Rob Jaeger submitted to the Board a package of new policies and procedures for the Berlin Water District in response to a recent audit of the District by the NYS Comptroller’s Office.
[private]One of the suggestions in the audit was to have deposits currently made by Town Clerk Anne Maxon split with another person. Jaeger said he discussed this with the Comptroller’s office, noting the Town does not have funds in the budget to hire someone else to share in this chore. Instead he has developed a policy for a quarterly review of the deposit process. Jaeger noted that the current system has been in place for many years. “It’s always been done that way,” he said. The Board added it’s never been challenged. The Town Board unanimously approved the response that Jaeger had drafted, and it will now be sent on to the Comptroller’s office. Jaeger indicated none of the audit’s findings were of a very serious nature and no fines were levied against the town.
Girl Scouts Garden
The meeting opened with a report from Girl Scout Troop 1515. One of their silver award projects this year was a community vegetable garden for the Berlin Food Pantry. To earn this award the girls must do something that benefits the community and will have a lasting effect. To date they have harvested and donated an estimated 100 pounds of food. All those in attendance were very impressed and the Board extended their thanks and appreciation to the troop.
Reports
The Board approved the minutes of last month’s meeting without objection and accepted the Town Clerk’s report that included $5,583.26 in state, county and local revenues and $1,309.26 in non-local revenues.
Highway Superintendent Jim Wynn reported his department has been busy. They have one day left of chip sealing to do, and that mowing has resumed following a tire issue. The crew has also been ditching on Cherry Plain Hill and near CC Dam. They are planning to start work on Bly Hollow Road to repair issues created by last winter’s weather.
Dog Control Officer Doug Goodemote reported he picked up three dogs last month and all were returned safely to their owners. He had a report of a bird dog in a chicken coop, but that has been resolved as was a complaint about barking dogs at Dyken Pond.
Code Enforcement Officer Walter Yerton reported solar construction is going strong. He also notified the Board that state legislation is being considered that would require sprinkler systems in all new home construction as well as major renovations to existing structures.
Youth Commission Director Tammy Osterhout reported that ten children have taken advantage of the summer swim program at Grafton Lakes State Park. She said this number is down somewhat from previous years. Speculation is that it might be because the length of swim time has been reduced from when it was at the Hoosick Town Pool, and also because the age of participants was capped by the Park at 12 years old. Osterhout asked the Board if they could assist her in acquiring costs estimates for transportation for next year’s program from the Berlin School District. The Board also elevated Counselor in Training Greta Herman to a paid position. Osterhout reported she will be short on counselors due to school sports practice and other reasons. The commission is also planning a Halloween Party for October 31.
The Transfer Station has been busy the last two weeks and has put new chain railings up around the containers, moving them back a little further for safety reasons. The Zoning Board of Appeals reports it is still in search of another member.
Correspondence
Supervisor Jaeger is working with the Union representing highway employees to set a date for contract talks. He is attempting to set these up in September over and above their regular workshop dates. Jaeger also said he has been contacted by the Taconic Valley Soccer Club about the use of the front field at the Municipal Complex. He indicated the back field off Airport Road might be a better option and planned further discussions.
The NYS Department of Taxation has informed the Town that their tax equalization rate has been set for 26.32% for the 2015 tax year.
Jaeger said he also received a letter of thanks from the 4th of July Parade Committee. The Board jokingly suggested that next year they ask Mother Nature to shut the rain off until after the parade is over.
Key Bank Issues
Continue
Supervisor Jaeger reported they have received a 61 page document detailing fees levied by Key Bank, for handling the Town’s accounts, which suddenly went through the roof last summer, causing the Town to move their accounts to a different bank. The Board has questioned the legitimacy of these fees. The Board and its attorney met briefly in executive session to discuss further options. The executive session was deemed necessary because these options might include legal proceedings.
Budget Time Draws Near
Supervisor Jaeger reported that he has asked all department heads to have their 2016 budget requests in to him by September 21. Jaeger said that as usual, the Board has a lot of hard decisions to make concerning the next fiscal year. The Board set August 27 as the date of its next workshop, and adjourned the meeting following the reading and approval of bills.[/private]