Still Not Happy About Job Descriptions
by Michelle Van Horn
Highway Superintendent Jeff Winestock reported to the Tuesday, September 8 meeting of the Town Board, that several residents were very concerned about town employee evaluations. This something Mr. Winestock objected to doing, arguing that it made both town employees and himself uncomfortable doing, especially since he knows his employees and has been working with many of them for over 30 years. The Superintendent also conveyed his frustration about the town board creating job descriptions for himself and his employees. While every department head was tasked with creating job descriptions for their department, Mr. Winestock refused to do so. Town Supervisor Tistrya Houghtling reminded him of this, and encouraged the Highway Superintendent to make any amendments he sees fit, saying, “we would be happy to modify the descriptions,” since this is what Houghtling intended he would do in the first place.
Military Banners
The Town of New Lebanon is promoting the Military Tribute Banner Program, which honors military veterans. $130 gets you an 18” x 36” banner to support your loved one who has served in war. Banners are slated to be hung on the ‘miracle mile’ in downtown Lebanon and will be taken down during the winter to protect them and be put back up after the weather breaks. Chris Rita and Louise Clouser from the History sub-committee of the Business and Economic Development Committee have been appointed to take on the Military Tribute Banner Program. The town has granted the program $200 for printing pamphlets to be distributed to businesses throughout town. Information about the program will be part of the town’s newsletter as well. The subcommittee plans to reach out to the local American Legion chapter for any volunteer interest to complete the task, and is also extending the opportunity to any person interested in volunteering. Councilmember Jesse Newton has offered support for the task, and also expressed interest in honoring his father who served. Superintendent Tistrya Houghtling also conveyed her desire to honor her loved one with a banner as well. Donations have been and are being accepted for family members who are financially challenged to obtain banners to support their loved ones. Applications will also be available to community members in the surrounding area who have family that served in any war.
Budget items:
The town’s internet bill from Consolidated was supposed to go down but instead went up. A budgeting error is to blame. New Lebanon will find another $3,000 more in the budget to pay the unforeseen overage. With an estimated $8 left in the budget after all is paid, it doesn’t seem to pose a problem. It is reported that the internet is vastly better.
Water testing results:
The New York State Department of Health has completed two more water tests with more negative results turning up for PFOS/A’s pertaining to properties downstream of the old landfill.
Bids & Seats:
The Skate Park received 1 bid for concrete, and the Board made a motion to accept the bid for $12,500 out of the parks budget, subject to council member Jesse Newton obtaining the necessary items to start the project.
One application was received for the Town Engineer’s position, and two bids for cleaning were received.
There are two Recreation Commission Committee seats available and Planning Board Chairman Michael Black has tendered his resignation.
New Business:
Proposed Local Law #2 amending the Right to Farm Law and #3, amending the Building Code Administration were introduced, and hearing dates were set. Local Law #2’s hearing will be held Tuesday, October 13, and Local Law #3’s hearing will be held Wednesday October 14, both at 6:30 pm
The next Budget workshops are scheduled for: October 7, 15, 19, 22 and 28, all at 6 pm. Further budget workshop dates will be scheduled if the need arises.
Several community members have requested that the Free Store be reopened. Superintendent Houghtling suggested reopening by appointment only, with one family present at a time, and asked for feedback. Two town employees voiced their concern with disinfecting items being donated, as well as potential social distancing issues. These issues would be addressed properly if there were volunteers there to sort through and disinfect the free items, and to this end volunteers will be needed. Supervisor Houghtling will be happily opening the doors for families in need. Six feet of social distancing, mask-wearing, and appointments will be necessary, as per the new norm.
The next town Newsletter will be distributed November 1, with submission deadlines due by October 19. A motion was made (pending approval from the BEDC) to put together a business directory separate from the newsletter, as an insert, with expenditures not to exceed $300.
Where To Meet
Where will the regular town board meeting be held in October? With winter approaching, COVID still COVID-ing, and the new live streaming option now a necessity, the town needs an appropriate (holds many people, six feet apart) spot with internet connection to meet. A few places are being considered, and if none turn up, the meetings will continue being held at the Town’s Pavillion. The board hopes to work it out by November and have a suitable locate through the end of winter.
Vandals At Work
Someone, or some people have vandalized Shatford Park’s bathrooms with graffiti. An investigator is looking into it, and in the meantime security cameras are being considered. Already a 2021 agenda item, Supervisor Houghtling is requesting their arrival be hastened, like now. A quote for two cameras installed will set the town back $2,879.60. Service for Town Hall cameras of $67 per month would not go up for adding the two park cameras. Council member Newton pointed out that no damage was done, and with a can of spray paint that was found lying on the grass, it could have been anyone who did it. All board members agreed to have the two park cameras installed.
A motion was made to officially reopen the Shatford Park pavilion for town rentals (a wedding will take place there in September).