GERMANTOWN—A month after the Town Board approved a Climate Change Resolution, much of the talk at the board’s August 23 meeting was about the weather, specifically, an August 13-14 storm.
Supervisor Joel Craig thanked Highway Department employees for their work overnight. “They were out there better part of the night, cleaning up trees so people could use roads.”
Mr. Craig and Councilwoman Brittany DuFresne, who works for GTEL Teleconnections, also thanked GTEL workers for their response. “Power outages were widespread throughout the town after the last two storms,” said Ms. DuFresne. “GTEL workers assisted National Grid workers and informed National Grid when residents still did not have electricity.” They also staffed a cooling station that residents took advantage of, and a snack station on Main Street.
During the public comment period of the meeting Martin Overington thanked the town for support during the storm. “It was a little crazy, but Main Street by us got hit hard, with trees down all over us—thank you for helping us clean up,” he said
In other business:
• Mr. Overington noted that the sewer pump station near his home “looks like a jungle. We were promised it would be cared for, but I don’t feel that the town is taking care of the pump stations and the main station. I’m sorry to say this,” he added.
“It’s been noticed,” said Mr. Craig. “I agree with you.”
“If I can help, I will,” said Mr. Overington.
“What you’re doing is fine, just keep bringing it up,” said Mr. Craig
• The board approved a resolution for a request for proposals (RFP) for a planning consultant to work with the Comprehensive Plan Review Committee. Proposals are to be due by noon on Wednesday, September 14, with references and the applicant’s vision of what was needed. This timing would allow for a decision at the September 27 Town Board meeting. The RFP is a requirement of the grant received from the Hudson River Valley Greenway for the Comprehensive Plan review
• Mr. Craig announced a vacancy on the Board of Assessment review, which meets on assessment Grievance Day. Training is required, but after that “it’s an important job that takes one day a year,” said Mr. Craig. Those interested should contact the town clerk
• Announced that the Keeping Identities of Seniors Safe (KISS) program would run again from Tuesday, September 6 through Friday, September 23. Locked containers will be available during Town Hall hours in which older citizens may deposit papers for safe shredding
• Announced the next Town Board workshop meeting for Tuesday, September 13 at 7 p.m. in Town Hall. A representative of Delaware Engineering will talk about the next steps forward on the sewer project, and a representative of GTEL will discuss the company’s plans for broadband service
• Passed a resolution revising an earlier state Retirement Work Day Reporting resolution to include people in appointed positions. Volunteer members of the Planning Board, for example, must also report their hours worked.
• Henrietta D’Souza of Route 9G expressed concern over her insurance liability for the town sign that had been put up on her property without her permission and then fallen into the road. Mr. Craig explained that town signs could no longer be posted in the highway right of way. Town attorney Tal Rappleyea said he was sure that the town’s insurance covered the sign, but he would check on it with the carrier.
The next regular town board meeting is Tuesday, September 27 at 7 p.m. in town hall.