Issues at the Transfer Station Goodbyes to Council Member

BOVINA - Bovina Council Member Donna Dickson-Noonan reported issues at the Transfer Station. She received a concern from resident Peter Manning that the station was dangerous for residents dropping off trash. Dickson-Noonan passed along a photo from Manning for council members to review. The photo showed heavy mud and holes at the station. She reported that after discussing with transfer station staff, the mud is not a safety issue instead it is advised to wear proper foot attire.

Highway Superintendent Edward Weber informed the board that the holes at the station have been filled in since this complaint. He explained that the holes were due to the truck drivers not placing the dumpsters too far back after a pick-up.

In another discussion, Supervisor Tina Molè honored Dickson-Noonan for her time on the board. Dickson-Noonan did not run for re-election in the November elections. "On behalf of the town, we thank you for your service. We learned things from you and we hope you learned things from this side of the table too," said Molè. "It's been a pleasure serving with you."

"I want to thank everyone who is sitting around this table," said Dickson-Nonnan, "It's been really gratifying to see how this board can work together to get a lot done." She also thanked Bovina for giving her the four years in office.

Republican Jillienne LaFever was elected for a first term with 203 votes to take Dickson-Noonan's seat.

In other business:

The council paid the bills for November including general $12,732, lighting district $93.88, water district $2,829.96, septic $4,708.34, and highway $94,915.37. The highway department bills were expensive this month due to purchase of a new truck, Molè explained.

Weber reported that the insurance company would like all trucks over five tons to have a battery disconnect switch and be shut off when not in use. This is a fire prevention protocol. According to Weber, most of the highway department vehicles have a battery disconnect except for three which will need to be installed.

Weber also reported that the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) sent the highway department a survey to fill out. The survey is part of a larger study to determine what the electrical grid would need to continue the everyday operations of local departments throughout the state if vehicles were all electric.

The town is seeking a full time heavy equipment operator. Applicants must have a CDL class B license or ability to get one. Rate of pay is between $18.58 and $21.77 per hour depending on license and skill level. For more information visit bovinany.org.

The organizational meeting is scheduled Tuesday, Jan. 9 at 6 p.m. which will also serve as the regular monthly meeting. The town books will be reviewed the same day at 5 p.m.