Berlin May Need A Water Tower
Town Supervisor Rob Jaeger and Water District 2 Commissioner Jim Winn told the Town Board meeting last Thursday, December 14, that the New York State Department of Health has declared the district’s reservoir to be non-potable (unfit to drink). He added they expressed concerns about the reliability of the check valve on the system that prevents water from the reservoir from leaking back into the village drinking water. The valve has never failed in recent memory and because of its age, at least 70 years old, Supervisor Jaeger is leery to touch it.
The DOH is recommending the town build a water tower big enough to hold its needed reserve capacity, which they place at about 300,000 gallons. That could cost upward of $500,00 dollars. Because of the level of deficiency placed on the reservoir by DOH, the town could apply for a grant program in June of 2018 for 60 percent of the money, with a 30-year loan possibly available to cover the remaining cost, should Berlin not find other sources of funding. The matter will be the subject of further discussions aimed at defraying the cost, because as Supervisor Jaeger put it, “it’s a hefty burden to place on the 183 users of the system.”
Otherwise, the final meeting of 2017 was relatively quiet. Highway Superintendent Winn reported that the parade of small storms does have his crew burning through the sand and salt supplies. Mr. Winn and the Board also discussed the possibility of purchasing the current roadside mower the town is renting. The asking price is $79,000, minus $6,000 in rent each month that can be applied to it. It too, will be a subject to be considered in the new year.
Carbon Monoxide Concerns
Codes Enforcement Officer Allen Yerton expressed his concern that everyone be aware of the dangers created by burning many types of fuel, be it wood or petroleum based. It can create an odorless gas that when breathed in, replaces the oxygen cells in a person’s body, which can lead to death. He urged everyone to make sure their heating sources are properly vented and reminded all that both smoke detectors and CO detectors are now required in homes and businesses by law. He also warned about using extension cords on electrical heaters. Most simple inside extension cords are made to carry no more than 800 watts, while these heaters often use 15,000 watts. He advised always using a heavy-duty extension cord and checking it to see if it feels hot. If so, discontinue use.
Safe Facility Expansion Ready for the Next Step
Planning Board Chairwoman Pam Gerstel says they have been able to work out the differences with the Sustainable Aqua Farm company over the required Environmental Review paperwork and that a public hearing has been set for 6:30 pm on January 25. After which, the Planning Board has to make a recommendation to the Town Board about acceptance. The Town Board has declared itself the lead agency in the review process.
Other Board action saw Justin Dodge reappointed to another five-year term on the Planning Board and Nick Adams re-appointed as Chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals. Councilwoman Tara Fisher has announced that she will be recusing herself from any further Board actions concerning PFOAs because of a possible conflict of interest with her employer. Supervisor Jaeger was authorized to transfer whatever funds might be needed to cover Highway Department expenses until the town receives its last Consolidated Highway Improvements funds from New York State, which was anticipated shortly. The board also decided there was no need for a workshop meeting in December. Town Clerk Anne Maxon reported State, County and Local revenues in November of $5,843 and non-local revenues of $2,476. The Board set January 4 at 7 pm as the time and date for its yearly organizational meeting.