Speed Limits, Appointments And Dogs Discussed By Town Board
by Doug La Rocque and Chris Tergliafera
The Tuesday, February 9 meeting opened with privilege to the floor and all three comments dealt with town roads. The first request concerned Canaan Road, where it was suggested the town change the speed limit from 35 to 40. The problem here is that with all small towns in New York State, they are not allowed to set their own speed limits, it must be done by the NYS Department of Transportation. It was also mentioned a survey on the road was done, and 35 mph was determined to be a safe speed.
The board also heard a request to install speed limit or slow down signs on a stretch of Cemetery Road. The portion of the road in question is without sidewalks but still sees a lot of pedestrian traffic.
The final item was a request by some residents to remove old guard rail beams on Main Street, if Highway Superintendent Jeff Winestock has not had them removed as was apparently promised would happen by the March Town Board meeting. The board had no objections as long as Mr. Winestock concurs.
How Long Can A Dog Bark
Dog Control Officer (DCO) Maggie Banker is hounded by the question, how long can a dog bark or howl, on two separate occasions before it become a violation of town code. The DCO says the current statues do not define a particular time period, and she would like an amendment put in codes that does. The board decided to bury (er table) the discussion, with the promise to dig it up at the next meeting. Taken literally, the current code language is very ambiguous, and could be read that a dog who barked for just seconds over its lifetime would find the owner to be in violation. The board agreed it needs to scratch that and come up with some definitive time frames, and it doesn’t mean in dog years.
Appointments
The board approved the expansion of the Conservation Advisory Council from 7 to 8 members, and unanimously appointed Adelia Moore and Donald Lamonica to the CAC.
Three letters of interest were received for an opening on the planning board, with Brent Galron being appointed.
Two letters were received for what is now three vacancies on the Recreation Commission. Joanna Azinga and Alan Phelps were appointed.
Other News Of The Night
A Certificate of Appreciation was presented to Cynthia Creech, who has served as Deputy Court Clerk and Clerk since 2012. She also held the position of Deputy Town Supervisor, served on many committees and volunteered throughout the town.
The board is waiting for more information about the Highway Asset Plan before moving forward, and approved a motion for Maintenance Record Requests. One bid was received for the Comprehensive Plan Grant Administration, that was awarded to Community Planning and Environmental Associates
New Lebanon is looking at creating a town logo. Three concepts have been presented to the board. If it is decided to move forward, the chosen design would be sent to a professional for enhancement at a cost not to exceed one thousand dollars.
Every municipality must adopt a Pandemic Plan by April 1. The board feels many portions of its plan can be swapped out with Columbia County’s plan, and adopted as such.
Supervisor Houghtling says sales tax revenues are up 3 percent over 2019. It is thought that perhaps people from other areas that have second homes in the town, might have chosen to spend more time here because of the pandemic.