Village approves $482K Main Street bid

    MONTOUR FALLS—The Montour Falls board approved a $482,206.10 bid from Nelson & Streeter Construction Co. to do the Main Street Gateway Project, Thursday, Oct. 18.
    The company will be responsible for the renovation to Main Street and the parking lot behind the stores on the north side of the street. Clerk Suzanne Casselberry said there were some changes to the plans to get the cost down. The board had rebid the project because the proposals came in over budget. Casselberry added the village will use some of the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program money and help from the SCOPED to make the project happen.
    She explained once work begins it must be completed within 40 days, but probably wouldn’t happen later than May 2013.
In other business:
• The board agreed to encourage the Odessa-Montour Central School District to work with Watkins Glen Central School District on anything that will cut costs and expenses.
    • The board set Halloween hours for Oct. 31 as 6 to 8 p.m.
    • John Raplee was recognized by the board for his 35 years of service. He is the wastewater plant and water operator.
    • The board decided not to participate in a Seneca Lake waterfront and canal development plan being worked on by Schuyler County Partnership for Economic Development (SCOPED).
    • A new fund was created in the budget. However, Casselberry said no money was transferred there yet. She explained the fund will be specific projects.
    • Town of Dix Supervisor Harold Russell spoke to the board about hooking the town up to the village water system at a junction on Steuben Street. Casselberry explained the village would need to determine actual use and the amount of water being pumped up the hill. The board has previously discussed the problem there is that some of the private meters need to be tested for actual use, but that requires the person’s or business’ permission.
    The next Montour Falls village board meeting is Thursday, Nov. 15, at 7 p.m. There will be a public hearing at 7:30 p.m. about the rental housing registration law.