PORTLAND — At a recent meeting of the Portland Town Board, Supervisor Rich Lewis clarified the potential plans in the future for an emergency landing zone for helicopters flying over the Village of Brocton and the Town of Portland.

“I never have been talking about a dedicated landing zone, FAA certified, no lights. … I’m talking about having a grassy field that they can land in, same as they do up at the school, but if they land over here, they’re not going over a school,” Lewis said. “… This would be another location if they needed it. We’re not talking about putting all kinds of public money into this. It’s mostly just clearing what’s there and having grass.”

The Town of Portland purchased 6.7 acres of land behind the Town Hall building at a tax auction.

“I’ve already told the fire departments if something happens and we’re going to develop that, you’d lose your landing zone. Like I said, it’s a patch of grass they could land on if they had to,” Lewis said.

Also of note in the town, installation of a new roof for the Portland Historical Museum has begun. The back portion of the roof repair has commenced, at a cost of $9,600. The front portion of the roof, which has not yet begun the process of being replaced, is estimated to cost around $7,600.

Lewis said that through American Rescue Plan Act funding, he hopes to address all major projects with the museum.

“We would like to see this get to a point where it’s maintenance only that’s required from this point forward,” Lewis said. “The big projects where the can has been kicked down the road for years and years (we will) get this buttoned up to a spot where it’s just a matter of basic building maintenance every year instead of a big project.”

Also at the recent Town Board meeting, a motion to dedicate up to $80,000 of ARPA funds for a generator passed unanimously, with Town Councilman Gary Miller not in attendance. The figure noted was based off an initial quote the Town Board received.

“It’s more expensive than I was expecting,” Lewis said.

The Town Board will further explore quotes and potential bids for a lower cost.

The Town Board also authorized Highway Superintendent Kenny Becker to spend $5,500 for equipment repair of the road grater.

Lisa Haltiner was also approved to be hired as a Deputy Town Clerk for the Town of Portland Court.