The East Otto Town Board held a lengthy discussion on August 11, concerning the roads and their conditions after the destructive flooding and storms that took place on August 2.
East Otto Highway Superintendent Tom Benz told board members that he has three roads closed due to the storm, Meyer Road, Monk Hill Road, and Snake Run Road — which happens to be in the worst shape. Benz said many roads need new Riprap (better known as erosion stone). The area of Hammond Hill and Utley Road will be closed for a few days due to pipes being plugged. The area is coned off.
“I’m working on the most traveled roads, then working back,” explained Benz.
He said the County wants detailed lists and estimated costs, which he thinks could add up to over $1 million plus.
“We are keeping track of times and materials for FEMA,” he said.
Benz also mentioned he has 43 roads and of those, 22 need new shoulders.
“We are looking into shoulder machines that go on the back of our trucks. We are going to need more help to repair these roads, and we don’t have the necessary equipment to repair Snake Run,” said Benz.
The question, “who’s responsible when it comes to repairing driveway sluices,” was asked to which Benz replied, “The property owner buys the first piece of pipe, then it’s the towns responsibility.”
The board talked about hiring operators/ laborers/ part-timers, for clean- up and repairs due to the storm. They noted that the last part-timer was hired at $10 per hour.
Another storm issue was raised by Mike Poch, who mentioned that they need another dehumidifier for the basement and volunteers for Wednesday, Aug. 12, to clean it because some water and silt has come into the basement from this past weekend’s storm.
In other board news:
The cleaning person for the town hall was being paid $120 for three months, but the board approved a motion to use a pay rate of $11 per hour starting July 1, for the interim of 3 months when it will be reviewed again.
• Town clerk Ann Rugg mentioned that Hunting Licenses will go on sale Saturday, Aug. 15, and that these fees have gone up considerably.
The date of the next meeting is September 8.