by Denise Wright
The April 14 meeting of the Schodack Town Council was brief but full of resolutions. The Council approved two proclamations highlighting two Schodack residents’ contributions to the community and resolutions approving everything from employee appointments to equipment and finances.
The first proclamation commended Frederick “Rick” Hiller III on his retirement from 25 years with the Town Highway Department. Hiller began his career with the Town in 1996 as a junior mechanic and rose to the rank of operator III, and served under seven different Town Supervisors. The second proclamation highlighted Carol Wilkinson, one of the winners of the Remarkable Women Contest, which is part of a nationwide Nexstar Media initiative to honor the influence that women have had on public policy, social progress and quality of life. Wilkinson, a mother of 7, grandmother of 16 and great-grandmother of 5, has served her community as part of the Castleton Ambulance squad, volunteering at church and the Kiwanis. She was one of four local women selected out of dozens of nominees highlighted on NEWS10 during January, February and March.
The Council approved Jose Martinez as the part-time Confidential Assistant to the Police Chief and appointed Lynne Torello as Acting Dog Control Officer for 2022. Summer Grounds persons Michael Canestro and Steven Kelly were appointed and will be under the direction of Brian Brahm, the Interim Highway Superintendent.
The Schodack Consolidated Water District 101, Extension No. 7 was approved, which will help with the new housing development on Schuurman Road. The Council approved the inter-municipal water agreement with the Village of Castleton with the rate charged to the Village of Castleton for the purchase of water being $4.63 per 1,000 gallons.
The new utilities, sewer and sidewalk maintenance easement agreements for the latest and highly publicized Amazon facility were authorized. The Council approved the purchase of two Silverado trucks for the Town using some funds from the Town’s reserve fund.
The schedule for spring clean-up days at the transfer station has been approved for May 12 through 14. The price schedule consists of refrigerators and air conditioners costing $8, rimless tires costing $2, and rimmed tires costing $6. The Town is also planning on participating with Rensselaer County in the 2022 Household Hazardous Waste collection day on July 30.
Finally, Town comptroller Paul Harter reported that Rensselaer County reimbursed the $1.6 million inter-fund loan that the Town had to pay in preparation for the Route 9 sewer project using the County’s ARPA funds. He also explained that the ABILA accounting software program the Town uses has a support program that needs to be funded every year.
Supervisor Chuck Peter wanted to thank residents Richard and Claire Fabozzi, who have volunteered to erect and maintain a little library at the Town Park.