by Doug LaRocque
Speeders Causing More Concerns On Bly Hollow Road
Berlin Town Board Also Starts 2017 Budget Discussions
Early this year the Berlin Town Board took up the matter of people speeding along Bly Hollow Road, the accidents that have occurred along with the number of near misses. [private]At that time, the town formally requested the NYS Department of Transportation approve a speed limit reduction to 30 miles per hour, and increased speed enforcement. At the October 20 Board session, the matter was brought back up by Doug Goodermote, who said the problem is as bad as ever. In fact, the driver of the truck that picks up milk at his farm is now threatening to no longer stop, because he was nearly run down there for a second time. Goodermote also said some drivers are traveling so fast, that when they hit the bump at the base of the bridge, they actually become airborne. Supervisor Rob Jaeger said they have had no response yet from DOT on their request, and added he will contact law enforcement once again about stepped up enforcement. The road is often used as a shortcut for people traveling to and from the Sand Lake area and beyond. In recent years, there have been two fatal accidents along that stretch of road.
Tough Budget Decisions
Supervisor Jaeger told the Board and those in attendance at the meeting, that if they went along with all department heads request for the coming year, taxes would have to go up 40 percent. “We have some work to do,” said Jaeger. The NYS tax cap for this year is .6 percent, but Jaeger said “I already know that health care increases are probably going to be a minimum of 10 percent, we have a union contract coming, we have landfill issues coming, we have attorney’s fees for that, there is no way you are going to hold to a .6 percent. It cannot be done.” The Board plans to hold a budget workshop on Thursday, October 27. They must also hold a public hearing, and if they plan to exceed the tax cap, pass a local law allowing them to do so before the budget can be finalized. Another fiscal matter of concern this year is a shortfall in the Highway Department budget. Superintendent Jim Winn said this is caused by the change in the way New York State distributes the Consolidated Highway Improvement Project (CHIPS) monies. Last year the state started requiring all projects be completed and paid for before they would release the funds. This means towns often don’t see this money until November or even sometimes into the new year. The Board voted unanimously to allow the Supervisor to move monies from the General Fund into the Highway Fund to pay the bills. The money is refunded to the General Fund when the CHIPS reimbursement is received.
Setting Up Direct Deposit for Town Employees
Jaeger brought it to the Board’s attention that he received a letter from a member of the Highway Department, asking if the town would consider a direct deposit of paychecks versus paper checks. The Supervisor said he spoke to their bank, Pioneer Bank of Troy, about such a change and the costs associated with it. Turns out the expense to the town would only be about $120 a year, and several Board members voiced their support. The Board approved the resolution to offer the service by unanimous vote.
In other action, Water District 1 Commissioner Len Clapp said the system has been shut down for the winter, and the tanks inspected, something that is required every ten years. Water District 2 Commissioner Jim Winn said all has been quiet, they are just waiting for the engineering work to begin to install the water filtration system for PFOAs. This is being done completely at state expense. Winn also said his Highway Department has finished all its re-paving for the season, is completing some of the mowing needed and starting to prepare for winter.
One of the containers used by the Transfer Station has been repaired and painted free of charge by Tam’s Incorporated of Shaftsbury, Vermont. They are the refuse hauler used by the Town. The manager also reminded residents to please not put light bulbs in the garbage.
The Assessor reported they are starting to process STAR exemptions. If you are already signed up, there is no need to repeat the process again this year. One change New York State has made in this program is that it no longer reduces the tax assessment, but instead the State sends out a separate refund check each year.
Youth Commission Halloween Party
Youth Commissioner Tammy Osterhout says the party will go on as usual on Halloween evening starting at 7 pm at the Berlin Firehouse. The gathering is a Berlin tradition. Town Clerk Anne Maxon reported local, county and state revenues of $6,534.50 for September, and non-local collections of $3,339.60. Two other Boards in the Town continue to look for new members. The Planning Board is looking for an alternate and the Zoning Board of Appeals is still in need of another member.[/private]