Town of Berlin Closes The Books On 2015
By Doug La Rocque
The Berlin Town Board opened the first meeting of the New Year reviewing the budget line transfers that were necessary to balance out the 2015 budget. Four of these transfers are of the most interest. [private]In the General Fund, $3,689 was taken from the Buildings Contractual Maintenance and Repairs line to cover expenses in the Supervisor’s contractual line. In the Highway Fund, $23,398 was moved from snow removal and reserves to cover additional expenses in the Permanent Improvement lines and $9,996 was moved from Bridge to Machinery Contractual. Water District 2 saw an $18,054 interfund transfer to cover costs in the Purification contractual line. All budget transfers were approved by a unanimous voice vote.
Where Is The CHIPS Check?
Of concern to all is $16,000 in Consolidated Highway Improvement Project funds that New York State said it sent to the Town, but according to Supervisor Rob Jaeger has never been received. Highway Superintendent Jim Wynn said he has had some discussions with the State about this. He also said another check for $3,000 was never cut because of a clerical error on the part of the State. There is speculation the $16,000 dollars may have been directly deposited with Key Bank, but because the Town closed their accounts there, it could have been kicked back to the State.
Sharing Emergency Services With NYS
Following a break for executive session for a legal matter, Supervisor Jaeger read a letter from the NYS Department of Transportation that offers an agreement that allows DOT to provide services to the Town in the absence of an Emergency Declaration by the Governor. The simple one page agreement allows for the State to trade services and materials totaling less than $10,000 in an expedient manner when an emergency arises. The Town already shares services with Rensselaer County and other nearby towns on a regular basis. Highway Superintendent Winn had no objections, and the Board gave its unanimous approval
Supervisor Jaeger also reported that the Town of Brunswick is now renting storage space in the municipal garages for $500 a month. There was also discussion as to what repairs might be needed at the former highway garage before it too can be rented out. Of particular concern was whether or not the old repair pit should be filled in. More discussion was deemed necessary. On the matter of measuring the town’s actual road mileage, Superintendent Winn said the measurements on the north side of the Town are complete, but that he is still working on the south side.
Department Reports
Town Clerk Ann Maxon reported December revenues of $5,631.34 and Dog Control Officer Doug Goodermote told the Board about one incident involving a pit bull on Bly Hollow Road. He also said the owner of the now infamous “chicken dog” is refusing to cooperate with him and warns if there are any further incidents in the village involving this dog, he will come down hard on the owner. Goodermote also reported he had a recent inspection of his records and kennel by New York State, and all was found to be in compliance. Town Historian Sharon Klein reported she has received many donations of photos, scrapbooks and post cards over the last year and is working on compiling a walking history tour of the Town’s Main Street. Supervisor Jaeger reported that Ivan Wager, who heads up operations at the Town’s Transfer Station, is healing from major surgery and is currently in rehabilitation in Bennington. He hopes to be home soon. Wager is also the Renssealer County Fire Coordinator. The meeting ended with the approval of all bills against the town, and the scheduling of the next workshop meeting for Thursday, January 28 at 7 pm. [/private]