TOWN OF BERNE COURIER

Vol. 9                News From Your Town Government               Winter 2005
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Winter 2005 

Click on topics to view them or scroll down this page.

	Berne Youth Council News/Events
	Berne Heritage Days 2005
	Berne Library Events & Hours
	Berne Historical Society
	Immunization Clinic for Kids

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UPDATE ON TOWN ZONING

    In January, the Town Board voted to adopt a set of amendments to our local zoning ordinance.  The zoning amendments came about after a long planning process that included Planning Board input, review of the Town Comprehensive Plan, a public workshop to discuss business development needs in the Hamlet of Berne, a community image survey to learn more about the aesthetic character citizens want, development of the illustrated design guidelines and zoning, and multiple public hearings and meetings with hamlet and town residents.

    These zoning amendments seek to accomplish three things.  First, the Town has long had language in the zoning that established a historic district, but this was never mapped.  The new amendments have now mapped a district to include the hamlet of Berne. Second, the zoning ordinance was in need of some organizational and procedural updates to ensure that the local law reflects current New York State Town Law requirements.  Some of these procedural issues that have been updated include time frames and voting requirements for Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals. Finally, the Town established two districts for the hamlet of Berne called “Traditional Mixed/Use 1 (TN/MU1) and Traditional/Mixed Use 2 (TN/MU2).”  The main difference between the two districts is the addition of a gas station as a special permitted use in the TN/MU2 area. The TN/MU 1 and 2 areas replace the existing  neighborhood commercial district and medium density residential zoning classifications in the hamlet.

    The hamlet is now treated as a distinct area in the Town of Berne. The new zoning establishes a set of design and development standards to ensure that any new business growth or conversion of existing buildings in the hamlet is done in a manner that enhances the traditional and mixed use character of the hamlet.  A new use schedule for the TN/MU districts was developed with input from local residents and will allow for limited small business development in the hamlet with additional review and controls, and will allow adaptive reuse of existing buildings and home occupations.  Now that the hamlet is included in a historic district, all new development there must be reviewed and permitted to make sure the historic character of the hamlet is preserved.

     To make sure that all parties in the planning process understand the design criteria and performance expectations for new development, an illustrated set of design guidelines was also developed.  Together with updated density regulations, the new zoning will help ensure that non-residential development is more consistent with the traditional patterns in the hamlet.

    The Town Board anticipates that planning work will continue.  In the near future, they will begin work on open space planning, zoning needs and issues related to the hamlet of East Berne and possibly updates to the Comprehensive Plan.   [top]

FROM THE SUPERVISOR

    As I sit writing this article in our beautiful winter wonderland, I look back at the year 2004 and the progress the Town Board and I have made.  The Town of Berne received a $750,000 grant from DEC and another $500,000 grant from USDA Rural Development for the Town’s sewer project in the hamlet that will clean up waste water contamination and improve drinking water quality.  These monies are very competitive and difficult to obtain in these economic times.

    A special thanks to Senator Neil Breslin for a $5,000 grant for the purpose of making  improvements to the library.  Senator Breslin has always been an advocate for the Hilltowns by providing funds for needed projects. 

    I would like to extend congratulations to Russell and Elizabeth Chauvot on their new business, “Everybody Counts”, which is a therapeutic riding program using horses for physical therapy.  They will also look to provide other community-based riding programs.  Also, to Haytham and Deborah Bajouwa on their recent purchase of the old firehouse from the Town for $50,000.  Good luck on your new endeavors!  These local residents have invested in our Town’s local economic future.  And, these new ventures will foster community pride and bolster our growing economy.

    On behalf of the Berne Town Board, and myself I would like to recognize the countless hours our volunteer fire department and ambulance squad spend protecting our lives and property.  Also, special thanks to all the volunteers for Heritage Days and other Town events that make our community such a wonderful place.   Happy New Year and see you at Town Hall!  ~~ Kevin Crosier

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TOWN CLERK TOPICS

 CODIFICATION BOOK TO BE ADOPTED

    After a year of upgrading code information, the Town of Berne is pleased to announce it has a new comprehensive, up-to-date, and official Code Book. The term “codification” means bringing together legislation and all its amendments in a single systematic arrangement.

    General Code, a leading national codification company located in Rochester, New York, compiled years of Berne Town Meeting minutes, zoning codes, ordinances and laws into one single useful resource. Their work makes specific government documents and information comply with New York State legislation, and minimizes legal challenges for the Town of Berne.

     The Codification Book is in an index format and is very user-friendly.  After the formality of adopting the Code by Local Law is completed, it will be available in the Town Clerk’s Office, the Berne Library and will be [is] accessible online at www.berneny.org/code.htm.

     A special thanks goes out to the Town Board and Town Planning Board for seeing the value in this investment – it provides the framework for our community to operate more efficiently.

     If you have any questions, or would like more information about this initiative, please feel free to contact the Berne Town Clerk at 518-872-1448.
 ~~ Pat Favreau
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FIRE DISTRICT ELECTION 

       The Commissioners of the Berne Fire District have announced that a Special Election will take place on February 8 for the purpose of electing a fire commissioner, a treasurer and to authorize the purchase of new equipment.  Candidates for the Commissioner vacancy are Tim Norray and Michael Vincent. The Candidate for treasurer is Mark Resnick.

      The an 1800-gallon pumper tanker will replace a 20-year-old vehicle currently housed in the Berne firehouse. The cost is estimated to be approximately $250,000. According to Commissioner Mary Alice Molgard, the Berne Fire District has managed to save over  $100,000 in an Engine Reserve Fund, so the amount to be bonded will be no more than $150,000. As a result, purchase of the new truck should cause no significant increase in taxes for 2006. Ms. Molgard further stated that she feels the current team of firefighters, who number about 60 in Berne and East Berne, deserve the best equipment available to preserve and protect the community. 

     Voting will take place Tuesday, February, from 6-9pm at the Berne Fire House, on Canaday Hill Rd (County Route 9). You must be a registered voter, and reside in the Berne Fire District.  Identification may be required.  Write-in candidates will be allowed.  Absentee ballots will be available from the district secretary Sally Meduna 872-0726.

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BERNE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
    The Historical Society sponsored the first “Festival of Trees” by filling each room of history with a decorated Christmas tree with items made by each of the following groups:  Girl Scouts, Brownies, B-K-W Elementary Student Council, Knox Youth Council, Berne Boy Scouts, Knox Nursery School, Berne Youth Council, and Berne Lutheran Church Youth Group.

    The Christmas season began with the decoration of the windows of the library and there  research room. A  tree in the meeting room  was decorated with the first edition of a Christmas ornament that is being sold by the Historical Society.

     The ornament has a view of the Mill Dam in Berne by the bridge on one side, and the Historical Society’s logo on the other.  The ornaments are being sold by the Society for $8each  and may be obtained from the Linda Carman.

    The Society hopes that next year adult groups will participate in a second “Festival of Trees” and that a new ornament will be available for purchase.

    The Ten Rooms of History will be open on Memorial Day at 9 AM.  Come join in the celebration and explore history.

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IN AN EMERGENCY- - CAN YOU BE FOUND?
     Your Fire and Emergency Medical services want to make sure that you can be found in case of an emergency at your home/ business.

     One of the most significant advances in emergency service is the 911 system.  The 911 system gives the emergency service personnel the name, street, address and cross streets. It does not give the exact location between the cross streets.  This is why the house number must be easily visible to a responding emergency vehicle.

     New York State Code mandates that new and existing buildings shall have approved address numbers in a position to be plainly legible and visible from the street or road fronting the property.  These numbers shall contrast with their background.  Numbers shall be a minimum of four inches (102mm) high with a minimum stroke width of .5 inches (12.7mm).

     House numbers should be affixed to both sides of your rural mailbox.  If you do not have a rural mailbox you may affix the house number to a signpost or a tree as well as on your house. Locating an emergency scene right away can be a crucial factor in the time of a fire or medical emergency. House numbers also aid police and postal employees in performing their official duties.

     Do the emergency services and yourself a favor by making your house numbers visible.
Submitted by John Crounse,  Berne Fire Commission & East Berne Postmaster

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HILLTOWN  HEADSTART PROGRAM

   The Albany County Hilltown Headstart Program is a federally funded pre-school program providing free family development services to eligible families.

    Classes are held from 9:00 – 11:45 AM Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday mornings at the Thompson’s Lake Church Hall, East Berne. Openings are available.

     Call 274-91560 or 872-0361 for further information.

BERNE HERITAGE DAYS

      A very hearty thanks to all the volunteers, and guests who assisted with and attended the Halloween Fundraiser benefiting the Berne Heritage Project 2005. Aprofit of more than$1000 was realized. The decision to repeat this event next year was unanimous by the committee members. This allows for plenty of time to create even more great scary adventures.  Anyone interested in volunteering or participating in any way, please contact Erin Willsey, Coordinator.

    Berne Heritage Days 2005 will be held July 15, 16 and 17.  The theme will be The Sixtiest Anniversary of the end of WWII.  Most events of the weekend will touch on this theme in some fashion.  Individuals are encouraged to help bring it all together in order to provide a fun, educational, and entertaining weekend.  Volunteers are needed to chair committees, share ideas, and help with set up work at event locations.

      The event will begin with a Welcome Dinner on Friday evening featuring a keynote speaker.  At this time, area resident WWII veterans will be honored.  Saturday’s events, beginning at noon at the Park, will include good food, a hyped up market place, historical demonstrations, and exciting entertainment. Many new surprises give reasons to anticipate great attendance.  The popular cemetery restoration project will again take place on Sunday.  Committees have already begun putting together ideas.  All residents of the Hilltowns are welcome to become involved, so please pass the word!  Both people and ideas are welcome . 

    Anyone interested in becoming involved, please call Coordinator Erin Willsey at 872-9081 for meeting dates. The Committee seeks re-enactors, historians and historical craftspeople!

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

     The Berne Library has planned many events for the first quarter of 2005.   Please consider participating in one or many of these fun and interesting events.

    New members are always welcome to join our active book clubs. Our afternoon book club meets at noon on the second Wednesday of each month.  Our evening book club meets on the third Monday of each month at 7pm.

     Special activities include:  

 MOVIES - February 14 at 7pm Casablanca; March 2 at 7pm (TBA); April 9 at 7pm (TBA).  These movies are free and open to the public. Refreshments  served.

 February 4 at 7 PM The Scrabble Tournament - Children (8 & over) and adults are welcome.  Prizes will be awarded.  Please bring Scrabble games with you.

 February 9 at 7pm   Write a Letter to a Soldier -- Names of soldiers, addresses, stationary, envelopes and stamps will be provided.

February 19 at  1pm    Japanese Culture Day.  Learn some basic Japanese phrases, create a paper Japanese lantern, and sample some delicacies from the Far East.

March 2  Read Across America  A national event with guest readers and special activities.

March 19 -1 to 3 PM   I Love Legos. Attention all Lego builders.  Bring your Legos and your imagination to the Library.  Completed Lego structures will be featured in our display window.

March 23 6:30 to 7:30 Readings from the Tibetan Book of Living & Dying

April 17-23 National Library Week will be celebrated by offering “amnesty” to all those who have overdue items.

Other events are being planned. 
Watch our events board as future activities are posted.

HIGHWAY HINTS
     Please remember to maintain a safe distance of 150 to 200 feet when following highway trucks or plows. Vehicles need room to stop, back up and turn around.  Vehicles following too closely are not visible to the driver.
    Snow placed in roadways results in hazardous conditions.  Hard snow banks created by private plows add additional costs for both equipment and the necessity to replow a route.
     Never allow children to play or build forts in roadside snow banks.  Equipment operators cannot see hidden children.  Please be aware that the Highway Department is constantly monitoring the conditions of the roads. Drive safely and enjoy the winter season.

NEW WASTE OIL FURNACE  AT HIGHWAY GARAGE

     The newly installed furnace at the Berne Highway Garage burns used motor oil, transmission fluid and cooking oil.  These oils are now being accepted at the transfer station. Oil must not be contaminated with water or anti-freeze. They should be transported in no larger than five-gallon containers and delivered to the transfer station attendants.

IMMUNIZATION CLINIC
     The Albany County Department of Health offers free immunization service for children living in   Medicaid recipients should bring the medicaid card.

Next clinics are scheduled 
4-6 PM 
Wednesday, February 2
Wednesday, February 15

Please call 518 447 4589 to schedule appointments.  

YOUTH  RECREATION

     The Town of Berne Youth Council announces the following events for 2005.  Mark your calendars for: 

February 18th  Snow tubing at Windham Mountain
March 19th  Easter Egg Hunt
July 5th  Summer Youth Recreation program begins

     There is no age limit for snow tubing, however, an adult must accompany children in grade 5 or below. Cost of the trip is $10 per person which includes transport to and from Windham Mountain and two hours of tubing. The bus leaves B-K-W at 6pm and returns at 10pm. We are limited to one bus, so please call 872-1448 (Town Hall) to reserve  your place on the bus.

     Be on the look out for the Easter Bunny again this year.  He will be hopping around the B-K-W elementary school giving out Easter goodies between 11am and 12 noon on March 19th.

     The Summer Recreation program preparations are well under way. Family day this year will be celebrated with a trip to the Renaissance Faire at Sterling Forest on Saturday July 9th. Prices and details will be announced in the Summer Recreation brochure.

     This year there will be dragons, damsels and knights as its theme for the first week and various theme days for the second week. Once again, the older children will be going out on an adventure each day of the two week program. Some of their adventures will be even farther than we have gone in previous years and some will be old favorites.

     Due to the increasing popularity of the Summer program, there will be an early-bird sign-up date for Town of Berne residents. This date will be announced in the brochure so that your children will be able to attend the courses they choose.  

ALBANY COUNTY  DOH RABIES CLINIC
The annual rabies clinic will be held at the Berne Highway Garage, Helderberg Trail in the hamlet of Berne on

Saturday, March 19, 2005  
CATS: 1:00 to 2:30 PM  
DOGS:  2:30 to 4:00 PM 

• Bring proof of prior vaccination.

• Animals must be leashed or in carriers.

• Donation - $5 per animal

• Further info call 447-4620

MOHAWK & HUDSON RIVER HUMANE SOCIETY

LOW COST SPAY/NEUTER PROGRAM -- for those who meet income eligibility
Oakland Avenue, Menands

Cost: 
male cat neuter $25
female cat spay   $35
female dog spay   $40

All surgeries are performed on Sundays at the MHRHS Shelter, Oakland Avenue, Menands.  Vaccinations available for an additional charge.

For more info, or to  get an application, call 434-8128.

HILLTOWN  MARKET

     Several Berne residents participated in the successful venture of the Hilltown Market held in a unique post and beam barn. The market featured locally grown products, goods and merchandise, as well as local-service providers.  The Market began in August and featured seven harvest market days with one additional holiday market.   Approximately 25 vendors per week were involved, with more participating in the holiday market. Berne residents who participated included: Debra  Bajouwa - fresh cut flowers; Partridge Run Farm & Apiary – honey; Newcomb’s Farm – vegetables and flowers; Sam Van Hoesen – eggs; Crosier’s Sugar Barn – maple syrup; Two Sisters – pottery; Janice Bassler – knitted scarves; and, Kathi Brennan -- crafts.

    Amy and Russ Pokorny, proprietors of Hilltown Market, which is located at 588 Middle Road in Knox, look forward to another successful season beginning in August.  

YOU KNOW YOU’RE IN A SMALL TOWN

·          When the undertaker supplements his income with a furniture store.

·          When you miss a Sunday at church and receive a get-well card.

·          When a 55-year old farmer is still referred to as “Young Johnson”.

·          When someone asks how you feel and listens to what you have to say.

·          When the nicest house in town has a beauty shop on the back porch.

·          When you drive into the ditch five miles out of town and the word gets back before you do.

·          When you can’t walk for exercise because every car that passes you offers you a ride.

·          When you dial a wrong number and talk for 15 minutes anyway.

·          When you speak to each dog you pass by name and he wags  his tail at you.

·          When everyone’s cap has a John Deere emblem on it.

·          When you don’t use your turn signals because everyone knows where you are going.

·          When a crowd gathers on Main Street and looks toward the fire hall when the whistle blows.

·          When the accountant will figure your income tax if you help him sort through the shoe box.

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