Esperance Eyes Free Internet Deal, Creates Deputy Clerk Position

ESPERANCE – The Esperance Town Board discussed a potential agreement to allow Midtel Cable TV Inc. to place internet infrastructure at the town's Transfer Station in exchange for free internet service for town buildings, and officially created a second Deputy Town Clerk position during its regular meeting Thursday.

Supervisor Earl VanWormer informed the board that Schoharie County received a $30 million grant to expand high-speed internet access, targeting 499 residences currently without service and 4,000 underserved homes in the town. Midtel, selected for the project, is seeking sites for necessary equipment and identified the Transfer Station's back gravel area as a possibility.

VanWormer noted that while rent could be negotiated, the town has sought improved internet service for residents for years. If the site is used, the Town Hall and Municipal building would receive free internet for the life of the equipment. The project has a completion deadline of 2026. Highway Superintendent Michelle Brust said she would consult with engineer Bill Smith regarding any necessary site preparation.

In other business, the board unanimously passed a resolution formally creating the position of 2nd Deputy Town Clerk with the authority to act on behalf of the Town Clerk.

The board also unanimously approved a $1,000 payment to Code Enforcement Officer Cody Sherwood for completing 160 hours of CEO training. Sherwood was not present, but submitted his February reports.

VanWormer proposed updating the town's master plan, suggesting the formation of a committee with representatives from various areas including Sloansville, Central Bridge, the village of Esperance, and Junction Road to ensure broad input.

During the Highway Superintendent's report, Brust noted chip sealing needs completion by the end of August. Discussions also covered planned upgrades at the Transfer Site, including replacing an old shed and paving the area. A query from Councilman Kenneth Conklin about repairing a deteriorating blacktop area behind the Municipal Building led to consensus that the repair would likely be too costly for the current budget.

The board unanimously approved the Supervisor's report, the Town Clerk and tax collection reports, and vouchers totaling $26,191 across various funds.

The board noted that a planned discussion on a Senior Citizen Tax Exemption Local Law was cancelled at the Assessor's recommendation, as it was too late in the year for residents to benefit from changes. Assessor Erin Smith was not present but submitted a report.

The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m. No one spoke during the privilege of the floor session.