Jefferson Makes Annual Appointments

By Liz Page

JEFFERSON – Jefferson Town Board members opened the year with an executive session to discuss possible litigation on Jan. 11, but took no action after returning to regular session. After approving the minutes of the December meetings, they went ahead with organizing for 2024.

Callan Little was present to inquire about the town's Wind Energy law. A second sixth-month moratorium on wind projects expired at the end of December and the town is moving forward with the process of holding a public hearing in order to establish a local law. A hearing was expected this month, but the proposed law is still in the hands of the Schoharie County Planning Commission. The earliest the public hearing could now take place would be March, according to Supervisor Peggy Hait.

She said the county is also working on wind and solar energy and Blenheim Supervisor Don Airey is the "go-to" person.

Hait said the town has received nothing from New Leaf, the company which has a wind test tower erected on North Road.

Planning Board member Rich Irwin said any proposal by New Leaf would be reviewed by the planning board as part of a site plan.

Little questioned notification of neighboring landowners within 500 feet and said no one she has talked to has received any notification of a project. She wondered whose responsibility it is to notify those landowners of a project. That information will be checked.

In his report on 2023, Code Enforcement Officer Rich Irwin said it was another busy year with 127 building permits issued, 15 property searches, 37 complaints and 40 short term rental permits issues. Code enforcement took in $56,298.50.

Ingrid Zemir, town historian, reported she is working on an article for the Maple Festival Booklet and the town is expected to pay $60 to pay for the page that will feature the article. She said she is working on the early days of maple syrup in the town.

The planning board has issued a waiver to allow construction of a handicapped ramp at the Maple Museum. The county Department of Public Works has some questions about the project before it moves forward. The waiver is needed because the ramp will extend onto a neighboring property.

Chris Twyble is the town's new dog control officer.

Don VanValkenburgh reported the Heritage Day committee will be meeting on Jan. 22 at 6:30 p.m. in the town hall. They have changed their meeting date to the fourth Monday of each month and they welcome new members and/or people who have ideas about the annual celebration on the town green.

Highway Superintendent Ray Hendrickson reported the crew has been working on equipment, cutting brush and the new loader has been delivered. The town's new truck is expected to be completed by the end of February.

He reported the county-owned bridge on Palmer Road is shot and now has a severe drop. He also wants to talk to county DPW Commissioner Dan Crandell regarding the condition of Taber Road, a county road, and its condition, which makes it difficult for town plows.

In his report on the Catskill Revitalization Council, Ken Cole said much of the work on the rails has now come to a halt until spring. Crews are now working on the engines and cars in the station.

Supervisor Peggy Hait said the town needs to update its Hazard Mitigation Plan and she has been appointed to eight different committees at the county level.

Board members then moved into the organization for 2023, making the following appointments and designations: Mountain Eagle and Times Journal, official newspapers; Mike West, town attorney; Evening Star Bookkeeping, town bookkeeper; town supervisor as budget officer and service officer; Katherine Lindquist, deputy town clerk, registrar and collector; Aaron House, water commissioner; Town Clerk Vanessa Irwin, water district collector, registrar; Chris Twyble, deputy highway superintendent; Don VanValkenburgh as daily water tester for Ph and chlorine residue.

Appointments also included: Rich Irwin as code enforcement officer; Mark Los, chairman of the Assessment Review Board; Councilman Ken Cole as representative to the Catskill Revitalization Corporation of the Delaware and Ulster Rail; Sarah Abbatine, planning board chairman; Chris Twyble, dog control officer. Mileage will be reimbursed at 67 cents per mile for official town business.