Town Board Meeting on 9-25-2008

THE BUDGET.  After months of preparatory work, last night was the first presentation of a complete (draft of the 2009 budget.  We had a walk-through presented by Town Supervisor Cunningham and Town Comptroller Judi Kehoe.  Bethlehem, like the rest of the Capital Region is presented with a list of hard choices.  I invite everyone to check out the town website on Friday when the budget should be posted.

HOLDING THE LINE ON AMBULANCE COSTS.  Steve Kroll from Delmar Ambulance Corp came to talk about changes to billing for ambulance services.  They have been pursuing the ability to do charge-backs to health insurance so that they can avoid increasing taxes collected for ambulance services.  It looks like that will be a successful effort - so kudos to them for that.  Its a real benefit to taxpayers and will result in savings while still saving lives.

CREATING A SAFER WORK ENVIRONMENT FOR EMPLOYEES AND SAVING TAXPAYER DOLLARS.  We approved action to replace flow transmitters at the New Salem Water Treatment Plant - which will lead to safer conditions for workers and visitors at that facility.  We also rejected a separate contract where only one bidder came back with a bid because their bid was too high.  Its another example of how town government is working hard to protect the taxpayer.

RESEARCHING INNOVATIVE AND RENEWABLE ENERGY PRACTICES.  We approved a feasibility study to look at the possibility of creating a a hydroelectric generation facility inside the Town water system.  With the escalating cost of energy this system would help reduced town energy purchases and help moderate costs.  That would be a net benefit to town taxpayers and town operations.  Half of the cost for the feasibility study will be paid by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) .  This is another innovative way that the town is looking at to utilize current town infrastructure to our best advantage.

NOISE ORDINANCE.  We appointed two more people to the Town Noise Ordinance Task Force -- me, Mark Hennessey, and Chris Hanifin.  We are expected to accelerate the development of the an ordinance.  It has taken over a year for the development to get to where it is now.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEWS.  We funded a feasibility study for a new Thruway entrance on the south end of Selkirk.  This action would be taken in lieu of the green space absorbing Selkirk Bypass and it shows the town's committment to Economic Development that respects town residents and the environment.  I pointed out and Joann Dawson concurred that this study is only informational.

During the budget briefing, Town Supervisor Jack Cunningham pointed out that VISTA is moving forward and that a ground breaking is expected for later this fall.

Happy Labor Day

It's easy to lose sight of the importance of Labor Day. Many people see it as "the end of summer." Others view it as the last holiday before school restarts. But the truth is that it was a holiday set up to honor the common person for the work they do everyday. My wife pointed out a bumper sticker to me this weekend which said "Labor Unions: The People That Brought you the Weekend." Well, Labor Day is more of the same. The Wikipedia page listed here has a great account of who pushed for it, and its federal adoption as a holiday.

All us sacrifice our time and talent to the career we choose whether that be in an office or in a home. Some people have volunteer careers that, while unpaid, are a cornerstone of our community. Firefigthers and Ambulance Squad come to mind. Retirees should also be honored. They have chalked up enough service to be included in our thanks.

It is fitting that we all take a day to celebrate the hard working folks who make our country (and town) a great place to live. For that reason, it is one of the most important days of the year. So thank you one and all and Happy Labor Day!