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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB 2024-10-15TB 10-15-24 TOWN OF DRYDEN TOWN BOARD MEETING October 15, 2024 Zoom Hybrid Present: Supervisor Jason Leifer, Cl Daniel Lamb, Cl Spring Buck Cl Leonardo Vargas-Mendez, Cl Christina Dravis Elected Officials: Bambi L. Avery, Town Clerk Rick Young, Highway/DPW Superintendent Other Town Staff: Ray Burger, Planning Director Cassie Byrnes, Secretary to Supervisor Amanda Anderson, Bookkeeper Supv Leifer opened the meeting at 4:00 p.m. Dryden Ambulance – Kevin Westcott presented the budget request for Dryden Ambulance, Inc. and explained that it is built off anticipated revenues and results in a 4.5% overall increase. Planning Department – Ray Burger, Director of Planning, reviewed the budget request for his department. He noted that salary increases are five to six percent and there is an increase in legal fees for enforcement purposes. Neptune Hose – Mark Bell and Dan Tier reviewed a budget request that results in a 4.7% increase. Most of their NYClass interest income is going to reserves for trucks. They noted an increase in maintenance expenses and utilities for the building, the need for a tool for forcible entry and training (to be shared with other departments), and it looks like they will need bailout kits for interior fighters with the four-story buildings at the TC3 dorms. They are getting quotes for battery operated vent fans and plan to use more battery-operated tools with the charging stations on the trucks. Insurance premiums are expected to increase by seven to ten percent. One of the engines has needed a lot of repairs and maintenance this year, and those services cost more. They expect to need more funds for repairs and maintenance this year. Training, headsets, traffic control signs, new reflective vests, a server upgrade, professional fees, bookkeeper wages, and replacement of items in the fire house including air conditioners were reviewed. M Bell noted that administrative help and grant writing assistance would be helpful. The expense of them doing business has increased and the proposed changes coming from OSHA could increase that further. Etna Fire Department – Linda Fenner reviewed the budget request for Etna. They have a few increases and need to replace the furnace in the dining hall and fix the floor in that area where the concrete is heaving. The building services line has gone down with members doing more. They have provided for an increase in insurance. They now have a line item for books and tuition for trainings. They continue adding to the reserve account for equipment replacement. Overall, the budget request is $7500 over l ast year. They intend to have a bunker program next year and have talked with the bank about a mortgage to build a bunker. They anticipate a building on site having six rooms with a common room, kitchen area, and two bathrooms. They expect it will increase their yearly budget by $58,000 per year . Total cost for the building and septic system upgrade is expected TB 10-15-24 to be about $450,000. They are talking with the bank about a ten- or fifteen-year mortgage. They have had discussions with Varna about how they run their bunker program and expect will be able to pick up some of the students that Varna has to turn away, as well as offer the opportunity to local residents. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:26 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Bambi L. Avery Town Clerk