​CLAVERACK – The Town of Claverack continues to consolidate and streamline town operations under the leadership of Town Supervisor Kippy Weigelt. The latest example being in the town’s building department.
 
In the past, Claverack – like many other towns, has maintained separate Building Inspector and town Code Enforcement Officer positions. This year however, recognizing the opportunity to improve efficiency and bring down costs, Claverack has consolidated those two positions into one single position. The consolidation will save approximately 30 hours per week in salary costs.
 
After an exhaustive search and interview process, James “Jay” Trapp, an engineer and New York State certified building inspector from Red Hook, was appointed to the new position. Trapp serves in similar roles for the towns of Livingston and Germantown and is well known for his vast experience in New York State building code compliance.
 
“We were looking for an experienced person who would not only apply the law firmly and fairly, but also have the people-skills to work with residents and businesses to make their experience as positive as possible,” said Deputy Town Supervisor Stephen Hook, who serves as liaison to the building department. “Jay Trapp fits that mold perfectly,” Hook added.
 
In addition to his duties as town Building Inspector/Code Enforcement Officer, Trapp will also provide annual training to town Planning Board and Zoning Board members.  This training, required by the state, helps ensure board members are well versed in applicable law and procedure and properly trained to serve the planning needs of town residents.
 
Those wishing to reach the Town of Claverack Building Department may do so by calling 518-672-7911 Ext. 108, or emailing [email protected].

​It is with profound sorrow that we acknowledge the passing of our friend James Van Deusen.
 
Jim passed away yesterday, March 15, 2017, following a brief illness.
 
Jim was well known throughout Columbia County and faithfully served his community in many roles. He was a longtime Claverack Town Councilman and Deputy Town Supervisor. He was Chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners and past Chief of the Claverack Fire District (A.B. Shaw Fire Company), past Columbia County Fire Coordinator, and an avid member of the Claverack Republican Club and the Columbia Car Cruisers.
 
But despite his many titles, Jim was perhaps best known simply as a good friend, devoted family man, and caring neighbor. He and his wife Wanda opened their hearts and home to everyone and anyone. They loved their family, their friends, and their town – and Claverack loved them.
 
We offer our heartfelt sympathy and condolences to Jim’s daughters Jodi and Karen, his grandchildren and extended family, his many friends, and of course his fellow firefighters who all grieve his passing.
 
We thank you Jim for your service. We will miss you, friend.

​CLAVERACK WEATHER UPDATE -- BLIZZARD WARNING ISSUED FOR COLUMBIA COUNTY
 
The National Weather Service in Albany has issued a BLIZZARD WARNING for Columbia County, effective through Tuesday night.
 
Snow is expected to begin early Tuesday morning, tapering off to snow showers during the day on Wednesday. We are expecting 18” to 24” of snow here in Claverack.
 
Very gusty winds will result in white-out conditions.
 
The worst conditions are expected noon to 7:00 pm on Tuesday.  During this time, travel is discouraged.  It is recommended that you make arrangements to be home, or at the very least off the roads, during this time.
 
Our Town Highway Department is as prepared as possible and will be out doing their best to keep roads open.
 
Winds may cause scattered power outages.  Any outage that occurs may be for an extended period, as crews may not be able to access affected areas. Please plan ahead and be prepared.
 
Should a power outage occur, contact your power company direct (National Grid: 800-867-5222, NYSEG: 800-572-1131). Do not dial 911 to report power outages, unless you have an emergency.
 
We will monitor conditions tomorrow and issue additional updates as needed.

Claverack Town Supervisor Kippy Weigelt has announced plans for a new and improved website for residents of the Town of Claverack.
 
The website will include new features such as an expandable calendar of town meetings and community events, an area for prominent display of information related to emergencies and public safety bulletins, and a directory of town businesses. 
 
Users will be able to easily view and access important documents and information on the site, such as meeting minutes, local codes and laws, assessment rolls, and public notices from any computer or mobile device, including smartphones and tablets.
 
The site will also include access to the Columbia County Special Needs Registry; a program designed to aide emergency responders in identifying, locating, and assisting senior citizens and residents with special needs who may have a life or safety concern in the event of a mass power outage, natural disaster, or other large-scale emergency.
 
“The new website will improve access to town information and services for all residents, including our senior citizens,” said Supervisor Kippy Weigelt. “We put the project out to bid and were able to lower the cost significantly from original estimates,” Weigelt added.
 
The project will be overseen by Town Clerk Mary Jeanne Hoose, with Deputy Town Supervisor Stephen Hook assisting with collection of information from town departments for the new website. Town Councilman Brian Keeler will facilitate development of the Emergency Services section of the website, including acting as liaison to the Columbia County Special Needs Registry.
 
The new website is expected to be available online by May.