Submitted by Chris Rossi, Hamilton Town Council
Earlville resident Shari Taylor announced that the Earlville Day celebration will take place on July 20 from 10 am– twilight. The event features a car show, fun, food, crafts, and is capped by a parade and fireworks.
SOMAC representatives gave a presentation on their capital plan—a budget for equipment and vehicle expenses until 2028. The ambulance service’s operating budget is supported by town-wide taxes, billing for services, and insurance reimbursements. A capital campaign will be launched in 2020 as well as grant writing efforts to raise the funds needed to buy new ambulances and equipment, which are not supported by those operating funds. Keeping SOMAC equipment up to date and in good working order is essential to the safety of our residents.
Madison County is evaluating consolidating with Onondaga county in an emergency dispatch center. Currently we are short on staff in our Madison County 911 center and more personnel are being hired to improve service and efficiency.
Erick Wilcox, current Deputy Highway Department Superintendent, is overseeing the Highway crew while applications are being taken for a new Superintendent. A job description is available on the Town website. Town Garage external lighting was discussed with the goal of gaining efficiency and lessening community impact.
Bookkeeper Brynley Wilcox reported that the Town mortgage tax payment from Madison County is much lower than in 2018 due to lower house sales from the last 6 months.
Jill Benson was appointed as a temporary part time clerk to work in the Town Office for 10 hours a week. More time will be allotted to cover for Clerk Reymers while she is out on leave from September – mid-November.
CEO Mark Miller submitted a report on building and zoning applications for the Town. Four Subdivision applications have been submitted for properties on Preston Hill Road, Humphrey Road, Bonney Road, and Rhoades Road.
The Partnership for Community Development (PCD) has hiredBridget Barker as a grants and financial administrator to help with the work load, in part with funds from the Town, Village, and Colgate. Mary Galvez is now overseeing the business incubator. There are small business launch grants available for the Village of Hamilton.
The Zoning Update Committee is meeting with planner Nan Stolzenburg and members of the Town Council to discuss the proposed voluntary conservation subdivision zoning and density of development issues. Public meetings to review edits and additions to the zoning will take place this winter.
Progress is being made on the Town Office Building and the slab will be poured soon. A Phase 2 Planning meeting will be scheduled.
The Hamilton Town Council meets on the second Thursday of the month at the Village Courthouse in the Village of Hamilton at 6:30 pm. Our next meeting is August 8. We invite and encourage you to join us. For more info visit www.townofhamiltonny.org.