Ellicottville Fire Department Proposes Expansion
Ellicottville Fire Department Proposes Expansion
Ellicottville Fire Department Presents Proposal to Expand Current District; Public Hearing Set for October 15th
Photos / Jessica Schultz, ellicottvilleNOW
Returning to the monthly scheduled meeting, the Town Board of Ellicottville gathered on September 18th at 6:00pm to effectively discuss the evening’s agenda. With the most recent discussions surrounding the usual Town business, some new information was shared regarding the Ellicottville Fire Department and a proposal to expand their current district.
Ellicottville Fire Department Commissioner, Mike Timkey, was in attendance to share with the Town Board the current contract and protections in place and what would be proposed to expand those areas. Currently the Ellicottville Fire District includes a contract to serve the Town of Mansfield Fire Protection District, however, that is to be dissolved no later than December 31, 2024. Now, a suggested plan is being made to include the eastern half of the Mansfield District with the Ellicottville Fire District to alleviate financial burdens and increase the efficiency of fire protection resources.
The Town Board concluded that to best address the potential change in the existing Ellicottville Fire District, a public hearing will be held. This public hearing will take place at the Town of Mansfield Town Hall, at 7691 Toad Hollow Road, Little Valley, NY on October 15, 2024. During this meeting, all persons interested in expressing their interest or concerns on the Ellicottville Fire District extension into the Mansfield Fire Protection District will be heard and noted. Following the Public Hearing, both Towns will agree to a joint meeting to further arrange the next steps dependent on previous discussions. A vote will be made available to those in the proposed extended portion of the Town of Mansfield to determine the standing of the proposition.
Moving on to the Department reports of the evening, the Police Department started by commending one of the Town’s officers who was able to make an arrest on a federal crime. This diligence was recognized and applauded as fine police work, insuring community safety. Sheriff Jim Bouchard brought to the Board’s attention that this year police coverage for the Fall Festival will be a higher expense than previous years. A lack of available part-time officers will mean that full-time officers will need to cover the event, but agreeably a price cannot be put on the safety of Ellicottville residents and tourists. The Chamber of Commerce and Town agreed to the set terms of cost and split the expense each year. The Ellicottville Fall Festival draws in thousands of visitors each year creating an influx in all areas of the Town and Village. As the largest festival of the year, providing the necessary police presence and protection is one of the most important aspects to ensure a successful event. This year’s Fall Festival will take place on October 12th-13th.
The Highway Department’s Scot Brumagin updated the Town Board on the recent repairs and projects in place. The Holiday Valley Road project, which was completed by a hired contractor, was found to have been missing some expected details and the lack of completion did not hold to the Town’s standards. The issues at hand have been documented and completed by the Town Highway Department, and the expenses of the unfinished work will be subtracted from the contractor’s final payment to balance the budget of the project.
The Cotter Road box culvert replacement has been finished and fully restored. The Highway Department wanted to express their appreciation to the County for all the help they provided on the project. The project came in as $30,000 under budget, which Supervisor McAndrew noted was mostly due to the County providing assisted labor which they did not charge the Town for. This shared service is thanked and recognized by the Town of Ellicottville with plans to reciprocate as needed in the future.
A new appointment has been made within the Departments as the Town welcomes Ben Gross as the Assistant Civil Engineer as of September 23, 2023. Congratulations to a welcomed addition within the Town.
Some noteworthy discussions were that of the Short-Term Rental Law, which had a brief update involving application fees and a Public Hearing to be set for November. The EVGV Trail is planning a fundraising tailgate party at Villaggio; once the event is set details will be announced. The abandoned property at 6515 Donlen Drive, under the control of the lender, will now move forward to a foreclosure action.
As discussions came to be resolved, the Town Board meeting was called to adjourn with further conversations to be made next month on October 16, 2024. For additional information, visit the Town’s official website at www.ellicottvillegov.com.