Welcome to the Town of Lyme, NY

    
​              PLEASE CALL OUR STATE REPRESENTATIVES AND TELL THEM NOT TO CUT AIM FUNDING

                 Governor’s proposal to gut AIM program funding to towns and villages

Dear Supervisor Aubertine:

  I wish I were writing to you under better circumstances. In case you are not aware, the governor’s proposed 2020 NYS budget includes unprecedented cuts to the unrestricted state revenue sharing program known as Aid and Incentives to Municipalities (AIM), to the tune of $59 million, effectively gutting the program. The Town of Lyme will lose $6805.
  If the cuts go through, a shocking 91 percent of towns will permanently lose their AIM funding. The governor’s reasoning for these cuts? The governor stated that the growth of reserve funds in towns and villages – the result of years of prudent and meticulous spending – was why he stripped towns and villages of their AIM funding.
  While it’s true that reserve funds have been improving, they still have not fully recovered from the Great Recession of 2008. This proposal conveniently ignores the fact that reserve funds are not for operating expenses, and a reliable source of aid from the state is needed to accurately budget for operating expenses. And let’s not forget, towns need to maintain sufficient reserve levels to preserve good bond ratings.
  Meanwhile, in his budget, the governor is proposing to make the tax cap permanent (for which there will be a vote in the Senate on Wednesday, Jan. 23), discontinues the $65 million in Extreme Winter Recovery program and proposes no increase to CHIPS funding, for which there has been widespread vocal support.
  So, we have a long road ahead of us this legislative session. We are doing everything we can on our end to ensure our members receive the funding they need to carry out business as usual, but we need you to speak up and let your state representatives know that you will not stand for these cuts.
  Call to Action. Please reach out to your state representatives. Make a phone call, write a letter or do both. Let them know that you oppose the elimination of state aid. Let them know how important reliable state funding is to the daily lives of all New Yorkers who live in towns.
Find your State Representatives.
•             http://myreps.datamade.us/
•             https://openstates.org/find_your_legislator/
 
  According to its faulty reasoning, the budget office has said 2 percent is not a lot for our municipalities. But when you take $500,000, $900,000 or $3.5 million away, the money has to come from somewhere, and this dangerous proposal could result in service and program cuts and layoffs. Every dollar the state shares is a dollar that doesn’t have to be levied on the backs of taxpayers.

Sincerely,

Gerry Geist
Executive Director
Association of Towns
    


        ​THANK YOU ASSEMBLYWOMAN ADDIE JENNE


                 A LETTER FROM ASSEMBLY SPEAKER CARL HEASTIE
​

January 10, 2019

Dear Supervisor Aubertine

I am pleased to inform you that the Town of Lyme has been selected to receive $125,000 through
the State and Municipal Facilities Program (SAM) for the construction of various facilities.  The Assembly's financial commitment to this project is the result of the efforts and support of Assemblywoman Addie Jenne, our former colleague.  Prior to her departure from office, Assemblywoman Jenne had recommended that this project receive funding.  She recognized how important the services you provide are to your community, and knew that this grant would allow you to further your efforts.

Sincerely,

Carl Heastie
Assembly Speaker

​                                     


The Town of Lyme is looking for an experienced plow driver for nights and weekends. This position would be on an on call basis. Applications are available at the Lyme Town Office, 12175 NYS Route 12E, Chaumont, NY and on line at townoflyme.com. Please submit application materials to Pat Weston, PO Box 66, Chaumont, NY 13622. For more information, call 315-649-2789.


​The Lyme Town Clerk is accepting applications for the position of part-time Deputy Clerk. Qualifications include basic accounting, willingness to assist the public and the ability to work independently. Applications are available at the Lyme Town Office, 12175 NYS Route 12E, Chaumont, NY and on line at townoflyme.com. Please submit application materials to Lyme Town Clerk, PO Box 66, Chaumont, NY 13622. For more information, call 315-649-2788.
 

         NEW TRANSFER SITE HOURS OF OPERATION:

   Effective   October 31, 2018  the Town of Lyme Transfer Site will be open
from 9 am - 4 pm  on   Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday.    On Tuesday and Friday the Transfer Site is open from 9 am - 1 pm.


 
Code Enforcement / Zoning Information

Answers to many common questions may be found at the following links:

 NYS BUILDING CODES:
https://up.codes/codes/new_york
 
INTERNATIONAL CODES (as adopted by New York State)
https://codes.iccsafe.org/public/collections/NY
 
NYS Department of Public Service links to Wind Projects
                   Chaumont River Corridor Waterfront Revitalization Strategy 
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bw7R_6eVMz64aGhON3dkOEVURWM/view?usp=sharing                                                                                                                


                             TOWN BOARD MEETINGS STREAMED LIVE
The town board meetings have been video recorded and placed on the town website for several years.
Now, through the graciousness of Steve Weed Productions, our meetings will be streamed live.  To watch the board meetings each month on your computer click on the link below.
                                                              https://livestream.com/swp/lyme.  
                           The town board meets the second Wednesday of every month at 6:30 pm. 

                                                                   From The Lyme Building & Codes  Office
 
 As a reminder to all our residents and contractors, a Zoning and Building Permit is required for most
types of construction and change of property use projects.  Some examples are: Some types of remodeling, New construction, Roof replacement, Fence construction, Heating equipment installation, Wood burning stoves, Wind and Solar Generation Systems, and Demolition.  Please check with our office regarding your project for further information.  As your Zoning and Building Code Enforcement Officer, I am always available to assist our residents and contractors in assuring that your building projects are safe, successful, and code compliant.  When you “Build to Code” your project will be safe, and have lasting value.  Our regular hours are: Tuesdays and Wednesday afternoons. 12-4. My office phone number is (315) 649-2788.  My cell phone number is: (315) 777-6115.  I look forward to serving our residents and contractors in this place we call “Paradise”, The Town of Lyme.  

Jim Millington, ZEO/CEO

                                                      Why Do Some Homeowners Seem   To   "Get   Away"   
                                                    With   Zoning Violations   While   Others Don't?
                                                                                                                               (from the  Town Zoning Law)
"Whenever a Town Official or aggrieved resident complains of a zoning violation or the Zoning Enforcement Officer notices a violation, the Zoning Enforcement Officer shall conduct an inspection. If an apparent violation exists, as determined by the Zoning Enforcement Officer, the Zoning Enforcement Officer shall issue a Stop Work Order and Notice to Correct Violation, which shall inform the landowner of the nature of the violation and require that the landowner comply with this law within fourteen (14) days".    The Zoning   Officer   does   NOT   drive around   looking to   find   zoning   violations.     If you   see   a   zoning   violation,   please   contact   the   ZEO.     Before   calling,     please   review   our   zoning   laws   posted   on this website   to   make sure   your   neighbor   or a resident is actually   in violation.    


                                                                                        A message from the Commissioner
                   of NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services
I would like to inform New Yorkers about our free   See Something,Send Something  app. When you download the app to your smart phone, you will be able to quickly and anonymously inform authorities about suspicious activity.  It's our responsibility to pay attention and take action. Learn more about how to spot, describe, and report suspicious activity at: on.ny.gov/SafeguardNY.
 Sincerely,
 Roger L. Parrino, Sr.
Commissioner, NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services 


                                                                                                                  FROM THE ASSESSORS OFFICE
There is a lot of concern in the Town of Lyme about strangers in cars taking photos of children lately.  We want to let everyone know that if one of our Town Assessors is out checking property and taking photos of houses, their vehicle will have a car sign in the window that says "Town of Lyme Assessor." The Assessor would also not be using a cell phone to take their photos, they would have a camera. They also carry ID's to identify them as assessors. If you see a vehicle that you are concerned about, you can call the Town Office and we will have the make, year and color of the vehicle that the Assessor is driving. The number is 315-649-2788.                                        
　               
                                                      Star Exemption Update 
 As of right now, new Star applicants have to apply with New York State Dept. of Taxation and Finance.
 The Assessors continue to control those already receiving Star. 

2019 TRANSFER SITE STICKERS AVAILABLE   
TOWN TAXPAYERS MAY GET THE STICKERS AT THE LYME TRANSFER SITE.
                            
                        GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM MAPPING APPLICATION (GIS)


The Town of Lyme is pleased to announce today's launch of DANC's new and improved version of the Geographic Information System (GIS) Internet Mapping Application.  This upgrade is more user-friendly and intuitive, with enhanced functionality and new tools and features.

Working in concert with six other Jefferson County communities, Lyme contracted with the Development Authority of the North Country to map infrastructure in the Town’s water districts.   These maps are accessible through an internet-based GIS which facilitates efficient access to information on critical water infrastructure serving 250 Town users.  In addition to water infrastructure, the GIS contains aerial imagery and parcel data for areas of the Town not served by water.  The Town of Lyme has made the GIS open to the public.  Users can access the system by visiting the Development Authority of the North Country’s website and clicking on the ‘Launch DANC GIS Application’ button on the top of the webpage. 
                                                                                   
                                               
                     Building Project in Your Future?

                             Don’t Forget the Permit

As promised, spring has arrived! Now that a lot of us are feeling the urge to repair or expand one of our most valuable investments, our property, a reminder that many building projects need a zoning and building permit.

Since we offer zoning and building permit services at our Lyme Town Office, we are a "One Stop” Department, saving you a trip to Watertown. Most permits are easily obtainable and usually only take several days. To expe-dite your permit process, the following items will be needed. When you come it would be helpful to have your application completely filled out, a recent property survey map, and an accurate sketch of the new structure and its location on the property. Buildings located in known flood zones will also require an elevation certificate available only from a surveyor.  The final step will require that the new structure be "staked out" to indicate its location on the property.

As a quick reminder, structures need to be properly setback from adjoining property lines. Consult with our office for the setbacks that apply to your property.  We are always available to help you have an enjoyable and successful building experience. Tell us how we my help!  

Jim Millington, ZEO/CEO
The Town of Lyme Building Office
Cell- (315) 777-6115



                                                                    KEEP OUR TOWN CLEAN

                                                                     PLEASE DO NOT LITTER

                                                           NY CLS Veh & Tr § 1220 (2004) Litter Law

Throwing refuse on highways and adjacent lands prohibited (a) No person shall throw, dump, deposit or place, or cause to be thrown, dumped, deposited or placed upon any highway, or within the limits of the right of way of such highway, or upon private lands adjacent thereto, any refuse, trash, garbage, rubbish, litter or any nauseous or offensive matter. (c) A violation of the provisions of subdivision (a) of this section shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed $250 and/or a requirement to perform services for a public or not-for-profit corporation, association, institution or agency not to exceed 8 and for any second or subsequent violation by a fine not to exceed $500 and/or a requirement to perform services for a public or not-for-profit corporation, association, institution or agency not to exceed 8 hours.

 Chaumont River Corridor Waterfront Revitalization Strategy 
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bw7R_6eVMz64aGhON3dkOEVURWM/view?usp=sharing

                            Punch Cards To Be Used at Transfer Site

At it's meeting on Wednesday, September 10th, the Lyme Town Board passed a resolution requiring the use of punch cards to pay for tipping fees at the Transfer Site.  Two months ago, the Town Board passed a resolution to accept only credit/debit cards or checks at the facility. After being informed that the town must accept cash payments, the decision was made to return to the punch card payment system used by the Town several years ago.  Residents who wish to pay by cash, may now purchase a punch card at the Town Office which they can take with them to the transfer site to pay for tipping fees or they may purchase a punch card at the transfer site by paying with a credit card or check.  The punch card program meets with the Comptroller's recommendations for accepting cash payments.  The punch cards should be available by October 1, 2014.  We thank our residents for your patience and understanding in this matter as we work to reduce the cash on hand at the transfer site and ensure the safety of our Transfer Site employees.           

               CASH PAYMENTS NO LONGER ACCEPTED AT TRANSFER SITE

In an effort to ensure the safety and well being of our transfer site employees, a decision has been made to begin accepting credit, debit cards or personal checks only at the transfer site.  The board understands a transition period will be needed to educate everyone to this change and has determined that a one month grace period will be given. Effective September 1st, cash payments for tipping fees will not be accepted.  Please remember to bring your credit or debit card, or a personal check, with you when you have items which requirement payment.

 
                              NEW LINK ADDED TO OUR WEBPAGE

A new link has been added under our "MORE" header that will take you to important emergency information. Important personal emergency information has been added.  New information will be added as it is gathered. The Town, along with the Fire Departments, Village officials and local residents will be developing an Emergency Management Plan to follow in the event of a chemical, natural or terrorist occurrence.  
                                                       
                                       TRANSFER SITE REQUIREMENTS


                                        ALL LOADS (COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL) MUST BE TARPED                                                       
According to NYS DEC laws, all transport of materials to the Town Transfer Site must be covered or confined (tied down). Please respect the State littering law and be respectful of those residents living along your route to the Transfer Site.  Let's all work to keep our town roads clean.

Subpart 360-1: General Provisions - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation

"Solid waste must not be accepted at a solid waste management facility unless the waste is adequately covered or confined in the vehicle transporting the waste to prevent dust and blowing litter." 


           

                                                                    PRINT FISHING LICENSES FROM HOME

New York offers some of the best fishing in the country.  With trout and salmon fishing season starting April 1st – just around the corner – it is easier than ever this year for New Yorkers to be ready to enjoy great outdoor fishing on opening day.
 
For the first time, you can now purchase and print a fishing license from home by visiting licensecenter.ny.gov.  New York State has also reduced fishing license fees, improved access for fishing at various sites across the state, and expanded fishing clinics as part of the state’s NY Open for Fishing and Hunting initiative.  Fishing Access Sites located in the town of Lyme are at the NYS boat launch in Chaumont, the NYS boat launch in Three Mile Bay and the newly renovated boat launch at the Isthmus on Point Peninsula.
 
Anglers, consider investing in a lifetime fishing license that can be converted to an Adventure License and be eligible to receive a free adventure license plate for your vehicle in one of nine designs.
                                                                Transfer Site Changes 

Changes are underway at the town transfer site in how we handle recyclables.  In a cost savings measure, the town has contracted with the County for the pickup of recyclables.  County requirements are very strict in the enforcement of sorting and separating recyclables.  Dumpsters have been supplied for plastics, corrugated cardboard, soft cardboard, glass, paper and tin cans.  Transfer site employees will no longer be handling recyclables inside the building.  Residents are asked to comply with the new requirements and exhibit patience and understanding while we work to operate similarly to many other town transfer sites in the county.