by Denise Wright
The September 19 meeting of the Petersburgh Town Board focused on improving some of the Town’s municipal issues but also stressing some upcoming projects.
The meeting began with two presentations. Starry Ridge Farm gave an overview of the third annual Harvest Festival they sponsored on September 24 at the Petersburgh Library. Assessor Craig Surprise gave the second presentation about the potential for a Town reassessment. He thought getting an audit by a third party about the two-year re-evaluation process was where the Town needed to begin.
The Town Clerk reported that some hunting licenses were being purchased, and Town Supervisor Murray said that the Water District Committee chair had resigned. The Town will advertise the position, and two Board members will review the applications. She also stated that she has met with the department heads and plans to send the Town Clerk the tentative budget by September 30. The building department had a busy month with seven permits and nine inspections topping the list, examining bids for blacktopping, and hoping to get the black topping completed by mid-October. The Board approved the paving of the Stillman Village Road contract. Town Board member Heinz Noeding was happy to report that the fire department was awarded an AFG (Assistance to Firefighters) Grant of $86,000, which is, to the best of his knowledge, one of the most significant grants awarded in Rensselaer County. The fire department will use the money for an extraction dryer, a special air compressor to fill air packs, and up-to-date turn-out gear for firefighters. He also encouraged the ambulance to apply for these grants and offered to assist in that process. Parks and Recreation will write a scope of the intended work for installing a retro slide in the park. Once that is reviewed and approved, they will hire someone to complete the installation, which will also include pouring some concrete to ensure the stability of the slide.
The capital project timeline on the bridge is on track, and the RFP should be completed in the next month; there is hope that the project will be completed by the fourth quarter of next year. The Town Pavilion project came under serious discussion during the last meeting until further investigation could be completed regarding the land under the impending structure. According to Noeding, the original 1985 plans were found, and the building inspector is satisfied with the structure. A resident voiced concern about grading the lumber used for the project but also would like to see a ceiling installed in the structure to avoid any liability. Supervisor Murray said she would bring that concern to the building inspector to consider. However, the project will not begin until the Board and inspector approve all aspects.
The good news for residents is that the Board authorized a CSG Forte program for use. This program will enable residents to pay taxes electronically via credit card or check. The Board also approved the extension of the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. The Town Hall might be getting some potential renovations to make room for some office space for the water district personnel. The Supervisor will investigate ways to make this space conversion as cost-effective as possible for the Town.
A resident discussed the multi-health study. The Town encourages residents to call 833-732-7697 for eligibility and questions.
Finally, the Board set up an October 5 meeting at 6 pm at the Town Hall to distribute the tentative 2023 budget and discuss a matter of public safety. The Board set up a budget workshop meeting for October 12 at 7 pm.