Wind turbine ordinance goes to North Collins Planning Board

With Deputy Supervisor Michael Perry presiding, the North Collins Town Board formally presented a proposed town law governing the installation of wind turbines to the Planning Board to review at its Aug. 15 meeting.

The ordinance was shaped following investigation of other towns’ laws and coupled with the experience of the first turbine installed in North Collins at the end of June.

The board also approved an advertisement of thanks to Margaret Kohler for initiating and staying active with the planning and fund raising that brought the Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall to the area last month. The item was moved by Councilman Marian Vanni, who said, “A lot of people don’t realize that if not for the efforts of Margaret, the Wall effort would never have happened. She is an unsung hero.”

Resident Ryan Hammond brought concerns centering on the town’s summer day camp. Specifically, from his experience, he thought sign-out procedures in picking up children at day’s end needed more accountability. He cited several times he picked up his niece from the program and he was never asked who he was. He also was concerned that children had to purchase water from the program when the recent boil-water order put the only water fountain at Fricano Park off limits to campers.

Rozalin Warren, town recreation director, assured the board that counselors are very familiar with those picking up children. “In a small community like ours, we not only know the people picking up the children but we know their cars and alert the children when their ride pulls in.” She knew of the drinking water ban, but concurred that the program should have made other water available to campers.

Councilman George LoBianco suggested Warren and Hammond sit down together to make the program better for its last week this year and into future years.

Warren also reported that baseball season is nearing its end while men’s and girls’ soccer is in action. Scripts are being reviewed for a planned play during the Christmas season. Seven actors, all ladies, have signed up for the production. Warren also noted that she would like to begin a knitting course this year, with herself as the instructor. She believes the library community room would make for an ideal site.

Sue Alessi reported that the library has been a busy place this summer and the summer reading program enjoyed its greatest participation ever. She also reported on the previous week’s hot dog fund raiser sponsored by County Legislator John Mills that proved very popular and was a truly community event. The library will continue to offer computer classes and is looking for input from the public as to the skills or programs they would like assistance with.

Town Historian Georgianne Bowman reported on the unexpected generosity of the community in donating items, especially cameras, for use in the current photography exhibit at the Historical Society.

Councilman Jeffrey Krauss reported he would begin planning for a fall electronics recycling date for town residents, perhaps for late October or early November.

Highway Superintendent David Winter thanked the community for its response for donations of flowers for town parks. He added that he believes there should be a garden club established in town.

Winter also announced that new legislation is mandating the highway department switch from its current hi-band to a low-band radio frequency by Jan. 1. He has purchased new radios for the town’s principal trucks but more will be needed. Additionally a FCC license for the new frequency is required at a filing cost of $475. The board approved the license.

Town Clerk Margaret Orrange presented a request from the Winterfest Committee for use of Fricano Park, the Senior Building and the other support items the town has provided in the past for the weekend of Feb. 8 and 9, 2013. The board approved the request subject to all previous agreements being fulfilled by the committee.