Long Agenda For Town Board
by Doug La Rocque and Miranda Sehl
The most recent developments concerning the Grafton Rescue Squad and Berlin’s Certificate of Need was one of the main topics of discussion at the Monday, July 13, Town Board meeting. That is part of The Eastwick’s front page story. Another lengthly topic of discussion was creating a town Facebook page. Town Attorney Sal Ferlazzo sent the board a letter detailing the concerns they as a town board should consider before acting on the idea. Chief of these was the suggestion that all comments be blocked, so it acts only as an information portal, and not a platform for discussion that could open up a pandora’s box of problems.
Also in need of a decision, was who would be the site’s administrator. Town Clerk Vicki Burdick said she would handle the chore without an additional compensation. She would, at least for now, be the only one posting to the site.
The resolution to officially authorize the creation of the page passed near the end of the meeting by a 3-2 vote. Councilmembers Beaudry, Deschaine and Lewandusky in favor, with Jeff Wager and Supervisor Ingrid Gundrum casting the no votes.
Broadcasting the Meetings
As well as Facebook, broadcasting the meetings on some form of social media was also discussed. Currently Councilman Lewandusky live streams the meeting on Facebook from his phone, but there have been some technical problems. The board decided to look into the feasibility of having a professional firm handle the chore.
The Town Is Being Sued
It was noted on the agenda under communications that a lawsuit has been filed under the name of Zeh vs Town of Grafton and David Galarneau, the former assessor. No reason was given, as it is a litigation matter, and discussion of which is confined to executive session. Supervisor Gundrum did say the town’s insurance carrier will pick up the cost of the town’s defense.
Speaking of executive sessions, the board went into such about halfway through the meeting, for what was listed an an “employee matter.” They returned about 30 minutes later. During public comment, the Supervisor was asked why such sessions where not held at the end of the meetings, unless it pertained to some business the board was planning to address that evening.
Ms. Gundrum stated it has been past practice to hold executive session prior to any new or old business being discussed, but moving it to the end of the meeting was certainly an option.
Recycling Costs
Under old business, the June discussion regarding the cost of recycling was again brought up, with the committee reporting it is looking into alternative waste haulers for next year, if there would be a cost savings. The board was not in the mood to take any action now, even noting that the recycling center is one of the few services provided to town residents, outside of the highway department.
Say Again
It was brought up that a 2015 resolution put into place a second public comment period at town board meetings, something that is not currently being observed. Supervisor Gundrum noted the second period had become somewhat problematic over time and was eventually dropped somewhere along the way. Councilman Lewandusky felt it was a housekeeping issue. The board should reinstate the second public comment time, or pass a resolution repealing the 2015 legislation. He indicated he was not opposed to this, and the board agreed it might consider such a resolution at its August gathering.
News and Notes
Most of the other items on the long agenda were dealt with in quick fashion. Some of these, though certainly not all, included a discussion of the need for a third member to form an ethics board, the state setting the town’s final equalization rate for the 2020 assessment roll at 100%, a notice from Spectrum that basic cable service would be going up $2.95 per month, $1.50 also being charged for each additional level of service. There was confirmation that the Summer Youth Program is set to go forth at the former Grafton Elementary School Building starting July 27. Work is needed at the Post Office on the steps, landing, foyer floor and roof. Work and some painting is also needed on the town gazebo as well as town hall lighting fixtures. It was also reported the demolition of the building on the Gardy property is complete, with the cost to be billed back to the landowner. A lack of payment on their part sends the bill to Rensselaer County, which will reimburse the town, and begin collection efforts of its own.
In public comment, David Buckley accused Building Inspector Tom Withcuskey of favortism and not doing his job. Cathy Goyer asked Supervisor Gundrum why some revenue lines have not been kept up to date in the month budget reports. Ms. Gundrum answered that she had been lax in sending some information to the the town’s bookkeeper because of the COVID-19 impact, but promised all would be up to date for the August report.
The meeting was adjourned in memory of Anthony DiBiase and Dan Bell.