Where To Put All That Dirt
by Alex Brooks
By Doug La Rocque
That was one of the issues before the Berlin Town Board at its meeting on Thursday, June 13.
Town Supervisor Rob Jaeger said he heard unofficially that the Berlin Central School District had to move 52,000 square yards of dirt, the result of the excavations underway for the new athletic fields. He also reported that he heard, unofficially, the school district planned to truck it to the Berlin Municipal complex. Mr. Jaeger told the Board members he placed a call to BCS Superintendent Dr. Stephen Young inquiring about such plans, as according to the Supervisor, the Town had never been contacted about the move. Mr. Jaeger said he later received an email from Dr. Young, indicating the total amount of dirt involved was not as high as 52,000 square yards, and asking if something could be worked out.
A Possible Solution to the Problem
Supervisor Jaeger said the Town offered its land along Airport Road, where a possible soccer field was to have been located, under a condition. That condition was that the school district must first remove the topsoil, evenly spread out whatever the amount of dirt that is to be trucked in, replace the topsoil and reseed. The Board agreed to invite Dr. Young to its workshop meeting on June 27. According to Supervisor Jaeger, the Superintendent has accepted the offer.
Emergency Truck Replacement
The Highway Department’s 1996 International dump truck has, according to Highway Superintendent Jim Winn, finally rolled over and kicked all 10 tires in the air. As the Department critically needs all equipment for road maintenance, Supervisor Jaeger declared the loss of the vehicle to be an emergency, allowing the Department to purchase a 2003 Mack truck from Village Truck Sales in Cheshire, MA. for $40,000. Mr. Winn also told the Board a slight break in the rainy weather is allowing his crew to catch up on its springtime roadwork.
The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) permits for the replacement of the Mattison Hollow Bridge are finally in hand, allowing work to begin later this year. The bridge is being replaced with an arch culvert.
Other Points of Interest.
Cedarwood Engineering, the firm hired to construct a water tower for Water District 2, is also planning to be in attendance at the Workshop meeting. Supervisor Jaeger said they have found a way to trim the cost of the project a little, and will outline the changes at that time.
Dog Control Officer Doug Goodermote said he has recently had an issue on the south side of the Town, but the matter is being worked out. The Board also agreed to renew the Town’s kennel contract.
The Supervisor also announced he, along with any member of the Town Board who wishes to attend, has a meeting in the near future with DEC to discuss the proposed leachate containment plans for the former landfill shared by the towns of Berlin and Petersburgh. Petersburgh officials will also be present, along with Kevin Young, the environmental attorney representing both towns.
Town Clerk Anne Maxon reported May’s share of local, county and state revenues totaled $7,895.50, with non-local monies collected at $1,089.40