By Chris English
RICHMONDVILLE _ Town of Richmondville Officials hope to award bids for its $12-13 million sewer improvement project in early April, Town Supervisor Jeffrey Haslun said at the Thursday, Dec. 11 board meeting.
He laid out other elements of the long-anticipated project's timeline, saying design plans will be submitted to the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation before Christmas. That agency is providing a large chunk of the funding for the project via a grant to the town. Richmondville Officials hope to have bids opening in mid-March, Haslun added.
The project will provide public sewer service to a large part of the town, including Warnerville, and hopefully spur economic development, town board members have said.
In a related development at the Dec. 11 meeting, the board voted to take steps to secure about $3 million in grant money from the state Department of Transportation. If the grant comes through, the money will pay for a multi-modal pedestrian path that would run along the new sewer line, and other improvements.
The town has already applied for a $4.5 million grant from the New York Forward program that, if secured, would fund the same improvements. Board members figured it can't hurt to apply for a second grant, but will make no decision on whether to actually apply for the DOT grant until a public hearing on the matter is held, likely in January or February.
"It's worth a try, no guarantee we will get it," Councilman Eric Haslun said of the DOT grant. Jeffrey Haslun mentioned that he has consulted with Brendon Becker, the town's main engineer on the sewer improvement project, and that it seems advisable to go for it. Jeffrey Haslun added that the DOT grant would be a reimbursable one _ meaning that the town would have to advance money and then be reimbursed _ whereas the NY Forward grant would not be a reimbursable one but just a straightforward award.
Also at the meeting, Highway Superintendent Brian Manchester reported that he and his crew have been cutting brush along some roads and will continue when the weather allows. He added that he will continue trying to get a price on a second large plow truck. The board then voted to "get in line" for that truck as delivery is expected to take up to two years.
The town has already ordered and is awaiting delivery on one new plow truck. "The chassis is built. Now it goes to an outfitter and then we wait," Manchester said of that truck.
Jeffrey Haslun said it's important to get the ball rolling on getting a second new truck, given the amount of time it's taking companies to deliver new trucks and other equipment to towns, villages and counties.
"We have two trucks now that don't owe us anything. They've been trustworthy but they're on borrowed time," he said.
Town Clerk-Tax Collector Maggie Smith opened three bids for diesel fuel early in the meeting, and the board a little later decided to stay with Buell Fuels, citing the company's reliable service.
"We've had Buell for years and have had good experiences," Councilman George Horning said.
Jeffrey Haslun said he had a recent conversation with Town Dog Control Officer Jenn Larrabee, who had been considering resigning but has decided to stay on after the conversation.. Also, the board voted to accept "with regrets" the resignation of Hugh Crickmore from the Town Planning Board.
Eric Haslun handed out copies of an article in the Adirondack Express about the Town of Webb's building permit process, and said it was very informational and did a good job of explaining the importance of obtaining proper building permits when they are required. Richmondville is looking at drafting a law setting forth penalties for those who don't obtain required permits.
Obtaining building permits is an essential process because it "ensures construction projects meet safety standards, comply with state and local codes, and protect the health and welfare of the community," the article stated. Haslun and his family have a camp in Webb.
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