December 16, 2008 meeting

Police Promotion
The Town Board approved the appointment of Guilderland Police Officer Roger Ginder to the position of Sergeant (4-0, Councilman Redlich recused himself). Congratulations to Sgt. Ginder and his family.

To make the selection process more open and inclusive, Councilman Grimm asked that the minority party have a representative on the police review board. The Board interviews candidates and makes recommendations for appointments. Supervisor Runion refused to allow any minority representation on the police review board.

State of Emergency Notification
Due to the ice storm, Supervisor Runion declared a town "state of emergency" on Friday, December 12th. Since many Guilderland residents were not aware of the state of emergency declaration, Councilman Grimm made the following suggestions to improve public communication the next time a state of emergency occurs:

- Notify the Town Board when a State of Emergency is declared
- Place the Declaration notification on the town's cable TV channel and explain what it means to residents
- Send notice by e-mail to all those residents who have signed up for town e-mails for various departments
- Place the addresses of the town shelters on the town's website throughout the emergency.

Though those without power couldn't receive electronic communication, many who had power could get the message out to friends and relatives.

December 2nd Town Board Meeting

The Town Board voted to give the former Altamont Train Station to the Altamont Free Library. The Town purchased the station in 2006 and leased it to the Library. The Library is renovating the site.