by Chris Rossi
The November Hamilton Town Council meeting took place in the Village Court House, where we expect to meet until our building renovations are completed. Carrie Blackmore of Good Nature Brewing shared her concerns about the enforcement of the farm brewery laws that require at least 20 percent of hops and 20 percent of all other ingredients to be sourced locally. Good Nature was the first certified farm brewery in New York state.
Our new Highway Superintendent, Jason Florenz, reported that the crew has been busy replacing driveway pipes, ditching, and prepping vehicles for winter use.
The Town Council approved the 2017 budget, with a 3.98 percent increase from last year’s tax levy. The Fire Contracts for Earlville and Hamilton were approved on November 3. A copy of the budget can be found on the Town website.
A resolution was passed to support Solarize CNY, a program that helps residents choose and purchase residential solar arrays. The Town will help promote the program and educate community members on how they can participate.
Wednesdays are local food day in Hamilton. Checkout the chalkboards placed outside of our local eateries by the Partnership for Community Development and support our local vendors. The PCD has also been awarded a grant to help with housing in the Hamilton area. Details will be released soon.
The Town of Hamilton is still collecting addresses of underserved addresses in our community. If you are unable to access high-speed internet, such as through Time Warner, call us immediately so we can include your address in the NYS Broadband Program.
Supervisor Shwartz reported in November, Madison County held hearings on the 2017 budget. In next year’s budget funding for countywide nonprofits will be maintained at the 2016 level.
A reminder — the town is now working from 40 Milford St., while the renovations at 38 Milford St. continue. Building plans are in the works.
The Hamilton Town Council meets on the second Thursday of the month at the Village Courthouse in the Village of Hamilton at 6:30 p.m. Our next meeting is Dec. 8.
We invite and encourage you to join us. For more info visit www.townofhamiltonny.org.
Chris Rossi is a member of the Hamilton Town Council.