More Changes Coming for Local Transfer Station, Dog Control Law Hearing Set

HARPERSFIELD  – Members of the Harpersfield Town Board have set a public hearing for 7 p.m on Sept. 9 to hear comments on a proposed Local Law for Dog Control. The law is being proposed to allow court action on issues involving dog complaints. They also approve extending dog licenses for three-year renewals to coincide with rabies vaccinations. There will also be fees if you ignore the dog license renewal notice and your dog is involved in a complaint. Seizure of pets will be at the discretion of the dog control officer.

The new law has been developed by a committee of town board members and reviewed by the dog control officer and it is available for review on the town's website. Now is the time to review the proposed law and suggest or recommend any possible changes.

“The Town Board of the Town of Harpersfield finds that running at large and other uncontrolled behavior of licensed and unlicensed dogs may cause physical harm to people, damage to property and may create nuisances within the Town. Additionally, the Town Board desires to provide for the licensing and identification of dogs, the control and protection of the dog population and the protection of people, properties and animals from dog attacks and damage. Furthermore, the Town Board desires to protect the health, safety and well-being of people and property by imposing regulations on the keeping and running of dogs within the town.”

The new law also provides for extended licensing and fees to coincide with rabies vaccinations.

A free rabies vaccination clinic is scheduled for Sept. 9 at the Stamford Fire Hall, 111 Main St., Stamford from 5-7 p.m.. Pre-registration is suggested for all clinics. You can pre-register at http://health.ny.gov/go2clinic. It makes check-in faster. Pets are vaccinated in the order they arrive. Please be prepared to wait. If you need assistance pre-registering or have questions about the clinic, please call Delaware County Public Health at (607) 832-5200

The town has purchased a new roll-off truck for the transfer station. The 10-year old truck was purchased for $21,000 and is already in use, which should prevent damage both to containers and the recently completed renovations at the shared transfer station. Supervisor Lisa Driscoll reiterated changes in operations are being made and the public should be aware. When an area is full and they are changing out a container, that area will be closed to the public until the new container is in place. It may mean that at some times, the public might not be able to offload at the stations. She said attendants will also be checking to ensure the right items are going to the right spot and items that are not allowed are not being left behind. What is allowed for recycling and what is allowed for garbage, construction and demolition and metal are all listed on the Delaware County website. She said the attendants are responsible for proper disposal, she said they are not there to help people offload their garbage.

She said people should visit the town website or the county website, under solid waste also explains how to properly dispose of items, including batteries, appliances, electronics, etc. 

The new rules will be available on the town's website, townofharpersfield.gov.

Board members went into an executive session to discuss litigation and personnel.

The next town board meeting will be held Sept, 9.