Friday April 26, 2024 
Rensselaer County Minority Office – November 2021 Meeting Highlights
RENSSELAER COUNTY – Shop Local – December is ‘Shop Local Month’ in Rensselaer County. More than ever during this year’s continuous pandemic it is important to support our local vendors. We encourage everyone to shop local and keep the sales revenue in Rensselaer County. Not only will this prevent any necessary tax increases, it will help local businesses to remain afloat. A win win for all! Happy Shopping!
Employment & Training – An agreement to provide employment and training services to eligible, low income youth, through the ARC of Rensselaer County, the Commission on Economic Opportunity (CEO) and the Boys & Girls Club of the Capital Area was renewed and approved by the Legislature. This 100% federally funded program offers academic and occupational skill training, leadership development and community service learning, as well as summer employment for disadvantaged, disconnected youth and those with intellectual disabilities.
Youth: “Coats for Kids Campaign” – Once again the annual Golf Fundraiser at the Troy Country Club was a great success and raised $ 20,000, a new record! The legislature passed a resolution to purchase 1000 coats, which will be distributed through several agencies to needy children.
Legislator Gary Pavlic – The Legislature honored the passing of our friend and former fellow colleague Gary Pavlic. Family and friends gathered in the legislative chambers to honor Gary’s life of dedication and service. Gary served on the legislature for five years and will be remembered for his devotion to his family and friends, and his commitment to the residents of Troy.
NEXT MEETING – Tuesday, December 14, 2021 in the Rensselaer County Chambers located on the 3rd floor of the Ned Pattison Government Center, 1600 7th Avenue, Troy.
Residents are welcome to contact our office at 518 270-2890.
www.rensselaercounty.org & follow us on Facebook: “Rensselaer County Legislature – Democratic Team”
North Greenbush Report from Councilwoman Mary Frances Sabo
NORTH GREENBUSH – I was disappointed in the results of the elections but accept the will of the voters of the town of North Greenbush and the direction they wish the town to go in. In my remaining weeks, there is a lot of work to be done. The members of the Open Space Committee which I chair are in the process of reviewing the maps prepared by the Capital District Regional Planning Commission. With the assistance of several law students, committee members will draft brief narratives accompanying the maps which will be the foundation of a Natural Resources Inventory. Residents will also have the opportunity to participate in formulating a Climate Vision Statement.
As the Town of North Greenbush continues efforts to become a certified NYS DEC recognized climate smart community, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rensselaer County is providing support for a Climate Smart Resiliency vision document to be developed. All residents of the Town of North Greenbush are encouraged to be heard in this process. To date there has been an invitation for individuals to provide feedback in a public meeting held at the Town of North Greenbush Town Hall as well as to take a survey to collect input for the town vision. On December 3rd at 7 PM at the Town of North Greenbush Town Hall, those interested are encouraged to provide feedback on the draft vision statement that was created as a result of the previous public meeting and survey efforts. To access a draft of the Climate Smart Vision Statement please go to the Town of North Greenbush and scroll down to the Climate Smart content. If you are having trouble sourcing the draft please feel free to email Bernie Wiesen at bw27@nullcornell.edu and/or call at 518-272-4210. All are encouraged to attend the meeting on December 3rd at 7 PM at the North Greenbush Town Hall to provide comments and suggestions on the draft vision statement.
Submitted by Councilwoman Mary Frances Sabo
North Greenbush Update from Supervisor Bott, Deputy Supervisor Hoffman and Councilwoman Merola
NORTH GREENBUSH – Happy November from Town Hall. First, we would like to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to all of our veterans as we recognize them on Veteran’s Day and every day for their service and sacrifice to our great country. Thank you for your service. We are pleased to report our 2022 budget was adopted with no increase in taxes. Work continues on the Route 4 traffic improvement project and the roundabout by HVCC is nearly complete. After the public hearing this month, the town approved a new 4-way stop at the intersection of Bloomingrove Drive and Winter Street Extension to help improve traffic safety. New signs will be installed very soon so please be aware and adhere to the new traffic safety devices once installed. Residents are reminded of the new reduced speed limit on East Avenue by Gardner Dickinson School. Our Halloween Parade was the biggest ever with nearly 500 children participating; thank you to Councilwoman Merola for making this a huge success. Thank you to Stewarts for providing all of the donuts and refreshments and to John and Tina Panichi and the employees at Benetech for making their annual Trunk or Treat a great community event for our residents. We are starting a new town tradition with the Starry Night Memorial Christmas Trees. You can purchase a tree for $50 in memory of a loved one and the town will provide the tree, electricity and sign and you provide your own LED lights and decorations. The field next to town hall with be filled with beautifully decorated memorial trees for all to enjoy. Santa is coming to our annual Christmas Parade which will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2021 starting at 6pm from St. Jude’s to Brookside to Main Ave to Town Hall. After the parade, we will be lighting the Starry Night Memorial Christmas Trees. Congratulations to Supervisor Bott, Councilwoman Merola and Councilman-elect Gordon on their recent election. We want to wish you all a very blessed and Happy Thanksgiving.
Poestenkill Town Board – Thursday, October 21, 2021
POESTENKILL – Public comment – There were several residents who spoke about the PFOA/PFAS contamination in town and urged the Town Board to approve the resolution supporting more tests.
A resident spoke regarding an ongoing issue relating to her neighbor’s dogs and asked why the court case was dismissed.
A resident commented on the proposed White Church Road PPD and stated that he had more than 30 signatures of those opposing the project.
Councilman Wohlleber proposed an update to the Town Code to provide the Dog Control Officer with the ability to issue appearance tickets in certain cases. The Town Attorney will be looking into this matter.
Scheduling a Public Hearing for White Church Road PDD – motion made by Supervisor Hammond, seconded by Councilwoman Butler and passed 3-2 with Councilman Van Slyke and Wohlleber voting no.
Motion made by Supervisor Hammond, seconded by Councilwoman Butler, and passed unanimously to appoint Wayne Bonesteel Town Engineer for the Town of Poestenkill.
Councilman Wohlleber introduced a proposal that the Town Board pay for well testing in the vicinity of the middle school. Councilman Wohlleber made the motion that the town set aside $35,000 for the testing of wells, Councilman Van Slyke seconded and the resolution failed 2-3 with Supervisor Hammond, Councilwoman Butler, and Councilman Hass voting no.
Councilman Wohlleber proposed the Town Board approve a contract to provide live streaming of all Town public meetings which would also be archived on the town website, seconded by Supervisor Hammond and the resolution failed 2-3 with Councilman Van Slyke, Councilwoman Butler, and Councilman Hass voting no.
The Town Board unanimously approved the 2022 Library Lease Agreement and an agreement with Mohawk and Hudson River Humane Society.
These minutes to be approved at the next Town Board Meeting on Thursday, November 18 at 7 pm.
Submitted by Councilman Wohlleber
Nassau Residents
NASSAU – The Nassau Town Clerk, Sandra Rings, would like to wish everyone a very happy and blessed Thanksgiving and to report that the Nassau Town Clerk’s Office will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday, November 25th and Friday, November 26th also. Please try to plan your visit to the Town Clerk’s Office around those dates. Thank you.
Sincerely, Sandra L. Rings, RMC
Nassau Town Clerk
From the Desk of Janice Hannigan Kerwin, North Greenbush Town Clerk
NORTH GREENBUSH – Please be informed that the Town of North Greenbush town offices will be closed on Thursday, November 25th & Friday November 26th 2021, for the Thanksgiving Holiday. Town Hall will re-open, on Monday, November 29th, 2021 and will resume our regular business hours of 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Thank you and enjoy your Thanksgiving Holiday with your friends & family! Please continue to stay healthy and safe during the upcoming holidays.
Notice of Meeting
NORTH GREENBUSH – The Town of North Greenbush Climate Smart Communities Committee will hold a meeting on Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. at the Town of North Greenbush Offices, Council Room, 2 Douglas Street, Wynantskill NY 12198. Some members will be present in person and others will be present via Zoom. The public may attend. The meeting will also be livestreamed via town hall streams which can be accessed via the town website. All COVID 19 protocols will be followed.
Town of East Greenbush Department of Public Works Appliance Pick-Up
EAST GREENBUSH – The Town of East Greenbush Department of Public Works will be picking up appliances from Monday, December 6th through Friday, December 10th. Please call the office at 518-477-6103 to schedule an appointment for your appliance to be picked up. In the event of a snow/ice storm appointments will be rescheduled to a later date. The following items will be picked up: • Refrigerators • Freezers/Washer/Dryer • Stoves/Ovens • Hot Water Heaters • Dehumidifiers • Microwaves • Air Conditioners
Sincerely, Dan Fiacco, Commissioner of Public Works
Town of East Greenbush