Ellicottville Town Board Meeting
By Jim Gill

Town Supervisor John Burrell called the regular meeting of the Town Board to order at 6: PM on March 24, 2009.

Attending: John Burrell, Council members Bob O’Brian, Bob Scharf, Greg Fitzpatrick, Ken Hinman, Clerk Antoinette Higgs, Highway Superintendent Dave Golley, Ellicottville Police Department Larry Graham, Assessor Robin Pearl Lamphier and Deputy Assessor Harry Weissman.
Minutes from 2/24/09 meeting: Accepted.

Privilege of the Floor:

With the pools at Holiday Valley unavailable due to reconstruction, Recreation Director Becky Szpaicher requested $900.00 in funding from the town for pool rental in Little Valley. Last year 50 children participated in the swimming classes held in Little Valley with the same amount expected this season. Pending approval from the Little Valley Town Board, classes will begin on Tuesday July 7th; hours will be from 12:30 – 3:30 every Tuesday and Thursday.

Audit of Claims: Past procedures on approvals were uncertain, currently vouchers are signed by department heads then forwarded to the Supervisor for review and signing, then audited by the Town Clerk. Council members agreed to follow this procedure subject to their review monthly.
Supervisor’s Reports: Reports from November, 2008 thru February 2009 had been reviewed by council members and were accepted.

Laidlaw – An E-Mail from attorney Dan Spitzer relating to a suit filed by Laidlaw was distributed to council members, the State Court recently denied a motion for dismissal by the Town. Burrell mentioned this is not a setback as an error had occurred due to a late filing by Laidlaw.
Four Cops Meeting: Supervisor Burrell reported that meetings with Town and Village enforcement officers are going well.

Highway Department: Superintendent Golley reported work crews have been busy clearing downed trees and clearing and repairing ditches. In addition he has blocked some roads to logging and drilling companies due to potential road damage from their heavy equipment.

Golley reported there is no word as yet on “Stimulus” money being available to help fund repair and repaving on some of the roads in the town. Burrell mentioned that during a recent meeting with Congressman Eric Massa that 96% of the CHIPS money would be returned to Ellicottville.
On a question regarding the future of the current highway building, preliminary plans are in place for a new building that would be located adjacent to the new salt storage building on Bryant Hill Road. Estimated costs would be approximately $1.3 million. A suggestion was made to clean-up the current site including a fresh coat of paint on the building.

Mark Allianello – Engineering Report:

Starlight Village Townhouse Subdivision to be located behind the Ilex Inn has been given final approval for the first stage only.

Dedication of Sundance Road, a private road to be turned over to the town was approved by council members.

Telemetry System Application for Payment: Approved

Nussbaumer & Clark Letter: some of the cost estimates submitted were reviewed with discovery that a number of small projects could be done at lower costs by public employees.

Waste Water Treatments Improvements/Engineering Services: Allianello discussed needed upgrades to get the plant into compliance with one of the main concerns being high ammonia levels and equipment required to improve aeration in the treatment ponds.

Assessor Report: Robin Pearl Lamphier and Harry Weissman reported that the Town is locked in at 100% evaluation qualifying for a $5.00 per parcel less 2% payment from the State. Recent reassessments will result in some properties being lowered and some residents will see an increase, four new neighborhoods were created in the town and village to help “level the playing field.” Letters to the taxpayers will be going out on schedule the first week of May.

The assessor’s office has not received a report to date on commercial assessments.

Police Department: Acting Chief Larry Graham introduced one of the candidates for the Ellicottville

Police Department; a motion was made and accepted to hire her based on Graham’s recommendation.

BOCES Ride Program – Graham reported that insurance for the program has been arranged with the town being the third party. A motion to proceed was made as long as certain waivers are in place, motion accepted.

Mardi Gras was normal until after midnight, Graham reported that a number of problems arose and the Police Department was very fortunate that none of the officers on duty were injured. He mentioned additional officers may be required for future events.
Old Business

Bids on Cemetery Maintenance: Four bids were received ranging from $2,245 to $3,400. A motion was made and accepted to accept the lower bid (from the current contactor) and accepted.
Bryant Hill Cemetery Project: $10,000 had been budgeted plus an expected grant of $3,000 for work. The expected grant money will not be available leaving only the budgeted monies. The contractor will re-do the contract and submit a new one for the original amount budgeted.
Highway Department Health Insurance: Due to a 24% increase with Independent Health, a study is underway to find alternative companies. Any change would have to be ratified by the Teamsters Union.

Historic Building Insulation: A request was submitted to insulate the ceiling to reduce energy costs. The Historical Society is requesting the town purchase the insulation and volunteers will install it. Request granted.

Water Department: Plans are in motion to hire a part time worker for the department.
Justice Department Audit: The town has requested information on what is required for the forthcoming audit.

Dale Golley Cell Phone: Supervisor Burrell reported that Golley’s cell phone has been cancelled at a cost saving of $30. per month. He also noted that there are 6 employees in the Town Highway Department and 7 cell phones were issued. The one extra cell phone is always left in one of the vehicles, this may be subject to return.

Bob O’Brian Announcement: After serving on the Town Board for 20 years, Bob O’Brian announced that he will not be seeking re-election in November.
New Business:

Proposal for new software: The Historical Society has requested the town supply them with a computer. Due to some recent upgrades at the Town Hall one will be made available. There was also a request to upgrade the outdated software for the Supervisor’s secretary, a motion was made and accepted by the board to proceed.

Police Clerk: Several candidates have been interviewed. The position will be posted in the newspaper; starting wages are $10.00 per hour.

Merchant Group Request: A letter was received from Arlene Solley, Chamber of Commerce President regarding keeping the washrooms open at the Town Hall and having the town and village direct the general public to the building, rather than have the merchants do it when people come into their shops.

This raised questions by board members on why the Town Hall is designated as a site for public washrooms and the amount of damage done during some of the festive events. Following lengthy discussion including a suggestion to close the building during events by one board member, the only solution appears to be continuing with portable units, keeping the Town Hall open and eventually building outdoor washrooms.

Note: The building and washrooms are handicap accessible from the rear entrance.