Town Tidbits

April 2006

NEXTEL CELL TOWER PROJECT

On March 10^th, the APA conditionally approved the proposed 80 foot telecommunications tower project located on Ridge Road.  It was determined that the tower will be “substantially invisible” from off-site locations since it is situated within a forested area and “that it will not be sky-lighted above the tree line”.   It was further determined that the project will not result in any undue adverse impacts on the Park’s visual and open space resources.  The APA approval is a great step forward for our community.  Hopefully, we will see the project begin soon and become a reality.  Thanks to everyone who took the time to send letters of support to the APA.

JOINT YOUTH COMMISSION

The Northville-Northampton Joint Youth Commission will be hosting a community-wide Easter Egg Hunt on April 15^th at 10:00 a.m.   The event will take place at the following locations:  Pre-kindergarten and younger-Northville Public Library, kindergarten and first grade- Town Park next to the Bradt Building, second and third grade-Village Waterfront Park on Main Street, and fourth through sixth grade students-Northville Central School.  Children are to bring their own baskets.  For more information or to volunteer to help with the event, call 863-8764.

The Youth Commission is preparing for its summer program and is currently seeking counselors and certified lifeguards.  The Summer Day Camp will begin on July 5^th and will run for 5 ½  weeks for children residing in Benson, Northampton, Edinburg and Northville.  Applications for counselors and lifeguards are available at the Bradt Municipal Building and are to be submitted by April 10^th.  For more information or for applications call the Village offices at 863-4211.

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE

The Planning Board has presented the Town Board with the draft Comprehensive Plan.  A public hearing on the draft plan was held on February 23^rd  and continued on March 16^th.  A work session is scheduled for April 6^th at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall.  We will begin reviewing comments received to date.  The public hearing is still open and the public is encouraged to submit any comments or suggestions to the Town Board.  The revised plan is up on our website on the front page and can be printed from there and is also available on CD.   The public may bring a blank CD to Town Hall to have a copy made.

PROPOSED DEMOLITION ORDINANCE

The Planning Board and the Historic Landmark Commission has presented the Town Board with a proposed Demolition Ordinance.  The proposed Local Law concerns the demolition of buildings within the Town of Northampton for the purposes of public safety, real property tax assessments and the preservation of historic structures.  The proposed ordinance is available for review and comments in the Town Clerk’s Office.  The Town Board will conduct a public hearing on the proposed ordinance on April 19^th at 7:00 p.m.

NEW RECYCLING CATEGORY

The Fulton County Department of Solid Waste has added a new plastics category for the public to recycle – tubs and lids.  The tubs and lids category includes yogurt cups, margarine tubs, whipped topping containers and lids.

VACANCIES ON BOARDS / POSITIONS

Three vacancies on the Town Planning Board have been filled.  We still have one member position to fill and one alternate position.  The Zoning Board of Appeals has openings for two alternate positions and the Historic Landmark Commission also has an opening.

 Anyone who is interested in a position on any of the Town Boards is encouraged to send a letter of interest to the Town Clerk with envelope marked “Board Vacancies”.  We will interview any applicants.

COMMUNITY  ENHANCEMENT OFFICER

The Town is seeking persons interested in assisting the Code Enforcement Officer with ensuring compliance with the towns anti-blight laws (litter, junk car laws, etc.).  The person appointed will work under the supervision of the CEO.  Duties will include field inspections and investigations, the issuance of non-compliance citations and other related documents necessary to seek a judicial remedy if necessary.  This position requires a commitment to provide quality service to community residents and the ability to deal professionally with individuals.  Applicants would be required to be computer knowledgeable and to prepare documentation of inspections, recordkeeping and other related documents as necessary.   Letters of interest should be sent to the Town Clerk, with envelope marked “Community Enhancement Officer”, PO Box 479, Northville NY  12134.

ASSESSOR UPDATE

The Town is now accepting applications for a sole assessor to replace Bruce Boulton, who is planning to leave the end of June.  This will be part-time position.  Applicants must meet state qualifications and be knowledgeable of the RPS Version 4 Program.  Resumes may be sent to Northampton Town Clerk, PO Box 479, Northville NY 12134, with envelope marked “Assessor”

NOTE:  Our Town Board minutes are available on the web site.

UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS

-Great Sacandaga Lake Advisory Council, March 31^st, 10:00 a.m.

-Town Comprehensive Plan Work Session, April 6th, 6:30 pm

-Community-Wide Easter Egg Hunt, April 15^th, 10:00 a.m.

-Town Planning Board April 12^th, 7:00 pm

-Demolition Ordinance Public Hearing, April 19^th, 7:00 p.m.

-Regular Town Board Meeting April 19^th, 7:00 pm

-Joint Youth Commission, April 25^th, 7:00 pm

-Joint Village /Town Inter-municipal, April 27^th, 7:30 pm