Delhi Highway Grader Purchase Discussed - Board Seeks Comprehensive Plan Committee Members

DELHI - The Delhi Town Highway Department plans to purchase a road grader to replace the obsolete 1997 model, unless another municipality beats them to it.

Highway Superintendent Daren Evans reported receiving an offer for the grater that was ordered in error. Although the offer came in at twice the price of a used one, Evans reports it is a good deal given its zero hours and seven-year warranty. There is at least one other municipality interested in the machine, he said.

The first payment will be approximately $50,000, with subsequent payments of $65,000 annually for five years, starting in 2027. However, the council approved the purchase pending a seven-year payback agreement that aligns with the warranty. Interest is set at 5.67%. The price includes a $194,000 municipal discount.

Before approving the plan, the council reviewed other upcoming equipment replacements. Evans said the next big thing is to get a mowing tractor to replace the 1984 tractor.

They also discussed renting a grader, which was done in the past. Evans noted that rental prices have doubled since they last used this model. He further explained that renting one limits the department's capabilities because it is often used during flood events.

In another discussion, Supervisor Maya Boukai reported seeking individuals interested in serving on the town's comprehensive plan committee. Right now, Boukai said, the town is gauging interest. While seeking a diverse group of people to serve, she said, “We can see how many people are interested and how we can tap into that diversity.”

Interested parties can sign a list posted on Facebook and the town website at townofdelhiny.gov. A Nixle notification with sign-up information was also sent out.

A tentative kick-off meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 7th at 5:30 p.m. The meeting will be for interested committee members to learn more about the process. The town is looking for at least eight individuals but could consider up to 15, Boukai said.

In Other Business:

Court Justice Mathew Burkert reported an issue with the phone system, which ends a call when placed on speaker. He explained that individuals appear in court virtually for various reasons and that it is necessary to put them on speaker to be sworn in. Burkert was instructed to call the Delhi Telephone Company to troubleshoot in person. The company had previously told Burkert they had no replacement phones for the issue. If this does not remedy it, Burkert will switch phones with the clerk’s.

The town has earned roughly $113,000 in interest year-to-date on its NYClass accounts and $25,000 with other banks.

Boukai expressed interest in retaining her current county committee appointments. She noted that she would put her name in for an appointment on the Finance Committee should recommendations be requested.

Steve Hood is serving as interim chairperson of the Planning Board until the organizational meeting scheduled for Jan. 5th at 5 p.m. Hood was appointed following Kevin Rossley’s resignation.