by Chris Tergliafera
Toward the end of the November 15 regular meeting of the Stephentown Town Council, Councilman P.J. Roder, on behalf of the Council and other Town officials, presented Supervisor Larry Eckhardt with a proclamation to honor his many years of service to the Town of Stephentown. Supervisor Eckhardt has served on the Stephentown Council for over 20 years, the last 12 of which were as Supervisor. He will retire from the Board when his current term ends on December 31.
Preparing for 2022
In addition to passing next year’s Town budget, the Council also dealt with several other matters in preparation for 2022.
First they agreed to request bids for materials to complete road work maintenance for next year. Those interested can submit bids, along with a non-collusion form, to the Town Clerk beginning Monday, November 22. Bids will be due on Monday, December 20, at 7 pm.
The Council then authorized the advertisement of appointed positions that are expiring or will be vacant as of December 31. The deadline for applications to be submitted to the Town Clerk will be Friday, December 17, at 7 pm.
And finally, the Town Clerk was authorized to advertise for the position of Town Hall cleaner; resumes and letter of interest are due by Monday, December 7, at 7 pm.
The 2021 reconciliation meeting, where the Board will pay any end of year bills and address any other necessary matters before the end of the year, will take place on Thursday, December 30, at 7 pm.
The 2022 Stephentown organizational meeting will be held Monday, January 3, at 7 pm.
New Highway Department Truck
The Board approved a resolution to allow ordering a new truck for the Highway Department. The document allows $136,788 to be spent for a new International Model HX620 SBA 6×4 heavy duty tandem axle cab and chassis, as well as $130,695 for a body, sander, plow and hydraulic system. Due to uncertainties with supply and material costs, the amounts listed may increase. It is also unclear how long the truck will take to arrive once ordered.
Light Parade
Stephentown veterans, senior citizens and the Fire Company are partnering for a lighted parade on Saturday, November 27. The parade will begin to line up at the Fire Hall at 5 pm, and process to the Veterans Park for a roughly 6 pm tree lighting.
Other News and Notes
Current Deputy Town Clerk Arlene Longo is the new president of the Stephentown Historical Society.
There will be a December 4 COVID-19 booster shot clinic at the fire hall. If you would like to sign up, you can do so by calling 518-281-4030.
A resolution authorizing the extension of the service agreement with Eastern Rensselaer County Solid Wast Management was approved for 2022.