Notes from the June Hamilton Town Council meeting
By Chris Rossi
The Town Council held public hearings on two laws drafted by the Zoning Update Committee, and as suggested by the comprehensive plan.
The town adopted the first, “A Local Law to Enact A Right to Farm Law for the Town of Hamilton,” and, once registered with New York state, it will become part of the Town Zoning Law. A Right-to-Farm law reminds residents that farming is valued in the Town and that agricultural practices are accepted as a key component of farming. A copy of the law is posted on the town website.
The proposed Law to “Amend the Zoning Law of the Town of Hamilton to Add Provisions Regulating Solar Energy Systems in the Town of Hamilton” was discussed among the board and with attendees. In addition to comments from the public, the town council has suggestions from the county to consider. An updated version of the proposed solar law, edited to reflect those comments, will be returned for public hearing at the next town council meeting July 11.
Highway Superintendent Florenz reported on general repairs of roads. The town considered cost comparisons for sand vs. sand and stone dust for winter road treatment. The town council also reviewed the costs and benefits of outfitting three trucks with brine tanks and agreed that the investment would return long-term benefits by reducing the amount of salt and sand needed annually.
Bookkeeper Wilcox shared that the mortgage tax income was 22 percent higher than last year, with home and property sales higher than last year at this time. The town received $12,677.01 in FEMA funds for damages inflicted during winter storm Stella.
Thanks to Elisa Robertson, deputy clerk, for efficiently handling Town Office work while Clerk Sue Reymers was away. Codes Enforcement Office Mark Miller has been busy with building and zoning permits, as well as participation in the Zoning Update Committee. Building projects are up around the town.
The Partnership for Community Development held its annual meeting. Accomplishments include: $1.2 million in grants for area businesses, improvements in entrepreneurial partnerships, various studies and small business opportunities. The town helps to support the PCD and the return on that investment is considerable.
The Zoning Update Committee has been working through the action items from the comprehensive plan and is updating the site plan review process to make it easier to understand and implement.
The Town is logging points towards achieving Climate Smart Communities bronze rating with the assistance of Upstate Institute Fellow Miller Downer. As part of the process, the town formally appointed the Hamilton Climate Preparedness Working Group and an internal “Green team” to undertake this work. Reymers and Florenz will consider applying for a CSC grant for helping with cost of installing culverts.
The town adopted the Madison County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation plan to address emergency response issues.
Supervisor Eve Ann Shwartz reported that Madison County has issued a 2019 calendar featuring images of all the towns in the county based on a photo contest. There is a large proposed greenhouse project to be located near the county offices in Wampsville to be completed in multi-phases.
Phases 1 and 2 of the project are projected to create up to 100 jobs and 64 acres of greenhouses under glass.
The Hamilton Town Council meets on the second Wednesday of the month at the village court house in the village of Hamilton at 6:30 p.m. The next meeting is Wednesday July 11; the public is invited and encouraged to attend. For more information, visit townofhamiltonny.org.
Editor’s note: Chris Rossi is a member of the Hamilton Town Council.