Arkville Well Build Moves Forward - Community Fridge Proposed

MIDDLETOWN - The Middletown Council awarded a $197,000 bid to Hubbell Companies for the new Arkville well.

The council rebid the project, requesting two bids for C900 or ductal iron and excluding fencing to keep the project under budget.

The new well is planned for construction at the Arkville Pavilion. The project will be primarily funded with town ARPA funds.

One Arkville well has had issues with arsenic levels. Supervisor Glen Faulkner said the new well will provide an additional water source in the event of issues. Faulkner further noted that the feasibility study exploring options for connecting Arkville and Halcottsville would be a long-term solution. The project is intended to help improve the water district's resiliency and ensure an alternative source of supply. If the initiative is feasible, Faulkner said the districts may be able to decommission the Arkville well with arsenic concerns.

Community Fridge

Arkville resident Ari Rosentalis proposed installing a community fridge at Middletown Town Hall. A community fridge, Rosentalis said, is a space where people can give what they can and take what they need. The initiative is one that many other communities, especially urban areas, offer, she said, citing fridges in Stamford and Kingston.

All costs are secured, including electricity, Rosentalis assured the board. In addition, Rosentalis and another community member have volunteered to monitor the goods and conduct weekly clean-outs.

While the proposal was for construction of a small building outside town hall, Supervisor Glen Faulkner said after consideration, the vestibule space at the entrance would be suitable. The airlock entryway is equipped with the proper outlets and has electricity, he noted. The board would agree to permit use of the space unless issues arise, Faulkner said.

Rosentalis will present the idea to the team working on the initiative.

Other Business

The six-month moratorium on commercial solar projects was adopted.

Clerk Sarah Hubbell reported tax collection numbers, stating that as of April 6th, 88% of taxes were collected. Roughly 92% of taxes were collected by May 1st last year. The town has until May 30th to finalize the books.

The highway department is permitted to work 10-hour days, four days a week, from May 4th until Oct. 1st.

The council approved requests for highway supply bids. Highway Superintendent John Biruk reported several increases in supplies, including a five-cent increase in heating oil and between two and five cents on other fuels. He noted that the bids are not fixed rates and are high due to higher wholesale rack prices.

The MARK Project’s Beehive housing agreement was extended an additional five years. The initiative provides low-income housing on Church Street to senior and disabled residents.

Sandy Rockwell was appointed an as-needed deputy clerk at a rate of $40 per hour.

The agreement with Cherry Fence Company for mowing, shrub trimming, fertilizing, and mulching at the town hall was renewed for $2,650 for the season. The company will conduct two building power washings for $2,500.

Faulkner will research table options for a new arrangement for town board meetings.

Faulkner will seek guidance from the County on whether the town should seek legislation on AI or Data Centers.

The next council meeting is scheduled as a workshop on Wednesday, May 6, at 6 p.m. The regular board meeting is scheduled Wednesday, May 13, at 6 p.m.