By Catherine L. Tobin
Concerns over the adequacy of summer mowing at Boardman Cemetery and the need for future repairs throughout the village dominated the Oct. 4 meeting of the Whitehall Village Board.
Marjorie Mohn, councilwoman and commissioner for Waste Water and Cemetery/Parks, noted that on several occasions she had driven by Boardman Cemetery and the contracted mowing was either incomplete or inadequate. On occasion the mowing appeared to be only half completed, she said, adding: “I just went by it tonight and it is overgrown.”
Deputy Mayor Walter Sandford suggested that an eleventh mowing be provided to help correct the problem. Mayor Kenneth Bartholomew said the budget would not allow for an additional mowing this year, but that another could be considered for next year. A total of 10 mowings were provided for in the contract awarded for this season.
In other business, Bartholomew noted receipt of an agreement with the county for a sharing of equipment needed for the removal of snow from Broadway.
The agreement is for plowing, sanding and the removal of snow to ensure safe winter travel on the main thoroughfare. Approval must be received from the state Department of Transportation prior to any snow removal, according to Bartholomew.
Councilwoman Patricia Norton detailed a potential problem with beaver dams at Pine Lake. Norton said that at least one existed and possibly three. An inspection would be made to determine the extent and to remove the dams.
Norton, commissioner of Water, Emergency Services and Safety, also noted that the state wants all the bolts in the waste water treatment plant replaced with stainless steel. She added the crew “is doing a count and the bolts will be replaced over a three-year period due to the expense.” She said more than 100 need to be replaced.
Village Justice Court reported revenues totaling $3,875, “most of which will go to the state,” Bartholomew said.
The court will seek funding through a grant from the state Justice Court Assistance Program to begin digitalizing court records and other items still needed for the new court location.
The mayor added that a room divider would be another consideration for the grant funding. The divider would allow the court to cut the room in half when needed. Councilman David Chaplin noted that this grant would be returning tax dollars to the community and the village and court should be seeking any funds available in this manner.
A dog left to roam loose in the village drew concern from a resident during the meeting. The resident, who also owns a dog, contended on several occasions that the German Shepherd, which does not live in the neighborhood, was left to roam the street unmonitored and unleased.
The dog threatened the resident’s own dog, which was on a leash in the homeowner’s backyard. The Whitehall animal control officer as well as police had been contacted on more than one occasion and to date no action had been taken to correct the situation, according to the resident. She was asked to keep a record of the specific dates of incidents to assist the Whitehall Police in their response.
Police Chief Ernest Bassett addressed the response issue and met with the resident privately following the board meeting to ensure the problem and the resident’s concern were addressed.
Following the public meeting, the board went into executive session to discuss a personnel issue. The next meeting of the board is Tuesday, Oct. 18 at 6 p.m.