Stamford Adopts Law to Control Unreasonable Noise

HOBART – One person spoke and a second agreed with her comments during a public hearing last Wednesday for a proposed noise law in the town of Stamford.

Lori Betz said it was a shame it had to come to the town enacting a law. "We are in a bad situation when the neighbors can't respect other people's needs," she said. "We have had a lot of problems and I think you should pass the law."

Jim Betz asked about the penalties and who receives the fines.

The hearing was closed and later in the meeting, board members unanimously approved adopting the new law. It has been fashioned after a similar law in the town of Kortright. 

The purpose of the law is to preserve the public health, welfare, peace and good order by suppressing the making or creation of unnecessary, unnatural or unusual loud noises which are prolonged or abnormal in their timing, place, and use and which are detrimental to others and the environment.

It is recognized that people have the right to an environment free from excessive noise that may jeopardize their safety or welfare or degrade the quality of life. 

The law will affect the owner, or lessee of premises at the source of noise, provided that the lessee or an  employee or agent or promotor of an owner or lessee is present on that part of the premises where the noise is produced when the noise violation occurs.

Exemptions to the law, include: church bells, parades, concerts or other community gathering, non-commercial public speaking and public assembly activities conducted in a public place, use of domestic power tole or equipment for property repairs or improvement. Snow removal equipment, agricultural activities recognized by the Ag and Markets Law, and discharge of firearms for the purpose of hunting.

Fines are $250 for the first day and $250 per day of continued violation. Those committing subsequent offense within 12 months of the previous conviction shall be fined $500 per day.

Mike Cairns provided an update on the sewer budget and a project to add a connection at the Knight residence in the hamlet of South Kortright. It requires a construction schedule, he said, with 30 days notice and a meeting with Cairns, the contractor and the engineer. Various aspects of the project will have to be inspected. 

He also reported that the 2027 sewer budget will likely include replacement of aging infrastructure. 

Highway Superintendent Dan Miglianti said he has been working on the list of roadways to be repaired under Consolidated Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) funding and will seek help on the costs. Among his listing is Narrow Notch Road, Roxbury Mountain Road and Roses Brook Road. He will also have to review the time frame on roads previously repaired under the program to ensure they are eligible.

Resident Dave Post was present to hear what plans are being made to repair the Foote Hollow bridge. Soil and Water Conservation has been to the site and is exploring different funding avenues. Post said the drop off has gotten worse recently and Miglianti needs to go look at it. Soil and Water Conservation will be asked to look at another bridge to provide solutions and possible funding as well.

Post, a resident and former town board member, also questioned the safety of town crews to do the work on Tower Road to the summit of Mount Utsayantha. The roadway is owned by the village of Stamford, with a small portion off the "saddle" owned by the town. The road has been maintained by village. However, it has fallen into poor shape in recent years and the village has asked both the towns of Harpersfield and Stamford for help in a one-time commitment to put the road in good shape for tourists and others traveling to the summit. 

The fire tower at the summit is now included in the Catskills Fire Tower Challenge, which is being promoted by the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). It will encourage tourists and hikers to visit Mt. Utsayantha, which is home to the only fire tower in the challenge that is accessible by car.  Residents questioned the town's involvement in helping the village of Stamford repair the roadway to the top of Mount Utsayantha when it was proposed in January by Stamford Deputy Mayor Jim Kopp. He asked the towns of Stamford and Harpersfield to participate in the road repair through shared services, to provide the equipment, with the village of Stamford providing the materials. He said visitors to the area will benefit everyone. 

The village was researching to ensure ownership of the roadway to the summit.

Post asked what would happen if the town lost a truck over the steep embankment while working on the narrow, steep roadway. "It troubles me a little bit, because we will be operating the equipment. This is just a precautionary tale, but you are dealing with a village that can't seem to run properly. Do we know where the right of way is. I'm worried our trucks and men are working on village property just to keep DEC happy. I like to go up there myself. It seems they should do something with the lessees for the towers. Have the companies come up with some money in the lease for the road."

Councilwoman Deb Ballard said they should have Jim Kopp return to the board to further explain the scope of the project and Councilwoman Jessica Watson said they may be biting off more than they can chew, "I don't think they have looked enough at what needs to be done."

Lori Betz asked if Stamford's CEO could provide a monthly report. Supervisor John Kosier said they would ask him to provide a monthly report. 

Kosier also reported equipment has been ordered to enable the livestreaming of meetings.

The town will advertise for bids to mow eight cemeteries. Sealed bids must be received by 6 p.m. on April 8, the date of the next town board meeting. A list of the cemeteries is available in the town clerk’s office.

The next meeting of the Stamford Town Board will be held April 8 at 6 p.m..