Sunday April 28, 2024 
Sand Lake FYI
SAND LAKE – I hope everyone is having a happy and safe summer.
At our June 10th meeting, the Town Board approved a resolution asking the NYS Department of Transportation to lower the speed limit on Snake Hill Road to 35 mph. Working with the Town of Poestenkill Supervisor, the Poestenkill Town Board approved a resolution to partner with Sand Lake on the letter to DOT. A good portion of Snake Hill Road is in the Town of Poestenkill, and partnering with our sister town strengthens our argument to DOT. I am happy the two towns could work together on this request.
Our Highway Department is out paving. Bruce Wicks in our Highway Department retired and we wish him well. Congratulations to Austin Browe who was appointed by the Highway Superintendent to be the new Mechanic.
A reminder to everyone that the Sand Lake Town Beach is closed for the summer. There is no swimming at the beach and to be on the beach is considered trespassing. The land next to the beach was acquired by the Town last summer. We encourage you to enjoy that land for picnics during the day. However, there can be no rope swings or campfires. As is true for all town lands, there is no drinking. The State Police have been authorized to disperse any people who are at the beach or abusing the land next to beach.
The Town Beach Committee is organizing a Community Work Day at the Beach on Saturday and Sunday, September 12 and 13. There is plenty of brush cleaning, and other work that needs to be done on the property. We will be sharing more information in the next few weeks.
The Town Board will proceed with the 2nd Dyke Culvert engineering and design. A design will help give us a better idea of the costs realistically associated with the project. Once completed, the Town Board can decide whether or not to proceed with the actual construction.
Nancy Perry, Supervisor
Legislature Calls for Independent Investigation into Cuomo’s Deadly Nursing Home Directive
RENSSELAER COUNTY – The Rensselaer County Legislature has introduced a resolution that supports the many calls for an independent investigation into Governor Andrew Cuomo’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak at New York nursing homes that resulted from his March 25th directive.
That directive stated that “No resident shall be denied re-admission or admission to the nursing home solely based on a confirmed or suspected diagnosis of COVID-19. Nursing homes are prohibited from requiring a hospitalized resident who is determined medically stable to be tested for COVID-19 prior to admission or re-admission”.
“The report issued by the state just the other day was not thorough and certainly not independent. We need and deserve an independent review”, said Legislator Robert Loveridge of Schodack
“We can’t have a state agency investigate their own agency. Residents of New York deserve the truth, and families deserve unbiased answers”, said Legislator Chuck Peter of Castleton
“It is important to recognize the unparalleled work of the staff and the administration of the Van Rensselaer Manor during this unprecedented crisis”, said Legislator Tom Grant of East Greenbush
The number of nursing home deaths continues to grow and thousands of families have lost loved ones in nursing homes without having said their goodbyes. Thankfully, the Van Rensselaer Manor did not suffer a major outbreak of COVID-19 because of the proactive actions of County Executive Steve McLaughlin and management and staff at the Manor.
“We need public hearings to review nursing homes and establish new guidelines for them in the event that COVID-19 flares up again. The safety and well-being of nursing home residents and employees need to be a priority going forward”, said Chairman Michael Stammel of Rensselaer
The resolution was moved out of committee, but was opposed by the Democrat Legislators from Troy. The resolution will be adopted at the July14 meeting of the Legislature.
North Greenbush Report from Councilwoman Mary Frances Sabo
NORTH GREENBUSH – Despite the pandemic, the town of North Greenbush has welcomed summer. The town beach at Snyder’s Lake is now open to town and Rensselaer County residents. Seasonal and daily passes may be purchased at the beach. Before being permitted to enter, people will have to answer some brief health screening questions and provide contact information in the event tracing later becomes necessary. Kayaks and paddle boards are available for rent on an hourly basis. The town youth staff have also organized 3 age appropriate activities per week such as tie dying, water activities and story time. Parents may drop off their children or remain at the beach during the activity. Please visit the town website for more information on all of these activities. Thank you to Mike Miner and his dedicated staff for allowing residents to enjoy our beautiful lake in a safe manner. The town board approved the consolidation of the Lake Meadows Water District with the North Greenbush water district at the July meeting. The town is currently waiting for approval from the New York State Public Service Commission. There have been numerous questions about the cost from Lake Meadows residents. The town will purchase the meters and pressure reducing valves and will supply homeowners with the names of contractors who can install connections at the homeowner’s expense. Operation and maintenance charges will be billed on the residents’ tax bill and water usage bills will be sent out by the utility department. The expense of removing the existing storage tank and restoring the well lots will be spread out over a five year period for users. Finally, I have used my free time during this pandemic to take some online seminars to help me with my town responsibilities. I have taken webinars in holding remote public meetings and hearings, developing a comprehensive plan and the community choice aggregation program.
Submitted by Councilwoman Mary Frances Sabo
Poestenkill Town Board Meeting Minutes
POESTENKILL – Poestenkill Town Board – Meeting Minutes – Thursday, June 18, 2020
Due to COVID-19, the Town Board met on the lawn of the town library.
Public Comment – Two residents spoke about their concern over the speed limit on Weatherwax Road, asking the Supervisor if the speed could be lowered.
Supervisor Hammond will request the county for a speed reduction. A town resident and developer voiced his concerns on the requirements needed for a road dedication. Currently the town require a three-year warranty, he would like the Town Board to re-address this issue. A town resident stated that she has called several times asking for brush to be picked up, with no result. Supervisor Hammond has informed the Highway Superintendent.
Youth Department – Tiffany Buker, Youth Director reported the summer camp will be offered, though with smaller group sizes and a limit to the number of campers per week. She also thanked the Sullivan Jones VFW for hosting summer camp this year.
Supervisor Hammond stated that Vivian Kelly has resigned as Deputy Town Clerk. Vivian has worked for the Town for more than 30 years and will be greatly missed.
Motion made by Councilman Van Slyke, seconded by Councilman Wohlleber, passed unanimously to appoint Tiffany Buker as Deputy Town Clerk, Deputy Tax Collector and Deputy Registrar of Vital Statistics, term to expire 12/31/20
The Town Assessor is looking for a town resident to serve on the Board of Assessment Review. The town will be advertising for this position.
Motion made by Councilman Van Slyke, seconded by Councilman Wohlleber to approve pending application of Kara Seifridsberger to appear in front of the Planning Board for a mining application.
These minutes to be approved at the next town board meeting scheduled for Thursday, July 16th, at 7pm – at the Poestenkill Fire Company.
For more information go to www.PoestenkillNY.com
Submitted by Councilman Eric Wohlleber