Ellicottville Town Board Meeting
By Jim Gill

Town Supervisor John Burrell called the monthly meeting to order at 6: PM on Tuesday April 28, 2009.

Attending: John Burrell, Council members Bob Scharf, Bob O’Brian, Greg Fitzpatrick, Ken Hinman, Clerk Antoinette Higgs, Highway Superintendent Dave Golley, Ellicottville Police Department Larry Graham, Assessor Robin Pearl Lamphier, Deputy Assessor Harry Weissman, and Town Engineer Mark Alianello.

Good News: Supervisor Burrell mentioned the town had received a check from the Division Safety Group of Workman’s Compensation in the amount of $5,776.19 and a franchise check is forthcoming from Time Warner in the amount of $15,458.88.

Approve Minutes: Regular meeting of the Town Board 3/24/09 minutes approved.

Privilege of the Floor: Town resident Rosalie Kelly followed up on a letter sent to board members regarding tractor trailers parking overnight in the town on Route 219 with engines left running most of the evening. Kelly requested board members take some action to eliminate the problem. Dave Golley mentioned they have the same problem at the Town Garage, the problem stems from few if any parking areas for truck drivers in the area. With Rt. 219 being a state highway, the question came up regarding the town being able to post signage to eliminate the problem; Burrell will discuss the matter with the town attorney.

Supervisor’s Report: Supervisor Burrell reported on best ROI for investing money from the general fund ($587,000.) and others into CD’s. Board members approved Burrell’s recommendation regarding choice of financial institutions.

Highway Department: Dave Golley reported most of the spring clean-up in the town has been completed including work on cleaning up the area around the town garage where 50% of the work has been done. His department has also reduced the amount of cell phones for employees introducing a sharing program where all employees will still have access to one during working hours.

Engineering Department: Mark Alianello reported certain areas lack adequate fire water flow due to deficiencies in the system and need for the East Tank Project to get underway at a cost of 1.6 million. The situation can lead to limitations in future developments.

With the slowdown in the economy resulting in some of the new developments coming to a standstill, concerns are being raised regarding the condition at some of the sites i.e. piles of dirt, stone, fencing etc. Alianello mentioned there is not much they can do except send letters to the developers requesting they clean-up their sites and if construction ceases for 2 years they will have to re-apply to the planning board and could face some delays.

Discussion followed on the need for a full time assistant at the water treatment plant and licensing of the new employee. The board agreed to pursue hiring someone at a starting rate of $11.00 per hour.

Assessor’s Report: Joe Emminger from EHN&P and local assessor Robin Pearl Lamphier reported on the reassessment of commercial property in Ellicottville. His firm has evaluated 250 parcels including retail, industrial buildings, parks, condo properties and others. He reported that overall 75% of values went down and 25% will see an increase, however 90% of condominiums will see an increase, they also raised the value on Tamarack by $500,000. Emminger mentioned he will be available to meet and work with people prior to grievance day.

Police Department: Officer in charge Larry Graham mentioned a delay in hiring a new officer as the candidate needs to purchase a weapon (officers currently provide their own weapons) generating discussion on the town purchasing and supplying Glock 40 caliber handguns to law officers at $600.00 each. Board members discussed setting up a fund over the years to purchase 10 handguns.
Standard Operating Procedures for the Ellicottville Police Department are not in place and need to be current as per the Police Committee’s recommendation; Graham mentioned they are 9 months behind. To speed up the procedure board members discussed the possibility of using some of the procedures in place from other community’s law enforcement agencies.

Tax Collector: Toni Higgs reported tax collection is larger to date as more people are current in their tax bills.

Old Business: Restoration work resumes on May 31st at the Bryant Hill Cemetery, the town is seeking volunteers to work with the professional restorers hired for the project.

New Business: A proposal has been made to change clerk Robin George’s status to full time and have the Town Clerk’s Department assume some of the clerical duties of the Police Department. The reasoning behind this move is to allow police officers to spend more time on the street and to have someone available full time to handle citizen’s questions. The proposed move raised some concerns with Larry Graham regarding system security also mentioning George would need to undergo a full background check prior to this change. Following a lengthily discussion everyone was in agreement to hold off until some of the concerns could be addressed.

Town Board meetings will be moved to Wednesdays for the next four months, the May meeting will be held on Wednesday May 20th, June, July and August meetings will be held on the 4th Wednesday of the month. All meetings are scheduled to start at the normal time 6: PM.
Supervisor Burrell mentioned the Town of Great Valley has a number of activities for senior citizens and would like to talk to Town Supervisor Dan Brown to see if Ellicottville seniors could join them.

Due to a number of complaints and security concerns with the current company hired to clean and maintain the Town Hall, board members agreed to request bids from other companies to conduct the work properly.