By Jay Lawson
The Town of Webb Board met on Tuesday, January 13th for their regular monthly meeting.
Supervisor Ted Riehle read a report from Peg Masters, Town of Webb Historian.
In her report, Masters summarized some of the activities she had been involved with in 2014.
Among them were conferences, seminars, and outreach programs, including speaking events and tour offerings.
The Board appointed Andrew Kalil and John Harrington as part-time Patrol Officers in the Town of Webb for 2015.
The Board resolved to increase the health plan contributions of employees paying seven percent to 10 percent. The increase would take place incrementally, going up one percent over three consecutive years.
The change was scheduled to be implemented on February 2nd.
Members of the Board expressed regret at having to increase the contribution, but said rising costs to the town were forcing it. It’s a problem all municipalities are facing, said Supervisor Riehle.
Councilwoman Mary Brophy Moore suggested that the Board participate in an upcoming remembrance of Adirondack French Louie.
She suggested that the Town of Webb join Herkimer and Hamilton counties and other municipalities in issuing a proclamation for February 27, the 100th anniversary of the Adirondack legend’s death.
The Board also discussed the possibility of improving directional signage for snowmobiles in the village areas of Thendara and Old Forge.
The Town of Webb Snowmobile Trails department is retiring a groomer. Councilman J.B. Herron suggested that they explore the possibility of repurposing the groomer before declaring it surplus.
Herron said Manager Steve Uzdavinis has requested a groomer for the Cross-Country Ski Trails at McCauley Mountain, and that this may serve his purposes.
Councilman Herron said he will explore the condition of the groomer and the needs of Uzdavinis and report back to the Board.
Herron also thanked the DPW crew for the work they did recently in readying Old Forge’s outdoor skating rink.
Councilman Mike Ross said he wanted to explore the feasibility of a new snowmobile trail pass option.
The pass would be a one-day allowance for snowmobilers wanting to continue a ride that may have originated from the Indian Lake direction.
The passes would be made available next snowmobile season, if they were found to be feasible.
Councilman Ross also stated regret at the community’s loss of a store in Eagle Bay and a valued community member with the passing of Dan Hitchcock.
Town Attorney Dick Frye said he drafted an agreement between the Town of Webb and Niccolls Memorial Presbyterian Church.
The agreement would stipulate that the town use the church building for a one-day-a-week activity program for seniors. There would be no fee to the town, but the town would cover the cost of needed insurance.
Frye said he would also prepare waivers that would be signed by senior program participants.