By Peter Calvert
Town of Andes Board, December 20th, 2022
Privilege of the floor: Al Mohr presented that a construction assistance Restore New York Communities Initiative Grant is being sought in conjunction with the town through the MARK Project. These projects can range up to 2 million dollars for large scale construction. Travis Balcom presented his application for remodeling of the Old Town Garage on Route 28 just outside the Hamlet and he will apply for the Grant in conjunction with the Town through the MARK Project. Application must be submitted in late January 2023. Approval passed by the Town Board. They will hold a Public Hearing on the project January 3, 2023.
Privilege of the floor: Renovation of the Antique Fire Hall: The Andes Society for History and Culture is spearheading a major restoration of the 1893 Village Fire Hall on Main Street by the Andes Hotel. $5,000 has already been pledged from 29 individuals. and other donors can contact Historical Society to make contributions: PO Box 455, Andes, NY 13731. www.andessociety.org
Communications Tower: The School, the Fire Department and the Town will consolidate their communications on one central mountain tower on Mount Pisgah. The project costs approximately $27,500 spread among the three groups. Grant opportunities to defray costs will be applied for by the Town.
No Parking for Winter Snow Removal: Signs have been placed on Route 28 throughout the Hamlet defining no street parking overnight for snow removal. Residents and visitors are asked to note the restrictions to permit Town snowplows to clear the roads promptly and efficiently and save time, fuel, and lives.
Highway Report: John Bouton, Superintendent: The Highway department began clearing roadways of snow, sleet, and ice at all hours of the day and night.
Al Mohr, Code Enforcement Officer: 47 inspections, 8 permits, 1 violation and 5 searches. 2 Certificates of Occupancy were issued. 47 office calls were received, 26 calls on the cell and 18 texts. He noted instances where construction work is being done without prior permit approval. It was also discussed that numerous AirBnBs have not gone through their required application for permit process. If Code Violations are found, the Town may issue fines of up to $1,000 per day until compliance occurs or until town permits are applied for and granted.~