A Message from Supervisor Ron Knott:
I wanted to share some information to help keep everyone informed. These have been hectic and confusing times, with Executive Orders changing on seems like an hourly bases. I have spent much of my time for the past week at the County dealing with county department heads, and I am pleased to say we have lots of departments doing all they can to help with the current situation.
At the Town level we have asked residents to not come to town offices if they are sick or if there is another way to communicate. The Highway Department is still operational as they are deemed essential employees, but we understand that could change at any time.
Our Town Courts have been canceled by the Stat. Arraignments will continue as needed, and you can leave a message for the Justices, and I am sure they will back to you.
I would ask that all town residents check in with your neighbors to see if there is a need for assistance. Feel free to contact myself or any Town Councilperson with concerns or if there is anything we can do to help.
The County has many departments that can be of assistance. There is great information on many of our web sites. The County Department of health is no doubt front and center in this and they have information at Columbia County Dept. of Health. I know there is lot information in the news, but I would suggest checking with these sites for accurate information.
The County Office for the Aging is very busy, meals on wheels continues to be operational, and they are attempting to get ahead with frozen meals. Their office is great resource as well and lots of information can be found at Office for the Aging.
Our County Solid waste operations will continue as normal as long as staffing is available, as this function is also been deemed an essential service. Although the County Hazardous waste day scheduled for May 9th has now been put off until December 5th 2020. Our town trash day is still scheduled for May 2nd, but do keep in touch with our town web site for changes.
For small business that are experiencing impacts or just have questions on how certain programs or rules effect their operation, I would ask that you contact the County Economic Development Corporation; you can call 518-828-4718 or Columbia Co. Economic Development . I have asked them to collect information regarding impacts and help local business find programs and information that they need. I had posted a flyer from them on our town web site a few days ago with lots of helpful information. There has been talks from Albany about providing funds to offset economic impacts from small business and I feel that if we have any chance of receiving funding in the future, or best chance is to do it collectively.
I won’t attempt to inform you on details, if you are looking for real information, please look to these county web sites. I do agree with our health officials that limiting public interaction will help in limiting the spread of this virus. I would ask again that we all check in with our neighbors and do what we can to help each other.
If there are any questions I can help with, I am in constant communication with many of our county departments, and Chairman Murell is communicating with the Governor’s office daily and sharing that information with all supervisors, and I am glad to attempt to answer any questions local residents may have.
I will be in contact with board members and we will be making a decision soon on how to conduct town board business.
Ron Knott
Town Supervisor
[email protected]
518-758-6248 X16
Sent 3/19/2020