By Peter Calvert
Town of Andes Board, The September 18th and October 11th Meetings
September 18th Privilege of the floor: Cyndi Wright of Dirty Girl Farm related that her business would host open access “Guest WiFi”.Working with MTC, they now have a place visitors and townspeople can use this free WiFi to look up directions, email or text, research local businesses or attractions, or make calls as needed. She noted late night travelers often stop at her farm to ask for directions or make inquiries. This will help the town and could be extended to other places in the Hamlet if our businesses would replicate her initiative. MTC is willing to set up a “Guest WiFi” at no cost if other businesses reach out and contact MTC. In this fashion a “Main Street HotSpot” could be developed.
Application for Water Infrastructure Improvement Grant Submitted to defray a percentage of the considerable cost of upgrading the community’s drinking water supply. It went to the NY State Environmental Facilities Corporation. The Board will wait for the response to the application before making a final decision on well water project in the Hamlet and continues to seek input from the Hamlet dwellers.
CEO/Building Inspector Report: 14 municipal searches were completed and 27 building permits, 48 Inspections and 5 Certificates of Occupancy were issued;11 Compliance certificates in August and September and Al Mohr received 145 calls.
Planning Board Volunteer: Luke van Unen submitted a letter relating his interest in serving on the Planning Board for a future vacancy. He is a builder and an enthusiast of architecture living on Cabin Hill.
October 11th Privilege of the floor: MARK Project had a brief report from Suzanne Gladstone. Some current regional projects: A daycare center in Arkville and grants for low-income housing to assist local workers find apartments. A possible subsidy to adjust an existing home of a senior to set up an apartment for a live-in caregiver. Up to $15,000 could be available per home. Kirkside Project looking at a refrigerated truck to help farmers transport products safely from area farms. Suzanne is looking for Town input and can be called at (845) 676-3606 with ideas for Andes initiatives the MARK Project might consider to apply for funds.
Privilege of the floor: Cyndi Wright of Dirty Girl Farms will present “What makes tourists come to Andes?” at the Hunting Tavern on November 17th. This will be a Comprehensive Management talk expecting town input discussing needs and solutions.
Supervisor’s report: John Vickers is working on a stream issue on Gladstone Hollow. Our Budget Workshop was held and projections stayed within the 2% tax cap. A Multi-agency meeting to discuss how water conservation be handled without excessive land acquisition. DEP, DOH, EPA and Delaware County agents met on protecting water sources through implementation: ie. establishing flood plains, reestablishing banks of waterways, and the importance of good watershed, farming, and septic practices.
Highway Report: John Bouton, The Highway department got the new truck, continued work repairing roads and equipment and preparing for winter.
CEO/Building Inspector Report-Al Mohr: 2 municipal searches completed and 6 permits (1 new construction) issued, 1 police search done, 17 Inspections undertaken and 3 violations issued since the Sept 18th meeting.~