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Town Board authorizes legal counsel for Water District 17; appoints part‑time highway and code clerk
Summary
The Town of Murray approved a legal services agreement with Underberg & Kessler LLP (not to exceed $23,000) to support a USDA‑funded Water District 17 project and appointed Melanie Gminski as a part‑time Highway and Code Enforcement Clerk at $19/hour (six‑month probation). A planned meter‑equipment purchase was tabled.
The Town of Murray Board on April 20 authorized a legal services agreement with Underberg & Kessler LLP not to exceed $23,000 to provide counsel for the proposed Water District 17 project, which the town said is being funded in part by a USDA grant and loan. Supervisor Gerald Rightmyer was authorized to sign the agreement, fulfilling a USDA Letter of Conditions requirement.
The board approved the contract by roll call after a motion from Councilperson Neil Valentine, seconded by Councilperson Lloyd Christ; the resolution was recorded as adopted. The legal counsel authorization covers services related to creating a new water district and installing water main along West Brockville Road and Hindsburg Road, according to the resolution presented to the board.
In related personnel action, the board appointed Melanie Gminski as a part‑time Highway and Code Enforcement Clerk effective March 30, 2026, at a rate of $19.00 per hour and subject to a six‑month probationary period. The motion to appoint Gminski was moved by Councilperson Lloyd Christ and seconded by Councilperson Elaine Berg and was duly adopted.
The board tabled a separate resolution to purchase water meter reading equipment pending further investigation; no vote was taken on that purchase. Board members said upgrades to Zener water meter readers are ongoing elsewhere in town operations, while the specific equipment purchase was deferred for additional review.
The approvals advance the town's stated plans to create Water District 17 and proceed with related infrastructure work; the next steps include executing the legal agreement and continuing procurement reviews for the meter equipment before returning to the board for a decision.
