Ambulance CON Is Officially Transferred
by Doug La Rocque
Town Supervisor Rob Jaeger announced at the Thursday, July 9 meeting that the Berlin Fire Department’s Ambulance Certificate of Need has been officially transferred to the Grafton Rescue Squad, effective July 6. This means the Grafton squad is now responsible for calls in the town, and that mutual aid from neighboring ambulance corps, i.e. Petersburgh, Stephentown and Hoag’s Corners can officially continue. Once the fire department no longer had the ability to staff its ambulance, a state law forbade mutual aid response. The NYS Department of Health never enforced that however.
As is reported on the front page, the Grafton Squad is working to form a paid daytime EMT crew that would respond to calls in Grafton, Berlin and Petersburgh, Monday through Friday from 6 am to 6 pm. It was reported at the Grafton Town Board meeting the following Monday, that service may start by the end of August or mid-September.
The Town Board also approved a motion, reaffirming its intention to pay its portion of the cost for such ambulance coverage, pegged at $61,000. Supervisor Jaeger said that under Governor Cuomo’s shared service guidelines, they may be eligible for up to 75% reimbursement of this cost.
Highway Notes
Superintendent Jim Winn said now that the Consolidated Highway Improvement Project (CHIPs) funding is a little clearer, he is hoping to start some paving on Bly Hollow Road and Hilltop Road. He also indicated he is looking to trade in an older Dodge pickup for a new one that would cost $34,000. The dealership has offered $24,000 in trade on Berlin’s current vehicle, making the out of pocket cost about $10,000.
Town Assessor Resigns
Supervisor Jaeger noted that the Chair of the Board of Assessors is resigning, both as chair and as an assessor. Patty Baretsky’s resignation is effective August 1.
Transfer Station
Lead Transfer Station Attendant Bud Hall said there is evidence of people still sneaking into the facility when it is closed, sometimes from the rear of the property. He asked the Board to consider more lighting for the area. He also indicated he might need some help soon. If interested in working at the station, you can call Town Clerk Anne Maxon. Mr. Hall reminded all to wear a mask when at the facility, particularly as you cannot social distance.
Dog Tales
Dog Control Officer Doug Goodermote can always take a routine report and turn it into a good ole country yarn, and at this meeting he was in fine form. He had several barking complaints and one incident that required police intervention. The State Police sent a trooper to assist the DCO, though he was really hoping McGruff the Crime Dog had been assigned to the case.
Mr. Goodermote said another nearby town was looking to collar him to be its DCO as well, but the ne-gotiations got a little ruff and they decided to set him free.