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Village receives applications for vacant counsel position

OBSERVER photo by Jimmy McCarthy The Fredonia Village Board was without legal counsel during its Monday meeting. Fredonia Mayor Athanasia Landis said her hope is to have someone approved in October.

The Fredonia Village Board was without legal counsel during its Monday meeting, but the process to hire a new one is underway with several applications gathered.

During work session, Mayor Athanasia Landis said two trustees and herself will propose village attorney candidates to the board for consideration sometime next month. With several applications received, trustees Phyllis Jones and Jim Lynden will join the mayor during the initial interviewing phase.

Landis acknowledged the two trustees and her could bring more than one candidate before the board to consider. The board could then enter executive session to discuss the candidates.

Trustees took no issue with the mayor’s plan.

The village attorney position was posted following the resignation of Todd Thomas in late August. Thomas, who was appointed by the village board in May, left to become Jamestown City Clerk.

Landis said they will conduct interviews this week and next week with the hope to have a village attorney in place sometime next month.

“I would like them (in) as soon as possible,” she said. “We’re hopeful to bring (a proposal) to the board.”

Thomas succeeded former Village Attorney Samuel Drayo Jr., who left at the end of December 2016 after serving 48 years. It took several months for the board to bring on a new attorney once Drayo Jr. retired.

The village attorney is the legal adviser and attorney for all offices, officials and departments within village government. Some of the work includes drafting ordinances and resolutions as well as reviewing contracts.

Landis said there’s concern when the village is without counsel.

“Every time we’re here and he or she is not, it’s a problem,” she said.

In other matters, the board approved a contract with CSEA Fredonia Unit 6313 of Local 807 as well as the Fredonia Police Benevolent Association. Contracts with both units run through May 31, 2020. Specifics to both agreements weren’t immediately available.

Trustees also approved use of West Barker Common, including the gazebo, for the Harvest Moon Cemetery Tour, which runs Oct. 20-21 from 6 p.m. to midnight. The board also granted use of Barker Common and the gazebo for the annual “Miracle On Main Street” for activities to be held on Dec. 2.

The board also approved to close local streets for the Cold Turkey 4.5K run on Nov. 23. Water Street between Main and Canadaway streets will be closed during the race that will start at 9 a.m. at 43 Water St. The race will continue down Water Street to Webster Road and Seymour and Howard streets.

The board also approved to transfer funds to install the remaining part of the concrete apron in front of the village Fire Hall. The amount will not exceed $15,000.

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