Miracle on Main Street a Success

Middleburgh saw another successful Miracle on Main Street this year. Hundreds were in attendance, with some businesses holding reopening ceremonies. Spirits were high and the community came together.

Storm Aid Event December 13th

Storm Aid is hosting an event to raise money for the victims of Hurricane Irene. The even will be on Tuesday, December 13th from 6:30-9:30pm at the Schenectady County Community College VanCurler Room. The cost will be $50.00 per person. The money raised will go to victims in Schoharie, Schenectady, Greene, and Montgomery Counties.

All are invited.

Next Village Meeting January 9th

The next regular meeting of the Village Board will be on January 9th at 7pm at the Municipal Building. The Village will discuss finalizing an open burning law and an emergency action plan.

Village Slashes Water Rents

In the wake of Hurricane Irene, Village residents had more on their mind than tap water usage. Many used a lot of water cleaning off flood-damaged items or buildings. The Village Board, at the suggestion of Village Clerk Janet Mayer, voted unanimously to charge the minimum water rent for every resident in the Village in order to save them excess costs from the additional water usage.

"It's only fair." she told the Board.

Village Weighing Temporary Housing

The Village Board approved using one of its lots for temporary housing. The issue was brought up by Trustee Gruning, who believed that the former railway station at the corner of Wells and Maple could be used as temporary housing for those out of their home.

"Put all of the names into a hat and pick one out." he said.

The station was used as a house until early last year. The house may be able to fit up to four people. The Village will be making the house a railway museum next year and lies vacant.

Parade a Success

The annual Middleburgh Columbus day parade was a success today. Hundreds turned out for dozens of floats and vendors. Multiple Fire Departments joined the MFD, as well as Congressman Paul Tonko and Assemblyman Lopez. The crowds stuck around for a community party put on by the Rotary Club, Village, and Town. The 300th Anniversary Committee also met in the school.

Businesses Re-Opening

Business across Middleburgh have re-opened at astounding speed. Some, like Kelley's Grill and M&J's Cafe opened last week, while others are slated for the near future. Peking Chinese restaurant and the Red Apple gas station are going to open in the coming week.

Community Party Slated for October 8th

A community party for the people of Middleburgh will take place Saturday, October 8th, after the Columbus Day Parade. The event is being put on by the Village and Town and will be mostly organized by the Rotary Club. Music, food, and fundraising is planned for the event.

Volunteer Center at Methodist Church

The Middleburgh United Methodist Church has taken the lead in volunteer efforts in the community. The Methodist Church has been organizing volunteers, even from from out of the state and has now taken over operations from the Village of Middleburgh.

If you have questions or are in need of volunteers, please visit the church at the corner of Clauverwie and Main or call 518-827-5126.

Storm Aid Event in Altamont Saturday

There is going to be a Storm Aid relief event for the victims of Irene. It will be 10am on Saturday at the Altamont Apple Orchard on Dunnsville Road. It is being put on in conjunction with the Guilderland Chamber of Commerce and they will try to help people in Middleburgh and Schoharie that need assistance. If anyone wants to go or to help out, please do.

Donate to the Village Relief Fund

The Village of Middleburgh is accepting donations for the Village flood relief fund. You can donate with a credit card or PayPal below:

The Village of Middleburgh is setting up a relief/recovery fund. Please send all monetary donations to:
Village of Middleburgh
309 Main Street
PO Box 789
Middleburgh, NY 12122

Monetary Donations Accepted

The Village of Middleburgh is setting up a relief/recovery fund. Please send all monetary donations to:

Village of Middleburgh
309 Main Street
PO Box 789
Middleburgh, NY 12122

Donations appreciated in Middleburgh

Donations are being accepted in the Village of Middleburgh, coordinated by MVFD Member Jerry Wayman (518) 231-2402. Goods can be dropped off between 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. at the Middleburgh Elementary School. Items needed include diapers, baby formula, dry goods, cleaning supplies, canned goods. We appreciate any and all help you can provide. Goods are being collected for the Town of Middleburgh and will also be open to residents from Breakabeen and Town of Broome. 09/01/11

Emergency Hurricane Updates for Town of Middleburgh and Schoharie County

Contact Numbers and Information:

Schoharie Emergency Mgt Office (SCEMO) 518-337-4093, 337-4094, 337-4095
Note these are cell lines and often overwhelmed - keep trying

Human Needs for Schoharie County (food Shelter, Water, etc) 518-231-2335

SCAAP (located in the old movie gallery next to Sears) is accepting donations of food, water and clothing. For those needing assistance, there is free food, water, clothing and cleaning supplies. There is staff on site for DSS program assistance. SCAAP telephone is 518-234-2568.

FEMA www.disasterassistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362.

Assemblyman Peter Lopez Schoharie 518-295-7250 (limited service so if busy call 518-378-8039 or 518-943-1371)

Village and Town Contacts:

Village Office 518-827-5143
Fire Dept for emergency and pumping 518-827-5277

Dennis Richards, Town Supervisor 518-827-6486
William Ansel-McCabe, Village Mayor 518-337-7024

Lloyd Stannard, Inspections 518-231-7779

Power Updates:

Public Safety:

Additional state police patrols have been assigned to the county with priority to stricken areas

Cobleskill and other law enforcement have been given County wide jurisdiction

Additional resources are being requested.

911 is still active for EMERGENCIES

SHELTER: Golding Middle School, 193 Golding Drive, Cobleskill, NY 12043 518-234-8368

NATIONAL GRID OUTAGE INFORMATION:

Call 1-800-867-5222 for any customers in New York. Check on=line at www.nationalgridus.com and click on OutageCentral

DRY ICE

National Grid is working with area emergency officials to provide dry ice to customers, free of charge as supplies last. Locations for dry ice distribution is as follows, with sites open through dusk: 305 Main Street, Middleburgh, NY and Intersection of South Grand Street and Mineral Springs Road, Cobleskill.

MOBILE EMERGENCY CENTER

National Grid's Mobile Emergency Center will be located in Schoharie, NY from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. today. Please visit us for additional information on: electrical safety and procedures for homes and businesses impacted by flooding including information on inspections and meter replacement, status of outages in your neighborhood or area, consumer information.

FLOOD and ELECTRICAL SAFETY

If your home is or has been flooded, check with an electrician before turning on anything. If there has been damage, services may require a municipal safety inspection before National Grid will be allowed to connect the electricity.

TIDE's Loads of Hope Mobile laundry program:

Free Laundry Services beginning Friday, September 2 available to all families or individuals in need of clean clothes. Located at Walmart 138 merchant Place, Cobleskill, NY. Hours: Friday, September 2 1-8 p.m.; then starting Saturday September 3, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Duracell Power Relief Trailer services available beginning Friday September 2 from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. and from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. beginning Saturday, September 3rd.

Trash is being accepted at the Middleburgh VILLAGE POOL AREA through Tuesday, September 6th.

Middleburgh Water is Safe to Drink

All Village water has been deemed safe to drink.

One-Way Arrow Painted on Dexter

A one-way arrow was painted on the sidewalk in the front of Dexter Avenue. The street is a one-way thoroughfare, but sometimes drivers treated the narrow causeway as a two-way street. In addition, a one-way sign was placed on Mr. B's to reinforce the arrow's message.

Two More Trees Donated to Village

Two more trees have been donated to the Village by an anonymous donor. Working with Trustee Avitabile, a juniper berry and Rudolph crabapple tree were donated. Both are to be placed in Village parks. This follows an earlier crabapple tree donation by the same donor earlier this year.

Ash Tree Inventory August 20th

The Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) is planning an ash tree inventory event in Middleburgh on August 16th to counter the spread of invasive Emerald ash borer beetle, which has appeared in Upstate counties.

The following comes from CRISP:

We have prioritized 15 communities in the Catskill region based on their proximity to Ruby, NY, the epicenter of our local EAB infestation. The Village of Middleburgh is on top of our priority list and we plan on inventorying this community on Saturday August 20th from 10 AM to 12:30 PM with the involvement of community volunteers.

Volunteers are encouraged to attend the training workshop prior to the inventory at the Middleburgh Library on Tuesday, August 16th, from 6:30pm to 8pm to learn how to identify ash trees, how to identify EAB signs and how to use a GPS unit. On the day of the inventory the volunteers will walk along public streets and record data on location and condition of ash trees. The data will then be used to help the Village of Middleburgh plan and prepare for the arrival of the EAB infestation.

To learn more about the project or to get involved e-mail Elizabeth D’Auria at edauria@catskillcenter.org or visit www.catskillinvasives.com

One-Way Arrow Approved for Dexter

The Village Board approved in June a proposal to add a one-way arrow to Dexter Avenue to make the traffic law more clear. The road is a one-way street and the idea of signage was brought up by local business-owner Dan Bartholemew. The Board and Mr. Bartholemew also accepted placing a one-way sign on the side of his business.

Water, Sewer Exemption for FD Rejected

The Village Board rejected a proposal to exempt the Middleburgh Fire Department from municipal water charges. The original idea was voiced by Assistant Chief John Shaw and presented to the Board by Trustee Avitabile.

The proposed exemption would have saved the Department $240.00/yr for water charges and $1175.20/yr for sewer charges. The proposal did not receive a second and did not come up for a vote.

Power Authority Relicensing Meeting Scheduled

From Supervisor Richards:

There will be a Community Meeting on Tuesday, August 2nd at 6:00 PM the Middleburgh Town Hall to discuss the NYPA Relicensing effort at Blenheim-Gilboa. This meeting will be to introduce John Hamor and to inform our Community of the status of the NYPA relicensing. Please make sure that all parties within our Community who would have an interest in this issue have representatives attend.

More Cemetery Stones Fixed

Three more damaged stones in the Middleburgh Cemetery have been fixed. The Village approved the $500 project, at a rate of less than half of previous estimates. The three stones brings to six that have been repaired in the last year.

Below is one example:

School Faces $144,000 Shortfall

The Middleburgh Central School District is facing $144,000 in cuts due to the fallthrough of a health insurance plan. The teacher's union rejected a new health plan that would have removed Bassett from the network. Several jobs may be cut to make up the shortfall.

Another Tree Donation Approved

The Village Board has approved another anonymous donation for a tree to be placed in the memorial park across from the Fire Department. This follows a tree donated two months ago and placed there.

Town Board Candidates Announced

Jim Buzon has announced a challenge for the Middleburgh Town Supervisor position. He is followed by two Democratic candidates for Board seats. Republican newcomers Frank Herodes and Susan Makeley would replace retiring Karen Toften and David Lloyd, who is running for Supervisor. Lloyd is currently on the Board while Buzon was previously a member.

Richards Not Running in 2011

Middleburgh Town Supervisor Dennis Richards announced that he would not seek another term. Richards made the announcement this week saying in part:

I have been blessed to serve the Community of Middleburgh with an outstanding Town Board, Town Clerk, Town Justice, Bookkeeper, and Highway Superintendent and Crew who have our Communities best interest at Heart. I have done my best to serve this Community and thank all those who have helped me during the past ten years.

Richards served as Supervisor after the late Dick Hanson.

Community Garden Started

It was reported to the Village Board that a community garden would be planted on the end of Baker Avenue. At least two people are helping with the project.

Village Looking into Consolidating FD Water Charge

The Village is considering a proposal to stop charging the Middleburgh Fire Department for water from the Village. As a Village entity, the Department is funded from the Village in part to pay for the water sold back to them. The overall savings could be up to $6,000 annually.

Straub Lane Bridge Repaired

The small bridge at Straub Lane has been fixed by the Town. It is now available for transportation. The new fixes use galvanized steel and are stronger.

Tree Donated to Village

An anonymous donor gave an Indian Summer Crabapple tree to the Village, which was planted in the park across from the Fire Department. The tree was placed in the center of the park and has a longer flowering period than normal crab apple trees.

Middleburgh Receives $2,000 from Rotary

The Village of Middleburgh received a $2,000 donation from the Rotary Club for the 300th Anniversary celebration next year. The money came from the Arts and Crafts fund from the Club. The Village was appreciative for the donation.

School Board Gets More State Aid

The Middleburgh Central School District is considering changes that may be able to retain some jobs. The School District received an undisclosed amount of additional aid and received some fiscal relief through retirement. The School Board is aiming to restore some positions and reinstate some extra-curricular activities.

School Board Election Slated for May 17th

The Middleburgh Central School Board will be holding elections next month for two vacancies. This is also at the time that voters will decide on the 2011-2012 budget. One seat open is that currently held by Kim Smith, whose term would be for three years. The other would be for former member Jim Barber. This term would last approximately fourteen months.

The Middleburgh school site has more information.

Rent Reduction Rejected

During the discussions on the 2011-2012 Village Budget, the issue of rent paid to the Town was raised. Passed last year, the Village Board accepted a deal to pay the Town $500 a month or $6,000 a year in order to store Village equipment.

The issue of rent was brought up by Trustee Avitabile, who originally wanted to eliminate the practice altogether. At the meeting, he made a motion to cut the rent in half. Trustee Gruning considered the motion, but wanted more information first. Mayor Ansel-McCabe or Trustee Bowman did not second the motion. Without a second, the motion died and no action was taken.

Consolidation Committee Formed

The Middleburgh Village Board named a committee to look into consolidating the Town and Village of Middleburgh Highway Departments. The Committee will be made up of Trustees Gruning and Avitabile.

Village Budget Passed

The Middleburgh Village Board passed a final draft of the 2011-2012 municipal budget. The vote was 4-0 with Trustee Ingraham absent. The Board accepted the deal, which cut $16,000 in additional spending and increased taxes from $5.75 to $5.85 per $1000, or a 1.2% increase. The salaried workers of the Village offered to forego pay raises and no workers were laid off.

Drainage Issues Discussed

The drainage situation on Grove Street and Maple Avenue was discussed at the latest Board meeting. Maple Avenue resident Rita Leith was in attendance, asking for a solution. One possible solution could be running a pipe through a neighbor's lawn.

Next Village Meeting April 4th

The next regular meeting of the Village Board will be held at the Municipal Building on April 4th at 7:00 pm. This meeting will also be the annual reorganizational meeting. At 8:00 pm there will be a public hearing on this year's budget.

Village to Fix More Cemetery Stones

The Village Board reaffirmed a plan to fix some more cemetery stones. Three stones were fixed last fall for a price of $500-- half of earlier estimates. Three more stones are being considered for repair, at a similar price.

Budget Vote April 4th

The Village Board is preparing to vote on its proposed budget. The Board had been in talks about what to do  about the budget this month. This budget is going to come to a vote on April 4th after a public hearing.

Village in Budget Talks

The Middleburgh Village Board is discussing its 2011-2012 fiscal year budget. This budget is going to come to a vote on April 4th after a public hearing.

Village Reaffirms Apartment Law

After hearing concerns from business owners and other residents, the Village Board decided to keep the recent change in the zoning law. Many supported the move, attempting to make zoning laws clearer.

Apartment Law Passed

The Village Board passed an addition to the zoning law stating that commericially zoned buildings cannot have apartments on the first floor. The vote was 5-0, conducted Monday night.

Midtel Contract Meeting Jan 20

The Middleburgh Village Board will hold a public hearing to discuss the renewal of its contact with Midtel. The meeting will take place at 7:00pm on Thursday, January 20th at the Municipal Building. All are invited.

Village to Fix FD Wall

The Village Board approved a plan to fix the back wall of the Middleburgh Fire Department at an estimated cost of about $4100. This plan would improve safety and renovate a portion of the Department that has been a concern for years.

Cemetery Signage Project to Go Ahead

The Village of Middleburgh and the Middleburgh Historical Society will be collaborating on a joint project to place signs in the municipal cemetery. The overall project is slated to cost $1,500 and is going forward after approval by the Board. The idea originally came from the Historical Society and should help in finding places within both the Upper and Lower Cemetery.

Village Clarifies Parking Law

After the Village passed a comprehensive review of traffic and parking laws, one was clarified during the meeting tonight. Village residents may park on their own properties even if it borders a Village street.

January Village Board Meeting

The next regularly scheduled meeting on the Middleburgh Village Board will be on January 10 at 7:00pm at the Municipal Building. The public is welcome.

Middleburgh Passes Traffic Laws

The Village Board has approved changes in its traffic laws. The changes came in a meeting on December 13th and will update the current traffic and parking codes.