NORTH WEBSTER - Infrastructure work is nearing completion and bids for the duplexes will be opened at the September meeting.
The North Webster Town Council announced during its Wednesday meeting that, although the senior citizen housing project got started about two months behind scheduled, it is moving along.
Change orders in the infrastructure work were signed at the meeting, as was approval of a claim from Phend & Brown, which is doing the job. The changes involve an altered erosion control plan and cutting down and replacing top soil - both additional costs - and an allowance for a less expensive pipe to be used for the storm sewer - a deduction. The total addition in cost is about $2,500.
Discussion about changing or adding a retention pond ended with the council choosing to leave it as is. The council was considering a pond that would allow the fire department the ability to sink a dry hydrant. However, since the retention is technically OK as it sets, the town opted not to spend the extra money for that portion of the project.
The council may choose to add to one of the wells in the complex so the fire department could draw water from it if the need arises.
In other business, the council supported the Lions Club's plan to fence in the fairgrounds.
Lions Club president Keith Wilson told the council the organization wants to put up a 5- or 6-foot chainlink fence around the entire perimeter of the fairgrounds as a crowd control effort during fund-raisers and also to help with liability when the fairgrounds are not in use.
The planned fence will go to the ball diamonds, where there will be a 30-foot gate. There will also be a 30-foot gate at the main entrance to the fairgrounds and near the Wogoman property.
The Lions Club was also granted permission to shut down Washington Street for the 1998 Mermaid Festival, which is set for June 18-27.
A fire department spokesman announced that a door-to-door fund-raiser is under way.
Residents should be aware that the solicitation is legitimate and donations of $20 are being sought for an 8x10 portrait sitting.
Money raised will be used to purchase equipment and supplies.
The next North Webster Town Council meeting is at 7 p.m. Sept. 10 in the town hall. The bids for the senior citizen housing project will be opened at 5 p.m. and presented at that meeting.
A budget hearing is set for 7 p.m. Sept. 8, with adoption scheduled for noon Sept. 19.