Notes from the town of Hamilton April meeting
Submitted by Chris Rossi
The meeting started with an executive session for the Hamilton Town Council to discuss legal matters and contracts.
Highway Superintendent Jason Florenz updated us on general repairs and sign work. The roads are in better shape in terms of post-winter cleanliness due to the use of brine, which has decreased the need for sand.
In addition, using brine has allowed for ordering less salt, saving the town $12,000. The harsh winter has had one benefit—the town has received $52,475 from the county for plowing from January through March 2019, exceeding our projected number by $33,000. These savings and income are timely, as the state 2019 budget has eliminated the extreme winter recovery fund, which translates into a $21,315 loss in road work funds for the town this year.
Clerk Sue Reymers oversaw the transition to a new and more efficient email service for the office, while maintaining current email addresses for town staff. She is also working with NYSEG on the next step to converting the lighting districts to cost-saving LED lighting.
Building projects are up in Hamilton, according to Codes Enforcement Officer Martk Miller. The May 14, 2019, Planning Board meeting will include a public hearing on the CHubb building project in Hubbardsville.
Recreation and Youth Committee Chairwoman Mary Dinski will meet with the Hamilton Central School superintendent and pediatrician to discuss local youth needs.
The Zoning Update Committee is continuing its work on building density. Next steps include a complete review of the edited subdivision law.
The Hamilton Climate Preparedness Working Group requested and was granted $500 to support outreach and education efforts. A climate vulnerability workshop was held March 30, with 40 participants from the town, village, region and University attending. The group identifies threats that extreme weather events pose to our region and strategies to build resilience to climate change issues.
The Town Council adopted a resolution “Regarding Future Telecommunications Technology Regulation and Permitting within the Town.” The resolution seeks to protect the town’s rights-of-way, environment and property in the siting of new 5G network equipment and lines.
Supervisor Eve Ann Shwartz reported from the Madison County Board of Supervisors that the aid to municipalities was restored by the state, but will now be drawn from county internet sales tax revenue. Senator Rachel May has been successful in securing casino revenue funds for our county. The current agreement requires that the funds be released every year by state resolution. There is now a push to make the disbursement of funds automatic, as part of the contract.
The Hamilton Town Council meets on the second Thursday of the month at the village court house in the village of Hamilton at 6:30 p.m. Our next meeting is May 9. We invite and encourage you to join us. For more information, visit townofhamiltonny.org.
Editor’s note: Chris Rossi is a member of the Hamilton Town Council.