Still Waiting On DOH
By Doug La Rocque
The Berlin Water District, and by extension, the Town of Berlin, is still waiting to hear back from the NYS Department of Health (DOH) as to the status of the grant applied for last month to help defray the cost of constructing a water tower. Fear of failure of the check valve that holds excess water from the reservoir from flowing back into the system, has led DOH to order the construction of the tower or face a permanent boil water order. Should the grant for 60 percent of the 2.25 million dollar project not come through, the District would face the possibility of funding the project on its own, something members of the Town Board say they could not even contemplate. In the meantime, Town Supervisor Rob Jaeger said they have been in consultation with Cedarwood Engineering about possible alternatives to a water tower, should the grant not come through.
A Change-Out
Is Underway
Town folk have probably noticed work being done at the pump station for the Water District. Supervisor Jaeger said the carbon filters installed to prevent any possible PFOA contamination are being switched out, as part of the regularly scheduled maintenance program.
A Non-eventful Meeting
When the Board gathered on Thursday, October 11, other than the Water District update, it was simply routine business. Highway Superintendent Jim Winn said the paperwork is ready to file with New York State for the Town’s CHIPs money re-imbursement, and his department is getting ready for the time snow flies. Zoning Board Chair Nick Adams said he has been approached by AT&T about constructing another cell tower in the Town, but he said when the ZBA approved the construction of the last two, it was clear no further towers would be allowed, until all the available spots on those towers were taken. According to Mr. Adams, there are still plenty of spots open.
Be Safe
Codes Enforcement Officer Alan Yerton wanted it known that it is imperative, with the onset of cold weather, that residents check their heating systems and have them cleaned or repaired as necessary. He also wanted to remind all, it is required to have a working smoke detector on every floor of a structure.
There will not be a Youth Commission Halloween Party at the Fire House this year, as only three children showed up in costume last year. Commission Director Tammy Osterhout advises there are a number of Trunk or Treat sites scheduled throughout the area, and they are a safe alternative to conventional trick or treating.
Other Items
The contract with Monolith Solar to construct a solar generation facility on Town owned land is still pending and in the hands of attorneys for both sides. As usual, the devil is in the details. The Board agreed to once again rent storage space at the Municipal Complex to the Town of Brunswick from November through March for $500 a month. The Board is also looking into the installation of security cameras at the Transfer Station, and set its budget workshop for 6:30 pm on Tuesday, October 23. A public hearing on the budget will take place at 7 pm, prior to the Board’s next regular meeting on Thursday, November 8.
Dog Tales
No Berlin Town Board meeting is complete without a report from Dog Control Officer Doug Goodermote, who never fails to turn a routine report into an interesting tale. DCO Goodermote said he is dealing with the town court concerning one animal on the south side, and that a search for a lost dog ended well. After looking and looking, the family pet was finally located, in the house. Oh, and he still does not chase loose pigs.