Town Board
The October 17 Town Board meeting began with presentations from several public safety organizations that are requesting continuing contracts with the Town to support ongoing firefighting, ambulance, and other emergency services to Town of Chatham residents and visitors. These requests are reflected in the 2025 budget, which is currently under review by that Board.
The board continued to review the budget later in the meeting. Of note, in response to the Comprehensive Plan, the board agreed to give financial support to the Neighbors of Northern Columbia County, which serves senior citizens; the board has donated annually to the Ghent Chatham Seniors for a number of years. In addition, the Board agreed to a request to serve as a pass through for funding from the Chatham Synagogue in Chatham Center for a contract with the Village of Chatham Police Department. The Synagogue requested this in order to address potential gaps in security for Synagogue services and events, if the county sheriff is unable to provide those services.
At the end of the meeting, Town Board member John Wapner voted nay on the resolution to change the budget status, after hearing that this would allow the board “to move things around,” but would prohibit any qualitative changes in budget appropriations, other than reductions in budget lines that are listed in the budget.
The sticking point for Wapner concerned a proposed part-time position of Head Groundskeeper in the Parks budget that was recommended by Supervisor Collins at an earlier meeting. The 380-hour position would involve management duties related to the town parks, town hall, and the highway department. Part of the cost of the position would derive from a cut in pay for the town’s part-time Recreation Director, Mike West. Collins said West is agreeable to a cut in pay and assigned responsibilities at this time.
Wapner said that he objected to the new position because it is “unrealistic” to expect that a part time-worker could effectively address the management needs of three segments of town government. Further, in the absence of a Park Plan (which is in the works), there is no current basis to discuss what the park needs overall and to propose town positions to accommodate those needs. Wapner said he opposed the proposal for the position because it was “not considered carefully” and does not address the larger issue of “what the park needs” relative to maintenance.
The resolution in question, which passed 4 to 1, moves the tentative budget to a preliminary budget status and calls for a Public Hearing on November 7, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. “for the purpose of accepting public comment on the 2025 Preliminary Budget and comment on the fire protection and EMS contracts between the Town of Chatham and the Chatham Fire Department, Niverville Fire Department, Tri-Village Fire Company, East Chatham Fire Company, Red Rock Fire Company, Chatham Rescue Squad and Valatie Rescue Squad.”
In committee reports, several initiatives are in process or nearing completion:
Climate Smart / Action Task Force Committee Chair Angus Eaton said the committee is looking at a grant that would showcase the town facilities as a “demonstration project” for net-zero emissions; the committee is continuing to work on surveying residents in town lighting districts.
Communications Committee Chair John Wapner said he expects the committee’s proposal on correspondence to come before the board for discussion and resolution at an upcoming meeting. The committee is working on an end-of-year newsletter.
Zoning Update Committee Chair Eaton spoke for that committee and the Housing Committee. They have been jointly planning for the public hearing on 10/19 at PS 21 on the committee’s work to date. Eaton said the committee has received some comments from the public and the Planning Board about proposed laws on accessory dwelling units and single lot exemptions. He said he is hopeful that the committee will be able to get recommendations to the board that takes account of public comment. Eaton said that future directions for the two committees include work on zoning use tables, definitions, and planned residential development.
Parks & Recreation Committee Chair Wapner announced that the committee has submitted a proposed procedure for park usage to the board that he expects the board will discuss and act on in an upcoming meeting.
Grants Appropriation Committee Chair Collins said that the committee is working on an application, due in December 2024, for a neighborhood improvement grant from T-Mobile for capital improvements for the Crellin Park swimming program. He also announced that the county granted a small amount of money through the NYS SWIMS grant that will be used to increase pay for summer camp lifeguards and the waterfront director.
Conservation Advisory Council report was given by Abi Mesick. She said the committee is working on a number of projects at this time and has been investigating the establishment of a pollinator garden at Crellin Park. The committee is recruiting new members at this time.
Solar Law Update Subcommittee Chair Eaton said the committee has been meeting and reviewing a proposed law. He said there are some different views on the committee as to how the town should move forward relative to allowable solar installations in the town. At this point, the committee is identifying points of difference as “decision points” and listing implications of different choices for later consideration; this discussion is reflected in committee minutes for public consideration.
Supervisor Collins reported that the contracted Chatham Village police patrols operating in the town are continuing to warn and ticket speeders, such that “their presence is felt.” He said that National Grid is asking for $75.00 annually for each pole they install for roadside radar devices. He moved to make this expenditure, and the board unanimously agreed, pending the town attorney’s approval of a contract for National Grid to install poles for this purpose.
When Town Supervisor Collins began his Town & County report, board member Werwaiss reiterated a request that the board receive the report with the agenda, prior to the board meeting, so that the presentation time would allow for more discussion and questions, and use board meeting time for Collins to give highlights or updates to the report, rather than reviewing the entire report during board meetings. After some discussion, it was not clear that Collins agreed to this request. He spoke for about 25 minutes, updating on various county programs and initiatives, and day-to-day town news. Collins offered appreciation to many people, agencies, volunteers, and others who work for and with the government at the town and county levels.
Public comment included recognition of the monetary and community-building value of the many volunteer hours that are contributed to the town. Volunteers are regularly involved in operating the Free Store, and many volunteers contribute to improving Crellin Park. Work on the pump track has involved major volunteer contributions of late. Some volunteers have donated use of their personal equipment and time over a number of work days to this project. Collins said that the volunteer activities are organized with attention to safety and liability. Anyone who is interested in contributing as a volunteer is welcome to participate.
The next Town Board meeting will be a workshop meeting on November 9 at 6:30. For an agenda or to participate online, go to the town website calendar for the links.