Milo considers second access to treatment plant

MILO—At the Milo meeting Monday evening, July 19, Milo Councilman Jim Harris told the town board he had recently met with village Public Works Director Dick Osgood and village public works committee chairman Willie Allison. The meeting was about the possibility of building a road from an area near the wastewater treatment plant to Himrod Road. Franklin Street to Sherman Street is now the only access to the plant.
Harris spoke to the board about the matter during the July 19 meeting of the town board. He said there is a proposal for the village, town and Yates County to work together to build a new road. Milo Supervisor John Socha said he would like to see an estimate of the cost of the project, asking, “If we help, does the town benefit?” The bridge over the railroad tracks on Sherman Street near the village wastewater treatment plant was closed several years ago. Harris said a new bridge would probably cost $3 million. Socha asked that Osgood be invited to the Aug. 16 meeting of the town board to discuss the project.
In other business: Scheduled a public hearing on the town’s proposed Steep Slopes law at 7 p.m. Aug. 16.
• The board approved the Road Preservation Use and Repair Agreement. This agreement has been sent to all municipalities in Yates County for their consideration. The intent of the agreement is to address problems expected if drilling in Marcellus Shale is done within the county.
• The effect of metal wheels on town roads was discussed. Harris said new wheels with rubber belting being used now are probably better than earlier types. Highway Superintendent Phil Strong said he plans to speak to some of the people who do horseshoeing to see if a different type of horseshoe is being used.
 • The possibility of establishing a town e-mail policy committee was discussed. Town Clerk Pat Christensen said one of the biggest issues is that e-mails create a record, becoming part of the town’s records management. Council members Leslie Church and Arne Sorensen will serve on a committee to study the matter.
• The board voted to purchase a new accounting software system from Williamsville-based KVA for $19,975, payable over three years. Christensen said now budget preparation and accounting are on two separate systems. The town’s auditor recommended the system selected. It will require extensive time to set up, but will make management of town finances smoother. The system will be ready by Jan. 1, 2011.
The next meeting of the Milo Town board will be at 7 p.m. Aug. 16 in the town office on Main Street in Penn Yan.