SEPTEMBER--FROM THE SUPERVISOR'S DESK

REMINDER: On Saturday, September 4, from 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. (recycling day) Prattsburgh will be accepting old computers and associated equipment. For an exact list of equipment to be accepted please contact Fred McAllister at 607-522-3738. On the same day, at the recycling center, Chris Jensen is sponsoring tire amnesty day. He will accept four AUTOMOBILE tires per household. This is open to Prattsburgh residents only.

On Saturday, September 11, the Highlander Bike Tour will be coming through Prattsburgh, and 600 riders will be using our Town Park as their official rest stop. The sponsor will supply the riders with peanut butter sandwiches and drinks and cookies, but I believe that an event like this has the potential to be a revenue source for some of our local businesses, as well as a fund raising opportunity for any local group that would be willing to take on the challenge of selling additional food items. I’m hoping to have some volunteers in the park that day gathering information so that the next time an opportunity like this arises we will be better prepared.

The town has signed an agreement with Signs Plus in Kanona to manufacture the sign for Town Hall. The delivery date is August 31, 2010.

On July 28, Glenn Lambertz agreed to interview the members of the Highway Department for verification of the vote to join the union. However, on August 2, I received a NOTICE OF CONFERENCE letter from PERB (Public Employment Relations Board). The union had requested a conference because they felt we were taking too long recognizing them. After I explained to the judge working for PERB that we had been following the recommendations that the Union provided, she suggested I write her a letter listing the highway employees and she said she would verify the vote. This saved the board from appointing a third party, but I appreciate Glenn’s offer to help.

On August 5, I received a fax from PERB verifying that the majority of the highway employees have voted to have the Teamsters Local 529 represent them. At the August Board Meeting, the Board agreed by resolution to recognize the Teamsters as the bargaining agent.

On August 3, I spent a couple of hours with Les Babcock, trying to understand the challenges that he faces as the cemetery sextant. It is clear that the property and the equipment have been neglected. The vault is in need of extensive repair, many of the grave sites have collapsed and need topsoil, and the maintenance equipment is in poor condition or not designed for the number of hours required. As a Board, we have to make many decisions that affect the cemetery, water department, and the highway. In order to make responsible decisions I believe that each of the Board members should spend some time with Les, Fred, and Chris to understand the challenges that they face.

On August 7, I spoke with Richard Peer, who said that he would once again like to have the job of school crossing guard. The Board approved his appointment at the August meeting.

On August 16, Corning Community College held a small business seminar from 6:30 – 8:00 P.M. at the Town Hall. It was a well attended event. I’d like to thank Carol Joki for arranging it.

I would also like to thank Kim Cunningham, Deborah Wordingham, and the many volunteers that contributed to the success of the Prattsburgh Festival and the 5K run.

Al Wordingham