PHILMONT–The village’s badly-needed new Department of Public Works facility took a step forward last week as village trustees voted to pay Morris Associates $7,424 in engineering fees for building and septic system design.
There is still no total cost estimate for the project, which has not yet gone out for bids, but Trustee Brian Johnson said again that as much of the work as possible will be done by the DPW crew rather than outside contractors.
Also at their monthly meeting Monday, December 13:
*Trustees heard from Library Director Karen Garafalo that attendance at the weekly story hour — which costs the library $25 per session — has been “very low.” Ms. Garafolo later told The Columbia Paper that the story hour will be canceled for January, to return in February.
*Ms. Garafalo said the weekly Wednesday soup sales begin January 5. Soup makers are encouraged to call the library, 518 672-5010, to sign up. The sale runs from 4 to 6 p.m.; early arrival is wise, to avoid disappointment.
*Town Supervisor Robin Andrews reported that the county Board of Supervisors has viewed a preliminary design for the new Pine Haven facility, which will offer “a very homelike atmosphere.” She said officials are “disappointed” by cost estimates, which are running high because of the need to run water and sewer lines, as well as steep slopes and rocky soil at the site on Martindale Road. The county wants to replace its aging nursing home with the new facility.
*Because it is never too early to begin planning, the 2011 Community Day Planning Committee holds its first meeting Monday, January 3 at 7 p.m. at the Village Hall.
The December Village Board meeting was adjourned in memory of Laurence Card, Barbara Rowe and Zina Lischwitz.
