by Doug La Rocque
Take a walk on Classic Street by Bistro 42 (not their problem) and on the sidewalk there is a mess and considered by many to be dangerous. All year long the Hoosick Falls Board of Trustees has been discussing what to do about it and at their June meeting asked Village Attorney Andy Gilchrist to look into taking the land by eminent domain. The Catch-22 here is that Village Codes talk about unsafe structures being covered by such action, but not necessarily sidewalks. To make sidewalks part of a legal eminent domain proceeding would mean the Trustees would have to change a 2008 local law. Attorney Gilchrist presented the Board with a new law to consider, and introduction of which will most likely occur at a special meeting on July 19. Mr. Gilchrist also explained they need to decide if they just want to take the land around the sidewalk or the entire site, and what would they do with the site after the sidewalk is repaired. All points to ponder.
Sewer Vac Truck Bonding
At the June meeting, the Board voted 6 to 1 to reject a proposal to increase the length of the bond for the recently purchased Sewer Vac Truck from five to 15 years, worried the life of the vehicle may not necessarily be another 15 years, and that they would still be paying for a vehicle long after they could no longer use it. Village Treasurer Denise McMahon was in attendance at the Tuesday, July 12 meeting to explain the fiscal impact on the Village if the change was not made, particularly a large payment that would be due soon, and something that would negatively impact the next year’s budget. Her plea did not fall on deaf ears as the Board decided to reverse their previous vote and approve the bonding extension.
It was mentioned by Trustee Kevin O’Malley that perhaps the Village should look to sell their large excavator and use the funds to pay off the vac truck, wondering just how much it is really used. That idea was opposed by Highway Superintendent Niel Stowell. Both Ms. McMahon and Deputy Mayor Bob Ryan expressed concern about the amount of debt the Village is carrying and how to handle it when it comes due.
Leachate Pump Replacement
The Village is under an order by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to deal with the leachate from the former landfill, now considered a hazardous waste site. Earlier this year, the pump used to collect that leachate failed. It was repaired and managed to pump out 5 million gallons once placed back in service. It has, however, failed once again and the leachate is backing up, with DEC demanding action. The Trustees are looking at leasing a new pump in the short term, and purchasing two identical new pumps, for both redundancy and to split the work load on each pump. There will be a presentation made at the July 19 special meeting.
Meeting News and Notes
There is a request by the Water Department to purchase land on Ashley Drive, adjacent to the Rogers Avenue Pump station. To do so, the Village must first obtain an appraisal in order to make a qualifying offer. The Rogers Avenue tank has been plagued by leaks, and attempts to obtain a grant for replacement have not yet been met with any success. The Village is currently looking into other options.
Unity House is hosting two summer programs: Artists for Allies and a Youth Advisory Board for ages 12 to 18. Please contact Unity House for more information.
The Woods Brook Buyout Program is near completion, with the 107 Main Street structure taken down during the last week. For safety reasons, fencing in the Main, Church and Hall Street areas is needed. The Trustees are looking into the cost. It should be covered by the remaining grant money. The Village is hoping to close out the project by the end of August. The Woods Brook Drainage Improvements Project, conducted in conjunction with the Town of Hoosick, is also complete.
Hoosick Falls is anticipating their July payment of $171,640 in American Rescue Plan monies. Combined with what is left over from the 2021 payment, the Village will have about $210,000 to spend in the coming year. Those spending plans will also be discussed a the special meeting.
J.A. Bradley and Sons was awarded a $3,000 contract to add electricity to Village owned utility poles and the Police Department is interviewing four candidates to potentially send to the Police Academy.