TOWN OF FORESTPORT
PUBLIC HEARING: SEWER DISTRICT #1
FORESTPORT TOWN HALL
10275 State Rte. 28, Forestport, N.Y. 13338
November 16, 2022

PRESENT: Supervisor Entwistle
Councilwoman Kardash
Councilwoman Abrial
Councilman Scouten
Councilwoman Verschneider
ABSENT: No members of the Town Board were absent.

RECORDING SECRETARY: Tracy Terry, Town Clerk

CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 6:16 pm by Supervisor Entwistle
LEGAL NOTICE:
Notice is hereby given that the Town Board of the Town of Forestport will be holding a Public Hearing for Sewer District #1 at 6:15 P.M. on November 16, 2022, at the Forestport Town Hall, 10275 Route 28, Forestport, NY 13338.
The Public Hearing is being held regarding the increase and improvement of the Forestport Sewer District facilities pursuant to New York State Department of Conservation regulations.

PUBLIC COMMMENTS:
• Supervisor Entwistle started the meeting off by stating three years ago, the Town received a notice the DEC is regulating all municipalities to chlorinate their sewage affluent before it’s discharged into a body of water. This will take place this coming year. The Town received a $20,000 grant in 2019 to do the engineering study and $1.1 million toward the construction in 2021. At that time, the estimated cost was $1.4-$1.5 million- of which the Town would be responsible for $350,000. When the Public Hearing was held, the estimated rate increase was $12-$15 a month. The Town received a notice from the Engineer since the construction cost estimate was done a year and a half ago, construction costs have increased to $1.7-$1.8 million costing the Town $700,000-$750,000. Jen, the Grant writer has been able to get the cost down to $550,000. The purpose of the Hearing is to give an update and be transparent. The project is mandated by the State. We need to borrow $150,000 for 2023 for a portion of the construction, which will be borrowed from the General Fund so that there’s no interest. For 2023, the sewer rent increase is going to be $20/month. At the $20 increase it will take approximately four years to pay it back.
• Jeannie Wolcott, from the gallery asked if the $20 a month is only for the $150,000 but not the whole cost of the project. Supervisor Entwistle answered he wasn’t sure how this was going to play out in terms of construction costs over the next few years. The Board hopes in 2023, they can get another grant because it is a financial hardship to the sewer customers. At the end of 2023, they hope to reduce the bill by $2-$3.
• John Broadbent, from the gallery stated it’s an additional $80/month for him because of his four properties. He asked how long they are going to have to pay the $20/month. Discussion took place regarding the debt from 2002-2003. The current water and sewer debt will be paid off in 2033.
• The Consolidated funding application comes out in January 2023, and the Town is optimistic that we can get more grant funding to help offset the cost, due to the fact it’s a financial hardship on the sewer district customers.
• Mary Beth Reising asked about reaching out to politicians. Supervisor Entwistle stated he has reached out to Senator Griffo and NYS Assemblyman, Blankenbush and they are looking into it. The contact information for them is located on the Town of Forestport website.
• The increase will take effect in January 2023.
ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Kardash and seconded by Councilman Scouten to adjourn the meeting.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 6:37 pm by Supervisor Entwistle.
Respectfully submitted,

Tracy M. Terry
Forestport Town Clerk