MAYVILLE — Chautauqua County is purchasing additional land for trails in the northern end of the county.

During the legislature’s monthly meeting, lawmakers unanimously approved a resolution to purchase a parcel of about 40 acres of land in the town of Arkwright. The county will pay $1,800 an acre for the property. The approximately $72,000 will come from the county’s Parks Capital Improvement account. The money comes from timber sales.

It was stated during committee meetings that the property includes the Canadaway Creek gorge. The goal is to create a trail “loop” rather than a single direction trail.

The land being purchased is currently owned by DAF Land Holdings LLC, a local company from Forestville. According to the resolution, the land will be used for the Earl Cardot Eastside Overland Trail, which runs from Gerry to Arkwright.

The resolution was unanimously approved.

In other business:

≤ The legislature approved the sale of the old Silver Creek School located at 60 Main St. to Southern Tier Living Environments and Park Grove Realty for $1. The purchase is contingent upon the purchasers receiving necessary tax credits, finance, governmental approvals, and permits for an affordable housing complex. The two organizations are together seeking to knock the building down and construct a 54 apartment complex for senior citizens.

≤ The legislature approved a new tentative agreement for confidential employees and unrepresented employees which will run Jan. 1, 2024-Dec. 31, 2027. The resolution notes these employees are not included in the CSEA, nor do they receive wages and benefits pursuant to local laws covering management employees. Because of this, they will be given raises and benefits identical to those approved for the CSEA Unit 6300 bargaining unit. County attorney Patrick Slagle said during committee meetings this resolution would apply to around a dozen county employees.

≤ Amy Harding of Sherman was appointed to the county Industrial Development Agency.

≤ Bethany O’Hagan of Jamestown was appointed to the county Planning Board.