Town of Callicoon treatment plant to be replaced

Story by Dan Hust
JEFFERSONVILLE — August 30, 2013 — A contractor’s delay could turn out to be a blessing in disguise for the Town of Callicoon.
According to Supervisor Tom Bose, the town had hired a contractor to perform some work on the building that houses the treatment plant for the Youngsville Water District, but the contractor hadn’t yet gotten to do the work when the town realized the building was in much worse shape than previously thought.
The town board is now looking to replace the building entirely, citing an emergency situation to forego the traditional sealed bidding process and instead procure proposals from local contractors for both the concrete work and construction.
“This is something we’ll have to move on as quickly as possible,” Bose said during Monday night’s town board meeting, noting that 125 users depend on the district to supply the water for their homes.
“Small as it is, it’s pretty important,” he added.
The board is expected to call a special meeting before their Sept. 9 regular session to approve one proposal so construction can begin before winter sets in.
Bose said the original contractor’s delay will actually save the town from wasting money on repairs to a building that will simply have to be replaced.
In other news:
The board set a public hearing for 7:15 on Sept. 9 on proposed guidelines for use of the town park in Callicoon Center. Kitchen equipment for the park has been purchased and delivered but is not yet hooked up.
The board approved the dates of Sept. 14–16 for the town clean-up. The town is co-sponsoring a shred day on the 14th, along with Jeff Bank, for town residents.