CSEA And The Town Of Berlin Reach An Agreement For 2016
By Doug La Rocque
The union representing the Town of Berlin’s highway department employees and the Town have signed a memorandum of understanding that provides each employee with a $300 stipend for the year 2016. The Town and the union will continue to work under the current contract, with both parties agreeing to re-open negotiations for a new contract in August. Town Supervisor Rob Jaeger tells The Eastwick Press he thinks it’s a good deal, it gives the employees something for this year while they continue talks on a new contract, and it fits within the Town’s budget. [private]Highway Superintendent Jim Winn told the Board their general road maintenance continues, and that he will be teaming up with several other towns and the Rensselaer County Highway Department to begin repaving some of the Town roads in July. This work is done under the shared services agreement with the County, with Berlin helping the other municipalities at other times during the year.
Some Holiday Weekend Water Problems
Memorial Day not only brought the annual parade in the Town, services honoring their departed veterans and the long weekend celebrations, it also saw a low water pressure problem crop up in the village. Water District 1 Commissioner Jim Winn said his main pump failed but the two smaller units were pressed into service. Winn said the entire village was not affected, and the two smaller capacity pumps were able to keep up until a new pump was acquired and installed. Winn told the Board the pump that failed was at least eight years old, and had been pumping about 228 thousand gallons of water a day. Water District 2, which serves the Dyken Pond area in the summer, also experienced a problem that was a little difficult to find. An area resident spotted the leak by canoe, where the water pressure was creating a telltale fan that could not be seen from the shoreline. The Town has also received a letter from the New York State Department of Health, indicating the District 2 water supply has been tested for PFOA, and found only trace amounts similar to many other water systems in the state. Winn also brought up concerns about calls on weekends and after hours to turn water service on. And he was just as concerned about people who abandon property and never contact the Town to turn service off, citing a structure that leaked all winter long because of this. The Board will consider imposing a fee to establish new water service, as well as a timetable as to when this can happen. It would not impact people who plan to have their water shut down for a time for repairs or planned winter shutdowns. Winn also indicated he would like to see some sort of charge to whoever owns these abandoned properties for repairs and damage done to the facilities.
Work is slated to begin in July on reviewing and updating the Town’s Comprehensive 5-year plan. There was some Board discussion as to how much of this might be accomplished by the engineering firm hired by the SAFE group that is preparing the Planned Development District for the biomass facility proposed to go along with the Aquafarm operation. Board member Tara Fisher said that while it might be helpful, she was concerned about adopting a plan prepared by an outside entity, a feeling shared by several other Board members. Summer Youth Program
Youth Commissioner Tammy Osterhout said the summer recreation program will begin on July 5 and the learn to swim program will run from August 8 through 19, Monday through Friday. The program is returning to the Hoosick Pool this year instead of Grafton Lakes State Park. Annette Bell is once again coordinating the swim program. The forms necessary to participate are being handed out at the Berlin schools and are also available at the Berlin Library. Osterhout said she is also hopeful the summer program will include basketball and soccer clinics this year.
Ivan Wager has informed the Town Board he will not be returning to his position as manager of the Transfer Station. Wager suffered a serious illness earlier in the year, and while he is recovering nicely, does not feel he can resume his duties. The Board held discussions about filling his position, and decided to place an ad for at least one other part time employee to be hired soon.
Dog Control Officer Doug Goodermote reported the typical barking dog complaints, and asked the Board if they would like to pursue renewing the kennel contract. The Board indicated they would. The Zoning Board of Appeals met to consider whether a resident was operating a sawmill on his property, but determined the work was only for private use and not a violation of zoning laws. They are also still looking for another member.
Codes Enforcement said permits have slowed down a bit, but interest in solar projects continues.
Supervisor Jaeger reported that the Municipal Energy Commission recommended the Town renew its contract with Constellation Energy for electrical service, as they still have the best price.
Town Clerk Anne Maxon reported local, county and state revenues of $7,520 and non-local revenues of $1,334. The Board approved all bills as audited, and adjourned in memory of Bill Sweet, a longtime resident of the town and public servant. [/private]