Village Adopts Budget, Bonds For Building Demolitions

Demolition of the two burned out buildings at 60-64 Main in the village of Stamford consumed a great deal of everyone’s time last week as sidewalk superintendents and others watched. Demolition is not yet complete and will continue until the foundations have been demolished and the area leveled. Large piles of gravel are ready to fill the area once all the hazardous debris has been removed.

STAMFORD – Stamford Village Trustees adopted the 20026-2027 budget on Tuesday, up 5.6 percent from the current budget. They adopted amendments to the village water law and approved a pair of bond resolutions, one to make repairs at the village's wastewater treatment plant and the other for the demolitions that held everyone's attention last week at 60-64 Main St. last week.

The new budget totals $2.3 million with  $971,922 in expected revenue and $196,009 in unexpended balance to leave taxpayers to pay the remaining $649,998.67 as the tax levy, which includes a $20,487 override. 

The amended Water Law will charge users $100 for the water being turned off and $100 when turned back on in an attempt to eliminate those who wait until they receive a shut off notice to pay their bills. Trustees approved the change and if it requires a response after hours or on weekends and holidays, the fee will be $1,000.

Newly seated Trustee Clifford Curley, who is new to the process, asked several questions during the budget hearing. Many involved grant funding and reimbursement for operation of the wastewater treatment plant. Others included questions about what the line items included.

Resident Ben Smith was also present and praised those involved in the budget process. He believes the village needs to work toward more sustainability and work harder to absorb the unexpected costs. The recent demolition is one such case. He asked if the village is adequately planning and if there is a long term plan for sustainability.

Resident Ed Stammel said he moved to the village 60 years ago from Vermont because they were impressed by the recreational facilities the village had at the time. He said he is pleased to see the village will have a pickle ball court and that the existing basketball and tennis courts will be resurfaced. He said Stamford may again have an Open Tennis Tournament. He asked if the restrooms were functional at the former  pool house. He said there was also a key for the lights for the courts that were provided to responsible people. He merely wanted to thank the village for taking care of the courts, he believes the players and the school will be pleased.

Street Superintendent Jesse Calia outlined the improvements last month and an Eagle Scout project will help improve the space as well. Calia began excavating at the village park last week and is smoothing the area where the former village pool was located.  Cole Seeley, who is working to complete his Eagle Scout rank, will  plant six to eight shade trees (maple/oak), plant perennial flowers in planters and extend the existing sidewalk with gravel to the center of the park where there will be picnic tables.

Bond anticipation notes were approved in the amount of $320,000 for the demolitions of 60-64 Main St.. The project became an emergency operation last to eliminate the hazards of the two burned out buildings. A collapse at the 64 Main St. building initiated the emergency demolitions by LCP Group, Inc., out of Vestal,  which specializes in removal of lead and asbestos hazards.  The cost does not include the depos the demolition company was holding or other fees associated with the project yet to be determined, so the final cost is not yet known, according to the mayor. The clean up will continue until the lots are cleared, the foundations are demolished, and the ground is leveled.

The property owner is responsible for all costs associated with removing the buildings, according to Mayor Robert Schneider.

The bond anticipation note for the wastewater treatment was approved for $1.6 million.

Colby Fancher, pool director, provided an update. He said opening day this year will be June 29 at which time the pool will be open from 11-7. When Camp HERE starts, the hours will be 1-7. Lessons will be held from 9-11:30 for Camp HERE and Kiddie Corner at noon. There is a lap swim from 12:30 to 1 and then the pool is open to the public. At 5 p.m. there is a family swim. No one under 18 is allowed to swim unless they have someone 18 and old with them. There are 11 lifeguards returning and one application has been received. He said they may have to hire a new head lifeguard with three graduates leaving. However, he believes he has enough staff.

Trustees also granted an exception to one home located at28 Lake Street to use it's private septic system, due to the hardship of crossing neighbors properties and state Route 10.

Newly appoint Code Enforcement Officer Rich Briscoe, said he opened his tenure with the village with last week's building collapse. He said LCP has been very professional and the demolition is going well. He has also been working with the owners at the corner of River and Main St. where there is a new deli expected to open.

The next meeting of the Stamford Village Board will be May 19.