Over the years, Gossips has reported on a number occasions that the city clock in the tower of the First Presbyterian Church had stopped. The reason is usually that someone has neglected to wind it. The clock needs to be wound every 8 to 10 days, and that job is performed by an employee of the Department of Public Works. At the informal Common Council meeting in September, DPW superintendent Rob Perry described climbing the steep passageway into the tower to wind the clock as "the least enjoyable thing I have ever done" and proffered this invitation, "Anyone who would like to have the job of winding the clock, please see me."
Although when the city clock stops, the problem is usually readily remedied, the same is not the case for the clock that stands at the corner of Warren and Seventh streets, at the edge of Seventh Street Park. This clock, which was a gift from the Hudson Rotary Club back in 2005 or thereabout, hasn't been running for a while now. Last week, Perry told the Board of Estimate and Apportionment (BEA) that it would cost $6,000 to repair the clock. He also reported that the Rotary Club was taking the position that they bought it and gave it to the City, and it is now the City's responsibility to maintain it. (It should be noted that the Rotary Club logo is on all four faces of the clock, and the words "Hudson Rotary" appear above the clock face on all four sides.) Perry's comment on the situation: "Beware of Greeks bearing gifts."COPYRIGHT 2021 CAROLE OSTERINK
At least they're correct twice a day, which is more than can be said for many of Hudson's government officials...
ReplyDeleteI tried for years to get the job of winding that clock . Even engaged new mayors in my plea. It was always “no” it’s the job of the DPW - it’s the law. So is this a fake request from Perry so he doesn’t have to do the job ? It’s also in the budget.
ReplyDeleteActually, there is nothing in the city budget for the maintenance of the city clock. No DPW employee receives extra remuneration for winding the clock. Rob Perry made that clear in his report to the BEA last week.
DeleteThe Rotary clock was a piece of crap from inception. It should be taken to the transfer station.
ReplyDeleteI vote for Vincent for City Clock Keeper. No one cares more about the City Clock than Vince.
ReplyDeleteThanks but coincidentally I no longer live in Hudson
DeleteMy goodness, how did Hudson reach this low standard. I suggest that our City Officials spend a few minutes at 4th and Warren and observe the many visitors taken photos of the Church and its grand steeple. Surely it is an attraction that the Tourism Committee must take note of and ask that the City Clock be maintained in good running order. There must be an employee w HDPW that is quite capable of doing same. Why are such minor issues made into a Tower of Babel problem?
ReplyDeleteGiven their cynical stewardship City finances and atrocious management of previous projects, I wouldn't steer the attention of the Tourism Board to anything you love.
DeleteThey had their chances for Vince to wind the clock. And his advice on the Rotary Clock
ReplyDeleteis the best. It's just annoying looking at it.
The clock at the corner of the park is perfectly charming. I hope someone (other than me, of course) spends the money to get it working again.
ReplyDeleteDon't worry ,The Tourist Board will not promote anything to do with Churches, That why they are boycotting the promoting the Opera that will be preformed this Sat night.
ReplyDelete