SCS Names Advisors, Coordinators for 2024-25

By David Avitabile

SCHOHARIE - Schoharie school board members continued to get ready for the new school year by naming a slate of department heads, curriculum coordinators, and club advisors at their August meeting.

Board members named the following junior-senior high school department heads, at  stipend of $4,500 per STA Contract, unless otherwise noted:

* David Cummins, English/Reading.

* Leah Schaefer, Fine Arts.

* Lindsay Peterson, Foreign Language (LOTE).

* JoLyn Borst, Guidance.

* Marion Burghart, Library Media Specialist, $850.

* Erika Robert, Math.

* Tammy Drinon, Physical Education/Health.

* Jennifer Chavez, Practical Arts.

* John Styles, Science.

* Edward Rivers, Social Studies.

* Brittany Heintz, Special Education.

Board members also appointed the following elementary curriculum coordinators at a stipend of $3,500 per STA Contract:

* Megan Caruso, ELA K-2.

* Darcie Schmid, ELA 3-5.

* Melanie Paloski, Math K-2.

* Bridget Krepcio, Math 3-5.

* Jeneca Kenny, Science.

* Rachel Lenart, Social Studies.

* Megan Langan, Special Area.

Board members named the following high school class/club advisors at stipends per STA Contract:

* JoLyn Borst, Best Buddies Advisor, $850.

* Christina Vincent, Freshman Class Advisor, E7.

* Anne Ringuette, Sophomore Class Advisor, E3.

* Jennifer Chavez, Junior Class Advisor, E20.

* Marion Burghart, Senior Class Advisor, E12.

* Marion Burghart, Crafting and Giving Club Advisor, $1,150.

* Rylie Smith, Environmental Stewards Club, $850.

* JoLyn Borst, Food Pantry Coordinator, $850.

* Madison Dunbar, FFA Advisor, E2.

* Christina Vincent, Gay-Straight Alliance Advisor, $850.

* JoLyn Borst, High School Adventure Club Advisor, $1,550.

* Nadine Standhart, High School Adventure Club Advisor, $1,550.

* David St. George, High School Gaming Club Advisor, $1,550.

* Eric Croote, Jr/Sr High School Intramurals Advisor, Fall: $3,100, Winter: $3,100, Spring: $3,100.0

* Martin Messner, Jr/Sr High School Intramurals Advisor, Fall: $3,100, Winter: $3,100, Spring: $3,100.

* Michelle Haverly, Jr. High School Student Council Advisor.

*  Joanne Spina, Key Club Advisor, I2.

*  Amy Church, Musical Director, I2.

*  Pam Guest, Musical Assistant (.5), E20.

* JoLyn Borst, National Honor Society Advisor, $1,550.

* Dan Ringuette, National Junior Honor Society Advisor, $1,550.

* Eric Croote, Outdoors Club Advisor, $1,550.

* Carrie Styles, Select Choir Advisor, $1,550.

* Ed Rivers, Student Government Advisor, E8.

* Martin Messner, Travel Club Advisor, $1,700.

* Tammy Drinon, Varsity Club Advisor, E13.

* Kelly Takacs, Yearbook Club Advisor, E13.

* Carrie Styles, Youth Belonging Leadership Team Advisor, $850.

Board members appointed the following elementary club advisors at various stipends per STA Contract:

* Ashley Hannan, Elementary Adventure Club Grades 3-5 Advisor, $1,550.

* Amy Thalheimer, Elementary Adventure Club Grades 3-5 Advisor, $1,550.

* Danielle Couture, Elementary After School Choir Advisor, $3,000.

* Anthony Monescalchi, Elementary Intramurals (Girls), Fall: E3, Winter: E3, Spring: E3.

* Angela Jackson, Elementary Intramurals (Boys), Fall: E9, Winter: E10, Spring: E9.

* Anthony Monescalchi, Just Run Co-Advisor (0.5), Fall: I2, Spring: E2.

* Amy Thalheimer, Just Run Co-Advisor (0.5), Fall: E3, Spring: E3.

* Lindsay DiMaso, PBIS Elementary Coordinator, $1,550.

* Amy Thalheimer, Student Council Grades 3-5 Advisor, $775.

* Lindsay DiMaso, Student Council Grades 3-5 Advisor, $775.

*   *   *

In other action, board members:

* Named Carrie Styles, Equity Coordinator at a stipend of $8,000 per STA MOA.

* Appointed Melanie Paloski, CTLE Committee Chair at a stipend of $8,000 per STA Contract.

* Named Ashley Hannan Elementary Behavior Committee Chairperson at a stipend of $4,000 per STA MOA.

* Named Anne Donzelli Secondary Behavior Committee Chairperson at a stipend of $4,000 per STA MOA.

* Appointed Megan Caruso, K-12 Mentor Coordinator at a stipend of $4,000.

* Approved a  Memorandum of Agreement - STA - President Release Time, Approve, per stated terms and conditions.

* Named the following teachers as mentors who completed mentor training: Michele Borst and Darcie Schmid.

* Approved an unpaid leave of absence for Pam Guest, for 10 days; April, 7-11/2025 and April 21-25/2025.

* Approved Ben Fox as an Elementary Volunteer, for the 2024-25 School Year.

* Added the following to the SCS Substitute List, Approve, at current sub rates: Kossow, Sandra - Non-Certified without Degree, effective retroactive 7/23/24, Chapman, Alexis - Non-Certified without Degree, effective 9/01/24 pending fingerprint clearance, Lawyer, Shirley - Non-Certified without Degree, effective 9/01/24 pending fingerprint clearance, Chase, Miranda - Certified without Degree, effective 9/01/24 pending fingerprint clearance, Borst, McKenzie - Non-Certified without Degree, effective 9/01/24, and Lawyer, Casey - Non-Certified without Degree, effective 9/01/24. 

22.  2024-25 RETURNING SCS Certified Substitute List, Approve, at current substitute rates, the following individuals:

Griffin, Michelle (Certified Teaching Assistant)

Hesdorfer, Margaret (Certified Teacher)

Jeffrey, Terri-Ann (Certified Teaching Assistant)

Mackie, Alex (Certified Teacher)

Newberry, Bonnie (Certified Teacher)

Richter, Ellen (Certified Nurse)

Wayman, Jacqueline (LPN)

Wissenbach, Donna (Certified Teacher)

* Added seven people to the Capital Region BOCES teacher substitute calling service list.

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SCS Names New Ag Teacher, More Appointments for 2024-25

By David Avitabile

SCHOHARIE - Schoharie Central School has a new agriculture teacher.Schoharie school board members last month named Madison Dunbar as the new agriculture teacher for the junior-senior high school, effective July 16. Ms. Dunbar was give a four-year probationary position.

*   *   *In other personnel items, board members:* Appointed Alicia Loucks as a special education teacher in the elementary school.

* Named Sherry Georgeson as a special education teacher in the high school.

* Appointed Alexandra Nash as a special education teacher in the elementary school.* Named Luis Toro as a Probationary Full-Time Teacher Aide, Step 5 $18,967 per SCEA Contract, six hours/day, additional time as needed.

* Appointed Hannah Vedder as a Probationary Part-Time Teacher Aide, Step 1 $15.50 per hour per SCEA Contract, 3 hours/day, additional time as needed.

* Named Duncan Schanz as a Bus Driver, Step 13 $28.82 per hour per SCEA Contract, approximately 4 hours/day, according to School Calendar.

* Nida Ehring as a Probationary Part-Time Food Service Helper, Step 9 $17.36/hour per SCEA Contract, 4.5 hours per day, additional time as needed, according to School Calendar.

* Named the following coaches for Fall sports: Heather Palmatier, JV Volleyball Head Coach, Jacqueline O'Rourke, Modified Volleyball Head Coach, Lisette Helmstadt, Girls Varsity Cross Country Head Coach, and Robert Smith, Boys Modified Soccer - (Volunteer Assistant).

* Approved additional period stipends, for the following teachers: Lindsay Peterson - Spanish 1 Class - $8,000 per STA Contract, Leah Schaefer - Yearbook Class - $8,000 per STA Contract, and John Styles - Formal Logic - (0.5) $4,000 per STA Contract, and Chem Hygiene - (0.5) $4,000 per STA Contract.

* Approved Kelly Fagnani, seven days of work during summer to complete updated testing for a number of complex students that have transferred into the district this summer in preparation for 2024-25 school year.

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SCS Releases Drop-Off/Pick-Up, Busing Info

SCHOHARIE - Schoharie Central School is welcoming its students back to school this Thursday and there will be several changes in busing for the 2024-25 school year.

Because of the shift to one bus run and one start time for Pre-K through grade 12, as well as a general trend of having more families in recent years drop off students in the morning in their personal vehicles, they anticipate a very busy first few mornings of school. 

They said they understand families are busy, especially in the mornings and appreciate your patience. To ensure the safety of our students and families and to help get the school year off to a great start, they ask you to please review the following instructions and notes:

Family drop-off/pick-up

There will be additional school staff on hand to assist with arrival. Please follow directions from school staff, who will be posted in various locations.

Parents and guardians should remain in their vehicles at all times, with the exception of parents that may need to assist children getting into and out of car seats.

When dropping off students, please pull your vehicle as close to the vehicle in front of you as safely possible.

Students should exit and enter vehicles only on the sidewalk side of the vehicle.  

They ask that all students say their goodbyes at their vehicle, and family members do not try to walk them across to the school. There are many staff on hand who will take care of them and make sure they get connected with their classroom teacher from there.  

Once you’ve dropped off your child, proceed with caution if you pull around the cars in front of you.

Busing

Please allow for an extra 10 minutes before and after the scheduled pick-up time, as bus drivers get used to new routes.

Elementary students will be required to sit in the front of the bus. Jr./Sr. High School students will be required to sit in the back of the bus. If younger and older siblings wish to sit together, they may do so in the middle of the bus.

Buses will hold students in the parking lot until 8 a.m.

The 3:30 p.m. late bus run will start later in September. More details will be available later. The 5:30 p.m. late bus will begin on September 5.

Pre-K and kindergarten students will not be released from a bus in the afternoon unless there is an adult present at the drop-off location. 

For more on student busing, please visit their transportation page on the district website.

Student drivers

Student drivers in 11th and 12th grade must park in the lot behind the track. If they park in any other location, they will be asked to move their vehicles. Student drivers risk losing parking privileges on school property if they fail to comply with the requirement to park behind the track.  

Student drivers are required to have a parking pass that will be assigned through the Jr./Sr. High School office.

Visitors during the school day should find an empty space in the parking lot if you are at the school for a prolonged period of time. Visitors can pull into the bus loop and park near the building as needed for short visits, ie. dropping off or picking up students for appointments. Please do not leave vehicles unattended in the area marked in red as the fire lane. 

They anticipate that there will be changes to traffic flow, parking patterns and procedures as we move forward into the new school year and they get a better understanding of arrival and dismissal patterns.

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MCS Receives School of Excellence Award

MIDDLEBURGH - Middleburgh Central School has been honored with the prestigious New York State Public High School Athletic Association Inc. (NYSPHSAA) School of Excellence Award for the 2023-24 school year. This recognition is awarded to schools where at least 75 percent of varsity teams qualify for the Scholar Athlete Team Award. MCS surpassed this benchmark.

“The efforts made by student-athletes in the classroom are paramount to their success in the athletic arena, and beyond their high school days,” said Dr. Robert Zayas, NYSPHSAA Executive Director. 

Athletics Director Gregg Johns is proud of the achievements of the school community. 

“This is a fantastic honor and a testament of the hard work that MCS puts in to prioritize academics and athletics,” Johns said. “In order to receive the “School of Excellence” award, a school needs to have 75% of its varsity teams earn the NYSPHSAA Scholar-Athlete team award. For the 2023-2024 school year, MCS had 12 out of 14 varsity teams achieve this.”

Now, Mr. Johns has a new achievement in mind.

“In order to earn a “School of Distinction,” there needs to be 100% of varsity teams earning NYSPHSAA Scholar-Athlete status.  This is a lofty goal, but why not?”

MCS’s philosophy of educating the whole child notes that when students participate in athletic endeavors they build skills of commitment, sportsmanship, leadership, and teamwork. As stated in the school’s athletic handbook, many of the character traits required to be a successful participant in sports are those that will promote a successful life after high school.

During the upcoming school year, MCS plans to provide students with the opportunity to participate in wide variety of athletic programs including:

Girls Volleyball (modified, junior varsity, varsity)

Golf (varsity)

Boys Soccer (modified, junior varsity, varsity)

Girls Soccer (modified, varsity)

Boys Basketball (modified, junior varsity, varsity)

Girls Basketball (modified, junior varsity, varsity)

Bowling (varsity)

Cheerleading (varsity)

Wrestling-merged with BKW

Baseball (modified, varsity)

Softball (modified, varsity)

Boys Track (modified, varsity)

Girls Track (modified, varsity)

Tennis (varsity)

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What’s in Your Attic?

RENSSELAERVILLE — Are you curious about the value of an old piece of furniture, or art, or china, or clothing? How about some old coins, or maybe a rare book or jewelry, or something that you don't even know what it is?   

The Rensselaerville Historical Society is offering you the chance to get an expert estimate of the value (appraisal) of your antiques and historic pieces.

Just come to  "Attic Treasures", a special event being held by the Society.

You are invited to bring your "treasures" to "Attic Treasures Appraisal Day" at Conkling Hall in Rensselaerville on Sunday, September 15, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. You should register online if you plan to bring an item for appraisal. Admission is $10, which includes one appraisal. There will be a five-dollar charge for each additional item. 

To register, and for more information, including a list of appraisers, go to rensselaervillehistoricalsociety.weebly.com

The Rensselaerville Historical Society is a volunteer, educational organization that serves the Town of Rensselaerville. It operates the historic Grist Mill exhibit space and archives in the hamlet of Rensselaerville.

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Traditionally speaking..by Pat Larsen - The Metaphor of the Dishwasher

Okay, I know what you’re thinking already. Honestly, I really never saw this one coming.

So one day purely as a result of scrolling aimlessly at 5:30 am sipping my second cup of coffee, I accidentally happened upon an open invitation to join a group near me to learn about creative storytelling techniques. How could I not go? I was all in.

Fast forward to the date of the event. I arrived as you might expect   …15 minutes early. Baby Boomers are prompt, after all.

I was greeted by the two organizers of the event who were very welcoming.  The event took shape, albeit 15 minutes late, with 7 others from every walk of life, 16-72 yrs of age.

I’ll quickly outline the subject matter of the program's focus because it’s definitely become integral to the story for me. 

We were instructed to list 20 story ideas that could be linked in 2 minutes time. Some of the  group were able to list 5 items, some as much as 8…I listed 20 items with 10 seconds to spare. I’ve always been an overachiever.

The first word I wrote down on line #1  was  “dishwasher”. It quickly  became clear to me that although this was an unusual story line to begin with, everyone there either chuckled, smirked or nodded in total approval and understanding.

Then after this exercise was completed by everyone, I was the first one chosen to break the ice and expand on my response by sharing. Apparently, there was something in my story that was begging to be told. That being said, I was going to do this deep dive with complete strangers to unburden my achy heart.

Here’s the story…

Recently, the act of how I was loading the dirty dishes and glasses into the dishwasher was called into question. 

Can you imagine the audacity of being asked if I was paying any attention to where I put the dirty dishes in the dishwasher or was I just hurling the spoons and glasses from across the room hoping they'd find their rightful place ? 

My response was short and then defensive followed by being insulted and vowing never to involve myself in loading dishes “ever again.”

My husband knew when I added “never or ever to any sentence”...that he wasn’t in that much trouble with me.

I honestly didn’t give it another thought until I was asked again about this, a few loads later and was shown some dirty glasses after the load was done and the dishwasher song had concluded announcing that it’s job was complete.

However, it was not.  This time I chose to pass on my annoyance to the dishwasher.  I thought, obviously, the newer products being sold were poorly made and no longer competent at their jobs.

The phrase, “they don’t make ‘em like they used to”  rang true again.

I moved on with my day. Typically, I’m much more accountable than this statement indicated. 

The “issue” was gnawing at my ordinarily focused and methodical approach to mostly everything. What was causing this chaos that was trickling down to my disorganization inside my dishwasher?

There were two things occurring at the same time here.

That’s when I realized the connection, the link to the story that was quite out of character for me…the dishwasher was offering me an opportunity to witness the chaos within. The dishwasher became my therapist…not condemning me but simply demonstrating that something had to change.

Here’s what I finally began to realize. First of all, I was dealing with a deadline that seemed almost impossible to achieve. The pressure was coming from inside of me, not from my distractions with a simple day to day task gone awry.  Secondly, my focus on things around me had fallen to the wayside because of this scattering of my attention.

Little details that I had previously managed superbly were crashing around me showing signs of my inability to handle those many plates in the air as I had before said distractions were requiring my undivided attention.

The lesson when this class was said and done was a simple one. 

I needed to find and restore my balance in my day to day existence to then experience that internal harmony that was missing. 

Honestly, I am now meticulous about loading the dishwasher and everything else seems to have  fallen into the place.

Pat Larsen lives, works and plays in Greene County, NY with her husband of 50 years and their pup Lily. Pat’s most recent endeavor, Reflections…Anything but an Ordinary Life is now available on Amazon.com  and is receiving excellent reviews. 

You can reach Pat at 518-275-8686 to chat.

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The Prattsville Scoop

Floral arrangement by Claudia Bracaliello - another talent.

By Abby and Gabby

PRATTSVILLE – Our appreciation and thanks go out to all those in the medical professions that keep us going and help us when we are down. Also thanks to law enforcement, firefighters and essential workers. And as always, our deepest thank you to all our veterans living and deceased. Hope everyone enjoyed the Labor Day holiday with family and friends.

Met up with Jim King. He related that he and wife Roxie had a delay in returning to their summer home and one of their favorite pastimes – working and reaping their rewards from their vegetable garden. Jim had two knee replacements, only two weeks apart, and that necessitated lots of physical therapy. The good news is that his surgeries were a great success and he is glad he had it done. Not to be outdone with physical shortcomings, Roxie dropped a rock on her foot and is somewhat restricted in her movements. They had so much zucchini they were making zucchini salsa. Not as much success this year with tomatoes but you can always substitute one vegetable with another when making a relish or salsa. Good luck Jim and Roxie.

The Zadock Pratt Museum continues to bring activities and record keeping to our current population. The Museum official, Franklin “Skip” Marquit is conducting the oral history of those from 75+ plus years ago. On Tuesday, Jerry and Phyllis Raeder, Bob and Ginny Gurley and Diana and Arnold Jaeger made recordings, both visual and oral, of their remembrances of Prattsville life from many years ago. One of the inquiries was what is missed about those days gone by and what made it possible at that time. Prattsville was a community back then and as younger residents, you listened to and heeded what any adult had to say to you – especially if you were or on the verge of misbehaving. No crude language and no sass or your punishment moved up the ladder – parents had the final say. Respect was the rule of the day. Perhaps we can use some of the behavior from those days. Do not forget to make your reservations for the Museum’s Victorian Tea, Saturday, September 28, with three separate seating times, 12, 1:30 and 3, Call 201-388-5103 for reservations and answers to any questions you might have. Do believe Franklin (Skip) enjoyed the remembrances as much as those being interviewed and he shared many of his fondest memories. A fun hour.

Christina Gurley and fiancee Conrad spent Saturday with her dad and grandparents. Conrad agreed to take on a most daunting task of going through Bob Sr’s excess gardening and carpentry tools. Think his eyes glazed over but he did promise a return trip to put finishing touches on the organized materials. On their return trip, Christina is interested in learning how to can meat in glass jars. Can do. Nice to see some of the younger generation learning skills that are money savers and perhaps a little healthier than commercial goods – no preservatives – no pesticides – or any additives.

The American Legion Virgil E. Deyo Auxiliary Unit 1327, Prattsville, will start its fall/winter schedule with a meeting on Tuesday, September 10, 7 PM, at the Prattsville Town Hall. Plans will be made for an upcoming winter Basket of Cheer raffle, Veterans’ Day Bake Sale for LOCAL veterans and a Food Drive on Saturday, September 14, 9 AM – Noon, at Jim’s Great American for the benefit of the Food Pantry at Stratton VAMC. The American Legion Virgil E. Deyo Post 1327 will hold their monthly meeting on Thursday, September 12, 7 PM at the Prattsville Town Hall. The Post will be making plans for their Fall/Winter activities.

Update for Claudia Bracaliello: She wants people to know that in her bass fishing picture from a few weeks ago, there was a book for her to read when she got bored with fishing. She did read three books while on the two week fishing trip. She said to ask husband Ray for some of his many stories about the size of the bass he caught. Guess some of them were really good sized. Claudia is an accomplished flower arranger. See accompanying picture, my favorite of the four she sent but had a hard time choosing a favorite. Thanks Claudia for the information and pictures.

A visitor to Prattsville was quite amazed to see a car abruptly stop and, leaving the car blocking that lane, the driver got out to look over the bank to see the bear that had run in front of his car. Not very smart on many accounts. And then just recently there were a number of vehicles stopping in the same area looking out for the two Yellow Labs(?) that are on the loose and unlicensed. Over the past week, a number of phone calls have been made to authorities but it seems the dogs are not interested in getting involved with strangers. If they are still on the loose, please be careful and assume they are not friendly. Use caution.

Happy Birthday to Geanine Eisel on September 7. On September 10 it is Happy Birthday to Daniel Lane, Stephanie Braswell, Darcy Jaeger-Brand and Connie Briggs. And we send a Happy Birthday greeting to one time Prattsville resident Frank Hagan. Happy birthday to Christina Gurley on September 12. On September 13 it is Happy Birthday to Chris Dwon, Nadine Gurley Huntsman and Roxanne Marsh. On September 8 we wish Alan and Sue Huggins a Happy Anniversary. Happy Anniversary to Bob and Ginny Gurley on September 9. And Happy Anniversary to Jill and Kevin Piccoli on September 12. Best wishes to all celebrating their birthday and/or anniversary.

Lets get your days of celebration and other good news in The Scoop by sending to gurleyrv@gmail.com or call 518-299-3219.

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Tannersville Officials Continue Actions to Rid Rip Van Winkle Lake of Invasives

Photo by Max Oppen.

By Max Oppen

TANNERSVILLE — On August 28, the Village of Tannersville applied the herbicide Clearcast to address the ongoing issue of invasive vegetation in Rip Van Winkle Lake. This move was part of a larger plan to manage the lake's ecosystem, initially scheduled for the spring but was delayed until the end of summer.

Village officials decided to postpone the application until after the busy summer season.

Clearcast is a widely used herbicide that state officials consider safe for aquatic environments. Its primary purpose in this application was to combat the spread of yellow pond lilies and milfoil—two aggressive plants that have been threatening the health of Rip Van Winkle Lake. These species are known for their rapid growth, which can quickly choke out native vegetation and disrupt the natural water flow. The lake, which plays a critical role in feeding into Gooseberry Creek, has been increasingly affected by these invasive species, leading to concerns about water quality and the overall health of the local ecosystem.

The Village's approach, which was carefully considered to balance environmental conservation and community needs, focused on creating a clear channel through the middle of the lake. This ensured that water could flow freely, reducing the risk of the lake being overwhelmed by these nuisance plants. Importantly, this method also aimed to maintain the lake's recreational value for the community, as dense vegetation can make activities like boating and fishing difficult.

While Clearcast is considered low-risk, the Village implemented several precautionary measures to protect public health. Swimmers were advised to stay out of the water for 24 hours following the herbicide application. Additional restrictions were outlined on signs posted around the lake, ensuring that residents and visitors were well-informed about the temporary safety measures.

This recent application marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to preserve Rip Van Winkle Lake as a vital natural resource for the Village of Tannersville. The hope is that by controlling the spread of invasive species, the lake will continue to serve as a hub for both wildlife and community recreation. As these efforts progress, officials will likely monitor the situation closely to ensure that the lake remains healthy and accessible for all to enjoy, reinforcing the community's connection and responsibility to this important natural resource.

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Tannersville Holds Second Public Informational Meeting on Potential Dissolution

By Max Oppen

TANNERSVILLE —The Village of Tannersville held its second public informational meeting on August 20 via Zoom. Around 20 people attended in person at the Village Hall, with approximately 70 joining remotely. The meeting, which lasted two hours, was led by Ben Snyden, Vice President of the LaBerge Group, and Kathleen Rooney, Local Government Specialist at LaBerge.

"We've been working diligently with the village and town to develop a study and plan so that you all have as much information as possible should the dissolution move forward," Snyden said.

The presentation provided a comprehensive overview of a Board-Initiated Dissolution Plan, including the process, its impact on governance and services, the future of village assets and liabilities, and its fiscal implications. The session concluded with questions from those in attendance.

The Village Board has resolved to explore the option of dissolving the Village government, which would result in the Town of Hunter absorbing governance and services. To fund the development of the Dissolution Plan, the Village Board of Trustees is applying for a New York State Citizen Reorganization Grant (CREG).

Why Develop a Village Dissolution Plan?

By New York State General Municipal Law Article 17-A, the Village Board is developing this Village Dissolution Plan to ensure that residents have the information needed to make an informed decision when voting in the referendum. The plan aims to answer critical questions and provide unbiased assessments of potential post-dissolution conditions.

Residents can access information from the meeting, including a video recording and a FAQ section, on the LaBerge Group's website at www.labergegroup.com/tannersville.

Snyden thanked the Village of Tannersville and Town of Hunter officials, staff members, community stakeholders, and volunteers for their contributions.

Two Options: Dissolution or Consolidation

The Village has two options: Dissolution or Consolidation. Dissolution would terminate the Village government, with subsequent decisions being made by the Town government. Consolidation would involve the creation of a new Town Government, with voting rights extended to Town and Village residents.

LaBerge has collected and analyzed data, studied the impacts of dissolution, and is now developing the study document and drafting a proposed dissolution plan. The Village Board must endorse this draft plan, hold a public hearing, and decide whether to proceed or amend the plan before setting a referendum date.

The first informational meeting was held in April. According to the proposed timeline, the Village Board will either endorse or reject the dissolution plan in September. If approved, a final vote will occur in November following a public hearing. The preliminary date for the referendum is January 14, 2025, with the dissolution taking effect in December if approved.

Input from Workgroups

The study has included input from various workgroups. The Public Works Workgroup includes Village Mayor David Schneider, Deputy Mayor David Kashman, Town of Hunter Supervisor Sean Mahoney, Highway Superintendent Robert Blain, Public Works and Water Specialist Kerry Knoetgen, and Village Clerk Robin Dumont. The Land Use Workgroup includes Mayor Schneider, Deputy Mayor Kashman, Supervisor Mahoney, Village ZBA Chair David Kukle, Town Planning Board Chair Marc Czermerys, and Clerk Dumont.

"Every voter has to decide how dissolution will impact them," Snyden said, noting that dissolution would eliminate the existing Village governance structure, including the Mayor and Board of Trustees. While the Town would take over all decisions formerly made by the Village, Village residents might have reduced influence in local matters, going from 100% input to around 20% within the larger Town context.

The Town of Hunter has agreed to take over the Village's public works services and create a lighting district with the same boundaries as the current Village. The water system and parks and recreation equipment would also be transferred to the Town, with the Village auctioning off its vehicles and equipment and offering them to the Town first.

Fiscal Impact and Future Plans

The Town would create a Tannersville water district with boundaries mirroring those of the current Village and extend the district to Town users. The Town would continue contracting a water treatment plant operator. LaBerge estimates that within five years, a single-family residence in the Village would experience a 17% increase in annual water rates, rising from $500 to $575.

The NYCDEP will continue funding sewer services. Snyden also highlighted the vital services currently handled by Village Clerk Robin Dumont, noting that post-dissolution, new full-time administrative positions would be created to manage grants administration, Water Department and fiscal services, Planning Board and ZBA support, and special events support.

Post-dissolution, the Village Justice Court would be eliminated, with cases handled by the Town and an increase in court clerk hours. The Town would continue to enforce Village zoning laws for two years after the dissolution, after which they could be repealed or amended.

The Village Hall and firehouse would be sold to offset Village liabilities, while the public works garage would be included in the NYCDEP Flood Buyout Program. Village taxpayers are expected to see a reduction in combined property taxes and water bills, with an estimated $314,540 levy shifting from the Village to the Town tax base.

Village officials' views on dissolution are mixed, with some in favor and others opposed. As the community approaches the referendum, these discussions will be critical in shaping the Village's future.

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