Adirondack Chamber Blog

Thank you to Acting Mayor Jack Diamond

2008-07-18T11:48:00.000-07:00

Historic may be overstating this development but perhaps the context is important. Last night, the ARCC was thrilled to attend a meeting between officials in South Glens Falls and the Town of Moreau as they talked openly about cooperating to meet their water needs. This is the precise type of dialogue that we've been trying to encourage by hosting three summits on sharing water and sewer resources in the last couple of months. But the most talked about part of the meeting might just be the fact that Glens Falls' Acting Mayor Jack Diamond drove across the bridge to attend the meeting personally and more importantly spoke at this meeting offering to share water with these communities. For South Glens Falls and Moreau, the best part of the City's offer to them might be the price as the City may be able to deliver water to them for 30% less than the newly created Saratoga County Water Authority. As we've been saying for some time, we have local communities with water and sewer capacity to sell and others locally that need more water and sewer services. One of the ways those that have these resources can afford to make the capital improvements necessary to maintain them is by expanding their customer base and selling their excess capacity to those in need. The City took a huge step toward this new cooperative business model last night and Acting Mayor Jack Diamond is to be commended and applauded for this regional leadership.

Thank you Senator Skelos

2008-07-18T11:41:00.000-07:00

Here's some news that the ARCC was pleased to hear: "JOHNSTOWN, N.Y. - The State Senate will adopt Gov. David A. Paterson's cap on school property taxes in a few weeks, along with bills aimed at reducing education costs and preserving state aid, Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos said yesterday." We were told about these public comments during a teleconference of Chamber executives involved in the Chamber Alliance of New York earlier this afternoon. The ARCC is also one of the founding members of the New York Property Tax Cap Coalition so the article in Newsday reporting on his remarks is very welcome news. We look forward to seeing Senator Skelos in our region on Monday and to having the chance to thank him for his leadership on this key issue.

ARCC Makes Pitch to Glens Falls Water and Sewer Board

2008-07-14T13:24:00.000-07:00

Glens Falls City Engineer, Steve Gurzler, has attended each of the three regional water and sewer summits hosted by the ARCC to encourage a dialogue between communities in Warren, Washington and Saratoga Counties. At two of these meetings, he has publicly commented that other than the Chamber speaking out in support of a regional solution that he hasn't heard much support from elected officials. Today, the ARCC attended the Glens Falls Water and Sewer Board meeting at the request of member Noel Deihl to ask where the water and sewer board stands on this effort and to address whether or not there is any political support for a regional solution.

Acting Mayor Jack Diamond reiterated the comments he's made at these forums: "The City has excess capacity to provide water and sewer treatment that it is willing to share with other surrounding municipalities." He noted that he's had a chance at these summits to discuss with the elected officials from these communities whether or not they're interested in talking about additional intermunicipal contracts as a means to create a partnership. Board member John Morphis noted that there is not enough information about how an authority might work or be structured to comment one way or the other but that the Board has always favored "joint ventures" achievable via these intermunicipal agreements. Board member George Nerf indicated that they are interested in exploring these concepts and that this represents political support for a continued dialogue.

The ARCC also asked the Board questions about the short and long term capital costs the City is likely to face with its aging water and sewer infrastructure. We also questioned whether or not the Board is evaluating the impact of these needed improvements on rates. The good news is that the Board has commissioned a rate analysis that will at least explore current rates and how they might be impacted in the short term by the known capital costs the City is facing. The bad news is that Steve Gurzler indicated that a great deal more additional analysis and research needs to be completed to fully evaluate all of the capital costs the City may face and that such an effort might take two years to complete.

Young Professionals Gather at the Hyde Collection

2008-07-02T10:02:00.000-07:00

The YMCA, the ARCC and the Hyde Collection have joined forces to coordinate a series of interactive networking events to explore the formation of a young professionals organization. Last evening, the Hyde Collection hosted our latest event - - sponsored by Glens Falls National, Fitzgerald Morris Baker Firth P.C, sheetlabels.com, and the Stanclift Law Firm - - which attracted nearly 70 participants many of whom are pictured above.

The participants were invited to offer suggestions and answers to four key questions on chart paper (see above). We think this is really interesting stuff...

What do you like most about living in this region?
° Communities that truly embrace “extended family”
° Scenic golf (4 months)
° The people & hellos that they give out to others
° Proximity to Albany & Lake George region
° Nature – the water!
° Always something going on – sports, volunteering, business, recreation
° Good people
° Growing area but not too crowded
° Short commute – I’m 5 minutes from work
° Proximity to the Adirondacks
° Free things to do: Feeder Canal trail; Warren Co. Bikeway; Community Events
° The community, children, families and events
° Small town feel
° The vastness of opportunity, organizations and public events
° Small town feel w/cosmo perks
° The entire Adirondack Park
° Great YMCA!
° Affordable place to buy a house and raise kids
° Outdoor recreation
° History
° Overall quality of life

What is one thing you would change about our community?
° Better public transportation
° More live music venues
° Community programs: awareness of museums & cultural events
° Public transportation from Granville / Schuylerville
° New DPW supervisor
° Make it look better – add more flowers & trees downtown
° Reduce property taxes for start-up businesses
° Community sports programs
° Transportation
° Job opportunities at all levels
° More support for valuable community resources like the Feeder Canal Alliance
° Green buildings: Solar on all new buildings
Fix up park outside of Burger King (child friendly). This could be a really great project for a number of organizations.
° Expand our economic base through creative means, considering the greater good
° Keep recent college grads in the area
° Revitalize South Street and downtown in Glens Falls
° Make community more welcoming to people from out of town – make it more pedestrian-friendly / bikeways and walkways

What are you willing to contribute to the community?
° Be a role model for children in the community.
° Mentoring young women interested in pursuing a profession
° Focusing on local issues & future initiatives / goals of the community
° Event planning
° Time!
° Time: Resource for possible Board positions
Bring in speakers – i.e. Rotary
° Build a year-round tourist attraction
° Volunteer services
° Community fund-raising
° Mentorship
° Time / enthusiasm
° $$$
° Time / ideas
° Business counseling
° Mentoring students in profession – field / life
° Professional skills
° Information about volunteer opportunities for the Feeder Canal Alliance

What would you like to get out of a local network of young professionals for yourself,
your business, or your community?
° Contacts to any information I need
° Access to other pros in different industries
° Getting together to learn about others
° Guidance
° Get people involved in volunteerism
° Exposure of artwork
° Referrals
° Entertainment group or committee re: what to bring to Glens Falls
° Opportunity for new professionals in the area to meet people
° Establish a mentor infrastructure
° Social scene – volunteering
° More community spirit that benefits the less fortunate in our region –
i.e. – Big Brothers Big Sisters would be a great partnership!
° Round up volunteers for the not-for-profits like the YMCA and Feeder
Canal Alliance
° Meet new people and networking to create business
° Learn what other people/groups are doing in the community as a whole
° Work together with surrounding communities
° Social scene – sense of community
° A long-term system of young people being involved

Tax Cap in the Media

2008-07-02T09:55:00.000-07:00

Check out the following local media accounts of Monday's press conference announcing the launching of a new website at www.taxcapnow.org. The ARCC is a part of this grassroots effort to support Governor Paterson's 4% property tax cap as a first step toward reducing our state's highest in the nation tax burden.

* From the Post Star
* Listen to NPR's coverage
* And from the Times Union

www.taxcapnow.org Launched Today

2008-06-30T13:45:00.000-07:00

ARCC President Todd Shimkus today was one of a handful of leaders from Long Island, to Rochester, to the Adirondacks to launch www.taxcapnow.org in an effort to support Governor Paterson's proposed tax cap in NY. Leading off the list of speakers at the press conference, Mr. Shimkus said:

"Each and every property tax increase is a pay cut for the working families employed by our members and also for the small business owners that are the lifeblood of our communities. The precarious tower of expenses - gas, groceries, health insurance - grows taller every day, and adding higher property taxes threatens to topple that tower, crushing the families who are already struggling to shoulder the most basic expenses. As a result, THIS is a critical or perhaps even an essential time for NY to pass a property tax cap.

On a personal note, I brought my family here in 2003, leaving Massachusetts, where I was born and raised. At first when I arrived in Glens Falls, I used to talk about coming here from “Tax-a-chusetts,” but let me tell you New York takes the cake when it comes to property taxes.

As you know, there was a taxpayer revolt in Massachusetts in the late 1970’s that resulted in the passage of Proposition 2 ½ in 1980. I’ve often wondered since relocating here why hasn’t there been a taxpayer revolt yet in NY because it is clear that there is even more reason for it here in this state.

In 1980, Massachusetts and New York were 1 and 2 in total combined state and local tax burdens. Massachusetts now ranks 28th. Do you know where NY ranks? We're still at the top nearly 3 decades later.

While living in Massachusetts, I had the honor of serving on a regional school board from 1986 to 1989 and on a Town Board from 1989 to 1993. In both elected positions, we were subject to Proposition 2 ½ - - a cap on the annual increase in our tax levy. I am here to tell you as a former school board member that a property tax cap is the right way to relieve our state’s crushing tax burden because it works to control government spending, but it can do so much more.

To those special interests who say it will hurt schools and claim they need more than a 4% annual increase, I say you’re missing a couple of key points. In Massachusetts, local school districts that could present to their voters a logical and compelling reason to override Proposition 2 ½ have been successful in generating revenue above the tax cap. 224 communities in Massachusetts have passed overrides since 1990 including cities like Worcester, Springfield, and Holyoke - - showing that even poorer school districts can muster voter support to spend more than the cap.

Under the Governor’s property tax cap, local school districts in New York will also have the ability to override the cap if there are compelling reasons or projects that capture the imagination of the local community and its voters. So when someone suggests that a tax cap takes away the voice of voters or erodes local control, I laugh and suggest that they simply don’t know what they’re talking about.

I can assure you as well that a property tax cap also changes the mindset of local school boards, school administrators, parents and professional educators. For instance in Massachusetts, the local educational community was very interested and took an active role in many cases promoting economic growth. They did this in Massachusetts because one way to increase revenue above the cap is through generating new growth.

The Governor’s proposal would likewise offer local New York school districts the same incentive or a motivation to help stimulate economic development. Right now in NY, the local school boards, administrators and professional educators that I speak with all correctly state that they contribute to our economic growth by providing a quality education that helps to train our future workforce.

They’re correct, but they can do so much more and they will if they realize this is the best option for securing new revenue to support the programs offered to students in their districts. In Massachusetts, I saw grassroots efforts by school leaders and professional educators actively involved in Town Meetings, Planning Board and Zoning Board hearings for projects that diversified the tax base and generated new revenue. Right now the only people showing up at Planning and Zoning Board hearings are neighbors opposed to projects in their backyard.

One additional and perhaps obvious way for school districts to continue to provide an outstanding education to their community’s children even with a tax cap is to find ways to reduce overhead and management costs. For instance, the BOCES system in our region is a model for shared services that could be expanded to include a number of additional management functions now performed by each separate school district in our region. A tax cap in NY is just the stimulus we need to promote more efficient administration of school districts where the direct services to students are improved while the overhead costs are reduced by shared services and regional consolidation.

To repeat, working families and small business owners are under tremendous economic pressure right now and every property tax increase is a cut in pay. New York has a chance and perhaps an obligation to help by adopting the Governor’s property tax cap. And if this is the start of New York’s own taxpayer revolt, I am proud to be here today to launch this grassroots effort on behalf of our members and the thousands of families that they employ."

Back to Albany

2008-06-24T07:00:00.000-07:00

I traveled to Albany yesterday with Tim Havens, the owner of Falls Farm and Garden, and his son, Timmy Jr. We were part of a delegation of officials meeting with staff members to Assembly Speaker Silver. This meeting was a follow up to the "truckers rally" held in Albany last week to focus attention on the extraordinary economic challenges facing this key economic sector. Here's what I learned that may surprise some people:

* While the state put a freeze on the gas tax a year ago, they did not cap the state tax on diesel fuel. The sales tax collected on gas is capped at $2 meaning any price above that level does NOT generate additional revenue for the state. On the other hand, the diesel fuel tax was NOT capped and is assessed a 4% state sales tax as well as a 3 to 5% county tax depending upon the jurisdiction at whatever price is current at the pump. This is clearly not fair.

* New York is one of just 4 states that imposes its own Truck or Ton Mileage Tax on larger trucks. The revenue from this fee generates about $160 million but means that many trucks look to avoid traveling through NY in the first place. At a time when the NY trucking industry which provides an incredibly valuable service to every consumer in the state is facing a genuine crisis, now is the time for NY to eliminate or phase-out this added tax. The savings that will be realized by truckers from such a move would certainly help to partially offset rising diesel costs.

The speaker's office indicated a willingness to look at these issues and suggestions. Legislation to eliminate the TMT has been filed for at least four consecutive years. Perhaps it will take this crisis to force NY to join with the vast majority of other states in eliminating this duplicative tax.

74%

2008-06-17T11:16:00.000-07:00

I have the "CAP" and pin to prove that I was one of three Chamber executives to attend a press conference today with Governor David Paterson in support of his proposal to establish a 4% cap on property tax increases.

I proudly stood with Governor Paterson and other NY citizens for limited taxation. His comments before the press conference with those of us in Albany to support this measure and during the press conference itself were impressive. He's met with advocates and opponents. He's reviewed other proposals and the comprehensive work of a state commission on property tax reform. He's willing to amend his proposal when reasonable arguments are raised. He even refrained from taking shots at Senate and Assembly leaders who have until now refused to even allow his proposal to be debated and voted on openly with the public watching.

With 74% of New Yorkers indicating their support for a property tax cap in a new poll, we can only hope that our elected officials in the legislature will be just as responsible and responsive to this call for an open debate and the creation of a reasonable property tax cap. It works in 24 other states. Having personally served as an elected member of a regional school board and a small town board in Massachusetts from 1986 to 1993, I can attest firsthand that a property tax cap - - MA has a 2 1/2 percent cap on the levy increase annually - - has a real positive impact on the way government seeks every efficiency imaginable. We need that type of fiscal discipline in NY if we are ever to reduce our #1 in the nation tax burden.

Meeting with the Governor

2008-06-16T18:22:00.001-07:00

On Tuesday, June 17th, I will be leaving our Supplier Network session early, missing the Grand Opening of Johnny Rockets, and probably arriving a little late for an ARCC Board of Directors Strategic Planning Committee meeting. I made this change to my schedule today after being asked to attend a press conference with Governor Paterson in Albany to support his proposal to cap property taxes. When looking at the range of conflicts this created for my schedule, I simply came to the conclusion that capping property taxes is so vital to our state and region's local economic future that I had to put everything else aside to attend. The ARCC has been advocating for capping property taxes since 2003. We've appeared before County Boards, City Councils, Town Boards and School Boards in support of capping property taxes. With the Governor providing the only genuine leadership in Albany to reduce taxes by controlling spending in an election year, he deserves our support and I look forward to standing with him. Let's hope everyone at the meetings I'm missing understands.
Todd Shimkus

Regional Advocacy is Tough Sledding

2008-06-13T06:58:00.000-07:00

The regional water and sewer survey results are in and there are some interesting observations you can make:

1. We have more water available and the ability to treat more water than our region needs now and perhaps into the foreseeable future. This water comes from three different sources - - a surface water system, wells and the Hudson River. The challenge is that we have some areas in our region that are NOT tied into the system and there are significant capital costs associated with maintaining these water sources, such as $13 million in dam repairs for the City and the construction of a new $3 million filtration plant by the Village of South Glens Falls.

2. We have two "regional" wastewater treatment facilities already in operation within Warren and Washington Counties. If usage is slightly reconfigured on a regional basis, these two facilities will also have unused capacity that might be of great value to other communities within the region that lack adequate sewer capacity. But yet again, the capital costs to upgrade the existing infrastructure and to lay new pipe is extraordinary - - $28 million+.

Knowing the opportunities and challenges is one thing. And everyone at a second regional summit last night can see how progress can be made via expanded cooperation and a shared solution. But how do you make progress when there are multiple communities, each with their own professionals running their departments and numerous elected officials representing various constituencies?

Last night, Councillor Jack Diamond repeatedly indicated the City will meet and talk to anyone about sharing water or sewer. Supervisor Dan Stec said the same particularly as it relates to its water resoures and sewer distribution system. Supervisors Jim Lindsay, of Kingsbury, and Gayle Hall, of Fort Ann, were equally vocal about their desire to establish or increase their ability to tie-in to the available regional systems.

Perhaps the key is to keep meeting. To keep meeting in public where we can see if progress is being made. We noticed that many of these elected officials after the meeting gathered together to talk. Some had to be introduced to one another perhaps for the first time or at least for the first time in an official capacity.

So that is what we will keep doing. We - - the business community - - will continue to make a public case for regional solutions. We will continue to help facilitate and host if we need to additional summits or town meetings to bring officials together to talk and to share ideas. We'd certainly love to see the creation of a regional water and sewer system that can provide the region with the most affordable, safe, abundant and redundant water and sewer system imaginable. Everyone wins if this outcome can be achieved.

By hosting this second summit and completing the survey, the ARCC within 30 days did what we said we were going to do. Now we're relying on the elected and appointed officials who have talked about a willingness to work together to do what they said they'd do. Let's see what progress can be made by them in the next 30 days.

We're with Governor Paterson

2008-06-03T08:25:00.000-07:00

"Enough is enough" says Governor David Paterson in announcing his support of a proposed 4% property tax cap. This proposal was unveiled yesterday by the State Commission on Property Tax Relief. The ARCC has annually spoken out before the County Boards of Supervisors, Town Boards and City Councils, as well as School Boards in support of a 3% limit on the increase in the tax levy. The Governor's support of this Commission recommendation offers all property taxpayers - - including businesses in New York - - some hope that the end of skyrocketing property tax bills is coming soon.

There are 24 other states that have adopted similar proposals. ARCC President Todd Shimkus once served as both a School Board member and Town Board member in a small Town in Massachusetts. He recalls having to adopt school and town budgets that were subject to a 2.5% cap in the increase in the property tax levy. "I'm certain we would have spent more taxpayer money were it not for the 2.5% cap," notes Shimkus. "The cap forced us to make some tough decision and to focus on economic growth as a means for funding our priorities. The level of fiscal discipline that a cap inspires is badly needed in New York. For instance, it just might provide the leverage we need to push for regional shared services and a reduction in unfunded state mandates."

Land Sale May Help Regional Water Effort

2008-05-28T09:30:00.000-07:00

Last week, the Chronicle included a story indicating that the City of Glens Falls and the Queensbury Land Conservancy were talking about the potential sale of the City's watershed properties to the Conservancy. If sold, the land might be utilized to increase recreational opportunities for the region's residents with the proceeds of the sale available to help the City finance repairs to its aging infrastructure, most notably the dams. In today's Post Star, there is an article indicating that the City Council voted last night to authorize discussions to continue with regard to the potential sale and/or lease of this land to the Conservancy or other similar organizations.

The ARCC believes that the potential sale or lease of these lands complements the Chamber's effort to create a regional water and sewer system serving communities in Warren, Washington and Saratoga Counties. The sale of these lands and the resulting revenue would clearly help the City to meet the expenses related to fixing its dams - - a cost the City cannot afford on its own. The preservation of this resevoir system combined with the ability to increase the draw of water from the Hudson would ultimately help the region to build a sustainable, redundant, and expandable water supply. At the same time, the City and Town of Queensbury could look to sell excess capacity to surrounding towns helping them to meet their growing needs and our region to grow smartly. Likewise, the ability to make better use of the watershed lands NOT for development but for passive recreation means that our region will be an even better place to live, work and operate a business because of the enhanced quality of life. Sounds like a win-win-win-win!

The Simple Things

2008-05-27T11:09:00.000-07:00

A sunny day.
Tree lined streets.
Cheerful faces.
The festive beat of a marching band.

Memorial Day in Glens Falls.

The Wiggles and a Wedgie

2008-05-23T18:12:00.000-07:00

The Great Escape continues its annual tradition of adding new attractions of great value to local residents and thousands of visitors to our region. This year, the Great Escape has added the "Wiggles World" for younger children and the "Mega-Wedgie" water slide for those above 4 feet tall. Once again, the ARCC was invited to participate in the unveiling of these new rides meaning that ARCC President Todd Shimkus could be photographed (along with Janice Bartkowski-Fox of the Lake George Steamboat Company) with the latest characters available at the Great Escape to entertain everyone who visits. In previous years, the ARCC President has welcomed the cast of the Looney Tunes, helped to open the Tornado waterslide, and was invited to ride all of the waterslides in the Great Escape's Indoor Water Park. What a life!

Inside Crandall Library

2008-05-17T17:56:00.000-07:00

The expansion of the Crandall Public Library in downtown Glens Falls is one of the most visible revitalization projects underway in the City. While the work on this project is not scheduled to be complete until the fall of 2008, the Library has begun hosting tours of the new facility for contributors and community leaders. Even though a great deal of work remains to be done, the first impression of one who has taken the tour is that our library is being transformed from good to great right before our eyes.

The new Crandall Public Library will be a tremendous source of community pride when it is complete and a catalyst for the continued revitalization of the downtown. One of the most amazing features that can already be seen from the inside is just how spectacular the views will be from the new facility and the urgent need to restore City Park. In particular, the quiet reading porch will give users a really incredible view of City Park, the bandstand, the Queensbury Hotel, and the McEchron House. The browsing atrium will be a great place to enjoy a coffee while looking out over Glen Street. Having taken the tour, we can't wait for this extraordinary facility to open.

Lehigh Northeast Cement Celebrates 115 Years

2008-05-17T17:50:00.000-07:00

Just a short 115 years ago, Lehigh Northeast Cement began operations in Glens Falls. Today, the company celebrated this incredible milestone with a birthday party to which the entire community was invited. Coopers Cave Ale Company provided a commemorative Lehigh Cement Strawberry Soda and ice cream complete with chocolate "rocks" and marshmellow "cement" for toppings. Rainer's Gourmet Inspiration provided an outstanding lunch and, of course, four cakes that were cut by Senator Betty Little, Mayor Roy Akins, the ARCC's Todd Shimkus, Christine McDonald from the Crandall Library and Stuart Guinther, Lehigh's GM.

Besides food, entertainment, balloons, and face painting, the company provided tours of their 900 acre operation which included a crossing on one of only two privately owned bridges to cross the Hudson River. The line for the tour showed just how popular this unique birthday party was and just how important Lehigh Northeast Cement is to this community. Congratulations and Happy 115th Lehigh Northeast Cement.

Hot Dog!

2008-05-11T07:24:00.000-07:00

On May 19th, the ARCC, the Post Star, Adirondack Plastics and Recycling, and the Glens Falls BID will co-sponsor two seminars on "Placemaking" featuring a presentation by the Project for Public Spaces. The first session is at 1:00 p.m., at the Queensbury Hotel, and the second is at 6:30 p.m., at the Fort Edward Fire Station, on Route 4, in the Village of Fort Edward. The Project for Public Spaces has worked with downtown and village leaders in 86 countries to help them take simple, practical and meaningful steps to create places that people want to visit.

I've had the pleasure of participating in 2 seminars facilitated by the Project for Public Spaces. They have photos that clearly show how placemaking can make a real difference in revitalizing a downtown or village. In addition, they have photos showing the mistakes many communities have made over the years creating beautiful places that no one wants to use or visit. The comparison is striking and very informative so we hope people will attend either of these free seminars.

So what does this have to do with hot dogs?

The revitalization of our cities and villages will be decided by property owners and existing businesses rather than hot dog cart vendors. While we might want to perhaps consider allowing more existing businesses to "encroach" upon City sidewalks to draw attention to themselves and to create places people want to visit, we should NOT open up our sidewalks to vendors who don't pay property taxes and who don't invest in our dowtown buildings. Believing that allowing hot dog cart vendors to utilize our public sidewalks represents economic development is quite simply not true. They don't create places but instead unfairly compete with those property owners and businesses that do.

No one said no

2008-05-09T09:33:00.000-07:00

More than 50 elected officials, business leaders, professional engineers, planners, and residents attended the May 7th Regional Summit at the BOCES. The ARCC convened and facilitated this meeting. The goal was to determine which local community leaders were willing and interested in working regionally to meet our current and future water and sewer needs.

The participants were given every opportunity to share their ideas and concerns as well as to express their opinion as to whether or not a regional solution was a good idea. The audience heard from elected officials in Fort Ann, Queensbury, Kingsbury, Glens Falls, Moreau, South Glens Falls, Fort Edward, Warren and Washington Counties. There were clearly some in attendance who spoke more forcefully than others in support of a regional solution but no one said no to working together. We're pleased with this turnout and this response and pledge to do whatever we can to help facilitate this continued effort. Our goal is to make sure that our region has a water and sewer system that is safe, abundant, expandable, redundant and affordable, and we will not rest until this goal is achieved.

ARCC prepares to host regional summit

2008-04-30T07:41:00.000-07:00

The public is invited to a special summit for our region's elected officials on regional water and sewer options on Wednesday, May 7, 2008, at 7:00 p.m., in the Multi-purpose Room, in Building D, at the BOCES Education Center, on Dix Avenue, in Hudson Falls.

The ARCC’s Board of Directors recently voted to authorize the Chamber to convene and facilitate such a meeting. The ARCC recognizes that providing a safe, abundant, expandable, redundant and affordable water and sewer system is an absolute necessity to preserve our region’s quality of life and to expand economic opportunity. We’re eager to host this summit simply to begin a dialogue among the region’s elected officials, business leaders and the community at large as to whether this goal can best be accomplished regionally and how we might proceed most effectively.

We sent a memo inviting elected officials in Warren County, Washington County, South Glens Falls, Moreau, Fort Ann, Kingsbury, Hudson Falls, Queensbury, and Glens Falls to this summit. We have also invited Congresswoman Gillibrand, Senator Little, Assemblywoman Sayward, Assemblyman McDonald, the DEC, and area business leaders. We will make a very brief presentation relative to some recent research that we’ve done on this subject and then will be seeking the advice and counsel of participating elected officials on what they believe might be possible to meet our common goals.

We'd like for this meeting to be as inclusive as possible. Therefore, the meeting is open to the public and anyone interested in this subject from the region is invited to attend. During the meeting, we may give preference to elected officials to speak first but there may also be time for comments from the general public.

Earth Day Update from the ARCC

2008-04-21T07:06:00.000-07:00

I just put Scott Sopczyk's email in my "blocked" file. It was his email four weeks ago asking if the ARCC would help promote an earth day initiative to encourage people to NOT drive alone that put me in this predicament today. In response to Scott's email, we said yes to his request correctly believing that many of our members were interested in such an effort. But for me personally, this meant that I left my car in the driveway and walked to work at the Chamber.

Just 100 feet into my walk/commute, Ray Agnew from the Glens Falls Hospital - - one of the corporate partners in our weeklong initiative - - pulled up in his car and said hello. He reminded me that I owed him a phone call and asked if I was participating in the "earth day" effort. I smiled and said yes. He smiled back, rolled up the window, and drove alone to work without asking if I could use a ride. Note to Ray - - we are encouraging carpooling too as part of the program in case you see me out there later this week. I also saw Aaron Frankenfeld, of the Adirondack/Glens Falls Transportation Council - - a sponsor of this program - - riding his bike to work.

On my walk to work, I noticed that gas prices are now over $3.60 gallon. That helped to motivate me to do this again tomorrow. Of course, the beautiful weather today was also far more apparent and enjoyable being outdoors walking rather than in the traditional confines of my car. If you too found an alternative means of getting to work today, send me an email and we'll be sure to recognize your efforts in our blog.

Todd Shimkus

Walk this way...

2008-04-06T18:15:00.000-07:00

Choose NOT to drive alone!

During the week of April 21 – April 27, the ARCC, the Glens Falls Transit Authority, the Glens Falls Hospital, the Glens Falls YMCA and the Glens Falls/Adirondack Transportation Council is pleased to invite local residents to join us for a week long local “Earth Day” initiative by choosing not to drive alone. By walking, bicycling, carpooling, or taking the bus rather than driving alone, you can help to:

√ Reduce traffic congestion and pollution
√ Feel better about yourself by getting some exercise, burning calories, reducing the stress of driving, or by participating and knowing that you made a difference
√ Conserve demand for scarce resources, such as fuel and parking spaces
√ Save yourself some money

Participation is easy. Just list the amount of miles that you would ordinarily travel by car to work and tell us what you did differently by completing this form. Completed forms should be returned to the Adirondack/Glens Falls Transportation Council by Friday, May 2, 2008. Everyone who chooses not to drive alone during this week-long celebration will receive a special gift from a select group of area organizations. A/GFTC will also send all participants and their employers a tally of the beneficial environmental impacts that result from this community-wide effort.

And yes in case you were curious, even the ARCC's President will be leaving his car at home.

ARCC Joins Rally for Adirondack Winter Economy

2008-03-30T06:49:00.000-07:00

More than 50 people gathered at the Long View Lodge in Long Lake — including local government leaders, economic development officials and snowmobilers — called on state officials Saturday to recognize the need for protecting the Adirondacks’ winter economic engine.

“Here today, on the ground in the Adirondacks, snowmobiling is the winter economy,” said Bill Farber, president of the Adirondack Association of Towns and Villages.

Speakers at the afternoon conference represented the Adirondack Park Local Government Review Board, the Adirondack Regional Chambers of Commerce, Sen. Betty Little’s office, the New York State Snowmobile Association and others.

The meeting, held at the Long View Lodge in the heart of the Adirondacks, was in response to a recent Adirondack Park Agency decision to place an arbitrary cap on the amount of snowmobile trails in the Adirondack Park.

The threat represented by the APA’s decision — which would impact existing trails on privately owned land that is purchased by the state in the future — imperils the already tenuous winter economy throughout the Adirondacks.

Todd Shimkus, president & CEO of the Adirondack Regional Chambers of Commerce, spoke of the broad economic benefits of snowmobiling and pointed to an industry estimate that snowmobilers spend $3,000 per season on tourism-related businesses, including food, lodging and other needs.

Referencing a comment by the state’s Albany-area economic development official at the last APA meeting who suggested snowshoers might replace snowmobilers as a viable economic force, Shimkus noted: “We have over 200 brochures in our racks — I couldn’t find one on snowshoeing,” though there was a comprehensive brochure showing existing snowmobile trails.

Long Lake Supervisor Gregg Wallace told the crowd, “We’ve got to do everything we can to ensure snowmobiling continues in the Adirondacks. This is an issue of survivability, not just sustainability.”

Fred Monroe, executive director of the Adirondack Park Local Government Review Board called for more balance between environmental and economic protection in the Adirondacks.

“There needs to be a study of economic impact on snowmobiling in the Adirondacks,” Monroe said.

Johnny the bagger and tourism promotion

2008-03-26T07:49:00.000-07:00

Maureen Vedder and Judy Bulova, of TD Banknorth, were the featured speakers at a seminar entitled "The Service Advantage" that the ARCC hosted today at the Great Escape Lodge and Indoor Water Park. Their seminar began with the audience viewing this short video about Johnny the bagger. This video and what they had to say about improving customer service was inspiring and very helpful. In a resort community like ours where you can "Live Like You're On Vacation," this is a message that needs to reasonate with everyone. From giving directions to people not sure where to go, to picking up litter on the side of the road as we walk by, to stopping our cars to let people safely cross the street at our crosswalks, we all have a chance to be Johnny the bagger in making sure that the Adirondack Region is not only a great place to live but an extraordinary place to visit.

Regional water system is the only solution...

2008-03-20T05:40:00.000-07:00

Today's Chronicle includes a story about the City's efforts to fix its Dams and the resulting impact on City taxpayers. Everyone should read this article and note the following details:

1. The $13.6 million project in reality will cost City ratepayers - - businesses included - - nearly $21 million in principal and interest payments over 20 years.

2. This $21 million project does NOT include any costs associated with upgrading the City's water pipes that are in many cases in terrible shape throughout the City nor does it include increased costs to operate 5 dams under new more stringent state regulations.

3. The study is incomplete at best and misleading at worst. It assumes that the City itself will be responsible for paying for whatever other option might be possible. The alternative is to follow Jim Brock's lead to see if there is a chance to make this a regional project. A regional water system will allow costs to be spread out over a much larger customer base than just the City's 14,000 people.

Why might surrounding towns be interested in a regional system? They'll need additional capacity over time as their population increases. We're going to see continued growth in South Glens Falls, Queensbury, Kingsbury and Fort Ann - - all of which could benefit from a regional system and the efficiencies of working together than going it alone. The Town of Queensbury may also be interested either in seeing some of the land surrounding the City's dams purchased so that their residents will be permanently protected from a dam failure and so this land will be preserved as open space or for recreational purposes.

So the business communities request - - convene a summit of City leaders, Town officials, County officials, Congresswoman Gillibrand, Senator Little, Assemblywoman Sayward, Assemblyman McDonald, and the DEC. The City's taxpayers already pay relatively high water rates and adding $21 million to this tab will not help.

New Priorities

2008-03-16T16:53:00.000-07:00

Members of the ARCC chatted with former Governor Spitzer at Davidson's in the summer before his election about the skyrocketing health care costs facing our region's employers. This past fall, the ARCC hosted a meeting with Silda Wall Spitzer to talk with her about the "I Live New York" initiative and how our region is working to attract young professionals to the area. We've had no such meetings or opportunities in the past to chat with new Governor David Paterson so it's hard to know what to expect.

Here's what we hope he will do:
1. Continue to push for regional solutions and local government consolidation. This is particularly important for our region's infrastructure. A City of 14,000 people cannot afford to operate its own water system when it is facing astronomical capital costs and a declining customer base. The new Governor should make it a priority for the DEC to require communities facing significant capital expenditures to pursue regional solutions first and the DEC should provide financial incentives to reward such rational behavior as well.
2. Work with the Superintendent of Insurance to give him the authority to approve and reject health insurance rates. Right now, the insurers get to file and use whatever rates they believe they need with very little if any oversight. That's why we have rates increasing 17% in one year and more and more people going without health insurance in NY.
3. Continue to push for reforms to cap both property tax increases and increases in state spending as proposed by the Senate. The ARCC has consistently advocated at the local level for our governments to cap the annual increase in the property tax levy. Just last week, the Washington County Finance Committee passed a resolution that the ARCC supports to cap the 2009 increase in the property tax at 3%. The current 2009 budget projection calls for a 12% increase in the tax levy. 24 other states already have caps in place to control government spending and as a result to control the rate of growth in property taxes. This makes sense for NY too which already has the highest per capita taxes in the nation.
4. Cell service along the Northway must be established this year. This is an important public safety initiative and an economic one as well. If our region is going to lure Canadian tourists to our region, we best make sure that they feel safe traveling through the beautiful Adirondacks to get here. Today's travelers expect to have cell service everywhere they go in case of an emergency. This is an imperative.