by Denise Wright
The town board meeting on June 19th was busy and informative for residents concerning phase 2 of the bridge project in the town. The Department of Transportation presenter wanted to thank residents for their patience with the project. Multiple signs will be up to make drivers aware and alleviate any traffic situations. There was some concern about trucks getting onto some of the roads; there is a plan to put weight limit signs near River and Hewitt Roads to ensure safety for residents and motorists. The ditch building near the bridge is targeted for the end of July.
The supervisor reported that the bookkeeper’s software upgrade had been completed. They are working through some conversion issues on the program that are being addressed. Budget sheets will be distributed to department heads in late July, and everything will be due to the supervisor by August 31st. The formal budget calendar will be announced at the next town board meeting. A special session on October 4th will be scheduled to distribute and present the tentative budget.
Resolution 34 to accept a bid to purchase an excavator from Capitol Tractor Incorporated was discussed and approved. This purchase would come from chips sealing funds; residents were concerned that this purchase would influence the road improvements in the area. The supervisor assured me that there is plenty of money in the account, and three roads are slated for resurfacing this year. A purchase plan was also discussed for purchasing a truck for the highway department. The project will be finalized by the July meeting.
The volunteers working in the gardens at the town hall were complimented for all of their hard work. One of the topics reviewed at the water conference was a concern for lead; the EPA is attempting to require an evaluation of all service lines. The initial phase is that municipalities must find out the probability of recording evidence of the service lines in the town. It will involve updating software. The water district director will send the information to the board members to inform everyone about this process.
After the reports were approved, the award of the town hall painting contract was discussed. The Unlimited Construction bid was approved for $10,600 to complete the painting of the building. The Portico Roof Repair change order from the Band of Brothers was approved for $3,000 to add $400 for wood replacement if needed.
A PFOA Litigation update was presented. Councilmemeber Heinz Noeding reviewed the multidistrict litigation (MDL) from South Carolina and the Petersburgh area. The Federal MDL case in South Carolina focuses on firefighter foam that has leeched into water sources. The key decision in October 2022 is that they are now choosing seven cases out of the 4100 to pursue. The first cases went to trial last Monday, and some companies involved agreed to hefty settlements with the plaintiff. Petersburgh is not in an MDL, but potentially the town could be part of one in the future. The local case is at State Supreme Court in Rensselaer County. The logic dictates that they are attempting to get the case dismissed; the town is creating a retort to that. There are also cases in New Hampshire similar to the situation in Petersburgh. About the court cases, Noeding says, “We will see what happens” because it could impact the local case.
Resolution 33 approved the library grant for the gutters and roof for approximately $37k. The town will be responsible for 25% of the bill. According to a board member, “The worst-case scenario will be that it will cost $10k; the best-case scenario might cost the town $4k.”
One resident voiced concern about the price increase at the transfer station and would like to see some information posted on the website.
Petersburgh is still searching for a Youth Director, and presently, the gazebo project is on hold because of price increases with construction.