New Street Lights, Tennis Court Repairs and More
New Street Lights, Tennis Court Repairs and More
Ellicottville Village Board Had a Number of Topics to Discuss During April’s Meeting
Photos / Tennis Courts & Village Park Picnic Pavilion Courtesy of ellicottvilleNOW
The Village Board of Ellicottville gathered on April 16th to discuss a number of topics on the evening’s agenda. A large focus was made for planning and sorting current budget needs, as well as some updates throughout the Village, such as the official opening of the Mill Street parking lot, and the mayor’s upcoming NYCOM conference.
Approaching May 15-17, 2024 is the annual NYCOM conference held in Bolton Landing, New York. NYCOM - or New York State Conference of Mayors and Municipal Officials - first started in 1910, with the aim to unite local government officials and network effective services throughout New York State. They advocate for the local government that is closest to their people to hold the interests intended. The annual conference serves as a source of practical information, ongoing training, workshops, and further education. They provide shared information on government operations, finance, economic development, ethics, open meetings, and more. Mayor John Burrell, with the approval of the Village Board, will be in attendance this year to experience the benefits that NYCOM continues to offer. The motion was passed without hesitation.
The Village budget is being processed and underway of any needed adjustments. Mayor Burrell and Village Clerk Amy Hayward have been working together to review and discuss the numbers. We can expect an update to be made during the May Village Board meeting.
The big news around the Village is the finished Mill Street parking lot, which is now open to the public with lights on and electric charging stations in place. The Board was happy to hear the completed parking lot has been received well by the village and commends Doug Bush who spearheaded the project. To continue the upkeep in some aspects Jolie Newpher, Board member, and Amy Hayward, Village Clerk, will work with the necessary service teams to better familiarize the technical side of the electric stations and get them ready to begin utilization. In discussions of the parking lot, a suggestion was made by Mark Chudy, DPW Supervisor, to look into the possibility of port-a-bathrooms for visitors to have access to. A decision was not immediately made as the Board will continue to offer insight on how to make the space most accessible to locals and travelers alike.
New street lights have been ordered for the Washington Street Light project and the contract is being reviewed to make sure it meets the standards of the Department of Transportation. Another addition around the village are the freshly poured sidewalks on the East end of Elizabeth Street. The DPW will continue to work on sidewalks as the weather permits.
A concern has been brought to the attention of Sean Lowes, head of the Parks and Recreation Department and Board member, on the current state of the Village tennis courts. Mr. Lowes shared the matter with the Board and discussions began on the possibility and cost of potential repairs or replacement. A follow-up is expected to be made with the group as it was determined by the DPW the cost could be amounted to $50,000.
Continuing with the Parks system, a new change has been made and is effective immediately. The Village Park shelter reservations have been raised from the price of $50 to $150 only to non-Village and non-Town residents. The $50 rate will still be available to those who pay taxes in the village or town. In discussion, it was pointed out that most of these reservations are made by people coming in from out of town and the price change will allow for funding to be applied where needed back into the Village.
Wrapping up the evening, Mayor John Burrell called the Village Board meeting to an end. The Board will gather again next month on the third Tuesday of May at the Village Hall.