The Pros And Cons Of A Motocross Track
By Doug La Rocque
Hoosick Town Supervisor Mark Surdam opened the Monday night, August 12 Town Board meeting, by making public comment on the revival of a motocross track in West Hoosick, the first item on the agenda. As was the case at the board’s July meeting, there were several neighbors and town residents there to speak against. First up however, was the operator of the track, Eric Desrosiers, who denied reports he plans to operate a commercial facility, claiming it will be for his and some friends use only. He also claimed he knows how to be a good neighbor, and will not ride across other peoples property, and not operate early in the morning or late at night. He also claimed neighbors are “assuming a bunch of crazy things” in relation to the track.
Next up to the podium was Dan Delurey who said he represented the West Hoosick Rural Lifestyle Coalition. He took his time to debunk many of Mr. Desrosiers’ claims and emphatically state that under Hoosick Town Laws and Definitions, it was indeed a commercial facility, and must be treated as such. He cited a clause that describes the acceptance of goods, services or money in return for permission to use the motocross track as being commercial.
The Town Board had no comments, indicating they were going to deal with the matter in an executive session because of its legal ramifications. They emerged from that session with no comment and took no action.
Merging Of Assessor Services
The Village of Hoosick Falls earlier this year, on the insistence of the Rensselaer County Bureau of Tax Services, eliminated its assessing authority, and turned it over to the Town of Hoosick. That meant Assessor Tony Rice had to assume, on behalf of the town, the village responsibilities as well. Since Mr. Rice was also the Village’s assessor, it really was not a problem. Hoosick, however, asked to be reimbursed for their employee’s added hours on their payroll. The two municipalities decided on a $6,500 yearly figure, and the Town Board formally accepted the agreement. The Village Board was expected to do the same at their meeting the next night.
Statewide, the term for all sole assessors expires on September 30. The board, expressing their pleasure with Mr. Rice, decided not to wait until that time and re-appointed him to the job for another six years, the length of the term being set by New York State.
Private Pool Use
During the Town Clerk’s facilities report, Holly Cross said that for apparently the first time, a private group wanted to rent out the town pool for one hour on Saturday, August 17. The insurance portion of the application forms used for these type of rentals deals with commercial entities, spawned a discussion of commercial versus personal. The board agreed it is something they need to address, but indicated they would like an insurance rider of at least $1 million for any personal use.
PFOA Updates
The town and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation have reached a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), that calls for DEC to keep the town in the loop, so to speak, as far as any information or action concerning PFOA is concerned.
News and Notes
Discussion this Monday night also touched on Hoosick Rising, which is working on a map showing the location of town businesses. The New York State Department of Transportation continues to look at particular sites and intersections along Route 7 that seem to be accident prone. At this time however, they indicate the numbers do not rise to a level demanding extra attention.
The board is looking for volunteers to help clean up the island at the junction of Routes 7 and 22, where the new town sign was placed. It is getting a little overgrown.
The board re-appointed Christine Kovage to the Hoosick Housing Authority Board of Directors for a five-year term, retroactive to October 1, 2018. They also re-appointed James Hoag to a five-year term on the Zoning Board, retroactive to May 1 of this year, and accepted the resignation of Wallace Sheffer Jr. and appointed Fred Peries to complete his term, which expires on April 1, 2023.
The Planning Board is now down to just four members, meaning all must attend a meeting for a quorum to be present, and all must vote yes for a measure to be approved. The board has decided to look into what is needed to reduce the Planning Board membership from seven to five. Any town resident interested in serving on the board, may contact the Town Clerk.
Because their scheduled October 14 meeting falls on Columbus Day, the board votd to back the meeting date up one day, to Tuesday, October 15.
Speaking of fall events, Supervisor Surdam has announced he will seek re-election to another two-year term in November.