The Lenox board plans to hold an informational meeting with engineer John Dunkel of Dunn & Sgromo and residents living in four proposed water districts. The four districts include Roberts Street, North Court Street, parts of Route 13 and Carter Road.
“We need to look at the cost per district,” said Supervisor Rocco DiVeronica. DiVeronica said he is hoping for stimulus money to lower everyone’s yearly cost to about $400 or $500. The board also wants to know if combining the four districts would be more cost effective.
Councilman Anthony Palamara said future grants awarded will be increased 30 percent.
Just returning home from a trip to Washington, DiVeronica said he spoke with an aide of Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House, and he asked if money would be available for small rural communities that do not have shovel ready projects. He said he was concerned that the bulk of funds will be awarded to states and counties, leaving nothing for lower income rural communities.
He said Senator Charles Schumer had spoke of expanding the payouts to 365 days, putting money aside for small communities in 2010.
Palamara said it would be in the best interest of the people if the concentration of money distributed was used for projects such as roads, water, sewers and bridges.
DiVeronica provided an update from the National Association of Counties. A resolution was proposed and passed 27-1 awarding federal money to counties as reimbursement for loses incurred as a result of non-collection of taxes from Indian nations. The money would be distributed to schools, villages, towns and cities.
“It’s what we’ve been fighting for 12 years,” DiVeronica said. The resolution is expected to be on the platform in Louisiana in July, he said.
In other news
Recycling bins are available at the town clerk’s office, first come, first served.
Skateboarding lessons at the park were approved as was the three skate late dates: June 25, July 9 and Aug. 13. The skate park opens April 13 at noon.
A $5,000 grant is available for community gardens. DiVeronica said the town would contact those residents who showed interest in a community garden and apply for a grant.
The board will meet again April 13 at 7 p.m.
