Veteran Tax Exemption Park Expansion Plans Discussed

DELHI—At their regular meeting on May 12, Delhi Town Council members reviewed extending the veteran's tax exemption and plans for the park.

Veterans Tax Exemption

Councilmembers learned they are the only remaining town in Delaware County that does not offer the eligible funds tax exemption for veterans. The exemption includes those who purchased homes using eligible funds, such as pensions, bonuses, insurance, and mustering out pay. The exemption reduces the assessed value of a qualifying veteran's property. While the reduction percentage is ultimately up to the municipality, the maximum limit is $7,500.

Local veterans proposing the exemption estimate that roughly 43 Delhi veterans or families will qualify. The maximum assessment reduction would save qualifiers roughly $175. He noted that the cost to the town is estimated at around $3,400.

Supervisor Maya Boukai noted that Colchester recently passed the exemption at the maximum reduction. Colchester has a low equalization rate, which means the maximum reduction made the most sense, the proposers explained. The council will explore the best options for Delhi, considering the equalization rates. Presenters suggested passing a local law before the March 1 deadline for applications.

For more information on the exemption, visit tax.ny.gov/pit/property/exemption/eligfndsexempt.htm.

The Park & Pool

Over the last year, the council has been working to update the playground and pool area off Page Avenue by the American Legion.

The area is already equipped with new playground gear, fresh lounge chairs, and new trees. This summer, it will have a concession stand. The council has been working on bringing the building by the Page Avenue entrance up to code. It has new windows, doors, and a roof, and a serving window was installed. There are plans to install a restroom at the stand, but it will have to wait for next season, said Councilmember Matt Krzyston, along with a sink. All that is left is to paint the outdoor trim and get someone to rent.

In addition to these projects, Delhi Town Council is exploring a major undertaking to revamp and expand the current park and pool area. The strategy is to put all visions into one conceptual master plan that can be phased out over the years. Sean Leddy, with the Delaware County Department of Planning, Parks, and Watershed Affairs, developed two concepts. The board is reviewing different ideas to finalize a plan. Once finalized, they will phase out the projects and apply for grants.

Boukai suggested removing anything that would increase lawn service costs, such as the rain gardens. "They could always be added back later," she noted. Boukai is leaning towards plan A, though she said they could take elements from both plans if desired.

Councilmember Margaret Baldwin said it would be preferred to have the large pavilion behind the pool with a parking lot rather than in front. Plans outline a 20-foot by 40-foot pavilion that will accommodate roughly 80 people. A smaller pavilion, 14 feet by 20 feet, is similarly planned to accommodate party sizes of 20 to 30. If developed, the council hopes to rent pavilions out.

The plan includes developing a Main Street entrance, expanding parking, sidewalks, and the pool deck, adding an entryway kiosk, planting trees, and adding park signage. The layout also shows the possibility of removing the kiddie pool to install a splash pad. Other undertakings include pool showers and water fountains.

The council also wants to enclose the pool chemical building with something more aesthetically pleasing. The structure would be roughly 10 feet by 12 feet.

No decisions have been made on the master plan.

The Council approved permitting Delaware Academy Central School District to host a field day at the pool, as suggested by Certified Pool Operator Amy Randall. The field day is scheduled for June. Students will alternate use of the pool by grade level.

"This is exciting, I think this is great," said Baldwin.

Randall also suggested permitting Bird Song Farm to use the concession stand as a handout location for the newly developed food program. The council approved the farm's handout of roughly 25 boxes of kid-friendly food for those in need. To sign up for the program, which is anticipated to start in July, follow the Pool Facebook page.

The pool will offer private swim lessons during sensory play times, along with water aerobics and group swim lessons. Follow the Facebook page for information on times, prices, and signing up.

The council entered an executive session to discuss lifeguard applicants and salary.

In other business

The tentative assessment roll was approved. Grievance days are scheduled for Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday, the week of May 19th. For more information, visit townofdelhiny.com.

The highway department is reviewing quotes for oil and stone to resurface the parking areas near and around the department building and town hall. The project is expected to be under $21,000.

The town website must be changed to a .gov rather than a .com. Councilmember Christina Viafore is working on the issue.

The council nominated Viafore as a go-to person for website IT issues before calling the website developer company, which charges for support.

Justice Mathew Burkert asked the council to consider installing a camera and entry door window to the client's attorney's private room at the court. The window to the exterior would also need to be boarded or have bars on it. The reason for the adjustment is due to a requirement by the Sheriff's office always to have eyes on an individual in custody. "Even though those individuals are incarcerated they are not convicted of any crime, they are innocent people," he said—the presumption of innocence. He said that everyone should be able to meet with their attorney privately. Burkert noted that this service is not commonly available in town courts but that, "if we have that here I think it is best for everybody."

Boukai reported 93% of taxes have been collected so far, a 1% decrease from last year.

The next regular meeting is scheduled Monday, June 16 at 6 p.m.