Moving Forward On Many Fronts
The Tuesday, October 8 meeting of the Hoosick Falls Village Board contained no new surprises and moved along quite quickly, as Hoosick Falls Village Board meetings go.
The Trustees approved three resolutions this night, two involving the Woods Brook Buy-Out Program. The first authorized the execution of documents as they are related to environmental compliance and the second acknowledged the real estate purchase contracts required before the Village can close on any of the properties involved. The third resolution authorized Mayor Rob Allen to execute a contract with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), to provide maintenance of the DEC’s Flood Protection project in the village.
Switching from floods to PFOA, the Mayor has been told by New York State many times its Alternate Water Supply Study should be ready soon. He said to those gathered at the Village Hall for this meeting, they now say two weeks. He also indicated he has assurance that this time, it will happen.
A New Roof
Representatives of the Civicure organization addressed the meeting, indicating they have acquired the funds needed to put a new roof on the historic Wood Block Building. They hope the work, which will cost in the neighborhood of $388,000, will start on or about November 11. And speaking about the neighborhood, lower Classic Street will have to be closed that day so equipment and supplies can be moved in. Signs will be posted the day before, with the street closing the next morning. It is only expected to be closed for that one day.
The Mayor also said the accident last Sunday which resulted in a power pole being snapped off caused several days of phone and fax problems for the Village Hall. He also said the server for the Village computer system is giving them problems. It is a sort of homemade unit, designed to fit the Village’s needs. Its reliability is now in question, and the Mayor asked the Board to consider purchasing a new server.
Water And Sewer
Negotiations are continuing with the Honeywell Corporation over costs associated with the hazardous mitigation required by DEC on the now resumed sewer project. Work was halted earlier this year when DEC ordered all ground water and soils dug up from below the waterline to be tested, and if need be treated, for possible PFOA contamination.
The balance tank used at the water plant is still leaking, even from some of the new welds. The Mayor is looking to the state to have this repaired quickly. He also said he expects a changeout of filters for the water filtration system to happen soon.
When the new Snow Street water lines were put in service earlier this year, two area residents reported problems with their water heaters, which they contend was caused by increased pressure. The Village says there was no spike in pressure, just water pressure returning to the levels it was once at. One resident doesn’t buy it and placed a claim against the Village for the cost and installation of a new water heater she had to buy. The Trustees are reluctant to pay, because they say the claimant has provided them with little proof. They are questioning the age of the damaged unit, its condition, etc. Because it has already been removed, the Village Water Department cannot inspect it. The Trustees have asked Mayor Allen to look into this further, including contacting the contractor who removed the unit. Until then, the Board has once again tabled the measure.
Honoring Ann Bornt
It is yet to be decided if the Municipal Building or a part of it will be renamed for former Village Clerk and Trustee Ann Bornt, but Deputy Mayor Bob Ryan says a polished stone memorial is nearly ready for placement in the front of the structure. He will let all know about the scheduling of a ceremony for this.
Other News
Police Chief Bob Ashe said the number of calls being handled by his department continue to rise, and spoke a little more about the new no bail law and increase in the age under which a youthful offender status will be granted. He also said one of the four men arrested for last month’s spray painting of cars in and out of the Village has violated the conditions of his release to probation. The Chief says he was re-arrested and spent a weekend in the Rensselaer County Jail as a result. Chief Ashe added that the offender told him upon his release, he won’t be violating his parole conditions again, the time in jail was just too scary.
Speaking of scary, the annual Trunk or Treat put on by Little Sprouts will take place on Saturday, October 26, in Wood Park from 6 to 8 pm. Trustee Vanessa Lewis volunteered (or some might say voluntold, as per discussion prior to the meeting) to head up the efforts for this year’s Halloween Parade, scheduled for Wednesday evening, October 30. Either way, Ms. Lewis said she was glad to do it.