Jefferson to Repair Washout After Water Main Break

JEFFERSON  – The Jefferson Town Board approved repair of a washed out apron that resulted from a water main break, learned the state did not approve a crosswalk on state Rt. 10, and agreed to purchase a new front end loader, during their meeting last Thursday.

Resident Bill Parker was present to ask the town board what could be done about the wash out caused by a water main break at the Bee Yard off state Route 10. He said there was a delay in getting the water shut off and it was bubbling from the ground. The water pushed the gravel on the entrance to the Bee Yard into the grass. "I am asking the town to put it back the way it was," he said. 

He said they are planning to have their open house over  the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. A motion was approved to repair the driveway at the Bee Yard.

Councilman Don VanValkenburgh reported that Heritage Day plans are moving along and the deadline for the ad booklet is June 12 and Heritage Day is July 11. There will be fireworks and free movie nights teamed up with the Heritage Day Committee to use the green.

Highway Superintendent Ray Hendrickson  reported they have serviced the town's new truck and the crew has been making a grader patch. Oil prices, he said, are coming $20,000 over the original bid and Cobleskill Stone is adding a surcharge to cover increased fuel prices. He said this will change the amount of summer road work crews will be able to complete.

Board members approved an Amazon account to allow him to purchase needed parts for the Army truck. The parts are available elsewhere, but at higher costs. 

He also reported there is a bad water leak in the town garage roof, with the ceiling tiles in his office coming down. He said someone needs to look at it right away. Discussion indicated the rood and leaks  have been a recurring problem

Hendrickson offered his time and labor to remove trees from town property, however, he asked if he could voucher for the cost of fuel. Board members approved. 

They also approved the purchase of a new John Deere front end loader. With a trade-in it is expected to cost $185,000.

In his report on the Catskill Revitalization Council, the DURR excursion ride is expected to be open this season. Crews are working on the tracks and a portion of some of the tracks is being redone.

Supervisor Peggy Hait reported that the professional air and water testing, in investigating the odor in the justice quarters, returned no findings. "Nothing was found, however they said they will return if we get the odor again," said  Hait. Some believe it smells like fuel oil and the town's old highway garage had fuel tanks in the area.

Supervisor Hait said a letter from the state Department of Transportation (DET) denied the request for a crosswalk near Castle Mountain Road and state Route 10 in the vicinity of the Camp Oorah. It was not a good idea, according to the letter, although they were considering signs.

There was a question of liability if the town provides free WiFi on the town green, however, town board members believe it is the same as if any other business offers WiFi.

Town Historian Bonnie Daley said the date has been set for dedication of the historic marker at the West Jefferson Church. The date is June 24 and politicians and others have been asked to attend. The problem will be parking and she said they are asking people to park at the town hall to be shuttled by personal vehicles to the church where there is very little parking. Board members had no problem with parking at the town hall.