Scout Cemetery Map, Parking Lot Discussion in Andes

By Wildert Marte

ANDES — The Andes Town Board met Tuesday, Sept. 9 for its monthly meeting. The meeting brought together community members, local leaders, and even a young student who presented her own project.

One of the most memorable moments came from a Girl Scout who shared her plan to create a map of the town cemetery. Her project began with something personal. She explained that her grandmother and great grandparents are buried there, but many graves are hard to find because they don’t have markers. Her idea was to take existing records, build a guide, and pair it with an updated map so families could locate their loved ones more easily. She is starting with a fundraiser outside Francesca’s and hopes to complete everything by spring. What stood out was how quickly the community offered help. A board member suggested drone photography for aerial views, while others explained how she could request supplies and donations. It was the kind of project that showed how a younger voice could bring a lasting improvement to the town.

Not every issue had such an easy path forward. Residents raised concerns about a parking lot near Lee Lane that for years had been used as a shared space. Businesses and neighbors depended on it, and at times even buses stopped there. But now disputes over ownership and limited access have made it harder to use safely. People worried about what would happen in an emergency if fire trucks or ambulances couldn’t get through. The board admitted their options were limited, since the town attorney advised that eminent domain could not apply. The conversation showed how choices made decades ago still affect people today, leaving the community caught between history and the present.

Other questions were more practical. A resident asked if tax payments could be made online instead of by mail or check. The board explained that some counties are already moving in that direction and agreed to research how Andes could follow. It was a small suggestion, but one that could make life easier for residents.

Road maintenance was another familiar concern. A neighbor spoke about Shaver Hill, which had been washed out again, making it difficult to drive safely. The highway department responded that equipment was limited this year, but temporary repairs would be made before winter, with more permanent fixes planned for next year.

Communication also came up when residents pointed out that the town’s website was behind. Meeting minutes, schedules, and instructions for getting on the agenda were either missing or outdated. The clerk said that a new state requirement would move Andes to an official dot gov site, which would improve access and help residents stay more connected.

Smaller items were handled as well. The board appointed a new member to the Board of Assessment Review. In the supervisor’s report, it was noted that a bridge on the rail trail was starting to sag because of rotting supports. The plan is to replace it before winter to keep it safe for walkers and emergency vehicles.

The transfer station received attention too. Board members said attendants had been treated poorly and that contractors were dumping construction debris in violation of the rules. With cameras now in place, enforcement will increase, and penalties will follow if misuse continues.

The meeting ended with an update on the new cell tower. The foundation is expected to be built in November, and Verizon is likely to be the first carrier. Better service and emergency communication will be a major improvement for Andes.