08/20/2025
In addition to my regular role and duties as a Brunswick Town Councilman, I have also served, since 2020, as Deputy Town Supervisor. In that role, I act for the Supervisor when he is out of Town or otherwise unavailable, e.g., conducting Town Board Meetings, executing contracts or other documents on behalf of the Town, overseeing Town finances and spending, or what have you. As Deputy Town Supervisor I’m also expected to generally inspect and keep abreast of Town operations so that any problems can be identified and promptly addressed.
Recently, I had occasion to inspect the operations at the Town Beach and Park. This is a busy time of year there because of the swimming, boating and other recreational facilities it provides, as well as the Summer Day Camp Program, which operates there. I noticed that the wooden retaining wall on the Beach, at the foot of the stairway running from the Pavilion to the Beach, had deteriorated somewhat over time. The retaining wall, composed of railroad ties, was showing early signs of decomposition in places, due to its proximity to the water. So, too, the wooden stairway extending from the Pavilion down to the Beach was also showing early signs of age and decomposition. Mind you, the retaining wall and stairway were still safe and functional. But I knew our residents deserved better, and that we could make it happen.
So, I contacted our Highway Superintendent, Mike Bayly, who has a background in the construction trades, including concrete work. Between us, we developed a plan to reconstruct the retaining wall and the steps from the Pavilion to the Beach with concrete, with a new metal handrail for the steps. Best of all, we were able to use our own employees to complete the project, which obviated the usual delays that accompany most public works projects, e.g., preparing detailed bid specifications, competitive bidding, prevailing wage issues, etc. The project was competed in a matter of days, rather than weeks or months. And, as you can see from the attached pictures, it came out beautifully. The only cost to the Town was for the concrete and some other incidental materials. The improvements will last, and make our residents using the Town Beach and Park safer, for many years to come.
As the owner of a local business, Christian’s Garage (formerly Freckleton’s Garage), in Eagle Mills for some fifty (50) years now, I know how to get things done. And I derive a great deal of satisfaction in getting things like this done for our residents. That’s just one of the reasons why I’m running for a fourth consecutive four-year term on the Brunswick Town Board this November!
