Jan-03-2014: POWER OUTAGE UPDATE
Power has been restored and the warming shelter at the AB Shaw Firehouse is now closed. My thanks to the gang at AB Shaw Fire Company, the linemen from National Grid who had to work in the bitter cold to restore service, and to all the Columbia County public safety agencies who helped us.
Jan-03-2014: URGENT -- POWER OUTAGE AFFECTING PARTS OF CLAVERACK; WARMING STATION OPENED
We've been monitoring the power outage with National Grid and Columbia County 911 and Emergency Management. National Grid had hoped to have power restored by 7:00 pm, but that has been pushed back to 10:00 pm (and still subject to change). In response to this, we've asked that the A.B. Shaw Firehouse be opened to act as a "warming station" for anyone without power that needs a warm place to go. Spread the word, please! -Kippy
Jan-01-2014: A FEW THANK YOU'S...
As I prepare to follow in the footsteps of my late Uncle John Hess, and be sworn in as Supervisor of the Town of Claverack, I'd like to take a moment to thank a couple people.
First, I'd like to thank outgoing Councilman Mike Johnston. Mike has served our community for many years, in many ways. He was first elected to the Philmont Village Board where he served as Trustee and Deputy Mayor, then of course his time here on the Claverack Town Board as Councilman and a term as Deputy Town Supervisor, and his many years of service to the Mellenville Volunteer Fire Company #1, the former Philmont Rescue Squad, and the various other civic groups that he continues to support and volunteer for today. His energy and passion will be sorely missed and we thank him immensely for all he has done for this town.
I'd also like to thank outgoing town Supervisor Robin Andrews for her hard work these past four years. While we may have disagreed on some issues and philosophy, there is no disputing Robin's love for this community. Thank you, Robin. Your work and accomplishments are appreciated.
I thank incoming Councilmen Stephen Hook and Brian Keeler, and current Councilwoman Katy Cashen for your willingness to step up, and sacrifice on behalf of our town. We have some important challenges ahead of us. I look forward to working with you all to meet those challenges and bring positive change to our town.
Last, but certainly not least, I'd like to thank my family, friends, and supporters who have helped me along the way to this day. I promise to do my absolute best, every day, to ensure our town government works in the best interests of all residents.
Thank you everyone, and Happy New Year!
Dec-27-2013: PHILMONT POLICE TO TAKE OVER COURT SECURITY
Some time ago I proposed the Town of Claverack enter into a shared services agreement with the Village of Philmont whereby the Philmont Police Department would provide Court security services to the Town of Claverack Court. This agreement would result in a savings of nearly 50% on our budgeted Court security costs. I'm happy that we've been able to finalize this agreement. Read Story.
Dec-14-2013: POSITIONS OPEN ON TOWN PLANNING BOARD, ZONING BOARD, AND ASSESSMENT REVIEW
The Town Board is seeking interested individuals to serve on the Claverack Planning Board, the Claverack Zoning Board of Appeals, and the Claverack Board of Assessment Review. Interested parties should submit a letter of interest to Claverack Town Clerk Mary Jeanne Hoose - PO Box V, Mellenville, NY 12544.
Dec-14-2013: GINSBERG'S FOODS TO EXPAND
Ginsberg's has announced their intentions to break ground on a 65,000 square-foot warehouse in the County Commerce Park. The land upon which they plan to build lies partly in Claverack and partly in Ghent. I'm very, very pleased they've decided to stay in Columbia County! Read Story.
Dec-13-2013: RESOLUTION TO OPPOSE POWER LINE PROJECT
Was very pleased we were able to unanimously approve a resolution last night that formally opposes plans to stretch new high voltage power lines through our town. This project, part of Governor Cuomo's "New York State Energy Highway" plan, would have a direct impact on several of our home owners, farmers, historical homes, and small businesses. The project would cause property values to fall and negatively affect our tax base. The full text of the resolution is available here.
Dec-03-2013: NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS
The Philmont Rod and Gun Club donates to Second Reformed Church rebuilding project. Read Story.
Nov-26-2013: VIDEO OF POWER LINE INFORMATIONAL MEETING IN LIVINGSTON
For those of you who weren't able to make the informational meeting in Livingston on Friday about the Governor's proposed expansion of high-voltage power lines through Columbia County, including Claverack, Lance Wheeler has made available two video clips of the evening's speakers. We've put them up on the website for your convenience. Click here.
Nov-24-2013: HIGH VOLTAGE POWER LINE PROPOSAL
I attended the informational meeting in Livingston on Friday about Governor Cuomo's proposed expansion of high-voltage power lines that would cross through towns in Columbia County - including Claverack. The meeting, held at the Livingston Town Highway Garage, was standing room only and very informative. Several residents and officials voiced strong concern and objection to the proposal to expand the existing right-of-way 125', all in an effort to hang new high-voltage lines (tripling the existing voltage output) to feed the growing electrical demands of New York City. There are better, far less harmful, ways of accomplishing this goal. We will, as a Town, fight to protect our residents and community against this proposal.
Power has been restored and the warming shelter at the AB Shaw Firehouse is now closed. My thanks to the gang at AB Shaw Fire Company, the linemen from National Grid who had to work in the bitter cold to restore service, and to all the Columbia County public safety agencies who helped us.
Jan-03-2014: URGENT -- POWER OUTAGE AFFECTING PARTS OF CLAVERACK; WARMING STATION OPENED
We've been monitoring the power outage with National Grid and Columbia County 911 and Emergency Management. National Grid had hoped to have power restored by 7:00 pm, but that has been pushed back to 10:00 pm (and still subject to change). In response to this, we've asked that the A.B. Shaw Firehouse be opened to act as a "warming station" for anyone without power that needs a warm place to go. Spread the word, please! -Kippy
Jan-01-2014: A FEW THANK YOU'S...
As I prepare to follow in the footsteps of my late Uncle John Hess, and be sworn in as Supervisor of the Town of Claverack, I'd like to take a moment to thank a couple people.
First, I'd like to thank outgoing Councilman Mike Johnston. Mike has served our community for many years, in many ways. He was first elected to the Philmont Village Board where he served as Trustee and Deputy Mayor, then of course his time here on the Claverack Town Board as Councilman and a term as Deputy Town Supervisor, and his many years of service to the Mellenville Volunteer Fire Company #1, the former Philmont Rescue Squad, and the various other civic groups that he continues to support and volunteer for today. His energy and passion will be sorely missed and we thank him immensely for all he has done for this town.
I'd also like to thank outgoing town Supervisor Robin Andrews for her hard work these past four years. While we may have disagreed on some issues and philosophy, there is no disputing Robin's love for this community. Thank you, Robin. Your work and accomplishments are appreciated.
I thank incoming Councilmen Stephen Hook and Brian Keeler, and current Councilwoman Katy Cashen for your willingness to step up, and sacrifice on behalf of our town. We have some important challenges ahead of us. I look forward to working with you all to meet those challenges and bring positive change to our town.
Last, but certainly not least, I'd like to thank my family, friends, and supporters who have helped me along the way to this day. I promise to do my absolute best, every day, to ensure our town government works in the best interests of all residents.
Thank you everyone, and Happy New Year!
Dec-27-2013: PHILMONT POLICE TO TAKE OVER COURT SECURITY
Some time ago I proposed the Town of Claverack enter into a shared services agreement with the Village of Philmont whereby the Philmont Police Department would provide Court security services to the Town of Claverack Court. This agreement would result in a savings of nearly 50% on our budgeted Court security costs. I'm happy that we've been able to finalize this agreement. Read Story.
Dec-14-2013: POSITIONS OPEN ON TOWN PLANNING BOARD, ZONING BOARD, AND ASSESSMENT REVIEW
The Town Board is seeking interested individuals to serve on the Claverack Planning Board, the Claverack Zoning Board of Appeals, and the Claverack Board of Assessment Review. Interested parties should submit a letter of interest to Claverack Town Clerk Mary Jeanne Hoose - PO Box V, Mellenville, NY 12544.
Dec-14-2013: GINSBERG'S FOODS TO EXPAND
Ginsberg's has announced their intentions to break ground on a 65,000 square-foot warehouse in the County Commerce Park. The land upon which they plan to build lies partly in Claverack and partly in Ghent. I'm very, very pleased they've decided to stay in Columbia County! Read Story.
Dec-13-2013: RESOLUTION TO OPPOSE POWER LINE PROJECT
Was very pleased we were able to unanimously approve a resolution last night that formally opposes plans to stretch new high voltage power lines through our town. This project, part of Governor Cuomo's "New York State Energy Highway" plan, would have a direct impact on several of our home owners, farmers, historical homes, and small businesses. The project would cause property values to fall and negatively affect our tax base. The full text of the resolution is available here.
Dec-03-2013: NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS
The Philmont Rod and Gun Club donates to Second Reformed Church rebuilding project. Read Story.
Nov-26-2013: VIDEO OF POWER LINE INFORMATIONAL MEETING IN LIVINGSTON
For those of you who weren't able to make the informational meeting in Livingston on Friday about the Governor's proposed expansion of high-voltage power lines through Columbia County, including Claverack, Lance Wheeler has made available two video clips of the evening's speakers. We've put them up on the website for your convenience. Click here.
Nov-24-2013: HIGH VOLTAGE POWER LINE PROPOSAL
I attended the informational meeting in Livingston on Friday about Governor Cuomo's proposed expansion of high-voltage power lines that would cross through towns in Columbia County - including Claverack. The meeting, held at the Livingston Town Highway Garage, was standing room only and very informative. Several residents and officials voiced strong concern and objection to the proposal to expand the existing right-of-way 125', all in an effort to hang new high-voltage lines (tripling the existing voltage output) to feed the growing electrical demands of New York City. There are better, far less harmful, ways of accomplishing this goal. We will, as a Town, fight to protect our residents and community against this proposal.