FORESTVILLE - While disarray plagues the Village of Forestville due to problems with prior bookkeeping, operating without a clerk, and a public works supervisor who doesn't file reports or come to meetings, progress is being made in some areas.
Mayor Charles Brewster said at the regular meeting on Tuesday some new water lines have been installed, and the work was continuing. He said, "We're making pretty good progress and what we've put in has been pressurized and sanitized," despite a leak on Third Street. Brewster told residents that as lines are installed, they may experience reduced pressure or temporarily cloudy water.
In his report, Fire Chief Bruce Hagmier said the fire department needs to purchase new narrow band radios by January of 2013 to be in compliance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) laws. At that time, all public safety departments must cease using radios which operate with 25 kiloHertz efficiency, and switch to a band that is narrower, under 12.5 kiloHertz, so that more bandwidth becomes available to more users. Any fire, police or other emergency response teams who are not in compliance by January, 2012 may face FCC enforcement action, which could include monetary penalties or loss of broadcast license.
Hagmier also reported a need for three sets of turnout gear which will expire at the end of the year and a 30-foot extension ladder. Brewster said he did not know how much was in the budget for any of the items but told Hagmier, "We'll make it work."
The board also noted the fire contracts for the Town of Arkwright and the Town of Hanover were set to expire, and a two-person committee to review the fire contract needed to be nominated from the board. Brewster said he has done it before and would be willing to do it again if no one else wanted to participate. The board decided Brewster and Trustee Kimberly Stott would form the committee.
Trustee Carol Woodward reported the youth recreation program is running smoothly. "Everything is going well. We have 50-60 kids and the lunch program is being totally utilized, and all of the helpers are doing what they're supposed to be doing," she said.
Woodward also reported on the progress of plans for Fall Fest. A scarecrow contest is planned for the island in the center of the village and in front of some buildings if more room is needed. Brewster asked Woodward if she anticipated any issues with clean up after the event. Woodward said she did not expect any problems since there were plenty of volunteers and no problems last year.
The festival is scheduled for the weekend of Oct. 6 and 7.
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