Northampton Town Tidbits
June 2007
By Supervisor Linda Kemper
Visit us at www.townofnorthampton.com
E-MAIL: nhpton1@frontiernet.net
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CASE HEARD IN COURT
Following a two-hour trial at Northampton Town Court on May 14th, Judge Farquhar found Kenneth Slaybaugh Jr of Route 30 guilty of violating the Town’s Property Maintenance Law and the Town’s Zoning Ordinance. Cathi Radnor, an attorney with a Glens Falls Law Firm, represented the Town. The Town produced 3 witnesses to testify; The Town’s Community Enhancement Officer-Herb Sjolund ; Code Enforcement Officer-Dave Curtis; and the APA’s Enforcement Officer-Trevor Fravor. After enacting our Law in November 2006, with notices to violators beginning in December, this is the first (and probably not the last) case to go to trial due to refusal to comply. The APA has also been working on APA violations including depositing junk on wetlands and no permit for a junkyard on this property since 2005.
The Northampton Court imposed fines of $580.00, with possible jail time if the weekly payments to the Court are not made. Mr. Slaybaugh could face additional fines per day from the APA if he remains in violation. It is unfortunate that the Town was forced into having to spend Town funds to prosecute this case. We obviously prefer voluntary compliance. This entire process was avoidable by simply complying with the law, as most have done. Violators are given ample time to clean up. On the positive side, Mr. Slaybaugh is now working hard on cleaning up his property, which we are all thankful for the improvement. We hope that he continues to do so in order to avoid further violations.
The Town will continue to take a strong stand on the Blight issues in the community. With this case behind us, Herb is now addressing the complaints received on other violators.
“OLD MAID PROMENADE” “OH GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN”
Attention All Ladies!! Determined at staying young and having fun, a group of fearless females have joined together to bring you a post-high school adult prom on June 16th at the NCS Gym from 6:30-10:30 pm. What a great excuse to wear your old prom, bridesmaid, mothers-of-the-bride, special occasion dress. It will be what a prom should have been: Dancing the night away with ladies like yourself-fun, full of life, and maybe just a tad crazy. Great music from Phil Schuyler, great food and no curfews…It’s YOUR time to live it up!! Everyone is asked to bring a dish to pass (to keep expenses down). Beverages and dessert will be provided. All proceeds to benefit the Northville Bread of Life Food Pantry. Advance tickets are $10.00, $15.00 at the door and are available at Captain Video, Klippel’s, Whittaker Appraisal Group or call Molly @ 863-8764. Save the date, live on the edge, and treat yourself to a night of fun and friends. How many chances do you get to go to the Prom again!! See you there
SOCIAL HOST LAW
The Town Board is considering legislation aimed to stem underage drinking and drug abuse. Ruth Drake of the Northville-Northampton Community Task Force on underage drinking and the Fulton County Traffic Safety Board together with Yvonne Major of Hamilton-Fulton-Montgomery Prevention Council presented the Board with statistics for underage drinking in NYS. According to a 2006 survey, Fulton County is one of the most at risk Counties in NYS with Northville the highest rating of underage and binge drinking in Fulton County.
Under the proposed law, a person would be charged for allowing underage drinking or drug use on their property, facing fines or imprisonment. Several other communities have already enacted, or are considering enacting the Social Host Law. We hope that others will follow as well. The law is all about saving our kids and helping parents be parents. A public hearing on the proposed law will be held at our next Town Board Meeting on June 20th, at 7:00 pm.
TIRES NOW BEING ACCEPTED AT HARDFILL SITE; DISPOSAL OF BRUSH
The Town Board voted to continue to accept tires at the hardfill site for the same fee as the Town
is being charged for re-cycling them at a private facility. After two years of providing a free service, we felt that this was the fairest way to enable us to continue to accept tires as a convenience to the residents for disposal of them locally and cheaper. Residents are encouraged to dispose of their tires at the garages where they are purchased. The tire re-cycling fee for passenger cars is $1.50; Light pick-up trucks $2.00; Industrial-small medium commercial $5.00 (16”-19”) (tractor, med. Truck); medium commercial $10.00. Tires on rims will be charged an additional fee from $1.00-$10.00. Transfer Permits are required for the disposal of tires; tires will no longer be picked up curb-side. Transfer permits are $5.00 for all vehicles.
Due to continued problems, brush, debris, leaves etc. will only be accepted at the hard-fill site behind the transfer station during regular hours when an attendant is present. The Town is also looking into the possibility of having a computer and monitor drop off. We will keep you posted.
PLANNING AHEAD FOR JULY 4TH HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES
This year will be the 50th Anniversary for the Civic Associations Annual 4th of July ‘Doins.
The festivities will begin on July 4th and run through Saturday, July 7th. The parade will be held
on Saturday at 5:30 pm, with a spectacular Fireworks display at 10:00 pm. Rides, live entertainment, food and games are scheduled for Wednesday through Saturday. This years Parade Theme will be “50’s at 50”. Food and other vendors are still needed. For information
contact the Civic Association at www.northvilleny.com.
NOTES:
The Transfer Station will be closed Monday, May 28th for the Memorial Day Holiday.
The Transfer Station will begin Summer Hours Friday, June 1st.
Monday, Tuesday & Friday 8 am to 4pm, Saturday 8am to 1pm
Fulton County Property Data available on-line at is http://gis.fulcony.com
Our Town Board minutes are available on the web site.
UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS
-May 26th, Adirondack Rustic Furniture Show, Sacandaga Park at the Golf Course
-May 28th, Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony 6:00 pm, starting at DEC Building S. Main St.
-May 29th, Civic Association Meeting, Bradt Building 7:00 pm
-June 3rd, India Children’s Choir, Baptist Church, N. First St. 7:00 pm
-June 7th , Town Planning Board 7:00 pm, Bradt Building
-June 8th, Sacandaga Garden Club 2007 Flower Show at Bradt Building 12-5pm,
-June 9th, Flower Show continued 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
-June 13th, Friday-Fulton County Chamber 13th annual fund-raiser raffle, Holiday Inn
-June 16th, “Old Maid Promenade”-NCS 6:30-10:30 pm-
-June 20th, Town Board Meeting 7:00 pm, Bradt Building-Public Hearing Social Host Law
-June 20th , Town Planning Board 7:00 pm, Bradt Building
-June 22nd, NCS Graduation 7:00 pm
-June 27th, Town ZBA Meeting 7:00 pm, Bradt Building
-July 1st, Family Day in the Park-Kick-off to Summer, Village Waterfront Park 3:00-8:00 pm
-July 8th, Masonic Roast Beef Dinner at Northville School 4:00-7:00 pm