by Deb Alter
At the August 10 Hoosick Town Board meeting, members spent considerable time discussing solar farms and the potential they can have, both positive and negative, for the town. They decided that input from the community is important, and they scheduled a public hearing at 6 pm at the Town offices on August 24. Adria Diel, who is on the Planning Board, said that they had been exploring the possibility of forming a committee to explore the pros and cons of regulating solar farms.
[private]The principal planner from Rensselaer County Economic Development and Planning, Linda VonDerHeide, has offered to help the Town start converting Hoosick’s land use laws to a digital format so that they can be put on the Town website and updated as needed. Town Clerk Sue Stradinger has already sent the necessary information to VonDerHeide. This will make it easier for potential developers and businesses to access information they need to know. Stradinger said that this will be “a huge plus for the Town.”
The Board considered passing a resolution that would allow them to override the 2% tax cap for the 2016 budget if necessary. Supervisor Surdam said that it was “just a matter of getting our ducks in a row,” that it didn’t mean that they would override it, but would be in a position to if they had to. Other communities who have had to override the tax cap have had to scramble after the fact to approve it, Surdam explained, and this resolution would just help avoid that type of situation. Councilperson Bruce Patire felt that this would put the cart before the horse and that they should at least start the budget conversation before considering this resolution. Others agreed, and the resolution was tabled.
Three sealed bids were opened for the clean-up of debris at an abandoned property on Baby Lane, which has turned into a health hazard. The Board voted to accept the bid from McAuliffe Landscaping, as it was the lowest at $4,500. Discussion followed about the best timing and methods for getting rid of the vermin on the property so as not to have them invade nearby properties. All agreed that the process will be coordinated with the neighbors. The County Health Department will be consulted.
The Building Inspector/Code Enforcement Officer position is still open. The Town has advertised the part-time, $14,752 salaried position in the Troy Record and with the NYS Building Officials Conference, Inc.
The Town pool will be open through Labor Day. The Board discussed keeping it open longer, weather permitting, but Superintendent of Highways Bill Shiland said that they would need time to do end-of-season clean-up and preparation for winter. He is looking into getting a cover for the pool that will keep leaves out.
All of the Board members were impressed with the August 8 Viet Nam Veterans Welcome Home celebration. In addition to being moved by the honoring of the men and women who should have been honored long ago, Councilperson David Sutton was moved by Senator Kathy Marchione’s speech about how wonderful the Hoosick Community is. She spoke highly of the schools, saying that they are “ahead of the curve, with strong leadership.”
Town Historian Phil Leonard presented a new Hoosick History display board highlighting St. Mary’s Academy’s “Smorgasbords” from 1956 through 1984. He also mentioned that the Historical Society’s website has been posting oral history interviews with Hoosick Vets every Monday and the response has been terrific. Visit https://www.facebook.com/HoosickHistory?ref=hl to watch. There are three posted so far.
Maureen McGuiness, Membership Manager of the Rensselaer County Chamber of Commerce visited the pool and suggested that someone might want to put an intramural-type competition swimming team together. Anyone interest should contact Supervisor Surdam.
The update of the Pool Mechanical Room (pump house) is on hold for now.
The state is requesting information about the title insurance before it gives Hoosick the Consolidated Funding Grant monies. Apparently there is no paperwork in the Town records. The Town’s attorney continues to work on clearing up the issue.
Garry Brown, owner of Brown’s Brewing, requested a variance to put up a sign for the Brewery at Route 22 and Factory Hill Road. The sign will be in a “V” shape so that it can be seen coming from the north and south. Brown’s had planned to buy the property, but subdivision laws made that impossible and now they are exploring other ways of being able to put the sign in that spot. All Board members were supportive of doing what they can to help make Brown’s a success. They will meet before the next Zoning Board meeting ( the next step for Brown’s) to consider possibilities. There will be a Special Meeting on the issue on August 24, 6 pm at the Town Offices.
On behalf of the Hoosick Falls Lacrosse Club, Ken Lorenz requested a practice wall be constructed in the Town park near the tennis courts and playing fields. The Board agreed that, since lacrosse was growing in popularity and that it is for the kids, it should be done (with volunteer funds and efforts). The question is, where to put it so that it won’t interfere with other athletic activities. Hoosick Falls Central School and St. Mary’s Academy will need to be consulted, as they are on the deed for the property.
The Town Clerk reported the monies that came in via dog licenses, permits, pool memberships, etc.
Christina Kovage was approved to fill the vacancy on the Town of Hoosick Housing Authority Board that was left when Mark Folgert resigned. The term expires on September 30, 2018.
The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence for Michael Bornt and Johanna Hyde, both of whom passed away last week.[/private]
Hearing Scheduled For August 24