Tuesday, May 25, 2021

Hedges Resort turns 100

 Supervisors May 24 2021



Hedges Resort turns 100

By PETE KLEIN

LAKE PLEASANT

The Hamilton County Board of Supervisors met on May 24 and passed the following resolutions.

THE HEDGES CENTENNIAL DAY

WHEREAS The Hedges on Blue Mountain Lake opened its doors to the first guests on May 28, 1921, and

WHEREAS, in 1920 Richard and Margaret Collins had purchased the Great Camp of Hiram B. Duryea, and

WHEREAS, in 1880 retired Civil War hero Brigadier General Duryea had acquired the land to escape from city life, and

WHEREAS, Duryea constructed a cluster of buildings including the Main Lodge, the Stone Lodge, a horse barn, and carriage house, and from that beginning the Collins family added the Dining Room Lodge and numerous other buildings to create what is today a beloved rustic resort, and

WHEREAS, upon Richard’s death in 1943, Richard and Margaret’s son John, Sr. became the General Manager, and The Hedges continued to grow in popularity, with families returning year after year, and

WHEREAS, in 1973, The Hedges was sold to Richard and Catherine Van Yperen who maintained its charm and beauty for the next 27 years with the participation of many family members, and

WHEREAS, in 2000 when the Van Yperens wished to retire, they sold The Hedges to Pat and Rip Benton. Two years later, after Rip died, Pat took on the management alone, and

WHEREAS Pat Benton advocated that the site and buildings of The Hedges be placed on the National Register of Historic Places, and

WHEREAS, in 2018, a coalition of loyal guests purchased The Hedges so Pat could retire and in 2019 Jamie Thomas became the General Manager, and

WHEREAS, nearly 900 are guests each season and 50 are employed, The Hedges has continuously welcomed guests and operated as a successful business benefiting the regional economy for 100 years, and

WHEREAS, in 2020, an historic marker was installed on Hedges Road recognizing the origin of the Duryea Camp in 1880 and the Collins family opening The Hedges for guests in 1921, and

WHEREAS, in commemoration of the 100th anniversary in 2021, a book about its history: “The Hedges: The Story of Twelve Precious Acres on Blue Mountain Lake” has been published, and

WHEREAS, the Centennial season will begin on June 9, 2021, with appropriate safety practices and with on-site celebratory activities for guests and staff, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, the Board of Supervisors do hereby proclaim that Hamilton County, New York recognizes the commemoration of that day in 1921 when The Hedges on Blue Mountain Lake opened and welcomed its first guests and hereby designates May 28, 2021, as THE HEDGES CENTENNIAL DAY.

COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS’ JUNE MEETING

WHEREAS there is a conflict for multiple Supervisors for the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors’ meeting scheduled for June 3, 2021, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors’ meeting previously scheduled for June 3, 2021 be re-scheduled for Friday, June 4, 2021 at 10:30 AM.

REGISTRATION PAYMENT FOR CORONER 101 COURSE

WHEREAS Carl Turner, District #4 Coroner has requested to attend the New York State Association of County Coroners & Medical Examiners Coroner 101 Course scheduled for June 26, 2021 in Syracuse, NY, and

WHEREAS, the registration payment must be received prior to June 4, 2021, be it RESOLVED, that the County Treasurer is hereby authorized to make payment in the amount of $500 from Account No. A1185.0401 Travel to NYSACCME, Munnsville, NY.

ADIRONDACK WATERSHED INSTITUTE GRANT PROPOSAL

WHEREAS, the lakes and streams of Franklin County, Hamilton County and the Adirondacks are irreplaceable assets that support our economy and society by providing recreational opportunities and jobs for residents in all our Adirondack Counties, and

WHEREAS, throughout the Adirondacks, residents and visitors alike depend on our water resource (lakes, streams, and drinking water), and

WHEREAS the Paul Smith’s College Adirondack Watershed Institute through its monitoring, stewardship and community engagement programs plays a central role in protecting the freshwater resources throughout the Adirondacks, and

WHEREAS Paul Smith’s College and its Adirondack Watershed Institute are one of the largest employers in Franklin County, as well as providing critical jobs to monitor and steward our water resources through the Adirondacks, and

WHEREAS, the Paul Smith’s College Adirondack Watershed Institute has identified a critical need to expand and improve its facility to grow its programs, attract new funding and to provide both permanent and seasonal jobs, now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors joins the Franklin County Legislature in hereby supporting Paul Smith’s College Adirondack Watershed Institute grant proposal to expand and upgrade its facilities and to obtain grant funds through federal Community Project Funding.

OXBOW LAKE OUTLET CULVERT PROJECT

WHEREAS Hamilton County DPW solicited bids for the replacement of the Oxbow Lake Outlet Culvert located on County Route 24, (Old Piseco Road) in the Town of Arietta, and

WHEREAS five (5) bids were received as follows: 1. D. H. Smith Co., Inc., $466,342.43; 2. Carver Construction - $507,145; 3. Slate Hill Constructors, Inc. - $557,898; 4. Luck Brothers, Inc. -$578,365.82; 5. Tioga Construction Co., Inc - $589,796.

WHEREAS Greenman –Pedersen, Inc. consulting firm for Hamilton County has reviewed the said bids recommends that the award be made to D. H. Smith Co., Inc of Clayville, NY, and

WHEREAS, the County Highway Superintendent has sent the approval recommendation to the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) for their approval, be it

RESOLVED, the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors hereby award the bid for the Oxbow Lake Outlet Culvert Project to D. H. Smith Co., Inc, Clayville, NY, in the amount of $466,342.43 contingent on NYSDOT approval, and be it further

RESOLVED, when Hamilton County receives approval from NYSDOT the Board of Supervisors hereby authorize the Chairman of the Board to enter into an agreement with D. H. Smith Co, Inc for the said culvert project with the approval of the County Attorney, and the County Treasurer, Highway Superintendent and Clerk of the Board be so notified.


Saturday, May 8, 2021

County lays out plans for summer road work

 Supervisors May 6 2021



County lays out plans for summer road work

By PETE KLEIN

LAKE PLEASANT

When the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors met on May 6, it approved by resolutions the construction of county road fund projects for 2021.

WHEREAS there has been appropriated in the 2021 highway budget the sum of $1,304,038.40 for the construction of County Road Fund Projects for 2021 and these funds are 100% reimbursed through the Consolidation Highway Improvement Program (CHIP’s), and

WHEREAS, the County Highway Superintendent has recommended the expenditure of

$1,060,000 for the construction of the following projects:

COUNTY ROAD PROJECT NO. 1 Town of Benson Co. Rd. No. 6 – Benson Rd., HMA Binder and Top @ 20 ft. Approx. 1.0 miles…$175,000.

COUNTY ROAD PROJECT NO. 2 Town of Hope Co. Rd No. 7 – Hope Falls Road, improve drainage, recycle base and HMA B&T @ 20 ft. Approx. 2.0 miles…$325,000.

COUNTY ROAD PROJECT NO. 3 Town of Indian Lake Co. Rd No. 9 – Lake Shore Drive, improve drainage, recycle base and HMA B&T @ 20 ft. Approx. 1.0 miles…$200,000.

COUNTY ROAD PROJECT NO. 4 Town of Long Lake Co. Rd No. 3 – North point Road, HMA 2 inch Binder Course @ 20 ft. Approx. 2.3 miles… $225,000

COUNTY ROAD PROJECT NO. 5 Town of Indian Lake Co. Rd No. 12 – Cedar River Road, HMA 2 inch Binder Course @ 20 ft. Approx. 1.2 miles… $135,000.

WHEREAS the above designated roads and bridge are on a completed system of the Hamilton County road map adopted by the Board of Supervisors of Hamilton County and approved by the Commissioner of Transportation, be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors of the County of Hamilton does allot and appropriate from Account No. D5112.202 Capital Projects, the sum of $1,060,000 for the construction of the above designated projects as recommended by the County Highway Superintendent and the County Treasurer and Clerk of the Board be so advised.

The board also approved the following resolutions at its May 6 meeting.

HAMILTON COUNTY SOLID WASTE HAULING CONTRACT

WHEREAS, Hamilton County has been awarded a 2 year period extension for the Solid Waste Hauling Contract #DEC01-C00441GG-3350000 for $150,000 per year, be it

RESOLVED, that the Chairman is hereby authorized to sign NYS DEC Contract #DEC01- C00441GG-3350000 Hamilton County Solid Waste Hauling for an amended period of 4/1/17- 3/31/22 and the County Treasurer and Highway Superintendent be so notified.

MAPPING & BOUNDARY WORK FOR A PROPOSED BRIDGE PROJECT 

WHEREAS the DPW Superintendent will be applying for Federal Funds for a bridge replacement through the Bridge NY program that the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) administers, and

WHEREAS, to receive the Bridge NY funding for the new bridge the Right-of- Way adjacent the proposed bridge project the County must own in fee, or purchase Temporary and/or Permanent Easements such ROW, and

WHEREAS the Superintendent received a written proposal from Fisher Associates to provide Topographic, Utility and Boundary Survey associated Right-Of-Way Mapping for the proposed County Route 4, Big Brook Road over Big Brook Bridge replacement located in the Town of Indian Lake for $11,700, be it

RESOLVED, the Superintendent is hereby authorized to hire Fisher Associates for the said ROW Survey and Mapping work as stated above and it will be a charge to Account No. D5020.0403 Engineering and the DPW Superintendent, County Treasurer and the Clerk of the Board be so notified.

GRAPPLE BUCKET INSTALLATION FOR DPW

WHEREAS the DPW will begin to utilize the County owned 430E Cat Backhoe at the Lake Pleasant Transfer Station, and

WHEREAS the current Case backhoe at the said transfer station has a grapple bucket that will need to be installed on the Cat 430E backhoe, and

WHEREAS, the County DPW Superintendent has received a written quote for the installation of the grapple bucket on to the 430E backhoe for $6,808.03 from Milton Cat, be it

RESOLVED, that hereby the County DPW Superintendent is authorized to move forward with the installation of the grapple bucket onto the 430E backhoe by Milton Cat in the estimated amount of $6,808.03 and it will be a charge to Account No. DM5130.401 Repairs and the County Treasurer and Clerk of the Board be so notified.

MECHANICAL TRUCK SCALE

WHEREAS the Public Works Committee authorized the County Highway Superintendent to advertise for bids for the purchase of a New Mechanical Pitiless Truck Scale, and

WHEREAS one (1) bid was received for one (1) 11’x70’ Mechanical Pitiless Truck Scale in accordance with Specification No. 6-2021 as advertised by the Highway Superintendent and Highway Committee, and

WHEREAS the following bid was received:

Gerhart Systems & Controls, Painted Post, NY

Rice Lake Model 7011-ST-100-OTR as specified Bid price $61,812.

WHEREAS, the County Highway Superintendent recommends awarding the bid to Gerhart Systems & Controls, be it

RESOLVED, that the award be made to Gerhart Systems & Controls, 390 Victory Highway, Painted Post, NY, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors is hereby authorized to enter a contract for the purchase of one (1) new Rice Lake Model 7011 Truck Scale with Gerhart Systems & Controls of Painted Post, NY in the amount of $61,812.00 with the approval of the County Attorney, and be it further

RESOLVED, that payment be made to Gerhart Systems & Controls within 30 days of fully installed and operational truck scale and acceptance by the County Highway Superintendent and that payment be made from Account No. A8161.407 Solid Waste Equipment in the amount of

$61,812 and the County Attorney, County Treasurer and Clerk of the Board be so advised.

PURCHASE OF ROAD TRACTOR FOR DPW

WHEREAS, the DPW has a need for a new road tractor, and

WHEREAS, the DPW Superintendent has met with the Public Works Committee and the committee recommends the purchase of the said tractor, and

WHEREAS, the County DPW Superintendent has received a written quote for a new 2023 Peterbilt 389 Road Tractor with a five year extended warranty from Utica General Truck under Onondaga County Contract delivered for $144,927.00, be it

RESOLVED, that hereby the County DPW Superintendent is authorized to order said road tractor from Utica General Truck under Onondaga County Contract pricing at a cost of $144,927, be it further

RESOLVED, that $144,927 be transferred from the Unappropriated Machinery Fund Balance in accordance with Section 366 Subdivision 1 of the County Law to Account No. DM5130.0201 Road Machinery and that hereby the County Treasurer is authorized to make the said transfer and the Clerk of the Board and County DPW Superintendent be so notified.

MORTGAGE TAX DISTRIBUTION

WHEREAS it appears from the reports of the County Clerk and the County Treasurer for the period October 1, 2020 through March 31, 2021, that there remains for distribution of moneys received by taxation on Mortgages pursuant to the provision of Article Eleven, Section 261 of the Tax Law, the sum of $177,394.12, for the distribution among the Towns and Village of the County of Hamilton, now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, by the Board of Supervisors of the County of Hamilton that the sum of $177,394.12 be and the same hereby is apportioned as follows: Arietta - $20,485.50, Benson - $1,908, Hope - $6,795.12, Indian Lake - $36,692.50, Inlet - $30,697, Lake Pleasant - $21,324.25, Long Lake - $38,129, Morehouse - $796.50, Wells - $16,413.50, and be it further Village of Speculator - $4,152.75

RESOLVED, that the County Treasurer be authorized to pay the respective sums so appropriated to the Supervisors of said Towns.

A COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT APPLICATION

WHEREAS, Hamilton County has identified housing and assisting low/moderate income homeowners, as its most severe community development need, and

WHEREAS the proposed program area is hereby defined as having many substandard structures occupied by low/moderate income families, substandard is defined as: A structure or dwelling unit which has one or more major structural defect, but can still be repaired for a reasonable amount, and

WHEREAS the only affordable means of financing a program designed to meet these needs is to secure funding from the NYS Office of Community Renewal Community Development Block Grant Program, and

WHEREAS, due to the sparsely populated character of the proposed program area with homes scattered over a large geographical area, a non-target methodology is to be employed to assist only low- and moderate-income persons, be it

RESOLVED, that the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors authorizes its Chairman to execute and submit an application to the NYS Office of Community Renewal for a community development program for housing rehabilitation and to act in connection with the submission of the application and to provide such additional information as may be required, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Housing Assistance Program of Essex County, Inc. will perform administrative services as a subrecipient for Hamilton County, and be it further

RESOLVED, that Hamilton County is committed to affirmatively furthering fair housing within the county’s jurisdiction, will substantially comply with all Federal, State, and local laws, rules, and regulations applicable in the effort of furthering fair housing, and names Christy Wilt, Fair Housing Officer, to be the primary point of contact for all fair housing related issues, and be it further

RESOLVED, that Hamilton County has adopted the following: Citizen Participation Plan, Residential Anti-Displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan, Excessive Force Policy, Lead Based Paint Plan, Drug-Free Workplace Program, and the Housing Rehabilitation Program Policy and Procedures, and that they are on file at Hamilton County.

NORTHERN BORDER REGIONAL COMMISSION

WHEREAS Hamilton County is identified as an eligible county for Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) grant funding, and

WHEREAS, NBRC has allocated funding for construction projects that promote resource conservation, tourism, recreation, and preservation of open space, and

WHEREAS Hamilton County wishes to apply for funding to implement planned recreational opportunities in select locations throughout the County that will support tourism, outdoor recreation, and economic development in the County, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors authorizes the submission of this application to the NBRC SEID grant program, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Board Chairman is authorized to make and sign the application to NBRC and to sign all NBRC investment documents that bind the applicant should the funding be awarded for this project.

PILOT YOUTH DEER HUNTING PROGRAM

BE IT RESOLVED, that proposed Local Law No. 1 of the year 2021 entitled respectively, “A Local Law Adopting A Pilot Youth Deer Hunting Program” be and the same is hereby introduced to the Board of Supervisors, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the copies of the aforesaid proposed Local Law be laid upon the desks of each member of the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors shall hold a public hearing on said proposed Local Law at the County Office Complex, Route 8, Lake Pleasant, New York, on the 24th day of May, 2021, at 11:00 a.m., and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Chairman of the County Board of Supervisors publish or cause to be published a public notice in the official newspaper of the County of said public hearing at least five (5) days prior thereto.

ADOPTING A PILOT YOUTH DEER HUNTING PROGRAM

BE IT ENACTED by the County of Hamilton as follows: SECTION 1. Title

This Local Law shall be known as “A Local Law Adopting a Pilot Youth Deer Hunting Program.” SECTION 2. Purpose

Consistent with the provisions of Environmental Conservation Law section 11-0935, this Local Law is adopted to authorize the expansion of youth hunting and allow licensed hunters ages 12 or 13 to hunt deer with a crossbow, rifle, shotgun, or muzzle-loading firearm when accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or mentor.

NORTH COUNTRY BROADBAND ALLIANCE

WHEREAS, the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors has been committed to improving Broadband and Cellular Service for nearly two decades, and

WHEREAS, as part of that pursuit the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors deems it helpful to organize for that purpose, now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that Hamilton County Board of Supervisors hereby authorizes the formation of and participation in the North Country Broadband Alliance to achieve access to >/= 100 Mbps broadband speed for 100% of all households and businesses, and be it further

RESOLVED, this Alliance will work with all communities within Hamilton County to gather and share data to aid us in reaching this goal, and be it further

RESOLVED, this Alliance will encourage and invite other North Country Counties to join in this endeavor to gather and share broadband related data, in accordance with any confidentiality requirements, which can be used and provided to the entities that are providing this much needed service, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Clerk of this Board is hereby requested to forward this resolution to the following: Senator Stec, Assemblyman Matt Simpson, Representative Elise Stefanik, New York State Association of Counties, New York State Association of Towns, Adirondack Inter- County and Adirondack Association of Towns and Villages.

STATE SEPTIC SYSTEM REPLACEMENT PROGRAM

WHEREAS, NYS Environmental Facilities Corporation is administering the New York State Septic System Replacement Program, and

WHEREAS Hamilton County is eligible to participate through entering into a Participation Agreement, and

WHEREAS the funding available to Hamilton County is $85,000.00, now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Chairman of the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors is hereby authorized to sign the Participation Agreement, and be it also

RESOLVED, that the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors hereby authorize Hamilton County Soil & Water as the implementing entity to implement this grant program in Hamilton County.

EXPANDED IN-HOME SERVICES FOR THE Elderly (EISEP) AGREEMENT

WHEREAS, the Hamilton County Public Health Nursing Service has the capacity to provide personal care worker services for Hamilton County residents, and

WHEREAS Warren/Hamilton Office for the Aging wants to contract for PCI and PCII levels of service under the EISEP program with Hamilton County Public Health Nursing Service, and

WHEREAS this agreement is for the period commencing April 1, 2021 – March 31, 2022 for a total of $35,100, be it

RESOLVED, that upon the County Attorney’s approval, the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors is hereby authorized to sign an agreement with Warren/Hamilton Office for the Aging for PCI and PCII level services under the EISEP program for a term of April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022 for a total of $35,100.

ANNUAL MAINTENANCE AND LICENSES FOR IMPACT SOFTWARE

WHEREAS Hamilton County Public Safety Answering Point uses the IMPACT system for a Records Management System (RMS), Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), and Automatic Vehicle Locater (AVL), and

WHEREAS Fulton County uses the same system for their Dispatch System which will afford the same information and protocols for a proper back-up situation, and

WHEREAS, IMPACT is under New York State Contract Number PM67378, and WHEREAS, Hamilton County has received a bill for the annual maintenance and site licenses for the PSAP’s IMPACT system with the contract period running from May 1, 2021 to April 30, 2022 in the amount of $16,015.65, be it

RESOLVED, that the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors authorizes the purchase of the annual maintenance and site licenses for IMPACT for $16,015.65, and be it further

RESOLVED that the Hamilton County Treasurer is hereby authorized to issue a check to IMPACT (Central Square), 12709 Collection Center Drive, Chicago, IL 60693 for Invoice No. 312019 from Account A3645.0403, Department Homeland Security and Emergency Services Grant SI18-1047-D00.

SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY PREVENTION INITIATIVE SERVICES

WHEREAS, Community Services has developed a Hamilton County School and Community Prevention Initiative that offers Hamilton County Schools a Clinical Social Worker and/or a Resource Officer services at a cost of $10,000.00 per year for one day of each service per week, and

WHEREAS, Wells Central School has agreed to contract for one (1) day per week of School Resource Officer (SRO) at a total cost of $10,000.00 for the year beginning July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022, be it

RESOLVED, that upon approval of the County Attorney, Hamilton County Community Services is hereby authorized to contract with Wells Central School for a School Resource Officer for an annual amount of $10,000 to be billed in monthly installments of $1,000 beginning September 1, 2021 and ending June 30, 2022.

WHEREAS, Community Services has developed a Hamilton County School and Community Prevention Initiative that offers Hamilton County Schools a Clinical Social Worker and/ or a Resource Officer services at a cost of $10,000.00 per year for one day of each service per week, and

WHEREAS, Indian Lake Central School has agreed to contract for one (1) day per week of School Resource Officer (SRO) and two (2) days of Social Worker at a total cost of $30,000.00 for the year beginning July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022, be it

RESOLVED, that upon approval of the County Attorney, Hamilton County Community Services is hereby authorized to contract with Indian Lake Central School for Social Work services and School Resource Officer Services for an annual amount of $30,000 to be billed in monthly installments of $3,000 beginning September 1, 2021 and ending June 30, 2022.

WHEREAS, Community Services has developed a Hamilton County School and Community Prevention Initiative that offers Hamilton County Schools a Clinical Social Worker and/ or a Resource Officer services at a cost of $10,000.00 per year for one day of each service per week, and

WHEREAS, Lake Pleasant Central School has agreed to contract for one (1) day per week of School Resource Officer (SRO) at a total cost of $10,000.00 for the year beginning July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022, be it

RESOLVED, that upon approval of the County Attorney, Hamilton County Community Services is hereby authorized to contract with Lake Pleasant Central School for a School Resource Officer for an annual amount of $10,000 to be billed in monthly installments of $1,000 beginning September 1, 2021 and ending June 30, 2022.

UNDERGROUND HEATING OIL TANK

WHEREAS Resolution No. 276-20 authorizes the removal of the underground heating oil tank at the Hamilton County Clerk building and installation of piping to the existing underground heating oil tank at the Hamilton County Jail Building to be completed by RM Dalrymple, and

WHEREAS, the original estimate was $26,438.01, and

WHEREAS it was determined that additional piping was needed and estimated at

$6,108.98, and

WHEREAS payment for the parts was made to RM Dalrymple in the amount of $18,127.04, and

WHEREAS, due to unforeseen complications during the installation this spring it was determined that additional parts were needed and installed at a cost of $719.86, and

WHEREAS, the Superintendent advises that the project is now complete and satisfactory, be it

RESOLVED, that final payment for the project is hereby authorized and the County Treasurer be so authorized to send payment of $15,139.81 to R.M. Dalrymple Company, Inc., 15 Grace Moore Road, Saratoga Springs, NY from Account No. A1620.413 IL & LP Projects and the Clerk of the Board and DPW Superintendent be so notified.