Bovina Highway Needs Discussion

BOVINA - During a brief monthly meeting on Feb. 10th, Bovina councilmembers focused on needs outlined by Highway Superintendent Edward Weber.

One major discussion point was the upcoming need to replace the 1990s roller. The machine has had several issues, and while the department has yet to conduct a full assessment, Weber said the issue appears complex because it's an old piece of equipment. Rollers are primarily used during the warmer months to help smooth and flatten road surfaces.

A new roller runs around $200,000, said Weber. Rentals range from $3,900 to $55,000 a month. The town could best utilize the equipment for about four months of the year, he said. Weber will research the costs of a used roller.

Weber announced a potential full-time employee to fill the long-time vacancy. He noted the individual will need to obtain a CDL. Weber asked the board to review Middletown’s requirements to help pay for the schooling needed to obtain a CDL. The board is expected to review the request in March.

In another discussion, Weber requested surplusing a 1990s John Deere tractor and a side arm, some 19-inch tires, and a 1997 Freightliner. The surplus request was tabled after Councilmember Dominic Gullow requested time to consider.

Weber also suggested considering adding a wing to the 2020 salter truck to plow and salt simultaneously, rather than running behind it with a plow truck. “It would save a lot of time,” he noted.

Other Business

The council paid the following monthly bills: $17,740.04 for general, $132.89 for lighting district, $2,731.79 for water district, $7,997.85 for septic, and $30,053.53 for highway department.

The code enforcement officer issued one building permit, conducted six inspections, two c/o searches, held two pre-construction meetings, and renewed one permit in January.

The survey of the town property surrounding the transfer station is complete. The survey was conducted as a research-based opportunity to assess potential options for the property: log, sell, subdivide, or maintain it as is. The roughly 64-acre property is along Bovina Center-South Kortright Road. Gullow will seek quotes on potential logging from Watershed Agricultural Council-approved organizations.

The next town board meeting is scheduled Tuesday, March 10, at 6 p.m.