Town Board gets down to business

Among those topics discussed was one focused on cable and Internet service.

Phone provider Optimum will have a representative at Town Hall today, June 26, at 7:30 p.m. to answer residents’ questions about services.

This is not a meeting, it’s simply an opportunity for residents who have questions and/or concerns to speak with an Optimum representative about issues related to the services they provide.

"I think the main concern people have here is they can get Internet service and they can get TV, but they’re having a problem getting phone hookup," Town Clerk Judy Harpp said. "So if people have questions of any kind, they can come in and take care of them, they can speak about them."

In other business, Pine Plains resident Cindy Shea reported she’s still trying to get the county’s LOOP bus to make a stop at the Veterans’ Administration clinic on West Church Street (Route 199).

Shea is still waiting to hear back from the county in regards to the matter. Currently the bus makes its way into Pine Plains and turns around by the Main Street Café on South Main Street (Route 82).

Town Recreation Director Jim Jackson submitted his letter of resignation to the Town Board, effective June 30.

Jackson has been hired by the school district to serve as the head football coach at Stissing Mountain Junior/High School.

He said the new post will require his full attention, and therefore he will be unable to continue on with his job as the town’s head of recreation.

The board all agreed he will be missed.

The Highway Superintendent made a report to the Town Board on its progress.

Schultz Hill Road is just about complete. That news brought a comment of praise from the audience, as Jane Waters said a "good job" was done by the department on the work.

Crews have also been working on drainage issues on Skunk’s Misery Road. That work needs to be done on time, to ensure that the roadway is ready before winter comes and freezing causes any problems.

Additionally, department workers have been mowing lawns down at the beach and at the ballfield. The beach is set to open June 30.

The Town Board also approved a new safety plan for 2008 last Thursday. It’s part of the town’s yearly procedure, in case there are any changes made to state regulations.

The plan is lengthy as it outlines duties and responsibilities for the staff, as well as rules for the waterfront. It must be updated on an annual basis.

Also at the beach, there should be a fewer geese this summer, as the town has applied Goose Chase to the area to keep the foul fowl at bay.

Additionally, coyote decoys have been planted at various points around the beach area to scare off the geese.

In years past the two methods have met with some success.

Local resident Marilyn Moore appeared before the board to inquire what steps need to be taken in order for her to open up a hot dog cart in town.

It was determined that she has only a few more papers to submit before getting approval.

She’s looking to set up the cart in front of Pine Plains Woodworking, on Route 199, right near the town’s highway garage.

Doug Coons was appointed as the Water Company’s clerk of the works. Coons replaces Buddy Ginocchio, who resigned this year from the position.

His starting date is set for July 1.

Town Supervisor Gregg Pulver made a point of thanking all who applied for the position, lamenting that only one person could be chosen. All applicants were local.

Millerton appliance store Campbell and Keeler were thanked by the Town Board for donating a refrigerator to the Recreation Department. The fridge will be used at the ballfields, where the Little League food booth is.

The board plans to send a thank you to the business for its generosity and community spirit.