At its meeting on Tuesday, June 16, the Gallatin Town Board approved the purchase of a new wheel loader and discussed potential uses for the town’s closed transfer station.
The board passed a resolution to trade in the town’s current loader, in service since 2006, for a new model. The new loader will cost $191,943 after a $40,000 trade-in, drawn from the town’s equipment reserve fund, according to Supervisor Tara Silberberg, who said the fund currently has about $400,000. The machine is used to scoop salt, sand, and gravel into trucks for snow removal and road maintenance.
“This is a high-priority equipment,” said board member Ben Maron, noting the town’s heavy use of the machine in winter. Once the purchase is made, delivery is expected within two to three months, said Highway Superintendent Todd Coons.
Silberberg addressed the issue of the Gallatin Convenience Station that was closed permanently earlier this year. She said that she has been brainstorming with Ancram Supervisor Colleen Lutz on potential uses for the spot and that they plan to raise the ideas with the Columbia County Board of Supervisors.
“What if we could take that transfer station, which has a metal shed, and put in the summer months a farmer’s market?” Silberberg asked. “It already has shelter and a parking lot.”
Carol Smillie, a member of the town’s Conservation Advisory Council, suggested using the space for a tool library or as a drop-off point for hard-to-recycle items like batteries and LED light bulbs. Smillie also noted that the CAC is seeking new members and interested individuals may contact the Town Clerk at gallatinclerk@gallatinny.gov.
In other business, the board authorized the Highway Department to repave Doodletown Road and East Klein Road through A. Colarusso & Sons and approved a motion to accept the 2025 Justice Court Audit.
The board’s next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on July 21.
Gallatin Church previously offered its premises (possibly inside) definately out as a place for a “farmers market”. It is a highly trafficked road and as long as it is kept clean could be an alternative. We have also offered it as a place for the Town to have senior events/dinners, game dates, etc. However, it seems that Gallatin does not have the options of sending notices to seniors to see their reactions. Most seniors do not have a computer or know about the “Town Hub”. Seniors in this town should have a place to connect.