Tri-board discusses shared services

Apr 07, 2009 at 02:41 pm by Observer-Review


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Tri-board discusses shared services

DUNDEE—Just five hours before his term ended as mayor of Dundee, Craig Prior presided over the meeting of a unique group.
Tri-board is a cooperative venture among the Towns of Barrington and Starkey and the Village of Dundee. The three municipalities meet annually or more often if needed to discuss common concerns among the three governments. The first topic at the March 31 meeting in Dundee was shared services, a collaboration that has been encouraged by New York State. Highway maintenance is one of the group’s main considerations. Dundee Village Clerk Chris Sutherland said in an agreement for shared services, highway superintendents must be given permission to enter into an agreement with other municipalities. Starkey Councilman Bill Holgate commented the three municipalities have had an agreement all along, calling the push, “The state getting in our business again,” adding, “Obviously each of the towns and the village should look into doing an agreement now; it’s working.”
Dundee streets Superintendent Andy Howell said, “The issue is mainly snow plowing. It should be in writing.”
Barrington Supervisor Eileen Farnan said she agreed, “So there is no question about who is responsible for the plowing.” Prior’s second item was the fire department. The Dundee Fire Department provides service to Starkey and a portion of Barrington in addition to the entire village. The proposed fire department budget for the coming year shows a zero percent increase from last year. Fire Chief Dan Peterson outlined the number of calls made to each municipality during the past year.
Of the 479 ambulance runs, 89 were to Barrington, 92 to Starkey and five to Reading. There were 163 fire calls that included 36 to Barrington, 50 to Starkey and three to Reading. Within the village there were 200 ambulance calls and 37 fire calls. Peterson also listed the amount it costs for each section of the department which included $11,000 to put an interior person in gear; $1,264 for rope, $865 for ice rescue and $1,221 for swift water rescue. He added, “To suit someone up and keep them trained is quite expensive.”
Barrington Councilman Fred Wright asked for information on expenditures. Wright and Barrington councilman Nate Olney praised the department for their good work. The youth recreation program was also on the agenda. Dundee Trustee Judy Duquette said the program got a bit more money from Yates County this year which allowed the addition of field trips and bowling. After the schedule and transportation was discussed, Duquette said the program is looking for someone to put up the free lunches for participants, adding a grant for this is needed. Farnan said, “The youth program is something we all need. It’s something constructive and keeps the kids busy.” Dundee wastewater treatment plant and additional discussion about fire department followed. The group will meet again in a year unless there is an issue that needs attention sooner. The 2010 meeting will be hosted by Starkey.
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