Monday April 29, 2024 
Update on Ambulance in Poestenkill
What happens if an ambulance is needed in Poestenkill? Based on the April 1 to July 31, 2018 records from Rensselaer County 911, there were 75 calls. Thankfully, Poestenkill Fire Department First Responders were able to respond to more than 80% of the calls providing a quick on scene response to give aid while the dispatcher searches for an available ambulance and paramedic. In recent years, state-imposed regulations have made manning a volunteer ambulance for basic life support and transport difficult for rural communities.
The average time for an ambulance to get to the scene in Poestenkill is just over 17 minutes with some responses taking up to 30 minutes. Since Poestenkill does not have a contract with any service or mutual aid, most of our ambulance service is provided by Mohawk Ambulance or other available paid ambulance services.
If you are reading this you may think 17 minutes is too long to wait. So, do I. We have been working to bring a dedicated and cost-effective service to Poestenkill. One option is to join with a neighboring town for service pooling our resources to improve response time to under 8 minutes for most of the town and providing paramedic service. Another option would include a dedicated EMT for the town.
How much will it cost to improve our service? A neighboring ambulance service estimated the cost for a house with a market value of $200,000 to be approximately $106/year in addition to the amount billed to patient if transported. The reason to consider this is to improve response time and ensure that Poestenkill residents have a dedicated transport service that we can depend on. Residents need to reach out to their town representatives and voice their opinion. Your input is vital.
Councilman Harold Van Slyke, Town of Poestenkill
hvanslyke@nullpoestenkillny.com
Schodack Supervisor’s Report for September 2019
In a continuing effort to keep residents informed of my activities as well as issues pertaining to the Town, I submit to them this report for September of 2019. As always, more information can be found on the Town’s website or it’s social media pages.
Schodack is home to some fantastic school districts and I’ve made it a point to reach out and try to build relationships between them and the Town in order to better serve our residents. One issue that many districts not just in Town but across the area has faced is staffing levels for qualified bus drivers. I recently visited the East Greenbush transportation garage and attended a “Drive a Bus” day hosted by the Schodack Central School District along with several Town Board members. I expressed my gratitude to both for the hard work their transportation departments do in safely getting our kids to and from school and worked with them to help advertise the need for more drivers via our Town pages. Anyone who may have an interest in becoming a bus driver should reach out to EGSD at 518-477-9288 or SCSD at 518-732-2070.
After the passage of several criminal justice bills this past spring by New York State, there is a level of uncertainty to what the full impact of these changes will be. I’ve been working with our representatives at the County and State level as well as our Justice court and Police department to identify potential challenges we may face and developing solutions to address them.
And finally, Fall Clean Up Days will be held October 17th, 18th, and 19th at the Transfer Station. This is a great opportunity to save some money over our normal fees while helping clean up and beautify Schodack at the same time. A full price list and schedule can be found on the Town’s website at www.schodack.org. Additionally, the last of the three free document shredder days that we partnered with East Greenbush and Rensselaer to host will be held on October 26th at the Rensselaer City Hall.
Supervisor David Harris
East Greenbush September 18th Town Board Meeting
All were unanimously adopted. 182-2019 Approving Minutes. 183-2019 Recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. 184-2019 Recognizing October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 185-2019 Approving Appointment of Part-time Police Dispatchers. 186-2019 Authorizing Emergency Repairs to Water Transmission Line. 187-2019 Authorizing Agreement with Rensselaer County for 2019 Snow/Ice Removal on County Roads. 188-2019 Authorizing Purchase of Road Salt from NYS OGS Contract. 189-2019 Authorizing Solicitation of Bids for Demolition & Removal of Water Tanks in Hampton Manor & Rensselaer Water Company Districts. 190-2019 Authorizing Paving as Part of Hampton Manor Water Project. 191-2019 Authorizing Purchase of Gasoline from Greene County Contract. 192-2019 Authorizing Town of EG to Solicit Bids for Supply, Purchase & Construction of Bathrooms at Town Park. 193-2019 Accepting Proposed Sketch Plan & Schedule a Public Hearing; Mabey’s Realty Proposed Storage Warehouse & Retail Buildings Major Site Plan (PZD ID 19-02). 194-2019 Accepting Proposed Sketch Plan & Request to Act as Lead Agency for Regeneron Discovery Dr. Bldg 81 Addition Major Site Plan (PZD ID 19-14). 195-2019 Directing Mitigation Fees Received from Single Family Home Development on Lona Ln. to GEIS Water/Sewer Fund. 196-2019 Accepting Proposed Sketch Plan & Scheduled Public Hearing; Amedore Senior Housing Project Major Site Plan (PZD ID 18-02). 197-2019 Approving 2020 Policy Year Changes for CDPHP & MVP Plan as Health Insurance Options for Town Employees. 198-2019 Appointing Susan F. McCarthy to Position of Sole Appointed Assessor; Term Through September 30, 2025. 199-2019 Adjusting Transfer Station Permit Rates to Allow For Year-End Short-Term Permits. 200-2019 Authorizing to Waive the Town Share of Fee for a Marriage License/Certificate of Marriage, where Either Party is an Active Duty Member of the Armed Forces. 201-2019 Proclaiming October 2019 as Bullying Prevention month.
-Councilor Bridget Fritz
Supervisor’s Message – September 27, 2019
The problems experienced by East Greenbush residents from the Dunn Landfill have reached an unacceptable level. We have held discussions with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) about the problem so we could register our displeasure and, more importantly, understand what they’re doing about it. It’s frustrating when a problem like this occurs in a different jurisdiction because our hands are essentially tied.
In August, DEC issued a Department Initiated Modification to the City of Rensselaer’s permit for the Dunn Landfill. The City must prepare an enhanced Odor Control Plan. The landfill must be covered daily instead of weekly as listed in the permit. In addition, the City must implement an enhanced gas collection system. Air monitors are taking readings every ten minutes and DEC personnel are on site daily.
DEC has also established an odor hotline for people to report any odor issues they experience. The phone number for the odor hotline can be found on the DEC website.
The City of Rensselaer has accepted the modifications and agreed to submit a plan for gas collection modification within 30 days. Although people in Town are impatient and many are cynical that a solution will take precedence over the profit and revenue implications of the landfill, DEC is extremely effective in their monitoring. It may take some time for the modifications to have a tangible effect on the odor and debris problems but we’ll monitor the situation and assert pressure when necessary.
DEC assured us that the landfill will not cause health problems but also acknowledged it as an important quality of life issue that must be addressed. I’m sorry that our residents have to deal with this issue because though it may not reach the measured level of a health problem, many seniors and people with respiratory issues are experiencing discomfort. Others are suffering from the quality of life aspect, unable to sit on their decks or in their yards. No one in East Greenbush is profiting from the situation but many are suffering.
-Jack Conway East Greenbush Town Supervisor
Local Realtor Named State Coordinator
Ginny OBrien of North Greenbush has been appointed as a State Political Coordinator by the New York Association of Realtors (NYSAR). In this role OBrien will maintain contact with members of the State Senate and Assembly throughout the year, on issues affecting realtors across the State. The State Coordinator Program was launched by NYSAR this year, and appointees are local representatives who reside or work in the district of legislators to whom they are assigned.
Mrs. OBrien recently made an introductory visit to Senator Neil Breslin’s Office at the Capital in Albany. She reports that she and the Senator discussed affordable housing, and Landlord/Tenant rights.
Ginny is a longtime Associate Broker with Coldwell Banker Prime Properties in their Loudonville office, and has been active in local Government and Community Programs for many years.
Poestenkill Electronics Recycling Day
The Town of Poestenkill in partnership with Evolution Recycling and the Sullivan Jones VFW Post will hold an Electronics Recycling Day on Saturday, October 12th from 8:00 a.m. – 12 Noon at the VFW Post located on Veterans Street in the Town of Poestenkill.
Residents are invited to drop off their old electronics (there is a charge for TV’s and CRT monitors) please call for details on pricing.
Electronic devices will be disposed of in an environmentally sound fashion. Simply drive up to the site (VFW Pavilion) which is located at the corner of School Rd. and Veterans Street.
For a list of acceptable items, please call Sue Horton, Town Clerk at 518-283-5119.
Town Hall Closes for Columbus Day Holiday
Debra L. Curtis, Schodack Town Clerk, wishes to remind residents that the Schodack Town Hall Offices and Highway Department will be closed on Monday, October 14, 2019 in observance of Columbus Day. The Schodack Town Hall Offices and Highway Department will resume its regular business hours on Tuesday, October 15, 2019.
The Transfer Station will have standard business hours.
If you have any questions, please contact the Office of the Town Clerk at 518-477-7590, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30am and 4:30pm and Saturday between 9:00am and 12:00pm.
Meet the Candidates
The Sand Lake Kiwanis Club and the Sand Lake Business Association have partnered to present a Public Forum Opportunity to “Meet the Candidates”. On Tuesday Night October 15th 2019, town residents will have the opportunity to hear from Candidates for Local Elected Offices. The Event is being held at the Sand Lake Town Hall located at 8428 NY Rte.66 Averill Park and will be televised on channel 1303. All Candidates for Town Supervisor, Town Board, Town Clerk and Receiver of Taxes, have been invited to participate. Doors open at 6:30PM and the program will begin at 7:00PM. with each Candidate offering a concise introduction and position statement, the floor will then be opened up for questions from any town resident in attendance. We sincerely hope that you are able to attend and participate in the discussion with thoughtful & pertinent questions relating to important issues facing the Town of Sand Lake. Hope to see you on Tuesday 10/15/2019.
Dog Park Meeting
Calling North Greenbush dog owners and lovers! It’s time to re-start the dog park meetings. We have a promising lead on a dog park location. Councilwoman Mary Frances Sabo will host a follow up discussion on Tuesday, October 15 at 7:00 p.m. in the council room at North Greenbush town hall. All are welcome and you do not need to have attended the previous two meetings
For more information, please contact 518-424-1884 or msabo@nullnorthgreenbush.org.
Town of Schodack Fall Clean-Up Days
Schodack residents please note the Town of Schodack is sponsoring Fall Clean-up Days on October 17th, 18th and 19th at the Transfer Station on Poyneer Rd. During this event many items that normally have a charge are free and others are reduced up to 50%. This is a great time to clean out your garage before winter comes! The following price list is only for the dates noted above.
Refrigerators, Freezers, Air conditioners & Dehumidifier -$8.00
Tires, rimless (maximum size 16”) – $2.00*
*larger and rimmed tires priced by size
TVs, computer monitors (limit 2), Propane Tanks, Furniture (limit 3), Metal goods, Gas grills, Bicycles – FREE
All other prices remain the same
Nassau Historians Ball
Nassau Village Historian Kurt Vincent and Nassau Town Historian Melody Howarth will host the ultimate good-bye party for Nassau’s 200th anniversary. Scheduled for Saturday, October 19th the event will take place at the Burden Lake Country Club on Totem Lodge Road. The event will start with cocktails at 5 pm and a buffet dinner at 6 pm. Menu selections will accommodate carnivore, vegetarian and vegan options.
While it’s called “a ball,” don’t go looking for you ball gown – come as you are. It will be an evening of good food, friendly banter and a celebration of Nassau’s past. In addition to Nassau’s Bicentennial, the event will mark the final activity for Village Beautification Committee’s long-time chair Kurt Vincent.
With door prizes, surprises and after dinner dancing, advance tickets are required. Tickets will be available at Nassau Village Hall and the Nassau Free Library and are $25 per person. Proceeds from the event will be benefit the Local History Collection of the Nassau Free Library. For more information call (518) 766-2291 or e-mail info@nullNassau12123.com.
Town of Nassau Democratic Committee News
All enrolled Town of Nassau Democrats are cordially invited to attend our annual meeting on Sunday, October 20, to be held at 2pm at the Nassau Reformed Church, 43 Church St. (Rt. 20) in the Village of Nassau. Anyone who is interested in learning more about the Nassau Dems is welcome to attend. We plan to discuss the need to recruit new members as well as talking about future plans and new directions and ideas for the Town Dems to explore.
Join us for the fun of meeting and socializing with your fellow Democrats. Light refreshments will be served. Please RSVP to Judy at 518-522-2916 or email judyz_05262@nullyahoo.com.
2019 Poestenkill “Meet The Candidates”
On Monday Night October 21st the Poestenkill Business Association will present our annual “Meet the Candidates” Night Forum at the Poestenkill Sullivan-Jones VFW Post on Main Street. All Candidates running for Town Supervisor, Town Board, Highway Superintendent, Town Clerk and Town Judge have been invited to attend and will present their respective positions.
Doors will open at 6:30 PM and the program will begin at 7:00 PM with all Candidates offering a concise position statement. The floor will then be opened up for questions from any Town Resident in attendance. We sincerely hope that you are able to attend and participate in the robust discussion through thoughtful and pertinent questions on issues facing the Town of Poestenkill. Refreshments will be provided. Thank you for your interest. See U Monday Night 10/21/2019!!
Stephentown Heritage Center increases visiting hours
The Stephentown Historical Society has announced that the Stephentown Heritage Center will welcome visitors on the first Saturday of each month from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., beginning on July 6, in addition to the regular weekly Friday hours of 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. These weekend open hours will allow more Stephentown residents and visitors the opportunity to explore what the society offers in genealogy research and local history. The other Saturdays are October 5 and November 2. The center is closed during the month of December. The Heritage Center is the former Stephentown Methodist Church at 4 Staples Road at the corner of Garfield Road. It is free and handicapped accessible.
Hunting Licenses Town of Schodack
Debra L. Curtis, the Schodack Town Clerk, wishes to remind hunters that hunting licenses went on sale August 1, 2019. For hunting and trapping licenses, the license year runs form September 1, 2019 – August 31, 2020. Annual fishing licenses and recreational marine fishing registration are valid for 365 days from date of purchase.
Deer management permits (DMPs) will be available via an instant lottery from August 1, 2019 through the close of business on Oct. 1, 2019.
We also have a limited supply of Federal Duck Stamps available at a cost of $26.00 ($25.00 plus $1.00 revenue for the town).
The Town Clerk’s Office is open Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Please be sure to have your driver’s license or an old hunting license to expedite processing of your new license.
Meeting Dates for The Village of Nassau 2019-20
The following dates have been established for the Village of Nassau Board of Trustees Meetings. All meetings will be held at the Village Municipal Building, 40 Malden Street, Nassau, NY at 7:30pm unless otherwise posted.
October 9, 2019 Regular Meeting 7:30pm
November 13, 2019 Regular Meeting 7:30pm
December 11, 2019 Regular Meeting 7:30pm
January 8, 2020 Regular Meeting 7:30pm
February 12, 2020 Regular Meeting 7:30pm
March 11, 2020 Regular Meeting 7:30pm
March 18, 2020 Special Meeting Election 9:00pm
April 6, 2020 Annual Meeting 7:30pm
April 8, 2020 Public Hearing Budget 7:00pm
April 8, 2020 Regular Meeting 7:30pm
May 13, 2020 Regular Meeting 7:30pm
May 27, 2020 Year End Meeting 7:30pm
The Planning Board meets on the 1st Monday of each month (as needed) at 7:00 p.m. at the Village Municipal Building.
The Zoning Board meets on the 4th Monday of each month (as needed) at 7:00 p.m. at the Village Municipal Building.
2019 Town of Brunswick Spring/Summer Pick-Up Schedule
What can be picked up:
Please no sticks, dirt or rocks or any material other than leaves and grass should be placed in bags we do not use leaf vacuums in the spring. Limbs must be piled neatly, 8’ long-no larger than 6” diameter avoid piling brush near utility poles and under trees, wires, or out in the street. We do not go on private property. Clean wood only we will also pick up other yard waste, such as grass clippings, provided biodegradable paper bags are used. Branches must be free of roots and dirt. We do not pick up rocks, stumps, rubbish, etc. Please do not put these items out with your branches. Please no clear cutting of lots. No commercial pickups. Residents are also encouraged to dispose of leaves and grass at our recycling center, it is located across from the town garage. Please check with recycling department prior to drop off and deposit brush in designated place and leaves and grass in designated place. Items must be at roadside on the first day of scheduled pickup.
Monthly brush and yard waste pick-up schedule will be the following dates. Items to be out by first day in front of your residence only.
October 21st-October 25th (last pick-up for season)
If you have any questions, please call 518-279-3461, ext. 100.
Town Of Day 2019 – 2020 Garbage Pick-Up ~ Winter Schedule
Curbside by 7:00 AM
Starting September 09, 2019
Monday’s – Both Sides of Lake
Thru May 18, 2020
(If there is a Holiday on a Monday pick-up
will be Tuesday.)
Winter Schedule, Curbside by 7:00 AM
Every other Thursday as follows:
October 10, 24
November 07,21
December 05, 19
January 02, 16, 30
February 13, 27
March 12, 26
April 09, 23
May 07, 21
(Start weekly pick-ups June 04th, 2020) If there is inclement weather on Thursday, recycling will be picked up on Friday.
Recycling Center – Year Round Hours
Wednesday 8 – 2, Saturday & Sunday 8 – 4
Closed All Legal Holidays and Severe Snowstorms
Attention Dog Owners in the Town of Schodack
Debra L. Curtis, the Schodack Town Clerk, wishes to remind residents that under NYS Agriculture and Markets Law Article VII, §109, all dogs are required to be licensed by four months of age and under Town Law §109-5, all dogs, when not confined to the property of their owner, must be under control and on a leash not in excess of 12 feet in length. Leash length is reduced to 6 feet when walking within the Town Park.
To obtain a dog license, a copy of the current Rabies Certificate, which must be valid for more than 30 days prior to licensing and must be signed by a licensed veterinarian, and proof that the animal has been altered, must be provided. The cost for a spayed/neutered dog is $7.00 and an unspayed/ unneutered dog is $15.00. One tag is issued for the lifetime of the license; however, in the event of loss, it can be replaced at a cost of $3.00. A renewal letter will be sent on an annual basis, based upon the anniversary of the license.
If you have any questions, please visit the Schodack Town Clerk’s office, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Schodack Town Hall, 265 Schuurman Road, Castleton, NY 12033 or please call 518-477-7590.
It’s the Law!
New York State Law requires that all dogs to be licensed annually. The State requires that all Town Clerks’ office process them in their local municipality. Before a license can be issued or renewed, current proof of rabies vaccination must be provided. The NYS Dept of Agriculture & Markets & NYS Health Dept. requires all dogs FOUR months of age or older to be vaccinated for rabies. This information is crucial for the general public’s well-being. The Town of Sand Lake does have a Leash Law. In addition, if your dog is lost, stolen or dies, New York State law requires you to notify the Town Clerk’s Office. Failure to comply with this law can result in court appearance tickets. Unlicensed dogs are subject to seizure on or off the premises of the owner under Art. 7 117(b). Check the Town’s website for additional information regarding the Town’s Dog Laws. For more information call Barbara Biittig, Sand Lake Town Clerk @ 518-674-2026 ext 122 or Animal Control Officer @ 518-477-8230.
Rensselaer City Historian’s Office seeking info. on Albany Woolen Mill
Rensselaer City Historian’s Office is seeking any information on the Albany Woolen Mill on Green Street in Rensselaer City. Personal remembrances, receipts, documents, advertisements, pay stubs, anything related to the AWM.
We are told AWM once manufactured Woolen sweaters and perhaps jackets for the US military during World War II. From time to time there was Surplus sales of irregular garments.
Any stories, photos, reports or artifacts, letters of Commerce, employee information documents. We are looking to reweave the story of the fabric dye and textile industry once prominent in Rensselaer City. Information can be sent to the Office of the Historian 62 Washington Street, Rensselaer City, Rensselaer, NY 12144.