By DOUG LAROCQUE
NEW LEBANON – If you have done business with the Town of New Lebanon’s judicial system, for whatever reason, you most likely at least met Justice Jack Nevers, who has been on the bench for nearly 30 years. Mr. Nevers officially stepped down on May 30, partially for health reasons and as part of an agreement with the NYS Commission of Judicial Conduct. Mr. Nevers was under investigation for alleged misconduct. The commission agreed to drop the proceedings and accept Mr. Never’s resignation. At the June Town Board hearing, Mr. Nevers was presented with a certificate of appreciation from the board by Supervisor Tistrya Houghtling.
The board could make an appointment to fill Mr. Never’s position with that person having to run for a four-year term in November if they wished to remain on the bench. Instead, the board opted to ask the NYS Office of Court Administration to conduct interviews of prospective candidates and recommend an appointment.
Also at the meeting, the Town Highway Department garage roof was discussed. New Lebanon recently earned a $175,000 Climate Smart Community grant for energy conservation improvements. One of those targeted improvements is the placement of solar panels on the Highway Department’s garage roof. Before such work can commence, the roof needs to be sealed, not an inexpensive process. The concern here is will the installation of solar panels void any warranty that comes with the sealing process? The consensus was probably not, but the board decided they wanted a letter from whoever does the sealing, indicating such just in case.
The board also voted to purchase a used mini excavator and trailer to haul it around on. The $28,555 cost will be paid for half from left over grant monies from the Climate Smart Committee and the other half from the America Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) account. The town has $91,000 left in their ARPA account, prior to any June payments that may need to come out of that fund.
The town’s lease of the former firehouse with the Lebanon Valley Protective Association (fire department) runs out at the end of the year and the question is what is going to become of the building? Is the Protective Association planning to sell the building? If so, what would be the cost to the town if the municipality decided to buy it?Councilman Craig Skerkis said he would like to know that cost before any purchase negotiations were to commence. He also said “buying the building is the least of our problems.” He said the cost and the town’s ability to afford and maintain the operation of the center is his biggest concern. Supervisor Houghtling said she would attempt to ascertain a price from the LVPA before the July meeting.
The town has decided to go out to bid for work on the tennis court bathrooms, and in particular, the need to widen the door for handicapped accessibility. The bids are due back in time for consideration at the board’s July meeting.
Also at the meeting:
*It has been at least a decade since New Lebanon has updated its procurement policies, which set rules and limitations on what department heads can purchase without going to bid, or at least obtaining three quotes. The request for the changes came from Highway Superintendent Peter McCagg, citing the rising cost of nearly everything. The board agreed adjustments needed to be made and applied the changes to all departments, not just the highway. The department heads can now buy an item(s) up to $5,000, between $5,000 and $10,000 require quotes and over $10,000 will need to go out to bid
*The board approved a cost adjustment of $4,260 to be part of the New Lebanon School District’s free swim program for the 2024-25 school year
*Sharon Powers was appointed to an opening on the Zoning Board of Appeals.
