Gilboa Revamps Insurance Clause on Smaller Contracts

By Liz Page

GILBOA  – The town of Gilboa found itself backtracking a bit as the bid award had to be rescinded for lawnmowing services due to insurance requirements. 

Bids for mowing, which includes town properties and cemeteries were awarded last month, however, the stipulation to meet the town's $2 million liability, created a problem for the contractor. It was determined that service contracts less than $20,000 do not have to be bid. So the town reviewed five quotes and the lowest went to A & A Lawnmowing, the same company that received the low bid last month.

Supervisor Alicia Terry said the increased insurance limit was going to create a significant increase in the premium for the contractor. 

Therefore, John Wyckoff received quotes for the work and decided on the lowest quote of $4,625.

The board then amended its policy on service contacts under $20,000. Those contractors must provide proof of $1 million in liability coverage, but will not have to meet the $2 million limit for projects over $20,000.

Five facility use forms were approved for the Gilboa Historical Society which will be hosting school districts over the next two months.

The Gilboa Historical Society press release, regarding the receipt of a grant, was not released, pending completion of all of the paperwork. 

GHS President Gerry Stoner reported on the wonderful exhibits that are being redone at the museum.

Highway Superintendent John Wyckoff reported that work has been completed on the driveway to the new septic system for the Gilboa Museum. He said work was also done to improve drainage. The town has finished paving Starheim Road and Blackberry Street and the town had a successful Tire Day last Saturday, with one dumpster load gathered.

The town is also looking for a new Summer Youth Program director. Sue Morkaut has resigned the post she has held for more than 30 years. Anyone interested may contact Town Clerk Linda Wyckoff.

The town is also looking for anyone interested in serving on the Route 30 Scenic Byway Committee for Schoharie County. The committee will meet once per month in Middleburgh.

Bill Morton has resurrected the Scenic Byway project after it sat dormant for several years. Route 30 runs through Gilboa and the project seeks to link Hancock to Amsterdam along a 160-mile route. The committee would develop a plan and list the points of interest in Schoharie County.

Anyone interested should contact Supervisor Terry or Clerk Linda Wyckoff.

In her report, Supervisor Terry said security measures are now in effect at the county office building and visitors must go through metal detectors.

Terry also reported on a recent talk with Schoharie County Department of Public Works Commissioner Dan Crandell. Crandell told her the geothermal report is done and they are meeting with engineers. They will explore soil nailing and work on the putty hole. They will receive a quote on the soil nailing and will look to get it approved at the county level. County attorney, Mike West, must also finish up all the necessary easements. "It is moving forward," she said. There is concern about the amount of traffic and the danger near Gilboa-Conesville Central School. 

Work is underway to do work at the town hall and highway garage, which will include emergency generators.

Board members moved into an executive session, although they did not give the reason for the session.