A Dumping Problem In Grafton
By Doug La Rocque
As was highlighted by last week’s instance of a boat being dumped on Kautz Hollow Road, Town Supervisor Ingrid Gundrum brought the matter back into the spotlight at the Monday, August 13 Town Board meeting. There have been many reports of people leaving garbage, old furniture and car parts, even hazardous materials along many town roads. If caught, and some have been, the offender could face a fine of up to five thousand dollars. Many people have been chipping in to pick up the debris, and spreading the word to be on the lookout via social media outlets. One town resident, Lora Patterson, has even gone so far as to create a number of handcrafted signs, reminding people to put garbage in its place. After all, Grafton’s motto is “beauty is all about us.”
Just Slow Down
Highway Superintendent Herb Hasbrouck reported he recently met with County Engineer Wayne Bonesteel, to begin the process of requesting NYS Department of Transportation (DOT), place speed limits on a number of town roads. Since Grafton is a small community, not a Class A town like neighboring Brunswick, it must go through the county and then the state to have a speed limit lowered or placed. Many of the town roads do not have a posted limit, so vehicles are allowed to legally travel up to 55 miles per hour, an unsafe speed in many locations. Some of the roads that were part of Mr. Hasbrouck’s request were Steve O’Dell, Jay Hakes, Josh Hall Pond and town roads off Blue Factory Hill Road. The DOT generally surveys traffic patterns and the history of accidents on a requested road before issuing a decision.
Mr. Hasbrouck also reported that about 80 percent of the brush along town roads has been cut back. The highway crew has completed its work along King and Kautz Hollow Roads, and the Town Board authorized him to purchase 3,000 tons of sand to be delivered for winter. The Town has also received a one-time payment of $1,200 from Homeland Security and Emergency Management for winter weather woes.
Looking at Solar Savings
One town resident asked about the possibility of installing a solar energy system for the town owned buildings, in hopes of saving on electrical bills. Deputy Town Supervisor Tom Withcuskey responded that the Town is already in talks with Monolith Solar for just such a venture. Monolith has a contract with Rensselaer County, under which they may construct and pass along some savings to the towns in the county as well.
Other Items of Note
The Town’s assessor, David Galarneau, reported that new assessment data cards have been mailed out to many property owners, in preparation for the 2019 full value reassessment project. Mr. Galarneau also stated he will be meeting with state officials later this month to make sure everything is on track, and also plans a public meeting to explain the process in the near future.
There are 25 new building permits out to date, with 22 more outstanding from last year. Codes Enforcement also reports it is working with Rensselaer County for possible reimbursement for two buildings the Town would like to see demolished.
The Grafton Rescue squad responded to 14 calls in July, seven of them requiring Advanced Medical teams from either the Mohawk or Bennington ambulances. Bottles collected at the recycling center and by Councilman Eric Buckley’s children, resulted in a check to the Town’s Youth Commission for $125. Town Clerk Vicky Burdick’s office turned over $3,365 in revenues from July. Ms. Burdick, who is also the Dog Control Officer, asked that people not attempt to contact her via Facebook. Please call her at 518-496-4938. The Town Board approved a motion to pay $47,252 in monthly bills before adjourning for the night.