Village Board Meeting
Village Board Meeting
Village Board considers offer to accept Cattaraugus County funds to build parking lot on Mill Street
The Ellicottville Village Board of Trustees voted to amend the zoning code for secondary dwelling units and/or lockout rooms during a virtual meeting held Dec. 21st.
The vote followed a public hearing in which Village Attorney Rich Stanton, acting as interim planning director, provided a brief overview of the amendment and the Board heard two men offer comments about the rules for development.
Stanton said a committee met several times over six months and made recommendations for lot area requirements that will "buffer" the surrounding properties to provide for more housing opportunities while limiting density and protecting residential neighborhoods and the rural quality of the village.
Stanton added that the amendment is in line with the Comprehensive Plan and has been posted on the municipal website. A moratorium on accessory apartments remains in effect through January 31st.
Dan Rider, of Mechanic St., commented about the village's limited building opportunities but said short-term rental restrictions are good.
"The village is full, and size is restricted by some old law in some century," Rider said, adding that new restrictions seem to create smaller size homes, while some larger lots have more than one home. "What you're really doing is legislating shacks or sheds or call them what you want, you're not encouraging decent livable and good-looking housing."
Comments were also made by Kevin Lester, of Jefferson St., who said he has a large family, and his children and grandchildren use the house when they come to town and ski. He said he plans to move to Ellicottville soon and hopes to subdivide his property and add a beautiful home that he would live in.
"There are not many lots available; families want to build a house, for in-laws, not necessarily for short term rental … but there should be things set up that the Board can work with individuals that can add to their property," said Lester.
Both men said they favor more building, but with regulations.
After the close of the public hearing, the Board took action, agreeing on a negative declaration for the environmental review and voting unanimously to approve the zoning amendments.
Next, preliminary moves were authorized in a proposed 121-spot parking lot on Mill Street after a brief report from Trustee Doug Bush.
Bush said he was approached by Cattaraugus County offering to help the Village buy a landlocked 2-acre property owned by Norm Leyh on Mill Street for $375,000. The land purchase and construction are expected to cost about $1 million.
"They will fund the purchase price and help in finding grants to do construction," Bush said, with another $20,000 estimate for engineering design. Once the Village ratifies a purchase contract, a $10,000 refundable deposit must be paid within three days.
"It gives us a piece of property that the County will reimburse us for that we can use for parking," said Bush. "The county was very supportive of Ellicottville because we're one of the economic engines for the area."
Mayor John Burrell suggested borrowing the $375,000 from the Sewer Fund to transfer it into the General Fund and make the purchase - if the county reimburses the Village and the money can be paid back to the Sewer Fund by March 31st.
The Board voted to authorize Stanton to verify the reimbursement timing, begin a phase 1 environmental review and to begin the State Environmental Quality Review process as lead agency.
In other matters, Burrell announced that Cattaraugus County sent a $15,169.89 mortgage tax apportionment check.
The Board also voted to accept a $30,000 engineering planning grant from the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation.
Village Engineer Ben Slotman said the grant will pay for a $36,000 engineering study to locate sources of I and I, or infiltration and inflow of water leaking into the Village's sewer collection system through manholes, downspouts and broken cleanouts. The Village must contribute $6,000, representing a 20% local match. Bids would be advertised, a contractor would be chosen in February and field work would be done in the spring, for a completion of the study by the end of June.
Slotman added, "We can then put together solutions to make repairs and reduce the I and I."
He also invited stakeholders for the DWSP2 project to meet at 4:00pm on December 28th to continue drinking water protection planning.
Slotman then reported that the wastewater treatment plant boiler was replaced and is operational, but a wall unit heater has not yet arrived.
On the topic of the planned joint water project, Slotman said he anticipates a Health Department go-ahead, adding that a representative from Clark Patterson Lee last week advised the project is on target and will be ready to receive bids in February.
Trustee Sean Lowes of the Beautification Committee called for snow, praising the Village DPW and the Alley Katz for their work on the Gazebo and said he has noticed residents' efforts into making homes look festive for the holiday season.
The Board accepted a letter of resignation from Village Prosecutor Susan Dowd, effective Jan. 21st. Stanton was then appointed to fill the position on an interim basis.
Burrell announced that the search committee will interview three candidates for the planning director job, and Village Attorney Rich Stanton will continue as interim director until a candidate is chosen.
They also authorized him to respond to two complaint letters from homeowners who believe they were unfairly ticketed for allegedly leaving garbage cans on the curb after collection.
"We want to be fair; we don't want to affect something we might do in future. We need to be fair and we need compliance," Burrell said.
Finally, the Board received a report about utility pole damage on Washington Street during a high wind event that also knocked out power. Power was restored and the pole was removed, but it was discovered that two of 12 cast iron utility poles on Washington Street need repairs. Cast iron utility poles on Van Buren are also owned by the Village. Public Works officials are determining a course of action.
The Board's next regular session will be held Jan. 19, 2022 at 6:00pm. The public is advised to check the village's website prior to the meeting. Zoom sign-in information will be posted if a virtual meeting is planned due to Covid-19 accommodations.