From the supervisor: A busy week
By Jim Lanning
Skaneateles Town Supervisor
The Town of Skaneateles had a very productive week.
Several of our projects were advanced forward as we prepare for what we all know is coming (winter.)
The conditions in the lake have improved but we are still finding measurable levels of toxins in our water samples. Our budget process is wrapping up and our water line replacement project is progressing as planned.
If you have been down Old Seneca Turnpike lately you have seen our construction project. The new replacement water line is being installed.
The weather has cooperated and we should be finished soon. The new pipe is an 8 inch HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) composite that is very impressive. The sections are fused together and then dragged into place.
The material is very durable and we predict a lengthy life span. This should eliminate or at least reduce water main breaks in that area. It will also improve water flow and firefighting capacity. New hydrants are being installed where there were none before. The neighbors have been very accommodating of the temporary inconvenience these improvements have caused.
The effects of the algal bloom are still being experienced.
The bloom has dispersed but the toxins continue to be measured. I will be calling a meeting of the supervisors of the five towns that surround Skaneateles Lake. Our attempt will be to begin some sort of intermunicipal agreement to increase our protections of the Lake and the watershed.
It is complicated because the town’s authority ends at the shoreline.
The lake itself is a state owned entity. It is obvious that the Skaneateles Lake Association is a great resource for future advocacy. They are a great organization with many well educated volunteers. They will need your support and resources as we move forward with our efforts to preserve the lake.
The equipment for our boat washing station in Mandana was delivered last week.
The new DEC law that states that all boats launched in New York State must be “Clean, Drained, and Dry” has been in place for almost a year. This is true even if boaters only use one body of water. This station will be used on a voluntary and educational basis at first. Boat launching restrictions are being instituted all across the State. Boaters should get in the habit of propping up their boats and draining all water at home before they launch.
The increased protection of Skaneateles Lake is not going to be easy or cheap. We all need to change our habits and lifestyles.
Lake George is quite a bit ahead of us on organization. They have created the Lake George Park Commission to regulate and protect their lake. They have instituted fees and permit requirements to help them fund their organization. The dialogue is beginning to address how Skaneateles Lake will face the challenges ahead. Please be a part of that dialogue and help to come up with some common sense solutions.
The town board has been working diligently on the 2018 budget for several months now.
Difficult decisions are being made to find the balance between the services that are desired and the need to control property taxes. We are nearly complete with the process and hope to approve a budget soon.
Election Day is November seventh this year. I would like to encourage all residents to educate themselves on the various candidates and make informed decisions. There are four propositions on the back of this year’s ballot. Voters should research these ahead of time and ask questions. Knowing how you plan to vote on these propositions ahead of time will expedite the voting process for everyone.
