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RIPLEY -- The Ripley beach stairs will be closed until further notice, Town of Ripley board members learned at their meeting this month.
Councilman Phil Chimera reported that the stairway had been closed and a No Trespassing sign had been put in place due to a number of problems. He went on to explain that the stairs had experienced vandalism and then a tree blew down in a windstorm and fell on the stairs.
“We’re not sure what we are going to do at this point,” Chimera said. “We have to wait until we have everyone together to make a decision.” Chimera chaired the meeting because Town Supervisor, Laura K. Pless, had a death in her family and Deputy Supervisor, Lee Swope, was ill, so both were absent.
In another matter, the town has six sidewalk projects set to begin this summer. Chimera shared the Highway Department report, which detailed each project and how the cost would be distributed.
For the work on 63 N. State St., the cost of $1,895 will be billed to the Water Department due to damage during a water line repair. The sidewalk replacement on 22 Mechanics Street, in the amount of $7,200 will be billed to the Highway Department, as the sidewalk had to be removed for drain tile installation to prevent road damage.
The Fire Department will share the cost with the town’s sidewalk account for a project on 1 Boswell Street. Each will be billed the amount of $2,205. The town sidewalk account will also be billed the amount of $2,500 for work that was made necessary when a tree at the corner of Maple Ave. and Route 30 fell and damaged about 30′ of sidewalk.
Two homeowners, both on Goodrich Street, will share the cost of sidewalk work with the town. The amount of $475 will be billed to one property owner with the town paying the same amount. The other property owner will be billed $2,700 and the town will supply matching funds.
Ripley resident Richard Eimers spoke during the privilege of the floor session, urging council members to develop incentives for people and businesses to come to Ripley. “I don’t think the town takes advantage of the history of this town and the geography of the area,” he said.
Town Clerk Ryleigh Enterline noted that the town will host a rabies clinic on September 17 at the highway garage.