Northampton Town Tidbits
October/November 2009
By Supervisor Linda Kemper
Visit us at www.townofnorthampton.com
E-MAIL: nhpton1@frontiernet.net
The Town did not have the regular monthly meeting on September 16th due to a lack of a quorum to conduct business. Therefore, we have 2 months to cover……..sorry Doug !!
We extend our deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers to the family of Chelsea Lott. Chelsea lost her courageous battle with brain cancer on October 11, 2009. She was involved in many community and school events and was an inspiration for the entire community. Chelsea was recognized for a “Leadership by Example” award from the Fulton County Youth Bureau in April ’09, for her ”various leadership characteristics, including strength, will, determination and perseverance.” We will all deeply miss her .
NORTHVILLE DEC OFFICE TO CLOSE TO THE PUBLIC
I was just notified by DEC’s Betsey Lowe from the Ray Brook Office on Friday that the local DEC offices on South Main Street, Northville would be closed to the public beginning the end of this week. She stated that the receptionist was retiring and that position would not be filled. The building will still be maintained as their field office and the meeting rooms will still be available. The most obvious questions that I asked is (1) When do you plan on notifying the public and do press releases, and; (2) Who does the public contact for needed information and to obtain burn permits, especially with their recently imposed new regulations? Like everything else, they haven’t figured that out yet, but they will let us know: Stay Tuned!! In the meantime, direct any questions to the Ray Brook Office at (518) 897-1200
TOWN TAXES FOR 2010 TO REMAIN THE SAME, PUBLIC HEARING SCHEDULED
Following a budget work session conducted October 5th, the Town is proposing the tentative budget with no tax increase and the tax rate to remain at $.90 per thousand of assessed valuation. This rate includes NO additional taxes for highway or fire protection. With conservative budgeting and spending by the Town, a negative inflation rate for 2009, State and SSI COLA at 0%, we are proposing our budget to include NO Cost of Living increase to officials and employees without union contracts. The Town Council and Supervisor did not receive a COLA for 2009 either. We feel that in light of the severe economic conditions at the Local, State and Federal level: record high deficits and unemployment numbers (and getting worse), we are obligated to hold the line and save in any area that we can. State Retirement costs have sky-rocketed, sales and mortgage tax revenues are decreasing due to the economy and recession. We are proud to recognize that since 2006, we have reduced our Town tax rate from $1.39/thous. to $.90/thous. A Public Hearing for the proposed budget will be held on November 18th at 6:30 pm.
BUS SERVICE AND GLOVERSVILLE TRANSIT
The Town is currently in discussions with Al Shultz (transit authority) to re-instate the bus service back into our area on a reduced run basis. As you recall, the Gloversville Transit ended the Northville run in December of 2008, citing lack of participation and this run being one of the largest “lost revenue and costly” runs as the reason, even after adding the Amsterdam connection. They had stated the need for taking a “time out” for a year to explore alternatives and time to conduct a “cost-benefit” analysis. We hope that the Transit will reconsider the Northville run for at least for 1 or 2 days a week. Realizing that Gloversville is in a serious financial deficit, we also know that this is an important service for the seniors and others. Please send letters to the Gloversville Transit in support of re-instating the Northville run.
BENEFIT FOR DAWN CARMAN
Please plan ahead to attend the benefit for Dawn at the Timeless Tavern on Sunday November 8th, beginning at 1:00 pm. Dawn has always supported events and has generously given to the community and has been the driving force behind many fundraisers and benefits. Dawn was hospitalized for over a month with a serious infection and was recently discharged. She has been out of work since early September and will require a lengthy home stay while she recuperates. Now is the time to show our gratitude and support to Dawn for all she has done for the community. The buffet will run continuously from 1:00 to the last seating at 5:00, followed by a live auction at 6:30. John Ferguson will be the MC; so we know that it will be a fun time for all.
Raffles are in process for WII gaming system, a snow blower, authentic table stand and a truckload of firewood. Call Tom Wood (863-4635), Tom Spencer (863-8693) or Joanna Olson (461-4294 or 863-8763) for tickets and information.
We all miss seeing Dawn at the Convenient Corner Store and Robin Gas Station and wish her a speedy and full recovery.
OPTICAL SCAN VOTING MACHINES TO BE USED FOR NOVEMBER ELECTION
We have been advised by the Board of Elections (per State HAVA Regulations) that we will
be using the new voting machines for the November Election. There is no need to panic over something new, I have tried it out and it isn’t difficult at all!! There are no privacy issues, with the new privacy petitions. You simply take a blank ballot to the booths, fill in the box of the person(s) you want with the felt tip marker (provided at booth), and feed the ballot into the machine. If you overvoted (marked more boxes than able to in one row or for position available), it will show that error on screen and you can get another ballot to correct. Do not cross out errors on the ballot-get a replacement one. If you undervote (not voting for all offices on ballot) you can get the ballot back if you want to, or you can press to submit as is.
You do not have to vote for all offices or persons if you choose not to. Press Cast to Submit. The machine will then take your ballot. Propositions to the Constitution are on the Back Side.
The Board of Elections is putting an insert in the Leader Herald to inform voters about the new machines and we have handouts to read ahead of time to explain how to use the machines. Stop by the Town Offices anytime, and we will show you and explain the process. It is easy, if you need absentee ballots, stop by the Town Hall to pick up the application.
CEMETARY CLEAN-UP AND CLOSING DATES
Fall cleanup for the Prospect Hill and S. Main Street cemeteries is in process. Families are asked to remove any plants, arrangements or any other items the wish to save by November 1st. Anything left after that date will be discarded. The caretaker will turn over planters for the winter.
TRICK OR TREAT IN NORTHVILLE – FRIDAY 10/30 FROM 5-7 PM
NCS HALLOWEEN PARADE FRIDAY 10/30 1:15 pm
HAUNTED HOUSE @ NCS 6-8 pm
2009 ELECTION…TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3RD POLLS OPEN 6am to 9pm at Fish House and all others at the Bradt Building. If you don’t vote…….Don’t Complain
NOTES:
-The Town offices will be closed November 11th for Veterans Day and November 26th and 27th for the Thanksgiving Holiday.
-Keep informed; our Town Board minutes are available on the web site.
UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS
-October 28th, Northampton Zoning Commission work session 5-7 pm, Bradt Building
-October 28th, Northampton Zoning Board of Appeals 7:00 pm, Bradt Building
-October 30th , NCS Halloween Parade 1:15 pm
-October 31st, Haunted House @ NCS 6-8 pm
-November 8th, Benefit for Dawn Carman @ Timeless Tavern, Buffet 1-5, Live Auction 6:30 pm
-November 10th, Historic Landmark Commission, 7:00 pm, Bradt Building
-November 12th , GSLA 6:30-9:30 pm, Bradt Building
-November 18th, Northampton Town Board Meeting and Budget Public Hearing 6:30 pm
-November 25th, Northampton Zoning Board of Appeals 7:00 pm, Bradt Building
-November 30th, Civic Association 7:00 pm, Bradt Building