As the cliché goes, “It’s hard to believe another year has passed!” I am humbled to be starting my 21st year participating in town government. Like with any position there are successes and challenges. With the help of conscientious colleagues and dedicated employees the Town continues to move in a positive direction delivering the services required along with the fiscally required costs associated with them.
As we move into 2016 we are still dealing with remnants of the 2011 flood. Thankfully most of the projects are in the rearview mirror! I am sure many of our residents are experiencing the benefits of that whether in Hickories Park, road improvements or other projects. Many of the improvements are not noticed every day, but they are helping the town run smoother and become more prepared for the next natural disaster.
Projects left to be dealt with include upgrades to the sewage treatment plant in Apalachin. There is over one million dollars of repairs and upgrades remaining at the plant as we continue to work with FEMA to finalize the funding. The Main Street well project is in the process of being completed and will be an upgrade to the town’s water delivery system.
We have also begun the process of building our Joint Highway Facility with the Village of Owego, which will be located on the current town hall campus. The State is providing three million dollars toward the Town’s cost. The project is anticipated to come in between three-four million dollars. This will remove our highway facilities out of the flood plain and prevent future damage in the event of a flood. Also there will be shared services entered into with the Village. This will include office, equipment, and other every day responsibilities. There will be a cost savings for both the Town and the Village.
The Town will also be reviewing, updating and upgrading the Town Hall. Instead of rebuilding, the Town had a study completed to upgrade the current building, its heating and cooling system and other aspects. The costs of that project could be between $500,000 to $1,000,000 dollars. The extent of the upgrades will be determined by cost and priority. The plans will also depend on the cost of the highway facility. The current town hall opened in 1987. When this project is completed the current building will be 30 years old. The project will extend the building’s life well into the future as well as add savings for future budgets. The good news is, anticipating these projects the Town has set aside most of the funds to finance a majority of these projects. The final costs will be determined as solicited bids are received. The Town will keep the public updated through the Town website, Town Board meetings and the media.
Speaking of the website, I hope you have had a chance to visit our new and enhanced website, townofowego.com. It is more informative and user friendly. There are many links to state and local agencies, all federal, state and local representatives and a snapshot of the town’s history and amenities. If you haven’t had a chance to take a navigate it, I encourage you to do so. Let us know what you think about it as well!
The Town is in the final stages of updating its emergency plan. I expect it to be adopted by the Jan. 19 town board meeting. I hope to have a joint public information meeting with American Red Cross to highlight the changes and discuss natural disasters in general.
The town highway department was busy again in 2015. With the harsh winter comes spring and summer road repair above and beyond normal expectations. This past year, $1,303,178 was spent on paving and maintenance of town roads. Of that, $501,995 was received in state aid (CHIPS funding). I encourage everyone to engage their state representatives and let them know that local governments need funding for local infrastructure – both highway and water and sewer utilities. There has been a lot of talk about funding over the past four years with little result – especially upstate.
Hickories Park saw the opening of the Rebecca Weitsman Memorial Dog Park. Thank you to Adam Weitsman for his generosity. It has already become a destination point for many. The volunteers and the ODOG group have done an exemplary job of organizing, managing, and maintaining the park with little expense to the taxpayer.
Other improvements to the park this year include a new boat launch, new band shell, and new pavement on the main loop of the park. In 2016 more paving is planned as well as a rededication of the band shell. I am also trying to secure a piece of the World Trade Center to create a memorial by the park flagpole in time for the 15th anniversary of 9-11. Revenues are almost back to pre-flood levels. Don’t forget to start making your pavilion reservations early!
When most negative events happen there is almost always a silver lining. (I’m the eternal optimist!) With the flood came an enormous amount of damage. With the help of FEMA funding and a little taxpayer funding the Park has been completely rebuilt and much more able to handle another disaster with a quicker recovery time. We have a lot to be thankful for in the aftermath.
There were permits issued for nine new single-family residences. Commercially one of the biggest stories was the reopening of Wagner Lumber after the devastating fire. The social responsibility shown by Mr. Wagner was second to none. Many other buildings are being built such as Tioga Gardens’ new soil storage barn. The 23 homes purchased by the Town through the FEMA buyout have been finalized. One elevation grant has been completed as well.
Finally, it is with mixed emotions that I wish our Assessor, Andrea Klett, a farewell as she embarks on her new opportunity of Tioga County Clerk. The Town wishes her well and appreciates her dedicated service to the town and its citizens. I welcome Cheri Grenier to fill Andrea’s position. We wish her much success and know that the excellent work ethic Cheri brought to the Town Bookkeeper position will follow her to her new position.
I am looking forward to another busy and successful year for the Town. As always, feel free to contact me (687-0123) with questions, concerns or even some kudos on something the Town did well! I wish you and your family a happy and healthy new year. May God’s blessings follow you throughout.
