Town Supports First Responders

By Liz Page

HARPERSFIELD – A contingent of first responders attended last Wednesday's Harpersfield Town Board meeting in reaction to discussion a month earlier that suggested the town would not support the plowing or sanding of private roadways or driveways in the event of an emergency.

Supervisor Lisa Driscoll said she invited their input to the town board.

Stamford Fire Chief Don VanEtten said, " I appreciate the opportunity to have a conversation. I have been in the Stamford Fire Department for 20 years and chief for many of them. We cover four towns and the village of Stamford. There has never been a problem, anytime there was a need. I have talked to the other towns and I do have their continuing support. It has never been abused to my knowledge. When we request the town it is an emergency."

He went on to indicate that it's a two-way street. The fire department responds to remove downed trees and power lines, direct traffic, evacuate people or close roads when they flood and other emergencies. He referred to the most recent incident where a Headwaters ambulance was unable to access a slippery private driveway. "It has been a very difficult winter with snow and freezing conditions. We reached out to 911 with a request and the highway superintendent was called. The town is protected by insurance for an emergency."

He presented each board member with a copy of an opinion issued by the Office of the State Comptroller regarding removal of snow and ice from a private road. In the event of an emergency, such as a serious illness or fire, it is within the scope of a town's police powers in the interest of public health, safety and welfare, to plow a private road or driveway if necessary to render private property immediately accessible.

"We have had a long-standing relationship of cooperation with the town of Harpersfield Highway Department and it would like to see that continue," said VanEtten.

Highway Superintendent Russell Hatch said he had already spoken to Dusty King, a captain with the department and pledged his continued cooperation. He said he wanted the town board to know that he had responded to the private driveway. He said some other towns in the county have had problem with "frequent flyers" abusing it. "Because it was such an icy night I wanted the town board to be aware that we don't always know the conditions of a private driveway," said Hatch

Councilman Patrick Funk said he is still worried about doing damage to the town's equipment. Supervisor Driscoll said the town's equipment is covered.

In the end, it will be up to Hatch to make the call in an emergency.

Councilman Eric Reeves wondered if some second home owners might abuse it as a way of getting their road plowed. It is believed the emergency response will not be abused.

VanEtten said calling town highway is a last resort, and in many cases members of the fire department can handle the situation themselves. In this recent case, they didn't have the capability to sand or access with other equipment.

Funk questioned if the town could pass some legislation to create a way for residents to say they won't hold the town liable.

In conclusion, Hatch said, "I am always going to help these guys (fire department). Superintendent Driscoll said she was in full support of helping, if something is abused, they will know about it.

In other business, the town will pay the difference above the JCAP grant to install a panic button and cameras at the town hall. Driscoll said the solar company would be making a payment soon that would likely cover the shortfall.

In reviewing the Shared Services agreements, it was discovered a couple needed to be updated and a motion was made to accept them.

Driscoll reported that she is looking at software that will aid code enforcement and will be accessible to the town assessor. The information will benefit the assessor and in the end, all of the information regarding codes would be stored electronically. She will return to the board next month and planned to review another software program the next day. It would cost $3,700 annually with a one time cost of $625.

An application for a Watershed Agriculture Conservation easement was presented for town board members to review. It is a 700-plus acre farm and the form has been turned over to Shelly Johnson-Bennet, county planning director, for her review.

The meeting ended with an executive session to discuss personnel. Driscoll said there had been an incident at the transfer station that resulted in the state police being called.