Town Of Berlin Still Seeking To Resolve
Road Inventory Dispute With NYS DOT
By Doug La Rocque
The Berlin Town Board opened its meeting this past week with the unanimous approval of the minutes of its previous gathering, and accepted the Town Clerk’s report, that included a summation of revenues received of $6,870.50 in local monies along with $2,503.28 in non-local funds for a total of $9,373.78. Water District 2 Commissioner Jim Wynn said he had to change a shut off valve on a bank owned piece of property in the district, but also heard the building may be donated. That is all he knows about the subject at this time.
[private]The matter of how many miles of road the town owns continues to be a subject of discussion between the Town and the State. Highway Superintendent Wynn said he recently attended a meeting of the Rensselaer County Highway Association, where it was made very clear the state has put the onus on the towns to prove them wrong. Currently New York State’s measurement is nine miles short of the Town’s inventory. Wynn says part of the problem is the state is not counting the entire length of some roads, stopping at the last residence on the road. If not corrected, this would mean a loss of nearly $19,000 starting in 2017. To that end, the Town has decided to purchase a Jamar distance measuring device. This measures distances in feet, miles and kilometers. Wynn hopes to have a correct inventory shortly to discuss the matter with Department of Transportation representatives. Wynn said the device will also be useful to help with measurements for town construction projects. The cost of the Jamar is about $800.
Berlin is not the only town in the Taconic Valley to feel the impact of these proposed changes in road inventories. All the Eastern Rensselaer County towns have been impacted to some degree. Grafton Highway Superintendent Herb Hasbrouck said that his town is in a very similar situation. Grafton has already purchased the Jamar, and is in the process of completing its measurements. Hasbrouck plans to meet with state officials soon. In Stephentown, Highway Superintendent Alden Goodermote said they have also been affected, but not as seriously as Berlin or Grafton. He is confident their discrepancies can be worked out. In fact, he feels they may actually gain some mileage. That is a sentiment also expressed by Hoosick Highway Superintendent Bill Shiland, who said their review of the state’s mapping finds there are some roads not even listed by DOT. In Petersburgh, a spokesman for the Highway Department said they were minimally affected.
Superintendent Wynn said all the impacted towns have to put their figures together in a manner acceptable to the state, and their respective town Boards must pass a resolution accepting these figure and submit them to NYS DOT.
In other Highway matters, Wynn says they have completed their patching, ditching and chip sealing for the season. They have a little more paver patching and mowing yet to do.
Annual Rabies Clinic Coming Soon
Dog Control Officer Doug Goodermote announced a Rabies Clinic will be held on October 15 at the Town Complex on Route 22. Rabies and Distemper shots will be available for the price of $10 each, cash only. Cats will be vaccinated between the hours of 6 to 7 pm, and dogs between 7 and 8 pm. Anyone wishing more information may contact Goodermote at 658-3308.
Goodermote also reported on another round of dog versus chicken coup. Last month the offender was forgiven, but not this time. Goodermote took possession of the animal and it was surrendered to the pound. Its future is unknown. There was also a report of a pack of dogs attacking chickens and rabbits in the village area. Goodermote searched for some time before locating both the dogs and their owner. He advised the owner to contact the victim and work out restitution, or the matter may end up in court. He also dealt with a barking dog complaint on Bly Hollow.
Codes Enforcement Officer Walter Yerton told the Board there where currently a number of inspections taking place. He also reported that an area solar power construction company was looking for plots of three acres or more. Any deal would involve discounted solar energy, and he was not sure if the Town wished to avail itself of the offer. Supervisor Rob Jaeger indicated they would discuss it.
Other departments filed their reports. The Zoning Board of Appeals reported things were basically quiet, and they were still looking for another member. Planning Board Chairman Pamula Gerstel said they also are still looking for an alternate member. Youth Commission Chairwoman Tammy Osterhout said their programs are over for the summer, and that she hopes to have a survey ready shortly to see what residents and parents want and where they would like the Commission to go. She reported the summer attendance was down and is looking for new ideas. She also asked for some help, stating “a committee of one doesn’t work.” She also suggested some possible Friday or Saturday night programs, but a lot of details still need to be worked out. Transfer Station Director Ivan Wager reported that there have been a number of changes in contractual charges and revenues, particularly in plastics. He and members of the Board also discussed a recent ad seeking another employee for the transfer station, the amount of hours available for work being in question.
The Board approved all bills as audited and set the date for its workshop meeting on Thursday September 24 at 7 pm.[/private]