North Adams OKs $2.2M for Hurricane Reconstruction
.jpg) Crest Street has been closed since the August storm. It's estimated to cost $1.2 million to fix the steep roadway.  |
The coucil also approved a retroactive emergency declaration to ensure funding.
The city is responsible for some $540,000, or 25 percent, while federal and state agencies are carrying the balance. However, state Rep. Gailanne Cariddi, D-North Adams, is working with the Berkshire delegation to get the state to kick in the entire amount.
The storm blew into Berkshire County on Aug. 28, severely damaging road, bridges and riverbanks around the area. The Mohawk Trail is set to open on Thursday after nearly three months of round-the-clock work along a six-mile stretch from Florida to Charlemont.
Some of the work is being done by the city, including Reservoir Road, while others have gone out or are being prepared for bidding. The restoration of the riverbank near Avon Street will cost an extra $100,000 because of the water main break over the weekend; of that, $75,000 is being picked up the the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The scope of the work is detailed below.
The borrowing passed swiftly, as did other items on what had seemed a busy meeting. The council:
► Approved extending Public Safety Commissioner E. John Morocco's part-time employment until on or before June 30.
► Passed to second reading and referred to the Finance Committee a 2 percent wage hike for nonunion employees effective Jan. 1. The cost is approximately $24,000 and would come out of the unclassified reserve account. It would affect some 60 employees, including at the library, City Hall and the Spitzer Center, but not the mayor or the councilors. The Finance Committee will meet Monday, Dec. 19, at 4:30.
► Alcombright said nonunion workers had not received a raise in at least three cycles but have seen their insurance premiums rise 6-7 percent with another hike expected this year. Budget hawk Robert Cardimino said he understood the need for raises — "these people work hard" — but questioned the city's ability to balance needs. "You're trying to build reserves and you're handing out raises."
► Approved an addendum to include Clarksburg and Florida into the veterans district, pending approval by their boards. The towns are responsible for expenses incurred by their veterans and reimburse the city for serviced rendered by the veterans agent.
► Approved a sign for 61 Main St. that will extend over the sidewalk with Councilors David Bond (who works for building owner Scarafoni Associates) and Keith Bona (who owns a store at 61 Main St.) abstaining.
► The City Council agenda can be found here.
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Tags: Irene, roadwork,
