Speeding In A School Zone, Signs Not Up To Code

By Mary A. Crisafulli

MARGARETVILLE - With increasing concerns about speeding, the Margaretville Central School District, located on Main Street, has requested that the village lower the speed limit.

The initial request was for a school zone speed limit of 20 miles per hour, Mayor John Hubbell said. For this request, they would be required to have several crossing guards on staff before and after the school day. After informing the district of the regulations for such a low speed, he explained, officials changed the request to 25 miles per hour.

Hubbell reported that the issue had been previously addressed by posting signage that indicated a speed limit of 25 miles per hour near the school. This worked for roughly three years, he said; however, State police will not enforce it as the signs are not in line with state regulations.

Trustees questioned police enforcement, stating the speed limit within the village is 30 miles per hour, and this could be regulated by the school. They were further concerned that if they moved forward with changing or adding signs, the police would continue not to enforce the speed limit.

One resident attending the meeting, a retired sergeant, said, "If we don't enforce laws no one is ever going to follow them."

Another attendee agreed with the statement but noted that perhaps if posted correctly, the police would enforce the speed zone. "Psychologically, there is a difference between 30 and 20-something," she added.

"Personally I don't think signs are going to do anything," said Trustee Jeff Warren. He echoed the issue of lack of enforcement and added that it would be a waste of time and money.

Trustee Sarah Hubbell noted that other traffic issues are not well-enforced in the village.

The board ultimately tabled the discussion, hoping that someone from the district would attend a future meeting to discuss the issue further.

In other business

The village became a part of the Climate Smart Communities initiative. The program supports the New York State Climate Act of 2019 by helping local municipalities achieve sustainability and climate resilience goals through incentives. Southern Tier 8 Director of Sustainability Ashley Seyfried said the village has already completed actions that likely total around 70 points, bringing them over halfway to achieving a Bronze certification. Certification and participation in the program are required to be eligible for many state grants.

The Village is expected to present a food truck permit law at the next regular meeting on Tuesday, July 15. They will be required to hold a public hearing before adopting legislation. The proposed law is expected to mimic legislation from Deposit and include a fee schedule.

Margaretville has achieved a Community Rating System rating of 7, which offers a 10% savings on flood insurance to village residents participating in the National Flood Insurance Program.

Trustees agreed to comply with new regulations issued by the New York Conference of Mayors (NYCOM) despite being under the population requirements. Regulations include switching to a .gov website, adjusting emails, and making certain information available online, such as agendas, privacy policies, laws, and other relevant documents. Trustees noted the village is mostly in compliance and will be required to do so at some point in the future.

Contribution to health insurance for village employees was lowered from 10% to 7%.

The Delaware County Mayor's Coalition will meet on Wednesday, July 9, at 6:00 p.m. at the Delhi Firehouse. They have invited all village trustees and town supervisors with villages. An overview of the Coalition's goals and progress will be presented. Topics include sales tax revenue sharing, foreclosures, code enforcement, shared services, and short-term rentals.

FEMA has given the okay to proceed with repairs on the west end of Main Street, where the road meets County Route 3. Culvert repairs will still require a permit. The work is scheduled for this week, weather permitting. Drivers should expect closures.

The Central Catskills Chamber of Commerce is seeking volunteers to assist with the annual Cauliflower Festival.

A noncritical water leak has been identified on Academy Street and will be repaired once school is out.

The next regular meeting is scheduled Wednesday, July 15 at 5 p.m.