The first Poland Town Board meeting of the new year saw members dealing with both old and new issues.
Town Supervisor Kelly Snow informed members that the town of Poland has not been chosen to receive a small business grant this year.
Councilman Norm Gustafson expressed surprise, since he thought there had been several proposals from local businesses that would have benefited. The grant program is currently an ongoing project, and the town would be eligible to apply again this year.
Highway Superintendent Larry Mee said outside work for the new electrical service and related services at the town hall has been completed. No wires will now be exposed to the weather. The boiler for one heating system experienced some issues, and the local contractor came and serviced it. He also noted that the vent has been placed in the door between the library and the furnace room to facilitate airflow.
Town Clerk Barb Czerniak gave the board members the results of the fact-finding about a printer purchase. The town of Poland is eligible for a grant from New York state for purchase of an Energy-Star-rated color printer/copier. The state rebate would lower the cost of the equipment to $273, which is about a quarter of the actual price on a state bid. Board members voted to go ahead with the purchase through a local office-supply business.
Snow then addressed the concern of a local resident about equine debris on the roads. She said she had contacted both county and state authorities. No local laws exist in Chautauqua County, and because the area is zoned agricultural, it would be impossible to do so. The resident expressed his thanks to Snow for her efforts. All attending the meeting agreed that the new community residents have been good neighbors and a welcome addition.
Safety inspection issues with two properties in the town are continuing. One property owner has a case before the county court, and other proceedings are on hold. The second property case concerns not only the safety issues, but also determining who the owner of the property actually is. Neighboring residents have expressed concerns in both cases, and town officials have given assurances that the matters are being dealt with as quickly as possible.
There are still some areas left to be finished for the dog enumeration in the town. Brian King, dog control officer, hopes to complete the project soon.
Dennis Stornes, Kennedy Free Library Board representative, updated the members on the library's building project. The library has met with the zoning and planning boards about the possibility of a variance in order to purchase a new site and erect a new structure to house the library. No final plans have been made yet.
Highway Superintendent Larry Mee reported that the box on the oldest dump truck is being replaced. The old one had rusted through enough that it did not want to stay in position on the vehicle. He hoped to have it back shortly. He noted the loss of the use of the truck has made a longer turn-around time for the plowing of roads, but that his department has been able to keep up with the necessary work during the recent storms.
Mee stated that the alternate parking in the hamlet seems to be working. Pamphlets were printed and handed out to residents explaining the program. After a period of time to get used to the new system, residents are complying well with the new law, and Mee said that it has made a definite improvement for access by the plows.
Zoning Officer George Gustafson informed the board that a permit had been granted for changes to a cell tower in the town. He said that 84 Lumber would need a variance for a new sign they wish to put up.
The annual report of Rebecca Lindquist, town historian, noted that access to some historical records has returned to the library. Archival framing of the 1854 map of Chautauqua County was completed, and it now hangs on a courtroom wall. Also, the diploma from 1890 underwent archival preservation and is displayed in the library. A framed collection of pictures of Greek Revival-style buildings in the town is also on display in the library. Along with the photo, a CD giving more detailed information was donated to the town in honor of the county's bicentennial.
Board members questioned whether the entire cost of furnace work was the responsibility of the town, or if the contractor should also be responsible. Snow said she would talk with the contractor, and board members voted to withhold payment until the matter is resolved.
The next regular meeting of the Poland Town Board will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 12, at 6:30 p.m. in the town hall. Snow will be available at 5:30 p.m. to meet with residents. The public is encouraged to attend.