By Doug La Rocque
It was anticipated that the Town Board would award the bid for the new ambulance Monday evening, February 12, but according to Town Supervisor Ingrid Gundrum, the matter was pulled from the agenda late that day for what was termed a legal issue. The Board announced it would be going into executive session following the meeting and invited Rescue Squad Captain Joe Allain and member Donna Baldwin to join them. The actual date the bid will be awarded is not yet known.
Captain Allain also voiced another major concern, the availability of ambulance service in Eastern Rensselaer County. He noted in his monthly report the Grafton Rescue Squad had seven calls during January and was unable to respond for lack of a crew once. This is not a problem limited to Grafton. Captain Allain cited an instance recently in Berlin, where it took 40 minutes for an ambulance to arrive at the scene of a cardiac emergency. Just last week, Grafton had two calls at the same residence. The Rescue Squad had a first responder go to the scene, and Mohawk Ambulance was called to transport the patient. While there, a second person required treatment, but none of the neighboring ambulances was able to respond, and likewise for the paid services from Troy, Albany or Bennington. The patient was eventually transported by the Pittstown Ambulance Corp, when they cleared from another call.
These two instances are, unfortunately, not unique. Mr. Allain told those in attendance, that as soon as the new ambulance situation is cleared up, “I plan to start working to see what can be done to keep people safe.”
Kudos to the
Highway Department
Highway Superintendent Herb Hasbrouck reported that the recent storms have drawn down his supply of salt and sand, and he is concerned as to how much more salt he can obtain, a situation being voiced by many other towns and counties around the northeast. He also explained to the Board that his recent repair costs are higher, as they go through their trucks to prepare for vehicle inspections, and to keep up with the wear and tear the winter has placed on the vehicles.
There were also several comments made praising the highway department for their response to areas of concern during the recent storms. Rescue Squad Captain Allain personally thanked Superintendent Hasbrouck for coming out at 3 am to plow in front of the ambulance from the garage all the way to the residence of the individual in need during a recent heavy overnight snowfall.
Mr. Hasbrouck also announced that earlier in the day he was informed by the NYS Department of Transportation a bid had been awarded to resurface Route 2 from Grafton Center to Route 22 in Petersburgh.
Changes Coming to the Summer Youth Program
For several years Grafton’s summer program has been very successful, but the length of it, five weeks, has been a drawn down on the budget for personnel costs. Councilwoman Lisa Dooley announced the program will run three weeks this year so more of the allocated funds can be used for programming. The first two weeks will involve learn to swim programs at Grafton Lakes State Park and then the town’s program kicks in for three weeks, centered out of the VFW/Fire Hall. It was also announced this year’s Easter Egg program will take place on March 17 at the Hall.
Supervisor Gundrum announced that Spectrum/Charter is beginning to finish up installation to all areas of the town that were not completed during the initial installation process two years ago. Several members of the Board and those in the audience noted their displeasure with the cable company, particularly over what they say has been slower than usual internet speeds and rate increases. Ms. Gundrum also noted that Spectrum has assigned a representative to the town to insure all remaining installations are completed. Leave a message with the town if you need assistance.
Other Happenings
Building and Codes Inspector Tom Withcuskey noted there are two new building permits out to date and that in his role as Deputy Supervisor he has been in discussions with Monolithic Solar about installing solar panels at the town hall to create a “significant” energy savings. Dog Control Officer Vicky Burdick reported no calls last month, but that she is in talks with the Town of Petersburgh to house any dogs they might pick up. Kenneling fees would go to the Town of Grafton and Petersburgh would reimburse any costs for the feeding of the animals and such. As Town Clerk, she turned over a check to the town for $2,134 in revenue from her office for the past month. The Board also set its Fee Schedule for 2018. The only addition was a $25 seasonal camping permit, as laid out under the recently adopted camping law.
The Board next meets in a workshop session on Monday, February 26.