COVID-19 Is The Main Focus Of Meeting
By Denise Wright
The October 22 meeting of the Schodack Town Board focused on several COVID-19 related issues. First however, members discussed the problems that have developed on Sharon Lane due to increased use of the Albany- Hudson Electric Bike Trail during the pandemic. Residents have been complaining about individuals parking at the base of Sharon Lane and NYS Route 150. Supervisor David Harris said Andy Beers, director of the Empire Tail system, has offered to put in three parking spots to avoid people parking in driveways and on roadways. Harris has already discussed the issue with Ken Holmes from the Highway Department, and Harris believes that this will be “no problem at all.”
The Board discussed the transfer station rules and regulations. The scheduled days and fees will remain the same for the upcoming year. Harris stated that the town realizes this “has been a tough year” for its residents and will not raise fees. Finally, with early voting having begun on October 24, Supervisor Harris updated the Board about the COVID-19 cleaning precautions at the Town Hall, one of the county’s three early voting sites. Quick Response generously donated its services for cleaning the whole building to prepare for the upcoming elections. The Board of Elections will be responsible for managing people, running tallies, and cleaning after elections. Harris “didn’t foresee” any problems. During elections, employees will be reporting to the town clerk’s office before reporting for work. Supervisor Harris said he had discussed the procedures with Mary Fran Wachunas from the County Health Department, who reviewed Schodack’s policies and felt that the town has a “good positive handle on everything.”
Other issues discussed were approving the resolutions to accept the utility Easement offered by Stewart’s Shops Corporation for the store located at 1811 Columbia Turnpike and the shop under construction at 1528-1542 Columbia Turnpike. The other issue discussed was the Amtrak-CSX Bridge on Van Hoesen Road. This county project has been the subject of a great deal of discussion, but Harris stated that paperwork was submitted and that the town is “making progress.”