Public works update: paving season, project delays and authorization to solicit bid for snow-and-ice abrasives

Scott, identified in the meeting as the public works superintendent, told the Greene County committee on Sept. 8 that crews have been busy during paving season and that the department expects to finish paving by the end of the month or the beginning of the next.

"Our crews are definitely, very busy this summer, especially now with paving season," Scott said.

Scott gave a project-by-project update: the Maplecrest project is in environmental and historical-preservation review; a project identified as "Counter 61 Bridal" is under Federal Highway Administration review after right-of-way delays; planned slide repairs and an associated bridge work were pushed to next year after the county missed the construction window; the Placlow Road bridge remains in design; a locally funded project at Keller is progressing and precast concrete beams were scheduled for setting the week of the meeting; and a Rocky Road bridge scour repair was completed.

Scott said 23 driver-feedback signs for Cairo had been delayed by material issues but that the signs had arrived and most had been installed, with operation expected by the end of the week. A slope-stabilization and scour project in Jefferson Heights received no bids and will be rebid later in the year.

Scott also briefed the committee on Central Hudson's work to replace a lattice tower with a round monolithic tower and said county staff will monitor traffic and foundation drilling for the new tower. He noted that items removed during utility work should be replaced by the utility under the agreement.

On the Main Street project, Scott said engineers are working on drawings and the county plans a public meeting at a local restaurant's backroom; he warned that right-of-way negotiations and FHWA reviews could delay construction into 2027. He said the county is also working with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for a separate housing-related component, an unfamiliar process for the department that is why a HUD-experienced consultant was used.

Scott reported that Hazardous Waste Day had about 280 cars and said contractor MXI and sheriff's staff assisted. He also gave a scheduling note that Hill Street paving was expected the week of the 23rd.

The committee considered an action to authorize soliciting bids for abrasives used in snow-and-ice control. The chair asked for a motion; a legislator identified in the record as Martinez spoke during the motion. The clerk called the question and a voice vote followed. The motion to authorize solicitation of bids was carried by voice vote. No roll-call vote was recorded in the transcript.

"We are monitoring the sheet piling right now," Scott said, describing monitoring of a failing sheet-pile section and saying staff will continue monthly checks. Scott said slides typically become more active in spring when freeze/thaw cycles occur.

The committee closed the meeting after the public works items.