The final Town of Poland Board meeting of the year saw members looking ahead to 2018 and some of the changes it will bring.

Town Clerk Bonnita Wallace told the board that notification had been received from New York state that a speed study had been completed on Quaint Road as requested. The state has approved a reduced speed limit of 45 MPH on Quaint Road from the Falconer-Frewsburg Road to Stone Road, effective immediately. One resident noted that this definitely made sense, because there are several curves along that stretch of road, and children live in the area as well.

Under new business, Supervisor Kelly Snow led a discussion about making an extra BAN payment on the principal amount for the town hall building project. Making such a payment could save the town a good deal of interest. After some debate about using reserve funds to make the payment, the board passed a motion to do so in the amount of $20,000.

Supervisor Snow acknowledged the excellent work Kathleen Stanton had done during her 10 years on the board. Members thanked her for her years of service, and hoped that she would continue her efforts as a civilian. Ms. Snow then presented Ms. Stanton with a card and gift from the board. Under old business, Stanton reported that the accessibility committee would meet again after the first of the year. She respectfully asked the board to appoint her to the committee to continue the work she has done thus far, since she is retiring from the board this year.

Route 394 Signage

During the second privilege of the floor, a local resident asked the board if they could ask the state to put direction signs on Route 394 to help motorists find their way around the area. The resident stated that in a single day, 10 to 20 people turn around in his driveway when they realize they are going the wrong way. There are no signs in the area on Route 394 indicating where to go to reach Jamestown or Randolph or which way to head to Route 62. There is no signage where Waterboro Hill meets Route 394 to indicate which way to go, either. The resident said his property is suffering because of all these turn-arounds. Highway Superintendent Larry Mee said he would contact state officials about putting in some signs. Supervisor Snow thought it was an excellent suggestion, and thanked the resident for bringing the matter to the board’s attention.

In other news: Town Clerk Bonnita Wallace noted that the first day of tax collection would be Jan. 8. The bills for property taxes should be received by residents shortly.

Mee reported that the new speed limit had been posted on Sprague Hill Road; the last payment on the current BAN for a truck would be paid this coming year; and he requested permission to get a new five-year BAN to purchase a new truck to replace one of the oldest one’s currently in use. A first payment would not be due until 2019 for a new single-axle truck which would be received in the fall, in time for the next snow season. Board members felt that since there would not be two BAN payments for equipment at the same time, it made sense to replace the older equipment. The board passed a motion to allow Mee to go out for bids for a new single-axle vehicle. Mee told the board that his department was busy plowing snow, and that so far they have been able to keep up with the conditions and keep supplies on hand.

County Legislator Ron Lemon thanked everyone for their support while he has been their representative in Mayville. He said he had learned a lot while serving in the legislature. Supervisor Snow said that it had always been great to have him at the board meetings, and thanked him for keeping local officials and residents informed about the legislative process.

The board will hold a reorganizational meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 9 at 6 p.m. with a regular meeting to follow at 7 p.m. and the annual audit of the books will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 16, beginning at 6 p.m.