Delhi: County Contracted For Grant Support - Boukai Opens Up About Potential Investigation

DELHI - Delhi Supervisor Maya Boukai announced the town will contract with Delaware County to help put out the RFP (Request For Proposals) for a major Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) grant opportunity. The county contract will cost roughly $6,000, accounting for about 10% of the work, she reported. The remaining hours worked by county employees will count toward the local matching requirement, which has not yet been calculated.

The town is working to hash out the contract for receipt of an EPF grant for the park and pool expansion project. The multi-year master plan includes several new structures - bath house, pavilion, chemical building, and shed - along with a new pool patio, trees and shrubs, parking areas, and roadways. The grant permits a five-year project timeline.

SUNY Delhi has expressed interest in assigning students to erect the pavilion, chemical room, kiosk, and signage.

Potential Investigation

In another discussion, Councilmember Daniel Gashler asked for clarification on a potential investigation by Delaware County into Supervisor Maya Boukai. “It seems like they are harassing you over sharing what was publicly available information,” he said.

While appreciating the question, Boukai said she didn’t really know what was going on and had not been officially served any legal documents. Instead, Boukai discovered a potential investigation after reviewing recent court documents from the Decker Advertising v. Delaware County case. To her understanding, Boukai said the town received a FOIL request for information regarding the case, which she obtained from the county, and after advice from the town attorney, Boukai released the documents to the requester. Although she has asked county officials which statutes she is being accused of violating, she has yet to receive a reply.

Boukai has since retained a private attorney, at her own expense, to investigate the allocations. Boukai further informed the town insurance agency of the potential issue.

“I have felt for the last year that the relationship with the county has negatively impacted how Delhi is treated,” Boukai said. “I am not asking people to like me,” she concluded, “but if we ask questions, need information, there should be a professional relationship which is not occurring.”

Delaware County Supervisors Chair Tina Molé was unable to comment on the issue that was discussed in executive session.

Other Business

The comprehensive plan committee will hold its second meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 25, at 5:30 p.m. The meeting has virtual attendance available.

The 2002 Freightliner truck sold for $10,600, while the 2009 Ford 550 sold for $3,150.

The board discussed goals to have the concession stand building next to the town pool ready for rent for July and August. Boukai reported that roughly 80% of the building is complete.

The council will continue to explore ways to support the Village's recreation programs, which had a $1,700 budget shortfall last year.

Gashler is developing a fee schedule for fire inspections.

The highway department is expected to purchase a new heating system in spring. Superintendent Daren Evans is obtaining quotes.

The council entered an executive session to discuss pending litigation.

The next regularly scheduled town board meeting is Monday, March 9, at 6 p.m.