Friday April 26, 2024 
County Legislators Remember September 11th at Melvin Roads American Legion
Legislature Remembers September 11, 2001. Members of the Rensselaer County Legislature attended the Patriot Day Remembrance Ceremony at the Melvin Roads American Legion Post.
They presented a commendation to Post Commander Hugh Blake.
L-R Peter Goebel Director of Veteran’s Services, Legislator Tom Grant, Vice-Chair Kelly Hoffman, Commander Hugh Blake, Chairman Mike Stammel, and Legislator Dan Casale
East Greenbush Schools and Police Partner on ‘Operation Red Lights’
East Greenbush Central School District and the East Greenbush Police Department have launched ‘Operation Red Lights’ to remind all motorists to exercise caution around school buses as the new school year begins.
As part of the program to help keep children safe, East Greenbush Police Department patrol cars will be following buses and monitoring bus stops for any drivers who illegally pass school buses. The name comes from the red lights on buses, which flash when the bus has stopped to load or unload a student.
An estimated 50,000 motor vehicles illegally pass school buses in New York State every day, according to the New York Association for Pupil Transportation.
“This has become an epidemic,” said MaryAnn Belmont, Transportation Supervisor for the East Greenbush Central School District. “We’re so grateful to the town and police department for joining us in this important initiative and helping to protect our children.”
Candidate Announcement – Wohlleber Poestenkill
I am running for reelection to the Poestenkill Town Council to continue my work of improving public safety and to ensure we move Poestenkill forward in a responsible way.
When I ran four years ago, I promised to continue to be active in our community, to listen to concerns and suggestions of our neighbors, to study the issues and understand all sides and to then vote in a manner which would be beneficial to Poestenkill.
In the past four years, I humbly believe I have done that. I have worked to improve Advanced Life Service – Ambulance Service in our town, worked with the youth department, expanding the summer camp program – bringing in new revenue to the town and working to make town government more open and transparent by providing Town Board meeting minutes each month, among many other accomplishments.
I am a live-long Rensselaer County resident. My wife Kara (Elliott) and chose to raise their family in Poestenkill because of the community’s open spaces, natural beauty and excellent schools. Kara and I are active volunteers in our community through sports, school and town organizations.
Before being elected to the Poestenkill Town Board in 2015, I served on the Poestenkill Planning Board for three years. Before moving to Poestenkill, I was active in Brunswick as a member of the Brunswick Zoning Board for three years and was a founding member of the Brunswick Farmers’ Market. In addition, I served as a board member for the East Greenbush Miracle League.
On the Town Board I have worked to secure several budgets with NO TAX INCREASE. As a fiscal conservative, I have supported projects and initiatives while always keeping an eye on the impact to Poestenkill taxpayers.
Learn more at www.Wohlleber4Poestenkill.com
Rensselaer County Legislature Office of the Minority
September meeting highlights:
Environment: The Legislature unanimously passed a resolution requesting the New York State Department of Conservation (NYSDEC) to conduct monthly water sampling at the Quackenderry Creek in the City of Rensselaer after water quality issues were brought up in discussion at the August monthly Public Forum.
The Minority Legislators also introduced a resolution urging New York State to ban the use of Styrofoam. The production of Styrofoam is highly toxic; it never truly breaks down; it only degrades into smaller sized particles; it takes up 30% of our landfills, to name just a few reasons. As we are facing capacity issues regarding our local landfills, it seems essential to be proactive in eliminating this toxic substance from our environment. The resolution passed unanimously with bi-partisan support.
Planning: The legislature accepted a $ 250,000 grant from the NYS Dormitory Authority for the development of a waterfront multi-use trail connecting the city of Troy and Rensselaer. These funds will be used for the planning and design services of the trail.
Legislature: The Rensselaer County Legislature unanimously passed a resolution opposing the proposed new mandatory $ 25 license plate fee introduced by Governor Cuomo requiring any license plate older than 10 years to be replaced, with an additional charge of $ 20 to keep the same plate number. The NYS Legislature will address this issue come January.
Mental Health: Showing success in the past year, the legislature extended a contract for clinical services at the Lansingburgh Central School District for the 2019-2020 school year, which is a source of revenue for the County.
Next Meeting – Tuesday, October 8, 2019 in the RC Chambers located on the 3rd floor of the Ned Pattison Government Center, 1600 7th Avenue, Troy.
Residents are welcome to contact our office at 270-2890.
www.rensselaercounty.org & Facebook: Rensselaer County Legislators – Democratic Team
Rensselaer County Legislature Majority September Meeting Report
The Rensselaer County Legislature voted unanimously to oppose Governor Cuomo’s plan to force every vehicle owner with older license plates to replace them at a cost of $25. The resolution cited the fact that the Governor’s plan has received a lot of opposition from residents and elected officials. Several county clerks, including Rensselaer County Clerk Frank Merola, have voiced their opposition to the plan.
“The Rensselaer County Legislature stands with those county clerks and elected officials that oppose this unnecessary new fee on residents. The constant nickel and diming of our residents has to stop”, said Chairman Michael Stammel.
“This license plate fiasco has brought both sides of the political aisle to oppose the Governor, It is rather refreshing to see”, said Majority Leader Ken Herrington, “I am a farmer and I have 25 sets of plates for my vehicles, this is just another new fee on business owners.”
“This is a $75 million dollar money grab by New York State. It doesn’t cost $25 to make a set of plates, so why should the State turn a profit on the backs of its residents”, added Legislator Chuck Peter.
The Legislature also unanimously passed a resolution stating that they are “concerned about the passage of any bill or legislation, or issuance of Executive Order, which could be interpreted as infringing on the rights of the citizens of Rensselaer County to keep and bear arms or which may unduly restrict their rights to the same.”
A resolution urging the DEC to conduct monthly testing of the Quackenderry Creek was also passed. The Legislature wants to make sure that no leachate or toxic run-off from the Dunn Landfill in Rensselaer enters the Hudson River.
“We have to take any steps we can to protect the people of Rensselaer”, said Chairman Mike Stammel
Sand Lake FYI
There may be some misconception with people that the Town is not building sidewalks. In fact, we are moving ahead with sidewalk construction in Sand Lake and the reconstruction of sidewalk in West Sand Lake. I attended a meeting with Creighton Manning, our sidewalk project engineers. Survey work is completed and Crieighton Manning is putting the finishing touches on the sidewalk design here in the hamlet of Sand Lake and will be submitting the plan shortly to the NYS Department of Transportation. We anticipate having a public hearing on the sidewalk project on October 30th at the Town Board Workshop Meeting. Your attendance and input will be welcomed.
At our Town Board meeting on September 11, the Town Board approved a year-long trial period allowing dogs in Butler Park. Given that there are many dog lovers in our town and very few open spaces, the Board believed this was in the best interest of our community. The following conditions must be met:
1. Every dog must be on a leash.
2. A free permit must be obtained from the Town Clerk who will certify each dog is licensed and has a current rabies vaccination.
3. All dog waste must be picked up and disposed of by the walker.
4. No dogs are allowed on the playground.
I attended a very enjoyable presentation recently at the Sand Lake Historical Society. Our Town Historian, Bob Moore, shared oral history presentations of three of our residents. It was fascinating to listen to the history of our town interpreted through the eyes and experiences of three of our citizens. Thanks to Bob and Jim Powers who produced these presentations. Sand Lake is a great place to live!
I am happy that we encourage public input on our policy proposals. Our Town Board is committed to transparency and openness; that is why we have a functioning website that contains our agendas and resolutions. We also broadcast all public meetings. Please know that my door is open during the day for anyone to visit me to discuss items that concern you.
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.
September 16th-September 20th
October 21st-October 25th (last pick-up for season)
If you have any questions, please call 518-279-3461, ext. 100.
Malden Bridge / Old Chatham
The annual meeting of the Old Chatham Union Cemetery Corporation will be held on Saturday, September 21, at 2pm in the Vedder Hall of the Malden Bridge Community Center located at 1087 Albany Turnpike, Malden Bridge NY. 12115
All lot owners or their designated representative of the Cemetery located on Shaker Museum Road are encouraged to attend. Agenda for the meeting will include a financial report by the Treasurer, including a report on a recent letter sent to lot owners requesting held in supporting the upkeep of the Cemetery. Other business will include a discussion on general maintenance, election of officers and directors as well as any other business that may come before the Corporation.
The input of all lot owners is most welcome and necessary in the decision making process to make this truly your community cemetery. If you have any questions, feel free to contact President Elizabeth M.Hurley at 518-766-3815.
Village Of Castleton-On-Hudson
The Village of Castleton-on-Hudson will be flushing fire hydrants; every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 am to 12 noon, during the month of September. Residents may notice some discolored water, reduced water pressure and should refrain from doing laundry on these days.
Castleton-On-Hudson Water Department
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.)
Memorial Day week pick-up will be on
Tuesday, May 26th – North side
Wednesday, May 27st – South side
Summer schedule will resume with pick-up
Monday’s – North side of Lake
Tuesday’s – South side of Lake
the following week
Recycling ~ Winter Schedule
Curbside by 7:00 AM
(Last weekly pick-up Sept. 05th)
Every other Thursday as follows:
September 26
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.