Berlin Buys A New Truck
By Doug La Rocque
Two sealed bids were opened for the purchase of a 2016 heavy duty pickup to replace the older model now driven by Highway Superintendent Jim Winn. Stephens Chrysler Dodge of Greenwich submitted the winning bid for a Ram 3500 of $19,996.50 after trade-in and rebates. [private]
Photo by Doug La Rocque
The Board also entertained a bid from Carmody Ford, also of Greenwich, for a Ford F-350. Their cost was $24,854.68. The specifications called for both trucks to be equipped with plow and towing packages. The vote was 4-0.
Board Approves Farm Conservation Easements
A proposal from the Agriculture Stewardship Association opened the meeting Thursday, December 10, of the Berlin Town Board. Project Manager Chris Krahling briefed the Board about a 20 million dollar program using NY State grant monies, to purchase conservation easements on productive agricultural lands with the idea being to protect these lands from future development. The ASA is currently looking to purchase a 42 acre easement from John Greene of Mapledale Farms. The land in question is located along Route 22. One of the requirements for obtaining the grant monies is a letter of support from the Town Board. After a series of questions and assurances that the land stays on the town’s tax rolls, the Board voted 4-0 to approve the letter, with Councilman John Winn absent.
The Board recently heard a number of complaints from residents of Bly Hollow Road about speeding vehicles and the number of accidents, including two deaths over the past couple of years. Their concerns listed the safety of their homes and businesses as well as the lives of those traveling the road. The Board voted 4-0 to reduce the speed limit from 40 to 30 miles per hour. The resolution now goes to the NYS Department of Transportation, which has the final say on the matter,
The Board is also in receipt of a letter of interest from Jacob Morse to rent the old Town Highway Garage. Morse proposes to pay the town $500 a month and maintain the proper levels of insurance. He is also asking for a right of first refusal on the outright purchase of the building. Supervisor Rob Jaeger said he will look into the matter further and report back to the Board.
Challenging The
Property Tax Cap Law
Supervisor Jaeger read a letter from the Town of Orchard Park near Buffalo. In it their Supervisor, Dr. Patrick Keem, urges all town government officials in New York State to join him in requesting revisions to the current tax cap law. Dr. Keem pointed out that in the absence of mandate relief or increased state and federal funding, and despite their best efforts to consolidate services, many localities are facing financial stress. He is asking these local officials to return their letters of support to him, and join in a march on the state capital to bring the point home to Governor Cuomo and state legislators. The date for such a gathering has not yet been set. All present members of the Berlin Town Board indicated their support of the measure.
Concern For The Ring Tree
It was brought to the Board’s attention that someone has laid top soil and it appears to be sawdust around the base of the famed tree in the center of town. The concern is that this might actually smother the tree, despite the aesthetics. It is not known who did the work, but all Board members agreed the action was well intended. The discussion ended with the conclusion the Town should probably remove the covering.
Departmental Reports
Highway Superintendent Jim Winn said the safety division of the New York State Labor Department paid a surprise visit this past week. Winn said they found only minor concerns that can be readily addressed. He does not anticipate any fines. Other than that, he said they are preparing for the eventual snow season.
Dog Control Officer Doug Goodermote said the “chicken dog” is back, again bothering area chicken roosts. He said he had a talk with the owner, who refuses to get rid of the animal, but has agreed to create a pen for it. If not, Goodermote said the matter will probably end up in court.
Civil Court appears to be where a dispute over sewer lines may be headed. Codes Enforcement Officer Walt Yerton said there is an incident where a person who bought a house had a contractor hook into the neighboring sewer system. Yerton said law prevents him from demanding the lines be unhooked and referred the parties to court. He is asking the Town Board to consider updating its ordinance on vacant buildings to strengthen their rights on buildings that become dilapidated and dangerous. He also informed the Board he has submitted the annual Code Enforcement report to the state. It is important, he said, because it allows the Town to acquire new code books at no cost.
Youth Commissioner Tammy Osterhout said she has received a number of donations and applied for some small grants. The Board also agreed to receive a presentation at its next regular meeting from a number of children.
The Board of Assessors said it has mailed out the annual STAR exemption reports for seniors and those are due back in March. The Zoning Board is still looking for another member, and Supervisor Jaeger said the Town is interested in volunteers to join the Comprehensive Plan Review Committee, which must be updated every five years.
Town Clerk Ann Maxon reported local, state and federal revenues totaled $6,536 for the month of November, with non-local revenues reporting in at $3,184.74
The Board set December 29 at 7 pm for its annual settlement meeting. The newly re-elected town officials, along with new Town Justice Christina Vanko, will be sworn in by retiring Justice Joe Rechen. [/private]