by Chris Rossi
The Hamilton Town Council April meeting opened with comments from the public. After a recent serious accident in the village Mayor McVaugh reminded us of safety concerns for runners, bikers and pedestrians in the Village. To avoid accidents, please watch for traffic, wear reflective clothing, walk against traffic and remain vigilant when using ear buds.
Jim Leach from the Partnership for Community Development reported on how the group’s many projects answered some of the goals of the draft comprehensive plan. The PCD is currently working on housing, economic development, energy, agricultural, and recreation initiatives.
Linda DeMuro presented information on Wanderer’s Rest Humane Association, which contracts with Madison County for the housing and care of stray dogs and cats. The group’s work goes beyond providing shelter for stray pets, with educational outreach, spay/neuter services, a pet food pantry, and a therapy dog program. Linda, and the other ambassadors from WRHA (both two- and four-legged), announced their new iPet Companion application that allows web visitors to play with WRHA cats via the internet. Visit www.wanderersrest.org for more information on the valuable work WRHA is doing in our county.
The Town Council has returned the Comprehensive Plan back to the committee for further edits. A revised draft will go back to the town council for another review before it is open to public review and community comment. Copies of the Comprehensive Plan will be made available well before the next public meeting, with details announced as the date approaches.
The Town of Hamilton was invited by Colgate to join a sustainability council composed of area-wide stakeholders. The group will discuss ways to employ climate friendly strategies locally while making our community resilient in the face of climate trends already in motion.
Supervisor Shwartz reported that the County is hiring a volunteer recruitment officer to help boost volunteerism in our fire and emergency service organizations. Thanks to the efforts of Senator Dave Valesky and Assemblyman Bill Magee, a bill entitling Madison County to 25% of New York State’s share of gambling revenue generated from Oneida Indian Nation-owned casino’s operating in Madison County passed overwhelmingly in the Senate and Assembly. The Town Council passed a resolution asking Governor Cuomo to sign the bill.
The Hamilton Town Council meets at 6:30 p.m. the second Thursday of the month at the Town of Hamilton office at 16 Broad St. in the village. Please note this change from our usual Thursday schedule – our next regular meeting is Monday, May 9, at 6:30 p.m. We invite and encourage you to join us. For more info visit www.townofhamiltonny.org.
Editor’s note: Chris Rossi is a member of the Hamilton Town Council.