Sherman Pushes More Upgrades To Plant
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SHERMAN -- "This is not a wish list," said village of Sherman Mayor Colleen Meeder of the wastewater treatment plant change orders presented to trustees at their meeting on Sept. 13.
Meeder was referring to a change order to contract 1A and a change order for manhole covers, which are necessary for the completion of the wastewater treatment plant project. "We're trying to do $130,000 in change orders," she said. "These are things that are needed, necessary and appropriate." Meeder said the money is already in the WWTP project budget, it merely needs to be reassigned.
Furthermore, she said, "any money we don't spend, is grant money we are giving up."
Meeder told trustees that the change orders involve turning the aeration tank into a holding tank, controls and manholes. She said the exact dollar amount for these changes is not yet available, so a special meeting will be scheduled to approve the resolutions.
Meeder also presented a summary of the water and sewer bills, noting that some residents are having difficulty understanding the rate changes.She explained the structure implemented in 2018, including the incremental rate increases through 2024-25.
Trustees reviewed the numerous forms of communication used to help explain the bills to the public, including the newspaper, the website (including the thorough 2022 village addresses), and regular informational material in the newsletters that has been disseminated over the last five years. "Despite all that, people continue to claim to be uninformed," Meeder said.
Meeder then went over the anatomy of a bill, noting that the bills are bi-monthly, being billed on even months and being due on odd months. "A 10% penalty is applied when late, and because water and sewer use is a municipal resource, these fees cannot be removed," she said.
Meeder went on to explain that the invoice contains two months of two different bills – water and sewer. Each bill contains two charges- the fixed base and the variable usage.
Meeder concluded her presentation by comparing the rates for Sherman with what nearby communities face.
Meeder also updated trustees on several projects that are underway in the village. Regarding the New York Main Street award, the project has begun with almost all businesses participating, she said. "By October, Cole Electric will begin doing wiring and sound," she added.
Meeder also told trustees that during the Complete Streets Workshop with GOBike being scheduled for October, a walk through the Village is planned for business owners, board members and people who regularly walk to the Minerva Library. "The purpose of the walk through is to identify what needs to be done," she said. "We're trying to get golf carts for the senior citizens who will be participating."
Regarding the Mobile and Manufactured Home Replacement Grant, for which Village Clerk Jeanette Ramm has applied, it will be administered by CHRIC with the qualifications being very similar to the Home Rehabilitation criteria.
Meeder reported that the EV stations are energized and will be up and running soon. "We have to go through a training session very soon," she said.
Meeder also told trustees that there were 67 applicants for the Preserve New York Grant and only 19 recipients. Sherman was not selected to receive that grant during this cycle, she said.
Regarding the Edmunds Park project, Meeder reported that everything is "moving along nicely." She noted that the restrooms are under construction, and Conrad Contracting will be working there, as well as on Main Street. She also mentioned that the Sherman Music Festival that was held in Edmunds Park on September 9 was a great success.
Meeder also told the board that, as part of the Chautauqua Rails to Trails, a bridge is needed over Route 430 where the trail crosses the road. The Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth or CCPEG is working with the community, she said. "Jacob Bodway, the Chautauqua County Trails Coordinator, says their next priority is Sherman to Corry, which is great for us."
In a related matter, Meeder said she attended a meeting of the CCPEG where she learned about improvements that are being made along the Chadakoin River. "It is very interesting what they are doing in Jamestown," she said.
Meeder also reported that the village was officially awarded the Community Facilities grant for the Chevy pick-up truck. m"We expressed our appreciation to Congressman Langworthy's office and to the USDA-RD," she said. "There was a press release saying Langworthy Announces USDA Grants for Town of Pomfret, Village of Sherman."
In other business, trustees approved a resolution to remove the water meter and close account #295 for the Reed Barn located on Rt 430, outside of the village, eliminating a water EDU (equivalent dwelling unit).
The board also authorized the clerk-treasurer to draft and distribute the 2024 Fire Contracts with a 2% increase, as directed by the Stanley Hose Company. The Village approved their annual fire contract reflecting the 2% increase over the previous year, totaling $25,357.77 for the 2024 contract; and authorized the mayor to enter into the 2024 agreement between the Village of Sherman and the Stanley Hose Company.
Trustees also approved Amendment 4 to the agreement between the village and Barton & Loguidice to modify the contract to a lump-sum amount total of $835,946.25, adjusting the agreement with the decrease of $79,053.75 from the previous Amendment #3 of $915,000.
Meeder told trustees the businesses (in particular) have been requesting that Route 76 near the intersection of Interstate 86 be lit to attract people during the dark winter months. "People who are unfamiliar to the area are not likely to get off the exit after 4 or 5 p.m., given the downtown is not visible from I-86," she said. "The Energy Initiative Incentive from the WWTP Improvement Project and the ARPA funding affords us this opportunity."
Meeder noted that the Village had received a quote in 2022 of $47,310.14 to install six lights at the intersection of I-86 and Route 76. The recent 2023 quote however, is only for four lights to be installed on the east side of Route 76 and not the two lights on the west side at this time, at a cost of $42,229.