BROCTON - With the Brocton/Portland Community Festival lying ahead and major utility projects under way, spring weather has allowed plans for Brocton to begin taking shape.
Brocton Mayor Dave Hazelton positively acknowledged only the second change order to be brought to the Board of Trustees for approval as part of the village's waste water treatment plant upgrade during the board's monthly meeting.
"This is a $5.4 million project, and this is only the second change order to be requested. On a project that size, that's exceptional," Hazelton said.
The change order was authorized with consultation from the project engineer, in the amount of $21,487 for work completed by Industrial Power and Lighting, Inc. for additional electrical equipment and housing at the plant site.
Also authorized was a resolution for Brocton to officially apply for a NYS Department of Community Renewal Community Block Development Grant for water main extension and appurtenance along Main Street from Highland Avenue to the west village line. Municipal Solutions was authorized to prepare the grant application, which could net $600,000 as an award.
Electric Lineman for the village, Joe Majkowski was authorized by the board to perform electrical work for the Town of Portland in preparation for upcoming events such as the Brocton/Portland Community Festival as time allows in his village work schedule.
In other matters:
Streets Department Head Tom Allen proposed the village clerk be authorized to advertise for summer help for additional work needing to be performed during summer months. The board approved a resolution for advertisements to be published seeking summer employees.
Trustees officially accepted the bid from Ed Nalepa of Portland in the amount of $235 for timber that was removed around village electric lines this year.
The board also heard an update from District 23 Legislator Tom DeJoe about the county's efforts to secure a spot as part of New York State's recently-enacted land bank status. A total of 10 land banks are slated to be established, with Chautauqua County standing to benefit as one of those chosen.
"Chautauqua County is trying to get one of those spots, and this would help communities get properties off of the foreclosure list, or give people the opportunity to fix the properties back up and put them back on the market. We're hoping to be there right from the beginning," stated DeJoe.
Hazelton agreed, adding "One issue when a building is foreclosed you have some difficulty tracing out what bank has what property. In this instance, a county clerk could notify municipal clerks what bank holds the property - especially if you don't have the money to chase the individual around to find out who the owner is."
The board of trustees will meet again Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Village Hall. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend.
