A request from the Director of Human Resources Management to increase the number of part-time clerical staff employed in the Senior Services Department was approved at the Bethlehem Town Board meeting on Wednesday, June 9. The salaries of the employees are budgeted, and the change will not cause any additional spending. The request passed will increase the number of employees available to work the designated number of hours. Senior Services does a great job and there’s a huge need said Councilman Kyle Kotary, `This will provide them will that flexibility without added cost.`
The board also accepted an offer of a donation from town resident Gary Barkman in the amount of $100 for the purpose of funding an Internet broadcast of town board meetings. Town resident John Shiffer offered to match Barkman’s donation. The board is considering broadcasting its meetings over the Internet for public access. `I support this so people can watch the meetings, and get involved with their government,` said resident Bob Baker. Councilman Kotary stated accepting such a donation would be a fiscally responsible decision in an economically conscious time. `There are times when a relatively small expense gets you a value,` said Town Supervisor Sam Messina of the broadcast proposition.
The board also approved a request from Nan Lanahan, Administrator of Bethlehem Parks and Recreation for approval of seasonal employees at Bethlehem Town Park as well as Colonial Acres Golf Course. The positions approved are both part-time and full-time.
Also approved were requests from the Deputy Commissioner of Public Works to continue work updating the Dinmore Road Wastewater Treatment Plant. The plant, which is reaching its flow capacity after 35 years of operation, requires additional work to continue operating. Among requests authorized by the Board were the acceptance of a grant from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to fund a study of the plant, a task order proposal from Malcolm Pirnie, Inc. to evaluate the water supply, as well as a task agreement with Clough Harbor and Associates to complete Phase II of the master planning study of the plant.
A request from the Town Engineer was approved to award a contract to Callanan Industries, Inc for a sidewalk construction project on Orchard Street. The total unit price bid amount of $34,031.03 will cover the placement of the concrete as well as the construction of the sidewalk.
For updates to this story, check back at www.spotlightnews.com and see the June 16 print edition of The Spotlight. The next Town Board meeting will take place on Wednesday, June 23.
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