by Karen Blake

     At their monthly meeting, Monday, July 25, the Dayton Town Board reviewed zoning ordinance fees and approved rate changes, raising fees for building and related permits. Town Supervisor Tom Chupa stated, “We needed to raise prices a little, most are only $5 to $10 higher.”

     On the recommendation of Town Building Inspector/Code Enforcement Officer Frank Watson, board members also created a “demolition permit” for taking down structures such as sheds, garages, barns, etc. with a fee of $20. Watson explained the main purpose of the new permit is incorporating safety, disposal of debris, power equipment on site, etc.

     Watson said he has issued two building permits - a new house on Mosher Hollow Road and for a pool. He noted a variance has been granted for a barn on the Bennett property at Wolf and East Leon roads, and there will be a special-use permit hearing for saw mills on Cottage-Bentley Road parcels.

     Letters notifying of unsafe conditions have been sent out to 20 to 25 property owners, Watson reported.

     He also advised that anyone planning to put up a manufactured home should apply for a building permit as soon as possible, citing instances where the homes were ready to be placed, but the necessary permits had not been completed.

     Permit for house, manufactured home, or new build or agricultural building: 0 to 1,000 sq.ft., $30; 1,000 to 2,000 sq.ft., $60; 2,000 to 5,000 sq. ft., $90; 5,000 to 10,000 sq. ft., $125; 10,000 sq. ft. and over, $250.
     Special-use permit or variance, $30 plus $20 advertising.
     Permit for chimney and solid fuel burning devices, $20.
     Swimming pool, $30.
     Agricultural Building add-on (permit required), $20.
     All other building permits for construction worth $500 and up, $30.

     Anyone constructing a home or placing a manufactured house without a permit, or constructing any building without permit will be subject to a building permit plus a charge of $150. Copies of the zoning ordinance are available at the town hall.

     In other matters, Mosher Road resident Richard Witkowski addressed the board, asking if the speed limit could be lowered, stating Mosher Road is “turning into a speedway.” Witkowski said residents like to walk for exercise but it is an unsafe situation “with cars flying by” he estimated at about “60 mph.” He said he would like to see the speed limit dropped to 35 mph from the current 45 mph.

     The board will request the lower speed limit of 35 mph to the state to try to resolve the situation, but agreed it is probably a losing battle as the problem is enforcement.

     The board is looking into purchasing new computer software for the town clerk to help with doing vouchers, licenses, etc. However, the cost of $900 for a new program, with upwards of $550 for training, etc., “is a lot of money.” They will continue to check with other towns and look into less costly alternatives. Councilwoman Jeanne Matteson commented that the state should be providing money to do their programs.

     Town Assessor Bob Busekist told board members he is starting work on the 2006 assessment roll for next year. He said home sales were up slightly in the town and village, but land sales were up more. He advised the board he would like to attend a conference on appraisals Sept. 19 in Amherst. The cost is $140 and would count toward his training requirements for the year.

     Busekist also said he had a “dog damage” report of a week-old calf that had been killed on a local farm. The DEC has determined the calf was killed by a dog or dogs, Busekist stated, adding that the claim to the state for damages will be paid out of dog licensing fees.

In other business, the board:

   •  Approved renewal of the contract with Gowanda Ambulance for $3,717, which is the same as last year at a rate of $5 per capita of 743 in the Town of Dayton.
   •  Heard from Town Attorney Ron Ploetz that vouchers for code books have been resubmitted to the state.
   •  Noted that the Cattaraugus County Soil and Water Conservation Service is conducting training for communities on EPA stormwater regulations. They have a one half-hour program available for municipalities, planning boards, etc. Contact Brian Davis.
   •  Received a thank you from the Dayton Historical Society for including them in the budget, noting the historical society is open the second and fourth Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Their meetings are on the third Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.
   •  Town Court Reports for July note Justice Jeffrey Beightol heard five vehicle and traffic, one penal, and one civil case for $490 in fines, fees and surcharges; and Justice Josephine Beightol had eight vehicle and traffic for $410, totaling $900 in fines, fees and surcharges collected.

     The next regular Dayton Town Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 22 at 7:30 p.m. at the town hall.