Police Review Board Process Begins
by Doug La Rocque
Deputy Mayor Bob Ryan and Village Police Chief Bob Ashe spent time at the Tuesday, November 10 Village Board meeting to update the Board and the public on their progress to meet Governor Andrew Cuomo’s executive order for a complete and thorough review of a municipality’s police department policies and practices. The order said there is a long and painful history in New York State of discrimination and mistreatment of black and African-American citizens dating back to the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in America and ordered a comprehensive review of current police force deployments, strategies, policies, procedures, and practices. The Governor wants to see the review completed and any proposed changes placed before the public for its input, before the Village Board approves any policy revisions. That decision is due by April 1 of 2021.
Chief Ashe is looking to put information about the review on a website as soon as possible, and hopes to have a final report ready for a public hearing by the end of the year.
Chicken Law Is Introduced
Mayor Rob Allen formally introduced Local Law # 3, which is being referred to as “The Chicken Law.” The Board plans to hold a public hearing on the law at its December 8 meeting at 6 pm
Briefly, the law places many different conditions on the keeping of chickens, such as limiting the number to six, specifying the conditions in which they will be housed, no roosters, no selling of eggs and penalties for violating the law. Currently the possession of chickens in the Village is prohibited
Mayor Allen said a copy of the law will be posted on the Village’s website shortly
Municipal Parking Law
The Trustees held a public hearing on the municipal parking law introduced last month. There was no public comment and only some minor discussion about parking scenarios after snowstorms. The measure was approved unanimously.
Snowy Sidewalks
During public comment, resident Harold Stevens again asked if there could be a law put in place, requiring sidewalks in front of homes and businesses be cleaned within 36 hours of the end of a snow storm. He cited many instance where they are not, and people must walk in the street. The Board is willing to talk with Village Attorney Andy Gilchrist about the establishment of such a local law, which would replace an ordinance dating back to 1919. Mark Surdam, speaking not as Code Enforcement Officer but as a resident of the Village, warned that some people might balk at this, since the Village Department of Public Works has a machine that cleans sidewalks, primarily in the downtown area, but not all streets. Mayor Allen said there are several reasons for this, primarily the condition of some sidewalks along with personnel and budget constraints. This is a matter it will look to address further in December.
There was also discussion from a prospective out of town buyer for the former Oak Mitsui plant at 1 Mechanic Street. The gentleman is looking for any help the Village might be able to offer in expediting the process, currently hung up by a 185 page site characterization report, which lists potential industrial pollution. He said those considering financing the buy are leery to move forward because of possible liabilities related to contamination at the site, even though the new buyer is not responsible for putting it there. Attorney Gilchrist said that under current Superfund laws, holding the current owner responsible remains a possibility. The site is also on a list of possible Superfund sites.
Unity House Would Like
Space In The Village
Sara McGaughnea of Unity House said she has been in discussion with Chief Ashe about opening a small office in the Village. According to its mission statement, the Troy based organization is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people living in poverty, adults with mental illness, victims of domestic violence, children with developmental delays and their families, people living with HIV/AIDS, and others whose needs can effectively be met by Unity House services and philosophy. She feels many of those in the rural portions of Rensselaer County face a barrier to availing themselves of Unity House’s services, because of distance and transportation, as well as the difference in rural versus urban cultures. The Board liked the idea, and promised to work with the Chief and Ms. McGaughnea to attempt to bring the idea to fruition.
Mayoral Updates
Mayor Allen expressed his concern that COVID-19 cases are increasing, and asked all to be very smart and cautious. He also said he had authorized an emergency purchase to fix the broken front door on the municipal building at a cost of $4,116.25. The door has been problematic for some time.
Announcements
The Mayor also had a number of announcements on the meeting agenda. They included:
• 10 new blue garbage cans have been installed throughout the Village. Special thanks to the LDC for fully financing the cost of the garbage cans, as well as the DPW employees who handled installation.
• Thanks are also instore to the State Department of Transportation, who took care of the graffiti that was under the Route 22 bridge by Tops.
• The trees for the “Festival of Trees” program (being put on by Hoosick Rising) will be distributed locally on November 20. If your business is receiving a tree, please plan ahead and have the tree decorated by Thanksgiving (November 26).
• Hoosick Rising is planning a drive-thru Santa on fire trucks on Friday, November 27 at 5 pm. The tree at the Gazebo will be lit after that. Note: there will be no singing or gathering of large crowds.
• Small Business Saturday is November 28, so please get out and support our local businesses!
• HACA Holiday Food & Fund Drive is going on. The goal is to raise $6,000 to help provide over 400 holiday food boxes to those in need in our community.
• Toys for Tots box will be in the lobby of the Municipal Building for donations to be dropped off. They must be unwrapped when they are dropped off.
• Hoosick Falls is looking for two additional members for the Zoning Board.