By Denise Wright
The Petersburgh Town Board was busy during January with their Organizational meeting, public hearings, and regular meeting.
During the January Organizational meeting, the Board approved agreements for the Highway Superintendent and the use of the Petersburgh Veterans Memorial Community Center (PVMCC) for 2023. Board members approved the 2023 contract for snow removal with Alex Burdick, along with library voucher #1 for $21,671.25. Appointments for 2023 included Victoria Abbondola replacing Janet Spitz as a Planning Board member and Vanessa Fiorita replacing Deidra Michaels as the Planning Board Secretary.
Two public hearings happened just before the January 16 meeting on resolutions for local laws establishing income levels for persons with disabilities and limited income, and senior citizens for real property tax exemptions. Both resolutions allow residents with an annual income of $50,000 or less to receive 50% of the exemption. The object of the two resolutions that were later approved in the monthly meeting is to maximize the potential for residents to take advantage of the programs.
The first thing completed at the monthly meeting was the approval of the reports. The facilities manager reported that the generator for Memorial Hall is now operational. However, the booster fan for the heating system is still on backorder, but there is hope that work should begin soon. The last replacement window for the Town Hall should be installed by the end of January, and proposals were submitted for five projects at the Town Hall ranging from office construction, electrical upgrades, insulation, and replacing a basement door. The bathroom conversion to a new office space will contain an area for two desks that four different part-time employees will share.
Parks and Recreation reported that the Kids’ Christmas Party was a success. They added six new children to the program and had 52 children signed up to receive gifts from Santa. They appreciated the assistance of the Petersburgh Library and Taconic Plastics for the financial support and the help with the toy drive.
The Board approved the County Road Service Agreement and Capital Power Service contracts. The Capital Power Service agreement covers the annual fees for the PVMCC and library generators. Members of the Board discussed the dog license requirement, and Board members decided that officials would follow the law. The protocol will consist of issuing appearance tickets and a court appearance. If residents do have a dog, the Board reminded them to get their dog licensed promptly to avoid infractions.
Finally, after members approved Board liaisons for committees, there was a discussion about potentially having the 27 veteran flags typically displayed around the Town during the warmer months displayed in the renovated entranceway at the Town Hall during the winter months. Board members agreed it would be a great idea but will explore various display techniques.