A fire hydrant next to the drive way of 137 Falconer St. poses a problem since drivers have often backed into it. Relocation of the hydrant was discussed at the Carroll Town Council meeting. P-J photo by Eric Zavinski

FREWSBURG — Carroll Town Supervisor Laura Smith indicated it would be the town’s responsibility to relocate any fire hydrants that pose safety hazards for local residents.

At Wednesday’s monthly town meeting, Water Supervisor Dan Sisson brought up a fire hydrant adjacent to the driveway of 137 Falconer St. that continues to be backed into because of its proximity to the driveway. Sisson said that the hydrant has been hit several times, and that if it breaks, costs to repair it would be higher than the price to relocate it before that happens.

A few other hydrants are in the same predicament according to Sisson. Beginning with the 137 Falconer St. hydrant, the Town Council discussed possible ways to pay for the relocation of this hydrant and others. Council members expressed interest in setting a precedent with this hydrant, and if a percentage to pay for the relocation is required, then the same amount would be requested for residents near other hydrants.

“I think that (relocation) should be our responsibility,” Smith said.

Sisson mentioned that the hydrant would be moved away from the residence if it gets relocated. In the past, some hydrants were moved for free, and others were paid to be moved by residents. If it’s not a safety concern that necessitates relocation of hydrants, residents are expected to pay for the relocation.

The owner of 137 Falconer St. requested the hydrant on her property be moved since it’s unseen from a driver’s vantage point, and can be, and has been hit. Town Council members agreed the hydrant is placed too close to the driveway.

Material costs for relocation of the hydrant would be $3,000, not including the price of labor. Sisson said relocating the hydrant would take one or two days.

In other news, new rules for public participation at town meetings were adopted. They include having two periods for relevant public comment, one at the beginning and another at the end of a meeting, and accepting comments that only pertain to legitimate town business. Speakers must observe proper decorum by avoiding making slanderous or off-color comments. Political speech and banners or other signage are not permitted in the meetings.

Smith said the council revised these rules in response to increased public participation at meetings and some cases in which times for public statements have been used inappropriately or led to irrelevant tangents.

The Town Council is also interested in hiring crossing guards for Frewsburg Central School. The school has plans to support the town by putting up two banners with one on the fence near the entrance to town. The sign will say, “Welcome to Frewsburg, where school and community value behavior, excellence, academics, respect and sportsmanship.”

Court Clerk Crystal Gibson was also allowed to apply for a court grant intended to raise funds for improvements to the clerk’s office. Gibson expressed safety concerns since anyone can enter the entirety of the building. A window used to screen those who enter the office could be installed in the future.