Village Approves Another Eagle Scout Project, Still Paring the Budget

STAMFORD  – Village of Stamford trustees approved another Eagle Scout project, discussed the pool project and what to do over the late delivery of work, and discussed options for the water budget. The annual meeting is set for April 2 at 7 p.m. and a public hearing on the proposed budget will be held on April 16.

Liam Seeley, a local Boy Scout, is proposing to create an information board at the Robinson Broadhurst Memorial Pool for his Eagle Scout project. Half the board would be used for chalk messages and half would be of cork for needed information to be posted, such as pool hours and other information. That portion of the board would be behind plexiglass. He also proposed having a flag pole with a telescoping pole and a solar light. The pole could be removed over the closed season. The project was unanimously approved.

With the village's annual meeting on April 2, they are continuing to crunch the figures on the tentative budget, which is currently showing a 4.63 percent tax increase. The budget is available at the village hall for public review.

Mayor Schneider said the budget is up due to the cost increases of almost everything, such as insurance, fuel, salt, electricity, etc. The village has also budgeted for anticipated attorney fees related to litigation.

The village will appoint a committee to get the process in motion for application for an NY Forward grant. Members of the committee will lead the grant process and seven to 10 members are recommended. Trustees agreed the committee should include two students, two business owners, two village residents, and one chairperson. It will be discussed again, immediately prior to the April 2 meeting.

Mayor Robert Schneider, on the advice of grantswriter Peg Ellsworth, has written a letter of intent to the pro-housing committee which has helped the village apply for other grants and an application of intent will be filed for the NY Forward grant. The state grants are intended to invigorate and enliven downtowns, to revitalize the state's smaller and rural communities, according to the website. It requires developing a strategic investment plan and vision. 

A review of the village's water budget indicates options need to be researched to increase revenue.

An additional $10,000 was added to the budget for the NY Forward grant.