Climate Stability Recreation Top Delhi Town Board Discussion

DELHI - Delhi Town Council members heard a presentation regarding climate stability and discussed recreation at the regular meeting on Mar. 11. 

Supervisor Maya Boukai reported that the town plans to open the pool from the first week school is out until after Labor Day. The pool will be open from around noon or 1 p.m. until 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday with an early closing of 5 p.m. on Sundays. "This allows for the opportunity to expand hours if we have enough lifeguards," she said.

Job descriptions for the swim director, head lifeguard, and other lifeguards have been developed. 

Councilmember Matthew Krzyston reported the Delaware Academy Central School District has agreed to announce to students lifeguard job openings. 

Swim lessons are scheduled for the six weeks after July 4th.

Krzyston also announced that the SUNY Delhi club National Electrical Contractors Association (NEKA) committed to helping with development of a concession stand area for the pool.

Krzyston is working to secure a grant to purchase and install shades, a sunscreen dispenser, and an outdoor shower.

In another discussion, Boukai announced that the town could support the Woodland Cemetery at 2 Orchard Street as an extension of the municipality. 

Woodland Cemetery Association Trustee Ted Hannigan requested support from the town in November. Hannigan said the sale of graves no longer meets the cost of maintenance and repairs. Hannigan also informed the council that if the cemetery board was unable to meet budget needs, the responsibility would fall to the town.

After researching the litigation Hannigan mentioned, Boukai found that the town would be required to take over the cemetery if necessary. "Before that happens," Boukai said, the town could add the cemetery to its insurance policy and support them through in-kind services. Boukai is working with Hannigan on what the specific needs are and what the town highway department can help with. For example, Boukai said, the town could bid for any stone the cemetery might need for road maintenance with the town's annual bids, thus saving money on the stone.

The council had also supported the cemetery in November with a one-time payment not to exceed $3,500 for expenses accrued in 2023.

In another discussion, the council heard a presentation from Southern Tier 8 Sustainability Coordinator Ashley Seyfried regarding the Climate Smart Communities Program (CSC).

The CSC is a New York State run program seeking to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to changing climate through offering a points-based incentive program for local municipalities. Participating communities can earn points by taking actions such as supporting walkability or biking. Once enough points are earned, the community is eligible for a grant which can be used to initiate other climate-smart projects. 

Seyfried is already working with the Village of Delhi on CSC. She said the village is working on developing a climate adaptation plan, which could be done in collaboration with the town. An adaptation plan would look at the area hazard mitigation plan along with public input to determine the best future actions for climate resiliency.

To participate in the program and enlist the support of Seyfried, the town would need to pass a resolution. The program does not cost anything for the town, said Seyfried.

Councilmember Christina Viafore noted that the town would receive 30 points just for passing the initial resolution. She also mentioned that the town has been a part of the NYSERDA Clean Energy Communities program which has a similar process and goals. 

Seyfried noted that the town likely will receive CSC points immediately due to some of the actions taken through NYSERDA's program. Once a member of CSC program, Seyfried will look through actions the town has already taken.

Councilmembers Josh Morgan and Margaret Baldwin wanted to review the information before making a decision. The discussion was tabled. 

In other business

Brad Lockwood of Dirt Road Camp in Delhi reported receipt of a notice to remedy from Code Enforcement Officer Dale Downin. Lockwood said he has met with Downin and is working to remedy the issue. He presented the board with letters and other information.

Boukai reported that to pass a standard work day resolution they require 120 recorded work days from staff members. Until that information is completed the resolution was tabled. 

Dog Control Officer Christopher Bodo was permitted to attend an annual dog control officer training conference in Guilderland from Nov. 6 through 7 for $100.

Highway Superintendent Daren Evans was permitted to put out annual bids for fuel, heating oil, and materials.

Adam Atkinson was appointed to deputy highway superintendent retroactive to Jan. 1 for a $2,500 annual rate.

The justice department received a $18,000 grant for building improvement projects. Funds will be used for security enhancements including new doors and cameras.

Councilmembers Josh Morgan and Christina Viafore were appointed to the flood commission. 

Viafore reported a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation grant opportunity for property owners with 50 feet or more water frontage. Qualifying applicants can receive up to 25 trees to plant to help with water bank stabilization.

Council members paid the monthly bills of $58,154.70.

The council entered an executive session to discuss potential litigation.

The next scheduled town board meeting is Monday, Apr. 8 at 6 p.m.