West Carthage residents warned letter doesn’t represent village

By ELAINE M. AVALLONE
JOHNSON NEWSPAPERS

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2012

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WEST CARTHAGE — Some village residents may have received a letter from HomeServe of Stamford, Conn., concerning the company’s water line service coverage.

Mayor Scott M. Burto said at Tuesday’s Board of Trustees meeting that this program has nothing to do with the village.

“This program is not sponsored or endorsed by the village,” Mr. Burto said. “It is not a requirement. If someone has a question about their coverage, they should contact their homeowner’s insurance.”

He said the letters were worded to imply that the village board requested or supported the purchase of the service.

“That is not the case,” Mr. Burto said.

According to a letter sent to the mayor, the company provides emergency repair of water lines to homeowners nationwide.

In other business, the board approved applications to the village fire department for Ryan Peebles, Melissa Roman, Kristopher Hudson, Richard Murphy III and Robert Pinkham.

A total of $39,952.46 in unpaid taxes was turned over to Jefferson County for collection.

The village received notification that it has been approved for the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority Buy Green, Save Green Rebates for New York State Local Government. The village sought to purchase a new copier/scanner for the office. With the rebate, the $1,078 office equipment will cost the village $272.68.

During the public comment segment, Adam Smith inquired about tapping trees on public property. According to Village Clerk Deborah J. Pierce, the issue has been ongoing for about three years. Mr. Smith previously had been told he was not permitted to tap trees on any village property, including the area between the sidewalk and the road. The sap, since it has monetary value, could be considered village property.

Mr. Burto said the issue had been turned over to the village attorney, Lawrence D. Hasseler.