Minutes of a Regular Meeting of the

Town Council of the Town of Ellicott

held at the Administration Building,

215 S. Work Street, Falconer, N.Y. on

August 21, 2006 at 7:00 P.M.

 

Present: Supervisor Tyler, Councilman Pickett, Councilman Miller, Councilman Heintzelman, Town Clerk Erlandson, Highway Superintendent Shellhouse, Police Chief Ohnmeiss.

 

Absent: Councilman Geisler.

 

Supervisor Tyler opened the meeting at 7:00 PM and led the Town Council in the Pledge of Allegiance.    Town Clerk Erlandson called the roll. 

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

Motion by Councilman Miller, seconded by Councilman Pickett to accept the minutes of the August 7, 2006 meeting as presented by the Town Clerk.

 

Carried.                             Ayes - 4                              Noes - 0                                  Absent -1

               

PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR

 

Sarah Straitiff, representing the Comfort Inn, presented a letter to the Town Council re unsafe traffic conditions on Route 60.

 

CORRESPONDENCE

 

            Town Clerk Erlandson read the following items into the record:

                                   

1.      Notification of liquor license renewal: Moonbrook Country Club, N. Main St. Ext.

2.      Letter re a remodeling project at the Moonbrook Country Club.

3.      Notice re an upcoming Public Hearing at the Village of Lakewood.

4.      Invitation to annual Dinner Cruise sponsored by the Chautauqua Co. Conference of Mayors & Supervisors.

5.      Notice of an upcoming Regional Leadership Academy sponsored by Southern Tier West Regional Planning & Development Board.

6.      Notice of an upcoming teleconference re energy costs.

7.      Notice re the annual Golf Tournament sponsored by the Chautauqua Co. Chamber of Commerce.

 

TOWN OFFICERS’ REPORTS

 

Councilman Heintzelman reported that the Ellicott Zoning Commission met on Aug. 10, 2006.  The committee discussed a number of issues and established a working agenda.

 

OLD BUSINESS

 

Drainage Study (Bentley Ave.) - The Town Council reviewed a cost estimate from Tolman Engineering, PLLC to prepare a drainage study concerning the Bentley Ave. area.  (Minutes 6/19/06)  The cost of the study would be $20,650.00.  Highway Superintendent Shellhouse noted that a culvert that crosses underneath the road must be replaced soon.  He stated that the cost of the culvert would be approximately $63,000.00.  However, he explained that a study would determine whether a smaller culvert could be utilized which would reduce the cost.  The Council discussed the matter.  Tabled pending further review.

 

Water Pump Station in School Ave. Area – Highway Superintendent Shellhouse reported on the possible existence of a right-of-way on property near School Ave. where a new water pump station is to be installed.  (Minutes 7/17/06)   He will continue to look into the matter. 

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

RESOLUTION #73-06

Ban Renewal (Water 1B)

 

Motion by Supervisor Tyler, seconded by Councilman Heintzelman authorizing the issuance and sale of a Bond Anticipation Note in the amount of $17,000.00 for the construction of a Water Supply and Distribution System for Water District 1B of the Town of Ellicott.  (see 'BAN' file for detail)

 

Adopted.                             Ayes - 4                               Noes - 0                               Absent - 1

 

Amend Town Sign Code – Councilman Heintzelman recommended that the Ellicott Sign Code be amended.  He pointed out that certain sections of the code are ambiguous in re to what type of signage is allowed.  Town Attorney Lasker was directed to review the sign code and make recommendations in regards to how it could be improved.

 

Status of Lovejoy Property – Supervisor Tyler commented on the status of an abandoned home on property that straddles both the Village of Falconer & the Town of Ellicott.  He stated that the abandoned house is in deplorable condition.  He added that both Town & Village officials would like the house demolished.  However, he explained that there are certain legal ramifications that must be addressed before the house can be torn down.  Mr. Tyler reported that a meeting has been scheduled for Aug. 28, 2006 at 10:00 AM at Falconer Village Hall to discuss the matter and determine a strategy for having the house demolished.

 

School Resource Officer (Falconer Central School) – Town of Ellicott Police Chief Ohnmeiss reminded the Town Council that the Ellicott Police Dept. currently provides the Falconer School District with a School Resource Officer (SRO).  Mr. Ohnmeiss stated that the SRO program has been very successful and recommended that it be continued.  Falconer Central High School Principal Charles Nebral commented on the SRO program.  He stated that the program is an asset to the school district.  He thanked the Council for supporting the SRO program.  Falconer Central School Superintendent Jane Forsberg also praised the program.  She noted that the program is very positive and provides an invaluable community service.  Ms. Fosberg stated that she is committed to the program and would like to see it continued.  Current SRO James Jaroszynski stated that program has been very beneficial to the students.  The Town Council discussed the matter.  Councilman Miller stated that, in his opinion, the SRO program should be continued.  He feels that it is an excellent program.  Supervisor Tyler commented on the program.  He noted that under the current contract, the school reimburses the Town of Ellicott $17.00 per hour for the SRO.  He recommended that the rate be increased to $22.00 per hour.  Ms. Fosberg will discuss the proposal with the school board.

 

RESOLUTION #74-06

School Resource Officer

 

Motion by Supervisor Tyler, seconded by Councilman Pickett authorizing the Town of Ellicott Supervisor to sign an agreement with the Falconer Central School District for the Town of Ellicott to provide one (1) uniformed police officer to Falconer Central School for the School Resource Officer (SRO) program for the 2006-2007 school year; at a cost to the school district to be determined.  (See ‘School Resource Officer Agreement’ for detail)

 

Adopted.                             Ayes - 4                               Noes - 0                               Absent - 1

 

The Regular Town Council meeting scheduled for September 4, 2006 was cancelled in observance of Labor Day.

 

RESOLUTION #75-06

Payment of Claims

 

Motion by Supervisor Tyler, seconded by Councilman Pickett to pay 2006 current claims #909-958, inclusive, in the amount of $54,399.09 and charge to the proper fund or account.

 

Adopted.                             Ayes - 4                               Noes - 0                               Absent - 1

 

Motion by Supervisor Tyler, seconded by Councilman Miller to adjourn at 7:39 PM.

 

Carried.                              Ayes - 4                               Noes - 0                               Absent - 1

 

 

 

                                                                                    _________________________________

                                                                                            Michael C. Erlandson, Town Clerk