Around Village Hall
Bond. It’s been 10 years since the Cornwall-on-Hudson Board of Trustees has had to take out a Bond Anticipation Note to cover the cost of a project. However, during a special meeting on Tuesday, the board approved a bond resolution not to exceed $350,000 to complete the Black Rock Water Treatment Plant clearwell rehabilitation project. The initial estimate for the project was between $120-150,000 and it was believed the work could be completed out of the operating budget for the Water Department. After bidding the project three times, the lowest bid came in at $251,000. The village has already realized $23,000 in change orders and about $70,000 in engineering bills to date. When the project began, the extent of the damage to the water tank was unknown. The project needed to be completed because it’s anticipated the New York City Aqueduct will be shut down for an extended period of time.
Tax cap. The board approved a resolution to set a public hearing on Dec. 19, at 7:02 p.m. As it has since inception, the board will seek the ability to exceed the tax cap when preparing the 2017-18 budget.
Promotions. Department of Public Works employees Andrew Stathes and Joseph McCormick were promoted to Motor Equipment Operators.
Unpaid taxes. During the monthly business meeting on Nov. 21, Village Clerk/Treasurer Jeanne Mahoney reported $68,239.67 in unpaid taxes has been forwarded to the Commissioner of Finance for tax collection re-levy.
Avenue A. A public hearing was set for 7 p.m. on Dec. 19 to allow residents to comment on the board’s proposal for a three-way stop sign at the intersection of Avenue A and King Street.
RiverFest. It never hurts to plan ahead. The board granted approval for the annual RiverFest to take place on June. 3.
Livestock. Attorney Joe McKay said he needed more time to research what other municipalities have on their books with regards to ownership of livestock. A public hearing is expected on Jan. 16.
Zombie utility poles. Mayor Brendan Coyne reported five poles to Central Hudson. Once Central Hudson removes its wires to a new pole, and cuts the pole, it’s up to the remaining utilities to move their wires. “It’s a problem of aesthetics,” said Coyne.
Trustee David Carnright said the general rule is if the pole is cut, it’s no longer the responsibility of Central Hudson. He said the owner of the last wire on is responsible for removing the pole. Some municipalities have passed local laws passing on the removal cost to the last utility on the pole, making it a race to get off quicker.