Comptroller wants more village oversight

PENN YAN—The recent risk assessment review by the New York State Comptroller’s office was discussed at the Penn Yan village board, Aug. 17.
Proposals and ideas regarding use of funds in the future was discussed as were future audits, spending, and a current proposal to the fire department. There was no need seen for an additional audit.  The comptroller’s office confirmed the budget issues that have come to light regarding the fire department, and saying it is more an issue of the village and village board, not the fire department.
Mayor Bob Church said the village is waiting to hear back from the comptrollers office. He said, “We’re not clear if we will get anything back from them.”
In other business: Discussed the Ethics law. Trustee Wayne Davidson said the current code lacks, “A lot of definitions.” Church said he doesn’t want it to be more complicated than it has to be. Trustee Bart Winslow Jr. said there has not been anything brought before the board that would have activated the ethics committee. Following discussion, Church asked Davidson to go ahead and finalize the law next month.  The current law calls for a committee of five and Church asked Davidson to go ahead. The village will advertise for people interested in serving on the committee.
• Vice-mayor Willie Allison announced there are multiple projects underway in the Community Development program. Church said the program, which is a 50 percent loan and 50 percent grant is, “A good deal”. Village attorney Ed Brockman said the program has been simplified and is not as difficult as before. Allison said one of the changes is that the village is assured of getting the loan funds back.
 • Winslow discussed closing of the north gate into the cemetery. The village is trying to stop use of the road as a thoroughfare. Church said the board can’t have people flying through there, adding, “We want to keep the gates open, but it’s a problem”. Police Chief Mark Hulse said the speed trailer would be at the site, Aug. 18, 19, and after school starts. It will keep track of the number of cars, times and speeds.
• Work on East Elm Street is scheduled to begin soon. It will be fully replaced from Main and East Elm Streets to Commercial Avenue. Church said signs will indicate the East Elm parking lot can be accessed from the top of Main Street so that businesses in the affected area don’t get hurt any more than necessary.
• Heard concerns about speeding on Brown Street from Bill Berg now that the paving project has been completed. He asked that a 30 mile per hour sign be installed on the hill on Route 14A. The state would have to be contacted regarding the request.
•  A  public hearing on the rural preservation law was rescheduled Sept. 21 at 6 p.m.
The next meeting of the Penn Yan village board will be at 6 p.m., Sept. 21.