Riga board approves water line extension

Riga board approves water line extension

Members of the Riga Town Board began their September 11 meeting about 40 minutes late so that they could attend a 9/11 memorial service hosted by the Churchville Volunteer Fire Department. Ceremonies were held outside the Fire Hall on East Buffalo Street and included recordings of patriotic music, speeches and prayers by fire department personnel. After a bell ceremony, the Fireman's Prayer was recited and Fire Chief Tom Hetherington raised the flag from half-staff to full-staff. Members of both the Riga Town Board and Churchville Village Board as well as fire department members and residents attended.

After the ceremonies, town board members moved to the town hall for their meeting. Town Supervisor Pamela Moore was unable to attend because of illness, so recently appointed Deputy Supervisor Mark Majewski took her place.

Following the close of a public hearing on the proposed extension of #25 to the Riga Water District No. 1, Council Member Robert Ottley made a motion to accept a resolution on the issue. Members Kenneth Kuter, James Fodge, David Smith and Robert Ottley all voted "aye" without discussion. Deputy Supervisor Majewski cannot vote on resolutions. There was no public comment during the public hearing.

Town Highway Superintendent Thomas Klafehn and Recreation Director Dave Thomas presented reports which included information about ongoing and possible improvements at the South Sanford Recreation Facility.

During the discussion of New Business, Council Member Kenneth Kuter also commented on capital improvements at the South Sanford Recreation Facility. "We would like to construct an overhang off the south side of the lodge to provide shade," he said. "People could then carry their festivities outside onto the patio," Kuter said. He added that he and Highway Superintendent Klafehn have been looking into the project.

Klafehn said the town has architectural specs for the lodge that would be helpful in planning the construction of such an overhang.

Kuter said this is a good time to be looking into the project, "The hope is that we will be able to bring it forward during the budget season."

Council Member Robert Ottley discussed the possibility of putting a public water faucet at the South Sanford Recreation Facility. He said he looked into the issue after a letter from a resident was read at the August Town Board meeting asking if it was possible to have such a faucet located in the town. Ottley asked Highway Superintendent Klafehn to speak to his contacts at the Water Authority about installing a water spigot. "They sell automatic shut-off faucets," Ottley said. "If you've ever been to a state park, that is what you've got." He added that the spigot would be a great convenience for park users. "With kids on the playing fields and if somebody needed water in a hurry, then they could get it easily," he said.

In other South Sanford Recreation Facility news, Klafehn reported that work continues on the new utility field and hydroseeding of the field should begin soon.