Northampton Town Tidbits

December 2007

By Supervisor Linda Kemper

Visit us at www.townofnorthampton.com

E-MAIL: nhpton1@frontiernet.net

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 1^st beginning at 5:00 pm.  Participants in the tree decorating contest may decorate their trees prior to 4:00.  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.   Don’t miss this event; hope to see you there.

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE LAW UPDATE

The Town’s Community Enhancement Officer is continuing to send warning letters to violators of the law and doing follow up’s to ongoing complaints.  Most of these people have been co-operative in bring their properties into compliance; many others have “cleaned-up” on their own.  We continue to thank those who have been proactive in cleaning up their properties.   The one case on Route 30 that was challenged in Supreme Court by the property owner has been ruled on by the Court and in favor of the Town, upholding the local court’s decision of violations and fines.  The Town is now pursuing injunctive relief and action through the Supreme Court for this persistent violator that continues to refuse to comply with the laws.

TOWN AND COUNTY BUDGETS-2008

The Town Board approved the 2008 budget with a 6 cent per thousand decrease in the Town tax rate.  The rate for 2008 is $.90 per thousand of assessed valuation, continuing to be one of the lowest in the County.  This is the only Town-wide tax,  we do not impose an additional tax for Fire Protection or Highways.  Significant changes in this year’s budget include increases in Fire Protection, Gloversville Transit Authority and professional services for planning and zoning.

The County has presented their budget and is proposing an average .4 % increase.  Tentative amounts to the individual Towns and Villages vary based on equalization rates.   Budget work sessions will begin November 26^th; a Public Hearing for the County Budget held at 1:30 on the 26^th  at the Supervisor’s Board Room in Johnstown..

BENEFIT PLANNED FOR LUKE OLSON

Luke Olson, 22 year old twin son of Joanna Olson, was diagnosed with cancer in July 2007.  He is currently undergoing chemotherapy and will have his second surgery at Memorial Sloan Kettering in the near future.  Luke graduated from NCS in 2003 and was president of his class and captain of the soccer team.  He obtained a business degree in 2005 from FMCC.

A benefit for Luke is planned for Saturday, November 24^th, starting at 4pm at the Sport Island Pub, Riverside Boulevard, Sacandaga Park; Auctions are planned, entertainment by The Dream Team and Velvet Jones, pasta dinner and much more.  Raffles for a 9.75 lb. Nestle’s Crunch Bar and various baskets will be drawn that evening.  Tickets are $15 and are available at various businesses and from Luke’s family.  Please join the community in showing your support and prayers for the Olson family.

DOG CONTROL AND COMPLAINT CONTACT NUMBERS

The Town is addressing the issue of having back-up contact persons to respond to animal complaints when our current Dog Control Officer, Vern Deusler, is not available.   Cecil Blowers (current DCO for Bension) and Jane Potts (DCO for Broadalbin and Mayfield) have been temporarily approved by the board to respond to complaints in Vern’s absence.  Both have been reliable and have assisted in Northampton issues; both are highly recommended by their Towns.  For Animal Control complaints, first contact Vern Deusler at 863-6313.  If he is unavailable or unresponsive, contact Cecil Blowers at 863-8065 (H) or 863-8919 (W) or Jane Potts at 842-1847.

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

            -The deadline for the Star property tax rebate has been extended to Dec. 31^st.

            -Applications for HEAP are available by contacting the Office for the Aging

-The Town offices will be closed Thursday and Friday, November 22^rd and 23^th for the  Thanksgiving Holiday.  Regular office hours will resume on Monday, November 26^th.

Our Town Board minutes are available on the web site. 

UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS

-November 24^th, Benefit for Luke Olson, Sport Island Pub beginning at 4:00 pm

-November 26^th, Northville Civic Association 7:00 pm. Bradt Building

-November 26^th, Fulton County Budget Public Hearings at County Building 1:30

-November 26^th, Northville Civic Association 7:00 pm. Bradt Building

-November 28^th, Joint Youth Commission 7:00 pm Bradt Building

-December 1st, Old Fashioned Christmas, Santa & Tree Lighting -Northville Waterfront Park

-December 12^th, Historic Landmark Commission 7:00 pm

-December 13^th, Great Sacandaga Lake Association 7:00 pm

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

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

-December 20^th, Historic Landmark Commission 7:00 pm

-December 24^th, Northville Civic Association 7:00 pm. Bradt Building

-December 26^th, Town ZBA 7:00 pm

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAY