Important structural roof tiles are missing from the Dexter Lane ball field dugout shelter after the brief but destructive thunderstorm that hit Rochester on July 3. But the town might find it unusually expensive to repair and replace the tiles, according to Facilities Manager Andrew Daniel, who indicated they are less available than usual for these types of projects.
The Rochester Park Commission met briefly on July 24 to discuss progress on its list of maintenance items, and this became the main topic of concern. Commission Chair David Sylvia said Daniel is becoming too busy to assist the Park Department with this type of maintenance because of his other work for the town.
Sylvia said he will now have to find an outside contractor for this work and will have to pay that person’s prevailing wage. It was said this will be more expensive than if Daniel had handled this work. Prevailing wage varies by the type of work required, but Sylvia said he will research those costs right away.
Over the course of approximately 73 hours from July 3 at approximately 4:00 pm through July 6 at 5:00 pm, the Rochester Fire Department responded to nearly 60 calls for service as a result of the storm. At one point, the town had every major road blocked, and nearly two-thirds of the town was without power.
The commission Thursday also revealed that its other big projects will include replacing the Raynor Gifford Park memorial sign that fronts the property. The brick face is falling apart and needs to be totally replaced, Sylvia said. But this project, he assured fellow commission member Kenneth Ross, will likely be handled by the Highway Department.
The commission then adjourned without scheduling its next meeting.
Rochester Park Commission
By Michael J. DeCicco