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Herkimer, N.Y. —
Water and Sewer Superintendent Scott Blais was asked to look into sewage back-up problems at the Herkimer police and fire stations.
Fire Chief John Spanfelner and Police Chief Joseph Malone said there had been problems in their departments.
Blais explained when the new firehouse was built, the pipes for the sewage line were tied into the ones from the municipal building.
Malone said the problems affect an area in the cellar of the municipal building where his department stores equipment.
There is no cellar under the fire station, however, and the back-ups are a problem for the firefighters who work in the station around the clock.
Blais said the floor of the fire station would have to be dug up to correct the problem.
“Could you cap it and then run separate lines,” asked Trustee Harold Stoffolano.
Blais said he would look into the matter.
When contacted by telephone Tuesday, Blais said he had looked at the problem, but was still working on a solution.
When a bill from Ward Associates for engineering services was discussed, Blais told the board a pump that the contractor installed as part of an upgrade at the wastewater treatment facility is not working properly. He said the contractor installed the pump specified by engineers, but the pump is not the proper one for the setup.
Attorney Nick Macri advised the board to authorize payment of $1,157.50 to Ward Associates for the portion of the bill dealing with the grit removal system, but to table the bill for $440 dealing with the pump. The board agreed. Blais said Tuesday the pump was part of the upgrade at the wastewater treatment facility, but was a separate project from the grit collector.
In other business, the village board:
• Authorized Malone to contact the Civil Service Employees Association to set up a captain’s and chief’s examination. He said the present captain may retire within the next two years. The current list has expired and a new list could be used for two years.
• Granted Spanfelner’s request to send Brian Reile to Montour Falls to receive training to serve as the municipal training officer.
• Tabled quotes on new police cars until the next meeting. Malone said he has quotes on two Chevrolet vehicles, but is waiting for a quote on the electrical work necessary. He said the equipment from the current vehicles could be transferred into the Chevrolets.
• Authorized Village Clerk Amanda Viscomi to attend the New York Council of Mayors Winter Legislative meeting. Trustee Katherine Nichols, who conducted the meeting in the absence of Mayor Mark Ainsworth, said the topics to be discussed include the tax cap, vacant properties and strategies for downtown revitalization, among others and Viscomi may bring back some valuable information. Trustees Anthony Brindisi and Stoffolano said they also may be interested in attending and asked for details.
• Discussed concerns about payments from Herkimer County Community College for nuisance fire calls. “We need an agreement,” said Nichols. Stoffolano said he would contact the college and Macri said he would call the attorney for the college. Macri said the village should have an agreement with the Herkimer Area Resource Center as well.
• Discussed plans to ensure village employees and trustees receive the training in workplace violence and sexual harassment required by the New York Municipal Insurance Reciprocal.
• Set a public hearing regarding the tax levy limit for Jan. 22 at 7:05 p.m.
Water and Sewer Superintendent Scott Blais was asked to look into sewage back-up problems at the Herkimer police and fire stations.
Fire Chief John Spanfelner and Police Chief Joseph Malone said there had been problems in their departments.
Blais explained when the new firehouse was built, the pipes for the sewage line were tied into the ones from the municipal building.
Malone said the problems affect an area in the cellar of the municipal building where his department stores equipment.
There is no cellar under the fire station, however, and the back-ups are a problem for the firefighters who work in the station around the clock.
Blais said the floor of the fire station would have to be dug up to correct the problem.
“Could you cap it and then run separate lines,” asked Trustee Harold Stoffolano.
Blais said he would look into the matter.
When contacted by telephone Tuesday, Blais said he had looked at the problem, but was still working on a solution.
When a bill from Ward Associates for engineering services was discussed, Blais told the board a pump that the contractor installed as part of an upgrade at the wastewater treatment facility is not working properly. He said the contractor installed the pump specified by engineers, but the pump is not the proper one for the setup.
Attorney Nick Macri advised the board to authorize payment of $1,157.50 to Ward Associates for the portion of the bill dealing with the grit removal system, but to table the bill for $440 dealing with the pump. The board agreed. Blais said Tuesday the pump was part of the upgrade at the wastewater treatment facility, but was a separate project from the grit collector.
In other business, the village board:
• Authorized Malone to contact the Civil Service Employees Association to set up a captain’s and chief’s examination. He said the present captain may retire within the next two years. The current list has expired and a new list could be used for two years.
• Granted Spanfelner’s request to send Brian Reile to Montour Falls to receive training to serve as the municipal training officer.
• Tabled quotes on new police cars until the next meeting. Malone said he has quotes on two Chevrolet vehicles, but is waiting for a quote on the electrical work necessary. He said the equipment from the current vehicles could be transferred into the Chevrolets.
• Authorized Village Clerk Amanda Viscomi to attend the New York Council of Mayors Winter Legislative meeting. Trustee Katherine Nichols, who conducted the meeting in the absence of Mayor Mark Ainsworth, said the topics to be discussed include the tax cap, vacant properties and strategies for downtown revitalization, among others and Viscomi may bring back some valuable information. Trustees Anthony Brindisi and Stoffolano said they also may be interested in attending and asked for details.
• Discussed concerns about payments from Herkimer County Community College for nuisance fire calls. “We need an agreement,” said Nichols. Stoffolano said he would contact the college and Macri said he would call the attorney for the college. Macri said the village should have an agreement with the Herkimer Area Resource Center as well.
• Discussed plans to ensure village employees and trustees receive the training in workplace violence and sexual harassment required by the New York Municipal Insurance Reciprocal.
• Set a public hearing regarding the tax levy limit for Jan. 22 at 7:05 p.m.
