After deciding to sponsor a city-wide sidewalk replacement program at last month’s meeting, the Little Falls Board of Public Works has made the decision to hold off on the program due to lack of interest from area contractors.
“We advertised the program twice and did not receive any proposals from contractors,” said Mary Ellen Kirsch, clerk of the Board of Public Works, at Monday night’s meeting. “A few residents came forward and said they would be interested in participating in the program were it to be offered, but we did not receive any interest from contractors. Nothing came into to our office.”
The deadline for contractors to submit proposals was June 12.
“Since we did not receive any interest it would be in our best interest to hold off on the program for now,” said Board of Public Works Commissioner Rodney St. Louis. “We should also hold off on advertising the program again.”
The board voted to offer the program to residents last month, contingent upon receipt of proposals determined to be acceptable to and in the best interest of the city and its residents.
The last sidewalk replacement program sponsored by the Board of Public Works took place in the summer of 2000.
After that a similar program was conducted by the city’s Codes Department, however, that program was ultimately discontinued.
In other business:
•Prior to the start of the board meeting, wastewater treatment plant operator Sam Ostasz led the commissioners on a tour of the facility.
“On behalf of the board I want to thank Sam for leading us on a tour and for informing us on how the employees who work at this plant are saving the city thousands of dollars by doing their own welding and making their own parts,” said Mayor Robert Peters. “Their hard work is appreciated and they are to be commended for their efforts in helping the city to save money when possible.”
•The board approved a second addendum for its solid waste and recyclable collection and hauling contract.
Bids on the contract, which calls for residents to use clear plastic bags when they put their garbage curbside for collection and includes changes in who will have their garbage collected under the program, are due to the Board of Public Works by June 30. The changes in collection include collecting garbage only from dwellings with less than four residences and not picking up garbage from tax exempt properties.
“Residences with four or more apartments are commercial entities, and should have to pay a hauler to have their garbage taken away,” said Peters. “The collection program is also intended for city taxpayers only, because it’s the taxpayers who are paying for the service.”
The commissioners have the right to reject any and all proposals deemed not to be in the city’s best interest.
Little Falls, N.Y. —
