By Mary A. Crisafulli
DELHI - Delhi Town Board members discussed hopes for shared services with the Village or a plan to move forward if that is not an option. The discussion began months ago when the council saw an opportunity to build a new highway garage with better storage in collaboration with the village. The structure, if completed, would be a shared facility.
The council is expected to meet with trustees again on Thursday, after press time.
Councilmember Josh Morgan is doubtful the village will move forward with a joint building plan following the first meeting. "I think we should proceed on our own at this time," he said, "They are stuck in that historical building and I don't think it's cost effective." Morgan noted the ultimate goal was to get municipal-owned property back on the tax rolls, but does not feel the village is willing to sell their building. Morgan also noted that the village has more financial restraints.
Councilmember Margaret Baldwin asked to continue with the scheduled second meeting. "It's valuable to be together and center in on different ideas and persuasion might come of it into other areas we hadn't thought about," she explained.
While understanding Morgan's statements, Councilmember Matt Krzyston said, "I am still hopeful to cohabitate." Krzyston added that if the town moves forward as lead in research the project might be more likely to proceed.
The council decided to continue seeking the Local Government Efficiency Grant. If awarded, the program will assist in developing a plan for a shared highway facility and other areas where it might be more efficient to share services. Supervisor Maya Boukai said there is no obligation to implement the findings, but the plan itself could be useful.
If a shared highway facility were approved, Boukai said, both the village building and the town highway garage could be sold. If any town properties were to go back on the tax roll, Boukai said they should work to make partnerships with developers to ensure the lots don't stay vacant. "We could make a much bigger impact if we could partner," she said, adding that more retail space and residential housing is needed. Partnerships could include a low-interest loan option to ensure development. "Ideally we want to encourage someone to come in and build what the community needs and not sell the property that leads to it being vacant for years," said Boukai.
In another discussion, the council reviewed plans for the concession stand by the pool and playground on Page Avenue. After approving the new procurement policy, the council accepted a construction estimate from Amy Construction for $4,600. Construction includes the installation of doors, windows, and roof.
The town was awarded $2,500 for the project from the O'Connor Foundation. The pool reserve fund accrued roughly $8,000 in interest in 2024, said Boukai.
Once completed, Boukai said other repairs would include painting, and installing flooring and countertops.
The council hopes to rent the space for use as a concession stand or for large gatherings during summer months when the pool is open.
The board continued its discussion regarding the operation of the ice rink.
Krzyston felt the best option would be for the village to take over the operation. However, Boukai said the village is not willing to do so. If the town were to continue, Krzyston said the best way to continue would be to hire someone. "I would only agree if we put something in the budget to pay someone to maintain," he added.
The council briefly discussed the possibility of purchasing an iceless rink requiring significantly less maintenance. Boukai will continue to explore options for the rink.
During their organizational meeting after the regular meeting, the council made several appointments and designations. The following appointments were approved Councilmember Christina Viafore, deputy supervisor, Adam Atkinson, deputy highway superintendent, Laura Mills, deputy clerk and tax collector, Jay Wilson, zoning board of appeals chair, Meg Hungerford, bookkeeper, Marianne Greenfield, historian, Coughlin & Gerhart LLP, town attorney, Kathleen Tofts, justice clerk, Brittany Dolph, deputy justice clerk, Allen Alwine, court attendant, Dale Downin, code officer, Chris Bodo, dog control, David Wakin, planning board administrative assistant, Kevin Rossley, planning board chair, Regina Krzyston, health officer, and Clerk Elsa Schmitz, records management and registrar of vital statistics. The reporter was designated the official newspaper. Delaware National Bank of Delhi will act as the official depository.
Town meetings will remain on the second Monday of the month at 6 p.m. The next regular meeting is scheduled Monday, Feb. 10 at 6 p.m. The council is expected to discuss goals for the 2025 fiscal year. Boukai employed council members to consider "What's going to motivate us to take action."
A repair cafe is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 25 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Luck Dragon at 100 Main Street. Individuals can bring in broken items to be repaired. Suggested items include lamps, vacuums, clocks, electrical items, small appliances, clothing, textiles, and stuffed animals.
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