New Officer In Charge Announced
New Officer In Charge Announced
New Assistant Deputy, Road Projects and More Topics at the Monthly Town Board Meeting
The Town Board gathered on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, to discuss the evenings current agenda. As the summer is in full swing, Town Board members and Town Supervisor Matt McAndrew had plenty to review and projects to approve.
Brief discussions were made concerning Financial Reports and Audits of Claims, which all aligned with the needs of the Town. Approved by the Board without issue, they moved on with the reminder to fellow Members that on June 22, 2024, the Water Project Informational Meeting will be held with further information will follow. The written Department Reports were also presented at this time for the Clerk, Police, Town Planner, Justice, and Building Inspector, all of which were accepted without objections.
Within these reports, announcements were made as needed to the Town Board. Concerning the Police Department, there will now be additional funding for NYS STOP DWI. The mission of NYS STOP DWI is to “reduce the number of persons killed or injured in alcohol and other drug-related traffic crashes, to promote DWI prevention as a public priority, [and] coordinate local efforts in Law Enforcement, Prosecution, Probation, Rehabilitation, Public Information, Education, and Administration.” The funding that becomes available does not come from taxpayers’ dollars but is a cause we can all agree is worthy of our community’s support while adding to its safety.
Continuing from the Police Department’s report, Supervisor McAndrew announced beginning July 1, 2024, Jim Bouchard becomes the Officer in Charge with Don Auge as Deputy in a mutual agreement by the Town Board and all other necessary parties.
The Highway Department updated the Board Members on the Holiday Valley Road projects in place and that the drainage and grinding of the road has been completed. Springs Road has also been black topped as well as the shoulders, and Horn Hill has been oiled and chipped. Talks are in the works on the possibility of a weight limit to be made for Jackman Hill Road, with options to be reviewed with the Town Attorney after damage had been caused from heavy equipment hauls.
Town Planner, Greg Keyser, informed the Board on some of the changes to be made regarding projects that are currently in place throughout the town. The most noticeable of these changes were discussed and approved starting with the Water System Improvement. It was brought to the attention of the appropriate project managers that several dying trees needed removal. If not addressed, the trees could potentially damage newly constructed facilities at the tank site. Another water-related issue that was approved was that of the HoliMont Drive Water Main. Caught while the project is still ongoing, it was determined that a ductile iron pipe has been corroding on the exterior for what appears to be some time now. Matt Zarbo, Square Engineering DPC, had reported that in his opinion the Town of Ellicottville could expect the mains to continue to break if no action is taken. The suggestion is to replace the mains with HDPE (high-density polyethylene) piping that is not susceptible to corrosion. It was agreed by the Town Board to move forward with the suggested replacements.
After most topics throughout the Departments were addressed, the Town Board moved along to New Business. The Rural Outreach Center Community Development Hub has informed the Board that they are working to build a collaborative transportation system for Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, and Wyoming counties, which would also have access to and from Buffalo. In this stage they are asking the Town of Ellicottville for their support in the form of a letter to back their efforts as they seek funding through available grants. It was agreed that Town Supervisor Matt McAndrew will sign his support on behalf of the Board for the ROC’s mission.
Finally wrapping up in New Business, discussions were around the rezoning of North Park Innovations. While previously discussed by the Board, it is now being finalized that the County Planning Board has approved the rezoning of the existing business. The 10.9-acre parcel will shift from High Density Residential District (HD) to General Commercial (GC) zoning to allow for the coming expansion. The construction of a 10,800 sqft addition will be under a special permit allowing for modifications and has been noted that it will not have a significant adverse impact on the environment.
With all discussions coming to an end, Supervisor Matt McAndrew called the Town of Ellicottville Board Meeting to adjourn. The Board will reconvene on the third Wednesday of July to address new and old happenings of the town.