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BROCTON -- At a recent meeting, the village again discussed how to enforce a parking restriction on village roads this upcoming winter.
Highway Superintendent Ken Becker urged the village to be clear in its direction. "Whether we have to write a new law, or refine the old one, or whatever, you have to set A-Z on what the law is. Is it parking between the sidewalk and the road? Is it parking on the village right of way? In my belief, it needs to be more defined so it's cut and dry, not a question, no grey areas," Becker said.
Becker, who oversees the plowing of Brocton and Portland roads during the winter as Highway Superintendent of both municipalities, stated, "There are a lot of violators if you say it's parking on the right of way."
The issue was stressed a year ago, with the village vowing to tow vehicles that were parked on the streets because of the impediment caused to the snow plows.
Village Attorney Peter Clark said the village has the ability to issue tickets, but enforcement of the fines by the Town of Portland Court is in question. Towing remains an option within the village's ability.
"It's hard to enforce it on one if you're not going to enforce it on them all," Becker said. "... We need to just get something in black and white, make it known, and go with it."
Regarding other violators of village laws and regulations, Clark is also continuing to work with Code Enforcement Officer Wendy Spinuzza to take violators of the state building and fire code to court.
"It's a misdemeanor, so it's a criminal offense," Clark said. "We have to follow the New York State criminal procedure law, which we're doing. ... We'll keep going."
In the month of July, the Village of Brocton reported 30 emergency services calls, 10 mutual aid calls, and a total of 49 calls overall for the department.
"We appreciate the department's response during all these storms with the wind damage. There's a lot of turnout, so that's appreciated," Mayor Craig Miller said.
The village also encouraged residents to sign up for alerts through alert.ny.gov for any breaking news alerts. The topic was raised in response to the recent water line breaks and boil water order that impacted Brocton and Portland earlier this summer.
Also of note in the village, the next monthly meeting of the Village Board was moved up a week due to a conflict with the Village Clerk's fall training school date. The next meeting will be Sept. 13 at 6 p.m. at the Village Hall.