Ellicottville Town Board Approves New False Alarm Fees
New false alarm fees, highway purchases, town appointments and discussions on Maples Road and EV charging highlight August meeting
The Ellicottville Town Board approved a new law establishing fees for repeated false alarms during its Aug. 19 meeting, along with several highway purchases, new town appointments, and other business.
FALSE ALARMS
Local Law No. 4 of 2026 is intended to reduce unnecessary demands on police, fire, and emergency personnel caused by repeated false alarms at residential and commercial properties. The law replaces the town’s previous alarm law adopted in 2015.
Under the new regulations, property owners will not be charged for the first three false alarms from the same alarm system within a calendar year. A fourth false alarm will result in a $150 fee, followed by $200 for a fifth and $400 for a sixth or any subsequent false alarm during that year.
False alarms may include those caused by system malfunctions, improper installation, negligence, user error, or failure to maintain the system. Confirmed emergencies, criminal activity, and circumstances determined to be outside the property owner’s reasonable control are excluded.
Fees will be due within 30 days of notification. Property owners may appeal a false alarm determination to the Town Board in writing within 20 days.
POLICE REPORT
Police Officer-in-Charge Jim Bouchard reported a rise in both calls for service and arrests, describing recent months as particularly busy for the department. He praised Officers Barber and Rowland for their roles in a major narcotics seizure, which was conducted with assistance from the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office.
The department was also recognized for its community involvement. Officer Rozler assisted with traffic during a motorcycle dice run benefiting the Dayton Food Pantry, and Officer Graham continued patrolling the village by bicycle as weather allowed.
Bouchard also applied for state funding to purchase updated law enforcement technology, and lastly, the department is planning to bring on an additional officer to patrol the village on foot during Ellicottville’s Rock N’ Roll Weekend.
MAPLES RD. SPEED LIMIT
During privilege of the floor, Julie Bachan and Terry Falsone asked for an update on efforts to lower the speed limit on Maples Road. Town Engineer Ben Gross said he has been in contact with county and state officials but is still waiting to arrange a meeting.
Board members encouraged residents to contact their state Assembly and Senate representatives and request a reevaluation of the current speed limit. Highway Superintendent Scot Brumagin said the Town would also like to see the limit reduced.
HIGHWAY DEPT. & CODE ENFORCEMENT
Brumagin reported that the department has been skid paving Poverty Hill Road, completing road patching and repairing problem areas on Holiday Valley Road. Crews also repaired driveway culverts on Poverty Hill and Hebdon roads. Work on the Bryant Hill Road railroad crossing is expected to be completed in September.
The Board unanimously approved the purchase of a $10,000 Blue Diamond mower for the Town’s new excavator. The department’s existing mower was not compatible with the equipment and would have required approximately $4,000 in modifications.
Board members also authorized Brumagin to purchase a new one-ton truck at an estimated cost of $70,000-$85,000. The vehicle is not expected to be delivered until next year.
Following concerns about overweight trucks damaging town roads, the board approved the placement of “No-thru Truck” signs on town roads.
Code Enforcement Officer Kelly Fredrickson reported that the town currently has 308 short-term rental licenses. He has been contacting rental companies that continue to advertise properties without licenses, although a software issue has temporarily prevented some letters from being sent.
OTHER MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
The Board established the town’s Battery Storage and Data Center Committee. Members include Jake Northrup, Jonathan Sklar, Supervisor Matt McAndrew, and Councilman John Zerfas.
The Board also accepted the retirement resignation of Robyn George and appointed Tracy Rozler as Town Clerk and records management officer. Rozler was additionally appointed registrar of vital records, with Erica Linderman named deputy registrar. The board authorized Linderman to serve as a signatory on the clerk and tax account.
Planner Greg Keyser reported one vacancy on the Zoning Board of Appeals. McAndrew asked him to contact members of the Planning Board and ZBA for possible candidates.
The Town will also seek proposals for consolidated services in an effort to improve coordination and move away from using several separate service providers. The Board authorized an edited request for proposals to be advertised.
Keyser also discussed a possible intermunicipal agreement with the Village of Little Valley. At this time, Little Valley is interested in receiving building and fire inspection services through the end of the year at a cost of $65 per hour, as needed. The agreement is being revised to allow the deputy code inspector to perform those duties.
The Board discussed the possibility of installing Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations. Parkside Drive is eligible for a New York State Energy Research and Development Authority program that would provide a $3,000 annual rebate per station. Bryant Hill Road’s location within a designated disadvantaged community could offer additional benefits. According to the meeting minutes, the state would cover installation and maintenance expenses, while revenue collected from users would be split evenly between the Town and the State. No formal action was taken.
McAndrew also reported that New York State is requiring Cattaraugus County to develop a countywide emergency medical services plan by Dec. 19, 2026. Department heads were reminded that their 2027 budget worksheets are due Sept. 18.
To close out the meeting, the Board endorsed the New York Association of Towns’ Bill of Rights. The resolution supports municipal home rule, local control of land use and zoning, updated public-notice requirements, and a greater voice for towns in state-level decisions.
The Ellicottville Town Board meetings the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 6:00pm at the Ellicottville Town Hall, 1 W. Washington St. For additional information regarding the meetings, agendas, etc., go to townofellicottvilleny.gov.