May 20th Town Board meeting

A discussion on how to deal with the flooding problem in Guilderland was a prominent part of the meeting. Barton and Loguidice engineer Don Fletcher and Town Water Department Superintendent Bill West spoke regarding the annual report on storm water management in the town. That prompted a broader discussion on how to deal with flooded basements in McKownville and Stuyvesant Plaza/Western Avenue flooding. The Board decided to ask the town highway department to conduct a survey of residents to create hard data on the extent of the problem before proceeding further with a plan to improve the situation. Supervisor Runion also gave an update on planned changes to the McKownville Reservior to make it more effective in controlling flooding.

The Board also voted unanimously to go out to bid for construction involving the $7.4 million project to extend water to West End residents.

Four volunteers were named to the Guilderland Center Hamlet Committee.

May 6th Town Board Meeting

The three finalists for the police chief opening were interviewed prior to, and after, the Town Board meeting. A decision should come soon.

Several residents spoke about concerns involving a proposed development on 41 acres at 17 School Road near Guilderland High School. They said flooding was already a big problem in their basements and wanted to ensure the development doesn't add to the problem. The initial approval for the development was delayed by the Board, pending more study by the developer.

A former summer employee at the Western Turnpike golf course spoke at public comment period complaining he was not re-hired this summer. John Adamovich said he was told there was "a new policy" that only Guilderland residents can work there now. Supervisor Runion said there is a "preference" given town employees but there is no residency requirement. Runion said he made the cut in order to save money. Mark Grimm and Warren Redlich said they should have been informed about the supervisor's actions.