Northampton Town Tidbits

December 2006

By Supervisor Linda Kemper

Visit us at www.townofnorthampton.com

E-MAIL: nhpton1@frontiernet.net

TOWN AWARDED $200,000 GRANT FROM GOVERNOR’S OFFICE

On November 17^th, the Governor issued a press release announcing $8 million for 12 North Country Adirondack communities to implement water quality projects that will provide needed infrastructure improvements.  The Town was awarded $200,000 for the replacement of sanitary sewer lines in the Sacandaga Park to correct inflow and infiltration issues with some of the 100-year-old lines.  While we are operating within DEC discharge permit regulations, we are currently treating groundwater entering through the deteriorated pipes, as well as wastewater.  Therefore, the sewer plant is not running as efficiently as it could be, making it more costly to operate. 

We have been working closely with the Environmental Facilities Corp., DEC, and Rural Waters for several months on testing the lines and collecting existing records on the old system.  A request for proposal (RFP) for the engineering work needed is nearly completed.  Once this step is done, we will conduct a public informational meeting to explain the process and receive input.  We are extremely grateful for the grant, which will give us a huge jumpstart on the work that needs to be done, and to the folks from the State that have been helping me out.  The Town will continue to aggressively pursue funding opportunities for this and other projects as well.

OLD FASHIONED CHRISTMAS AND TREE LIGHTING PLANNED

The Civic Association will sponsor it’s annual tree lighting and old fashioned Christmas event at the Village Waterfront Park on Saturday December 2^nd beginning at 2:00 pm starting with the tree decorating contest.  This event has grown bigger and better every year and is a great event for the entire family.  This year’s activities will include pictures with Santa, horse and wagon rides, music, live nativity, the popular bonfire with the lighting of the tree at 7:00 pm and of course, Santa’s arrival.  The schedule will be posted and can be picked up at Town Hall.  Don’t miss this event; hope to see you there.

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE LAW

The Town has sent the proposed law to the County Planning Board for any recommendations prior to the Board’s final approval.  After the County makes their comments, the Town Board expects final approval by the end of November.  We have received very positive feedback from the public on this law and we appreciate everyone’s help in “twinking” the draft version.  We have noticed that many property owners are being proactive in cleaning up their properties.  The Town Residents as well as visitors Thank You for taking pride in what our community looks like, and hope that others will follow suit. 

HRBRRD ADVISORY COMMITTEE-

At their meeting on November 13^th, the Regulating District Board approved the formation of an Advisory Committee to make recommendations for revising the rules for the permit system.  The Town Supervisors made several recommendations that we hope will be used.  The Committee will include representatives from a variety of Lake interest groups, which will offer a vast mix of knowledge. Their first meeting will be held at the Municipal Building, Northville on Wednesday, November 29^th , 6:30-8:30 pm.  The meetings of the Committee will be posted and open to the public.  The public is reminded to submit written comments and suggested changes to the draft rules prior to December 15^th.  .  The proposed rules may be picked up at the HRBRRD offices or printed from their site at http://www.hrbrrd.com/draftrules.html.   The Sacandaga Lake Levels are extremely high again, go to the website for updates.

TOWN BUDGET-2007

The Town Board approved the 2007 budget with 3 cent per thousand decrease in the Town tax rate.  The rate for 2007 is $.95 per thousand of assessed valuation, one of the lowest in the County.  The County has presented their budget and is proposing a significant tax increase.  This is unacceptable, placing a large burden on Northampton Taxpayers.  Budget work sessions begin November 20^th and we will work at getting that amount lowered.

NOTES: Star applications have been mailed out by the assessor.

-Election Results for Town Council Seat:  Guy Poulin 533, Wendy Rue 234

-The Town offices will be closed Thursday and Friday, November 23^rd and 24^th for the  Thanksgiving Holiday.  Regular office hours will resume on Monday, November 27^th.

-Our Town Board minutes are available on the web site. 

UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS

-November 27^th, Fulton County Budget Public Hearings at County Building 1:30 & 7:00pm

-November 28^th, 30^th  6:00 pm Tentative Town work session and meeting-Property Maintenance

-November 29^th, New HRBRRD Rules & Regs Committee 6:30-8:30 pm, Bradt Building

-December 2^nd, Old Fashioned Christmas, Santa & Tree Lighting -Northville Waterfront Park

-December 11^th, HRBRRD Board of Directors meeting, Johnston City Hall (33 E. Main)10:00am

-December 13^th, Town Planning Board-7:00pm

-December 20^th, Town Board Meeting 7:00 pm