By DOUG LAROCQUE
NEW LEBANON–After more than a year of discussion, proposals, changes and review of those changes, the New Lebanon Town Board voted Tuesday, April 9, to approve a local law that would allow the new construction of or additions to commercial storage facilities in the town. The approval comes with a strict set of conditions that must be met before the town’s planning board would approve any site plan put forth.
Supervisor Tistrya Houghtling informed the board before the vote the law met with a favorable response from the Columbia County Planning Board, but that the town’s Planning Board still had some concerns. She suggested the Town Board go ahead with the approval now with the condition that it could be reviewed in the very near future, possibly six months down the road. The concern was the moratorium on any construction was about to expire and that, she indicated, could open up the proverbial Pandora’s Box of problems.
It was suggested by Supervisor Houghtling that two members from the town and planning boards, along with a representative from the Zoning Re-write Committee meet in the near future to review comments from both town officials and the general public, present them to the full town board, and if agreed to, be sent to the town attorney to draft a revised local law.
Just prior to the vote on the law, the board approved parts II and III of the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), as was required by law,
The issue of possessing a firearm on town property was again front and center, as it was at the January meeting of the board, when Councilman Craig Skerkis planned to introduce a motion to allow him to carry a concealed firearm at Town Board meetings. Mr. Skerkis is licensed to carry a concealed weapon, but not at a Town Board meeting, as was explained to him by Councilwoman Susan Tipograph. She noted state law does not allow weapons in sensitive areas, such as the town hall.
Highway Superintendent Peter McCagg is requesting he be allowed to carry a long gun in his town and personal pick-ups, to dispatch nuisance beavers. Mr. McCagg noted even when removed, the beavers tend to return to rebuild their dams, causing yearly flooding problems. He also indicated they are smart and quickly learn what a trap is and how to avoid it. Superintendent McCagg holds a hard to acquire beaver nuisance permit, which allows him to dispatch the animals. Something he said he would only do as a last resort.
Town vehicles are not considered a sensitive area, and thus the possession of a legal firearm is permitted. The board agreed and gave Mr. McCagg the approval to do what he needed to do.
The meeting opened on a sad note, as Supervisor Houghtling asked for a moment of silence in honor of the late John Trainor, who retired from the board at the end of 2023. Since 1983, Mr. Trainor served four terms on the board totaling 16 years.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 19 on what would have been Mr. Trainor’s 81st birthday. The service will take place at the Immaculate Conception Church Hall from 1 to 4 p.m.
Also at the meeting:
*The board spoke of creating a universal restroom at Shatford Park, as it looked into tennis court bathroom renovations. A universal restroom has accommodations that go beyond those required to make the facility compliant with the Americans for Disabilities Act (ADA). These restrooms for public use are rare and Councilwoman Elizabeth Kroboth wondered about the expense, and though such a facility should be more centered in the county
*The board decided to re-bid for applications to renovate the splash pad in Shatford Park and set April 30 as the date for a special meeting to open any bids received
*The town has finally received interest in the position of summer camp health director and hopes to make the appointment at their May meeting, if the financials can be worked out
*The board is looking at what they charge to use their electric car charging stations now that the funding from NYSERDA has run out
*Public comment saw two speakers who are concerned about the pace of the review of proposed regulations on such facilities as cell towers. The speakers were concerned about potential negative health impacts. Supervisor Houghtling assured them that when the policy is ready for review, there will be public input sessions before an approval by the board is forthcoming.