SHERMAN — Sherman Village Board members recently received several capital project updates.

Jay Irwin, wastewater treatment plant chief operator, said the filtration system for the sewer is online now and the master control center has arrived.

“I’ve been getting quotes from local contractors on overhead door operators, replacement of public works building windows, and epoxy of floors,” he said.

In terms of the drinking water treatment project, the village is still investigating combining electric meter service for the drinking water treatment building with the wastewater treatment plant building, Irwin said. They are also exploring the possibility of having one generator for both buildings, instead of two, he added.

Regarding the solar project, Village Mayor Colleen Meeder reported that the poles are complete, racking has begun, but there is no solar generation yet.

“The full intent and operation of the property will be seen next summer,” she said.

Meeder also updated the board on various committee activities.

“The Edmunds Park Committee is reviewing the plans for the restrooms and the quote for the playground,” she said. “Duane Woods is donating a quarter acre of land from his Hart Street property for the purpose of expanding the park.”

Meeder said she and representatives of the Sherman Historical Society will be meeting with the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation to review a grant application for the Sherman Yorker Museum Restoration Project. The grant would be for $20,000, including a request for a $6,000 match towards the Preserve New York Grant for the historic structure report.

In other business, board members approved a 2023-24 budget for the village in the amount of $1,385,523 that includes a tax levy of $226,365 with a levy increase of 2.3%, or $5,168.

Trustees tabled the payroll schedule of village employees’ hourly wages, including streets superintendent, clerk/treasurer, utility workers, enforcement officer and crossing guard. Additionally, trustees approved the mayor’s annual salary of $6,000 and the monthly cell phone reimbursement of $75 for the mayor.

Board members approved an employment status change for the enforcement officer of code and zoning from part-time to full-time. This position will also include the role of fair housing officer.

In another matter, following a public hearing, which was held prior to the regular board meeting, trustees voted to adopt Local Law 1 of 2023, Purchase Money Mortgage.

“This will allow the Village of Sherman to hold a Purchase Money Mortgage on the property it is selling on Main Street for the purpose of enhancing the village of Sherman,” according to the resolution.

Trustees further accepted the introduction of Proposed Local Law 2 of 2023, which deals with infestation & pest remediation and “would allow for the Enforcement Department to require professional abatement of cases of infestation, vermin, and pest violations under state law for the purpose of protecting and securing the health, safety, welfare and quality of living within the Village of Sherman.”

The introduction of Proposed Local Law 3 of 2023, which is an amendment of the sewer rents law was accepted by board members.

“This is the sewer rents law initially intended to update the fee schedule,” Meeder said. “The village attorney is reviewing the language for the sewer rents law amendment.”

Two donations for the purpose of expanding Edmunds Park were officially accepted by trustees. The donation of .262 acres from Duane Woods and the donation of $10,000 from the Wake Family Foundation, of which part may be used for public restrooms, to be located between Hart and Franklin streets off Creekside Lane were approved.

Board members also approved several other resolutions, including one authorizing the mayor to purchase a lawn mower, not to exceed the cost of $18,000; a resolution approving the allocation of American Rescue Plan funds; and a resolution accepting the National Grid EV Make-Ready Program funds of up to $33,000 awarded to the village for the EV charging stations.

Trustees accepted the $12,000 award from the Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG) for the Village’s Downtown Visioning and Design Complete Streets Plan toward future grant applications, with the professional services of Barton & Loguidice and consulting with GOBike.

Trustees further approved a resolution authorizing the mayor to engage Barton & Loguidice for the purpose of providing engineering and planning services for the village’s Stormwater Improvement Project and a resolution approving the purchase of a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 double cab with a Fisher Plow to be purchased on government contract, not to exceed $58,000; this will be part of a larger Public Works Financing Project, including an application to USDA RD.