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During a public hearing in the Sept. 21 Jerusalem Town Board meeting, resident John Grabski praised the work done by the town on wind farm regulations, calling it “a wonderful job,” but asked the board why there was no clause requiring a bond for property value protection. With three of the four major wind energy companies being owned by foreign corporations, Grabski asserts that without the bond requirement, it would be difficult if not impossible to recover any damages even if proved. Board member Michael Folts agreed, saying, “If it’s not in there, it should be. I won’t entertain passing if it isn’t.”
Resident James Fitzgibbons handed the board a recommendation for a resolution to insert the clause into the regulation. Town Attorney Phil Bailey suggests this could be interpreted as a major change which requires another public hearing. Town Engineer Wayne Ackart concurred, but said no time would be lost because the State Environmental Quality Review won’t be passed until November.
Other business included:
HEALTH INSURANCE: A dispute emerged between Folts and Town Clerk Sheila McMichael over who is responsible for employee health benefits when Town Justice Matt Davison disclosed the difficulties he has had in communication with the agent for Blue Cross/Blue Shield. He says result, his insurance has lapsed, and he has filed a grievance with the company.
HIGHWAY: Highway Superintendent Bob Payne reported they they were “pinching pennies,” but he is expecting a check from FEMA for $111,710.24 to reimburse and continue repairs of storm damage. Board member Neil Simmons praised the work the department had done on Culver Hill Road and how well the repairs stood up to later storms. Some frustration was expressed over Penn Yan hiring trucks on a cooperative project when Jerusalem and Benton could have done it with less cost to all three municipalities. Payne also reported the bids on the 14 foot sand and salt spreader to be installed on the town’s new truck. Henderson Inc. submitted the winning bid of $12,760.
WATER: Ackart asked the town to grant permission for the state to relocate the town’s 12 in. water main on Rte. 54A when they replace the bridge/culvert near Camp Good Days after Labor Day 2012. Simmons brought up the fact that the road closure in September and October would have a very negative impact on the restaurants and tourists on 54A during the peak foliage season, as well as the recent revitalization of the Pleasant Valley Wine Co. He stated it would also be dangerous for semi-trucks to be routed over the small, steep roads during grape harvest. The board granted the permission contingent on the road remaining open from June 1 through Oct. 31.
During a public hearing in the Sept. 21 Jerusalem Town Board meeting, resident John Grabski praised the work done by the town on wind farm regulations, calling it “a wonderful job,” but asked the board why there was no clause requiring a bond for property value protection. With three of the four major wind energy companies being owned by foreign corporations, Grabski asserts that without the bond requirement, it would be difficult if not impossible to recover any damages even if proved. Board member Michael Folts agreed, saying, “If it’s not in there, it should be. I won’t entertain passing if it isn’t.”
Resident James Fitzgibbons handed the board a recommendation for a resolution to insert the clause into the regulation. Town Attorney Phil Bailey suggests this could be interpreted as a major change which requires another public hearing. Town Engineer Wayne Ackart concurred, but said no time would be lost because the State Environmental Quality Review won’t be passed until November.
Other business included:
HEALTH INSURANCE: A dispute emerged between Folts and Town Clerk Sheila McMichael over who is responsible for employee health benefits when Town Justice Matt Davison disclosed the difficulties he has had in communication with the agent for Blue Cross/Blue Shield. He says result, his insurance has lapsed, and he has filed a grievance with the company.
HIGHWAY: Highway Superintendent Bob Payne reported they they were “pinching pennies,” but he is expecting a check from FEMA for $111,710.24 to reimburse and continue repairs of storm damage. Board member Neil Simmons praised the work the department had done on Culver Hill Road and how well the repairs stood up to later storms. Some frustration was expressed over Penn Yan hiring trucks on a cooperative project when Jerusalem and Benton could have done it with less cost to all three municipalities. Payne also reported the bids on the 14 foot sand and salt spreader to be installed on the town’s new truck. Henderson Inc. submitted the winning bid of $12,760.
WATER: Ackart asked the town to grant permission for the state to relocate the town’s 12 in. water main on Rte. 54A when they replace the bridge/culvert near Camp Good Days after Labor Day 2012. Simmons brought up the fact that the road closure in September and October would have a very negative impact on the restaurants and tourists on 54A during the peak foliage season, as well as the recent revitalization of the Pleasant Valley Wine Co. He stated it would also be dangerous for semi-trucks to be routed over the small, steep roads during grape harvest. The board granted the permission contingent on the road remaining open from June 1 through Oct. 31.
Water and sewer worker Gary Dinehart has withdrawn his letter of intent to retire. Supervisor Daryl Jones believes the town should continue to advertise to take on a third full-time worker, since Dinehart will eventually go and the town has needed more help. Folts brought up the impact this would have on the preliminary water & sewer budget, which will be presented with the town budget at a public hearing Oct. 19.
UNSAFE STRUCTURE: Public hearing scheduled for the unsafe structure at 2958 Rte. 54A. If demolition is not undertaken after that, the town may demolish it themselves and add the cost to the tax bill.
PLANNING: The Planning Board needs permission to hire specialist engineering services under one policy rather than separate permission for some types of projects and none for others.
ASSESSOR: Vernon Brand was appointed sole part-time assessor at a salary of $38,000 per year. His schedule was approved at three days per week, eight hours per day, 12 days per month. His expenses for training in Syracuse were also approved.
ZBA: The board accepted the resignation of John Hoffer from the Zoning Board of Appeals, and will issue a letter of thanks for his many years of service. They will also advertise for people to fill his position and an alternate.
• Constitution Week was officially declared as Sept. 17-24 to recognize the importance of the US Constitution to local government.
