The Town of Webb Board held a monthly meeting on Tuesday, March 11 at the Municipal Building in Old Forge, where Supervisor Ted Riehle offered an update on the effort to repair and improve Route 28.
He said Assemblyman Marc Butler and State Senator Hugh Farley are attempting to focus state attention on the shabby stretch between Old Forge and Eagle Bay.
Riehle also shared written input from a St. Peter’s Hill property owner, who said he and his wife frequently travel that route and are well acquainted with the problem.
The resident suggested that a reduction of the Route 28 speed limit may reduce wear and tear to the road and vehicles, and urged the board to consider it.
More importantly, accidents would be reduced, resulting in fewer serious injuries or fatalities, he wrote.
This would lessen the pressure on the community’s Emergency Respond system, he added.
“The stretch of road…is very busy. There are sharp turns, hills, and limited sight distances from driveways. Even the traveler might enjoy the scenery a bit more at a slower pace,” the resident said.
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Supervisor Riehle noted that the Town Board had budgeted for the replacement of the second navigation dock for the current year. Both the engineering and permitting are in place, according to Riehle. “I’m hoping to have paperwork in place for our Audit of Claims meeting next Monday, so we can hopefully go to bid,” he said.
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Supevisor Riehle spoke to the issue of the railings on the new TOBIE Pedestrian Bridge that crosses the Moose River between Old Forge and Thendara. “There were a number of concerns,” he said. The Towns insurance carrier was approached in response, according to Riehle.
“They dug up a section of the code, and there’s a problem with the railings,” he said.
For the time being, snow fence has been attached along the sides of the bridge, Riehle said.
“I have been in contact with the engineer. They were extremely apologetic, and they said they will make it right,” he said.
Riehle said it is his understanding that the necessary modifications will not put a cost upon the town.
“It was a mistake they made on the design side, but it is being addressed,” he said.
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“We were shocked when we got our last round of National Grid bills,” Supervisor Riehle reported.
Councilman J.B. Herron assured him that residents of the town shared that reaction.
Riehle said he contacted National Grid for an explanation.
The supply is market priced, according to National Grid, who apologized but said there will be no reduction of electricity bills.
“It had to do with the cost of natural gas. Everything is extremely volatile right now, and we’re paying higher electric because of it,” Riehle said.
National Grid is not a supply company, it’s a delivery company, Riehle added.
The fuels involved are traded on the open market and subject to market instabilities and fluctuations in cost, he said.
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The Eagle Bay Public Restroom Building is closed for the time being, the victim of frozen water pipes that resulted from recent temperatures that have plunged well below zero.
Supervisor Ted Riehle said that when the underground pipes thaw, the Town of Webb Department of Public Works will be inspecting them for possible damage and reopening the facility.
Also, the snowmobile trail near the welcome center will have its route made more obvious for the remainder of sled season. Permanent improvements will be considered and implemented if possible before the next snowmobile season, including improvements to the grooming arrangement.