Superintendent presents highway business to board

NORTH EAST — Highway Superintendent Robert Stevens made his monthly presentation before the Town Board at its December business meeting. He spoke about a number of bids he was prepared to make, pending board approval.

One bid related to three quotes he had for a three-year contract for uniforms and laundry service. Those proposals ranged from $58.50 a week, from Ulster Uniform Service, to $74.95 a week, from TriState Uniforms. The town was most recently in contract with TriState, an agreement Stevens described being “satisfied� with. However, he said when speaking with other municipalities he heard that Ulster Uniform Service was comparable to the other companies and easily endorsed. Additionally, the difference in price sealed the deal, in his mind.

“I don’t see any problems with [the change],� town Supervisor Dave Sherman said, upon which the board voted and approved the choice.

The next decision regarded 2010 fuel bids; there were three choices ranging from $2.310 per gallon to $2.38 per gallon. The more expensive option was from local provider Taylor Oil, which was chosen because of its location.

“Due to the small size of our storage tanks I would prefer to stay with someone who can deliver in a snowstorm or who is located close to our garage,� Stevens said. “The [lowest quote is the] New York state contract, [but that] is in Newburgh, [which is too far to service in really bad weather].�

“I understand Bob’s concerns,� Sherman said, which the other board members agreed with.

The board did select the state contract price for gasoline delivered, however, for the lowest price of $2.257 per gallon. According to Stevens, the town has ample room to store gasoline. The board next approved the county’s quote of $2.272 per gallon for No. 2 fuel oil delivered.

“It’s the lowest price and I think they would be able to supply us with no problem,� Councilman Carl Stahovec said, adding that the county’s bid is under Bottini Fuel in Wappingers. He then moved to accept all bids submitted by the highway superintendent, which the board agreed to (councilmen Dave McGhee and Tim Shaffer were not present during that portion of the meeting).

Stevens then discussed equipment. Specifically, he gave an update on a 1995 International plow truck that needed springs, all of which were replaced. Prior to that they were last replaced a decade ago. Stevens also mentioned a 10-year-old  backhoe, which was outfitted with a new alternator and batteries, which he said were sorely needed.

He next addressed some of the work his crews have been tackling. The town’s Highway Department has been busy, collaborating with the village’s highway crew while working on the proposed parking lot on South Center Street. Grading work is up next, once the engineers let Stevens know how to best proceed.

“I hope that moves along fairly quickly, because winter feels like it’s camping in here,� Sherman said.

As far as how the department’s general operations are going, Stevens said he believes all is well.

“Everything went smoothly with the snowstorm,â€� he told the board, adding the crews were well prepared for the actual weather  the area has seen thus far and even more.

While everyone expressed pleasure at that pronouncement, none were anxious to put it to a test. The next Town Board meeting is set for Thursday, Feb. 11, at 7 p.m. at Town Hall.