Guilderland News

March 2, 2010 Town Board Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Grimm) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 00:56:00 +0000

The Board unanimously authorized a $7,900 payment to prepare an application to the DEC to allow the town to remove sludge from the town’s water supply and reuse it as soil in construction projects.

If approved by the DEC, 100 tons of alum sludge from the town’s water treatment plant could be removed at a cheaper price, and in a more environmentally sound way.

The town’s water department now adds a chemical (alum) to the town’s water supply to filter dirt out of town water. The town disposes the sludge created at the Colonie landfill for $41.50 per ton.

The plan is to combine the sludge with other soil and reuse it as a “beneficial reuse."

Water Supt. Bill West says cost can probably be reduced by as much as $31.50 per ton or an overall 70 percent savings per ton.

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The Board unanimously approved a resolution opposing the closing of Thacher State Park.

Councilman Grimm said, "it is hard to believe there is no money available to keep our parks open given the proposed state budget is $134-billion. Our parks are one of the few government entities all citizens get to enjoy. We should all speak up to protect them.”

Though Thacher Park is not in Guilderland, it provides recreational, scenic, educational and economic benefits to Guilderland residents and businesses.

February 2, 2010 Town Board Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Grimm) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 03:46:00 +0000

The Board unanimously approved setting aside 191 acres of town land to be managed by the Albany Pine Bush Preserve. The dedication did not transfer ownership but provided the Preserve Commission the authority to have management, custody, and control, including the authority to perform fire management and other habitat management.

Councilman Grimm's motion to have the town approved a less costly alternative for a town appraisal for a property in litigation was voted down, 3-2. Board Democrats preferred a more costly alternative.

Supervisor Runion abruptly adjourned the meeting during discussion on the appraisal.

January 19, 2010 Town Board Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Grimm) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 18:19:00 +0000

Due to insufficient information, two board members (Redlich and Grimm) abstained on a motion to approve a $5,000 appraisal fee for the Metro Diner. The motion failed. The next board meeting would present another opportunity for the board to act on the appraisal proposal or an alternative one.

Ken Brownell was unanimously appointed the new chair of the zoning review committee. He said he hoped to bring the town's zoning code "into the 21st century."

January 1, 2010 Town Board Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Grimm) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:46:00 +0000

In its organizational meeting, the Board unanimously approved 25 of 27 appointments. Councilmen Grimm and Redlich cast no votes on two appointments:
1-Paul Caputo to the Planning Board.
Mr. Caputo is chairman of Albany County Independence Party who oversees the endorsements for Guilderland town candidates. This conflict involving taxpayer money (Caputo receives $4,850 a year for the planning board) made a no vote necessary.
2- Richard Sherwood as Town Attorney
Mr. Sherwood has refused to answer questions from town board members. A chief responsibility of the town attorney is to respond to inquiries from town board members.

Thanks to the entire group of appointees for their service.

December 15, 2009 Town Board Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Grimm) — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 18:25:00 +0000

The Board was split on a vote on approving a new $100 fee for soil disturbance on less than one acre of land. The Board's majority members voted in favor, the minority voted against (3-2 vote).

Councilman Grimm said the permitting papework could easily be absorbed by Town staff and no additional fee is needed. This is unfortunately one more way of reaching into taxpayers' pockets.

The board tabled a vote on transfer of land from the Town to the Pine Bush Preserve Commission. Supervisor Runion had neglected to notify any of the nearby neighbors about the transfer so the Board agreed that should be done first.

The Board approved a new five-year lease agreement for the clubhouse at Western Turnpike Golf Course. The rent will be $75,000 a year for each of the five years of the contract.

The Board also discussed contract negotiations with the Police Benevolent Association in executive session.

December 1, 2009 Town Board Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Grimm) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 23:46:00 +0000

The Board unanimously approved:

the appointment of Carl Duda to Sergeant in the Guilderland Police Department
a settlement of a tax litigation case with Landmark Development Group for four undeveloped vacant losts on Stonebriar Drive
a new insurance contract for the Town with Capital Bauer --- a one-year policy costing $322,604.

The Board also entered executive session to discuss the lease renewal to the clubhouse at Western Turnpike Golf Course.

November 17, 2009 Town Board Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Grimm) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 23:40:00 +0000

The Board voted 4-1 (Redlich was lone dissenter) to approve infrastructure for Woodfield Estates, a new subdivsion on East Lydius St. with 45 building lots.

Mary Rozak from United Way spoke about a new 2-1-1 phone help line that connects non-emergency services with people that need them.

November 5, 2009 Town Board Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Grimm) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 23:07:00 +0000

Supervisor Runion proposed and the Board agreed to a change in a line item in the tentative budget: #A3121.1600 - Personal Services for Paramedics.
The original tentative budget had $686,233.00 in the line. The new figure is $724,877.00. The minority members of the board had fought hard for the increase to enhance public safety.

Acknowledging concerns expressed by minority members about sales tax projections for 2010, Supervisor Runion identified $334,355 in potential cuts if sales tax revenues did not meet expectations.

Supervisor Runion said he was leaving the 2010 sales tax projection at $10,050,000.

The Board voted 3-2 on the 2010 budget, Runion, Slavick, and Pastore in favor, Grimm and Redlich opposed. Councilman Grimm said he couldn't support the pay raise for town board members in the budget during such a tough economy.

October 20, 2009 Town Board Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Grimm) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:03:00 +0000

A motion to have the town budget workshops televised was defeated 3-2. Councilmen Grimm and Redlich voted in favor of opening up the meetings to televised viewing.

The Board held extensive discussion regarding the Ciembroniewiecz Property at 3600 Western Turnpike. The town's zoning enforcement officer raised concerns over old tires and oil runoff on the property. The Board agreed to have the owner return to the next meeting and demonstrate progress has been made on the cleanup.

The Board approved the installation of stop signs to replace yield sings at the intersections of Lincoln Drive and Presidential Way and Lincoln Drive and Jefferson Court per recommendations of the traffic safety committee.

October 5, 2009 Town Board Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Grimm) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 23:39:00 +0000

The tentative 2010 budget was presented to the board. Mr. Runion appears to over estimate sales tax revenue by at least $400,000. No plans are being made to prepare for a big jump in pension payments in February 2011.

Some key discussion points:

Councilman Redlich contended the increase in the town’s pension contribution would be in the area of 50 percent in February 2011. Both Supervisor Runion and John O’Mara, town fiscal officer, said the increase would not be anywhere near that. Mr. Runion said a 20 percent increase would be his estimate. In fact, 50 percent is the correct range.

When asked what was being done to address the looming pension increase, Mr. O’Mara said, “Well. This is 2010. We’ll worry about 2011 when we get there.”

Supervisor Runion also conceded no line items exist for $140,000 in projects he has recently submitted to the board. He said no money had been spent from the contingency funds this year. He said the money for the projects might come from contingency funds, either in 2009 or from the 2010 budget.

The Ghost of Altamont: A Guilderland Story

noreply@blogger.com (Albany Lawyer) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 03:29:00 +0000

Supervisor Ken Runion plays a key role in this ghost story:

Read more about the Ghost of Altamont.

September 17, 2009 Board Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Grimm) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 20:13:00 +0000

Henry Boland of the state Department of Criminal Justice appeared at the meeting to highlight the state accreditation of the Guilderland Police Department. Special recognition was given to Sgt. Gary Lee for spearheading the effort. Lee was awarded the John Kimball O’Neil certificate for his work.

Guilderland High School Senior Matt Ward received the State of New York Youth of the Year Award. Matthew is part of the Police Department's Explorer program. Officer Roger Ginder was presented the Juvenile Officer of the Year award.

Since it was revealed Supervisor Runion's budget process was not complying with state law, the Board voted unanimously to change the date of the next board meeting, from October 6th to Monday, October 5th.

September 1, 2009 Board Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Grimm) — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 23:25:00 +0000

The town purchased a van for senior transportation from the Village of Altamont for $14,500.

The Board also established the rate for disposing of TV's ($10) and monitors ($5) at the town transfer station.

August 18th Town Board Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Grimm) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 20:32:00 +0000

A Councilman Redlich motion to prohibit any gag order that would prevent Guilderland police officers from speaking with any town board member was not approved. Councilmen Grimm and Redlich voted for the motion, Supervisor Runion and Councilman Pastore opposed it. Councilwoman Slavick abstained.

During subsequent questioning about his vote, Supervisor Runion abruptly left the meeting and was absent during the vote to adjourn.

A re-zone request by Amedore Homes to allow for construction of townhomes at 2969 Old State Road was tabled.

Donald Csaposs was appointed to a civil service grant writer position in a 3-2 vote. Councilmen Grimm and Redlich opposed the appointment. Grimm said the town's grant procurement process had been disappointing, citing high tap-in fees for the West End Water Project (which received no grant money) and the failure to get any federal stimulus funds by the town.

Grimm added that in McKownville, no grant money had been obtained for the sewer issues, and Guilderland Center residents are still waiting for their promised sidewalks. Grinm concluded: "I think this vote is really a vote for more of the same when we can do much better in terms of our grant procurement process.”

The Board voted to approve funding for a traffic calming and pedestrian and bike safety study on Dr. Shaw Road between Route 155 and Veeder Rd. Supervisor Runion said contingency funds would finance the proejct.

Chris Aldrich

noreply@blogger.com (Albany Lawyer) — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 03:39:00 +0000

The Republican candidate for Guilderland Town Judge is Chris Aldrich.

July 7, 2009 Board Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Grimm) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 19:53:00 +0000

The Board unanimously approved funding ($110,000) to study the stormwater drainage problems in McKownville and the Blackberry Etates on Curry Rd Extension ($75,000 for the former, $35,000 for the latter). Discussion was held as to whether or not the study proposed should seek requests for proposals. The Board decided time was of the essence and to proceed without soliciting proposals.

Additional town money ($23,317) was added to a project to mitigate the flooding at Stuyvesant Plaza. Matching funds, for the same amount, would be provided by Stuyvesant Plaza. The new figure for the project would be $646,634, up from $600,000.

The Board also approved a new trash agreement with the Town of Colonie landfill, ending their participation in the Solid Waste Management group that uses the Rapp Road landfill. In May, Councilmen Grimm and Redlich opposed the plan that approved expansion of the landfill, but were defeated in a 3-2 vote.

In a split vote (3-2), two nominees from the minority were rejected by the majority to serve on a new zoning committee established by Supervisor Runion. A subsequent vote allowed for just one of the nominees to be placed.

June 16, 2009 Town Board Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Grimm) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 22:35:00 +0000

The Board unanimously approved going out to bid for a $600,000 project intended to mitigate the flooding on Western Avenue at Stuyvesant Plaza. Supervisor Runion said the project would not end the flooding there. He said the goal is to make the flooding much less frequent --- from two or three times a year to a 5 -10 year event. The breakdown on the funding: $200,000 from state legislator grants, $200,000 from NYS DOT, $100,000 from NYS Parks and Recreation department, $100,000 of private money from Stuyvesant Plaza.

Councilman Grimm made it clear this project does not involve the flooded basement problems in the area. That is a different issue.

The Board unanimously approved funding for a new 12-passenger bus for senior transportation. Mr. Runion said $34,000 of the $39,000 needed will come from a reserve fund for senior transportation (the other $5,000 will come from a state grant). Mr. Runion said that the reserve fund now totals $115,000. He has been adding $15,000 a year to the senior reserve fund.

June 2, 2009 Town Board Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Grimm) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:03:00 +0000

1-The Board unanimously approved the amending of a water agreement between the City of Watervliet and the Town of Guilderland. The Watervliet Reservoir, owned by Watervliet, is the principal source of water for Guilderland. Guilderland pays Watervliet for the water.

The old contract was unusual because it was based on a formula reflecting the consumer price index of 1993, which caused the payments to accelerate. With the new contract, a price adjustment would be made annually.

The new agreement runs through the year 2028. The previous contract had run through 2017.

2-An important discussion took place involving pension contributions by the Town. Supervisor Runion said the Town's current pension contribution is $1.4 million a year. He said that could increase by $500,000 to $700,000 by 2011 given the state of the economy and the markets. The State determines the percentage municipalities must contribute to their pension funds in order to meet its obligations to retirees.

May 19, 2009 Town Board Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Grimm) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 17:44:00 +0000

The Town Board had a split vote, 3-2, regarding the approval of a solid waste management plan that several municipalities (including Guilderland) participate in. Board Dems (Runion, Slavick, Pastore) voted for the plan. Board members Mark Grimm and Warren Redlich opposed the plan because it called for the expansion of the Rapp Road landfill. Many Guilderland residents oppose the landfill expansion because of ongoing problems with odors from the site.

The Board also voted 5-0 to approve a temporary assessment reduction for the restoration of historic barns.

May 5, 2009 Board Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Grimm) — Thu, 14 May 2009 00:31:00 +0000

The Board unanimously approved a temporary tax break involving assessments for homeowner improvements. A similar plan for historic barns was tabled so the language on the law could be improved.

Four local scout groups, Troops 50, 83, 24 and Cub Scout Pack 24 were recognized for their outstanding community service. Kudos to Scoutmasters Larry Vincent, Dan Travers, George Bafumi, and Cub Scout Pack Leader Ed O’Brien and all the scouts for their great work!

April 21, 2009 Board Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Grimm) — Thu, 14 May 2009 00:16:00 +0000

Key discussion - Councilman Grimm expressed concern that reduced staffiing for town parademics created a serious safety issue. Supervisor Runion said there had not been any staff reduction, though he later stated he had not received any complaints regarding the paramedics staff reductions.

In January, the paramedics union representative sent a letter to Mr. Runion stating the staffing cuts "would seriously compromise response capabilities, citizen safety and effectiveness of the EMS department."

April 7, 2009 Town Board Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Grimm) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 07:39:00 +0000

A Date was set (May 5) to hold public hearings on local laws to offer temporary tax assessment breaks for certain home improvements and improvements to historic barns.

Superintendent of Highways Todd Gifford explained that by waiting to this year to bid on aspphalt, the town realized a savings of over $335,000.00 because of the sharp drop in oil. Oil is a key ingredient in asphalt.

March 17, 2009 Town Board Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Grimm) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 23:51:00 +0000

In the public forum, senior citizen Marie Sbardella criticized Supervisor Runion's cuts to senior citizen transportation. Specifically, she mentioned the elimination of weekly trips to Wal-Mart and the elimination of senior transportation to the Guilderland High School play. A former driver for the seniors' department, Sbardella said things were changing involving the transportation, "not for the good."

There was extended debate regarding a proposal by Councilman Redlich that Guilderland police not write tickets for drivers with blood alcohol levels of .05. The debate surfaced during a discussion to add a third judge to the Guilderland town court.

The Board voted 4-1 (Redlich - lone dissenter) to ask the state legislature to pass a home rule message to make the third judge possible in Guilderland. The vote was not an approval for the third judge, it was for state authorization to allow the town board to approve it at later date if it chooses.

--- Mark Grimm

March 3, 2009 Town Board Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Grimm) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 15:50:00 +0000

The central issue of the meeting was the debate over whether to add a third judge to Guilderland Town Court. Proponents on the Board said the court was overcrowded and cited the recommendation of State Supreme Court Justice Ceresia. Opposition centered on the cost of the judge, especially during tough economic times. A 3-2 vote tabled the issue for further study. Councilmen Pastore, Grimm and Redlich voted yes, Supervisor Runion and Councilwoman Slavick voted no.

Colin Gallup was appointed to the position of Parks & Rec Department Maintenance Supervisor off the civil service list. Congratulations Colin.

Ken Runion refuses e-mails

noreply@blogger.com (Albany Lawyer) — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 13:16:00 +0000

Here's video of Ken Runion stating that he will not accept e-mails from two of the Town Board members.