by Chris Rossi
Notes from the May 2016 Hamilton Town Council Meeting
(Hamilton) The Hamilton Town Council was pleased to welcome two students from the BOCES new vision class to the May meeting. Mayor McVaugh shared good news from the Village of Hamilton, which is the recipient of a 2016 local government achievement award for creating a local gas utility. McVaugh expressed thanks to Colgate for their long-standing support for the project.
Council member Holcomb reported that SOMAC has had a shift in personnel, with Operations Manager, Kyle Sylvester now working Monday – Friday. This change in scheduling allows 2 rigs to be available, making transfers once again possible and generating more income to help offset the costs of operation.
The Town Council had a work meeting on May 23 at 7 pm in the Town Office to review the recently edited Comprehensive Plan. At this point, public review and community comment is anticipated for late summer. Copies of the Comprehensive Plan will be made available well before the public meeting, with details announced as the date approaches.
Work on the new Town Office at 38 Milford Street is moving forward. The Town Council is working with architects Bell & Spina to develop a cost effective renovation plan. The goal is to complete the project by the end of the year.
Councilmember Collins reported on ongoing consolidation efforts for the Town and Village courts. By sharing support staff we anticipate savings for both municipalities.
After a public hearing held by the Planning Board, the Town Council approved an amendment to the Subdivision Regulations, originally adopted in 1988. The amendment eliminates the 2-lot subdivision waiver. The action was taken to make all subdivisions subject to the same scrutiny, and eliminate the creation of lots that do not comply with the Town’s current zoning laws.
The Hamilton Town Council meets on the second Thursday of the month at the Town of Hamilton office at 16 Broad Street in the Village of Hamilton at 6:30 pm. Our next meeting is June 9 at 6:30 pm. We invite and encourage you to join us. For more information, visit www.townofhamiltonny.org.
Chris Rossi is a member of the Hamilton Town Council.