Town Board Advances Projects, Grants, and Policy Updates
Town Board Advances Projects, Grants, and Policy Updates
Department reports, housing certification, water project closeout, and Fire Hall property transfer highlight a busy end-of-year agenda
The Town Board of Ellicottville convened on Tuesday, December 17th for their regular monthly meeting, covering a full agenda of departmental reports, project updates, grant activity, and new business items. Multiple infrastructure and planning efforts are moving forward, alongside routine end-of-year business. Highlights are as follows:
DEPARTMENT UPDATES
Police Department: Officer-in-Charge Jim Bouchard commended the Police Department for their efforts during a particularly busy season, noting positive public feedback and expressing appreciation for his team’s continued professionalism.
Highway Department: Highway Superintendent Scot Brumagin reported that recent heavy snowfall has kept crews focused on clearing and maintaining town roads. Board members thanked the department for their work and acknowledged community appreciation for timely storm response.
Planning Department: Town Planner Greg Keyser outlined several initiatives underway:
Network Server Consolidation: A grant application is in progress through NYSDOS’s Local Government Efficiency Program to explore network consolidation across Town and Village departments. The first submission is due February 4th, with two vendors already offering input.
Pro-Housing Certification: Ellicottville has officially been named a Pro-Housing Community, opening the door to additional grant opportunities for both the Town and Village.
Comprehensive Plan Update: A smart growth planning grant has been submitted, with award announcements expected by the end of the month.
OSHA Requirements: Town Clerk Tracy Rozler and Town Planner Greg Keyser attended a webinar on updated OSHA reporting and training mandates.
Shared Services: The Town may advertise planning and engineering services to neighboring municipalities. Supervisor Matt McAndrew will discuss opportunities at the next Supervisors’ meeting.
Engineering Department: Engineer Ben Gross reported that the new Town Hall front door installation is expected to be completed by week’s end, with a final review scheduled with Nancy Redeye, who oversaw the architectural review.
On the Route 219 sidewalk extension, Gross stated that NYS will not approve a concrete sidewalk behind the guide rail by Crosby’s due to snow removal and shoulder-width limitations. The Town will explore a pedestrian bridge in partnership with the EVGV Trail Committee and TAP grant funding.
RESOLUTIONS AND APPOINTMENTS
Water System Capital Project Closed: The Board officially closed the Town of Ellicottville Water System Improvement Capital Project, initiated in 2020. With the work complete, unexpended funds totaling $292,911.65 will be transferred back to the Water Fund, with the remaining $84,375.92 recorded as an interfund adjustment to close the ledger.
Fire Hall Property Transfer: With the 30-year lease between the Town and the Fire Department concluding, the Fire Department plans to exercise its $1.00 purchase option. Discussion is ongoing regarding property boundaries, road maintenance responsibility along Lynne Weishan Drive, and right-of-way considerations. A survey review and draft resolution are in progress.
Attorney Services: The Town reappointed Richardson, Pullen & Buck, P.C. as Town Counsel, with Seth Pullen designated as lead attorney.
Board of Assessment Review: Cathy Pritchard was reappointed to the Board of Assessment Review.
Residency Requirements: A local law will be drafted to eliminate outdated residency requirements for the appointed Town Clerk and Tax Collector positions. The Board will set the Public Hearing at the next meeting, with the Public Hearing itself to be held in February.
OLD BUSINESS
EVGV Trail: A TAP grant submission is being worked on. A spring fundraiser 5K at HoliMont is being planned for early May.
Alarm Law Revisions: Updates are in development to streamline enforcement and modernize the existing ordinance.
Speed Zone Request: A request to reduce the speed limit on County Road 13 (Maples Road) will be amended to include the section from the Village line to Poverty Hill Road.
CORRESPONDENCE
The Board received a note from the Great Valley Seniors Travel Committee, thanking the Town for funding support that helps maintain their bus trip programming.
Next Meeting: The public is encouraged to attend the Town Board meetings to hear about updates on these and other matters impacting local governance, services, and community development. Town Board meetings are held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 6:00pm at the Ellicottville Town Hall, 1 W. Washington St. For more information, go to townofellicottvilleny.gov.
