Cleanup program applauded
By MICHAEL ANICH/The Leader-HeraldJOHNSTOWN - The public was happy with the city Department of Public Works dividing its once-a-year cleanup-dropoff program into two times per year, City Engineer Charles Kortz told the Common Council Monday night.
Kortz was asked about the cleanup program, which traditionally was offered just once a year in the spring. This year, it was offered in both the spring and the fall.
The city engineer said the cleanup last month went well.
"I think we got a lot of positive feedback from residents," Kortz said.
He said 103.3 tons of refuse were collected in the two city cleanups this year - "about the same" total as last year. Kortz didn't have a 2007 total tonnage figure readily available.
Kortz said the city in the spring collected 44.6 tons of garbage, 8.3 tons of metal and 132 tires. In the fall, the city collected 58.8 tons of garbage, 11.9 tons of metal and 88 tires.
Elsewhere in the DPW report, 2nd Ward Councilman J. Christopher Foss said:
The city is repairing deteriorating curb sections and fixing sidewalks. He said repairs also were completed on the North Chase Street Bridge.
The Malcolm-Pirnie engineering firm has been working with the city on determining possible uses for three former tannery sites in the city. He said that work is due to continue through the winter and spring.
The DPW has begun hanging up holiday decorations downtown this week in anticipation of the holiday parade that will start at 7 p.m. Friday.
Mayor urges recycling
Mayor Sarah J. Slingerland said Monday she wanted to get a message out to residents that more recycling will help cut garbage-disposal costs. She said municipal tipping fees associated with sending refuse to the Fulton County landfill will go up in 2009.
"I would like to encourage city residents to do every bit of recycling they can do," Slingerland said.
She anticipated the city might end up paying $8,000 more next year in tipping fees.
Kortz said the demolition of the former tannery at 311 W. State St., known as the "Snake Pit," is still under way. He said the city Fire Department has helped with demolition of the old structure.
"They've been great, rearranging their schedules," Kortz said of the firefighters.
Zoning Commission
Foss said the Zoning Commission is still meeting periodically as it attempts to come up with a new zoning plan for the city.
"It's been a much larger process than I thought it would be," Foss said.
He said the commission, which he chairs, will soon turn over a document to City Attorney Susan Palmer Johnson for a legal review.
"The community is changing so rapidly," Slingerland said. "The new zoning is just in time."
Foss reported the Friends of the Johnstown Public Library raised $730 in a recent Election Day bake sale. He also reminded the public that preschool story times are 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the library.
Foss thanked all those who helped with Haunted House fundraiser recently at the Johnstown Area Community Center.
"It was a very successful event considering we had some bad weather and cold weather," Foss said.
The Common Council approved several events to be covered by city liability insurance for 2009. The resolution said the council "appreciates and encourages" certain events and activities sponsored by the Johnstown Business and Professional Association which benefit city residents.
The future events include: a Mother's Day Tea, Spring Fling Market, Colonial Stroll, Fall Festival and the Vintage Cafe Car & Motorcycle Show.
"They keep the vitality of downtown for us," Mayor Sarah J. Slingerland said of the association. "People really seem to enjoy it."
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cruella
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11-21-08 5:05 PM
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Resident69, I had another post on about the antics of our famous mayor and the LH took it off. To much truth to handle I guess. It was an answer to yours about the police and fire dept. I thought it was pretty good, but I see someone else didn`t like it. I wonder who?
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resident69
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11-21-08 3:18 PM
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what comments were removed? I see three and I started the posting! I still see the one about our favorite mayor
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cruella
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11-21-08 1:29 PM
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I see my comment was remove. But thats ok. because everyone knows the truth anyway, and thats all that counts.
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resident69
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11-21-08 10:30 AM
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oops I meant This not TIS
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resident69
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11-21-08 7:59 AM
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We have a good police force and fire department that could be enlarged if mergered with Johnstown. I'd rather see a full take over of Gloversville due to the poor leadership we have had for many years. I take pride where I live I clean up after the slobs that leave their garbage on my lawn, in the street in front of my house... holy smokes that's what Oxymoron was talking about. We can't control the morons and litterbugs, heck we can't even control the runaway legal costs our lovely mayor is costing the city. If Johnstown don't want us maybe Meco will... HELP, we need HELP... We need quality leadership that doesn't have their own agenda! We need tis regime out of office and back to mixing cement!
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OxyMoron
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11-21-08 4:37 AM
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As a Johnstown native, I hope we never merge anything with Gloversville, no offense. There definately is a difference in how we see and contribute to our city. You must take pride in your city.
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DivaGod
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11-20-08 8:53 PM
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I know everyone gets down on G'ville it is pretty awful. Many cities have looked just as bad and somehow managed to rise above. When I go to Gloversville I see potential that is being left to waste. It could be a nice set of twin cities here if G'ville can get a good group of people and a solid plan.
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DivaGod
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11-20-08 8:47 PM
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LoyalSocialist you are right! Even if you rent this is your community too. We have a nice community and if we all take pride and take care it will be even better. The simple act of picking up litter makes our city a nicer place to live and visit. I think we all feel better when our surroundings are more pleasant. :)
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cruella
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11-20-08 8:39 PM
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Sorry, I mean DIRTRACEFAN,
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cruella
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11-20-08 8:37 PM
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Distracefan, Dooooo you mean Mayor Hughes?????? hhmmmm I smell a rat. Just like he hand picked a few others huh? Johnstown, keep up the good work. Hope some day people here can say good things about Gloversville, But I don`t think it will happen anytime soon not under this local government.. City government that is!!!!!!
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Dirtracefan
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11-20-08 8:01 PM
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Opinionated- I have an idea why don't you ask your hand picked Department of Public Works Chief or yhe other title of City Engineer. He is a Johnstown Boy, went to Johnstown Schools lived in Johnstown, I think he still does, heck he even worked for the City Of Johnstown Dept. of Public Works, and not as City Engineer, he was a Mechanic. Ask him what the difference is between the two Cities, being that he was hand picked by your Mayor I am sure he will give you some great answers.
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LoyalSocialist
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11-20-08 2:46 PM
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Because people take ownership here in J-town. We love our city! I used to live in Gloversville, and it was a complete breath of fresh air when I moved here. I rent and still find myself picking up garbage on the street and tidying up the front of the house. It might be the chemicals from the old mills or something, but it seems to me that Johnstownians actually feel happy when their city is clean.
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speechless
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11-20-08 2:21 PM
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i think it's absolutely wonderful the Business & Professional Association is holding all of those great events. i look forward to attending.
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Opinionated
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11-20-08 1:00 PM
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I was thinking the same thing as resident69. Gloversville has some things to learn from J'town. Why such a contrast? Thanks.
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resident69
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11-20-08 11:57 AM
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How come nobody in Johnstwon is sue the city, mayor or anyone else in government? How come the city has lots of GOOD things to report? What's wrong with Gloversville? Mayor Slingerland, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE annex Gloversville and take control!
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