The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Berlin Town Board Action

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Berlin Town Board Action

Transfer Of The Watipi Building To The Taconic Valley American Legion Post Moves Another Step Closer

Extra Money For Roadwork Coming

By Doug La Rocque

The Taconic Valley Post # 937 has sent the Berlin Town Board a letter accepting their terms for the transfer, and by unanimous vote, the Board agreed to move forward with the local law required to complete the transaction. [private]The Board must first hold a public hearing, setting 7 pm on Thursday, May 11 at the Berlin Municipal Complex as the time and date for the hearing.  That immediately precedes the next regular meeting, where depending on the outcome of the public hearing, they plan to vote on the proposed law.  Once approved it would still however, be subject to a permissive referendum, should the required number of signatures be garnered.  The Post plans to use the one-time train station as its regular meeting site as well as open it up to youth and community events.  The building was donated to the Town in 1954 by members of the Cowee family, but upkeep of the facility has become what the Town Board stated is a drain on the taxpayers, and was glad to see it once again serve a useful purpose.  The Legion plans to rehabilitate the structure.

Extra Money For Town Roads

Highway Superintendent Jim Winn reported he had just last Thursday received notification from the State of New York as to how much CHIPs money the Town will receive this year.  Winn stated he was pleasantly surprised by the $32,000 increase over the previous year, bringing the total for the Consolidated Highway Improvements to $152,000. Winn also told the Board that New York as a state is looking to be declared a disaster zone as the result of the March Blizzard of 2017.  He said spending on the cleanup by towns and the Rensselaer County Highway Department have met the criteria, and if the state as a whole does the same, they are hoping to receive funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Winn also serves as Water District #2 Commissioner, and in that role informed the Board that installation of the carbon filter system on the village’s water supply is still progressing.  He said the electrical construction is complete, with a separate meter for the DEC portion of the pump house.  He also said the bypass is complete, and the NYS Department of Health has approved the system, but acceptance by the Rensselaer County Department of Health is still pending.  It’s not yet known when the system, designed to filter PFOA out of the water supply, will be on line.  It must be noted that Berlin’s water supply has continually tested below any levels of concern, but many residents asked for the installation as a precaution, especially since it provides drinking water to the Berlin Elementary School.  The cost and the maintenance of the system is being borne by NY State.

Planning Board Appointments

The Town Board accepted the recommendations of the Berlin Planning Board and appointed Marie Hoffman as a member.  The also gave its blessing to the appointment of David Derstine as an alternate.  The alternate can attend Planning Board meetings and participate in the discussions, but only has a vote if one of the five regular members is absent.  Board Chairwoman Pamula Gerstel also told the Board its next meeting on April 27 looks to be a busy affair, as she knows of three new applications slated to come before the Board.

Codes Enforcement and Building Inspector Allen Yerton said he expects construction on the new Dollar General store to begin within the next two to three weeks on the site they purchased from Eagle Energy, adjacent to the business of Route 22.  He did say the particulars about the size of the sign still need approval from the Zoning Board of Appeals.

The Board also approved the purchase of a new container for the Transfer Station to replace one that is no longer useable.  They put a cap of $6,000 on the purchase, with hopes their current vendor, Tam Waste Management of Pownal, Vt. can acquire and deliver the container for less than the approved amount.  The Board has a reminder that it is also time to purchase the new required permits for use of the transfer station by both Berlin and Petersburgh residents

Dog Control Officer Doug Goodermote reminded all that the Spring Rabies Clinic is Thursday, April 20 at the Municipal Complex.  Vaccination of cats starts at 6 pm with dogs at 7 pm.  The cost is $10 cash.  He also spoke of a continuing court case and of a Pit Bull missing in the Taconic Valley for several weeks now.

Town Supervisor Rob Jaeger said Town Historian Sharon Klein hopes to have the new Historical Center open in time for the Memorial Day parade and celebrations.  He said the work being done by Klein and her staff is proving astounding.  Town Clerk Anne Maxon reported local, county and state revenues of $4,587 for March, with non-local revenues of $646.  The Board will next meet in a workshop session on Thursday, April 27 at 7 pm. [/private]