VALATIE–Columbia County Elections Commissioners Virginia Martin (D) and Jason Nastke (R) explained last week upcoming changes that will affect where some Town of Kinderhook residents will vote starting this fall.
The new polling place for Kinderhook town residents who live in Districts 3, 4, and 5 will be the Martin H. Glynn Building. The building was previously a school but now houses both the town and village governments.
In the last general election voters in Districts 3 and 4 cast their ballots at St. John’s Church on Route 9 in Valatie and residents in District 5 voted at Lindenwald. Now all three districts will come to the gymnasium in the Glynn Building. Commissioner Nastke said the move would save the county between $1,000 and $3,000 annually, depending on the election year.
“It makes it easier for them to find a place to go,” Ms. Martin said.
The two commissioners made their presentation at the July 8 Town Board meeting
At that meeting the board approved removal of a pear tree at the town park dog run on State Farm Road. The Friends of the Kinderhook Dog Park will pay for the removal of the tree.
Jean Brower, a member of the friends group, said at the meeting that the tree was a nuisance and was attracting bees that bother the dogs and their owners.
The board also appointed Regina Rose to an open position on the Zoning Board of Appeals.
In other business, Michael Lobsinger from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) energy efficiency program presented the board with energy program options for the Glynn Building.
Board member Glenn Smith arranged for the presentation, saying that the Glynn building alone costs $400 a month in energy bills. The town also has expenses associated with the DPW garage.
Mr. Lobsinger said that the town and village could have an energy evaluation before they spend any money.
Mr. Smith said the last evaluation of the building was done years ago and needs updating. He said the municipalities could see savings in the lighting alone. “Down the line savings are very serious,” Mr. Smith told the other members of the board.
The next regular board meeting will be Monday, August 12 at 7 p.m.
To contact Emilia Teasdale, email eteasdale@columbiapaper.com
