Going After Grants in Putnam Valley
Plus a rare moment of agreement between Tendy and Davis
by Michael Mell

With the summer now in full swing, one might think that heating buildings would be the last thing on anyone's mind. This was not the case, however, at the Putnam Valley Town Board's August 12, 2009, workshop, which led off with a hearing about the regulation and operation of wood boilers. Residents and board members seemed comfortable that the "third time would be the charm," in settling this oft-discussed issue, but it was not to be.

The idea of regulating these outdoor boilers, used by some residents for winter heating, and others for commercial purposes, gained traction in many communities last fall. Concern continues to be expressed about the proposed law's allowable period of use conflicting with unseasonable cold weather. Yearround commercial users fear an adverse impact upon revenues. The board maintains that applications for variance, provided in the proposed law, will adequately address those concerns.

Discussion of the mechanism of the law concluded that the zoning board would be the more appropriate town agency to receive and rule on requests for variances. Town Attorney Bill Zutt informed the board that this seemingly simple change would nevertheless trigger an additional public hearing. The board scheduled the fourth public hearing in advance of the September 9 meeting, with a vote scheduled for September 16.

The board then turned its attention to a proposal to create a wastewater disposal district for Lake Oscawana. A $30,000 grant has been sought to finance the district, with the goal of ensuring that septic systems in the district will be suitable and appropriately maintained. Bill Zutt described two possible approaches. The first is a regulatory approach that would require residents in the district to submit proof, every two to three years that their septic systems are in compliance. The second would use taxes from the disposal district to fund maintenance of the systems by the town.

Supervisor Bob Tendy voiced his preference for the former, "regulatory," approach because it would not unduly burden the town and non-compliant residents could be fined. Mr. Zutt noted that communities could also, at their discretion, establish co-ops, to help maintain costs.

In a related matter, town resident Tim Fisher appeared before the board to discuss the formation of a wastewater committee. He discussed how recent rainfall has exacerbated existing conditions, especially in Lake Peekskill, where the houses, wells, and septic systems are all very close together in a precarious balance. Installation of a new septic system for his property could cost up to $40,000, and so Mr. Fisher has been researching alternatives. Fisher has discussed the issue with county legislators Vincent Tamagna and Sam Oliverio, as well as supervisor Tendy. Seeking a comprehensive approach, Mr. Fisher asked, "What can we do on an individual basis . . . and what is the feasibility of a town-wide system?"

Former supervisor Sam Davis suggested that septic enhancements, now available, might be acceptable to the board of health. He said the county should be lobbied on this matter. "In the past they have not been responsive," he said, "but perhaps with greater public pressure they would be."

In a rare moment of concurrence with Davis, Supervisor Tendy agreed, saying "the issue is reaching crisis proportions . . . and it is incumbent upon the County Board of Health to take action." Fisher agreed to lead the new committee and inquired how he should proceed. Tendy, describing the procedure, said that the board would first vote to establish the committee and solicit members. Afterwards, meetings could commence with periodic reports to the board as appropriate.

Town Facilities Manager Susan Manno next discussed the institution of a Workplace Violence Policy for the town. NY State labor law now requires that employers take steps to reduce the risk of violence to employees. Those at risk include employees handling money, transportation of persons, justice department personnel, and those who work late at night or early in the morning. A policy would be developed by the Safety Committee via surveys of town staff, review of OSHA logs, and templates provided by the State. The draft would be submitted to the Teamsters Union and the CSEA for approval and then could be adopted by the town and incorporated into the employee handbook. In addition, the town is required to create a written training program for all town employees.

After discussion of the violence policy, Ms. Manno informed the board that the Town of Putnam Valley would be sharing a $51,000 grant with adjacent communities. The Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) is a federally funded program to assist communities to control stormwater runoff and improve water quality. The town's share amounts to $3,200 and will cover creation of a professionally designed website for the participating communities, publication of up to 10,000 informational handouts, and education sessions for highway employees, who are often in the forefront when addressing stormwater runoff. The board approved the resolution with little discussion.

The next meeting of the Town of Putnam Valley will be held on August 19 at 7pm in the Town Hall.