Delhi Moves Forward With Highway Bond - Park Plans Progress

DELHI - Delhi Town Council members moved forward with securing a bond to purchase a Caterpillar (CAT) machine for the highway department. Once purchased, the equipment will be used for road maintenance, including grading, ditching, and pothole repair.

The CAT was reported by Highway Superintendent Daren Evans to be a misorder from Otsego County at Milton Caterpillar. The company's formal proposal is for a five-year payment plan with an annual payment of $65,000 and a $50,000 down payment.

The council agreed to retain bond counsel or a legal representative to ensure the validity of any bond contracts. The counsel fee was quoted between $2,500 and $3,000. Acquiring the law firm is a required part of the bond process, reported Supervisor Maya Boukai.

It was further recommended, said Boukai, to retain a financial planner for approximately $2,500. The planner would help submit the bond proposal nationwide to ensure the lowest possible interest rate, she explained. As this is Boukai’s first time securing a bond, she felt that hiring a planner would be a learning experience. Based on research, Boukai believes the town would save roughly $15,000 in interest by accessing the global market. The council unanimously agreed to seek a financial planner.

The project received a negative declaration under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA).

In another discussion, the council agreed to proceed with $4,000 in equipment repairs. Direct Motor Sports will update the CCM and complete exhaust repairs. The work should resolve issues with the diesel filter, which has already been replaced twice at a cost of $2,500 each time. The issue, reports Evans, causes gaskets and sensors to blow. Gaskets cost about $300, he said, and sensors have been replaced four or five times.

Park Project

The town is working to hash out the contract for receipt of an Environmental Protection Fund grant for the park and pool expansion project.

The multi-year master plan includes several new structures - bath house, pavilion, chemical building, and shed - along with a new pool patio, trees and shrubs, parking areas, and roadways.

The Delaware County Planning Department is helping prepare construction quotes, requests for proposals (RFPs), and other steps to put the project out to bid.

SUNY Delhi has expressed interest in assigning students to erect the pavilion, chemical room, kiosk, and signage. Their work would need to begin in September, so concrete for the structures should be poured before then, said Boukai.

The grant permits a five-year project timeline.

On another note, Boukai said that when reviewing the pavilion plans, she hopes to keep in mind the possibility of using the space for an ice rink in the winter months.

In other business

The comprehensive plan committee, comprising 10 individuals, held its first meeting, with a second tentatively scheduled for Feb. 12 at 5:30 p.m. They are expected to involve the public in the April discussion.

Dave Rama was reappointed to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a five-year term.

Boukai asked members of the Economic Development and Shared Services Committee to clarify the fees paid to the village for recreational programming.

Justice Mathew Burkert reported an uptick in penal and vehicle traffic cases, up to 104 from the typical 60 to 80.

The council paid bills totaling $189,891.82.

All councilmembers were present at the meeting. The next regular board meeting is scheduled Monday, Feb. 9, at 6 p.m.