Ellicottville Village Board Discusses Fall Festival, Pro-Housing Certification, and Pickleball Plans
Ellicottville Village Board Discusses Fall Festival, Pro-Housing Certification, and Pickleball Plans
Village Board highlights include Fall Fest recap, Pro-Housing Certification, infrastructure updates, and potential recreational improvements.
The Ellicottville Village Board met on Tuesday, October 21st at Town Hall, covering everything from the success of Fall Festival to infrastructure updates and a potential new recreational addition to the Village Park. Highlights are as follows:
Mayor John Burrell reported that Fall Festival was once again a major success, according to a conversation he had with Police Chief Jim Bouchard, calling it a well-behaved and smooth event. “It was bigger for a lot of people this year,” noted Burrell, sharing feedback from local business owners who saw strong crowds and sales throughout the weekend.
The long-awaited dedication of the Village’s Wastewater Treatment Plant sign, in memory of Zach Golley, is set for Saturday, November 15th at 10:00am. Congressman Joe Sempolinski will attend the ceremony and share remarks honoring Zach.
Village Planner Greg Keyser reported that Ellicottville’s Pro-Housing Certification is now complete, paving the way for submission of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) grant application in November. Keyser also announced he is now officially state-certified in Code Enforcement after completing the required training program.
Engineer Ben Gross shared that Village street restriping was completed several weeks ago. He also attended a recent engineering and utilities training in Lake George alongside DPW staff members, where sessions covered water and sewer systems, safety protocols, financing, and legal considerations.
DPW crews have three plow trucks ready, with two additional wastewater trucks equipped for snow removal, giving the department five total vehicles available for winter operations. Crews are also balancing leaf collection and blacktop work on Elk Street, which will remain a top priority before leaf pickup resumes full-time.
The department continues to assist DPW crews with the Elk Street project and expects to finish hydrant flushing within the week. At HoliMont, drilling for a new well has so far been unsuccessful after hitting bedrock at 20 feet; the resort will explore alternate options. The department also achieved Class D water license certification following an interview with the Department of Health.
Discussion returned to the temporary electrical hookups used for food vendors during Fall Festival. Officials acknowledged ongoing safety and logistical concerns with the current system of extension cords and temporary connections. Mayor Burrell suggested exploring a generator truck, similar to those used at the Cattaraugus County Fair, rather than installing permanent outlets. The board also clarified that while the Chamber of Commerce holds an event insurance policy, each vendor should maintain their own policy listing the Village as additionally insured.
Trustee Sean Lowes reported that new dugouts are being installed at the Village Park and “look great.” The board also floated the idea of creating four pickleball courts on the existing concrete slab using current budget funds. Fencing would be the largest expense, but the project could potentially begin by spring.
An unrelated landscaping discussion centered on the azalea bush at the corner of Town Hall. Alley Katz raised concern that the bush’s roots may be choking out nearby plants. Trustees voted to table the matter for now, noting that most felt the shrub adds to the building’s charm. The board also commended Alley Katz for their continued efforts and the beautiful work they do maintaining the Village’s flower beds and landscaping throughout the year.
Trustees discussed ongoing garbage issues in the downtown alleys. Mayor Burrell proposed a shared compacted dumpster system - a secure, coded facility where each business could dispose of trash, tracked and billed individually. The concept would centralize waste collection on a concrete pad that could be easily cleaned. Trustee Chad Neal noted that most complaints stem from overflowing garbage cans rather than dumpsters themselves.
New concrete slabs were poured by Northrop Construction in front of Fitz & Weller to address tripping hazards caused by tree roots. Gross confirmed that all known tripping concerns have been corrected for now, though several areas on Jefferson Street will need to be monitored in the spring.
The board reviewed the Thanksgiving Turkey Trot hosted annually by Warrior Fitness. It was noted that the event did not have a special events permit last year, despite using state highways (Routes 219 and 242). Trustee Doug Bush will meet with organizers to ensure proper permits and coordination are in place going forward.
Mayor Burrell shared that the Village’s DRI/NY Forward application is nearing completion, with roughly 30 letters of support received. The final submission deadline is November 7th, and Burrell hopes to see a completed draft in the coming week.
The board approved a pair of temporary and permanent easements for work on an old collapsed drainage line on Elk Street. The agreements, prepared by Attorney Richard Stanton, will allow the Village to remove the old line and maintain the new structure going forward.
The board passed a resolution to pursue legislation authorizing a Village Occupancy Tax, a process that will require approval from both the State Assembly and Senate, and ultimately the Governor’s signature. This measure could provide a new revenue stream to support Village services.
The next Village Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at 6:00pm at Ellicottville Town Hall. The public is encouraged to attend. Additional information can be accessed at villageofellicottvilleny.gov.
