Village Board Outlines Priorities for 2026
Village Board Outlines Priorities for 2026
Trustees review planning updates, DPW needs, grant pursuits, and occupancy tax proposal at December meeting
The Village Board of Ellicottville met on Tuesday, December 16th for its final meeting of 2025, covering a full agenda that ranged from planning initiatives and grant discussions to playground safety updates and a newly proposed occupancy tax. The meeting was called to order at 6:00pm with Mayor John Burrell, Deputy Mayor Doug Bush, Trustees Sean Lowes and Chad Neal, and Village Clerk Amy Hayward in attendance. Additional department heads and personnel were present, along with Village Attorney Richard Stanton.
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
Director of Planning Greg Keyser reported early-stage discussions with the Ellicottville Fire Department regarding potential expansion plans. He requested the Board consider waiving permit fees - estimated between $1,500 and $1,800 - to support the project. The request will be reviewed for future action.
Keyser also asked for Board confirmation to pursue an RFP for a Network Server Consolidation Grant, noting that the project would not be financially feasible without grant funding. The Board agreed to move forward in principle, and a subcommittee may be established to support next steps.
In other planning news, Keyser announced he is now officially certified as a Planner and Code Enforcement Officer, earning congratulations from the Board. Mayor Burrell also shared that Tracy Rivers has been recommended to serve as an alternate on the Planning Board, and the appointment was approved.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
DPW: The Board asked for updates on the bucket truck hydraulic repair; DPW Supervisor Mark Chudy noted that parts remain difficult to source, but efforts continue.
The Board and mayor praised the DPW team for their winter snow removal work, also thanking the water and sewer departments for helping during storms.
Water: Annual backflow reports are nearly complete, with only one outstanding from a new business still learning the reporting process.
Water Treatment: Budget planning has begun for late January, with three priorities outlined for 2026: UV lighting, lagoon dredging, and pump upgrades. An RFP for cost estimates will be developed, with updates expected at the January meeting.
Parks: Following a NYMIR playground inspection, the Board reviewed safety recommendations for the village playground and skatepark. Suggestions include updated signage and language requiring adult supervision for children under 12. Older equipment, including the existing slide, has been recommended for removal; it will be fenced off until spring when final decisions are made.
GRANT UPDATES
Village Clerk Amy Hayward shared that the Village has officially submitted a $10,000-$25,000 Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation grant and will report back once a decision is received.
Mayor Burrell also discussed the DRI/NY Forward funding presentation, noting that the Village felt confident but competition is significantly higher this year - with 13 applicants in the round compared to just 2 last year. Award announcements are anticipated by mid-March.
OLD & NEW BUSINESS
Village Attorney Richard Stanton confirmed final review of documents related to the proposed Village Occupancy Tax. A public hearing will be held prior to the next Board meeting to gather community input before forwarding materials to state representatives, including Senator George Borrello and Assemblyman Joseph Sempolinski.
The Board officially approved the appointment of Tracy Rivers as Planning Board alternate, and acknowledged correspondence from Enchanted Mountains, which submitted its license renewal to the NYS Cannabis Board.
Next Meeting: The Ellicottville Village Board will meet again on Monday, January 20, 2026 at 6:00pm at the Town Hall, preceded by a public hearing on the proposed occupancy tax. The public is encouraged to attend. Additional details can be found at villageofellicottvilleny.gov.
