Town nears BESS law, hearing Sept. 15
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The Town of Dunkirk is nearing a final proposal for a local law regarding Battery Energy Storage Systems in the town. In order to give the Town Board even more time to make sure all of the finer details are exactly defined to their liking, the Board is looking to extend its moratorium on such projects in the town for another six months.
A public hearing will be at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 15, prior to the regular Town Board meeting, to discuss extending the moratorium for six more months. The Town already extended the moratorium an additional six months earlier this year.
Town Board member Bob Price recently attended a Battery Energy Storage System workshop conducted by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) for more information. After attending that workshop, Price said to the Board, "I don't want to see them near residential (districts) by any means, but I don't think the big fear factor is as high as it was before."
The Town Board has held several workshops in recent months to draft a local law regulating Battery Energy Storage Systems in the town. Regarding the Town's proposed law, Price said, "I don't think we're lacking at all."
The Town will also hold another public hearing on Sept. 15, immediately after the Battery Energy Storage System moratorium public hearing, regarding the updated map plan and report pertaining to the East Lake Road Sewer District. The proceedings pertain to the improvement of already existing facilities in the East Lake Road Sewer District.
The regular meeting will begin immediately following the two public hearings.
Curb stops are being marked in anticipation of the start of construction on the Shorewood Water Project. The project was delayed for many months due to required easements and eminent domain proceedings, but the project is nearly ready for bids.
Town of Dunkirk Supervisor Shari Miller will be meeting with the Town of Pomfret and the Village of Fredonia to consider possibilities regarding a shared Highway Department, as well as shared Dog Control facilities and services. The meeting is a result of discussions with County Executive PJ Wendel's initiative to encourage consolidation and cooperation between municipalities throughout Chautauqua County.
The Town adopted a 15-year franchise agreement with Charter Communications at a rate of 5% of annual gross revenue. A resolution with the State Department of Transportation regarding work in the right of way was approved, contingent upon approval from Town Attorney Jeff Passafaro.
In the month of July, the Town Justice Court handled a total of 313 cases, including 300 Vehicle and Traffic Law cases, three Penal Law cases, one Environmental Conservation Law case, one Transportation Law case, one DNA case, and seven terminations of suspensions. A total of $18,409 was collected and turned over for distribution.
The Town Clerk's Office collected $9,120 in revenue during the month of July, including $8,376 in zoning fees, $680 in clerk fees, and $64 for dog licenses. The Town also received its third quarter sales tax distribution, amounting to $120,449.13, an increase of roughly $17,000 from the same time period last year.
Samantha Tofil was hired as the town of Dunkirk's new Deputy Clerk. "She's going to do just fine. It's a great find to have her come here and join us," said Town Board member Jean Crane.
Tofil was outspoken in leaving the city of Dunkirk position she held in the Clerk/Treasurer Office, alleging a grim workplace atmosphere in her resignation letter. Tofil shared the letter, and an email that acted as a cover letter for the resignation document, with the OBSERVER.
Tofil was on leave but “decided not to return from my leave,” according to the Aug. 4 resignation letter. “I had hoped that during my absence the city would take meaningful steps to address the workplace issues that led to my absence. Instead, I have seen no indication that the underlying problems have been acknowledged or addressed.”