ARPA Money Decisions Put On Hold
by Doug La Rocque
The Hoosick Town Council came into the Monday, February 14 meeting expecting to “pull the trigger” on their plans for the use of the first installment of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money, slightly more than $173,000, but ended up tabling the measure until another time for several reasons. Chief amongst them was the fact that Councilman Bill Hanselman was unable to attend the meeting, and the Councilors wanted his input.
Also brought up by Town Supervisor Mark Surdam was that the Hoosick Falls Village Board was not yet ready to act and they hoped to join the Town in some projects. The Board was also looking into how much should be allocated to the Hoosick Local Development Corporations, which is apparently looking to lend advice, counsel and possible a low interest loan to a new business looking to establish itself in the Town. The Council did go forward with a motion to allocate $2,000 for the purchase of chairs and tables for the Hoosick Falls Seniors.
Why Are They So Slow to Act?
During Building Inspector Lloyd Moses’ report, he indicated that two commercial and eight private solar installations have not yet been granted approval by National Grid to connect to the power grid. He noted some of these delays have been veery lengthy. Supervisor Surdam wondered why, noting New York State is making a big push toward solar energy.
Town Code
Town Attorney Jonathan Schopf indicated the additions and amendments to the Hoosick General Town Code are complete and ready for the Council’s adoption following a public hearing. That hearing has been set for 6:45 pm on Monday, March 14, just prior to the next regular Council meeting.
Other Business
The Town received a letter of appreciation from the Hoosick Area Churches Association (HACA) expressing their gratitude for the use of the Town’s skating rink for their annual Thanksgiving Food Drive.
The Cambridge Valley Rescue Squad reported they responded into Hoosick 307 times last year, 112 of those outside the Village limits for mutual aid. CV Rescue is often called upon for paramedic assistance.
Assessor Tony Rice says plans for the post reassessment project are underway, with the goal to keep the Town’s assessments at full value.
The New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) is inquiring about Hoosick’s willingness to take part in a “dark signal” initiative. It would mean the Town would purchase a generator and DOT would provide the installation hardware to run the signal light at the intersection with NYS Route 7 and Hill Road during a power outage. The Council decided it need further discussion and cost research.
Alya Senecal was appointed the manager for the Weir/Reynolds Skating Rink and Sydney Stowell as the Town of Hoosick Pool Manager for 2022. Ashley St. Once will manage the Summer Camp program which runs from June 27 through August 19, with a break for the Fourth of July week. Online registration is now available.
Supervisor Surdam announced there are 300 COVID-19 Rapid Test kits available for pick up at the Town Clerk’s Office for Town residents.