October 9th Town Board (con’t)

Doug Welch of the Dirt Roads Coalition spoke of his appreciation for Highway Superintendent James Fetzer, and the quality of the work that the highway department has been doing to improve the town’s roads. He supported Wapner’s suggestion that the board take up the discussion regarding potential increases in staffing for the highway department. Another resident pointed out that there have been dramatic changes in traffic volume and a doubling in building permit requests over the past several years. She said that the town could move more quickly than it has to recognize and plan to accommodate these changes.

Earlier in the meeting, Chatham Village Mayor John Howe and two representatives from the Valatie Rescue Squad addressed the board. Mayor Howe presented a budget request from the Village of Chatham Fire Department, and the VRS presented their budget request, with extensive supportive data. Both organizations are seeking an increase in funding from the town at this time.  Supervisor Collins said that some other local fire and rescue organizations that contract with the Town of Chatham have asked for “modest increases” in writing, and he expects to hear soon from those who have yet to respond.  

The Board will meet to continue the budget discussion on Thursday, October 16 at the regular Board meeting. A public hearing on the budget is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, November 6 at 6:30pm.