By Buffy Calvert

The town Councilmen raised some items of particular interest to the public after answering pertinent questions put by Ritchie Gabriel about the budget of the almost completed Town Court and reports of the ongoing work of the Highway Department to keep our roads in good repair.

The “FOR RENT” sign has gone down at Hogan’s. It appears that the owner will lease the store to Argyle Farms for a gas station, convenience store and outlet for local produce.

ACS student Allison Long’s service in filling in for Town Clerk Kim Tosi during her vacation was noted with appreciation.

Councilman Wayland Gladstone proposed that the Board have an Economic Development committee. Supervisor Marty Donnelly and Councilman Tom Joyce volunteered to form the committee. It will coordinate with the nascent town Chamber of Commerce.

Watch for the installation of a handsome 14’x 24’ pavilion in Ballantine Park, paid for with grant money.

Peg Ellsworth, MARK Project director, met with local business owners to outline the opportunities for Main Street beautification projects if we receive the grant applied for by MARK with support from Andes and neighboring towns. Up to $25,000 would be available to individual owners, up to $75,000 to clusters. Since clusters will receive preference and help the hamlet to be chosen, a group of Main Street enterprises may form a cluster.

Catherine Marshall requested permission to address the Board at the August meeting to introduce a weekly Senior Center at St. James Church designed to provide a “safe and friendly place” for seniors and a respite to their caregivers. Permission granted.

The Flood Commission has received 5 applications for consultant to the project. They will score the applications and meet with Soil and Water Conservation director Graydon Dutcher before bringing their choice to the Board for approval.

Finally, a frisson of interest rippled through the room when Marty announced that a local goat farm has applied to the Planning Board for a permit to move their operation to the John Gregg property across from Town Hall.~