Local Government

Local Government 05.25.23

West Sand Lake Fire Department Holding Next Community Workshop for New Station

Using input gathered from previous community workshops, membership and community surveys, and facilities meetings, the West Sand Lake Fire Department has continued to develop the plan and conceptual design for a new station. To present the most recent conceptual design and cost estimates, the department is holding its next community workshop on Wednesday, June 14 from 7:00pm – 9:00pm in the fire hall. 

All are welcome and encouraged to attend to provide feedback, ask questions, and stay informed on the planning process.

Poestenkill Update from Councilman Wohlleber

The public hearing was held on the proposed Water District #2 which began with a presentation and update from a representative of the Laberge Group. Several residents had questions and made public comment for the consideration of the Town Board. the public hearing remains open and resident comments are welcomed at future meetings. 

The Town Board voted 4-1 to authorize a lease agreement to establish a dog shelter at 9002 NY Route 66. Councilman Wohlleber voted no.

The Town Board unanimously passed a resolution requesting the NYS Department of Transportation to establish a lower speed limit on Quail Meadows Road, Fox Hen Drive, Redwing Court, and Lochvue Drive to 30 mph. 

The Town Board unanimously passed a resolution to auction off surplus equipment from the Highway Department.

The next Town Board Meeting will be Thursday, June 8 at 7pm. 

Submitted by Councilman Eric Wohlleber

Troy Irish Genealogy Society Look-up Event at Rensselaer Public Library

Need help tracing your family tree? The Troy Irish Genealogy Society is excited to offer a FREE look-up event at the Rensselaer Public Library, on Thursday afternoon, June 8.

This event is BY APPOINTMENT ONLY, and there are a limited number of time slots. You will be meeting one-on-one for a 40 minute appointment with one of our experienced members of the Troy Irish Genealogy Society. Our knowledge goes beyond the “Troy area” and is not limited to those of Irish ancestry. Whether you are a “newbie” or have been researching for years, let us help you get past that “brick wall.”

To reserve your spot, please call the Rensselaer Library staff at (518) 462-1193, or stop by their main desk . On the day of your appointment, please bring any info you’ve found on your ancestor(s), and your research questions. We look forward to helping you!

Troy Irish Genealogy Society, now in our 20th year!

www.troyirish.org. Also find us on Facebook!

Rensselaer County Legislature – Minority Office – May 2023 Monthly Report

Common Sense Gun Reform – The legislature minority once again brought forth a resolution urging both state and federal representatives to adopt various methods of common-sense gun reform, including increased background checks, lengthened waiting periods, and a permanent ban on assault weapons. This resolution was submitted in response to the many mass shootings seen across the United States. As of the end of April 2023, there have been over 160 mass shootings, killing over 11,500 people caused by gun related incidents. In 2023 alone there have been 13 K-12 school shootings, the latest being in Tennessee, where once again innocent children were gunned down. However, this resolution once again failed to make it to the floor, with the Republican majority questioning “Common Sense”.

Leading police organizations have increasingly called for action on gun policy and support a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines in order to better protect their communities. They consider themselves outgunned, outmanned and out-staffed. 

On June 25, 2022, President Biden signed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act into law, which is a welcome step forward. While this is certainly a long way from the ideal scenario initially proposed by the House of Representatives, seeing the two sides of the aisle working together to pass meaningful legislation is a welcome sight. It is a shame that we have been unable to achieve this sort of bipartisan agreement in Rensselaer County. Passing meaningful gun control legislation is essential for the safety and well-being of our constituents, and it is disappointing that the legislative majority has not joined us in urging the protection of the residents of Rensselaer County, as well as the nation as a whole.

NEXT MEETING – Tuesday, June 13, 2023 in the Rensselaer County Chambers located at 99 Troy Road, East Greenbush.

PUBLIC FORUM – Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.

Residents are welcome to contact our office at 518 270-2890

Rensselaer County Legislature: May Meeting Report

The Rensselaer County Legislature held a memorable meeting on May 9th. The meeting was preceded by a ceremony honoring Arthur William (Bill) Gummer. The hallways leading to the legislative chamber were lined with family, friends, and volunteer firefighters from throughout the county. They were there to join the Legislature in honoring Bill’s six decades of service in the volunteer firefighting community.

Bill served and led the Wynantskill Fire Department and was referred to as “a North Greenbush celebrity”, by Chairwoman Kelly Hoffman, who thanked him for his years of service and his participation in the construction of the new Rensselaer County Fire Training Facility.

The Legislature approved the contracts that will begin the process of building the new Cropseyville Highway Maintenance Facility that will improve the working conditions of our highway staff, and the level of service they provide in Eastern Rensselaer County.

The Legislature also approved several pieces of legislation that will continue the Reimagine Rensselaer program to improve and modernize several county buildings. Construction will continue at 1600 Seventh Avenue and the former Life Science Building that will house the probation department. The new County Office Building at 99 Troy Rd in East Greenbush will have a new plaza built in front of the building. This legislation received unanimous support.

The meeting was not without drama. Hours before the meeting, the Minority submitted a politically charged late file resolution that would have violated the NYS Open Meetings Law. The Minority leaders who had issued a press release announcing the legislation, failed to attend the meeting. As such, other Minority members tried to amend the resolution during the Special Rules meeting. The legislation was not filed in a timely manner, nor was it deemed an emergency that required the suspension of NYS guidelines. It was not added to the agenda.

Find us on Facebook at “Rensselaer County Legislators”

Town of Grafton

 Office/Department Holiday Closings
for Summer of 2023

Memorial Day – All Offices/Departments will be closed Saturday, May 27th – Monday, May 29th

July Fourth – All Offices/Departments closed Tuesday, July 4th

Labor Day – All Offices/Departments will be closed Saturday, September 2nd – Monday, September 4th

Town of North Greenbush Summer Camp Employment

The Town of North Greenbush is now accepting ALL employment applications for Summer Staff for the town beach and summer camp. Are you looking for a great job working with our youth in the beautiful surroundings of our town beach and camp, then apply now. 

Applications can be found on our website on the YOUTH and RECREATION page at www.townofng.com. If you have any questions, please contact Tammie at (518) 283-2574, x-15. You can also email tobrien@nullnorthgreenbush.org. Positions available include: 

Gate Keeper, Concession Stand, Assistant Camp Directors, Assistant Medical Directors, Camp Counselors, Waterfront Staff.

Come join the fun and be part of the Town of North Greenbush summer TEAM!

From the Desk of Janice Hannigan Kerwin, North Greenbush Town Clerk

The Town of North Greenbush would like to announce our Wreath Placing Ceremonies on this Memorial Day morning, May 29, 2023. We will honor the heroes who have served our country by continuing the tradition of laying wreaths at the various memorial sites in town. 

The Wreath Placing Ceremonies will begin at 9:45 a.m. at the Bloomingrove Cemetery on Route 4 in Defreestville. To follow at the Bloomingrove Monument at the intersection of Winter Street Extension and Bloomingrove Drive, the Donald “Bucky” Egan Monument at the entrance to Twin Town Little League on Williams Road, at St. Jude’s on Brookside Avenue, at the American Legion on Main Avenue, and at the Evergreen Cemetery on Main Avenue. 

Our final ceremony will be immediately following the North Greenbush Memorial Day Parade at Town Hall on Main Avenue. We would be most honored if you could join us in showing respect for those who so bravely served our country.

If you should have any questions pertaining to the Wreath Placing Ceremony, please do not hesitate to call the Town Clerk’s office @ #518-283-4306 or email me directly at townclerk@nullnorthgreenbush.org and I would be happy to assist in any way that I can.

Town of Brunswick- Summer Job Opportunties

We are now accepting application for our summer program. Camp counselors, maintenance workers, gate guards and Lifeguards. 

Applicants must be 15 years old by June 26, 2023 to work at the beach. 16 years old to be a camp counselor.

Lifeguards must be certified prior to beach opening. 

You can find the application on our website Townofbrunswick.org, under forms and documents. Any question, please call 518-279-3461 X 104.

You May Also Like