by Denise Wright
After the public hearing on Golf LLC’s Consolidated Water District 101 Extension No. 7, the February 24 Schodack Town Council meeting focused on a long list of topics ranging from parks to the police department.
The Council approved Golf LLC’s proposed project of installing 850 feet of 12 inch water mains, two hydrants and 11 curb boxes that will be paid for by the developer and supply 11 residences and the clubhouse for the golf course.
There was a presentation from Top Form gym about upgrading the Viking Gym at the Schodack Town Park. The gym was approximately 12 years old and was installed by the Rotary club, Top Form and an Eagle Scout using reclaimed wood. Regretfully it fell into disrepair and had to be removed for safety, and they hope that the Town will be a partner in the project so it can be replaced since each piece can cost between $500 to $1000. The full-time park manager position is being finalized with Civil Service. Music in the Park has five bands scheduled and is researching the possibility of having three dates in August. The Town is also looking at getting a tandem wheelchair swing for the Town Park and is presently getting prices for the installation.
Police Chief John Hourigan presented a need for an Administrative Assistant to the Board. The amount of Federal and State paperwork, according to Hourigan, needs an assistant to help with the approximately 30 hours of paperwork to make sure Schodack is efficient in their reporting. The Council agreed to work with Human Resources to draft a position.
Maintenance on Town buildings was discussed. The Town Hall has some issues with the elevator that will need to be investigated and the heating system needs updating. The highway garage will need a service contract for doors and potentially heaters.
The Town is investigating the possibility of participating in Rensselaer County’s Hazardous Waste Day. The County plans to have six days throughout the year, with two days being located in Troy. The Town will explore having one of the days within the Town during the summer.
Thomas King was appointed as Building Inspector and Code Enforcement Officer effective February 22. He is from East Greenbush and now resides in the Town.
Finally, Supervisor Chuck Peter was appointed as the Fair Housing Planning designee. This $1,250,000 grant from the New York State Office of Homes and Community Renewal assists individuals in finding suitable housing. The Town’s zoning and ethics policies are being refined and reviewed. Supervisor Peter hopes to have the ethics policy completed soon to be put up for a public hearing and then adopted. The noise ordinance for the Town will also be analyzed because as the Town starts to grow, the necessity for refining the statute will be vital.