HIGHLIGHTS OF THE APRIL 9, 2020 TOWN BOARD MEETING
Dan Acton, Supervisor
Zooming, Budget Threats, 5G and More
In an historical first the entire board meet virtually using
Zoom as the board practiced social distancing in order to tamp down the
Covid-19 virus. Some board members attempted to liven up the meeting by using
imaginative backgrounds which were at least good for a laugh.
Among the topics discussed was a threat to the town budget
given the governor’s ability to reduce expenditures during the fiscal year in
the event state revenues fall. This is likely to happen, and the effect could
be to reduce our state aid and more importantly CHIPS funding for town
highways. The impact of this threat may be that road building this summer will
be restricted. It is likely that the impact of “New York on Pause” will be felt
this year and next. Fortunately, this board has always been conservative with
town expenditures and it may have to be more so this year and next.
The old grader was sold for $9,100 using an internet auction
site. The board set a minimum desired price of $7,500 so the sale price was a
nice surprise. It was bought to be used in a gravel pit around the Albany area.
There was considerable discussion around 5G and the ability
of municipalities to restrict the build out of this network during the Covid-19
crisis. The board was reluctant to do so without receiving legal counsel. Board
member Wendy Dailey investigated the regulation of 5G and reported that it is
almost exclusively in the hands of the FCC which is allowing it to move
forward. Critics are concerned that it may be injurious to human health.
The board heard recommendations from mason Dan Richard about
how to mount the “Welcome to Alfred NY” sign on the Route 21 side of the town
garage. This was Noah Napolitano’s Eagle Scout project and it looks like
installation will need to wait until after the virus crisis has subsided.
