Murray hopes for late spring-summer construction for new water district
MURRAY – The town expects construction to start in late spring for a new water district. There is one issue that needs to be resolved. Murray is trying to secure an easement from a resident for the project.
Jeff Martin, the town attorney, told the Town Board he is hopeful the issue is resolved soon. If the easement isn’t granted, the town may have to pursue eminent domain, where private property is taken for public use. That can be a drawn-out process.
Water District 3 Extension 1 will serve about 20 homes and 40 parcels. It covers about 3 miles on portions of Hindsburg, West Kendall and Center roads. The extension is off three roads on the western end of Ridge Road in Murray. The project will bring public water to some of the last remaining sections of the town without a waterline.
The federal government is providing $825,000 in assistance for the project through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development’s Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program, with $456,000 in a loan and $369,000 in a grant.
In other action at last week’s Town Board meeting:
• Adopted a new local law where animal control now is under the county. The town used to have its own law for animal control, but the county has pushed for all municipalities to have the same law so there is uniformity in the county, which has two full-time animal control officers.
Residents will still need to get their dog licenses at the Town Hall.
• Discussed putting “No Trespassing” signs on town property, including land behind the Town Hall and the triangle by the Town Hall. Board members said snowmobilers and all-terrain vehicles have been seen on the land.
“There has been a plethora of motorized vehicles,” said Bob Miller, the town supervisor.
Martin, the town attorney, said he will check with Murray’s insurance provider on the language for the signs.
