Harpersfield To Begin Transfer Station Repairs

HARPERSFIELD      – Members of the Harpersfield Town Board accepted the lone bid on steel to repair the shared transfer station, and approved an alternate planning board member and deputy town clerk during last Wednesday's monthly meeting.

They also heard a presentation from Lindsay Whitbeck, from the Delaware County Department of Economic Development regarding a recent survey developed by a summer intern to help identify areas where the department could be more supportive to the towns. She said it provides a broader aspect of what is needed, what the towns would like to see and what can be done to help in general. "It gives us a better idea for planning future projects and the types of businesses you would like to see in the area," she explained.

The surveys were needed by the end of the week as the intern prepared to return to college. She said he would continue to tweak the results, but the major portion of the responses were needed very soon.

A draft will be sent to the Industrial Development Agency's board of directors, along a final report.

Doug Cole was approved as the alternate planning board member on a recommendation from the planning board. The position was open following the resignation of Kevin All earlier this year.

Heidi Stevens was approved as the deputy town clerk to "shadow" Town Clerk Linda Goss and learn her position. So far, she said she likes it.

Town board members approved Supervisor Lisa Driscoll's response letter to the state Comptroller, following an audit that lists recommendations for correction. One of them is the monthly audit of bills by town board members.

With the steel bid of $14,999.99 accepted, the concrete work at the shared transfer station is expected to begin after the Labor Day holiday. It will enlist town crew members. The concrete will be allowed to cure for 21 days and during that time, commercial haulers will be detoured to the county landfill.The start date is set for Sept. 9. "We are asking people to be patient during the repair and transition," said Driscoll. The dumping area will be relocated for the work. 

Board members also gave approval for Driscoll to sign the contract with PaintCare. Town residents will be able to dispose of old paint at the transfer station once PaintCare has established a work area. Lead paint, however, will not be collected. The paint will be recycled. In the beginning, residents will be limited to five gallons of paint.

Painting of the highway garage is underway and more work is slated. There was a discussion about how much better things look with the new paint. They also discussed highway funding and the town highway crew will move ahead with paving on West View Drive and Austin Road. It is getting late in the season for paving. Although the state has not confirmed the funding, board members agreed it should be done before it gets too late. Oil and stone projects can be done later in the season.

Board members also approved the contract with Headwaters Emergency Medical Services in the amount of $100,000 for the coming year. 

The law firm of Young and Sommer was approved to represent the town in litigation and the meeting ended with an executive session with Allyson Phillips of Young and Sommer, to receive legal counsel on possible litigation and contract negotiations..