Town Accruing Charges To House Animals
Removed From A Grafton Home
By Doug La Rocque
Charges being incurred by the Town of Grafton to house a rabbit, cat, dog and 10 chickens at the Hudson Mohawk Animal Shelter in Menands, was the first topic of business at the Grafton Town Board meeting December 14. [private]The animals were removed from the home of Michael and Erica Costello at 85 Old Road on September 9, as part of an ongoing investigation by the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Department. Two severely emaciated horses were rescued from the property on September 5 by Allison Drake, who purchased the animals from the Costellos. A third horse was so ill it had to be euthanized on the property. At this point, Town Supervisor Frank Higgins said they have received bills totaling $5,300 for the care of the animals. The Board entered into discussion with Drake and among themselves about the charges, and what recourse the Town might have to recoup these monies. It is believed the town would have to pass a local law to seek restitution on its own in court. Discussion also centered on asking the District Attorney’s office to make it part of their case.
The Hudson Mohawk Shelter cannot adopt the animals out at this time because they were seized by deputies and fall under special guidelines for care. Drake is lobbying for the Costellos to give up ownership of the animals so an adoption proceeding can go forth and spare any further expense.
The Costellos were back in Town Court this past week, facing 16 misdemeanor counts. Their case was adjourned until January 12.
The Town’s contract with Hudson Mohawk expires at the end of the year, and the shelter sent a draft proposal for the coming year. The Board however, decided not to act on the contract at this time, choosing instead to let the incoming Town Board makes its own decision.
Pay Raises for Highway Department Employees
The recently approved 2016 Town Budget did not contain any pay hikes for the Town’s highway department, a concern voiced by Councilman Rick Ungaro at the time of the budget’s passage. Highway Superintendent Herb Hasbrouck lobbied hard for the Board to change this. He said there is room in the coming year’s spending limits to give his workers a 2 to 3 percent raise, depending on their job classifications. The Board told Hasbrouck they supported the idea, but were reluctant to move on it until they saw some final numbers.
Hasbrouck countered he had the numbers, stating his personnel line totaled $216,000, and even with the average amount of overtime he could foresee spending only $191,000. There was discussion about again turning this over to the incoming Board, but the question of these raises being retroactive came into play. The Board decided to propose a resolution to approve the pay hikes and present it at the year-end meeting on December 28.
Reports
There was some concern about whether the $300 due the Veterans organization has been paid or not. Supervisor Higgins thought it had been, but perhaps may have been lumped in with a cemetery payment. He promised to look into it. Councilman Ungaro moved that if it has not been paid, the Town do so with all due haste. The motion carried 5-0.
The lease renewal for the Post Office Building was also brought before the Board. The Town receives $800 a month from the U.S. Postal Service. The Board again decided to put the matter off until the new Board takes office the first of the year.
Highway Superintendent Hasbrouck reported the streak of good weather has allowed them to save on materials and overtime this early winter season. He said they have used the time to continue ditch upgrades and maintenance on equipment. He reported that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has conducted a mini audit on the Town’s use of the FEMA awards. He reported no major concerns and that all programs being funded by the agency must stay in place for five years.
Code Enforcement Officer Tom Withcuskey said he has 58 building permits out to date. He also cautioned all residents to be careful with Christmas decorations, wood stoves and the like. The Town Clerk’s report for October was presented and approved. Acting Clerk Cathy Goyer told the Board she had just put the November report in their mail boxes, but since Board members had not seen it yet, no action was taken. The Clerk’s minutes from the Budget Hearing and subsequent special meeting, as well as from the regular November meeting were approved. There were no other committee reports.
The Board set 7 pm on December 28 as the time for its year-end meeting to go over and balance the 2015 books.
Final Meeting For Supervisor Higgins And Council Members
Messenger And Ungaro
Supervisor Higgins opened the meeting by asking his Deputy Supervisor Barb Messenger to chair the meeting, in honor of her eight years of service on the Town Board, and prior to that as a member of the Planning Board. Both are leaving at the end of the year, as is Councilman Ungaro, who chose not to seek another term. The meeting was adjourned on a sad note, noting the passing of three town residents. Maxine Hasbrouck, the wife of Highway Superintendant Herb Hasbrouck, passed away early this month. This was followed shortly by the passing of Irv Mason. Mason was a former Town Board member and the father of incoming Town Clerk Kathy Mason-Wagar. Also passing this month was long-time Town resident Karen Crandall.[/private]