Stonecarving Center

Town talks name for stonecarving center

By Jim Planck
Hudson-Catskill Newspapers

Published: Thursday, January 6, 2011 6:09 AM EST

HUNTER — The Town of Hunter has been hosting a stonecarving seminar on a grassy sward just west of the town hall for about four years, and the time has come for the park-like setting to now get an official name.

The annual seminars are taught by professional stonecarver Kevin Vanhentenryck, of Westkill, with sponsorship by the town and funding through the Greene County Council on the Arts and the Twin Counties Cultural Fund, plus a variety of donations, such as material and equipment.

Vanhentenryck was at the town’s monthly meeting Wednesday night and told board members that, as directed, he had met with Hunter-Tannersville Central School District art teacher Rita Mary Vining and her class regarding name suggestions for the site.

“This is a list that I got from Rita Mary Vining’s class,” he explained. “I met with them in the Fall.”

Councilman Dolph Semenza, noting the list contained about fifty suggestions, read them aloud to those present and all were well received.

Vanhentenryck said that in discussing the concept of naming the site to the students, he had “emphasized with the class that these little objects might be around a long time.”

“Things can change,” he reiterated to board members, “and these stones will be around for a fairly long time.”

Vanhentenryck said he believes one important aspect of the name should be that it helps market the site to visitors and tourists.

“It’s a description,” he said. “The name has to tell someone in Connecticut, what is it? — Why should they come here and see it?”

Semenza asked who is going to pick the final name, and Vanhentenryck said it was his understanding that the class was going to do it.

Subsequent discussion indicated the board will continue to review the process and also contact Vining to talk about it, before determining a name.

Vanhentenryck thanked the board “for giving the Hunter stonecarving center a home,” and Hunter Supervisor Dennis Lucas, in return, expressed the board’s appreciation, stating, “Thank you, for all your work.”

Lucas also noted that the class has once again been funded this year, with receipt of award notice from the Twin Counties Cultural Fund for $2,000.

Vanhentenryck also indicated there is possibility that similar sites could be developed at other locations in the town, “not just here,” he said.

For overview information on the annual stonecarving seminar, visit http://www.kevinvanhentenryck.com/, and click on the link for this past summer’s 2010 seminar.

Details for the 2011 version will be announced upon confirmation of dates and all applicable registration information.

Greene County Administrator

Meet the new boss

Shaun S. Groden discusses his background and observations at the Daily Mail offices Wednesday as he takes his post as the newly appointed Greene County Administrator. Photo by Claude Haton

Greene County Administrator Shaun Groden prepared for leadership role

By Colin DeVries
Hudson-Catskill Newspapers

Published: Tuesday, January 11, 2011 2:08 AM EST

CATSKILL — Though his furniture was still en route from Michigan early last Wednesday, Shaun Groden’s heart and mind were already completely immersed in all things Greene County.

The county’s new administrator flew in last Sunday with his family, leaving behind him over six years of leadership in Michigan’s St. Clair County and a track record of positive municipal growth and development.

Groden, 53, is a native of Rochester and a successful leader in business and government.

Coming from a county of similar wealth but with more than three times the population size, Groden expects to have a different but extremely constructive experience in Greene.

St. Clair County’s annual budget is about $100 million compared with Greene County’s $99.3 million budget.

According to 2009 census data, the population of St. Clair County was 167,000 and Greene County’s was 48,947. The mean income per household in St. Clair County was $61,088 in 2009, and $59,773 in Greene County.

Though the population of St. Clair County vastly exceeds Greene County’s, 20 percent of people there are unemployed, Groden said. Much of that due to the reduction in the auto industry around Detroit, 60 miles to the southwest of the St. Clair County city of Port Huron.

Unemployment hovers around 8 percent in Greene County and Groden intends to work toward improving that.

“At the end of the day, jobs are the issue,” he said during an interview last week. “I intend to be very active in economic development.”

During Groden’s job search last year, he was pleased to find that Greene County already had quality shovel-ready business parks with significant acreage for development. In fact, Groden said he had pushed his own county lawmakers in St. Clair County to purchase land for similar parks.

In Michigan, Groden had been president of St. Clair County’s Economic Development Alliance — similar to the Greene County Industrial Development Agency — and implemented a workforce training program for high school students called the National Career Readiness Certification Program. The program is becoming more popular among employers to test aptitude on prospective employees.

“We’re trying to branch out into new sectors,” he said. “We need to find where the jobs will be for tomorrow.”

Groden, who has a masters in public administration from SUNY Brockport, said change is the key to success in economic development and the job market.

“We need to keep up with the times,” he said. “If you were doing your job the way you were trained, you’re doing it wrong.”

The order of doing business continues to evolve and demands new efficiencies to save money, Groden said, making adaptability to changes paramount in importance.

As St. Clair County administrator Groden implemented an efficieny by cutting paper use — swapping case files in the district attorney’s office with laptops, for example.

He was also able to save the county money on a jail project when he first became St. Clair County administrator at the end of 2004, identifying savings through financial accounting.

He said he kept the budget balanced each year and improved the county’s credit rating, while making the budget process more transparent and open to public input.

Another efficiency he implemented in Michigan was continuity of services, allowing for more sharing of services and realizing a cost savings throughout the county. He also consolidated some departments to avoid duplicative waste.

St. Clair County can be described as an agrarian, waterfront community, similar to Greene County, but Groden knows there are significant differences and challenges ahead.

“I wanted to be able to come to something that needed change,” he said. “I was looking for an area in distress.”

Groden equated the principles of business to public administration as far as budgeting and the need to uncover new revenues or cut expenditures.

With New York’s depleted fiscal state, Groden knew Greene County may face significant mandates coming forward — something he is ready for.

While earning his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the Rochester Institute of Technology, Groden “fell in love” with the budget process during an internship with the Monroe County budget office.

Forgoing an FBI career to become a public servant, Groden went on to work 15 years with the town of Greece. There he worked as director of finances on a $50 million budget.

After leaving Greece in 1997, he went into the private sector for several years until he returned to public administration in St. Clair County as administrator, a job he left in support of his family’s wishes.

Though he had other job offers, he chose Greene County for its forward-thinking business development, its solid credit rating and fiscal status, its recreational opportunities and an environment suitable for his wife and three children (all in their 20s).

It also helps that he loves to ski.

“I am not here by accident, I’m not here by happenstance,” he said. “I’m exactly where I want to be.”

Now here, Groden intends to make a positive impact on Greene County economics and apply his knowledge of municipal government and finances to inspire growth.

“When you have a career in public administration,” he said, “it’s of a desire to do something for the greater good.”

Groden’s three-year contract was unanimously approved by the county legislature at a salary of $132,000.

Snow Totals

Storm totals exceed 10 inches in mountains

By Colin DeVries
Hudson-Catskill Newspapers

Published: Sunday, January 9, 2011 2:08 AM EST

CATSKILL — The area’s most recent snowstorm dumped nearly a foot of snow on the Catskill Mountains and resulted in fender benders around the county.

According to the National Weather Service, early Saturday morning snow totals exceeded 10.5 inches in East Jewett — the most noted by NWS. Ten inches fell on the Hunter Mountain ski resort.

Windham Mountain ski resort received 8 inches of snow and areas of Cairo were hit with more than 9 inches.

Durham showed the least with 5 inches, according to NWS snowfall totals.

With the snow brought numerous car accidents around the county.

State police responded to nine different auto accidents from early morning Friday to Friday evening, while the Greene County Sheriff’s Office responded to eight others throughout that day.

Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported but numerous vehicles were damaged.

Police officers highlighted two major factors in preventing these accidents during inclement weather: drive slow and make sure you have safe tires.

“If you take it slow, you can go anywhere,” said Greene County Sheriff Sgt. Rich Brandt.

Catskill Police Sgt. Ron Frascello said that while taking it slow and having good snow tires is good, the best thing is to stay off the road.

“Unless it’s a dire emergency,” he said, “don’t go out (in a snowstorm).”

Snow showers were forecast for Saturday night into Sunday, with less than a half inch of accumulation in eastern parts of Greene County.

There may be more snow in the forecast for Tuesday night.

Let's not waste a moment!

Valuing time before it is too late
Often our days are busied with worry, stress, complaining, work, and a general wasting of time. Once we finally realize the value of our time, often for many of us it is too late. While your life might seem like a long time in the midst of it, truly it is a blink of an eye. Today, make more time to be present in your life. Even small moments--enjoying a cup of tea, calling a friend, reading a favorite book--should be enjoyed. Restructure your day so that you can get all of your work done, but allow for extra time to be spent on personal matters. Stop procrastinating!

Tuscan Painting

From Tuscany with love: painting a la Thomas Cole

Mara Lehmann’s “Sunburst Over Barga Hillside” is just one of the beautiful works that resulted from a painting excursion to Italy with three fellow painters. Courtesy CMF

By Jim Planck
Hudson-Catskill Newspapers

Published: Friday, January 7, 2011 2:09 AM EST

HUNTER — American painting legend Thomas Cole honed much of his skill during extended visits to Europe, especially to architectural and scenic sites in Italy, and four local artists have followed his lead and inspiration.

Now returned from their overseas jaunt, Mara Lehmann, of Haines Falls, Michelle Moran, of Woodstock, Carol Slutzky-Tenerowicz, of Elka Park, and Marianne Tully, of Stone Ridge, spent the summer and fall using their on-site sketches as the basis for finished works of art in true Cole-like style.

Their location was Barga, a medieval walled city about 20 miles north of Lucca, in the mountains of northern Italy.

“I’ve been to Barga many times over the last 23 years,” explained Tully, “after first hearing about it from my brother-in-law, Enrico, who grew up there.”

“I’ve always enjoyed painting there,” she said, “and this was an opportunity for all four of us to paint together.”

“So,” said Tully, “we rented a villa” -- adding that the trip then got postponed from April to mid-May because of the Icelandic volcanic ash which shut down European air space this past spring.

 At last they arrived though, and, said Tully, “We got our chance to paint the fields, the hills, and the old Roman arches and medieval buildings in Barga’s old town.”

They worked “plein air” -- meaning out in the open, and which was the technique Cole used to develop his sketches -- but, as they were in Italy, it is there known as “all’aria aperta.”

Lehmann said the locale was perfect.

“From the moment the plane begins to descend,” said Lehmann, “the breathtaking views seen from the windows are filled with the magic and promise that is the Italian countryside.”

“Rolling hills, fields, and hilltop towns dot the landscape in profusion,” she said.

“Everywhere are cypress trees and houses,” said Lehmann, “inspirations in warm pinks, oranges, yellows, and lush greens.”

Slutzky-Tenerowicz agreed.

“Of all the painting excursions I’ve been on,” she said, “this trip to Barga was the most inspiring, and the most productive.”

“A painting trip such as this with fellow artists,” Slutzky-Tenerowicz said, “who have the same focus and dedication to paint and draw in Italy, is to me the best way to travel.”

“Barga, Italy -- in May!” added Moran.

“How do you capture the beauty of the hilltop countryside,” Moran said, “with drama in the skies, everchanging light patterns, with a sprinkle of volcanic ash from Iceland?”

The public will, of course, have opportunity to see just how wonderfully all four captured the images of their excursion in the upcoming show, “Bella Tuscany: From Field Sketch to Finished Work,” which opens Jan. 15 at the Catskill Mountain Foundation’s Kaaterskill Fine Arts Gallery, in Hunter.

The original “plein air” sketches made on site will also be on display, as well as the completed master works.

“Here, in this exhibit,” said Tully, “we wish to bring you the fruit of our labors.”

“We hope that we have captured on canvas and paper,” she said, “the vibrant heart of an Italy that we have grown to love.”

An artists’ reception will take place at the opening, from 4-6 p.m. on Jan. 15, and there will also be an informal “Art Talk” on Saturday, Jan. 22, at 1 p.m., both of which will offer a chance to meet and talk with the artists.

“Bella Tuscany: From Field Sketch to Finished Work” will run at the gallery until March 15.

Kaaterskill Fine Arts Gallery is located at the CMF Hunter Village Square building, 7970 Main Street (Route 23A), Hunter.

For more information, call gallery director Laureen Priputen at (518) 263-2080.

 ***

From Health Magazine..... we knew this about dogs, right?

Cuddle up with your pet
If you're a pet owner, you've no doubt noticed you're less tense when scratching your animal behind the ears. In fact, research shows that people's blood pressure drops when they pet dogs, particularly if it's a dog they know and love. Dog petting has also been shown to improve immune function and ease pain, or at least the perception of it.
"You're focusing on the animal, not on you, so your mind isn't able to ruminate about the pain," explains Brad Lichtenstein, a naturopathic physician and assistant professor in the counseling and health psychology department at Bastyr University in Seattle. (Experts say snuggling with any furry pet should be just as soothing.)
So don't resist when your pet curls up with you -- spending quality time together may be just what the doctor ordered.

Health.com: How my pet helped me heal

Funding released.

State releases $2.5 million in Social Services funding

Gov. Cuomo already making Greene happy, dismisses treasurer flap

By Colin DeVries
Hudson-Catskill Newspapers

Published: Thursday, January 6, 2011 2:09 AM EST

CATSKILL — Just hours before his first State of the State Address, Gov. Andrew Cuomo allowed the release of $2.5 million in social services funds being withheld since last fall.

The announcement was made early Wednesday morning, less than 24 hours after a letter of inquiry was sent to the governor’s office Tuesday afternoon.

The money was being held back funds food stamps, Medicaid and heating assistance benefits — among other social services.

Greene County Legislature Chairman Wayne Speenburgh said he was “relieved” and “encouraged” by the decision.

“I’m surprised the governor’s office responded this quickly,” he said, noting it may be a sign of something better. “We may have a very good working relationship (with the new governor).”

The funds, a total of about $2.5 million, was being withheld by Gov. David Paterson’s administration due to a flap over the county treasurer appointment made last summer.

After County Treasurer Willis Vermilyea retired in July, the Greene County Legislature appointed Thomas Tracey, the treasurer’s office director of administrative services,  as interim treasurer.

Gov. Paterson’s counsel argued the appointment had to be made by the governor and the home-rule power struggle began.

The ensuing argument developed for months, with the governor’s office considering Tracey’s signature on reimbursement documents invalid and thus not releasing the funds.

The conflict wasn’t even settled after November’s election determined Peter Markou, Catskill town supervisor, was chosen as county treasurer. Even though both the governor’s office and the county legislature agreed to appoint the winner of the election, the argument continued after county lawmakers preempted the governor’s formal appointment.

The decision to release the funds was faxed to the county offices at 9 a.m. this morning, only four days after Gov. Cuomo’s new administration took over.

Counsel to the Governor Mylan Denerstein approved the order. She replaced Peter Kiernan, Gov. Paterson’s counsel, at the beginning of the year.

The governor’s office could not be reached for comment on why they decided to release the funds.

Speenburgh said the funds will begin coming in as soon as today.

A wonderful quotation!!

A rock pile ceases being a rock pile the moment a single man contemplates it, bearing within him the image of a cathedral.
- Unknown Author

Start the Year Clutter free! Great article and great author.....

Unpacking properly leads to a new clutter-free life

By Sue Story
For Hudson-Catskill Newspapers

Published: Friday, December 10, 2010 8:00 AM EST

We’ve lived through moving day and are in the new home. I have some final comments on packing, and then ... let the unpacking begin.

Regarding cartons, if budget is a consideration, get them from liquor stores. Buying them is better as similarity in size assures easier stacking—during staging, moving and while unpacking.

When transporting things yourself don’t use large boxes or pack too many heavy items in one carton. We don’t want to strain our backs; we already have enough on our plates.

Also, when we have access to the new home before moving day we can do a lot of moving runs. Because we don’t have to worry about packing properly for movers to transport our stuff, we can use coverless bins, paper bags, whatever is handy. This usually works when we’re moving just a short distance and can do a lot of runs. Another advantage is that a good part of the unpacking can be done in advance.

When it has to wait until after moving day, begin by unpacking the most recently packed items. These are usually the things that will be needed almost immediately. The kitchen and bathroom are usually the most crucial places for beginning this stage of the move.

As previously mentioned, when things from different rooms are in one box, it helps to empty it and sort things by room. Then the items can be carried to their individual rooms. When there are more than a few things to go to another place, sort them into small cartons or baskets so you only make one trip to each location.

It pays to have several box cutters on hand for opening taped cartons. With only one, it’s a certainty that it will have mysteriously vanished by the next time we need it.

When we have time to move gradually, we can eliminate lots of stuff and sort of avoid the clutter before it begins accumulating. If packing has to be rushed and there isn’t time to get rid of things, then stuff should be cleared out when unpacking. But the ideal is to do it before packing so that there’s less to be moved.

When we move “at a moment’s notice,” we tend to pack quickly and don’t get rid of anything. We figure we’ll do it after the move, but somehow things happen and we wind up hanging on to things. So, if at all possible, it’s we need to take this time to do some clearing.

Furthermore, no matter what happens it’s imperative that we get everything unpacked right away, even if this means losing some sleep. Too many of us get caught up in other things and are still living with packed cartons 10 years after the move. This not only causes major clutter, but blocked energy as well.

When unpacking, we often tend to put things in locations that are similar, if not identical, to their places in the old houses, for example, keeping dishes and glasses near the sink or dishwasher. However, when an item does have a new home, it’s a sure thing it will be almost impossible to find when needed, simply because we won’t remember where we put it. Keep a list of all these new locations and save lot’s of time looking for things.

If downsizing, do not put things in storage unless it’s definitely a temporary situation or for just a short period of time.

Instead, use this opportunity for some major clearing.

In this electronic age, we often don’t have as much use for Uncle Sam’s postal service as in the past, but they’re a great resource when moving. The change of address form now comes in a packet with discount coupons for everything from truck rentals and movers to decorating stores and banks. The confirmation of the change in address comes in a packet containing even more coupons, plus a resource, service and store locator. These coupons can mean hundreds of dollars in savings—very important considering all the expenses involved in moving.

Finally, if we take our time putting everything away and give lots of thought to where things should go, we’ll be off to a well-organized, clutter-free life in our new home. And maybe, just maybe, we can start life in these new homes with newer and more productive habits so that we avoid any future clutter problems. What a concept.

Sue Story owns ClutterBusters, a home and business organizing service. She can be contacted at 845-657-6644 or by e-mail at info@clutterbustersny.com. Her column will be appearing every other week.

Ashland Town Hall

Foundation and footings in place for new Ashland town/fire hall

Workers from Gallo Construction set rebar for the footings and foundation of the new Ashland town hall/firehouse which is becoming a reality after nearly a year of planning, replacing the former facility lost to a fire last winter. (Michael Ryan/Windham Journal)

By Michael Ryan
Windham Journal Staff Writer

Published: Thursday, December 30, 2010 6:12 AM EST

ASHLAND — There is the semblance of a smile showing on the faces of government leaders again as the foundation and footings go up for the new town hall/firehouse in Ashland, replacing the facility lost to fire almost a year ago.

Nine workers from Gallo Construction were busy, all last week, setting what seemed like miles of rebar and hoping for a substantial snowfall to keep the frost from settling in more deeply than it already had in what, to that point, had been basically a snow-less winter.

A special demo-hammer was going to be brought to the site to “beat the frost out” of the turf if necessary, a crewman said, as one recently poured concrete wall on the north side of the building stayed warm and toasty, drying under a plastic blanket.

Heating the walls of what will form the basement for the town hall portion of the structure is proving to be a financial challenge, with cold weather showing no signs of letting up and the memory of long delays in getting started weighing heavily on the minds of local officials.

Blueprints were changed numerous times over the spring and summer as discussions took place between volunteer firefighters and government leaders related to the size of the building, which as one point in the planning process was nearly four times its original size.

Preliminary sketches also would have resulted in the town borrowing $1 million or more, giving firefighters and town employees a lot more room, which everyone agreed was necessary and long overdue, but putting Ashland in an unfamiliar spot.

Debt is not something government leaders like to accrue, and their annual budgets traditionally have zeroes all across line items having anything to do with interest payments on loans, with the town preferring to set aside money as it goes along.

Considerable cash had been put in the bank for an addition at the old town hall/firehouse, giving firefighters more space for trucks and equipment, before the blaze struck. Volunteers also had a cramped meeting room and no quarters for cleaning up after fires.

Municipal employees were similarly squeezed and the finished blueprints have been designed to address all those problems with a minimum of borrowing, or perhaps none, reducing the footprint from 16,600 square foot to 12,100 square feet.

A pre-engineered steel shell will be installed, hopefully by late March, atop the foundation and footings currently being constructed, allowing the town to begin its part in the process, using as much volunteer energy as possible to pour interior slabs for flooring.

Potential debt will be reduced significantly by letting Gallo Construction do its thing, laboring uninterrupted through the winter, and then setting volunteers loose, gradually finishing off the inside, including concrete slabs and rooms while sub-contracting out any undoable plumbing, electrical and heating.

It had been hoped the building would be enclosed by early January, rather than just getting underway, but local officials are pleased to see progress, not exactly beaming just yet but changing the topic of conversation from what wasn’t happening to a brighter future.

Shock was etched on the faces of all Ashland citizens, last January 10, when flames ripped through the old town hall/firehouse, destroying virtually all fire-fighting equipment, including fire trucks, as well as an ambulance.

The fire company, with the help of their volunteer brethren throughout Greene County and beyond, gradually got back on its feet, and municipal employees are making do with temporary quarters in two trailers, about 1/2 mile east of the original site.

When the project is completed, the fire district will have three truck bays, each one deep enough for two vehicles, along with significantly more storage space, a separate meeting room and bathroom/shower facilities. There will be one ambulance bay immediately next door, deep enough for two rigs.

Municipal workers will have six offices in which to spread out. The town clerk will have a secure file area and the judges chambers will be isolated from the rest, giving the judiciary added security. There will be a large community room, where the town council will meet, and a kitchen/breakroom.

While all this is going on, the new wastewater treatment system is steadily moving forward, on schedule. The sewer plant, on the west end of town, is nearly enclosed with overhead doors expected to arrive in mid-January.

Interior insulation will be done by then, according to a crewman at the site, setting the stage for the construction of the sewer plant’s machinery and network, aiming toward completion in May and startup next summer or fall. Installation of the collection line was wrapped up last week.

When the dust settles, Ashland will have a $7.7 million facility, financed by the Department of Environmental Protection. The small diameter, gravity sewer system will service 89 residences and businesses, primarily in the hamlet district.

In other business:

—Town board members, at a recent meeting, received a letter from town of Lexington resident Linda Van Etten, praising members of the Ashland Rescue Squad and Greene County Emergency Medical Services.

“My husband suffered a heart attack at his office in Ashland on August 24th...and the county emergency response paramedic responded within minutes,” Van Etten wrote. “The paramedic, with the assistance of the equally responsive Ashland Rescue Squad, professionally administered what was needed.

“Due to their fast and professional efforts, stents were in place [in an Albany hospital] within two hours of my husband’s cardiac episode. The fact that this could be accomplished is amazing,” Van Etten wrote.

“The long term effects of this heart attack were definitely minimized and [my husband’s] life extended,” Van Etten wrote. “On behalf of my husband and myself, I thank you for your service to us, Greene County and the rural mountaintop area.”

Lexington Waste Water treatment system.

Councilmen mull offer that could be refused

Town board might turn down $9.1M for wastewater treatment

By Michael Ryan
Hudson-Catskill Newspapers

Published: Wednesday, January 5, 2011 2:09 AM EST

LEXINGTON — There is a tempting $9.1 million offer on the table to build a wastewater treatment system in Lexington and also a good chance government leaders will turn it down.

Town board members got an update on the proposed project from the Catskill Watershed Corporation and Lamont Engineers, nearly two years after first hearing of the deal.

Funding for the infrastructure improvement is coming from the New York City Department of Environmental Protection as part of a federal mandate to preserve its upstate network of reservoirs and tributaries.

Local taxpayers are off the hook for any of the upfront costs, with residents having to pay only a relatively small ($100) annual usage fee and businesses contributing $300 per year for the privilege.

It is expected merchants will be charged for every gallon of water they use, as well, which is not necessarily a cause for celebration unless the alternatives are weighed.

 In point of fact, there aren't many alternatives. Standards for constructing private septic systems within the watershed have stiffened to such a degree that permits are often more precious than gold.

Solid gold bars might be easier to get and less valuable, if truth be told, generally leading watershed communites to jump at what DEP is offering, whether they love the idea or not.

Lexington is one of 22 towns and villages on a list of municipalities identified more than a decade ago as needing some type of wastewater treatment, and local officials were informed, in January 2009, their turn had come.

Neighboring communities such as Windham and Prattsville have already taken advantage of the one-shot opportunity and have fully operational sewer plants, with few, if any, complaints.

The tiny town of Ashland is in the process of joining the fold, constructing a $7.5 million small diameter, gravity collection system that will essentially service the hamlet district, a concept that is being similarly presented in Lexington.

Several options have been researched by engineers since January, 2009, when town board members gave Lamont the okay to start the Study Phase of the project, with CWC administering the DEP funding.

Studies revealed that "a Septic Maintenance District was not adequate...because 85% of the properties in the hamlet are not able to support a properly functioning, up-to-standards, standard design septic system," the engineering report stated.

It was concluded that a community-wide septic system facility with subsurface disposal was the best choice for Lexington and two sites to handle the disposal were found, the engineering report states.

"However, both landowners were unwilling to consider selling their property," the engineering report states, sending planners back to the drawing board, arriving at a different conclusion.

It was subsequently determined that a full-scale sewer treatment plant was the next best option, at a capital cost of $9.1 million with annual operation and maintenances charges totaling $412,000, the engineering report states.

However, "all agreed a wastewater treatment plant was too expensive to operate and that resulting commercial fees would be totally unaffordable," the engineering report states, moving everyone back to square one.

Numerous discussions between Lamont and DEP ensued until finally, in the summer of 2010, DEP said it would finance a community septic system with sand filtration, including an on-site septic system for the Lexington Hotel.

DEP said it would provide the $9.1 million block grant with O & M costs reduced to $93,000 per year, a figure that would not overly-burden the few businesses in town, the engineering report states.

Under the plan, spanking new septic tanks would be installed in all homes and businesses inside the sewer district, which encompasses all of Route 13A and County Route 42 from Main Street to the Kenneth A. Becker Municipal Hall.

Solids would be settled out and pumped out on a regular basis, probably every three years (a cost borne by the project). The remaining effluent is purified through a series of sand filters before getting released to sub-surface, absorption beds.

On paper it all sounds good but there is a snag. Engineers said a 13-15 acre plot of land is needed to handle the absorption beds and while two adequate sites have been identified, the property owners are still not willing to sell.

Sites have been selected at what is colloquially known as the Stanley Soule Flats, near the current post office along County Route 42, and the Mendenhall Flats, along State Route 23A, east of the hamlet district.

If the property owners cannot be persuaded to part with their land, the Eminent Domain Law could be used to secure one of the desired sites, a possibility local officials don't want to even ponder just yet.

There might be little choice, however. Plans for the community wastewater treatment program would have to be abandoned if one of the two sites is not obtained, the engineering report states.

DEP has plenty of other places to spend the money, officials noted, and residents would be left to their own devices to replace or repair failing septic systems, according to CWC attorney Tim Cox.

Cox was asked by councilman Keith Mellott if hamlet residents could still apply for existing CWC dollars to assist in the upgrade of private systems, a program also funded by DEP.

 "If the community says 'No thank-you' [to the $9.1 million], the hamlet will go to the end of the line," Cox said, in terms of applying for septic upgrade assistance. "And even then, chances are you wouldn't be eligible," Cox added.

No precise deadline has been established for accepting of refusing DEP's generosity. Public information meetings will be scheduled sometime in mid-January, town supervisor Greg Cross said.

Citizens will have an opportunity to have their say and a decision must be made in a reasonable timeframe, with the project taking three years to complete, once the Design Phase kicks in, which would be the next step.

"This is a voluntary project," Lamont Engineering principal Henry Lamont noted, advising board members that momentum can be stopped at any point leading up to acceptance of construction bids, a moment at least a year down the road.

The system would have the capacity to handle 19,000 gallons of effluent per day. Laterals, connecting residents and merchants to the collection line, would be paid for by DEP, up to five feet from the residence or business.

No sewer plant would be needed, although a smaller building would be seen over the sand filters, engineers said. Any crossing of the Schoharie Creek would be accomplished by directional drilling, leaving the stream undisturbed.

When the project is complete, the town would own the facility, administering billing while most likely hiring a company to handle operations. Water flows for commercial users are typically metered, engineers said.

Politics in Greene County

New-look county ushers in 2011

Democratic legislator Harry Lennon of Cairo was elected to serve as the new minority leader on the Greene County Legislature for two years. H-CN File

Lennon, Groden, Markou, Tailleur reflect changes in Greene government

By Colin DeVries
Hudson-Catskill Newspapers

Published: Tuesday, January 4, 2011 2:11 AM EST

CATSKILL — Complete with a new judge, new treasurer, new county administrator and new Democratic minority leader, Greene County government has been reorganized for 2011.

The Greene County Legislature ushered in the new year Monday with the selection of a new leader for the Democratic legislators. Republicans hold an 8-6 majority on the legislature.

Legislator Harry Lennon, one of two lawmakers representing Cairo, was chosen by the Democratic caucus to lead them through 2011 and 2012. Lennon was unanimously chosen three weeks ago.

“We will keep a watchful eye on the county spending and the revenue stream,” he said. “I feel all members of the legislature this year must take a tough fiscal approach throughout the year and make the appropriate adjustments when necessary.”

Lennon thanked his fellow Democrats for selecting him as their leader, succeeding Legislator Sean Frey of Durham. Frey said personal and professional responsibilities played a role in not seeking the position again.

“I’ve had a great experience over the last two years filling the position,” he said. “I just felt it was the right thing (to choose Lennon).”

Lennon said he looks forward to tackling the tough fiscal challenges ahead and governing with his colleagues across the aisle.

“I will continue to work with the majority of the legislature,” he said, “and continue to bring our opinions and ideas to the table for discussion.”

Lennon, 50, has been a lifelong resident of Cairo, graduating from Cairo-Durham High School in 1978. He went on to receive a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice from the University of Scranton in 1983.

He works full-time with the New York State Thruway Authority as an infrastructure security officer and a senior investigator of fraud, waste and abuse.

Lennon was first elected as legislator in 2006 and re-elected in 2009.

The minority leader of the legislature receives an additional $1,000 annually on top of a $15,000 salary paid to each legislator. The minority leader also has ex-officio voting power on all committees, as does the legislature chairman and majority leader.

Legislator Keith Valentine, one of four lawmakers representing Catskill, remains the majority leader.

Greene County Legislature Chairman Wayne Speenburgh, R-Coxsackie, said there were “significant challenges” ahead for 2011.

“We believe the state isn’t through passing down some more of the tax problems to local taxpayers,” he said.

Newly-hired Greene Administrator Shaun S. Groden was in chambers during the re-organization meeting Monday night, concluding his first day on the job. Groden was administrator of St. Clair County of Michigan for seven years.

Over the weekend, the county swore in its newly elected officials: Greene County Court Judge Charles M. Tailleur and Greene County Treasurer Peter Markou.

Tailleur succeeds Greene County Judge Daniel K. Lalor and Markou succeeds Greene County Treasurer Willis Vermilyea.

Dominick J. Cornelius was re-appointed as public defender, receiving a salary of $84,011.

David C. Dorpfeld was re-appointed Greene County historian and Charles B. Swain was re-appointed Greene County minority historian.

Dr. Walter Hubicki II was re-appointed Greene County Jail physician.

Dr. Catalina Alegre-Levine was re-appointed medical director for the Physically Handicapped Children’s Program.

Legislator Larry Gardner, D-Hunter was appointed parliamentarian of the legislature. Gardner, chairman of the human services committee, was additionally appointed as a member of the Greene County Council for the Disabled.

Legislator James Hitchcock, R-Windham, chairman of the highway committee, was appointed as Greene County representative to the Albany County Airport Authority Regional Advisory Board. Hitchcock was also appointed as the associate director of the Altamont Fair Board of Directors.

Legislator Joseph Izzo, R-Catskill, was appointed to serve on the Cornell Cooperative Extension’s board of directors, with Legislator Kevin Lewis, R-Greenville, as an alternate representative.

Legislator Karen Deyo, R-Catskill, chairwoman of the government operations committee, will serve as a member of the Economic Development Committee.

Committee assignments have been adjusted to reflect the change in Democratic leadership. Frey will join the conservation, education and health committees. Legislator James Van Slyke, D-New Baltimore, will join the government operations committee. Legislator Forest Cotten, D-Catskill, will join the public safety committee. Legislator Chris Pfister, D-Athens, will join the human services and public safety committees.

The Daily Mail was designated the county’s official newspaper.