Operations at water filtration plant delayed
By Birgit Bogler WARWICK David Connelly, senior vice president for HDR, the Village of Warwicks engineer, was on hand at Mondays board meeting to discuss the holdup on the last stages of the new microfiltration.
The village wants its 120-hour continuous demonstration of filtration equipment forthwith as the projects completion is one year overdue.
Once again the snag appears to be the federally approved general contractor.
Its a struggle for us as were going into our heavy water season and trying to fix the damage from Irene but still down to one reservoir and thats a critical thing, said Mayor Michael Newhard in a telephone interview.
According to Connelly, Franchise Contractors of Elmsford owes its major equipment supplier $168,000 and that subcontractor will not perform the week-long test until payment is made.
Connelly asked the board for a two-party check in the amount of $125,000 by Friday so that the project does not reach a standstill.
I have a lot of problems paying the contractors bills for him, said trustee George McManus, who also suggested to Connelly that HDR front the money.
Trustee Bill Iurato agreed. Punch list requested
The board also wants HDR to complete its punch list, which includes items such as revisions to operation and maintenance manuals, warranties and documentation for federal funding through the state.
Village attorney Michael Meth asked Connelly to read into the record the 15-item punch list, which also includes landscaping, photographs and signage.
Franchise Contractors requested the two-party check through Connelly rather than coming to the board directly.
In a telephone interview, Meth said a two-party check would interfere with the protections put in place for the benefit of the village and would leave the village with no recourse in the event that Franchise Contractors failed to complete the work or the work failed inspection.
Its very upsetting that they do business like this, Meth said. Were going to do it the right way and not be held over a barrel by a maverick contractor.
Meth also said he believes the board will vote to pay the subcontractor directly but not before the next board meeting.
I wouldnt move ahead without my boards final scrutiny, said the mayor in a telephone interview.
He also advised HDR to reschedule the 120-hour test with the subcontractor.
Give us the keys We need to be careful especially now as this is the exit plan and, at a certain point, everybody walks away, gives us the keys and says good luck and so its important were very careful, said Newhard, who agrees with the village attorney that protecting the village and taxpayers is paramount.
The project receives funding through the American Recover and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) and the mayor has spoken with the states coordinator for the project.
I feel confident between our own legal counsel and counsel from the state that well figure it out and move ahead, said Newhard, who is pleased with the project despite an unresponsive contractor.
Nonetheless, Franchise Contractors lists Warwick Well Filtration Plant as a trusted client on its web site - something that elicited a chortle from the mayor.
Its an ARRA project thats given people work and helped our infrastructure and once its up and running it will be excellent, said the mayor.
In other news: The board authorized payment of bills totaling $318,837.95
The board appointed Michael Otte, pastor of Warwick Reformed Church, chairman of the ethics board
Warwick Police Chief Thomas McGovern reported that he has received complaints about speeding and the department has put out the speed trailer as a friendly reminder to motorists. McGovern also reminded motorists to be vigilant of pedestrians, especially of school kids walking into the village after school
In recognition of April being prevention of animal cruelty month, the mayor issued a proclamation recognizing the good work done by the Warwick Valley Humane Society
The Mens Over 35 Softball League will use Memorial Park for its 2012 season on Mondays through Thursdays starting at 7:30 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays starting at 7 p.m. from April 23 through Aug. 4
Warwick Merchants Guild will hold its annual Springfest in Railroad Green and along Main Street on April 28 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. with a rain date of April 29. Parking spaces along Main Street will be closed.
And planning ahead, the Warwick Merchants Guild will hold its annual Bridal Trail on Sept. 15.
The next regular meeting of the village board is scheduled for Monday, April 2, at 7:30 p.m. in Warwick Village Hall, 77 Main St.