CASSADAGA — As the village of Cassadaga awaits a response from the Chautauqua County Planning Board regarding a proposed law to regulate short-term rental properties in the village, the moratorium on such properties has been extended another 90 days.

The village sent its 239 Planning/Referral Form and its State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) assessment to the County Planning Board on Aug. 15, shortly after the Village Board approved the matter at a meeting. Without a response as of the most recent meeting, the village extended the moratorium another 90 days.

Additionally, Trustee Bill Astry stated he has volunteers lined up to assist with the construction of the Bathhouse at the Beach project, which the village is using American Rescue Plan Act funding to assist with.

The village is also exploring multiple avenues to add to its Department of Public Works staff, upon the request of Superintendent of Public Works Sam Alaimo. Among the options discussed were contracting mowing services, a full-year, part-time position, and the pursuit of a shared services agreement with a nearby municipality. Water services, mowing and brush pickup were among the services the village discussed that would benefit from an increase to the DPW staff.

Trustees Cindy Flaherty and Cathy Cruver both initially pushed back on the idea because of budgetary restraints, but Cruver later said the village should take a closer look.

“My initial reaction too is how can we afford it? But I think we do need to do our due diligence and make sure it is something we can’t afford,” Cruver said. “I don’t think it’s an outrageous request given all the issues we’ve had.”

Also at the most recent meeting, the board voted not to endorse a firefighter/ambulance worker’s exemption. The village board determined the New York State Income Tax Credit of $200 was more beneficial to volunteers.

The Cassadaga Fire Department report for the month of July showed 10 Emergency Medical Services calls, three fire calls, and five motor vehicle accidents. A total of 25 calls were made in the month, with mutual aid provided to 16 incidents.

Flaherty reported the Cassadaga beach has welcomed 3,115 guests this summer, excluding special events. That figure is down approximately 500 people this year, which Flaherty attributed to poor weather. Only two incidents have occurred, while 46 guests have regularly attended swimming lessons.

“I want to recognize and thank Cindy and the beach personnel for the concerts and a great season,” Cruver said. “Bigger communities have similar events and don’t have nearly the attendance that we have in our little community. I think that should be recognized and commended.”