6/17/15 EAST GREENBUSH TOWN BOARD MEETING

A consultant at the 6/11/15 Pre-Board Meeting pitched a multi-municipality NYS State Department Local Government Efficiency Grant application to establish a Municipal Infrastructure Rapid Response Team, whereby a member experiencing a sewer, water, snow or flooding emergency would be assisted by other members’ available equipment and crews, with expenses paid by the member needing assistance.

There are modest application development and submission costs and, if the grant is awarded, local matching funds requirements (possibly including in-kind staff services).  The grant would pay for planning and implementation costs, including unique equipment for use by the members.    I personally support shared services agreements, especially if grant money is available.

108-2015 was nonetheless defeated at the 6/17/15 Board Meeting, with Supervisor Langley and Councilperson Malone voting “Yes” and Councilpersons DiMartino and Matters objecting.  Perhaps over concern that EG would be a net assistance giver, but costs are reimbursed!

The same votes defeated 109-2015 to hire Chazen Companies to write other Grant Applications. EG’s Planning Director and/or Engineer could do this if not fired by the Majority.

Note: NYS’s Consolidated Funding Applications are due 7/31/15.  Hence the rush.

98-2015 Filling Ethics Board Vacancy failed with CPs DiMartino and Matters voting “Yes” and Supervisor Langley and CP Malone voting “No”.

Noteworthy resolutions receiving unanimous approval:

100-2015 Appointing Police Officer - Congratulations & welcome to John DeRubertis;

103-2015 Certain Paving Expenses;
104-2015 Designating a Portion of Lakeshore Drive One-Way from 6/19/15 to 9/18/15;
106-2015 Emergency Repair of Old Troy Road Bridge; and
107-2015 Chazen Companies Bridge Condition Assessment of Old Troy Road/Mill Creek Bridge.

Thankfully, the many attachments referenced in the Resolutions were included in the on-line Agenda. 

Aside: Resident (A) complained that two residents, including yours truly, had spoken during the Open Public Privilege portion.  Resident (D) suggested banning (A) from speaking at future meetings or at least gaveled out of order.  I disagree with banning people but support gaveling them.  

Remember, “Better to remain silent and thought a fool than speak and remove all doubt!”

Also, we don’t need various audience members shouting “Order!”

Pete Stenson

East Greenbush