After six months in office, it’s time to take a look at some of what has been achieved by the new Town Board.
We implemented a difficult and
long overdue sewer rate increase after intensive analysis and a series
of public hearings. We’ve overhauled the planning department with a
series of excellent appointments and an emphasis on the use of in-house
resources instead of expensive consultants. We created a formal system
for tracking and spending Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS)
fees so that infrastructure issues can be addressed and our parks
revitalized. Efforts to improve the Hampton Manor Park have included a
volunteer cleanup, new playground equipment, the return of the gazebo, a
new mural and rebuilt chimney for the Lakehouse, and a developing plan
for a new walkway. We’re seeking grants to improve the Town Park and
are investigating the possibility of restoring swimming to the pond in
the Park.
We restored the question and
answer format to Town Board meetings and added public comment to
pre-Board meetings. We’ve established an Honor a Veteran Program. We’ve
held several meetings with residents of Hampton Manor concerning the
drinking water in the Manor. Efforts to revitalize Columbia Turnpike
include a Rapid Action Plan that will incentivize redevelopment of small
businesses, redrafting of the Town’s Building Code and Zoning Ordinance
to facilitate a stronger code enforcement program, and working with
landowners to improve appearances. The Weathervane is gone. We signed a
new contract with our Police Officers and hope to do the same soon with
our DPW employees and the Bruen Rescue Squad. We’ve modernized the
information technology in Town Hall by replacing our obsolete servers
and purchasing new computers.
What’s next? We’re preparing for an independent audit of the Town’s finances for 2015.
Our summer camp opens on July 5th and once again it is
fully enrolled. Road paving is scheduled for July 25-27. In August
we’ll pass a new Code of Ethics, one that will further remove politics
from the business of our Town government. We’re researching accounting
software for the Town Comptroller and new designs for our website.
There’s much to be done but we’re excited about what has been achieved
to date.
"redrafting of the Town’s Building Code and Zoning Ordinance" This appears to be the same approach that hat was attempted on Thompson Hill, also referred to as "SPOT ZONING".
ReplyDeleteFrom what I've heard, your assumption is not the case. I believe the aim is to revise the Code so as to put some "teeth" into the Town's ability to enforce the Code. Jack Conway might want to clarify, but in any case the Code applies to the entire Town, so characterizing things as "spot zoning" just isn't the case.
DeleteWorking with landowners to improve appearances. Does that include the Chris DeFruscio Columbia Turnpike Burned Out Building? Why not?? What say you Joe Cherubino??
ReplyDeleteIt is my understanding that Cherubino is a part time "helper". He should be reporting to Jack and the professional staff. He should not be granting favors any more.
DeleteHis cousin, Chris DeFruscio, should be compelled to comply with the existing law and when and if the law improves he must be held responsible for complying with the new law.
Cousin Chris' disaster of a house burned to the ground early this morning. Now lets see if cousin Joe makes him clear the site
DeleteI hope Supervisor Conway meant that in August we (meaning the whole Town) will consider a revised Ethics Cde. Lets not assume what will pass the Board until the Public Heariengs are held, and deliberations are completed.
ReplyDeleteI am under the impression that the revised zoning and building codes will apply to everyone and there will no longer be giant loop holes for the chosen few.
ReplyDeleteYup.
DeleteI am under the impression that the revised zoning and building codes will apply to everyone and there will no longer be giant loop holes for the chosen few.
ReplyDeleteA Draft of the Revised Ethics Law is available at http://eastgreenbush.org/government/board-of-ethics
ReplyDeleteOne of the biggest changes that I & many others have witnessed is, A Supervisor & board members that speak to the residents, address concerns, questions.
ReplyDeleteNow that didn't cost a penny, but it's so refreshing to see an interactive town government. Thank you Jack, Tina,Deb, Mary Ann & last but not least Tom Terrific.
Gadfly... Our Pre-Board agenda lacks the transparency we the people were promised by EG1st. Putting the July agenda up online which includes the filling of full time jobs, absent the names of the appointments is NOT being transparent. Councilperson Grant promised open and transparent government at my door. Very disappointing !!
ReplyDeleteI believe that Jack explained at the meeting that interviews are still going on and that these are "place-holder resolutions. Done so that the community would know what was going on. That's transparency.
ReplyDelete@ Anony @ 6:46 pm. If you were at the July pre-board meeting, & listening to what the board was asked what & addressed, you would know that it was said,that the posted positions are not filled, YET ! Now if you don't think that's transparent enough for you, then you should urgently consider an eye exam !
ReplyDeleteBefore they sign any contract with Bruen they might want to ask where all the money went to previously. Not to mention sue them to get the money back they were owed after ambulance company conspired with the town to buy the ambulances for a dollar from the town.
ReplyDeleteTom Grant was spotted at the Elks Club yesterday right here in town attending a Republican fundraiser for County Exec. Kathy Jimino. He and his wife were sitting with the Matters, and the new DPW Commr. was also there. I don't mean this as a criticism, it's a free country, and Tom can certainly do what he wants, but didn't EG First run just last year against the evil empire of major political parties claiming that they are all corrupt and needed to be put down? So why was he there yesterday helping to fund Kathy Jimino's next campaign? It just seems very hypocritical to me and it flys in the face of everything that EG First is supposed to stand for. One would think that he would have more sense.
ReplyDelete3:11 p.m. I agree, it does seem a bit hypocritical but the Grants could have sent a contribution by mail and been done with it. At least they're not trying to hide their support of a republican party politician in Rensselaer County. They're right out in the open with it.
DeleteI believe EG 1st ran against the Town of East Greenbush Dems and Repubs. I wasn't aware they ran against County, State and National political parties also.
DeleteIn the last election Republican Kathy Jimino successfully supported her brother, Patrick Maddon, for Troy Mayor, opposing a Republican Party political operative. Seems like a positive trend might be happening where elected officials support the best candidate instead of whoever the old boy party network picks.
ReplyDeleteI voted for both Jimino and Grant.