STATE OF THE TOWN     JANUARY 3, 2008 - 7:00 P.M.

Happy New Year! We have survived all the wrath of 2007, and here we are to do our job of maintaining good, government for the People of Corinth in 2008. Our Board is here to work hard, serving our Community. We have passed one Local Law regarding Dumps and Dumping after many months of listening, reading, researching and meetings, meetings and more meetings. We are current- ly working with Delaware Engineering and our Attorneys, on a Composting law. These things take time and need to be looked at from all sides in order to make a valid decision. We are extending the moratorium on composting for 90 more days in order for us to finish this process.
 We have to Thank our Attorneys Firm for all the hard dedicated work they put into all the projects we have going. They are "Top Shelf "!
 We are up to the challenge of Safe Industry, Jobs and Economic Development for our Wonderful Town. Corinth, already has so much to offer, a growing downtown, a Great School System, Small Town Safety, and moderate property taxes. If we could channel everyone's energy into all working for a common goal of improving Corinth, What away it would be to start the New Year.
  Some other things, we, as a unified Board, have accomplished in the year 2007 include;
 Some much needed upgrades at the Corinth Landfill, provided by Reserve funds, which did not raise taxes. New Fencing along the roadway, and a much needed new structure for the Landfill Attendants to do their job, much m9re comfortable and efficient for the tax- payers. A new Salt Shed is also currently being constructed. Many upgrades to our Senior Center, Including New Siding, Windows, and anew roof. Most of these items were done by our ever competent Highway Crew. Our Hats off to you Gentlemen. We are fortunate to have Rick Straight our resident Carpenter.
 The Corinth Emergency Squad received a Grant from Senator Schumer for a backup Power Generator, which was much needed for their newly remodelled building. The Squad and Paramedics are a huge asset to Corinth literally saving lives daily. Our Hats off to you all! We have contracted with our reappointed sole assessor, to do a reassessment triennially, beginning in 2008. We have many new developments, homes are being sold to folks travelling the Northway to work and choosing to live in Corinth.
 The Corinth Firehouse continues to grow its headquarters for our Emergency Management Team so amply led by Co-Chairman Councilman Charles Brown and Sue Winslow. We have had many meetings, drills, new programs, such as R.U.OK? Reverse 911 and classes to make Corinth as disaster ready as possible. We salute these men and women at the Firehouse for their Community Service Also.
 Our Highway Department did some major culvert and roadwork on Chapman Street and Miner Road as well as all the other jobs done.
 One thing that is working really well in 2007 and hopefully even more in 2008, is the cooperation of municipalities and The School District. This not only makes sense, but saves taxpayer dollars and is recommended by the state. Examples being, the cooperation of the Fire Department and the Highway crew in saving artefacts from, demolishing and cleaning up the Old Unsafe, Dangerous Depot Building. What a demonstration of Community Pride, and Thank you again for a job well done, over and above your work scopes.
 The Joint Meetings renewed by the School Board, Town Board and Village Board will prove very beneficial to our Citizens.    The Grant Applications submitted as Shared Municipal Service Grants, One by Town and Village Boards for a new shared Roller, and one with the Town of Corinth and the Town of Greenfield for a shared excavator, each entity only having to pay 10% if the Grants are successful.
 The Highway crews have also agreed to work together in solving a bad water issue on Eggleston Street in the Spring.
 We have established at the Town Highway Garage, anew modern card system for gas monitoring. There are several Offices using the Gas and reimbursing the town, such as the Sheriffs Department and The Public Health Nurses. This allows us to keep a closer eye on usage.
 One badly needed accomplishment was the establishment of anew Comprehensive Plan Committee. This Committee will prepare anew master plan for Corinth and help determine our direction. The Chairperson is Glenn Tearno. They are working with Jim Martin from the L.A. Group. Thank you for Volunteering!
We have looked at Expansion of our too small Town Hall. RFP'S were put out to " Engineering firms to do a feasibility study of our present conditions and our needs to look for the future. The Winning firm was that of Butler-Rowland LLP. Hopefully Grants will be a big part of this process.
We also had several sad occasions this past year. One being the untimely death of our Honorable Justice, Ronald Straight. "Judge" is missed everyday, not only by his Family, but by the Town Hall Family that misses his Experience, Dedication, Compassion and friendship. One of the ceremonies in his honor was the dedication of the new Paramedics Fly-Car. Judge Straight's Portrait was painted on the new vehicle and plaques were presented to each of his family members and the Town Board. May you rest in Peace Judge!
We also lost our Town Historian former Town Supervisor, and Veteran Mr. Arthur Eggleston. There was not a piece of Corinth History that Arthur did not know or find out. He was a huge loss for us. The Museum board is considering naming a room at the museum after Mr.Eggleston.

 Another very active community service advocate and honored veteran was called home.
Mr. Norman LeClerc was also honored at Saratoga County, as Corinth's Deceased, Veteran of the Month. Norm, we will miss your presence on many volunteer committees and acts of kindness for the community.
Town Proclamations were given to each of the Families.
 On October 13th, Corinth witnessed a sight not seen here in many, many years. The arrival of a passenger train at the former old Corinth Depot to pick up passengers excited for a trip to North Creek. You had to be there to feel the excitement and the love from all the 200 people picked up in Corinth and Hadley for the ride. The ride was provided by the Upper Hudson Railroad, which already has operator ship on the northern lines. We are hoping that we can get some trips from Saratoga to North Creek in the late spring.
The Washout in Greenfield many months ago is now 97% repaired and CP Rail has almost completed their upgrades and cleaning to the tracks. The Volunteer Scenic Rail Committee, led by Pauline Densmore is working hard attending many meetings, to learn how to help get Grants for the future upgrades and anew Depot. Again you heard me say Volunteers. Something the Town Of Corinth is very proud to have so many of. We are planning a Volunteer Celebration sometime this summer.

  I have been to many meetings and many more to come about the Rail, at , Congresswoman Gillibrand's Office. This is attended by Warren County, Corinth, along with all the towns along the scenic rail line, Senator Bruno's Office, SEDC, right now they are trying to form a Railroad Authority to take control of the Line. A lot of time and work go into this project for the benefit of Corinth. So far there has been no Town Monies involved, only money from grants and the Corinth IDA. Watch for big things in this area.
  In 2007, we had our third Small Cities HUD Grant, where 15 Town of Corinth residents, I got such things as new wells, windows, roofs, siding, and several trailers were replaced. This makes $1,200,000; Corinth has received to help our citizens maintain a more comfortable home.
 We have appointed Karyl MacDonald to the IDA Board to replace retiring School I Superintendent Matt Breitenbach. Also Appointed Michael Woodcock as a member of the Board of Review Board. Leased the Town of Corinth Briner Fields to the Little League for a period of 10 years, set up with ground rules and handled by the Attorneys.
 Purchased a map copier to be used by the Building, Planning and Zoning Departments.
 Honored Dr. Richard Pitkin for his faithful Service of 50 years, to Corinth as its Doctor , and also for his continuing service as our Health Officer. God Bless the Good Doctor.
  Worked with the Image Committee .in presenting its annual July Celebration and Fireworks, along with the Christmas parade and Santa. Also Thanks to these understaffed volunteers.
 High on our priority list is serving the youth, seniors and veterans in Corinth. Louise Carney handles a great youth Program, as well as all the volunteer coaches for sports programs, in Little League, Football, Basketball, Soccer, Track, and Hockey. Ms. Jackie Burnham, handles a great program for adults in the evenings.
 Laurie Crossman does a fantastic job of making the seniors a home away from home. and American Legion Post # 533, works very closely with us in providing services for our veterans.
With all the talent in this Community, How great it would be to start a Corinth Community Band. There are many occasions that they could play and have Community Concerts. How about it, who is up for the challenge,??
 Another event that was sad for Corinth, and glad for his family, now they can have him home, which he deserves, was the Retirement of Harry C. Plummer from being a 20 year veteran of the Highway, retiring as Highway Superintendent on August 31. Thru the efforts of the Highway Crew and the Town Board, Harry was also presented a Proclamation which says all the Town Highway properties will be named and signed as the "Harry C. Plummer Highway Complex" with a ceremony in the late Spring. Best wishes for a Healthy, Happy long Retirement Harry!

 At this time I want to congratulate Shawn Eggleston on his election as our new Highway Superintendent, and Thank him for the job he has been doing right along. We are looking forward to many years of continued service and relations with our Highway Department.
 Our Budget process for 2008, was a tedious process, but because of the whole board's better understanding of the process and willingness to work long hours and endless phone calls, we presented a budget that was less per thousand in the end than last year.
Our total spending was up $306,949 dollars more than last year. This is mostly due rising Insurance costs, Medicare and retirement costs, and fuel related items.
 It also reflects a 3.5% pay raise for employees across the board. Because we still had monies in reserve funds, we put $15,000 in new ambulance Reserve, $50,000 in Town Hall Expansion Reserve; $15,000 in Landfill Upgrade Reserve, $10,000 in a youth needs project reserve, and $10,000 establishing a Senior Housing Capital Project Account.
 This is all done with less money to be raised by taxes than last year. In 2006 our town rate was $2.86, 2007 it was 2.37, and in 2008 it is $2.109 per thousand for general town taxes. Special District taxes are added to this.
 There will be no tax in DA Town Wide, and none in the General Fund Outside the Village. Most Special Districts remain about the same as last year, except for the fire district which went up this year from .784 770 per thousand to .8565739 per thousand. Fire Budgets are, from our contract with the village for fire protection and includes half of operating expenses, half of benefits, half of new fire house payments and half of all truck reserves.
 We recently had an audit by the Attorney General's office and received a very favorable report, included was the Town Sand Pit on Miner Road.
 In Early 2008 we will work with the Village to establish a joint Consolidation Committee, to earnestly and honestly look at the possibility of Village/Town Consolidation. It will take some time and hard work from volunteers willing to do this project. The Town also wants a mechanism for Town People to express their opinions and concerns.
 We will Continue working diligently on the New Comprehensive Plan, which will help mold our future, The Town Hall Expansion, Time to seriously look further into Senior Housing, continue workshops on updating our local laws to meet the times and needs of the citizens, planning for our youth, and continue good service to the public.
 Our  hearts and Prayers go out to the Men and Women putting their life on the line for us every second of everyday sincere Thank Yous! God Bless you and Keep you Safe.
I could not finish without giving a huge amount of gratitude to all of our Town Employees for their extreme commitment and dedication to making your visits to our Town Offices a little easier. Our Workers and Volunteers are much appreciated for all your efforts, even though sometimes it is not easy. Your efforts do not go unnoticed. Thank you for bringing a little sunshine to our work areas. Thank you in all the offices and all the Departments and the contracted services! My Office is always open to you and you are all valued highly! God Bless you, You are the Best.

  I cannot finish without expressing my love and appreciation for my family for their support in my job, even when I have to miss Birthdays, Gatherings or Games.

Again I thank My Board for its respect, commitment, Friendship and Support!!!