Crosswalk safety is a concern in Dundee

DUNDEE—Safety is on Dundee Village Trustee Greg Wright’s mind. During the meeting of the Dundee Village Board Tuesday, Nov. 23, Wright expressed his concern about the crosswalk on Water Street at Union. Wright said it is very hard to see individuals in that crosswalk after dark. Streets Superintendent Andy Howell said some tree limbs may need to be cut in the area.
The brightness of the street lights in the area may be another change that could make visibility better. Howell said he had turned in 19 lights to NYSEG. Howell said by the time NYSEG gets to Dundee, more lights are out. Energy efficient lights could be considered at budget time next year. Village Mayor Fred Cratsley Jr. asked Howell to contact NYSEG.
In other business: Trustees discussed a possible resolution that would clarify when members of the Dundee Fire Department could assist other fire departments. The specific issue is assistance when mutual aid has not been requested. Fire department members may provide assistance to other departments in this situation; however, the action must be reported to the Dundee fire chief within 24 hours. Cratsley said this allows members to offer service to other fire companies. Cratsley said the Dundee firefighters may use their Dundee Fire Department gear.
Assistance may be rendered only if the chief in charge at the scene accepts the offer of help from the Dundee Fire Department member. Dundee fire department accepts assistance only from members of fire departments that have a mutual aid arrangement with Dundee.
The matter was tabled until the Dec. 14 village board meeting to allow further study. Asked if board members could discuss the proposal with Dundee fire department members, Cratsley said, “Yes, of course.”
• The upcoming Green Innovation Grant application for the wastewater treatment plant was a topic of discussion. The grant is limited to “Green” projects. An example of green energy is solar panels. Wind energy is another. The grant would allow the village to make the Dundee plant more efficient and to reduce energy use. The maximum grant available is for $750,000. It requires a 10 percent local match. Larsen Engineers President & CEO Ram Shrivastava, attended the meeting. Shrivastava said there are low interest loans available for the 10 percent local match. The application is due Dec. 3.
• A proposed tax exemption for Cold War veterans was discussed.
Village Clerk Christine Sutherland said there is no way for the village to know who would be eligible. The number of veterans who would be eligible for the tax exemption is needed so the related impact on taxes can be determined. Cratsley asked Sutherland to contact assessor Anthony DeStephen to get any figures that might be available. The matter will be discussed at the Tuesday, Dec. 14 meeting of the village board.
• Trustee Judy Duquette announced there will be a meeting for Touch of Christmas at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 2 at the Dundee Youth Center community room. Duquette said anyone interested in assisting with the Saturday, Dec. 11 event is welcome to attend.
• Streets Superintendent Andy Howell said he expects to install Christmas decorations next week.
The next meeting of the Dundee Village Board will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 14 in the village hall on Union Street.