by Denise Wright
The July 17th meeting of the Petersburgh town board had various topics to discuss, from purchasing a new highway truck to bridge capstones. After approval of the June 19th minutes, the building department reported a new high of six permits in the town for the month. Councilman Heinz Noeding described this as increased activity in town.
The Highway Department reported that they have been cleaning out shoulders and culverts after the numerous storms in the area. A quote for a channel on Canfield Road was reviewed. While the price of $46,000 for the culvert seemed expensive, it is the most efficient way to fix the problem. The town will be investigating how to begin this process. Purchasing an excavator was discussed, but the hope is to get this through a state contract, however, with price changes, the board is looking at other ways to move forward with this purchase.
The building facilities manager reported that the town hall painting and repair had been scheduled. The cleaning of the town hall basement has been ongoing, and NYSEG will be working with Bradley Electric to replace the main cable at the library.
Parks and Rec. reported some vandalism in the park and is asking the community to keep their eyes open and report any incidents. They asked the board to use some funds to purchase more equipment potentially and would like to request that during the next round of blacktopping near the park, a handicap ramp be placed near the picnic tables.
The town will be examining to see if there is a water leak near the bridge construction project. They plan on doing a valve shut-off to check the equipment as a precautionary measure.
The town board approved purchasing a highway truck through a state contract. The funds will come from various ARPA, chips, and reserve funds. A resolution to approve $259,000 for the International brand truck passed, and the truck should be delivered within the next two years.
Some of the bridge capstones have been received, and at the next board meeting, the Supervisor hopes to discuss what to do with them. Regretfully, only a few could be saved, but the town would like to use them.
The vents at the entranceway will be repaired at the water tower through the ARPA funds approved through a resolution. The town’s wireless tower local law was discussed. Impending government modifications about potential processes for approving future cell towers’ structure and alterations were discussed. More discussion will be happening at future meetings.
The library is having a fundraiser selling hoodies and t-shirts for $18. You can come to the library to try them on and double-check the sizing. This fundraiser will help with many of the children’s programs.
Councilman Noeding reminded residents to be mindful of bears in the area and that there might be more traps in the area right now. He also mentioned that there is a movement to revive the Little Hoosic River Valley Association in the area. There will be a meeting on August 15th, at 7 pm, at the Berlin Firehouse for anyone who is interested.