by John Isley, Guest Contributor
Town of Forestport Supervisor William Hasenauer has signed a second contract with the Zangrilli Engineering Firm of Whitesboro to design two one-lane bridges on River Road in Forestport.
The contract was signed during the Wednesday, January 16 town board meeting, following review by Syracuse attorney Anthony Hanley.
In October 2012, Hasenauer had signed with Zangrilli Engineering, a contract for designs of a 17-foot wide bridge.
In November, Zangrilli Engineering presented to the town plans for a 15-foot, seven-inch wide bridge.
On December 19, the Forestport Town Board, by a 3 to 2 vote, agreed to accept the smaller bridge.
Supervisor Hasenauer refused to sign the smaller version contract until his attorney was able to answer a number of questions, including the town’s liability of a breach of contract.
Hanley presented the board and those residents in attendance with a prepared statement, stating that Mr. Hasenauer has always—in his 56 years of public service—followed the rule of law.
Mr. Hanley stated that there are no State of New York statutes requiring a one-lane bridge be less that sixteen feet.
That information had been proclaimed by Zangrilli Engineering. A larger bridge would make plowing easier and handle larger commercial vehicles. But, since the board was acceptable to a smaller bridge, he gave Mr. Hasenauer the contract to sign.
Councilpersons Robert Seager, William Karn and Joanne Kwasniewski had obtained the Utica law firm of Murnane Rossi to start Article 78 legal proceedings against Hasenauer.
By the review of the entire situation to date by Hanley, and the signing of the smaller bridge contract, the council members’ action is null and void, Hasenauer said.
If and when Zingrilli Engineering presents completed specifications and drawings, the bridge will then have to be advertised to contractors.
Bonding monies of up to $650,000 must also be obtained and State Department of Transportation approval be given before construction can start, according to Hasenauer.
The voters of Forestport approved the bonding of up to $650,000 on September 18, 2012.
