Gowanda PennySaver / September 24, 2000

Many questions, some answers at Perrysburg Village meeting

By Karen Blake

     Officials of the Village of Perrysburg were kept busy addressing residents' concerns at the village board meeting Tuesday. Questions were raised by residents over a number of issues regarding village water and sewer services, zoning and building ordinances, as well as traffic problems.
     Former village mayor Leonard Fuller, Railroad Avenue residents Ed Randall and Ignatius Tuzzolino, and Don Rosier all complained about the low water pressure being experienced by village water users. They told of difficulty flushing toilets, possible harm to newly installed fixtures, and difficulty taking showers, etc. Tuzzolino said his water had been rated an "8," indicating very high iron and hardness levels, and asked if this could be brought up to the state. The village receives water through the JN Adam property water system.
     Village Mayor Tony Kota agreed to check what an "8" means, while stating the water is consistently tested with no problems. He also acknowledged the water pressure problem, and said the main line pressure right now should be normal as the eight-inch valve, which had "failed completely" was now repaired. He said the three-inch bypass valve was ordered and work should be done next week. Kota further explained that it was thought the former water pressure was too high, and the county says water pressure should be set at 40 pounds. He said the pressure would continue to be checked. Randall was concerned that maintenance had never been done by the village or the Gowanda Sewer Department on the sewer line in back of his home, and questioned easements or rights-of-way on his property. Village sewer lines run down to the wastewater treatment plant in the Village of Gowanda.
     Kota said the village is aware of the problems but needed a way as well as a bridge to get back there.
     Randall agreed to let maintenance people across his property as long as any damage to the lawn, etc. would be repaired.
     On another issue, Rosier, who lives next door, again brought up and questioned the board on the status of the corner property on Route 39 and Peck Hill Road, formerly Hopples. He asked about the lack of upkeep of the fence.
     Kota said the village had just received notice that the property title had been transferred to Mark Grill by Reed Petroleum, the former owners. Kota commented that Reed Petroleum had stalled long enough on the fence issue until they were able to get rid of the property. He said he would take the fence up with Bruce Gibbs, the village building inspector and code enforcement officer, upon Gibbs' return in two weeks. Kota said he believes Gibbs had issued a permit to change the double doors in front of the building to an overhead door.
     In answer to another question, Kota stated the village does not know what was going in there, but that the property is zoned "highway commercial."
     Kota also read a letter the village received, unsigned because of a concern over confrontation, from a "concerned citizen." The letter posed many questions for the board members, including: "How many vehicles are allowed on a property?," environmental concerns regarding emissions of paint spraying, and car exhaust fumes, chemical waste disposal, propane tanks near a wood stove, any village codes being overlooked, "Do village employees get special treatment?", "Can one rent space out for vehicles?" The letter ended with the comment that the village is looking like a "city ghetto" and challenged the board to "fulfill its obligations" to the community.
     The mayor said he would attempt to answer some of the questions, saying the rest regarding code enforcement would have to be addressed by Gibbs. Kota first stated he thought the remark of the "village looking like a city ghetto" was a little harsh.
     Kota surmised a question regarding the water inspector's salary referred to Robin Clark He explained that Clark was on salary and employed by the village. The board made a decision at budget time to pay him a salary for normal work during the course of a day. Lately, while Clark is inspecting the cable installation, he also has to do his regular duties and he does do that, according to Kota.
     Regarding when hydrants were flushed?, the board members and residents agreed that had been within the last two months.
     "How many vehicles can be on a lot before they need an auto shop license?" Kota thought three vehicles, but will look at codes and check with Gibbs. He also thought violations had been issued in regard to this.
     Fuller made a request to the board, stating since it had been some time since the issue of speeding by vehicles on Main Street (Route 39) had been addressed, to again ask the State Police for stronger enforcement. He said big trucks go very fast by his home, even worse at night, and stated neighbors are afraid of an accident with someone coming out of the nearby group homes. The board agreed to send another letter to the State Police regarding this.
     In other business, the board heard a report from Village Clerk Carol Badurek, that in response to comments from residents, wording on the new water and sewer billings will be clarified. All water and sewer bills are due in by Monday, Oct.16. Letters were sent to the eight residents who have not connected to the sewer system; all must be connected by Dec. 31, 2000.
     Badurek reported the village received revenues of $1,163 in CHIPS money, $2,600 in state aid, $394.75 from EIC Drilling, Perrysburg Fire Company $175, and received $490.27 in back taxes. She said the village had received notice of two transfers of property reports from the county regarding the cafe, and the former Hopple's restaurant.
     Badurek noted the new village curfew law was resubmitted to Albany, due to forms being outdated. The law was filed Sept.15 and a letter of confirmation is expected within the next 10 days.
     Two building permits were issued in July, one to the Perrysburg Volunteer Fire Company, and to M. Yorke Haynes, new owner of the restaurant on the corner of Railroad Avenue and Main Street.
     She reminded village residents that the village office will be closed on Monday, Oct. 9 for Columbus Day.

     The board also:
     * Asked Ed Randall to check why the copy of the proposed fire company budget for 2001 seems to increase the village costs by 5 percent, with no increase for the towns of Perrysburg and Hanover.
     * Did not approve a request from Municipal Information Exchange (MUNex) to participate in a pilot program.
     * Heard a presentation by representative Nancy Weiss from CLASS, the state cooperative investment program. She explained new money transfer procedures that will save the village costs and lost interest during banking procedures. The village has participated in this program since July 8, 1999 at no charge.
     The next village board meeting will be held Thesday, Oct. 17, at 7 p.m., in the town hall.