by Dave Warner
The Little Falls Common Council held their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday night with only one resolution on the agenda.
Resolution #23 stated that the Hansen Island Bridge is in need of repair and/or replacement and that the City of Little Falls is in the process of applying for assistance and grant funds from the Bridge-NY program. The project will be an in-kind rebuilding and/or replacement.
The resolution stated that the City of Little Falls Common Council after reviewing Parts I and II of the EAF has determined that the Hansen Island Bridge Project is a Type II action and that there will be no significant impact resulting from the bridge replacement. It authorized the City Engineer to prepare a Negative Declaration.
The resolution passed unanimously.
Some discussion revolved around the special election being held on August 17th at Holy Family Parish from 6 am until 9 pm regarding whether the City Treasurer should be an elected or appointed position. Alderman Dan Carter wanted the council to take a position in support of making the position one that would be appointed.
Mayor Mark Blask said, “This will be a paper ballot with a single referendum item. After that, we have to wait seven days because there are some absentees that could potentially come in. The results can’t be certified until the afternoon of the 24th.”
“I think that anyone in their personal capacity could be on one side or the other and act as such. You could give your opinion as Dan Carter, I could as Mark Blask. However, I would feel uncomfortable, just because it is an open and free election that the finance committee or the Common Council or the Mayor should come out on one side or the other,” he stated.
Blask went on to say that it is a simple question that should just be left up to the people to decide. “I happen to be in favor of this, it’s no secret,” he said.
A question was asked as to whether anyone has filed to run for the position during the November election. According to Herkimer County filing documents, Anthony T. Federico of Alexander Street in Little Falls has filed to be on the ballot in November running as an Action Party candidate.
In the Mayor’s comments portion, Blask said that they are monitoring the delta variant of COVID. “As leaders, it is important for us to be out in front. We have a large budget, 74 City employees and it’s a huge responsibility.”
He said that they will be guided by CDC, State, and County Health Department recommendations, “Just as we did on March 10, 2020.”
Lastly, he mentioned the Canal Celebration stating that it will be good to see people out there at the scheduled events.