Village Board Meeting Recap
Village Board Meeting Recap
Members Discuss Timeline for Projects & Hear Local Concern for Short Term Rentals
Photo / Jessica Schultz, ellicottvilleNOW
Mayor John Burrell called to order the Village of Ellicottville Board Meeting on Tuesday, September 19th at 6:00pm. Following the Pledge to the Flag, Members started off by addressing some Good News.
It was announced that the NYS AIM Funding was granted to the Village of Ellicottville for this year at the amount of $5,658.00. This state allocation is based on population and is openly available to be used where needed.
Business from the Floor was addressed involving the Elizabeth Street Project. This project is intertwined with the Town of Ellicottville Dig Once Project. The Village Board and Town of Ellicottville have been cooperatively working together to address the water main work that is to be done on Elizabeth Street, as well as the construction to follow. There has been a large effort to coordinate these plans, ultimately to save the Town and Village money, labor, and convenience. The projects are addressed in one fluid plan, opposed to two separate ones involving more street closures and construction. The timeline for this project is being fine-tuned to the requests of current events and weather-related issues. Northrup Construction has proposed that the project begin after Ellicottville’s largest anticipated event, Fall Festival.
Fall Festival is a major calendar marker for the area and to disrupt that for the project would not make sense. A pause can be made to focus on a more suitable time. The immediate plan is to pave the street to better the driving conditions for winter, and then resume the project when the weather will allow for a dryer period. The goal ultimately is to have it finished before next year’s 2024 Fall Festival but with hopes that it will be completed by July 2024. With this option in place, it allows for the waterline work to be done as well. With lots to discuss and preliminary numbers being calculated, 95% of the plan is in development.
Ken Kenusen from Barton and Laguidice had met with Mayor John Burrell, Doug Bush, and Ben Slotman. During this time, they discussed the plans that are set to go, and a change order can be priced to begin. Having the change order added, they expect to be able to save some additional money in the end. Barton & Laguidice will be providing 95% of the plans to generate a quote. It is expected that 30 days after the drawings are made, details will be provided.
The Village Board discussed again, during this evening’s meeting, the topic of short-term rentals. Village homeowner Chuck Parenti had noted that he does not want to see the Village allow these types of rental properties. It has been made apparent that short-term rental properties can likely lead to unnecessary problems for year-round residents. Often enough, property owners cannot control whether or not guests will abide by Village ordinances, and that should not become a problem to the community.
The absence of the District Attorney, Lori Reiman, meant that no change would be taken this evening on the topic of short-term rentals and discussion is sure to follow.
There was an update in Engineering on the Mill Street Parking Plaza, with a change order for electrical services to be separated out of the contract. This would be reflective of around $75,000. The original commitment of the Village was $130,000 so there should be an expected amount of reimbursement to be made. The fencing for the project was decided on an almond color, and the change order, as well as contract, were accepted for the Mayor to sign.
If you have not yet noticed, the Gazebo in front of the VIllage/Town Hall has been decorated for the fall season. A beautiful addition to the four corners, it is already becoming a picture worthy point for visitors and locals. Wedding parties have already started gathering around to capture the perfect moment! The Alley Katz of Ellicottville put in a tremendous amount of effort to perfectly pull off the seamless fall décor.
In New Business, the Edgemere-Restore New York Grant is approaching, and Caitlin Croft has been very involved in coordinating these efforts. She has discussed multiple opportunities the Village would be able to move forward with if granted funding. There could be potential plans for a splash pad, the second phase of the skatepark, as well as starting additional projects to better the community. This is an ongoing effort, and it is hopeful that positive updates are to come.
For Special Events lead by Doug Bush, Ellicottville’s Fall Festival was on the table to be discussed. This event is the largest for the area, with attractions available throughout the village and town. The village itself transforms the main street of Washington and its surrounding blocks into a shoppable haven for tourists and locals alike. The event draws in tens of thousands of travelers throughout the weekend to embrace the fall foliage and festivities. The plan is to keep with the same detours that have previously been set in years past. There will be the usual road closures in the area and high traffic is expected. An additional police presence is also to be added for precautions on safety.
The Board wanted to address an ongoing issue pertaining to the festival and the months to follow, illegal parking. During high volume events and the winter season, it continues to be a problem, which usually results in high ticketing. Moving forward, Members of the Board would like drivers to be aware that there will not be a grace period for situations involving illegal parking, and vehicles will be towed. The Board accepted the motion to contract a towing company to enforce this action.
This year, Fall Festival will take place on Saturday and Sunday, October 7-8th . The weekend-long event has plenty to offer as the Village and Town of Ellicottville work together to showcase an extensive number of activities. If you are looking for more information go to ellicottvilleny.com as well as holidayvalley.com for event line-ups.
The Village of Ellicottville Board meeting was adjourned and they will resume discussion on the third Tuesday of each month unless otherwise stated. Their website offers updates and announcements; to follow go to ellicottvillegov.com.