Village Board Minutes

March 24, 2008 (73)

A special joint meeting of the Town Board / Scenic Rail Committee / Village Board was held March 24, 2008 at 7:00 PM in the firehouse, 16 Saratoga Ave.

Roll Call: Mayor Winslow, Trustees Denno, Densmore & Enekes were present.  Trustee Lescault was excused.

Also Present: Town Board: Supervisor Lucia, Councilmen Brown, Byrnes & Saunders.  Highway Supt Shawn Eggleston and Deputy Clerk Cheri Sullivan.  Scenic Rail Cmte: Sigrid Koch, Thelma Collura, Margaret Musko, & Bill Clarke. Supv Gene Merlino, Town of Lake Luzerne. John & Jerry Reagle, Upper Hudson River Railroad; and Jack Kelley.
Scenic Rail Cmte Chairperson Pauline Densmore called the meeting to order and introduced John Reagle, President of the Upper Hudson River Railroad.

John Reagle informed the Boards that the Upper Hudson River Railroad (UHRR) was prepared to travel to Corinth on a regular basis, but the Antone Mountain Rd crossing does not have a functional signal system.  The Federal Railroad Administration requires the signal system be functioning before the railroad can regularly travel the route.  Technically the Antone Mt Rd crossing is in the Warren County portion of the railway.  The repair of the signal system would cost approximately $15,000.  Upgrades to the depot site are also necessary such as water, electricity and portable toilet facilities.  The train would run to Corinth approximately three days per week from the end of June through October.  Since the engine would be stored at the Corinth station overnight the Sheriff Dept would need to periodically check the area and proper lighting is necessary. Chairperson Densmore stated that there is a water source at the depot.

Jack Kelley spoke of the potential ridership from Alpine Campground for day trips.  The railroad would run from Corinth to Thurman.  During Village celebrations, train rides to Hadley could be part of the program.  Mr Kelley stated that $4.5 million in federal and state funds have already gone into the railroad and now $15,000 to repair the signal system is that last item preventing the railroad from operating in Corinth.

Supv Merlino stated he would ask Warren County to provide half of the necessary $15,000.  Supv Lucia and Mayor Winslow discussed approaching Saratoga County about the remaining funds.  The Town and Village Boards agreed that the funds must be raised in order to move the project forward.

Councilman Saunders asked what liability issues might be for the Town.  Mr. Reagus and Trustee Denno stated that the liability insurance in the amount f $5 million would be provided by UHRR with the Town of Corinth as an additional insured and indemnified.  There will be no expense paid by the taxpayers for additional insurance.

Jack Kelley spoke of a group working with Congresswoman Gillibrand’s office to create an authority, Kaydeross & Hudson Railway Corp, to operate the rail line.  The Town of Corinth and Warren County would be able to transfer ownership of the tracks to the Kaydeross & Hudson Railway Corp, a not-for-profit entity.

The Boards discussed the importance of making the railway operational through Corinth and possible ways to shuttle people from the depot to the Village center, i.e. CDTA or private entities.

The Scenic Rail Committee made a recommendation to the Town Board to enter into a contract with the Upper Hudson River Railroad.

The Scenic Rail Cmte thanked the Boards for their attendance and moved on to their regular agenda.

Motion by Mayor Winslow, seconded by Trustee Enekes that the Village Board adjourn, 8:15 PM.
Carried – 4 – 0

Nicole M. Colson
Clerk