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Rensselaer County honors longtime volunteers, recognizes Black History Month and hears Freer Park request
Summary
At its February meeting the Rensselaer County Legislature presented resolutions honoring local volunteers and first responders, adopted a Black History Month proclamation, and heard a public request urging the state to stock trout at Freer Park to support a youth fishing event.
The Rensselaer County Legislature used the presentations portion of its February meeting to recognize local volunteers and first responders, adopt a Black History Month proclamation and hear a public request about Freer Park.
Legislator Grama introduced a resolution commending Mary Anne Weldon on her retirement from the East Greenbush Community Library; Weldon was not present to accept the citation. The body then presented Resolution P50925 to Warren Lansing, citing more than five decades of community service, leadership of a personal charity called Make Someone Smile and fundraising that included a student bottle drive that "successfully raised over $12,000 for Make-A-Wish Foundation," according to the resolution text. Legislator Maloney and others praised Lansing’s long-running holiday display and community fundraising. Lansing told the room, "My motto, make someone smile and always be happy," and spoke about teaching and local volunteer efforts.
The legislature also recognized first responders for the recovery of a missing vulnerable adult. Resolution P2626 credited the Rensselaer Fire Department, Rensselaer City Police Department and Mohawk Ambulance Service for coordinating a search using ground teams and aerial assets, including an unmanned aerial system and thermal imaging; the resolution singles out Captain Butler and firefighter/EMT Carroll for transporting the individual nearly one mile to awaiting medical personnel and initiating life‑saving care.
Legislator Ashley introduced Resolution P3126 proclaiming February 2026 as Black History Month in Rensselaer County. In an associated presentation, Doris Day read the resolution language and a second speaker identified in the transcript as "Mr. Oostay" delivered reflections on the month’s purpose, saying that "Black history is not distinct from American history" and urging local recognition of Black contributions in places such as Troy.
During public comment, Frank Dingman, president of the Rensselaer County Conservation Alliance, asked the legislature to pass a resolution urging the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to allow trout or panfish to be placed in the pond at Freer Park to support a youth fishing tournament. Dingman said DEC staff told him they would not transfer fish from nearby waters and that stocking with trout would be "put and take" (fish expected to be caught) and estimated a preliminary stocking of about 200 trout; he said the alliance cannot afford to buy fish outright and requested county support to press the state on the matter.
The legislature did not take immediate formal action on Dingman’s request during the meeting; it proceeded to its index of resolutions and roll‑call votes. The body concluded the session after approving the listed resolutions and appointments and adjourning in memory of a local resident.
