Library Director Laurenne Teachout Has Resigned
by David Flint
Disc Jam is returning to Stephentown. Festival Organizer Anthony Scavone was present at the Town Board meeting on Monday, April 17 to formally announce that the Festival, that combines a music fest with a disc golf tournament and camping in the woods, will be held on Neil Gardner’s property starting on Thursday afternoon, June 8 and ending at 6 pm on Sunday, June 11.[private] Scavone said that there will be some slight changes in the acts this year but in general many of the same acts, people and vendors will be coming back. He pledged to “follow all of your guidelines and we hope to have another smooth year.”
Town Supervisor Larry Eckhardt acknowledged that after a rough start in 2015 that resulted in a barrage of complaints, there were very few complaints last year about loudness and lateness and no other serious issues. He reminded Scavone to check in with the Code Enforcement office to make sure they get all the necessary permits and also to coordinate with and keep informed the Fire Department and Rescue Squad. “We do appreciate people coming to town,” he said, “but be sure to follow through with your promises.”
Celebrate Stephentown
Scott Menhinick, Board President of the Stephentown Memorial Library, announced that the Library intends to hold a public meeting in the near future to plan “Celebrate Stephentown,” a town-wide weekend of community events scheduled for August 18-20. The Library is hoping to have all the Town’s businesses and organizations join in with the celebration.
Menhinick announced also that Library Director Laurenne Teachout has resigned. With the assistance of the Upper Hudson Library System, the Library Board will soon be initiating a search for a new Director. In the meantime, Assistant Director Kim Roppolo will take over as Interim Director.
Menhinick invited all to attend the Annual Meeting of the Library that will be held on Sunday, April 23 starting at 4 pm.
TRACS Contract
The Board in recent years has been sponsoring the attendance of two Stephentown students at the Youth to Youth International Eastern States Conference. The Board approved a contract to expend $850 to do the same this year. The Conference will be held at Bryant University in Smithfield, RI, July 28-31. The students, members of the local TRACS (Together Reducing Alcohol & Drugs in our Communities) group, will make a presentation to the Board next month. The contract requires that the students report back to the Board within six months after the Conference showing what they have learned and how they intend to apply that knowledge. They are also committed to participate in Celebrate Stephentown and to help provide pro-social youth-led activities in the area such as teen events and environmental programs.
Lawn Mowing And Street Openings
The Board passed two resolutions. The first resolution authorizes the Town Clerk to advertise for bids, due by May 12, to provide lawn mowing at the Town Hall and the Town Park.
The second resolution sets the bond and surety fees for street and sidewalk openings done by any public utility corporation or other corporation. The permit fee is $2,500 per cut across a road and the bond or security amount will be $5,000 bond or $2,500 deposit.
Deposits & Spending
The Town Clerk turned over the sum of $903 to the Supervisor for the month of March. The distribution from the Office of the State Comptroller, Justice Court Fund for the month of February to the Town was $4,134. The Transfer Station deposited a total of $5,254 for the month of March.
The Board audited and approved claims in the amount of $15,402.93 from the General Account and $12,984.14 from the Highway Account.
The Board set its next workshop meeting for Monday, May 8 and its next regular meeting for Monday, May 15, both meetings to begin at 7 pm.
The Comprehensive Plan Committee will meet on Monday, May 22 at 7 pm. [/private]