Gilboa Seeks Mowing Bids, Discusses Emergency Response

GILBOA  –  Members of the Gilboa Town Board approved a resolution in agreement with limiting land acquisition in the West of the Hudson Watershed, discussed allowing town equipment and resources to respond in emergencies to help first responders and will advertise for mowing bids.

With the city of New York agreeing to limit core land acquisition West of the Hudson by no longer soliciting and new core acquisitions in priority, the town of Gilboa is supporting the exception that the city can continue to acquire lands in the priority areas if the request is initiated by the municipality where the subject property is located.

Delaware County has objected to this exception because it opens the door for continued large parcel acquisition in the priority areas, which lasts in perpetuity in direct contrast to the goals supporting the dual mission of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)

The exception would provide a means for landowners who want to sell to the city rather than through more traditional, competitive real estate markets, to exert pressure on local town boards to approve the conveyed land. Such sales benefit the individual property owner at the expense of the overall community.

It is argued there are other land preservation programs and options available to municipalities that are interested in acquiring land for open space preservation and other purposes. Land grants were provided as an example.

The resolution supports Delaware County's objection, according to Supervisor Alicia Terry.

Bill Sharick, a fire commissioner with the Stamford Joint Fire District, was present to discuss an issue that was brought to light recently with responses to assist first responders, whereby the town highway equipment and crews were requested to sand or plow a private roadway or driveway to assist an ambulance to respond to an emergency. Sharick said Headwater EMS responded to a call in the town of Harpersfield and due to an icy driveway was unable to get to the patient. First responders went down on the slippery driveway. The town highway superintendent was called to respond to sand the driveway. This led Harpersfield to consider adopting a  policy that they would not respond, citing insurance and the cost of responding after normal hours.

Supervisor Alicia Terry and Highway Superintendent John Wyckoff both indicated it is not an issue in the town of Gilboa. Their department has been called out to assist other agencies in an emergency and has no issue in continuing to do so. Attorney Joann Crum saw no need for the town to adopt a policy or pass a resolution. 

A bid was awarded to AMZ Construction Company, of Rotterdam Junction, in the amount of $218,500 as the low bid for work on the town's Salt/Sand Shed, which includes the new roof, painting the exterior and replacing damaged bollards and one damaged LDL. The town received six bids ranging from $218,500 to $467,00. After reviewing the bids they award the lowest bidder. AMZ is the same company that did siding and roofing at the highway garage.

A mowing tractor and an equipment trailer will be purchased. The new mowing tractor will replace the town's 1994 John Deere 5400 tractor and 60-inch side mower with 8900 hours. The new tractor will have a cab, allowing the driver shade and air during hot days and cover for rainy days. With the current mower, the operator must stop when it gets too hot or it is raining. The tractor will be purchased under state contract at a cost of $97,000 and is expected to arrive in five or six months. Its purchase was approved.

The Eager Beaver equipment trailer will be replaced with a trade-in from Eklund Farm Machinery. The old one did not sell at the auction, but they will be given the base price for trade in and the new one will be purchased through the Florida Sheriffs Association contract. Cost is $25,000. The new trailer is the same brand and specifications, but is 23 years newer, according to Wyckoff. The purchase was approved.

The town is still seeking someone to run its Summer Youth Program. Anyone interested  may contact Alicia Terry or Town Clerk Linda Wyckoff. 

In her report, Supervisor Terry said the county won another round in its lawsuit and received the formula used by the state to calculate the value of solar and wind projects. She said the county has prevailed, which could mean $3 million to the town of Sharon in terms of assessments.

Board members approved advertising for bids on mowing, which includes the town hall, the town highway garage and several cemeteries. Bids will be awarded at the April meeting.

Board members entered an executive session to discuss health insurance of a former employee.

Board members also approved reaffirmation of its Public Employer Health Emergency Plan.

A representative from NYSEG is expected to be present at the April 14 meeting of the town board to explain increasing rates.