Penn Yan considers funeral protest limits

    PENN YAN—Village Trustee Michael Christensen asked if there could be an addition to village code regarding any protests at funerals. The question was raised during the meeting of the village board Tuesday, Sept. 20. Trustee Richard Stewart asked if this type of law has been tested by New York State. Christensen said people can protest but a local law could say when and where. The matter was referred to village attorney Ed Brockman. Christensen said, “Hopefully we never have to deal with it.”
    In other business: Christensen spoke about emergency access to a section of the village from Franklin Street. Christensen said, “I do not know of any other area of the village with so many homes and no access if there is an emergency.” The village wastewater plant is also in the same area. Last year there was discussion with the town of Milo regarding possible access to the area via Himrod Road.
    Christensen noted he is familiar with the area because he lives there. A railroad overpass to Sherman Street was closed several years ago. The result is single access to the area. Trustee Willie Allison said, “It is out of our hands because it is out of the village.” Allison said the area discussed as a possible access point is a paper street. Village Mayor Robert Church asked Allison to approach the town of Milo to discuss the matter.
    • There will be a public hearing at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18 regarding new bathhouses and parking lot at Red Jacket Park.
    • Trustees discussed when to discontinue charging for parking boat trailers at the boat launch site off Keuka Street. Recreation Director Dan Doyle asked the reason for discontinuing charging. Penn Yan residents may park boat trailers at the site at no charge. Trustee Richard Stewart said a summary of the amount collected will be available at the October board meeting.
    • Allison said hydrant flushing is scheduled from Sept. 26 to Sept. 30.
    • Allison thanked the board for transferring funds for roads. He said he is glad the board understands the importance of maintenance. Church added, “We did a lot this summer. We still have a long way to go.”
    • Trustees approved a request from the Yates County Chamber of Commerce to hold their annual display of handmade scarecrows throughout the downtown business district. Dates are from Oct. 7 through Nov. 1.
    • Trustees approved a request from Penn Yan Area Council of Churches for the annual Turkey Walk at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6.
    The next meeting of the Penn Yan village board will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18.