Updated Technology Highway Needs Top Davenport Discussion

DAVENPORT - The Davenport Town Board discussed potential updates for technology and highway department equipment needs at their last 2024 meeting on Dec. 17. 

Supervisor Tim Kelso briefly presented a quote from Hartland Time and Attendance. The system tracks the time and attendance of town officials and employees and forwards data to payroll. The quote is a one-time fee of $275 for set up and a monthly payment of $70 for up to 15 people. Kelso explained the approach would simplify and replace the current paper approach and the time-card mechanism. The system can be used on a cell phone, computer, or tablet and can require facial recognition. Kelso stressed the need to be efficient with calculating time as it is a state requirement. The council is expected to vote on using Harland at its January organizational meeting on the 9th.

The website administrative contract with Revize has expired. Assessor Glenna Jaschke informed the board of contract options which include continuation of the current three-year agreement of a $1,200 annual fee or a continuation with an upgrade. Payment for the upgrade was unclear, Jaschke believes it to be an additional $300 for the first year. Some council members thought they were asking for an additional $1,500 for the update. Jaschke will get clarification on the price. The topic was tabled while board members gather additional information on website use and future oversite.

In another discussion, Highway Superintendent Fred Utter presented options for a new sand shed. Utter estimates the project to total $400,000 including engineering design, materials, and labor. 

Utter originally requested the 70' x 24' x 100' structure with a concrete floor and walls and a metal roof in February. He had previously stated the sand can become very muddy in rain and snow as the need for a shed.

Kelso explained that many State grant opportunities become available at the first of the year. Grants will be reviewed and applied for if they fit the project, he said. Kelso expects a 50% matching grant opportunity to become available. 

With the $30,000 in building funds and highway department conducting the labor, Utter believes the town can meet a 50% match.

Utter also presented the town with options for a new plow truck. After much discussion, Kelso determined the funds would be reviewed to see if a truck purchase is possible.

A second $25,000 donation was received from the Lomangino family in honor of their late father Leo Lomangino. The donation was transferred into a bond with the first payment accruing interest. Funds will be reserved for a highway department purchase per donation stipulations. 

Utter noted that the Lomangino donation was set in the bond at the beginning of the year with the thought that it would be later used for a truck purchase.

The council will continue to seek options for both undertakings.

In other business

The council paid the cleaning fee of $650 and agreed to hire an individual to clean town hall once every two weeks at $25 per hour.

The highway department began the process of monitoring fuel use. Kelso will develop an official sheet for tracking monthly. The monitoring is required for the annual audit report.

The union contracts were approved. Significant adjustments include longevity stipends at five, 10, 15, and 20 years of service. For example, employees will receive $1,000 on their 10th anniversary of service. New employees will start at a lower wage than seasoned employees and will receive a larger salary slowly over three years. Employees are required to wear a uniform provided to them by the town. Uniforms include bright-colored jackets, sweatshirts, and t-shirts adorned with town information.

The annual contract of $3,500 with the Delaware County Planning Department was approved. The department assists the town planning board and with grant opportunities.

A contract will be written up for Highway Department shared services with the towns of Harpersfield, Meredith, Kortright, Stamford, and Oneonta and the State Department of Transportation.

Dental insurance will now be offered for town employees at a 50% cost share equaling a personnel contribution of $500 annually to be deducted incrementally in each pay period.

The organizational meeting is scheduled Thursday, Jan. 9 at 7 p.m. and the regular monthly meeting is scheduled Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 7 p.m.