Village Board Meeting: April 2025
Village Board Meeting: April 2025
The Village Board of Ellicottville, NY had many items on their April 22nd agenda to discuss. The following is a recap of that meeting…
To start with Good News, Mayor John Burrell and the Board took a moment to welcome newly appointed Trustee Chad Neal to the Village Board. Mr. Neal will serve a four-year term. On another positive note, Mayor Burrell announced that the Village of Ellicottville received the annual Tree City USA award at the Arboretum. The Arbor Day Foundation has recognized Ellicottville’s commitment to the four core values of the organization: an established tree board, a community tree ordinance, a forestry budget, and the celebration of Arbor Day. Ellicottville, NY is said to be one of the oldest designated Tree City USA recipients in the country. This is the 45th year that Ellicottville has been honored by the Arbor Day Foundation.
BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR
The Ellicottville Playground Committee presented an update to the Board Members. They are teaming up with the EVGV Trail in hopes of securing a NYS Municipal Parks Grant. The Committee requested the Village of Ellicottville’s support as they would need the municipality to submit the application on their behalf. The Village Board happily agreed to join in on their efforts. If awarded, the grant would cover up to $1,000,000 in costs surrounding construction and improvements made to municipally owned recreational sites and parks. This would allow for a much-needed boost in funding for the proposed inclusive playground within the Village Park and the ongoing efforts of constructing the Ellicottville Greater Valley Trail routes.
Next to be addressed, Mike Timkey began discussions revolving around the Firehall. He wanted to familiarize the Board with the current setup of equipment and space. A proposal has been made for possible expansion in the near future to better suit the size of the Hall. While this is just the starting point to any later project, Mr. Timkey wanted to allow the Board to be first informed. Details will become available as planning progresses. MAYOR’S REPORT
The Mayor’s Report started off with an update on the NYCOM Local Government Achievement Award. The Village of Ellicottville has officially submitted their application, highlighting the recent Elizabeth Street Project. The project serves as a shining example regarding community resources, innovation, and positive use of connections throughout its phases. NYCOM looks to honor the municipality that has made the best use of their partnerships and approaches, as well as providing cost savings and improved quality of life to their residents. The Village of Ellicottville sourced inter-community development through their partnerships with JD Northrup, Barton & Loguidice, and others, all of which played in the success of the Elizabeth Street Project.
UPDATE: The New York State Conference of Mayors (NYCOM) announced last week that it has selected the Village of Ellicottville as a winner of NYCOM’s Local Government Achievement Award for 2025. The award will be presented on May 29th at NYCOM’s Annual Meeting in Bolton Landing. Mayor John Burrell and newly appointed Village Board Trustee Chad Neal will attend the meeting to represent and accept the award on the Village’s behalf.
A recent meeting with Assemblyman Sempolinski took place on April 21st. The Assemblyman and Mayor Burrell met to solidify support to the Village and any possible assistance that could be provided. Attention was made for the need of bettering the Village infrastructure, providing workforce housing, and attracting new businesses to the area. Assemblyman Sempolinski offered his support and his assistance to the Village, assuring the mayor to reach out to him as needed.
A Short-term Rental Workgroup meeting was held on April 22nd. The update provided a recommendation by the Committee to the Board for the public hearing to be held May 20, 2025. They will then organize and present any newly founded information to the public for discussion.
A Sign Workgroup meeting took place on April 23, 2025. The evening was led by Mark Loveless, an expert in the Department of Transportation and signage recommendations. An update to the Board was presented to further discuss Village traffic, signage, and points of improvement. As the workgroup conducts their study, they will keep the Village Board up-to-date with their findings and suggestions.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
The Department heads provided their most recent reports. The Department of Public Works has been initiating their Spring Clean-up and continues to patch and evaluate the current state of the roads after this last winter.
The Engineering and Planning Departments presented their monthly updates with projects continuing in a timely matter and progress being made to necessary drafted and updated plans.
The Village Clerk provided an update for cloud based software that could consolidate the current filing, local laws, and referencing system.
IN OTHER MATTERS
The Board went on to discuss Old and New Business within the Village. Starting with an update to another previously discussed grant, the Village has submitted their application for the New York State Empire State Department Infrastructure Grant. If awarded, it would cover up to $1,000,000 in funding for necessary road work and improvements.
The Board also discussed a plan to provide a permanent memorial for Zach Golley, a beloved member of the Department of Public Works and an Ellicottville First Responder.
The Ellicottville Village Board will reconvene on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. The public is encouraged to attend. For additional information, including minutes from previous meetings and upcoming agendas, go to ellicottvillegov.com.