And the battles continue in Town of Persia...

by Terri M. Bahne

     The Town of Persia’s Board was, privy, at the last regular meeting, to various “battle updates.”

     Vincent Cottone reiterated his litany from previous months, adding that, “The fence is still up,” (in regard to a barbed-wire fence that was placed on the property line between himself and his neighbor - to Cottone’s dismay).

     Supervisor Melvin LeBar responded by stating, “We still don’t have a full-time code enforcement officer,” but that they were working on the situation.

     Harry Ackley, who is the temporary code enforcement officer, advised Cottone, as well as the rest of the board, that he had attempted to speak with Cottone’s neighbor, but was only able to speak with the property owner’s son - with the son disallowing Ackley access to the property.

     As the fence should be placed two feet from the property line, and not on it, as per zoning regulations, Ackley stated that he will continue his efforts to contact Cottone’s neighbor in order to obtain his compliance.

     Highway Superintendent Dan Ackley has continued his efforts in regard to the Point Peter Road issue. As man has had to succumb to the way of nature, with the Cattaraugus Creek wreaking havoc on the road, Ackley has applied to FEMA for assistance in the matter.

     “We do qualify for flood control,” Ackley stated, intonating that an update would surely be forthcoming.

     And as far as the “man vs. flag” issue is concerned, man may have won.

     Two local organizations, the Men’s Auxiliary 5007 and Sons of Legion Post 409, have offered to pay for and change the flag atop the town hall two times per year. Therefore, the flag’s position will remain.

     Other noteworthy items include:

   •  The rescheduling of the regular town meeting from Sept. 9 to Sept. 16.    •  Dog information - “NYS Department of Ag and Markets requires that every dog, regardless of age, owned or harbored in NYS for longer than 30 days must be licensed in the town, city or village where the dog is being harbored.” Any dog found unlicensed during the dog census will he charged an additional fee of $5. Failure to license your dog will result in an appearance ticket to Persia Town Court, which will begin later this month.

     Proof of a current rabies vaccination and proof of spay/neuter certificate is required when purchasing a dog license at the town clerk’s office.

   •  Assessor Mary Bailey reported that no date has been rescheduled for the two small claims hearings - 344 Palmer St. and 95 Torrance Place.

     A court date for the Kiantone Pipeline litigation has been received and she has been in contact with the town’s attorney in regard to the matter.
   •  The town’s returned check policy will be changing. An NSF fee of $40 will now apply to a bounced check.
   •  The contract with Gowanda Ambulance Service has been renewed for the upcoming year.
   •  Judge Arnold Andolsek heard a total of 45 cases this past month, bringing in $3,385 in revenue.
   •  Judge Adolph Namlik heard a total of 39 cases this past month, bringing in $1,905 in revenue.

     The next regular board meeting will be held at the town hall on Thursday, Sept. 16 at 7 p.m.