Bovina 5K, Cemetery Clean-Up, Transfer Station Issues

New Kingston Road Maintenance Postponed

BOVINA - Bovina Town Board members met on March 12 where a proposed 5K race, cemetery clean-up, and a water quality project were discussed. 

Resident Peter Manning presented plans for the first Bovina 5K event. They are seeking a grant opportunity that is still pending, but Manning said once funds are secured the event will commence on a future Saturday. Manning is planning to discuss the event with the county as well.

Council members were concerned regarding road traffic during the start of the event. Manning said during the race start there might be a lot of congestion for roughly 20 to 30 minutes. Manning is working with Delaware County Sheriff's Office and the state police on what is required. 

Supervisor Tina Molè said the county would be very helpful in guiding the initiative. Molè added that she would be at the county meeting.

In another discussion, council members approved two RFPs for maintenance of the four town cemeteries on Brook, Reinertsen Hill, and Cape Horn roads and on New York State Highway 28. The first RFP is for dead tree removal in all the cemeteries including a large white pine in the Bovina Cemetery. Dead trees are required to be taken down by May 15. 

The second RFP is for mowing grass three times this year in May, July, and August with a required $1 million insurance policy. Bids are due to the Highway Department by noon on April 5. 

Councilmember Jillienne LaFever reported issues at the transfer station. There have been several instances where an individual was rummaging through the trash and scavenging items. The individual has been identified via video footage. LaFever said the board could either give a verbal warning or contact the police. 

Molè said this is an issue that has come up previously. In the past, the board had the town attorney write a letter to the individual and it successfully stopped the behavior, she said. The board chose this route to remedy the issue.

LaFever also requested a gate for the transfer station or signage to prevent this issue from happening again. Board members approved the purchase of no-trespassing signs and will look into costs of a gate.

In addition to this issue, LaFever reported continued complaints regarding the mud at the station. Smith's Tree Service has agreed to drop wood chips as a short-term fix, she said. 

Highway Superintendent Edward Weber said the department could also drop off wood chips. A more long-term fix for the mud problem would be to pave the area, said Weber.

In other business:

Weber reported the paving planned for New Kingston Mountain Road must be postponed until next year. The department intended to use Federal CHIP funding to pay for the $249,000 paving project. However, roadways can only be repaired using CHIPs every 10 years and that time limit is not up until next year. The estimated amount needed includes paving and seal coat for roughly 2.5 miles.

Councilmembers paid monthly bills of, $5,436 for general, $117.89 for the lighting district, $1,593.16 for the water district, $3,950.98 for sewer, and $22,418 for the highway department.

The Maynard Schoolhouse Camp will be held from July 15 through 19 and Aug. 5 through 9.

The next Bovina Town Council meeting is scheduled Tuesday, April 9 at 6 p.m.