FORESTVILLE - Charles Brewster, newly appointed supervisor for streets and water, personally reported to the Forestville Village Board on Tuesday. One of the complaints about the previous supervisor, William Bentzoni, is that he did not attend many board meetings to give his reports. Both board members and some members of the public commented favorably about the work Brewster has been doing and the fact he made his report in person.
The board first discussed whether the water department should have a telephone number separate from the village fax number. At the request of the mayor, Brewster explained he does have a village cell phone, but practice has been that the phone is used for the mayor to contact the streets and water supervisor. The supervisor then uses the phone to call back the resident. Brewster did say that many people do have the cell number from picking up the number on their phones At this point, there was no decision made. One possibility is that the cell number would be available for all residents. Another possibility would be a dedicated land line with the capability of taking messages.
Brewster began his report by thanking the board.
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OBSERVER Photo by Diane R. Chodan
Supervisor of Streets and Water, Charles Brewster, gives his report to the board. Members of the board and the public expressed appreciation for the report and for Brewster’s work.
"I appreciate the opportunity to work with the village," he said.
He first noted that the pickup of loose leaves is done. Those who have leaves left can bag them and the village workers will pick them up.
Concerning the water project, Brewster said, "I have spent a lot of time working with the engineer confirming valve locations and lines." Brewster noted some problems but there was nothing too serious.
"They are still on track to meet the deadline (for finishing the water line)," he said.
The contractor is laying the block for the pump house. Brewster said the contractor seems to be efficient.
Brewster reported that snow removal equipment is ready. The sidewalk plow and big plow truck are ready for use. However, he discovered that the big truck actually has a Cummings engine inside it. One of the components is subject to a recall which means it will not cost the village money. While the plow can be run as is, getting this remedied will make it work better.
He said it will be done as soon as an appointment is available and that Cum-mings understands this is the only plow the village has.
The Welcome to Forestville sign was put back up.
The Town of Hanover has finished one side of the Cedar Street bridge and has to finish the guardrail. The riprap is in.
He has cleaned out the drain on Chestnut Street and believes that the pipe needs to be replaced.
Decorations are up in the village with the exception of one pine tree which needs to be lighted.
The New York State Department of Labor did a safety inspection. There were some minor items needed to be fixed, for example a frayed electrical cord, but there were no major problems and no fines. Brewster explained that the inspector mostly is there to provide information and resources. Fines would only occur if items weren't fixed.
After his report, Brewster asked if he could be excused from the remainder of the meeting. The board agreed.
The board decided not to act until next month on Brewster's employment contract and wages.
Comments on this article may be directed to dchodan@observertoday.com
