AFES Farmers Market

The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Essex County visited Au Sable Forks Elementary School last week to bring the farmers market experience directly to the students. The event took place on June 16th and included over 200 students from Pre-K through 6th grade.

This was a wonderful opportunity for many students who have never attended a farmers’ market to learn what they are all about. Local farms and vendors participating in the event included Sugar House Creamery, Hunter French’s Liquid Gold, Saranac River Ranch, The Cook Farm, Skyward Microgreens, and the Essex Food Hub. Thank you to everyone involved who helped make this experience possible for our youth.

 

Special Meeting Recap

On Monday, the Town Board held a special meeting at the Community Center to discuss the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) process for our upcoming water system upgrades throughout the Town of Jay. We will hold an additional meeting for this purpose on July 1st at 7:00 pm, followed by public hearings on July 22nd at 6:30 pm. These meetings must be completed before we apply for the next round of grant funding for these vital projects.

We also discussed Local Law Number 2 of 2026, which establishes a Best Value Procurement Policy. This policy allows the town to utilize Sourcewell contracts, including the purchase of the demo Motor Grader approved Monday evening. This new unit has only 150 hours of use and is valued at $410,000, but we are acquiring it for approximately $244,000 to replace a machine that has been in service since the 1990s. Additionally, the board voted to purchase a parcel of land on AuSable Drive to serve as the future home of a sand and salt shed, similar to the structure we installed on Valley Road last fall. The full video of the meeting is available on the Meeting Minutes page of our website.

 

Mountain View Cemetery Board Openings

The Town of Jay is seeking individuals who are interested in sitting on the board of the Mountain View Cemetery in Upper Jay. We would like to find at least three community members interested in this opportunity. If you are interested, please reach out to my office and we will connect you with the New York State Cemetery Board to help preserve this peaceful space for years to come.

 

Employment Opportunity: Highway Department

The Town of Jay Highway Department is now accepting applications for a full-time, 40 hours per week Motor Equipment Operator. Applicants must possess a valid New York State CDL license with no restrictions.

Town residents will be given priority. The position offers an hourly pay rate of $24.55 per hour, along with overtime and benefits. Interested applicants may call the Highway Department at 518-647-2204 extension 125, or email hwyclerk@townofjayny.gov to request an application.

 

Congratulations to the Class of 2026

I would like to close this week’s update by congratulating all of our graduating high school seniors. I have come to know many of you over the years through coaching, directing musicals, and various town events. I wish you all the absolute best as you begin the next chapter of your lives.

 

I hope you have a great weekend,

Matt