The battleground in Town of Persia
by Terri M. Bahne
Round one - Man vs. Nature, with Nature in the lead.
Highway Superintendent Dan Ackley, at the most recent Town of Persia Board meeting that was held on July 8, stated that Point Peter Road might possibly be lost to the Cattaraugus Creek. “We’re keeping a close eye on it,” Ackley stated in regard to the increasing demise of the situation. As the water in the creek has gone the way of least resistance, with unstable gravel as the root of the problem, Ackley may need to close Point Peter Road for a short time in order to work on it, with 48 hours notice being given to the public before such operations take effect.
“I’m trying to pursue different [avenues],” Ackley stated, adding that he has been in contact with FEMA in order to receive emergency funds before an attempt to halt the damage can commence. “You’ve got to have something lined up to fix the problem and then FEMA will give you the money,” Ackley advised the board. The matter is, Ackley continued, “I don’t know where to start.”
Supervisor Melvin LeBar stated that he had received a few letters from village residents commending the staff on their assistance in the Point Peter Road matter, adding that, “It’s a very poor situation.”
Round two - Man vs. Flag.
Supervisor LeBar addressed the board in response to a letter that had been published in the Gowanda PennySaver/News to the effect of poor flag etiquette. As the flag currently sits atop the town hall, it poses a problem of inaccessibility. “It looks nice up there,” stated LeBar, “but it’s too windy and we can’t get to it [to take it down when it’s tattered].”
LeBar advised the board that the electric company and the fire company had been previously asked to move or adjust the flag, but that he believed it should be totally removed from the top of the building and placed elsewhere ... somewhere more accessible yet still visible, such as on a pole in front of the town hall. “We were all aware of the procedures to put the flag at half staff,” LeBar intonated in regard to the passing of former President Ronald Reagan, as well as removing it when tattered, but could neither physically or easily reach it to do so.
Round three - The Board vs. a Vacancy.
As the position for a building code enforcement officer is still open, Councilwoman Paula Schueler wondered if any progress had been made in attempting to fill said position.
Supervisor LeBar stated that he had chosen not to put an ad in the paper just yet in the hopes that the town could share an inspector with a neighboring town. Unfortunately, this option has so far been futile. LeBar advised the board that NYS law allows for an interim person to be appointed to the position to accept permits until a permanent candidate can fill the vacancy.
Councilman Harry Ackley stepped up to the plate and volunteered to act as the temporary code enforcement officer.
Round four - Neighbor vs. Neighbor.
Regarding the ongoing situation between land owners Vincent Cottone and his adjacent neighbor, Supervisor LeBar advised the board that he had spoken with both parties, as well as the town’s attorney and the state. He added that letters had been written to both land owners involved to the effect of Mr. Cottone’s neighbor being in violation of placing a fence on the property line instead of two feet from it - as per regulations. The neighbor has 30 days to comply.
Round five - Board vs. Additional Items.
Town Assessor Mary Bailey reported to the board that the final tax assessment roll was acquired from Little Valley. The town total taxable was down approximately $350,000 due to decreases from gas wells, special franchises and the final court settlement from Chestnut/Torrance Street properties.
After speaking with the Batavia office, Bailey continued with her report. A town-wide reimbursement to the effect of $5 per parcel (with an approximate total being $6,000) will be implemented. The town would also be eligible for annual aid that, if based on the state budgets, as of this date would continue to be $5 per year for the next three years.
In other matters:
•The board read and declined an application for a request to place a pavilion at the George Dispenza Memorial Field on Broadway Road.
•A quote for replacing the carpeting in the judges’ office was heard and accepted.
•Judge Arnold Andolsek heard a total of 40 cases this past month, bringing in $3,135 in revenue.
•Judge Adolph Namlik heard a total of 53 cases this past month, bringing in $2,325 in revenue.
The next Town of Persia regular board meeting will be held on Thursday, Aug. 12 at 7 p.m. in the town hall.