The planned construction of an archives facility to store records and the highway superintendent’s attendance at regular monthly board meetings were the main topics of discussion at a well-attended session of the town council meeting last night.

Archive  Project

Superintendent James McNeil reported that there is approximately $180,000 available for the archive project.  He stated that these funds may only be used for archive and records storage purposes.  Two quotes have been received, and both were substantially higher than the approximately $180,000 available.  Each quote was itemized, and Superintendent McNeil noted that there was a possibility that removing certain line items from the project might reduce the overall cost.  He specifically noted plumbing and HVAC as potential areas to be removed from the project as it currently stands, adding during the question and answer period that these items could be phased in at a later date as more funding becomes available.

Councilman Peets said that he had some information regarding an alternate site for records storage.  Superintendent McNeil asked if the information Councilman Peets had included a fire escape and other requirements the facility will need in order to meet building code.  Superintendent McNeil said that he’d been advised that the entire project should be put out to re-bid, and moved that the project be put on hold until next year.  He cited the season, noting that the weather at this time of year is not ideal for construction. Councilman Peets would like the alternate site to also be considered at that time. Councilman Bombard expressed a desire for the council to delve deeper into the numbers being presented by the bidding companies, in order to discern the reason for the different amounts cited for similar line items.

In regards to the fire escape, Superintendent McNeil noted that the current existing fire escape does not meet building code.  A new fire escape must be wide enough to accommodate a stretcher in case of emergency and also be covered.  Concerns were raised from the floor that the new style of fire escape may create a ‘chimney effect’ in case of fire; Superintendent McNeil replied that an uncovered fire escape can be covered with ice and snow.

Superintendent McNeil noted other ways he believed the town could save money on the archive construction project.  These include having the town highway department do some of the preliminary excavation, a plan that he says that heretofore the highway department has failed to cooperate with.  Additionally, Superintendent McNeil noted that the town has an excellent maintenance man in the person of Mr. Kevin Drown, and that Mr. Drown could perform some of the work associated with the project, such as sheetrocking and taping, in his spare time.

Should the Highway Superintendent Attend Regular Monthly Board Meetings?

Superintendent McNeil noted that there had been concerns that the highway superintendent does not attend regular monthly board meetings.  He stated that such attendance and regular reporting is essential for the town board for a number of reasons, including efficient oversight and budget planning purposes.  He noted that after consultation with town council and additional research, a resolution (#34) had been drafted, which would require the highway superintendent to attend regularly scheduled board meetings.

This resolution passed, with Councilmen Peets, Bombard, and DeCoste voting Aye.  Councilman Thibeau dissented, saying there was no reason to put this resolution on the back of the new highway superintendent.  He raised concerns about the enforceability of the resolution — what will happen if the highway superintendent does not attend the meetings now that the resolution is in place? Town Attorney William Favreau noted that enforceability is an issue with any position, but that the town can require reasonable expectations.  Councilman Bombard noted that passing a resolution now may avoid problems in the future.

Councilman Thibeau noted that he would make sure the highway superintendent saw the new resolution.

There were some quiet cheers and nods of approval from the floor upon the passage of the resolution.

At no time was the highway superintendent referred to by name.  At this time, the highway superintendent is Kermit Honsinger.  In January, Bradley Wright will become the new highway superintendent.

Other News

The Supervisor’s Financial Report, Budget Transfers, and Town Clerk Monthly report were discussed. The Ellenburg Depot Fire District has received the requested $10,000 increase.  Copies of these reports will be posted on Ellenburg Community News as they become available.

Councilman Thibeau read notes from the Highway Superintendent’s report.  He noted that 2 plows have been prepared for winter snow removal duties.  Repairs have been made to the grader.  Gravel has been added to the pile and also to some old dirt roads. Some brush has been cut.  This was all accomplished with a small crew due to the holiday season and staff time off.

The JCEO Monthly Report revealed that 94 households received services, 97 received information and referrals, and that 27 medical trips for seniors have been coordinated.  Tina Trombley noted that both HEAP and the Christmas Bureau opened for applications on 11/2/09.  At this point, she reports that 12 HEAP application and 23 Christmas Bureau cases have been addressed.

There had been some concerns raised regarding the condition of the bridge on the McCoy road. Superintendent McNeil reported that some research had been done, and the town does not and has never had a bridge on the McCoy road, and as such, has no obligation to repair or barricade it.

Here is the location of the McCoy Road.

The purchase of the Washbourne property is moving forward, and Superintendent McNeil reported that the closing could occur within a week or so.

Superintendent McNeil noted that the Press Republican reported that Verizon was constructing two cell towers in our area, to improve regional cell service.  One of these towers is located on the Arno Road.  The other is in Churobusco.

During the question and answer period, Judy Baker stated that she’d never seen the town code enforcement officer nor heard his report.  She asked if he ever attended town board meetings and if he spent any time in his office.  Superintendent McNeil replied that the code enforcement officer has been to two or three meetings, and that he does spend time in his office.  He asked if Ms. Baker would like a resolution on this issue, a suggestion that was greeted with some laughter from the floor. Although he was never mentioned by name during this discussion, the town code enforcement officer is James Tourville.

During the question and answer period, incoming Supervisor Richard Pearson asked several questions regarding the administration of Noble money,  and the cost of various projects, including the architectural plans for the archive facility, the engineering study of the old schoolhouse, and the historical markers for cemetaries.  He also asked why these funds do not appear on the town financial statements.  Superintendent McNeil replied that the town does not have direct control of these funds; the town submits invoices to Noble, and they are paid as they are incurred.  He did not have exact figures for Mr. Pearson’s questions, but the approximate cost of the architectural plan, which does not include an estimate, the approximate cost of the engineering study ($7,500) and the approximate cost of the historical markers ($850 each)

The meeting was adjourned shortly after 7:30 pm.

Ellenburg Community News will post the official town council meeting minutes as soon as they become available.