SINCLAIRVILLE - William Duncanson, who serves as the attorney for both the town of Charlotte and the village of Sinclairville, usually sits silently in the back row when either board meets.
At the most recent meeting of the town board, Duncanson uncharacteristically offered an opinion before asked. Councilman Daniel Pavlock asked if the town could consider helping a church that was erecting an ice skating rink.
Kenneth Bochmann, town supervisor, asked if Pavlock had received a direct request. "No," answered Pavlock, "but it could be coming."
The village of Sinclairville had received a request to do snowblowing on the rink once it was in place.
Duncanson said, "I advised the village not to do it. The liability on something like that is enormous. ... It's a nightmare. It would be the same liability as a swimming pool."
Pavlock said sometimes the liability has to be assumed to provide something good for the community.
Duncanson pointed out the church was planning no supervision for the rink, and the rink is right next to the road. "I can just imagine the depositions going on (in case of an accident)."
Councilwoman Varsi Peterson commented, "It's really sad that there is so little to do for kids; that's why they're stealing frosties."
Peterson was referring to decorations stolen from her.
"I had to get that in," she said.