Chartier hired
Consultant for sewer project



BERNE — The town board hired a licensed engineer to work as a consultant on its sewer project.

Gerry Chartier, of New Scotland, will primarily coordinate with contractors for easements.
"I’d be more of a facilitator," he said, also stating the position is temporary without any benefits.

Years in the planning stages, the sewer district will serve the hamlet of Berne. The hamlet has many historic homes with inadequate septic systems, which were polluting the Fox Creek.

Although the town board’s vote last Wednesday was unanimous on hiring Chartier, the resolution was scaled back from Supervisor Kevin Crosier’s initial plan.

Crosier supported hiring Chartier as a part-time town employee, citing Chartier’s expertise and experience with the sewer district, the cost for employing him saving the town money, and much higher costs charged by Lamont Engineers.

Lamont, Crosier said, charges $100 per hour for its services, many of which could be performed by Chartier.

Crosier said the board met with Chartier in an effort to reduce costs and keep residents informed.
"We don’t want to run up any more engineering expenses," Crosier said.
"I’m just squirming a little at the $50 an hour," said Councilman James Hamilton, referring to Chartier’s pay.

Members in the audience also were reluctant.

The recommendation was made to create an advisory board to perform some of the tasks outlined in the letter Chartier submitted to the board.

A town resident also made the recommendation that the town advertise for a volunteer, or ask for a person to fill the position at a lower rate than $50 per hour.
Crosier said he didn’t think a volunteer could have the expertise of Chartier, who is a licensed engineer. Crosier also supported Chartier by stating, "He’s familiar with the project."

The cost for sewer district residents, $620 per year, Crosier said, would not go up in cost and the money for Chartier’s services would come out of the sewer district fund.

Other business

In other business, the town board:

— Heard a question from Albany County Legislator Alexander (Sandy) Gordon about the town’s current procedures. Gordon asked if the town had an equipment replacement program.
Crosier replied, "We do for trucks." He added, "We have such an old fleet of trucks, that it’s costing us more to maintain them"We’ve replaced three trucks and a mower in the last three years";

— Heard from Crosier that the Albany County Sheriff’s Department has said the Advanced Life Support program for 2007 will cost Berne $50,521.25, a decrease to the town of about $40.000. The ALS program provides paramedics in a fly car to respond to life-threatening medical emergencies;
— Heard from Crosier that the town did not receive a grant for shared municipal functions with the school. "We did not make the list for the 2.5 million," he said. "So we did not get that grant";

— Heard from Crosier that the town is 13th on a list of 23 for an enhancement project to improve sidewalks and bike routes. Last year, he said, the governor’s office, which gives the award, chose the first four on the list and the 16th;
— Heard from Crosier that he and Albany County Executive Michael Breslin have sent out a letter to residents of Berne, asking for feedback on the proposed merger of the county’s department of public works and the town’s highway department. Crosier said, "Hopefully, we’ll get some feedback";
— Heard from Hamilton about the meeting, which is taking place on Sept. 27 in Voorheesville, about communities saving through inter-municipal agreements. Crosier stated that New York State is 53 percent above the national average in property tax. He said, "I’m committed to reducing taxes";

— Set its budget meeting for Sept. 25 at 6 p.m. at Town Hall;

— Heard from Crosier that he had called Richardson Pump Service to install a pump, which will test the water for the town’s well in Berne’s park. Crosier said he was waiting for a call from Richardson to set a date to install the submersible pump;
— Heard from Crosier that the senior housing project Jeff Thomas is planning will be explained on Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. Michael Vincent, Crosier said, will roll out the proposal and take questions from senior citizens. Councilman Hamilton asked Crosier if Vincent had estimates for the cost of the center. "The key," Crosier said, "is making something affordable and making it nice";
— Heard the commendation of Andrew Cortez, who built the barbecue at the town park for his Eagle Scout project. Councilman Hamilton noted the difficulty of achieving the rank, and said, "A very small percentage make it to Eagle Scout." The board, after Crosier’s motion, decided to send Cortez a certificate of recognition; and

— Heard thanks from Berne Historical Society member, Linda Carman. Carman thanked the board for attending the dedication of the World War II Honor Roll held at town park last month.