Ellicottville Town Board Discusses Short-Term Rentals, Water Projects, and Rodeo Plans
Ellicottville Town Board Discusses Short-Term Rentals, Water Projects, and Rodeo Plans
Town officials addressed short-term rental compliance, municipal infrastructure improvements, flood insurance savings opportunities, and preparations for a busy summer event season.
PHOTO CAPTION: The Ellicottville Town Board approved a noise permit and temporary beer and wine permit support letter for the 2026 Ellicottville Championship Rodeo, set for July 2–5. Photo / Rich RumfolaThe Ellicottville Town Board covered a wide range of topics during its regular monthly meeting in May, including short-term rental enforcement, infrastructure projects, highway equipment upgrades, and upcoming summer events.
One of the more notable discussions centered around the town’s growing short-term rental market. Building Inspector Kelly Fredrickson presented data estimating that approximately 200 consistently active short-term rental properties in the town generate between $7 million and $7.5 million annually in gross revenue. He also reported that roughly 20 to 30 properties currently advertising as short-term rentals have not applied for the required licenses, and the Building Department will begin issuing citations to those property owners.
Highway Superintendent Scot Brumagin discussed several department updates, including the need for upgraded radio systems for the Town fleet. After researching options, Brumagin recommended moving to the Saia communications system already used by other municipalities in Cattaraugus County and Ellicottville Central School. Town officials noted the system would significantly improve communication coverage and compatibility with neighboring agencies.
The Board also approved Brumagin’s request to rent an excavator through the remainder of 2026, with plans to purchase the machine in early 2027. Under the agreement, 90 percent of the rental cost will be credited toward the eventual purchase price. Officials said the arrangement will help the Town address rising equipment costs while taking advantage of discounted demo equipment pricing.
Additional Highway Department updates included plans to advertise for a new employee and explore possible student internships through BOCES workforce programs.
Town Planner Greg Keyser reported that zoning complaints regarding National Grid LED lighting have been resolved after the lights were shut off. He also updated the Board on a joint IT assessment completed for the Town and Village, which found that consolidating municipal networks could result in substantial savings.
Keyser also discussed FEMA’s Community Rating System, explaining that if the Town qualifies for the program, residents could receive up to a 45% discount on flood insurance premiums.
Town Engineer Ben Gross announced that the HoliMont replacement water project will move forward to bid pending approval from the Cattaraugus County Department of Health.
The Board approved several requests tied to upcoming summer events. The Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce received permission to use the Town Gazebo for its annual Gazebo Series concerts from June 18 through July 23, along with approval for July 4th Pet Parade activities and September’s Rock N’ Roll Weekend events.
The Ellicottville Championship Rodeo was also granted a noise permit allowing activities until 1:00am during the July 2-5 event weekend. The Town additionally agreed to provide a letter supporting the rodeo’s temporary beer and wine permit application with the State Liquor Authority.
Under “Old Business,” the Board officially adopted a Municipal Building Safety and Emergency Closure Policy outlining procedures and authority for temporarily closing Town buildings during emergencies or credible threats.
The Board also approved partial reimbursements for two residents affected by frozen water lines earlier this year at properties on Jefferson and Adams Streets. Under the resolution, the Town will reimburse half of the documented thawing and restoration costs while officials continue updating Town regulations related to future frozen water line responsibility.
Other updates included continued review of the Town’s proposed alarm law, work on updating water-related documentation, and confirmation that paperwork transferring ownership of the Fire Hall property to the Ellicottville Fire Department is ready for signature.
The Ellicottville Town Board meets the third Wednesday of each month at 6:00pm at the Town Hall, 1 W. Washington St. For additional information including previous meeting minutes and upcoming agendas, go to townofellicottvilleny.gov.