Meeting Highlights
By Denise Wright
On November 12, the Schodack Town Board passed numerous resolutions. The meeting began with a discussion about Resolution 267, which focused on establishing the Battisti Water District No. 10. The Board approved resolutions (267-279) that reviewed water rates and assessment rolls in connection with financing to the Clearview, Maplecrest, Schodack Center, and Highway garage/route 20 water districts.
Sewer rents and assessment rolls connected with the financing of sewer districts (1, 5, 6, and 8) were also approved in resolutions 280-286. Along with sewer and water items, the Board ratified and affirmed a tentative budget for 2021 in resolution 287 and was able to approve the purchase of two Toughbook laptops for the police department (resolution 294-295) as well as authorize $50,000 to be transferred into the Town Wide Police Vehicle Capital Reserve Fund (resolution 291).
The Transfer Station Fee Schedule was approved (292) to be effective January 1, 2021. According to the resolution, the station will be open Tuesday-Saturday with fees ranging from $104 (52 bag punch card)-$3 (per 30-gallon bag). Spring clean-up days have been slated for May 13-15, and no household hazardous waste day has been scheduled for 2021.
Public comment was received in response to resolution 293, which consisted of purchasing two solar-powered speed alert signs for the town. Residents Adam and Marci Brunner wanted to thank the Schodack Police Chief John Hourigan and Highway superintendent, Ken Holmes, for their “professionalism and sensitivity” for the Birchwood, Hillcrest, Ridgewood Drive area residents near the Amazon warehouse on Route 9. They inquired where the signs will be placed and wondered about weight limit signage for the area. The Brunners voiced concern over the lighting at the site, saying that the glare has a “direct consequence” to “daily life.” Town Supervisor David Harris proposed resolution 310, and the Board approved, which will have the Highway department install a 10-ton weight limit sign at the intersection of Richwood and Rt. 9. Harris stated, “I am in hopes that this will rectify future concerns, but we will address them should they arise.” Resolution 293’s approval will enable the town to place these portable solar units that mount on a post such as a speed sign “throughout the town, which we hope will be enforcing the spirit of the law rather than the letter of the law to remind people to slow down.” According to Harris, several area municipalities have used these devices, and they have been a significant “deterrent in speed reduction.” He also wanted to remind the public, “the Town of Schodack is not the landlord or tenant,” and he asked, “that concerns be directed to Scannell (Properties –a privately owned real estate company) being the landlord or if warranted, to Amazon.”