Commercial Use Of Recycling Station Is Debated
By Doug La Rocque
The Grafton Town Board held its first teleconferencing town board meeting on Monday, May 11 using a zoom platform, and like many other towns, had a few technical issues the first time out, but soon overcame them.
It was a rather routine meeting, except for two issues. The first dealt with the town’s Recycling Station. It was brought up that a unidentified commercial establishment was dumping what some said was a large amount of recycling, sometimes resulting in the dumpster becoming quickly filled up. If this means an additional dumping, it costs the town more money. Currently the town does not charge for recycling, even though Grafton must now pay to have it picked up.
There was discussion as to whether commercial establishments should be allowed to use the facility, or perhaps be charged to do so. No resolution was reached, other than planning to speak with the business, to see what might be able to be worked out.
It’s A Personnel Matter
When it comes to dealing with town personnel, past, present or future, it is a matter for executive session. But does that apply to a member of the town board asking to see personnel records. Councilman Frank Lewandusky III asked Town Supervisor Ingrid Gundrum to see such records, not elaborating any further. Supervisor Gundrum responded she was “uncomfortable” turning over the records in question to Mr. Lewandusky. The councilman then said he had discussed the matter with Town Attorney Sal Ferlazzo, who he indicated said the councilman has the right to review them. There was nothing more said about it, and the meeting moved on.
Potential Revenue Losses
Councilman Lewandusky asked Supervisor Gundrum, if they should not schedule a budget workshop, in light of the fact New York State has shut down many businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, which will mostly likely result in a loss of both sales and mortgage tax revenues the town has already budgeted for. With New York State facing a budget shortfall of 12 to 15 billion dollars, he is also fearful of cuts in state aid, citing comments that the annual CHIPS money for the highway department might be one of these cuts. He estimated the town could conservatively see a 25% revenue shortfall this year. Ms. Gundrum responded that she has spoken to other town supervisors and the general consensus was they should wait until they get a little more clarification from the state and county as to what the hard numbers might look like before taking any action.
Highway Department News
Highway Superintendent Jarod Bouchard reported his crews had been working hard on town road surfaces, as well as ditching and replacing culverts, He also said the recently purchased excavator is a big help and that he has ordered the two trucks approved at the April Town Board meeting. He also expressed concern about CHIPS monies being cut or reduced and has placed his biggest projects on hold.
Other Items
According to the Youth Department, 77 children took part in the recent scavenger hunt, done by vehicle so as to social distance…the prizes consisted on baskets of candy, that has been earmarked for the canceled Easter Party.
When it comes to counting heads, Grafton is not doing so well. According to the Supervisor, the town has the second lowest census form return rate in the county. She asked town residents to respond to the census, as the town’s population numbers greatly affect the amount of state and federal dollars the town might see.
The Rescue Squad reported seven calls during the month of April, and also said the efforts to take over the Berlin Certificate of Need has cleared the Regional Medical Organization’s review, but is now hung up in the NYS Department of Health. Efforts to hire paid personnel to staff the ambulance in the daytime, so it could respond to Berlin and Petersburgh as well as Grafton, are on hold until that CON is officially transferred.
Councilman Lewandusky asked if the $150,000 state grant to be used to pay for the new ambulance, that has been in service for some time now, has been received yet, to which Supervisor Gundrum responded no. Asked as to when the town last communicated with the state, Ms. Gundrum said they have heard nothing since the correspondence Mr. Lewandusky reported on at the February meeting.
The board corrected the expiration date of Linda Russell’s term on the Board of Assessment Review (BAR), and reappointed member Mike Smith to a full five year term. The BAR still needs one more member.
A Local Law to accept the recent changes in the NYS Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Codes was introduced, and a public hearing set for 7 pm at the start of the board’s June 8 meeting.