Weekly Newsletter No. 122

It has been a very warm week, with high temperatures in the upper 70’s and low 80’s, which has given us a rare late October opportunity to enjoy some, but not all, summer activities. It is almost rare as the NY Mets still playing games in October. This weekend and next week, albeit much cooler, also look perfect for fall outdoor events, including Halloween next Thursday. Conditions remain near perfect for enjoying Town parks and open space, extensive hiking trails, and an outing at the Western Turnpike Golf Course. More details are shared below.

Town News & Announcements

At its October 29th meeting, the Comprehensive Plan Update Committee plans to take a vote on the final updated plan. A copy of the final plan, plan with marked changes from the draft plan, and summary of the changes are available. Once adopted by the CPUC, the plan update will be referred to the Town Board for its consideration, including a public hearing.

On this Saturday, October 26 from 10am to 2pm in the Guilderland Library’s auxiliary lot, the Police Department is holding Drug Take-Back Day, a bi-annual event when you can safely and easily dispose of prescribed and non-prescribed drugs. Please note that this disposal includes controlled, non-controlled, and over-the-counter substances, including pet medication, and with or without the original packaging. The only exceptions are that syringes and sharp items cannot be disposed of at this event. It is very easy to do: just place the medications, with personal information removed, if possible, in a bag, drive to the drop off point and stay in your vehicle, and provide access to the bag in the vehicle to the police officer. No identification is required and no questions are asked.

The Town of Guilderland’s ADA Transition Plan will be considered for adoption by the Town Board at its November 7 public meeting. The draft ADA plan remains available for review at Town Hall and Guilderland Public Library. The draft is the result of an 18-month review, inspection, rating, and action plan for Town-maintained sidewalks, with the help of a consultant.

Parks & Rec is offering Morning Basketball on Saturdays at different morning times depending on grade level from December 7 to February 1.

The dry weather has helped the Highway Department to keep pace with its vacuuming schedule. Please remember that the posted schedule allows for vacuuming streets twice but that Highway crews might reach your street before its scheduled date. If that occurs, please don’t worry or call the Highway Department. Leaf piles should be placed on the edge of the lawn, and not on the paved surface. The Highway crew will return on the scheduled dates.

I thank the firefighters, Town staff, and elected officials for attending Tuesday’s ribbon-cutting and tour of the new fire training tower and ground-breaking for the nearly fire training center. I thank Albany County, including County Executive Dan McCoy, and the County Legislators Mickey Cleary, Dennis Feeney, Mark Grimm, Jeff Perlee, and Dustin Reidy, for their support of a generous $500,000 grant towards the construction of the new tower, with the remaining $500,000 coming from Town reserves that accumulated over 20 years with yearly contributions by the Town’s eight fire departments and matching funds by the Town. The renovation of the fire training center was made possible by a generous $100,000 sponsored by Assemblyperson Phil Steck. Both facilities, along with old fire training tower, will provide essential training for volunteer firefighters who fight ever-evolving fire threats in our community.

On Wednesday, October 30 at 10am, there will a ribbon-cutting to celebrate the opening of the Town’s new ambulance station (EMS Station III) at the entrance to the Western Turnpike Golf Course. EMS calls have increased every year, with a record number of 6,717 responses last year, far more than the 5,050 responses in 2015. The added capacity and the new station’s central location, with direct access to Routes 20 and 146, will help EMS to maintain its industry leading response times.

On Friday, November 1 from Noon to 5pm, the American Red Cross is sponsoring a blood drive at Town Hall. You can make an appointment online, with the sponsor code “Guilderlandtown” or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.

On Friday, November 8 at 10am at Town Hall, the Town will hold a ceremony in recognition of its designation as a Purple Heart Town. With its designation as a Purple Heart, the Town honors and remembers military personnel wounded or killed in combat. The Town will also reserve parking spots for "Purple Heart" recipients and their family members at Town Hall, Senior Center, and Tawasentha Park.

On Saturday, November 9 at 6pm, Community Caregivers is hosting its 30th Anniversary Party With a Purpose at the Albany Country Club.

The Town’s 2025 Hometown Heroes Banner Program recognizes active duty and veteran service members, both living and deceased, for their bravery, courage, and sacrifice. Each banner honors a current or former Guilderland serviceperson by name, branch of service, and photo. The banners will be displayed at Tawasentha Park at a special event held at GPAC. In late fall, the banners are made available to sponsors. Banners may be sponsored by individuals, families, businesses or organizations at a cost of $150 per banner. The deadline for applications is February 28, 2025. If you have any questions regarding banners, please call the Parks & Rec Office at (518) 456-3150.

The Town’s Senior Services Department’s October newsletter has information about classes and seminars, trips, medical and shopping transportation, legal aide, community meals, and much more.

The Town is accepting letters of interest and resumes from candidates for Automotive Mechanic I, Deputy Receiver of Taxes, Police Officer, Telecommunicator/911 Dispatcher, and Laborer positions in the Highway, Parks and Water Departments.

Upcoming Meetings at Town Hall

The following is a list of dates and times for currently scheduled meetings of boards and committees at Town Hall over the next 30 days. Please check the Town’s calendars for the latest news about public meetings and community events, possible changes in agendas and cancellations, and the latest contents of agenda packets. Unless stated otherwise, each of the listed meetings start at 7pm, and are livestreamed on the Town website, Verizon channel 34, and Spectrum channel 1303. Within days of the meeting, an indexed recording, with links to each listed agenda item, is also posted online.

Comprehensive Plan Update Committee

Tuesday, October 29 at 6pm

Zoning Board of Appeals

Wednesday, November 6

Town Board

Thursday, November 7 at 6pm (public hearing on 2025 Town budget)

at 7pm (regular meeting)

Planning Board

Wednesday, November 13

Conservation Advisory Council

Monday, November 18

Town Board

Tuesday, November 19

Zoning Board of Appeals

Wednesday, November 20

Industrial Development Agency

Tuesday, November 26

Community Events & Resources

The Albany Pine Bush Preserve’s fall calendar is full of fall activities, including the celebration of Halloween, with a “Howl and Prowl: Halloween in the Pine Bush” on Friday, October 25 from 4pm to 7pm and Saturday, October 26 from 10am to 3pm. You can enjoy Halloween-themed activities, including hands-on crafts and learning about the eerie creatures in the Preserve. Costumes are encouraged, and the event is suitable for all ages. On Wednesday, October 30 at 4pm, the Preserve is sponsoring Feisty Fishers, when you can learn more about fishers.

On Friday, November 1 at 10am, the Preserve is hosting Morning Meander: Blueberry Hill West, when you participate in a 1.5-mile hike at Blueberry Hill West (Trailhead #5). On November 4 at 11am, the Preserve is sponsoring Know Your Oaks, when you can learn more, in 0.9-mile hike, about the eight species of oak in the Preserve and their important role as food source and cover for animals in the Albany Pine Bush.

On Saturday, October 26 from 4pm to 7pm, Guilderland High School is hosting Trick or Treat Street for children, with bounce houses, magic man, and refreshments.

On Saturday, November 9 from 8am to Noon, the Albany County Soil & Water Conservation District is sponsoring a free electronic recycling event for computers, phones, printers, copiers, servers, and more at the Albany County DPW facility at 449 New Salem Road in Voorheesville. There is a fee of $0.35 per pound for televisions and monitors.

On Saturday, December 21, from 1pm to 3:30pm, Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy is celebrating the winter solstice with a grand opening celebration of the 225-acre addition to the Bozen Kill Preserve. There will be hot beverages to warm up before heading out for a guided tour of the new trails.

A reminder that every Wednesday from 11am to 12:30pm, the Guilderland Public Library is the home for Senior Connects!, where seniors can have a friendly chat on a wide-range of interesting topics. The prior topics included home downsizing, senior resources, hobbies, books, movies, favorite day trips, and local events. No registration is required.

Another reminder that the Federal government has revived its program which allows residents to order four free at-home COVID-19 tests for free delivery by the Post Office. The FDA encourages checking its website to see if the expiration date for your at-home COVID-19 tests has been extended.

Please be mindful when driving on Halloween (Thursday, October 31) for children darting across streets and having fun. If possible, please try clear and light your home’s walkway.

I hope that you have an enjoyable and relaxing weekend.

Thank you for taking the time to read this newsletter.

Peter G. Barber

Town Supervisor