Solar Energy Law Hearing Remains Open in Jefferson

JEFFERSON – No one spoke during a public hearing on proposed changes to update the Jefferson Solar Energy Facilities Law at the  Sept. 11 meeting and the hearing remains open for written and  verbal comment.

The town of Jefferson is upgrading the existing solar energy law and set the hearing to receive the public's input. The public may still submit written comments to the Jefferson Town Clerk or make comments at the next meeting on Oct. 9.

Under reports, Town Clerk Vanessa Irwin said the town has a new credit card reader to accept credit payments in the office for revenue accounts. She  said a fee is charged to the customer by the credit processor of 2.65 percent, with a minimum fee of $2.

Town Historian Bonnie Dailey said she is working to get the historic marker placed at the site of the original West Jefferson Methodist Episcopal Church and there are tentative plans for a possible opening ceremony. She said flags honoring the town's veterans are being considered for placement around the green and families would have the opportunity to fund a hero banner. She said she is working on getting an historical marker for the old Jefferson Cemetery.

Town Assessor Andrea Brooks was reappointed to another six-year term. In her report she indicated homeowners will no longer be required to apply to the assessor if there is a change in ownership or if they have aged into the Enhanced STAR exemption. The Office of Real Property TAx Services will notify the assessor of Basic STAR recipients who become eligible for the Enhanced STAR, rather than the senior having to notify the assessor.

Karen Cucinello has been working on records retention and a long list of documents were recommended and approved for destruction.

Council members Don VanValkenburgh and Bill Abbatine will  check on the continued problem of mold and humidity in the records/archive room. A dehumidifier may solve the issue.

Phones at the town hall are not working properly and are now obsolete. MTC is proposing the phones be replaced with new equipment. They would provide the training on the new system for $313.19. Council members approved the proposal.

The report from Lamont Engineering regarding the cracks underneath the flooring tile in the justice court is believed due to normal settlement of the cement and no further action is required.

No one commented during the privilege of the floor.