Roachdale plans further updates

ROACHDALE -- Residents of Roachdale are already enjoying new sidewalks around town and, according to Utility Superintendent Jason Woodall, more improvements are in the works.

The Roachdale Town Board met Tuesday to discuss a number of issues, but upgrades to the sidewalks in front of the Roachdale Public Library stood out among the rest.

The board, consisting of President Jack Jones, Barbara Scott and Zach Bowers until the end of the year, complimented the sidewalks and discussed other utility issues, including the potential sale of a salt-spreader box with a newly installed motor.

Jones, who was part of a 3-0 vote in October to use the new "Ice Bite" product (beet juice mixed with salt brine) to clear the streets of ice, said he would expect to sell the spreader for no less than $1,000.

Woodall also requested to purchase new metering gauges for the "odorant stations," as many residents have recently had to call for quick repairs to their leaky gas lines. The gauges were unanimously approved with a 3-0 vote.

"I was out (Monday) night until about 10:30 p.m. on gas calls," Woodall said. "I got prices for the board, it's about $400 plus labor."

Lastly, Woodall included in his report that the driveway for the sewage plant is in need of repair. The entrance, estimated to cost $4,700, will be further investigated by Woodall. He will bring at least three quotes from potential contractors to the January meeting.

Putnam County residents, both from Roachdale and beyond, may have noticed the recent addition of Christmas lights to the downtown area. These were also supervised by Woodall and his crew.

In other business:

* Planning Commission member Ken Smith briefed the board on a number of issues, including smoke-test results from the sewage system, manhole evaluations, an update at the wastewater plant, electrical drawings and repairs and surge lines.

Drawings and plans will be provided by Smith at the January board meeting.

* A resident brought to the board concerns over her sewage system, saying that the original installation in the 1970s was set up incorrectly. If found to be true, the board may be responsible for financial restitution dating back to the installation date. The claim was ultimately tabled until the January meeting when the town's attorney and the original plumber can be present.

* Town Marshal Mike Mahoy reported that no major incidents had occurred since the board's November meeting. However, due to a vacancy on the Animal Control Board, the town council approved Mahoy to fill the position.

The next Roachdale Town Council meeting will take place Jan. 12 at 7 p.m., notably an hour later than its usual starting time of 6 p.m.