MENTZ - The town board took steps toward completing repairs on the Haiti Island Bridge and stayed away from the one councilor's personal trouble at its regular meeting this week.
The board authorized Town Supervisor Jack O'Neil to approve work on the Haiti Island Bridge that goes beyond the original estimate of $67,500. The town awarded a contract to Slate Hill Constructors, Warners, to make repairs that will open the bridge to vehicular traffic this month.
Only all terrain vehicles and pedestrians have been allowed to cross since a portion of the bridge plunged into the Seneca River July 28. The board declared a state of emergency for the island of about 60 residents about a week later.
The unanimous Tuesday vote gives O'Neil the flexibility to approve additional work within 20 percent of the contract without calling a special board meeting.
Meanwhile, work on the bridge is under way just off Route 38 north of the Thruway. The bridge is expected to reopen to vehicle traffic by the end of the month.
Beyond that, the Cayuga County Legislature recently agreed to redistribute $1.69 million in federal highway funds for bridge replacement. The town will need to find other sources to come up with the $2 million-plus needed for the project.
“That process is going to be getting started,” O'Neil said.
Construction on the replacement should begin next year.
The board did not take action or speak about the fate of Luigi Anelli Tuesday. The board member is accused of tending to town and personal business while on the clock with the state Canal Corp., where he works as a full-time permit coordinator.
Anelli was on hand for the board meeting, but declined comment on a report released this month by the state Inspector General that recommended the Canal Corp. take disciplinary action against him.
The report stated Anelli shopped, ran errands and stopped at Mentz Town Hall while out in his state vehicle. Investigators also stated he spent too much time on the state phone and computer dealing in personal and town matters.
The town does not appear to have any plans for action against Anelli, who was elected to a four-year term in 2005. It was not discussed Tuesday.
“That's between him and his employer,” said fellow board member Richard Nielens, who did not attend the meeting. “It has nothing to do with the town.”
A spokeswoman for the Canal Corp. said the agency will consider terminating Anelli.
Staff writer Shane Liebler can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or shane.liebler@lee.net
Only all terrain vehicles and pedestrians have been allowed to cross since a portion of the bridge plunged into the Seneca River July 28. The board declared a state of emergency for the island of about 60 residents about a week later.
The unanimous Tuesday vote gives O'Neil the flexibility to approve additional work within 20 percent of the contract without calling a special board meeting.
Meanwhile, work on the bridge is under way just off Route 38 north of the Thruway. The bridge is expected to reopen to vehicle traffic by the end of the month.
Beyond that, the Cayuga County Legislature recently agreed to redistribute $1.69 million in federal highway funds for bridge replacement. The town will need to find other sources to come up with the $2 million-plus needed for the project.
“That process is going to be getting started,” O'Neil said.
Construction on the replacement should begin next year.
The board did not take action or speak about the fate of Luigi Anelli Tuesday. The board member is accused of tending to town and personal business while on the clock with the state Canal Corp., where he works as a full-time permit coordinator.
Anelli was on hand for the board meeting, but declined comment on a report released this month by the state Inspector General that recommended the Canal Corp. take disciplinary action against him.
The report stated Anelli shopped, ran errands and stopped at Mentz Town Hall while out in his state vehicle. Investigators also stated he spent too much time on the state phone and computer dealing in personal and town matters.
The town does not appear to have any plans for action against Anelli, who was elected to a four-year term in 2005. It was not discussed Tuesday.
“That's between him and his employer,” said fellow board member Richard Nielens, who did not attend the meeting. “It has nothing to do with the town.”
A spokeswoman for the Canal Corp. said the agency will consider terminating Anelli.
Staff writer Shane Liebler can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or shane.liebler@lee.net
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