Town of Ellicottville Board Meeting
11/21/2008 By Jacob Fellows

TOWN OF ELLICOTTVILE-The Town’s board meeting was called to order this past Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. by Supervisor John Burrell. Present at the meeting were board members Bob Scharf, Bob O’Brien, Greg Fitzpatrick, Kenny Hinman; Town Engineer Mark Alianello, and Clerk Toni Kerns Higgs. Local realtor Harry Weissman and Larry Graham, representing the Town’s police department, were also in attendance. Head of the highway department, Dave Golley, was not in attendance.

The meeting progressed rapidly with very little business to attend to in concern to monthly “Good News,” audit of claims, and the department heads’ reports. Mark Alianello briefly discussed the need for a cross culvert to be installed on Whitmore Road, which would alleviate flooding.

Alianello then went on to discuss the new Water Tap Fee policy, explaining the reasoning for it to the board members and Supervisor Burrell. Alianello explained that there should be consistency between the Village and Town’s policies regarding such issues. Alianello explained that there should be an increase in the tap fee in order to afford room for future growth and additional demands on the water system that will come with future growth. The water tap fee will rise from $600 to $1000.

Larry Graham of the police department explained to the council that the civil service board will be sending out canvas letters in an attempt to find applicants for part-time police duty. Graham also reported that two of his full-time officers will be attending field-training school in Olean, went over his goals in concern to public relations, and briefly commented on the possibilities of a “ride along” program with BOCES Criminal Justice program.

Not much new business was brought to the table this month. Board members did discuss the possibility of large trash and junk pick-up, but also stated that it would not be possible this year because the town’s budget has been submitted and no money has been allotted for large trash and junk retrieval. Supervisor Burrell stated that he would examine possibilities as the year progressed.
Local realtor, Harry Weissman, spoke to the board members for quite some time, explaining the work that he has been doing recently. Weisman has been reviewing Ellicottville’s neighborhoods and commercial areas in hopes of properly assessing them in the future. He wants to properly identify and inventory every property so as not to upset property and business owners, making the assessed prices defensible and legitimate. At the present, Weissman is still familiarizing himself with the county’s software system. Board member Kenny Hinman commended and thanked Weissman for the work that he has performed and the future work that he will perform. Board member Bob Scharf and Supervisor John Burrell also agreed to be on a committee that would work with Weissman in establishing proper assessment standards for the Town of Ellicottville.

Among other news, the board received a letter from Ellicottville Central School, thanking them for their help in maintaining their sport’s fields and the facilities therein.