Ellicottville Town Board Meeting
Ellicottville Town Board Meeting
2022 proposed budget projects 3-cent tax hike; hearing scheduled for Nov. 3rd.
The Ellicottville Town Board has scheduled a public hearing at 4:00pm on Nov. 3rd to receive comments and vote on a preliminary 2022 budget.
The Board, meeting in regular session Wednesday, Oct. 20th, did not discuss the plan in detail, but has held several work sessions on the budget in recent weeks. Another session was held Thursday, Oct. 21st to refine some of the details.
The preliminary plan to be discussed Nov. 3rd reflects a spending increase over 2021 of about $295,000. Appropriations total $4.73 million for the general and highway funds, along with the special districts for fire, drainage, water and sewer. Some of the increase is reflected in planned improvements at the Town Center on Parkside Drive and Highway Department equipment costs.
The proposal will require a contribution of $920,696 in tax revenues for a property tax rate of about $1.49 per $1,000 of assessed property value. That rate is an increase of a little more than 3 cents over the 2021 rate.
The proposed budget includes cost of living raises, including elected officials such as the Town Supervisor, Deputy Supervisor, Town Council Members (3) and all departments.
Those wishing to review the preliminary budget should contact the Town Clerk's office at 716-699-2240 or attend the hearing in the Town Hall at 1 W. Washington St.
In other matters, the Board reviewed the Local Noise Law 1-2016 in response to the September meeting discussion regarding increasing incidents of excessive noise outside the village limits, and especially regarding a complaint of late-night noise at a Route 242 residence on the evenings of Sept. 9-11th.
Town Supervisor Matt McAndrew had told the Board of a caller who was asked by the dispatcher to call back later to request a police response to activities that exceeded the law's standards. When McAndrew inquired about the outcome, he was told that there was no police response because the caller did not call again and no complaint was filed. Board members questioned the practice of requiring written complaints when enforcing the noise law.
Police Chief Don Auge, in attendance Wednesday, informed the Board that noise complaint calls are routinely answered even if they are anonymous. But he noted officers don't write tickets if they don't see violations in progress upon arriving at the scene. The complaint is recorded in the station's "day book." Sometimes homeowners are sent letters, but in other cases, he added, appearance tickets are issued to property owners or lodging managers when there are repeat noise offenses, such as one property manager who has received six tickets.
For noise complaints, Auge encouraged people to call him at 716-699-2120, or the Sheriff's line at 716-938-9191. Officials said they would update the town's website for clarity, at ellicottvillegov.com.
The Board then discussed some confusion about prosecution in the town court of tickets written in the village, since the village noise law is based on a decibel range, and the village has hired a prosecutor and eliminated the village court.
Further discussion brought some suggestions from the town's attorneys regarding the need to increase fines, revise parking laws and revive some past efforts to align the town and village laws.
In other police business, the Board agreed to accept the resignation of Officer Larry Spry, for retirement purposes, and then to reappoint him to the force. Auge also reported that the recent Fall Festival Weekend yielded about 60 complaints, mostly for parking violations, but also several assaults, accidents and fireworks were reported.
The Board approved an agreement to lease the west wing of the Town Center Suites at 28 Parkside Dr. to longstanding tenant Cattaraugus County Cooperative Extension Service. The pact runs from Jan. 1, 2023 through Dec. 31, 2027 with an exclusive option to renew, and covers 1,796 square feet and limited use of the common areas which will be shared with the Rotary Club of Ellicottville, Nannen Arboretum and the Town. The Extension will pay the Town $18,319.20 annually for the first three years, with 2 percent increases in years 4 and 5, and will provide its own internet and phone. The Town agreed to pay utilities and janitorial services.
Meanwhile, an asbestos-abatement project and other work is planned at the 9,288 square foot building.
Town Attorney Kathleen Moriarty announced her resignation, effective on a date to be announced. The firm of Richardson and Pullen will take over her duties, with Seth Pullen as the key contact person and additional support from David T. Pullen. The firm is based in Allegany County and is located in Fillmore, NY.
In other matters, the Board approved a resolution seeking a speed reduction from 55 miles per hour from the state Department of Transportation at the Route 219 approach north of the village, leading to and from the three-way intersection with 242 at the cemetery.
The Board discussed ongoing arrangements for several grant applications and streetlight issues; approved a water bill adjustment and refund to a property owner due to a computer error; and approved a resolution to convey a parking lot to the Homeowners Association at Valley Village.
The Board will meet for the budget hearing at 4:00pm on November 3rd, and will hold their regular session again at 6:00pm on Nov. 17th.