Work to Resume on Salt/Sand Shed in Gilboa

GILBOA –  The Gilboa Town Board approved a couple more sections of state roadways to have the speed reduced and were again given some homework to determine where they could make possible land swaps with New York City.

The town is asking for a speed reduction zone along state Route 990V from the top of the hill to the bottom of the hill just after you turn on to 990V from state Route 30. As you travel down the hill near 260 state Rt 990V, it registers 45 MPH if you have GPS in your vehicle. However, the same stretch of highway registers 55 MPH as you travel up the hill. There is a sign on one side saying 45 MPH but not the other way. Gilboa Supervisor Alicia Terry said the state Department of Transportation will sort it all out as board members adopted a resolution requesting a reduced speed zone and additional signage.

They also approved a resolution for speed reduction on state Rt. 30 near 782 state Rt. 30. Last month there was a request for a blind driveway at 186 state Rt. 30.

Karl Mattice was present to vent his frustration with his large farm neighbor. Previous attempts to resolve this neighbor dispute have not worked and Supervisor Terry is now working with Agriculture and Markets in an attempt to resolve some of the issues. Terry said she will continue to work to help resolve the issues.

With the last bit of snow expected to melt off the town's salt/sand shed, remedial installation of the roof is expected to begin. Joanne Crum, town attorney, said there is a resolution between the contractor (AMZ), the engineer (Delaware Engineering)  and the town. The sections of metal roofing that may not line up will be placed toward the back so it will not be as noticeable. The cost of the mistake will not be charged to the town.

The town received three lawn mowing proposals and chose the lowest quote of $6,000 to Windy Ridge Property Maintenance, the same contractor as last year. 

In her report, Linda Wyckoff said another Community Closet is scheduled for March 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Gilboa Town Hall (see separate story).

Councilman Lester Parker said he had taken photos of the Fork in the Road Schoolhouse, located at Lumberyard Road and South Gilboa Road. He recommends that the town sell the building, which has only the property it sits on. There is no room for a septic or a well on the property. "The property is the ground it sits on," said Parker. He said the building is deteriorating and they should sell it before it deteriorates further. A decision will be made at the April meeting.

The town continues to study possible property swaps with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). At the end of Monday's meeting, Supervisor Terry showed maps of the 23-city owned parcels in the town. DEP is offering to swap acreage with the town, if it needs property for growth or for key infrastructure. Gilboa officials are looking to swap property so they have ownership of their front lawn at the Gilboa Town Hall. 

They are also continuing to review the list of Revolutionary War veterans from the town; the town board approved purchase of a paver brick through the DAR for the upcoming 250th anniversary celebration. Two of the names on the list already have bricks. They will continue to study the list, the bricks are $50 for a 4 x 5 inch and $100 for an 8 x 5 inch brick.

In her report, Supervisor Terry, said the town will provide a basket to a fundraising event for an employee of the town.

The next meeting will be held April 8.