By Doug La Rocque
Niel Stowell has served the Village for 35 years, the last 23 as Superintendent of the Department of Public Works (DPW). Thursday, January 26 was Niel’s last day on the job as he heads into retirement. A special luncheon was held that afternoon with family, friends, and area dignitaries to celebrate Niel’s long career in the Village.
At a special meeting of the Village Board on Tuesday, January 24, the Trustees approved a resolution honoring Niel for his service and presented him with a proclamation from the Village and the New York State Conference of Mayors. Mayor Rob Allen spoke briefly about all the sacrifices Niel has made, be it with water main or sewer breaks, floods, and snowstorms, the countless nights, weekends, and holidays spent on the job and away from his family, all without complaint. Niel’s DPW crews were also responsible for the annual outstanding Christmas decorations erected each year throughout the Village.
Niel of course has a myriad of memories from his tenure—one, many years ago when they had a major water main break and had to dig it up. He says it was a rather large hole and as fate would have it, one of the people working on the site managed to fall in. Filled with water, Niel says all you could see of the man was his arm sticking up holding his wallet in an effort to keep it dry. He was of course quickly rescued with no ill effects. Niel also told The Eastwick Press he could not have accomplished anything without the support and cooperation of his DPW personnel. He said it was always a good atmosphere—they knew when to work hard and when to laugh.
Through the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Village Board continued to hold its meetings, first virtually and then again in person, but all attendees had to sign in and have their temperature checked. These meetings were held in the Highway Department Garage to allow for spacing. The man at the door handling that chore was Niel. As those in attendance Tuesday night entered the Highway Garage, Niel was still there at the door, holding it open and greeting all who entered “his house.” That is a gesture many of those who are so found of Niel will miss.
The current Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Ken Holbrook will take over as the New DPW Superintendent.
A New Village Attorney
The Trustees appointed Alaina Finan as the new Village Attorney. She is currently the attorney for the Town of Niskayuna in Schenectady County and works with the City of Troy as well.
Meeting Changes
The next three Trustees gatherings will take place on the second Wednesday of the month, February 8, March 8, and April 12. The meeting dates for the rest of the year will be determined at the April Organizational Meeting.
