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BROCTON -- With the expiration of a sewer service contract between the Village of Brocton and the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) pertaining to the Lakeview Shock Incarceration Correctional Facility, things could have gotten very messy.
Instead, the Village and DOCCS have found a solution, at least for the time being.
Village Attorney Peter Clark stated that he and Rich Lewis, Waste Water Treatment Supervisor, reviewed the contract with DOCCS, which expired April 30. A provision in the contract stated that if the contract expired, the Village could bill DOCCS for its service. After discussion, Clark stated that DOCCS will pay the bill without a new contract in place.
However, there is also an outstanding balance from the Department of Corrections that has not been paid for several years, despite Clark's best efforts on behalf of the Village. Clark stated of the money owed, "Every time we think we've got the answer, it gets worse."
Clark also stated that he has made progress on the cleanup process at 98 Old Mill Road, a home that was destroyed in a fatal fire on Christmas morning of 2024. Clark has been pursuing legal action through abandoned property laws.
Regarding another property in disrepair, on East Main Street, a new owner has taken on the property. Clark believes the new owner "does intend to remedy the situation."
Also of note in the village, in the month of June, the Brocton Fire Department responded to 27 calls, including two motor vehicle accidents, while providing mutual aid 16 times.
Trustees Brandy Smith and Drew Ransom both urged Highway Department Ken Becker to prioritize replacing a fire hydrant on Highland Avenue. Becker explained that the depth of the water line along Highland Avenue makes replacement a significant undertaking.
"We need to do something, but it's not as easy as it looks," Becker said.
There is a hydrant on Highland Avenue near Jamestown Plastics, and another in the opposite direction, but both are a significant distance away from the hydrant in need of replacement. Becker estimated the cost of replacement at roughly $2,000, which would be the Village's responsibility, not paid for through the Brocton-Portland Water fund. Even so, Smith and Ransom both emphasized the need to address the issue as a matter of public safety.
"We're talking public safety, guys. We've got to really get on this," Ransom said. "I'm not worried about the cost; we'll find a way to pay the money. When it comes down to it, it's getting the time and man hours that's going to be the problem, but we've got to get that taken care of."
The next Brocton Village Board meeting will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 19 at 6 p.m.