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Nelsonville Discusses Weight Restrictions on Village Roads
Public concern over Moffat Road construction also raised
by Mike Turton
With summer in full swing, the July 16, 2007 meeting of the Village of Nelsonville Board of Trustees featured a light agenda
Trustees discussed drainage issues in the Village including who is responsible for cleaning out catch basins. The State is responsible for Main Street while the Village of Nelsonville and Town of Philipstown share responsibilities within the Village limits. Mayor Bill Merando reported that a catch basin on Pine St. is caving in and a motion was passed to seek cost estimates for repairs. The use of curbs or berms to more effectively direct water to catch basins was also discussed.
Village Building Inspector George Duncan indicated that he would like to see the Village Code amended to require permits for some projects such as fences and sheds. By way of example he indicated that sheds should be required to meet setback requirements and that surveys should be considered for fences in order that property lines be respected. He also suggested that private contractors be required to provide certificates of insurance and workers' compensation in order to help protect landowners from possible law suits. Duncan indicated that the State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code is quite vague and leaves the impression that people can "do whatever they want." Trustee Anthony Merante pointed out that State code is intended to be basic but that the Village can adopt more stringent regulations as needed.
Village Clerk/Treasurer Pauline Minners presented a brief financial report, stating that $180,264 in taxes have been collected to date with a balance of approximately $28,000 outstanding. Village funds currently on hand total $253,866. She also reported that Putnam County has certified the Village's payroll, an administrative approval that is required in order for the Village to pay its employees. The Village also received a Mortgage Tax Payment of $8,598 from Putnam County.
The merits of enacting a bylaw limiting the weight of trucks using village roads to five tons were discussed. The issue has surfaced because many of the village's waterlines are quite old and made of galvanized pipe. The fear is that as pipes age further, larger trucks could cause breakage. If such a by-law is passed, local deliveries would be exempt. Building Inspector George Duncan asked how such a by-law would be enforced. Mayor Merando admitted "It's difficult" but that if the bylaw is passed "we'll just have to see how it goes." The date for a public hearing at which the draft bylaw will be presented has not yet been set.
Frances O'Neill, a resident of Moffat Road, addressed trustees regarding her apprehension over the construction taking place along that road. O'Neill indicated that road improvements could lead to increased traffic and higher speeds. Referring to the construction she stated, "We don't want anything changed. We don't want a major highway. Everybody is against it." Trustee Merante disagreed, saying that he felt the Town was "repairing the road not changing it." O'Neill responded emphatically, stating "They're widening it." Merante said he feels the repairs are warranted. "Going down that road scares me - it's rough and high. It's dangerous," he stated. George Duncan brought up the issue of liability asking "If someone gets killed - who is liable?" he asked.
O'Neill also questioned the use of blasting as part of the project. "You never know what happens when you blast. It might affect wells and pools. I've seen what happened on 9D and it wasn't pretty" she stated.
Although works are being completed by the Town of Philipstown, O'Neill still urged Village trustees to "take a stand." The Village of Nelsonville is responsible for maintenance of Healy Road while Philipstown maintains Moffat Road.
The Philipstown Town Board held a public meeting on July 18 to discuss the project; see the related story in this week's edition of the PCN&R.
The Board of Trustees will meet next on August 20 at 7:30 pm.
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