Public Hearing Held on Alleyway Abandonment; New Refuse Law
Village Board Notes
Public Hearing held on alleyway abandonment; Village homeowners comment on new refuse law
The February meeting of the Ellicottville Village Board opened with a public hearing on a request to abandon the Village owned alley between Adams Street and Madison Street, north of Washington and south of Elizabeth. Ultimately they would transfer ownership to those who currently have use by a Village right of way.
There were a few members of the public who were concerned with adding another lot that has access off of Adams Street. Currently only one parcel uses the alleyway in question for vehicular access, 21 W. Washington. The owner of this parcel, Chris and Laura McKenna, advised in a letter to the Board that the remainder of the alleyway is not paved from their lot to Madison Street. McKenna also added that despite calling this land an alleyway, it has not been used as an alleyway for many years. Since purchasing the home, they are also the only ones who maintain and care for the alleyway from Adams to their lot.
Erin Cornelius is concerned with the increase in traffic with so many children in that neighborhood. She also noted that the lot requesting access, 74 Elizabeth, has traditionally been accessed from Elizabeth. Cornelius also advised that keeping vehicular access to this lot on Elizabeth would preserve the character of the community.
There was a motion to close the public hearing; a second and ayes carried. Mayor John Burrell thanked those who voiced their opinions via letter or in the public forum. Burrell also advised a decision would be made at the next meeting as the Board has 62 days to act.
BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR
There were a few concerned Village homeowners who took the opportunity to voice their dissatisfaction with the new refuse law. It was stated that in their time owning in the village, birds or animals had not ever picked apart their garbage and questioned why there is a need for totes. The issue most have with the law stems from the fines for not using totes and also removing them from the street post-pickup. Many village homeowners are not full-time residents and do not have the means to put totes away after the Monday trash pickup.
Another resident who is a full time resident attested to the garbage issue with a different point of view, stating that there is consistently loose garbage in the village and feels totes are the logical solution to the problem.
It was also noted that if the garbage is from homes doing rentals, then having someone put the totes back is really a cost of doing business. The Mayor thanked everyone for their input.
MAYOR’S REPORT
Burrell continues to work on the 2022 budget. He requested all required documentation back from department heads by March 1st and hopes to be able to hold a budget workshop the first week of March.
Burrell took part in a virtual meeting with Congressman Tom Reed - mayors and officials from the 23rd district were in attendance. The conversation focused mainly on the ongoing Covid pandemic. The overarching messages were obvious that not everyone is on the same page. There has been a slowdown on vaccines being administered but assured that anyone who wants one will have access. Despite the challenges they are working hard to find solutions that are conducive to as many as possible.
PLANNING REPORT
The Village and Town recently hired Gary Palumbo, long time planner, to work exclusively for Ellicottville. With this addition to the team and the increased number of building permits, Palumbo asked the Board if they can look to delegate some duties such as sign permitting to him as opposed to the Code Enforcement Officer Kelly Fredrickson. The mayor will work with the Town supervisor, CEO and planner to further look into the proposed changes.
IN OTHER NEWS
Beautification: Trustee Sean Lowes asked that the DPW take down the Christmas decorations that are still up in front of the 1887 building, on the corner clock and gazebo.
Special Events: Trustee Doug Bush advised that he will connect with the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce to see what their plan is for 2021 events.
OLD BUSINESS
The new refuse contract has been awarded to Town & Country Disposal in the amount of $54,000 per year for 3 years. Trustee Greg Cappelli stated that it was good they went out for bids and it sounds like T&C will come in and do a good job.
HoliMont junior racing asked if they can hold a chicken barbecue in front of the Village Hall. Two recent chicken barbecues were hosted for the Skatepark and EVGV Trail. It was noted that these were Village associated projects and that the Board needs to be mindful of the current restaurants who have been burdened by Covid restrictions. Trustee Sean Lowes noted they have the parking lot on Route 219 which could host the barbecue and would like them to explore that option. The discussion was tabled with no conclusion.
The next meeting of the Ellicottville Village Board will be held on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at 6:00pm, virtually. Please call the Village Clerk for access information, 716-699-4636.