by Bea Peterson
Mayor David Borge said he had been contacted by Pall Corporation about the availability of replacement filters for the Village water plant at a discounted price. The filters had been ordered and then refused. [private]The Mayor said the Village’s 64 filters were installed in 2009 and cost $20,000 each. They have an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years and show no sign of failing at this time. Over time the filter cost has gone down and because the Company has these excess filters, they were offering them to the Village at a cost of $2,800 to $2,900 each. That would be a savings to the Village of approximately $45,000. Borge said engineers from the MRB Group, which has worked with the Village on the water and sewer, said this is a good deal. Pall Corporation said they will store the filters for a year and warranty them for 10 years. The Village would have to borrow money, at very low interest, for the purchase. The filters are set up on two skids of 32 each and all the filters on a skid must be replaced at one time. After a lengthy discussion of the pros and cons of the purchase the Board agreed to have the Company hold them for a year and include transportation in the purchase.
Village Property Owner
Mayor Borge said he had also been contacted by Wells Fargo about a property at 62 Mechanic Street that it owns. If the Village would take it over, the Wells Fargo representative said, the Company would donate $20,000 to the Village. After some negotiation, the representative agreed to a donation of $35,000 and payment of closing costs. It’s uncertain if there is an issue of contaminants or if the house should be torn down or rehabilitated. The Board agreed to the purchase contingent on successful negotiations with Wells Fargo. Borge commented, “that’s one out of 30 or 40 (empty properties) that will be taken care of.”
Non-Village Resident Appointments Law
The Board continued the Public Hearing from last month regarding appointing non-Village residents to Village appointed positions. Village attorney John Patterson went into a lengthy dissertation explaining that the issue may be covered under a 1996 Village law already on the books and perhaps that law could be amended to broaden the field of positions covered. The Public Hearing was tabled for now until Patterson looks into it further.
Buildings Not Coming Down… Yet
Mayor Borge reported that over 60% of the employees laid off by Oak Mitsui have found other employment. Some have retired while others are taking advantage of the education and training offered. On the other hand, he said, the Company is not planning to demolish the buildings at the moment. They are still gathering information, he said.
Convertibles Needed
Trustee Kevin O’Malley said convertibles are needed for veterans to ride in for the Memorial Day parade on Monday morning, May 25. Anyone willing to drive in the parade should contact O’Malley.[/private]